At his second bill signing of 2025, Maryland Gov.Wes Moore signed transformative legislation aimed at reforming the state’s expungement process and giving incarcerated individuals a meaningful second chance. The Expungement Reform Act and Second Look Act address long-standing racial disparities in the justice system, offering new hope for thousands of Marylanders seeking redemption and opportunity.
Category: NEWS
Posted inHBCU
Coppin State University to host 2025 Economic Inclusion Conference
Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship will host the 2025 Economic Inclusion Conference on April 30, focusing on youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. Building on past successes and research, the event will feature workshops, a job fair, and cross-sector collaboration to equip over 800 students with the tools to create sustainable economic futures.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland celebrates Earth Day with youth art on zero-emission buses
By the Maryland Department of Transportation The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration, in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland State Department of Education, announced on April 22 the winners of the second annual Earth Day Art Competition. Specially designed zero-emission buses have been wrapped with original artwork from six […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Business Exchange to offer local employers tools for hiring talent with criminal records
On April 29, D.C.-area business leaders, policymakers, and justice-impacted residents will gather for “Talent Beyond Barriers,” a free community event focused on second chance hiring — the practice of employing individuals with criminal records. Hosted during Second Chance Month, the event offers practical tools, peer support, and expert insights to help local employers tap into an overlooked yet highly capable workforce, advancing both economic opportunity and public safety.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore announces Baltimore Culinary Exchange grant program
The Baltimore Culinary Exchange (BCX) grant program creates support for existing and new restaurants as well as food entrepreneurs in Baltimore city.
Posted inPolitics
‘Margaritagate,’ propaganda and the erosion of justice: Why the Abrego García case is a national alarm bell
The orchestrated photo op between Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and wrongfully deported Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego García, dubbed “Margaritagate,” exemplifies the government’s use of propaganda to mask state misconduct and deportation abuses. This case highlights a broader erosion of democratic principles—where truth-tellers are punished, due process is subverted, and marginalized communities face systemic injustice.
Posted inBaltimore News
Memorial service for former media personality Anthony McCarthy slated for April 27
The Rev. Anthony McCarthy, a prominent voice in Baltimore media and politics for over 30 years, will be honored at a memorial service on April 27 at Northwood Appold United Methodist Church. McCarthy, who died March 16 at age 57 after battling kidney disease, was also a devoted community servant and ordained minister.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Millions mourn Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the first pope from South America, was known for his humble and non-traditional gestures, and his passing has prompted reflection on his powerful legacy and the unfinished hopes of Black Catholics seeking recognition for African-American sainthood.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 8 celebrates opening of state-of-the-art medical center
Families east of the Anacostia River have access to a full-service hospital. Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, which opened April 15, fulfills a decade-long promise to bring equitable healthcare to Southeast D.C., offering modern care while rebuilding trust in a long-overlooked community.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
State of Downtown Forum tackles challenges and opportunities for D.C.’s future
At the State of Downtown Forum, D.C. leaders highlighted the looming loss of economic activity as federal workforce reductions threaten to remove 40,000 employed residents from the city. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the importance of retaining these workers and attracting new jobs to ensure the District’s economic stability, especially in light of a budget shortfall caused by federal government interference.
Posted inHBCU
Prince Hall Masons award scholarships to Maryland HBCUs at bicentennial celebration
The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland, founded on Feb. 2, 1825, will celebrate its 200th anniversary on April 26 with a public event honoring the late Elijah Cummings and awarding scholarships. The bicentennial celebration highlights the Lodge’s ongoing commitment to education, service and advocacy in the African-American community.
Posted inNational News
Harvard sues 47th president’s administration to stop the freeze of more than $2 billion in grants
Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the White House’s freeze on over $2.2 billion in research grants, calling the move unconstitutional and politically motivated retaliation for the university’s refusal to curb campus activism. The lawsuit argues that the government’s demands—including changes to leadership, admissions, and student clubs—threaten academic freedom and violate civil rights protections.