By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session came to a close, lawmakers rushed to pass dozens of bills before the midnight deadline on April 13. Bills that failed to pass before the deadline must be reintroduced next session and go through the legislative process again to be reconsidered. The 90-day […]
Category: Baltimore News
Posted inBUSINESS
New Visit Baltimore CEO, Kireem Swinton pledges to reframe Charm City’s story
Kireem Swinton has been named permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore after serving in the role on an interim basis since July 2025. In his new role, Swinton said he aims to expand tourism while reshaping how Baltimore is perceived on the national and global stage through storytelling and major events.
Posted inBaltimore News
Funeral home founder Al Wylie celebrates his 80th birthday with street renaming ceremony
Community members gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of funeral home founder Al P. Wylie on April 10 at Wylie Funeral Homes. Wylie received personal certificates from Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates and Baltimore City Police Department Western District’s Major Natalia Preston and a street was renamed in his honor.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Mayor Scott outlines $5 billion budget at virtual town hall
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott presented a nearly $5 billion proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a virtual town hall, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, youth programs and public safety without raising property or income taxes. Residents raised concerns about transportation, housing and access to grocery stores as officials encouraged continued public input ahead of City Council hearings.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Devin Allen takes the helm for SCOUT, Baltimore’s affordable art fair
Baltimore photographer Devin Allen has been named curator of SCOUT 2026, the city’s affordable art fair held as part of Artscape. As curator, Allen will spotlight local and national artists while helping build stronger connections between creators and the community.”
Posted inBaltimore News
Moore unveils Baltimore Transit-Oriented Development Plan
State and local officials unveiled the Baltimore Regional Transit-Oriented Development Strategy at Rogers Avenue Metro Station on April 6. The strategy aims to boost housing, expand transit access and drive economic growth, including 400 new housing units and major Light Rail investments.
Posted inBaltimore Community
The Links hosts voter registration training April 16 in Baltimore
Three Maryland chapters of The Links, Inc. will host a voter registration certification training on April 16 in Baltimore, aimed at equipping community members to register voters. The session, led by the Baltimore City Board of Elections, seeks to strengthen civic engagement and expand voter outreach efforts.
Posted inMaryland Government
Comptroller Brooke Lierman announces upcoming departure of Chief of Staff Rianna Matthews-Brown
By Office of the Maryland Comptroller Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today announced that Chief of Staff Rianna Matthews-Brown will depart the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland on April 30, concluding her tenure as a senior leader in the agency during a period of significant transformation and growth. Matthews-Brown was the first African-American person to […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Champions of change in Cherry Hill prepare for 80th anniversary gala
As Cherry Hill celebrates 80 years since its official founding, women like Tracey Garrett-Rogers, ZeeVelle Nottingham-Lemon and Malika Brown are leading the community’s growth, preserving its history, advocating for residents and creating opportunities to ensure a stronger future for generations to come.
Posted inArts & Culture
Black women take center stage at Harriet Tubman museum event
By: Tavon N. Thomasson Special to the AFRO tthomasson@afro.com The Harriet Tubman Spirit Awards honored local leaders March 21 at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in Annapolis during a two-part program that also featured an artist discussion on history, memory and Black women’s stories. Held during Maryland Day programming from March 19-25, the event was one of […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Ashburton Community Convos encourages dialogue and solutions
Residents, leaders and organizations recently gathered in the Ashburton community for an Associated Black Charities Community Convos listening session focused on neighborhood needs, collaboration and solutions. Participants discussed economic empowerment, safety and housing while sharing ideas to strengthen the community.
Posted inBaltimore News
Special committee seeks public input on changes to Baltimore City charter
Baltimore’s Charter Review Special Committee is gathering public input on potential changes, including revisions to how city contracts are awarded. Residents and council members alike say understanding the charter’s complexities is key to making informed decisions.