The Bay State Banner

On eve of SNAP restructure, food insecurity reaches critical threshold

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

On eve of SNAP restructure, food insecurity reaches critical threshold
By TRINITY ALICIA
On Oct. 1, major provisions under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) went into effect. Effective today through Sept. 30, 2027, the federal government is reducing its funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from 50% to 25%.

City sues Trump admin. to maintain $20M grant for Roxbury streets

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By MARIANNA MCMURDOCK
The City of Boston filed a lawsuit Monday, September 28, against the Trump administration for withdrawing a $20 million grant for infrastructure along three major Roxbury roadways, arguing the move was unlawful. It would stall critical improvements to safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow.

Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks on faith and politics at Worcester conference

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks on faith and politics at Worcester conference
By SAVANNAH BUTCHER
“I don’t know what kind of religion causes people to pray for people while preying on people,” Sen. Raphael Warnock told hundreds of United Church of Christ members and local politicians on Sept. 26 while speaking at a youth conference in the city..

Theodore Webster carved lasting legacy for minority businesses

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Theodore Webster carved lasting legacy for minority businesses
By DEIDRE E. MONTAGUE
For more than three decades, he led the company as its CEO, ultimately establishing himself in the local construction industry. At a time when Black workers were often denied access to union trades, he was a “steadfast advocate for equitable opportunities,” according to his family obituary.

Hale Education celebrates fall equinox after landmark land conservation effort

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Hale Education celebrates fall equinox after landmark land conservation effort
By EVA RIVERA
The significance of this permanent conservation decision was on display during Hale’s Fall Equinox Celebration on Sept. 24, which brought together representatives from land trusts and other organizations involved in land conservation and public access.

Elders, people with disabilities, caregivers and local leaders to be honored at annual gala

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By ISABELLE ZHANG
The gala will feature a performance by the Humano Multicultural Project, a Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean arts organization; and an awards ceremony honoring four individuals whose “tireless advocacy keeps older adults and people with disabilities safe.

“We are deporting all of the people we do not like, including

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

“We are deporting all of the people we do not like, including
“We are deporting all of the people we do not like, including.

From Trump, more inhumanity toward Haitian immigrants

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Trump administration went all the way to the Supreme Court to secure the authority to expel Haitian immigrants who had temporary protective status because of an earthquake and insecurity in their homeland.

Obesity care is a health equity issue

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By MARTIN LUTHER KING III
Across the country, states are making difficult decisions about how public insurance programs cover new obesity treatments. For people who can afford these medications out of pocket or have insurance that covers them, treatment may remain within reach.

Don’t blame AI without blaming the people behind it

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By BARBARA REYNOLDS
Following in his mindset, decades later this author warned that Genesis tells us humans were created in the image of God. But today tech companies are playing God by creating human-like machines in their own image which are destined to imitate the flaws of their creators.

IN THE NEWS

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

IN THE NEWS
The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy (DFC) in Great Barrington has appointed Dr. John D. Lloyd as its permanent executive director, following his successful tenure as interim executive director since 2024.

SJC again upholds MBTA Communities housing law

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

SJC again upholds MBTA Communities housing law
By JENNIFER SMITH
The state’s highest court has swatted away a second challenge to the sweeping and controversial MBTA Communities housing law. In a brisk, unanimous — and widely expected decision — the Supreme Judicial Court rejected the town of Marshfield’s bid to avoid compliance with the law on every argument it raised.

Immigrants, attorneys describe ‘chaotic’ few days of ICE detentions on South Coast

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Immigrants, attorneys describe ‘chaotic’ few days of ICE detentions on South Coast
By SARAH BETANCOURT
Maria, their sister-in-law, was at work when she heard the news: all three had been detained in the parking lot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. GBH News isn’t using her last name due to her own fears of detention as she continues an asylum case.

Remembering Victoria L. Williams

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Remembering Victoria L. Williams
By CHARLOTTE GOLAR RICHIE
Pioneering city leader, longtime political ward chair and lifelong Bostonian Victoria L. Williams (known to some as “Vicky”) passed away on Sept. 7. She was 76.

First Black president of Handel and Haydn Society launches new season

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

First Black president of Handel and Haydn Society launches new season
By CELINA COLBY
Washington: I think H+H has a unique position not only in the sector but in Boston as well. It’s a niche within a niche within a niche within a niche.

‘Purpose’ presents powerful, complex family dynamics

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

‘Purpose’ presents powerful, complex family dynamics
By SUSAN SACCOCCIA
The Huntington launches its 45th season with a superb production of “Purpose,” a play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins that after its Broadway run directed by Phylicia Rashad won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Bred Gourmet burger expert will open third restaurant this fall

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bred Gourmet burger expert will open third restaurant this fall
By CELINA COLBY
Chef Tambo Barrow launched his burger restaurant Bred Gourmet in Lower Mills in 2015 with no previous culinary experience. Now Bred Gourmet has another location in Kendall Square called Bred Bar and Barrow plans to open a new burger concept, Smashed by Bred, in Quincy Market this fall.

Where to see the best fall foliage in Boston

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Where to see the best fall foliage in Boston
By DEIDRE E. MONTAGUE
While we may miss the fun times of summer, the fun doesn’t have to stop in the fall. Here are some of the best local places to look at the beautiful fall foliage

Segun Idowu, Boston’s former chief of economic opportunity and inclusion, has landed his next role

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Segun Idowu, Boston’s former chief of economic opportunity and inclusion, has landed his next role
By MAREN HALPIN
Idowu has begun working as the Solidarity Institutions Fellow at Boston Ujima Project, he said, where he will work on formalizing the organization’s democratic investment infrastructure.

Allan’s Formal Wear honored with mayoral citation

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Allan’s Formal Wear honored with mayoral citation
By DEIDRE E. MONTAGUE
In 1972, they moved their store and home to 594 Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester. Joycelyn went on to attend the Rittner’s School and completed a course of study in floral design, while her sister-inlaw expanded their offerings to include rental bridal gowns.

Brigadier General Enoch ‘Woody’ Woodhouse honored

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Brigadier General Enoch ‘Woody’ Woodhouse honored
Roxbury native and distinguished veteran of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and the 332nd Fighter Group, Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse was honored at a statehouse ceremony celebrating the 99-year old’s appointment as Emeritus Chair of the Hanscom FCU Charitable Foundation.

Boston Harbor City Cruises 100th Anniversary

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Boston Harbor City Cruises 100th Anniversary
Boston Harbor City Cruises celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2026, having been founded in 1926 by Matthew “Matty” Hughes when he launched 30-minute harbor trips for 10 cents. Today, the Boston Harbor City Cruises operation out of Long Wharf carries over 2 million passengers annually.

MLRI Catalyst for Change Awards

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

MLRI Catalyst for Change Awards
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute honored Pratt N. Wiley, Esq., President and CEO of The Partnership, Inc., with the Catalyst for Change Award and Sarah Byrnes, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants (Mass Union), with the Gladys Vega Outstanding Community Leader Award at their Catalyst for Change event.