Politics
From the Dominican Republic to the Speaker’s Chair: Joseline Peña-Melnyk’s First Year Leading Maryland’s House
(BALTIMORE – July 31, 2026) – I took a photograph today with Maryland House Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk and discovered that we share a birthday: June 27. I was born in 1965; she arrived one year later, in 1966, in the Dominican Republic. That personal coincidence gave me another reason to examine the journey and leadership of the woman who became Maryland’s first Afro-Latina and first immigrant House speaker. Seven months after receiving the gavel, Peña-Melnyk has already reshaped the chamber she leads. She reorganized its leadership, elevated dozens of women, restructured its committees and presided over a consequential—and sometimes…
Community forum to break down key results from the 2026 Baltimore County primary (BALTIMORE COUNTY – July 6, 2026) — Residents and community leaders are invited to a Northwest Baltimore County Post-Primary Election Recap on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Marie’s Kitchen, 9835 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133. The free, public forum will break down results from the 2026 Democratic Primary, with a focus on the Second, Third, and Fourth Councilmanic Districts and the 10th Legislative District. Organizers say the goal is to help residents understand what happened in the primary and what it means…
(BALTIMORE – July 5, 2026) — For nearly a quarter century, BMORENews has covered the people, policies, and businesses shaping Black Baltimore. On Wednesday, August 5, that coverage comes to life. As part of the Black Wall Street Summit: National Black Business Month Edition, The Doni Glover Show LIVE will once again take center stage, bringing together elected leaders, business executives, developers, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders for candid conversations about the future of Baltimore. The Summit will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the PS 103 Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, 1315 Division Street, Baltimore. The special live…
The Lists Tell a Story: Look at the Lists! (RANDALLSTOWN – July 3, 2026) – There are times in politics when the documents speak for themselves. This is one of those times. During Baltimore County’s 2026 Democratic primary, Democratic clubs across the county endorsed candidates for offices ranging from County Executive to Congress, the Maryland General Assembly, County Council, and countywide offices. Those endorsements became part of the public record. For Baltimore County Executive, the Central Baltimore County Democratic Club endorsed Izzy Patoka. The Baltimore County Progressive Democrats Club endorsed Nick Stewart. The Baltimore County West Democratic Club maintains an…
When Black elected officials endorse against Black candidates in a majority-Black district, voters deserve an explanation. “Charity starts at home.” (RANDALLSTOWN – July 1, 2026) – There are moments in politics when elections reveal more than winners and losers. They reveal priorities. The Democratic primary for Baltimore County Council’s 2nd District is one of those moments. The question is no longer simply why Ruben Amaya is leading Lawrence Williams. The larger question is this: Why did an all-Black political leadership team representing one of Baltimore County’s largest Black populations choose to endorse against the Black candidates in the race? That…
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…
“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,…
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…
(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…
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…
(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…
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