SNAP benefits are expected to run out on Nov. 1 due to an extended shutdown of the federal government. Aiming to mediate the impact, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has now declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order which will send $10 million to food banks across the state. Moore hopes the money will help organizations that assist families already facing furloughs, layoffs – and now – the looming threat of not having Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in the month of November.
Tag: federal government
Posted inNational News
Nonprofits struggle to fill in the gaps as more federal workers, SNAP recipients seek food assistance
While the 47th president of the United States promised that food prices would go down under his watch, the opposite has occurred. Now, with a prolonged federal government shutdown, more families are facing food insecurity after either losing their jobs or being furloughed.
Posted inU.S. Government
Federal shutdown drives rising need for food aid in Baltimore
As the federal shutdown stretches into its third week, Baltimore families are feeling the pressure, with many turning to food pantries for urgent support. Local leaders like Rev. Andre Samuel are seeing record demand at community pantries, while Mayor Brandon Scott emphasizes the city’s efforts to provide resources, job placements, and emergency aid. With food lines growing and uncertainty mounting, these grassroots efforts are becoming a lifeline for hundreds across the city.
Posted inOpinion
I Posted the ICE Tip Line in Anger. I’ll Regret it Forever
Tony Armstrong is a social commentator, satirist and essayist, who currently lives in Dallas, Texas, but reps his twin hometowns — Baltimore and Chicago — hard. In this powerful reflection, Armstrong admits to posting an ICE tip line out of anger after the 47th president’s election, expressing deep remorse as he witnesses immigration crackdowns in Chicago that now harm entire communities, not just immigrants.
Posted inOpinion
How did ‘We the People’ become ‘Enemy of the State?
Philadelphia native Edmond W. Davis is a historian, college professor and journalist. In this column he compares how inner-city Black and Brown neighborhoods are scapegoated as the government amplifies control to how red states with higher crime rates escape similar crackdowns, exposing selective enforcement.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Government shutdown–what it means for work, travel and daily life
When the federal government shuts down, the effects are felt far beyond Washington, D.C. Federal workers may miss paychecks, travelers can face longer lines, and job seekers often experience delays in background checks and hiring. Even after funding is restored, agencies face backlogs that can take weeks or months to resolve, leaving practical consequences across communities nationwide.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County Council passes emergency support legislation for furloughed federal workers
Council Chair Edward P. Burroughs III (D- Prince George’s County- 08) and Councilwoman Wala Blegay (D-Prince George’s County-06) are working hard on behalf of Prince George’s County residents currently experiencing the sting of yet another federal shutdown.
Posted inOPINION
Hot, humid, and getting worse: Why Maryland must step up on climate
Critics question why Maryland has not joined other states suing to preserve stronger clean car standards and why costs of climate damage remain unmeasured. Maryland records 30 heat-related deaths through mid-August, the second-highest number in modern history, along with record ER visits in July.
Posted inU.S. Government
Gridlock in Congress triggers shutdown as Maryland officials work to offset impact
Congress failed to reach a funding agreement, triggering the first federal government shutdown in six years and furloughing hundreds of thousands of workers. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over health care subsidies and budget priorities, while states like Maryland scramble to support affected employees and contractors.
Posted inNational News
Cracker Barrel bends to White backlash as Target ignores Black demands
The Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant is known for highlighting racial equity issues in corporate America. Now, he’s speaking out about how quickly Cracker Barrel reversed its logo change for White customers, compared to Target’s refusal to reinstate DEI initiatives despite months of sustained pressure from the Black community. He continues to lead a nationwide boycott and calls for accountability from the retailer.
Posted inEducation
AI in schools: Will ChatGPT help or hurt Black students?
A recent MIT study finds essays written with assistance from artificial intelligence lacks creativity and brain engagement.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
D.C. Council advances Commanders’ stadium deal in first vote
The D.C. Council voted 9-3 to approve the Washington Commanders stadium deal, which is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs, 14,000 construction positions, and generate $26.6 billion in redevelopment tax revenue, with a second and final vote expected on September 17.