Politics

(BALTIMORE – November 20, 2025) – The opening of The Hammond at Greenmount Park marks a significant milestone for Johnston Square and for Baltimore’s broader conversation about neighborhood revitalization. Located between Biddle and Chase streets, the project replaces 42 long-vacant lots with mixed-income housing, a new Enoch Pratt Free Library branch, and dedicated space for the neighborhood association that helped shape the development. Its completion underscores a core idea: when community leadership is respected and paired with strong institutional partners, sustainable neighborhood change becomes possible. The foundation for this progress was laid more than a decade ago. Johnston Square residents,…

Prince George’s County Council Member-at-Large Calvin S. Hawkins To Announce Campaign for Prince George’s County Executive

(PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY – December 10, 2024) – Prince George’s County Council Member-at-large Calvin S. Hawkins, II will formally announce his candidacy for Prince George’s County Executive on December 11 at Homewood Suites, 9103 Basil Court, Largo, Md., at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. This event will be open to the public, and entry will be subject to occupancy limits. Media are encouraged to arrive in advance. Council Member Hawkins will be available for media interviews immediately following the event. Council Member Hawkins’ announcement will mark a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Prince George’s County, as he outlines his…

Editorial: Black Conservatives: A Vibrant Bench Ready to Lead By Dee Dee Bass Williams and Deana Bass

BPALiveWire recognizes the robust bench in the conservative movement. (WASHINGTON, DC – December 9, 2024) – In a recent Politico article, an unnamed source expressed skepticism about the pool of Black Republicans available for potential appointments in a future Trump administration, claiming, “There’s no bench.” This statement not only reflects a lack of awareness but also perpetuates a misconception about the depth and breadth of Black voices within the conservative movement. Contrary to such uninformed opinions, the conservative movement boasts a robust and dynamic array of Black leaders, thinkers, and practitioners who contribute significantly across policy, business, and grassroots activism.…

TikTok Nearing it’s End?

(BALTIMORE – December 7, 2024) – A U.S. appeals court upheld a law requiring TikTok to either divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a potential U.S. ban starting January 19, 2025. The court rejected TikTok’s claims that the law violated the First and Fifth Amendments, emphasizing national security concerns over potential data sharing and manipulation by the Chinese government. TikTok plans to appeal, citing free speech protections, but ByteDance has previously refused to sell the platform. President Biden signed the law amid bipartisan concerns about ByteDance’s influence. If enforced, app stores and internet providers could face fines for…

Jolene Ivey Retains Chair Role in Prince George’s County Council Amid Deadlocked Votes

By Richard DeShay Elliott (PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY – December 5, 2024) – Following a series of deadlocked votes from the Prince Georges’ County Council during their final legislative meeting of the year on Dec. 3, Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D- District 5) will remain chair of the governing body, while Councilmember Edward Burroughs (D-District 8), was elected to serve as vice chair. Although no member received majority votes, the council is free to elect a new chair during the new legislative session, a point noted by Councilmembers Tom Dernoga (D- District 1) and Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7). Ivey emphasized she is…

David Byrd to Speak at BPIA Virtual Panel on Post-Election Landscape

(WASHINGTON, DC – November 21, 2024) – David J. Byrd, distinguished public servant and contributor to BPALiveWire, will join Understanding the Landscape Post U.S. Elections, a members-only virtual gathering hosted by Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA). This off-the-record breakout session will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET via Zoom. As the former National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Byrd brings decades of expertise in government, economic development, and international affairs to the panel. His insights will help participants navigate the evolving political and economic landscape following the U.S. elections. BPIA was…

The Glover Report: WHY DID KAMALA LOSE?

By Doni Glover, Publisher (BALTIMORE – November 20, 2024) – I was recently asked if I gamble. I said no. Then again, I do engage in politics. I was admittedly biased in terms of the recent election. I was ten toes down in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. Although there were indeed issues during the campaign – as noted by political pundits on our daily broadcast (The Emmy-nominated “Doni Glover Show” streaming on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook weekdays at 9 am EST) and via a lot of text messages from less public sources, I believed and still believe that…

Op-Ed: Cross Tabs & Crosswinds: A New Chapter in the American Electorate by David Byrd, Deana Bass WIlliams, & Dee Dee Bass Wilbon

By Deana Bass WIlliams and Dee Dee Bass Wilbon (WASHINGTON, DC – November 15, 2024) – The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election revealed a pivotal shift among African American, Hispanic, and female voters, signaling a reevaluation of long-standing party loyalties. President-elect Donald Trump’s increased support within these groups reflects economic discontent, evolving social priorities, and a clear desire for change. As these voter groups express frustration over the current financial landscape and align with culturally conservative values, both parties have a compelling challenge: understanding and effectively engaging with these emerging priorities. One of the starkest indicators of this shift is the…

Tonight! Community Meeting Hosted by Wylie Funeral Homes

Join me tonight from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Diamondz Events & Catering LLC (9980-88 Liberty Rd., Randallstown, MD 21133) for a community meeting hosted by Wylie Funeral Homes. This meeting will focus on the proposed crematory and its potential impact on our community. Wylie will provide updates on safety measures, environmental protections, noise and odor concerns, and how the project could enhance property values. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts. For more information, contact Wylie Funeral Homes at 410-984-4180. I hope to see you there! Best regards, Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr.

ANGELA ALSOBROOKS: Shattering Glass Ceilings in US Senate

(BALTIMORE – November 6, 2024) – As the nation grapples with the implications of another possible presidential term for Donald Trump, Maryland Democrats celebrate a significant achievement: the election of Angela Alsobrooks as Maryland’s first Black U.S. senator. For many in this heavily Democratic state, her victory is a powerful counterpoint and a bright spot in a challenging political landscape. With Maryland’s 2-to-1 Democratic majority, Alsobrooks’ win was crucial for maintaining Senate control. Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County Executive, won the primary decisively against Congressman David Trone before defeating former Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, in Tuesday’s general election. Despite…