From The Banner’s interview with Rico Nasty on release day of her new album, “RX”. Rico, rasied in Largo of Prince George’s County, Maryland, praises the DMV rap scene’s latest creation: free car music. She cites the SlimeGetEm rap group as a favorite of the DC region. Video @rondez.bsky.social

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“There will sometimes be a shift from you actually focusing on the residents of the county versus special interests and the people you need to line your pockets so that you can get elected,” she said in April.

Oriadha has said in public meetings that the amount of funding necessary to run for countywide election can attract large donors seeking influence over elected officials.

District 1 Council member Tom Dernoga and Council Chair Krystal Oriadha sponsored the resolution to add the question to the ballot, which was supported by most of the council.

In 2016, voters approved the addition of two at-large seats to the Prince George’s County Council. A decade later, they have a chance to change their minds.

On the surface, the question to voters is simple: Do you want countywide elected legislators? Debates have often focused on term limits and lessening the influence of large donors. Jolene Ivey, one of two sitting at-large members, believes the measure is a personal attack.

Supernova, Baltimore’s newest gaming festival, took over the Baltimore Convention Center from August 6-9th, bringing together thousands of competitors, gaming fans and families from around the world.

McBride knows these struggles firsthand. They’re part of what motivates him. Get the full story by Ashley Clarke on The Banner.

McBride’s gym exists to train fighters. But there’s a deeper mission at play, too. He aims to address some of the community’s intractable problems: panic around youth crime, lack of employment opportunities, education gaps and, for some, the absence of a positive adult figure.

Coach and founder Tai-Rhan McBride dreams of moving into a larger facility, one with enough room to offer trade classes for the community’s youth. But the blueprint for Diamonds N the Ruff was drawn long before it had a physical location.

Diamonds N the Ruff has operated out of this space for almost 10 years, but its story spans more than two decades.

There’s a ring, with punching bags draped from the ceiling and framed clippings of boxing champs on the walls. Jump ropes pat-pat-pat as they whip across the floor.

It’s hot. The air is heavy. The lights are dim. Tucked near a smattering of trucking lots in Forestville, Diamonds N the Ruff is a no-frills place, straight out of a boxing movie.

She submitted them to the county elections board with less than an hour before the filing deadline. Get the full story by local government reporter Jack Hogan on The Banner.

Sweat, who is seeking to run as an unaffiliated candidate against County Executive Aisha Braveboy, a Democrat, said about 20 campaign volunteers fanned out across the county to collect the 143 remaining signatures, plus dozens more.

Sweat learned hours before a 5 p.m. filing deadline that she was short 143 signatures. Aspiring Prince George’s County executive candidate Tonya Sweat and her team were sent scrambling— they didn’t have enough signatures to appear on general election ballots in November.

Prince George’s County comedian Cerrome Russell is finding where his voice belongs: In Maryland. Story by Hau Chu and @rondez.bsky.social

The county planning board voted unanimously last week to take no position on the amendment, despite its staff’s recommendation. Now, a council member can formally introduce the amendment as a bill. The council isn’t scheduled to meet again until September.

Some council members Fisher has spoken to are open to her amendment, while others support alternative approaches, she said. And while County Executive Aisha Braveboy is aware of Fisher’s proposal, she did not provide input on it.

“I would say I don’t really have a position either way,” she said when asked whether she thinks data centers are needed in the county.

County planning department staff recommended against moving Fisher’s amendment forward, finding that it’s inconsistent with recommendations from the county’s Qualified Data Center Task Force. But someone else appears lukewarm on the proposal, too: Wanika Fisher.

Prince George’s County Council member Wanika Fisher has a bold proposal. In the face of loud opposition to data centers in the county, the District 2 rep pitched an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would allow the facilities in certain agricultural and residential areas.

A political ally of the sheriff schedules evictions in Prince George’s — for a fee. Known as the ‘mayor of Suitland,’ Elsie Jacobs has gained an outsized but informal role at the sheriff’s office.

The Banner's special community listening sessions ARE BACK! This month we are at South Bowie Library. Meet the team, share what stories matter most to you and tell us what news you want to see covered in your community.

Adrian Boafo wins crowded, 23-candidate race for chance at Hoyer’s seat, AP projects. Live updates: buff.ly/YOGCp2i U.S. House results, MD districts: buff.ly/zNTGqvo

Aisha N. Braveboy wins Democratic nomination for Prince George’s County executive, AP projects Live updates: buff.ly/YOGCp2i PG results: buff.ly/QLt1Hja

7 things to do in the Capital Region: June edition @bannermoco.bsky.social @thebaltimorebanner.com @rondez.bsky.social

Offer your ideas about what issues are not being covered in Prince George's County, not understood or being missed in your community. Register for this free event to let us know you're coming - we're looking forward to meeting you! Wednesday, June 10 from 6pm to 7:30pm! #maryland

Join The Banner for a special community listening session at Greenbelt Library. Meet the team, share what stories matter most to you and tell us what news you want to see covered in your community.