As demand for artificial intelligence grows, a proposed hyperscale data center in Landover, Md., has sparked concerns among residents about environmental, health and infrastructure impacts. Community advocates warn the project could disproportionately burden historically Black neighborhoods unless enforceable protections are put in place.
Tag: Maryland
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: Alcohol sales aren’t the answer to food deserts
Michael Eugene Johnson argues that allowing beer and wine sales in grocery stores is not a reliable solution to food deserts in Maryland. He warns it could harm public health, oversaturate neighborhoods with alcohol, and threaten local independent store owners, urging lawmakers to pursue healthier, community-focused alternatives.
Posted inOPINION
Opinion: It’s time to allow beer and wine sales in Maryland’s grocery stores
The Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. argues that Maryland’s ban on beer and wine sales in grocery stores is discouraging full-service grocers from locating in underserved neighborhoods, worsening food access and community decline. The author argues that allowing these sales would help attract supermarkets, reduce vacant properties and give families better access to healthy, affordable meals.
Posted inSponsored Content
As It Turns 150, Johns Hopkins Remains Baltimore’s Top Anchor Institution
Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System generated a $40 billion economic impact across Maryland last year, including supporting 149,000 jobs, with a significant portion of the benefits accruing in Baltimore.
Posted inDMV News
D.C and Maryland officials declare state of emergency ahead of winter storm
A major winter storm is expected to hit 200 million Americans this weekend, prompting local officials in Washington, D.C. and Maryland to declare a state of emergency and urge residents to stay inside and be prepared.
Posted inBaltimore News
Historic $50,000 down payment assistance initiative helps faculty and alumni put down roots in West Baltimore’s historic Black neighborhoods.
Coppin State University’s Live Near the Nest program is making Maryland history by offering $50,000 in down payment assistance—the largest initiative of its kind in the state—to help faculty, staff and alumni achieve homeownership in West Baltimore’s historic Black neighborhoods. The program is already transforming lives by closing equity gaps, stabilizing communities and enabling participants to build generational wealth while deepening their ties to the neighborhoods where they live and work.
Posted inMaryland News
A second chance after rent debt: Why shielding matters
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 […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Judge responds to lawsuit against HUD filed by leaders in D.C., Maryland and 20 other states
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor A U.S. District Court Federal Judge issued a temporary halt to changes in a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that would have left thousands of Marylanders homeless. On Dec. 22, U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy barred HUD from implementing changes to the federal government’s Continuum of […]
Posted inOpinion
Opening doors: Closing the homeownership gap for Black Marylanders
FHLBank Atlanta offers grants for down payment help to Black first-time homebuyers in Baltimore, fighting against historical discriminatory practices.
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 inPrince George's County News
New partnership to aid Prince George’s veterans with VA benefits
Prince George’s County Council Chair Edward Burroughs III has started a new partnership with Vet for Vet and Victory Church International to help District 8 veterans with the process of applying for and receiving Veterans Affairs benefits.
Posted inOpinion
The shutdown has ended, but we must move quickly to avoid a health care crisis
Rep. Kweisi Mfume is urging Congress to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent a 35-50% premium hike for Marylanders and potential loss of health coverage for millions of Americans.