State and local lawmakers weighed in on Mayor Scott’s 2026 legislative agenda, supporting public safety, housing and infrastructure measures while adding their own priorities, including utility relief and youth programs.
Tag: Maryland General Assembly
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore residents demand end of private police force at Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore residents and students rallied at War Memorial Plaza on Dec. 15 to demand the abolition of the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD). Activists called on the Baltimore City Council to halt hiring, exit the MOU with JHPD and reimagine public safety beyond policing.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland to consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden
Maryland lawmakers overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s veto to create a commission that will study potential reparations for slavery, despite his argument that the state should focus on direct action rather than further study. Supporters say a formal commission is necessary to ensure reparations efforts are credible, constitutional and effective.
Posted inClimate Change
New Braveboy summit highlights county’s plan for a greener future
Prince George’s County, Md., held its inaugural Braveboy Climate Leadership Summit, drawing hundreds to discuss climate resilience and clean energy. Officials highlighted rising costs, flooding concerns and commitments to advance the county’s climate action plan.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore state’s attorney Ivan Bates to host citywide listening tour in October
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates is hosting his annual listening tour ahead of the 2026 legislative session to give constituents an opportunity to provide feedback.
Posted inElections 2026
Del. Malcolm Ruff, activist Crystal Jackson Parker announce 2026 bids for Maryland General Assembly seats
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com State Del. Malcolm P. Ruff (D-District 41) officially announced Aug. 21 that he will run for a seat in the Maryland General Assembly in the 2026 election. Ruff is running for a Senate seat in District 41, which is located entirely in Baltimore City at its northwest corner, […]
Posted inOpinion
The case for reparations in Maryland: What happens now?
Ryan Coleman is former president of the Randallstown NAACP. This week, he addresses the best ways to ensure a prosperous future of Black Marylanders.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoes slavery reparations study, citing need for ‘the work itself’
By Brian WitteThe Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced May 16 he will veto a measure to create a commission to study potential slavery reparations in the state, saying that while it was a difficult decision, the issue already has been studied and now is the time “to focus on […]
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore signs order to reform in-custody death investigations in Maryland
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order to reform in-custody restraint-related death investigations following an audit that exposed serious failures within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The order establishes a task force, directs case reviews, and advances oversight and transparency to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability.
Posted inMaryland News
Moore approves major school funding legislation at third bill signing of 2025
Governor Wes Moore signed the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act to improve education and tackle the state’s teacher shortage through updated funding and support. Although there were proposed budget cuts, lawmakers restored money for community schools, which mainly serve low-income and Black students across Maryland.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly legislators work to finalize bills on last day of session
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland legislators worked throughout the day to pass as many bills as they could before session ended at midnight on April 7. The legislative session was an eventful one with drastic federal actions looming over Maryland and balancing the budget remaining the topic of discussion throughout the 2025 session. Around […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore releases annual ‘State of Downtown’ report
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB) unveiled its 2024 State of Downtown report on March 20. The annual analysis provides updates on key indicators of the health of Baltimore’s Central Business District, including data on employment, tourism, employment, vacancies and public safety According to DPOB’s president, Shelonda Stokes, downtown is […]