Sources close to the AFRO say Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21), 59, is poised to become Maryland’s next Speaker of the House of Delegates when votes are held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Category: Baltimore News
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland leaders praise Speaker Adrienne Jones as she steps down from historic, transformative tenure
News of Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ immediate departure from her speakership role in the state legislature has led to an outpouring of love and appreciation for her time as the first woman and first Black person to hold the role. Leaders across the state credited her with steady, principled leadership through crises, landmark legislative victories, and major investments in HBCUs and underserved communities.
Posted inNational Sports
Late reversal helps Steelers hold on for 27-22 win over Ravens and sole possession of division lead
Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to a 27-22 victory over the Ravens on Dec. 7, throwing for 284 yards and two touchdowns while helping Pittsburgh take sole possession of the AFC North lead. A late reversal on a Baltimore touchdown with 2:43 remaining sealed the win, leaving the Ravens struggling after consecutive divisional losses.
Posted inBaltimore News
One Baltimore event unites leaders around mental wellness, healing and community action
KEYS Development’s “One Baltimore” gathering brought together mental health providers, elected officials and community leaders to strengthen collaboration around healing, emotional wellness and youth support in the city. Speakers, including Mayor Brandon Scott and Sen. Antonio Hayes, emphasized that building a healthier Baltimore requires collective leadership, sustained investment and community-driven action.
Posted inBaltimore News
Bates pulls out of city’s violence-reduction partnership; Mayor Scott urges continued cooperation
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates (D) announced his office will end direct coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), citing a “veil of secrecy.” His actions raise questions about the future of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, which is led by MONSE and is largely credited for recent public safety improvements.
Posted inClimate Change
Baltimore residents tracking climate change through new Morgan State weather station project
Baltimore residents are helping scientists track local climate impacts by collecting data from newly installed Morgan State–supported weather stations placed in neighborhoods across the city. The project aims to empower communities that often face environmental injustices by giving them ownership of climate data and a role in shaping research.
Posted inBaltimore News
New law brings equitable health services to Baltimore City students
Baltimore City is expanding healthcare access in schools, providing students and families with vaccinations, dental, vision and mental health services. The new law aims to ensure equitable care and support student well-being.
Posted inBaltimore News
City leaders unveil 10-year financial plan to stabilize Baltimore, strengthen services
Baltimore City Administrator Faith Leach says Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s 10-year plan aims to target the city’s current budget deficit, while investing in service delivery, infrastructure and making taxes more equitable for residents.
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Community grieves veteran BCDOT employee, Gregory Turnipseed, as funeral plans are announced
Baltimore transportation employee Gregory Turnipseed, 71, has died from injuries sustained in a workplace assault, city officials announced. A 14-year veteran of the Traffic Division, Turnipseed is remembered by leaders, colleagues and family as a dedicated public servant whose loss has deeply shaken the community.
Posted inHealth
Laila’s Gift hosts inaugural We C.A.R.E. Conference for caregivers
Laila’s Gift hosted its first We C.A.R.E. Conference in Annapolis, Md., providing caregivers of children with special needs with education, resources and community support. The event also introduced the Laila Elopement Awareness and Dissemination (LEAD) Act to address elopement risks statewide.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore jury awards survivors of heinous attack $21.5 million
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com On Sept. 19, 2023 April Hurley was spending time with a friend, Jonte Gilmore, in the room she was renting in a Baltimore boarding house when the maintenance man knocked on her door. He had discovered a leak. What happened next changed her life forever. After the maintenance […]
Posted inObituaries - Washington D.C.
Beloved journalist James L. Wright Jr. dies at 62
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor James L. Wright Jr., the internationally respected former AFRO reporter and editor, has died at age 62. Wright was a resolute and focused sports, political and public affairs reporter who also served as a city editor for the AFRO American Newspaper for many years. At the time of his […]