Politics

The Mayor for Life used government contracts, development opportunities and political power to build Washington, D.C.’s Black business class. (BALTIMORE – July 20, 2026) – Invariably, when I meet people from Washington, D.C., and the conversation turns to Marion Barry, I hear some version of the same statement: “Marion Barry gave me my first job.” I have heard it repeatedly from Washingtonians of different ages and backgrounds. To me, that is one of the most revealing measures of the man’s legacy. Long before “workforce development” became fashionable political language, Marion Barry understood that a young person’s first job could change…

EXCLUSIVE: “Now the Real Work Begins” — Malcolm Ruff Reflects on Historic 41st District Victory

An Interview with State Senate Democratic Nominee Malcolm Ruff (BALTIMORE – June 29, 2026) — Fresh off his victory in Maryland’s 41st Legislative District Democratic primary, Malcolm Ruff sat down exclusively with BMORENews to discuss what he calls a watershed moment for Baltimore’s Black community. In a candid conversation, Ruff reflected on the campaign’s turning points, the mentors who helped shape his journey, the sacrifices his family made, and why he believes the celebration is over and the work is just beginning. Doni Glover: For the record, how does this victory feel? Malcolm Ruff: I would say this is a…

Jones, Ruff, and Tapp-Harper Carry Greater Baltimore in June Primary — And a Dunbar Legend Couldn’t Be Prouder

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.” — Robert Frost (TOWSON, MD – June 24, 2026) – I spoke with former Dunbar High School Athletic Director and Coach Bob Wade last week, and as always, it was a joy. Coach Wade has a gift for encouragement. Every conversation seems to end the same way: with a reminder to do good work and make our beloved Dunbar High School proud. I’ll be honest. When I first arrived at the Eastside Garden,…

Follow the Money: Izzy Patoka Is Taking Trump Family Cash While Julian Jones Fights for Baltimore County

With $6,000 from the Kushner family, a redistricting betrayal, and a vote timed for when the only Black council member was out of town, voters need to know who Izzy Patoka really works for. (RANDALLSTOWN – June 22, 2026) – Larry Gibson doesn’t endorse lightly. The dean of Maryland politics — the man who helped elect Judge Joe Howard, who has worked on every major Black candidate’s race in Baltimore and Maryland for the better part of half a century — has seen enough politicians come and go to know the difference between someone who talks about serving people and…

BMORENews Endorses Pete Smith for Anne Arundel County Executive

(GLEN BURNIE – June 22, 2026) – Pete Smith was seven years old. His little brother was five. As big brothers do, Pete had grown impatient with his shadow—that little boy who followed him everywhere, who wanted to go wherever Pete went. On this particular day, Pete ran across the street and told his brother not to follow him. His brother followed anyway. A car came. The five-year-old didn’t see it in time. He was struck. Pete ran back, ran into the house, found his mother. “The baby got hit. The baby got hit. It’s my fault. It’s my fault.” His…

Baltimore Primary 2026: What Every Voter Should Know Before Casting Their Ballot

Before You Vote Tuesday, Consider This (MT. WASHINGTON, MD – June 22, 2026) – The polls open soon. And before you pull that lever, consider what actually makes a leader worth voting for. A leader needs ego — but balanced ego. Enough confidence to fight for you. Enough humility to go home and be a real person. Mental health matters in elected office. Don’t sleep on that. A leader needs to understand the business of politics. What resources are required. What things cost. Where to get them. Who controls them. Politics is not just passion — it’s operations. A leader…

Mark Brewster, District 3 Baltimore County, Endorsed by Dan Morhaim, M.D.

(PIKESVILLE – June 22, 2026) – First, thanks to Doni Glover for BMORENews. We’ve been friends and colleagues for nearly 30 years. Today, I’m pleased to enthusiastically endorse Mark Brewster for Baltimore County Council, District 3. I served in the Maryland House of Delegates for 24 years, and that district included the various communities of the new Council District 3. Mark Brewster is a lifelong Owings Mills resident who grew up, attended and graduated from Baltimore County schools, and he is starting his family there. He has spent his career serving Baltimore County residents on Capitol Hill, and he now…

Trumpism Comes to the 41st District

(BALTIMORE – June 21, 2026) – Donald Trump and Dalya Attar are not accused of the same crimes. They come from different political traditions. They represent different constituencies. But some of the reactions to Attar’s indictment reflect something familiar. Not Trumpism the person. Trumpism the method. Trumpism the mindset. A political culture where evidence becomes negotiable, allegations become background noise, and loyalty becomes the deciding factor. And that dynamic is now visible in Baltimore’s 41st District. The MAGA Playbook Political researchers have a name for one of Donald Trump’s most effective communication strategies. The RAND Corporation called it the “Firehose of…

BMORENews Editorial: District 41 Deserves Better. The Choice Is Malcolm Ruff.

(BALTIMORE – June 18, 2026) – Every election is ultimately a test of accountability. For Maryland’s 41st Legislative District, that test arrives on June 23. On one side of the Democratic primary ballot is incumbent State Senator Dalya Attar, currently under federal indictment on charges including extortion, illegal interception of communications, and conspiracy. On the other is civil rights attorney and Delegate Malcolm Ruff, who has spent his time in Annapolis focused on legislation, budgets, and bringing resources home to the people he serves. For BMORENews, the choice is clear. We endorse Malcolm Ruff for State Senate. What the Court…

Two Black Women, One Sheriff: Sgt. Alicia White, Sabrina Tapp-Harper, and Sam Cogen’s Pattern

(BALTIMORE – June 18, 2026) – Freddie Gray happened 11 years ago. It was the worst Baltimore experienced since 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Baltimore, Newark, Philadelphia, New York, Watts – cities with strong numbers of melanated people let the world feel their pain. When Freddie Gray’s untimely death happened, Baltimore was a powder keg just waiting to explode. Penn-North became the epicenter of international media attention. CNN. Al Jazeera. ABC. Even Geraldo found his way to an intersection we know all too well. In the middle of all that attention and hype, Baltimore City State’s Attorney…

Join Julian Jones and Governor Moore Thursday in Randallstown

(RANDALLSTOWN – June 17, 2026) – Baltimore County Executive candidate Julian E. Jones, Jr. will be joined by Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Thursday at the Randallstown Community Center early voting location as voters continue casting ballots ahead of Election Day. Governor Moore has endorsed Jones in the race for Baltimore County Executive, lending his support to a candidate who has emphasized economic opportunity, public safety, and government accountability throughout the campaign. The appearance comes as early voting enters its final days and campaigns make their last push to turn out supporters. “Governor Moore understands what’s at stake in this election,”…