Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino says the state must overhaul systems that have long failed young men and boys. She outlines efforts to rebuild trust, strengthen reentry support, expand mentorship, and align with Gov. Wes Moore’s Young Men and Boys Initiative to create real opportunities for youth and reduce cycles of neglect and incarceration.
Tag: Gov. Wes Moore
Posted inBaltimore News
Wes Moore, Brandon Scott reject 47th president’s National Guard plan for Baltimore
Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott denounced the Oval Office’s plan to send the National Guard to Baltimore, calling it unnecessary and “performative.” At a Sept. 5 press conference in Park Heights, they pointed instead to record crime reductions, with homicides at a 50-year low. City leaders and community advocates stressed that resources should go toward collaboration, jobs and housing — not militarization.
Posted inMaryland News
Moore and Scott push back against 47th president’s criticism, tout historic crime decreases
Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott pushed back against White House criticism by pointing to major crime reductions—Maryland homicides are down 20 percent since Moore’s inauguration, while Baltimore is seeing its lowest homicide rate in 50 years. Both leaders credit data-driven strategies, law enforcement and community partnerships for the historic progress.
Posted inArts & Culture
Jean E. Merrick, Baltimore icon of fashion and fine millinery, feted at 90th birthday celebration
Baltimore icon of fashion and millinery, Mrs. Jean E. Merrick, was celebrated at a 90th birthday luncheon in Catonsville, where nearly 150 family members and friends gathered to honor her elegance, lifelong service, and legacy of style. The afternoon featured tributes from loved ones, citations from public officials, and a display of her famed hat collection, making the milestone a fitting tribute to her remarkable life.
Posted inBaltimore News
Abell Foundation names Fagan Harris as new president and CEO
Fagan Harris, chief of staff to Governor Wes Moore, has been named the next president and CEO of the Abell Foundation. He will assume the role Jan. 5, 2026, becoming only the second leader in the foundation’s history after Robert C. Embry Jr., who served nearly 40 years.
Posted inMaryland News
A symbol of safety: How Eric’s ID Law is changing police encounters for people with invisible disabilities
After a mother-son duo from Maryland turned advocacy into action, residents with autism and other hidden disabilities can now voluntarily self-identify on state IDs—paving the way for safer, more informed police interactions.
Posted inOpinion
Maryland and the Wes Moore paradox
Shvilla Rasheem pursues academic endeavors that focus on the intersection of education, social justice and multiculturalism. This week she speaks to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s decision to veto a reparations study bill.
Posted inHBCU
Morgan State University’s economic impact soars to $1.5 billion statewide
Morgan State University, an HBCU located in Baltimore, Md., is touting its economic clout. A recent study shows the institution contributes $1.5 billion to the state economy every year, including nearly $71 million in state tax from 8,200 jobs across Maryland.
Posted inMaryland News
Marylanders can now apply for one-time utility grants as electricity costs spike
As electricity prices continue to rise, Maryland residents can now apply for the Customer Relief Fund, a one-time assistance grant funded by Exelon to support low- to moderate-income households. The $19 million initiative offers up to $750 in relief per eligible BGE customer and is being distributed through local nonprofit organizations.
Posted inMaryland News
Orchard Ridge becomes Maryland’s first UPLIFT community
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announces Northeast Baltimore’s Orchard Ridge as the first UPLIFT community on June 13. The UPLIFT program was designed to boost homeownership and property values through equitable housing development, addressing wealth gaps caused by inequitable appraisals and systemic disinvestment.
Posted inGovernor Wes Moore
Gov. Moore announces first Road to Careers funding recipients to promote high-skill workforce development
Gov. Wes Moore has announced the first $4 million in Road to Careers grants, aimed at training nearly 1,200 Marylanders for high-demand construction and transportation jobs. The initiative targets historically underserved communities, offering wraparound services to support career development and help close the racial wealth gap.
Posted inJuneteeth
Juneteenth celebrations across the US commemorate the end of slavery
Juneteenth celebrations across the U.S. on June 19, 2025, honored the end of slavery while also confronting modern political efforts to suppress Black history and diversity initiatives. Participants emphasized the importance of unity, truth-telling, and cultural pride amid a divisive national climate.