Brenda Wintrode
@brendawintrode.bsky.social
Reporter, covering Maryland state politics and government for The Baltimore Banner. Tips, comments, questions: brenda.wintrode@thebaltimorebanner.com.
Signal: BWintrode.62
Signal: BWintrode.62
Any takers?
Hey there, Maryland Blue Sky 👋.
I'm a Maryland politics reporter @thebaltimorebanner.com. I'm going to be asking your U.S. House reps where they stand on the Senate deal coming back to their chamber. What else do you want me to ask? Drop a comment. DMs open.
I'm a Maryland politics reporter @thebaltimorebanner.com. I'm going to be asking your U.S. House reps where they stand on the Senate deal coming back to their chamber. What else do you want me to ask? Drop a comment. DMs open.
November 10, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Any takers?
Hey there, Maryland Blue Sky 👋.
I'm a Maryland politics reporter @thebaltimorebanner.com. I'm going to be asking your U.S. House reps where they stand on the Senate deal coming back to their chamber. What else do you want me to ask? Drop a comment. DMs open.
I'm a Maryland politics reporter @thebaltimorebanner.com. I'm going to be asking your U.S. House reps where they stand on the Senate deal coming back to their chamber. What else do you want me to ask? Drop a comment. DMs open.
November 10, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Hey there, Maryland Blue Sky 👋.
I'm a Maryland politics reporter @thebaltimorebanner.com. I'm going to be asking your U.S. House reps where they stand on the Senate deal coming back to their chamber. What else do you want me to ask? Drop a comment. DMs open.
I'm a Maryland politics reporter @thebaltimorebanner.com. I'm going to be asking your U.S. House reps where they stand on the Senate deal coming back to their chamber. What else do you want me to ask? Drop a comment. DMs open.
Maryland’s senators voted NO Sunday on a bill to reopen the government. They said it failed to help Americans better afford health care.
Their comments:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Their comments:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 AM
Maryland’s senators voted NO Sunday on a bill to reopen the government. They said it failed to help Americans better afford health care.
Their comments:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Their comments:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The Senate voted to end the shutdown late Sunday. Enough Democrats joined Republicans to meet the 60 vote threshold. There’s still more procedural hurdles yet to go.
Md.’s senators voted no, saying the agreement fell flat on health care affordability for the American people.
Md.’s senators voted no, saying the agreement fell flat on health care affordability for the American people.
November 10, 2025 at 4:05 AM
The Senate voted to end the shutdown late Sunday. Enough Democrats joined Republicans to meet the 60 vote threshold. There’s still more procedural hurdles yet to go.
Md.’s senators voted no, saying the agreement fell flat on health care affordability for the American people.
Md.’s senators voted no, saying the agreement fell flat on health care affordability for the American people.
Maryland Sen. Pres. Bill Ferguson said Md.’s US House maps are fair and changing them could mean a worse outcome for Dems.
His stance has infuriated the national party and battle lines are being drawn in the State House.
tinyurl.com/2m88xje9
His stance has infuriated the national party and battle lines are being drawn in the State House.
tinyurl.com/2m88xje9
Senate president’s redistricting stand has started a Democratic family feud
Party leaders, rank and file want an opportunity to fight back against President Donald Trump
tinyurl.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Maryland Sen. Pres. Bill Ferguson said Md.’s US House maps are fair and changing them could mean a worse outcome for Dems.
His stance has infuriated the national party and battle lines are being drawn in the State House.
tinyurl.com/2m88xje9
His stance has infuriated the national party and battle lines are being drawn in the State House.
tinyurl.com/2m88xje9
Redistricting News: Gov. Wes Moore is setting up a commission to study Maryland’s congressional maps one week after state Senate Pres. Bill Ferguson threw water on the idea. @pwoodreporter.bsky.social has the story.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Moore’s new redistricting push: A map-drawing commission led by a political ally
“My commitment has been clear from day one — we will explore every avenue possible to make sure Maryland has fair and representative maps,” Moore said in a statement Tuesday.
www.thebanner.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Redistricting News: Gov. Wes Moore is setting up a commission to study Maryland’s congressional maps one week after state Senate Pres. Bill Ferguson threw water on the idea. @pwoodreporter.bsky.social has the story.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Brenda Wintrode
Maryland state lawmakers put pressure on Gov. Wes Moore today to use some of the state’s $2B+ Rainy Day Fund to pay for SNAP benefits that are due to run out in November.
One senator likened the situation to not just a rainy day, but a hurricane.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
One senator likened the situation to not just a rainy day, but a hurricane.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland lawmakers push Moore to use emergency funds for food benefits
Maryland state lawmakers pressed Gov. Wes Moore and his administration to keep food benefits intact during the federal government shutdown — even if that means tapping the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
www.thebanner.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Maryland state lawmakers put pressure on Gov. Wes Moore today to use some of the state’s $2B+ Rainy Day Fund to pay for SNAP benefits that are due to run out in November.
One senator likened the situation to not just a rainy day, but a hurricane.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
One senator likened the situation to not just a rainy day, but a hurricane.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Brenda Wintrode
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson officially says he won't support Congressional redistricting, saying it's too legally and politically risky.
Gov. Wes Moore and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones have been supportive.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gov. Wes Moore and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones have been supportive.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Senate President Bill Ferguson dismisses Maryland redistricting
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson says of redistricting: "The legal risks are too high, the timeline for action is too dangerous, the downside risk to Democrats is catastrophic, and the certaint...
www.thebanner.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson officially says he won't support Congressional redistricting, saying it's too legally and politically risky.
Gov. Wes Moore and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones have been supportive.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gov. Wes Moore and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones have been supportive.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Today, Maryland lawmakers will weigh potential options for covering November SNAP payments for 680,000 recipients. The state’s Rainy Day Fund could be one of them.
By @pwoodreporter.bsky.social & me
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
By @pwoodreporter.bsky.social & me
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Could Maryland tap its ‘rainy day’ reserves to fund SNAP?
Maryland has more than $2 billion in a Rainy Day Fund that's been tapped before for emergencies, including the Key Bridge collapse and the coronavirus pandemic.
www.thebanner.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Today, Maryland lawmakers will weigh potential options for covering November SNAP payments for 680,000 recipients. The state’s Rainy Day Fund could be one of them.
By @pwoodreporter.bsky.social & me
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
By @pwoodreporter.bsky.social & me
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Last week, @mdhumanservices.bsky.social Sec. Rafael López issued a policy prohibiting social services agencies from placing children in state care in unlicensed settings.
Four days later, the agency broke the rule.
@leeosanderlin.bsky.social, Jessica Calefati
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Four days later, the agency broke the rule.
@leeosanderlin.bsky.social, Jessica Calefati
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland already violated its newest foster care directive
Last Wednesday, Oct. 22, Human Services Secretary Rafael Lopez issued a policy directing social services providers to “immediately stop facilitating stays in unlicensed settings.”
www.thebanner.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Last week, @mdhumanservices.bsky.social Sec. Rafael López issued a policy prohibiting social services agencies from placing children in state care in unlicensed settings.
Four days later, the agency broke the rule.
@leeosanderlin.bsky.social, Jessica Calefati
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Four days later, the agency broke the rule.
@leeosanderlin.bsky.social, Jessica Calefati
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland's AG Brown is suing the Trump administration for suspending SNAP benefits on behalf of the 680,000 Marylanders starting Nov. 1.
The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of states, called on the USDA to use $6 billion in aid already set aside by Congress.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of states, called on the USDA to use $6 billion in aid already set aside by Congress.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland sues Trump administration over decision to halt food benefits
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is asking the federal government to cover SNAP payments with money already set aside by Congress
www.thebanner.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Maryland's AG Brown is suing the Trump administration for suspending SNAP benefits on behalf of the 680,000 Marylanders starting Nov. 1.
The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of states, called on the USDA to use $6 billion in aid already set aside by Congress.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of states, called on the USDA to use $6 billion in aid already set aside by Congress.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Brenda Wintrode
Maryland’s state government has $3.5 billion sitting in fully liquid cash.
Gov. Wes Moore says he won’t use any of it to keep SNAP food benefits going once federal funding dries up — unless the feds guarantee repayment.
From me & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gov. Wes Moore says he won’t use any of it to keep SNAP food benefits going once federal funding dries up — unless the feds guarantee repayment.
From me & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Moore won’t use state funds to replace federal food aid during shutdown
One in nine Marylanders puts food on the table with the help of SNAP, but with benefits soon running out as a federal government shutdown drags on, Gov. Wes Moore is not planning to tap state money to...
www.thebanner.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Maryland’s state government has $3.5 billion sitting in fully liquid cash.
Gov. Wes Moore says he won’t use any of it to keep SNAP food benefits going once federal funding dries up — unless the feds guarantee repayment.
From me & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gov. Wes Moore says he won’t use any of it to keep SNAP food benefits going once federal funding dries up — unless the feds guarantee repayment.
From me & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gov. Wes Moore said Friday he wouldn’t use state money for SNAP benefits without assurances the feds will pay it back.
Moore indicated on shutdown Day 1 he would keep the program operating. The state had said there was billions in cash reserves.
w/ @pwoodreporter.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/3wkwz4nr
Moore indicated on shutdown Day 1 he would keep the program operating. The state had said there was billions in cash reserves.
w/ @pwoodreporter.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/3wkwz4nr
Moore won’t use state funds to replace federal food aid during shutdown
One in nine Marylanders puts food on the table with the help of SNAP, but with benefits soon running out as a federal government shutdown drags on, Gov. Wes Moore is not planning to tap state money to...
tinyurl.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Gov. Wes Moore said Friday he wouldn’t use state money for SNAP benefits without assurances the feds will pay it back.
Moore indicated on shutdown Day 1 he would keep the program operating. The state had said there was billions in cash reserves.
w/ @pwoodreporter.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/3wkwz4nr
Moore indicated on shutdown Day 1 he would keep the program operating. The state had said there was billions in cash reserves.
w/ @pwoodreporter.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/3wkwz4nr
National Democrats have entered the Maryland redistricting chat and are out with a new poll showing the idea has support with the base.
@pwoodreporter.bsky.social has the story.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
@pwoodreporter.bsky.social has the story.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
National Democrats push a new poll showing Marylanders support redistricting
Maryland has not yet entered the national redistricting fray, but a poll commissioned by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee could put pressure on leaders to try to eke out one more Democr...
www.thebanner.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:34 PM
National Democrats have entered the Maryland redistricting chat and are out with a new poll showing the idea has support with the base.
@pwoodreporter.bsky.social has the story.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
@pwoodreporter.bsky.social has the story.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
ICYMI: Maryland Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin called on his state to fight back against GOP-led redistricting efforts. He's the latest lawmaker to weigh in on what the Free State should do, saying: "Our democracy and freedom are at stake."
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Raskin calls for Maryland to fight back against GOP redistricting
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland called on his state to fight back against GOP-led redistricting efforts across the country.
www.thebanner.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:05 PM
ICYMI: Maryland Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin called on his state to fight back against GOP-led redistricting efforts. He's the latest lawmaker to weigh in on what the Free State should do, saying: "Our democracy and freedom are at stake."
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Brenda Wintrode
More than 10% of Marylanders keep food on their table with the help of SNAP. That assistance is due to run out on Nov. 1, a consequence of the federal shutdown.
Gov. Wes Moore hasn’t said whether or how the state will step in to help.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gov. Wes Moore hasn’t said whether or how the state will step in to help.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
680,000 Marylanders could lose food assistance next week, officials warn
Maryland’s state government has $3.5 billion in “fully liquid cash” available for emergency needs, but the governor has not indicated whether he would use the money for SNAP.
www.thebanner.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:44 PM
More than 10% of Marylanders keep food on their table with the help of SNAP. That assistance is due to run out on Nov. 1, a consequence of the federal shutdown.
Gov. Wes Moore hasn’t said whether or how the state will step in to help.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Gov. Wes Moore hasn’t said whether or how the state will step in to help.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
A Sliver Spring construction company hired to tear down the White House’s East Wing faces online backlash, @jackhogan.me reports.
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
Silver Spring company demolishing White House wing faces online firestorm
ACECO, a Silver Spring construction company, is taking flak for its role in the demolition of the East Wing of the White House for President Donald Trump’s ballroom project.
www.thebanner.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:09 AM
A Sliver Spring construction company hired to tear down the White House’s East Wing faces online backlash, @jackhogan.me reports.
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
Towson University students moved their “No Kings” rally off campus after a school official told them speakers’ names would be run through federal government databases and vetted for security reasons. The official mentioned concerns over political violence.
Story w/ @elliew0lfe.bsky.social
Story w/ @elliew0lfe.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Towson University students moved their “No Kings” rally off campus after a school official told them speakers’ names would be run through federal government databases and vetted for security reasons. The official mentioned concerns over political violence.
Story w/ @elliew0lfe.bsky.social
Story w/ @elliew0lfe.bsky.social
A majority of Maryland voters rebuffed the president's job performance and his policies on immigration, federal cuts and deploying the National Guard, according to a @BaltimoreBanner poll.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Most Marylanders oppose Trump on National Guard, immigration and job cuts
Immigration and crime were President Donald Trump’s strongest issues, while cost of living, tariffs and public health received the worst marks.
www.thebanner.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:55 AM
A majority of Maryland voters rebuffed the president's job performance and his policies on immigration, federal cuts and deploying the National Guard, according to a @BaltimoreBanner poll.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway launched a challenge to longtime U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume on a corner known as the heart of the city’s opioid crisis. He said the endemic symbolized all that is wrong with politics. @jphotoj.bsky.social 📷
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Conway highlights Baltimore’s opioid crisis in launching challenge to Mfume
Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway launched a challenge to longtime U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume.
www.thebanner.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway launched a challenge to longtime U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume on a corner known as the heart of the city’s opioid crisis. He said the endemic symbolized all that is wrong with politics. @jphotoj.bsky.social 📷
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Brenda Wintrode
📊 We’ve got a new Maryland poll! 📊
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s approval is 54%.
We also asked folks an open-ended question about Moore’s accomplishments and they struggled to name any.
Read more:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s approval is 54%.
We also asked folks an open-ended question about Moore’s accomplishments and they struggled to name any.
Read more:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Banner poll: 54% approval for Moore, but voters can’t identify his accomplishments
While a majority of Marylanders approve of the job Gov. Wes Moore is doing, they struggle to identify his achievements and offer only soft support, according to a new statewide poll from The Banner.
www.thebanner.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM
📊 We’ve got a new Maryland poll! 📊
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s approval is 54%.
We also asked folks an open-ended question about Moore’s accomplishments and they struggled to name any.
Read more:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s approval is 54%.
We also asked folks an open-ended question about Moore’s accomplishments and they struggled to name any.
Read more:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Weighing a run against Rep. Andy Harris, Jake Day’s polling found an uphill climb for any Democrat. But if Maryland leaders decide to redraw the district, it could be a game changer.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Eyeing Andy Harris, a top Democrat waits on redistricting decision
As state leaders debate whether to redraw the electoral map, Jake Day waits.
www.thebanner.com
October 12, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Weighing a run against Rep. Andy Harris, Jake Day’s polling found an uphill climb for any Democrat. But if Maryland leaders decide to redraw the district, it could be a game changer.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Brenda Wintrode
In picking a new budget secretary, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore turned to someone with deep knowledge and extensive relationships in the State House: Yaakov "Jake" Weissmann, who served as chief of staff to 2 Senate presidents.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Moore picks longtime Dem strategist to head budget office
Weissmann was chief of staff for two Democratic Senate presidents: current President Bill Ferguson and the late, longtime President Thomas V. Mike Miller, from Prince George’s County.
www.thebanner.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:35 PM
In picking a new budget secretary, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore turned to someone with deep knowledge and extensive relationships in the State House: Yaakov "Jake" Weissmann, who served as chief of staff to 2 Senate presidents.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Pres. Trump signed a law in 2019 that said furloughed federal workers get paid once a shutdown ends. Today he threatened their back pay. It was Maryland Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin who wrote that law for exactly this reason.
tinyurl.com/3mpmy969
tinyurl.com/3mpmy969
Trump administration threatens back pay for furloughed federal workers
Congress, a Trump administration memo says, is able to decide whether it wants to pay the workers or not as part of legislation to reopen the government.
tinyurl.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Pres. Trump signed a law in 2019 that said furloughed federal workers get paid once a shutdown ends. Today he threatened their back pay. It was Maryland Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin who wrote that law for exactly this reason.
tinyurl.com/3mpmy969
tinyurl.com/3mpmy969
A fascinating and enlightening look at Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s recently elevated profile and his political future, by @emilyopilo.bsky.social.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is everywhere. What’s his next move?
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is making national appearances, and everyone is vying for his attention. What’s his next move?
www.thebanner.com
October 4, 2025 at 2:49 PM
A fascinating and enlightening look at Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s recently elevated profile and his political future, by @emilyopilo.bsky.social.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...