Decision on unemployment lawsuit expected Tuesday, but federal benefits will continue until at least mid-August

A Baltimore City judge will decide by Tuesday morning whether to extend a court order forcing Gov. Larry Hogan and the state government to continue paying enhanced federal unemployment benefits to tens of thousands of jobless Marylanders despite the governor’s efforts to cut off benefits. But the expanded federal pandemic unemployment programs will continue for at least another month after the Biden administration notified Maryland Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson that the state would need to provide 30 days advance notice before opting out of the programs — even if Baltimore City Circuit Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill rules Hogan can end them.