Pamela Wood
@pwoodreporter.bsky.social
Covering Maryland politics for The Baltimore Banner | The Capital forever | Also a gymnast | she/her
Tips: pamela.wood@thebaltimorebanner.com
Tips: pamela.wood@thebaltimorebanner.com
Maryland's U.S. Senators -- Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, both Democrats -- voted against the deal to end the government shutdown.
Recap from @apnews.com & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Recap from @apnews.com & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown
As the Senate held a rare Sunday session, the Republican leader said a potential deal was “coming together” on the government shutdown. But there was no guarantee it would end an impasse now stretchin...
www.thebanner.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Maryland's U.S. Senators -- Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, both Democrats -- voted against the deal to end the government shutdown.
Recap from @apnews.com & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Recap from @apnews.com & @brendawintrode.bsky.social:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Marylanders waiting to get SNAP benefits on their EBT cards will start to see the state-funded 50% portion starting Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The Trump administration is still fighting in court over whether and how much it will pay for SNAP in November.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The Trump administration is still fighting in court over whether and how much it will pay for SNAP in November.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
State-funded SNAP benefits to reach Marylanders starting next week
Marylanders who have been waiting for food assistance amid the government shutdown and legal fights will start to see state-funded benefits in their accounts starting Tuesday.
www.thebanner.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Marylanders waiting to get SNAP benefits on their EBT cards will start to see the state-funded 50% portion starting Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The Trump administration is still fighting in court over whether and how much it will pay for SNAP in November.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The Trump administration is still fighting in court over whether and how much it will pay for SNAP in November.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
“If Donald Trump thinks that we are going to roll over ... he better think twice.”
“Our lawyer is going to kick his butt.”
“We’re going to win this suit. And we’re going to win it back.”
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
“Our lawyer is going to kick his butt.”
“We’re going to win this suit. And we’re going to win it back.”
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland sues President Trump over FBI headquarters
The State of Maryland and Prince George’s County are suing President Donald Trump for interfering in the long-planned relocation of the FBI to Greenbelt.
www.thebanner.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:53 PM
“If Donald Trump thinks that we are going to roll over ... he better think twice.”
“Our lawyer is going to kick his butt.”
“We’re going to win this suit. And we’re going to win it back.”
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
“Our lawyer is going to kick his butt.”
“We’re going to win this suit. And we’re going to win it back.”
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland and Prince George's County officials contend it's illegal for President Trump to move the FBI to the Ronald Reagan building in DC, instead of to Greenbelt.
They're suing, and they're confident they'll prevail.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
They're suing, and they're confident they'll prevail.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland sues President Trump over FBI headquarters
The State of Maryland and Prince George’s County are suing President Donald Trump for interfering in the long-planned relocation of the FBI to Greenbelt.
www.thebanner.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Maryland and Prince George's County officials contend it's illegal for President Trump to move the FBI to the Ronald Reagan building in DC, instead of to Greenbelt.
They're suing, and they're confident they'll prevail.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
They're suing, and they're confident they'll prevail.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Paul Pinsky is retiring as director of the Maryland Energy Administration, which he led for 3 years after decades in the Maryland General Assembly.
“I’ve been fighting for social, economic and environmental justice for 39 years,” he told me.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
“I’ve been fighting for social, economic and environmental justice for 39 years,” he told me.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Paul Pinsky, head of Maryland Energy Administration, retires
After nearly 40 years of pushing for progressive change on environmental and educational policy, Maryland Energy Administration leader Paul Pinsky is retiring from public service.
www.thebanner.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Paul Pinsky is retiring as director of the Maryland Energy Administration, which he led for 3 years after decades in the Maryland General Assembly.
“I’ve been fighting for social, economic and environmental justice for 39 years,” he told me.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
“I’ve been fighting for social, economic and environmental justice for 39 years,” he told me.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
We're expecting that Maryland officials will announce a lawsuit over the FBI headquarters project tomorrow. The federal government picked Greenbelt, but President Trump wants the Ronald Reagan building instead.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland to sue Trump for blocking Greenbelt FBI headquarters project
A press conference is scheduled in Prince George’s County on Thursday afternoon with officials including the attorney general, governor, county executive and state and federal lawmakers.
www.thebanner.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:12 PM
We're expecting that Maryland officials will announce a lawsuit over the FBI headquarters project tomorrow. The federal government picked Greenbelt, but President Trump wants the Ronald Reagan building instead.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is continuing a push for redistricting, setting up a commission to make recommendations and putting a key political ally in charge.
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 11:12 AM
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is continuing a push for redistricting, setting up a commission to make recommendations and putting a key political ally in charge.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
NEW: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is committing $62M so that SNAP participants get full benefits in November.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Moore: Maryland will ensure full SNAP benefits in November
More than 680,000 Marylanders — nearly 40% of them children — receive SNAP benefits each month to help keep food on the table. The average benefit is $180.
www.thebanner.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:14 PM
NEW: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is committing $62M so that SNAP participants get full benefits in November.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
A police shooting has shut down part of Route 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) in Baltimore County.
Details are scarce, but one person has been taken to the hospital.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Details are scarce, but one person has been taken to the hospital.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Police shooting in Baltimore County closes portion of MD-43
A police shooting in Baltimore County sent one person to the hospital and closed a section of Maryland Route 43.
www.thebanner.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:11 PM
A police shooting has shut down part of Route 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) in Baltimore County.
Details are scarce, but one person has been taken to the hospital.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
Details are scarce, but one person has been taken to the hospital.
www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
In Maryland, SNAP benefits usually go out starting on the 4th (tomorrow) and rolling through the 23rd, in alphabetical order by last name. I'll be watching the court actions today and what it all means for Marylanders who rely on SNAP.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Trump admin faces Monday deadline to tell judges if it will fully fund SNAP
President Donald Trump’s administration faces deadlines on Monday to tell two federal judges whether it will comply with court orders that it continue to fund SNAP.
www.thebanner.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM
In Maryland, SNAP benefits usually go out starting on the 4th (tomorrow) and rolling through the 23rd, in alphabetical order by last name. I'll be watching the court actions today and what it all means for Marylanders who rely on SNAP.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneouslythat the Trump administration must to continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.
The latest:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The latest:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Judges order Trump administration to continue SNAP payments during shutdown
Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must to continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds duri...
www.thebanner.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneouslythat the Trump administration must to continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.
The latest:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The latest:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
I’ve covered many cases of alleged wrongdoing by Maryland politicians over the years.
None are quite like the case laid out against state Sen. Dalya Attar, her brother and a Baltimore cop.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
None are quite like the case laid out against state Sen. Dalya Attar, her brother and a Baltimore cop.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Blackmail allegations make Dalya Attar the latest chapter of Maryland political scandal
Analyzing blackmail allegations against Maryland State Sen. Dalya Attar.
www.thebanner.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:11 PM
I’ve covered many cases of alleged wrongdoing by Maryland politicians over the years.
None are quite like the case laid out against state Sen. Dalya Attar, her brother and a Baltimore cop.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
None are quite like the case laid out against state Sen. Dalya Attar, her brother and a Baltimore cop.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland House Republicans join the call for Gov. Wes Moore to use Rainy Day Funds to pay for "some level of SNAP benefits" that are due to run out in November.
Here's more about the pressure lawmakers are putting on the governor:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Here's more about the pressure lawmakers are putting on the governor:
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 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Maryland House Republicans join the call for Gov. Wes Moore to use Rainy Day Funds to pay for "some level of SNAP benefits" that are due to run out in November.
Here's more about the pressure lawmakers are putting on the governor:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Here's more about the pressure lawmakers are putting on the governor:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland lawmakers want Gov. Wes Moore to use the state's Rainy Day Fund to help those who will soon be without federal SNAP food benefits.
"We can come up with solutions to make this situation better ... It’s the moral thing to do."
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
"We can come up with solutions to make this situation better ... It’s the moral thing to do."
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 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Maryland lawmakers want Gov. Wes Moore to use the state's Rainy Day Fund to help those who will soon be without federal SNAP food benefits.
"We can come up with solutions to make this situation better ... It’s the moral thing to do."
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
"We can come up with solutions to make this situation better ... It’s the moral thing to do."
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
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...
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...
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has said he can't risk tapping the state's cash balance to temporarily fund SNAP benefits.
He has another option: the $2B+ Rainy Day Fund.
Here's how that would work:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
He has another option: the $2B+ Rainy Day Fund.
Here's how that would work:
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 11:44 AM
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has said he can't risk tapping the state's cash balance to temporarily fund SNAP benefits.
He has another option: the $2B+ Rainy Day Fund.
Here's how that would work:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
He has another option: the $2B+ Rainy Day Fund.
Here's how that would work:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
NEW: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, and other state AGs, are suing the Trump Administration over the looming end of SNAP benefits.
My colleague @brendawintrode.bsky.social has details:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
My colleague @brendawintrode.bsky.social has details:
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 5:15 PM
NEW: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, and other state AGs, are suing the Trump Administration over the looming end of SNAP benefits.
My colleague @brendawintrode.bsky.social has details:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
My colleague @brendawintrode.bsky.social has details:
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announces 2 new deputy chiefs of staff:
▪️Chichi Nyagah-Nash, currently deputy secretary of state Dept of General Services
▪️Michael Huber, most recently at JHU and previously chief of staff to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
▪️Chichi Nyagah-Nash, currently deputy secretary of state Dept of General Services
▪️Michael Huber, most recently at JHU and previously chief of staff to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
October 28, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announces 2 new deputy chiefs of staff:
▪️Chichi Nyagah-Nash, currently deputy secretary of state Dept of General Services
▪️Michael Huber, most recently at JHU and previously chief of staff to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
▪️Chichi Nyagah-Nash, currently deputy secretary of state Dept of General Services
▪️Michael Huber, most recently at JHU and previously chief of staff to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
Alarmed by the looming loss of SNAP food benefits, Maryland state lawmakers will hold a hearing on Wednesday to see if there are options for state funding for the benefits.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Maryland lawmakers will discuss possibility of extending federal food aid
With federal food assistance set to dry up at the end of the month, Maryland lawmakers are convening a hearing to see what, if anything, they can do to help.
www.thebanner.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Alarmed by the looming loss of SNAP food benefits, Maryland state lawmakers will hold a hearing on Wednesday to see if there are options for state funding for the benefits.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
By my count, eight secretaries have left Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's administration this year.
The latest is Paul Monteiro, who was the state's first secretary of service and civic innovation.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The latest is Paul Monteiro, who was the state's first secretary of service and civic innovation.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Moore loses another cabinet secretary as service chief Paul Monteiro exits
The state’s first secretary of service and civic innovation is leaving his post, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced Monday.
www.thebanner.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:01 PM
By my count, eight secretaries have left Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's administration this year.
The latest is Paul Monteiro, who was the state's first secretary of service and civic innovation.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The latest is Paul Monteiro, who was the state's first secretary of service and civic innovation.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
ICYMI: Federal funding for SNAP food assistance is running out and Gov. Wes Moore says he will not tap the state's cash reserves to keep benefits flowing to Marylanders.
The federal govt also is refusing to tap a USDA contingency account to fund SNAP.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The federal govt also is refusing to tap a USDA contingency account to fund SNAP.
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 27, 2025 at 1:34 PM
ICYMI: Federal funding for SNAP food assistance is running out and Gov. Wes Moore says he will not tap the state's cash reserves to keep benefits flowing to Marylanders.
The federal govt also is refusing to tap a USDA contingency account to fund SNAP.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
The federal govt also is refusing to tap a USDA contingency account to fund SNAP.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
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...
I will not stop talking about this and I make no apologies.
Baltimore gymnast Donnell Whittenburg is WORLD CHAMPION on rings.
www.thebanner.com/sports/donne...
Baltimore gymnast Donnell Whittenburg is WORLD CHAMPION on rings.
www.thebanner.com/sports/donne...
Baltimore's Donnell Whittenburg finally claims gold at world gymnastics championships
The 31-year-old American gymnast claimed gold on still rings at the world championships on Friday.
www.thebanner.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:35 PM
I will not stop talking about this and I make no apologies.
Baltimore gymnast Donnell Whittenburg is WORLD CHAMPION on rings.
www.thebanner.com/sports/donne...
Baltimore gymnast Donnell Whittenburg is WORLD CHAMPION on rings.
www.thebanner.com/sports/donne...
Baltimore, our guy Donnell Whittenburg is WORLD CHAMPION on rings!!!
Donnell Whittenburg is the WORLD CHAMPION! UNDENIABLE!
🥇Donnell Whittenburg (USA)
🥈Adem Asil (TUR)
🥉Lan Xingyu (CHN)
#ARTWorlds2025
🥇Donnell Whittenburg (USA)
🥈Adem Asil (TUR)
🥉Lan Xingyu (CHN)
#ARTWorlds2025
October 24, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Baltimore, our guy Donnell Whittenburg is WORLD CHAMPION on rings!!!