Politics

(ANNAPOLIS – February 1, 2025) – In January 2026, Governor Wes Moore unveiled a $70.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027 that closes a $1.5 billion hole without asking Marylanders to pay more in taxes. The proposal represents a dramatic turn toward fiscal restraint after two years of aggressive spending and tax increases. How He’s Balancing the Books Moore’s team is using a combination of real cuts and financial maneuvering: $900 million in direct spending cuts across state agencies and programs $1.8 billion in total savings when accounting for fund transfers and shifting costs to counties 8% Rainy Day Fund…

Mayor Scott Releases First Term Accomplishment Report Highlighting Progress Toward a Stronger, More Equitable Baltimore

(BALTIMORE – December 31, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott released a first-term accomplishment report entitled “Building Baltimore’s Future Together,” detailing significant strides made in improving public safety the right way, prioritizing youth, building clean and healthy communities, striving for equitable neighborhood development, and ensuring responsible stewardship of city resources over the past four years. “Reflecting on our journey, I am proud of the progress we’ve made in building a stronger, more equitable Baltimore,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This report reflects the hard work and commitment of so many people — from city employees to community partners — who…

PG COUNTY: General Election Moved to June 3, Following BoE Decision

Field of Candidates for County Executive, District Five Candidates Announced (BOWIE, MD – December 25, 2024) – The official field of candidates for both the County Executive and District 5 Council special elections has been established, as the filing deadline passed on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. Both big signs and yard signs are now popping up around the County to raise awareness of the impending election and to elevate the name recognition of candidates. Both primary elections will be held on March 4 while the general election will be moved to June 3, following a decision by the State…

Former County Executive Rushern Baker, State Senator Alonzo Washington Announce for March 4 Special Election

(PRINCE GEORGE’S, MD – December 22, 2024) – The special primary election to finish Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks’ term as Prince George’s County Executive was set by the County Council for March 4, and former County Executive Rushern Baker (D) and State Senator Alonzo Washington (D) joined the existing field of candidates who seek to lead one of America’s wealthiest Black-majority counties. Acting County Executive Tara Jackson will lead in this role into June and does not plan to run for the seat. Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D- At Large), County Councilmember Calvin…

Last Call to RSVP for Fireside Chat & Reception Tonight

WHAT: Fireside Chat & Fundraising Reception WHEN: Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM WHERE: Mission2Change, 1201 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20036 WHY: On December 16th, President-elect Donald Trump and SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son announced a $100 billion investment to create 100,000 AI and tech jobs across the country. STEM4US! is announcing a plan to use this funding for AI infrastructure and other upgrades for our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  The goal is to help these valuable institutions become AI research hubs, worker retraining centers, and incubators for job creation and violence prevention programs.…

ACTING PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EXECUTIVE TARA H. JACKSON APPOINTS ACTING CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

(LARGO, MD – December 17, 2024) – Acting County Executive Tara H. Jackson announced today that she appointed Mr. Barry L. Stanton as the County’s Acting Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO). Mr. Stanton has served in the Office of the County Executive for two administrations, including in his current role as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Public Safety and Homeland Security. He begins his role as ACAO effective immediately. “We are excited to appoint Mr. Stanton to the role of Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Officer,” said Acting County Executive Jackson. “With more than 40 years of experience, Mr. Stanton brings…

Governor Moore Announces Three Key Appointments to State Boards and Commissions

(ANNAPOLIS, MD – December 16, 2025) – Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of The Honorable Jill P. Carter to the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals; Alverne (Chet) Chesterfield to the Maryland State Board of Education; and Lafe Solomon as chair of the Public Employee Relations Board. “Our state boards and commissions have a fundamental role in moving Maryland forward. I thank Senator Carter, Mr. Chesterfield, and Mr. Solomon for raising their hands to serve,” said Gov. Moore. “These three public servants have built distinguished careers advancing the interests and values of our state. I thank them for continuing to give back…

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…