By Shyia Clark An eviction filing – even one that never leads to eviction – can follow a tenant for years. In Maryland, Failure-to-Pay-Rent cases often remain publicly accessible long after rent is paid or a case is dismissed, creating lasting barriers to housing, employment and financial stability. That’s where shielding comes in. Shielding is […]
Category: Baltimore News
Posted inMaryland Government
New Maryland laws to take effect on Jan. 1
As 2026 begins, several Maryland laws take effect, including new rideshare reporting requirements, domestic violence training for barbers and cosmetologists and expanded coverage for heart disease testing, aiming to improve safety, transparency, and health access statewide.
Posted inNEWS
Baltimore’s first project labor agreement aims to boost union jobs, local workforce
Baltimore has reached its first-ever project labor agreement, prioritizing union labor and local hiring on four major Department of Public Works infrastructure projects. City officials say the deal will improve worksite conditions while ensuring projects are completed on time and to high-quality standards.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Emergency aid begins reaching Baltimore families
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervemejicanos@afro.com After announcing more than $4.6 million in emergency aid for food, rent and child care during the government shutdown on Oct. 28, 2025 Baltimore officials are still working to distribute the funds to the individuals and organizations selected to receive them. Michelle Suazo, director of The Food Project in Southwest […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott reflects on historic crime drop and looks toward 2026
Baltimore ended 2025 with a record low of 133 homicides, the fewest in nearly 50 years. Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) and city leaders highlighted strategies to sustain reductions and announced a new five-year violence plan, which will be released later this year.
Posted inNational Sports
AP Source: John Harbaugh leaving the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons as coach
John Harbaugh is leaving the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons as their head coach, following a disappointing 8-9 season and playoff miss.
Posted inBaltimore News
YouthWorks opens 2026 summer job applications for Baltimore youth
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writer YouthWorks, the program within the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development that provides a five-week summer job opportunity to thousands of Baltimore City youth and young adults will return in 2026. The program, which began in 1973 as “Blue Chip,” creates employment opportunities each year for people ages 14 […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Baltimore’s violence drop proves investing in Black-led youth and the arts works
Baltimore’s historic drop in youth homicides and gun violence is the result of intentional investments in Black-led organizations, youth arts programs, recreation centers and public spaces, not chance. Drawing from her work with Creative Nomads, Kayenecha Daugherty argues that art, community-based leadership and equitable funding are proven public-safety strategies—and warns that recent gains are fragile without sustained support.
Posted inNational Sports
Ravens have a long offseason to think about where to go next after stunning loss to Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens’ season ended in heartbreak with a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning field goal in the final minute, eliminating Baltimore from playoff contention. Despite three touchdown passes from Lamar Jackson and a strong rushing performance by Derrick Henry, defensive breakdowns, costly penalties and a late Steelers drive led by Aaron Rodgers sealed a stunning defeat and left the Ravens facing an uncertain and potentially turbulent offseason.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named 2025 AFRO Person of Year
For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 was a year of pressure and progress, from record-breaking reductions in violent crime to major investments in youth, education and neighborhood revitalization. As 2026 begins, Scott says he plans to build on those achievements while continuing his focus on public safety, economic development and changing the national narrative about Baltimore.
Posted inReligion
AME Zion Church hosts Christian Education Department Winter Meeting in Baltimore
By AFRO Staff Nearly 2,500 participants—most of them children and youth, alongside families and adults of all ages—convened in Baltimore Dec. 26–30, 2025 for Elevate 2025: Flourish and Thrive, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church’s Christian Education Department Winter Conference. The event took place at the Hilton in downtown Baltimore. Through outstanding worship […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Building, thriving, celebrating: Charm City Wins from 2025
2025 was a year of growth, creativity, and empowerment across Baltimore. From new Black-owned businesses and parks to wellness events and neighborhood projects, these highlights showcase the people and initiatives strengthening the city’s communities.