THE SATURDAY SEND

Dark money aims to kill the recreational buzz and four more stories

Chris Lisinski looks at the national anti-marijuana group financing efforts to ban recreational use in Massachusetts and Jennifer Smith breaks down the state’s $250 million investment in health insurance subsidies. In Springfield, Hallie Claflin speaks with housing housing teams who…

How Massachusetts hit a new low and four more stories

Jordan Wolman and Chris Lisinski investigate how Massachusetts became the slowest state in issuing initial unemployment payments in the country between June and October. Plus, Keolis seeks redemption in its bid for a new MBTA contract, the debate over real…

Great (legislative) expectations and five more stories

Chris Lisinksi takes a look at Beacon Hill’s 2026 priorities — including the Senate’s proposed residential tax relief bill — and explains why campaign finance regulators sanctioned five-term lawmaker Rep. Chynah Tyler.

Plus: Beacon Hill fails to track which…

God’s backyard plus four more stories

Jennifer Smith delves into a bill permitting faith-based groups to construct multi-family housing and the ongoing legal battles over the MBTA Communities Act. Plus: Top Democrats’ raise concerns about tax cut proposals amid economic instability, the Senate chair of the Legislature’s…

Proposed gas bill hikes plus four more stories

A utility company asks for permission to dramatically raise gas rates, and the MBTA’s Phil Eng says he’s open to permanently remaining transportation secretary. Plus: a legislative task force recommends at least a doubling of the share of health care…

New Green Line cars get the green light and four more stories

This week, the MBTA says it’s ready to roll out Green Line cars with anti-collision alerts and Gov. Healey proposes a flood disclosure mandate for home sellers. Plus, Mayor Wu makes a third run at a temporary shift in the…