Good morning. In today’s newsletter, we bring you a story about what federal funding cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could mean locally.
Cumberland County residents account for 4.5% of the state’s more than 3 million recipients of Medicaid, the health care program for low-income adults, children and people with disabilities. SNAP, also called Food and Nutrition Services in North Carolina, provides low-income people and families funds to purchase food.
“I haven’t hit the panic button yet,” said Brenda Jackson, the county social services department director. “But we’re certainly nervous.” Read more in our lead story.
Welcome to CityView Today. Also in today’s newsletter: The 30-day pause on construction of the Cumberland County Crown Event Center in downtown Fayetteville stems from a $1.9 million “additional architect’s fee” from the EwingCole architecture firm. State schools Superintendent Maurice Green’s “Mo Wants to Know” tour made a stop in Fayetteville. And Fayetteville Police Chief Kemberle Braden’s last day on the job is today. Senior Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. spoke with him shortly after his retirement announcement about what his tenure as a longtime police officer in Fayetteville means to him; we’re resharing that story today.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Nagem
Filling in for Maydha Devarajan
Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would affect many Cumberland County residents
A U.S. House Republican budget plan would cut major federal funding to Medicaid and SNAP, programs thousands of Cumberland County residents rely on. Research found the cuts would also negatively impact the county and state economies.
More from CityView
Lawyer investigating $1.9 million ‘additional architect’s fee’ in Crown Event Center review
Construction of the $145 million performing arts venue is paused until April 4.
NC superintendent makes stop in Cumberland County, gathers feedback for strategic plan
The superintendent of North Carolina’s public schools held a public forum Thursday to hear what the community sees as major challenges facing schools, classrooms and students, and ways to solve problems.
THE KIRBY FILE: Fayetteville Police Chief calling it a career after 29 years of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ on the thin blue line
“This job is not a Monday through Friday 8 to 5 job,” says Kemberle Braden, whose last day is today. “This job takes its toll on you emotionally, physically and mentally.”
Events
EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS
- Where: Cross Creek Mall, 419 Cross Creek Mall, Fayetteville
- When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. today
- What: Bring your whole crew to the Easter Bunny’s Garden for a day of awesome fun. Capture all those sweet memories with unforgettable photos. Don’t miss this beloved tradition!
MESSY MONDAY
- Where: The Rick Herrema Foundation, 5572 Shenandoah Drive, Fayetteville
- When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. today
- What: Messy Monday invites service members and their families to enjoy stress-free, hands-on art projects designed for all skill levels.
MONDAY EVENING YOGA: RELEASE AND RELAX
- Where: Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center, 24 Anderson St., Fayetteville
- When: 6-7 p.m. today
- What: Ease into your week with a calming Monday Evening Yoga session designed to melt away stress and tension.
Obituaries
Robert J. McClain
Robert J. McClain of Fayetteville departed this life on Thursday, March 27.
Bernandino Mangiboyat
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Bernandino Mangiboyat, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Joseph Lee Simpson
Joseph Simpson, 83, of Fayetteville, passed away on Wednesday, March 26.
Until tomorrow!
🚮 Cumberland County Solid Waste Management is looking for volunteers of all ages to help clean up the county at their upcoming Cumberland Clean Litter Pick-Up event on Saturday, April 12 from 8 a.m. until noon. Interested individuals are asked to register online or to email Tim Middleton at tmidddleton@cumberlandcountync.gov.
~ Paul Woolverton
