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☔️ Pack an umbrella for a chance of showers. High of 52 with sunset at 5:44 p.m. It’s day 27 of the federal government shutdown.
Four Things to Know
1. With 1 million Bay Staters expected to lose public food assistance this week, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, state leaders and the United Way have launched a relief fund Friday to help address hunger — calling on private donors to step in.
Gov. Maura Healey said 32% of the residents who will not receive SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 are children, 31% are people with disabilities and 26% are seniors.
2. About 300 people gathered at the State House in Boston on Friday for the White Cane Awareness Day hosted by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind — a celebration that highlights the white cane’s vital role in the blind community, and the legislation that helps protect their safety.
“Each year, this day reminds us of how significant the white cane is, not only as a vital tool for safe travel and independence, but also a symbol of dignity and equality,” said Commissioner John Oliveira.
3. Many Massachusetts residents still face significant barriers when navigating the court system — especially those whose first language isn’t English or who are part of the deaf or hard of hearing community — according to a new report released last week.
The 52-page report titled “Justice Disrupted,” released by the Massachusetts Language Access Coalition, highlights persistent barriers in the state’s courts — including unreliable interpreting services, lack of translated documents and insufficient multilingual signage — decades after laws were enacted to improve access.
4. With the government shutdown now in its fourth week, Mayor Michelle Wu said Boston officials are planning ways to plug some of the gaps caused by missing federal resources.
Wu said the city is in ongoing talks with community groups focused on food security and other efforts to support households affected by the shutdown. Listen to Mayor Wu’s conversation with Boston Public Radio here.
What We’re Watching
There’s more to New England than lobster and chowder. Comedian Josh Gondelman takes us on a tour of the “Roast Beef Riviera” – also known as Boston’s North Shore. Follow along with The Curiosity Desk below.
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