In 2023, efforts to harness arts and culture as part of New Bedford’s economic revitalization strategy were dealt a blindsiding blow. Two years later, it looks as if all’s well that ends well.
New Bedford building poised to rise as artist space — again
Posted inMarijuana
House cannabis bill targets intoxicating hemp edibles, but critics warn enforcement gaps will remain
Massachusetts is cracking down on intoxicating hemp edibles, but critics say new rules fall short without funding for enforcement.
Posted inPolitics
A push for more transparency on ballot question spending, fundraising
In 2024, it was hard to avoid the barrage of ads making the case for one side or the other of some ballot questions. But it was a very different story when it came to seeing who was funding the campaigns.
Posted inOpinion
Blue Cross dropping coverage of anti-obesity drugs sacrifices long-term health for short-term savings
Blue Cross may aim for fiscal responsibility, but the toll on patient health and eventual financial repercussions suggest it will prove far more costly.
Posted inCourts
Chief Justice Kimberly Budd wants to repair trust in courts
In a wide-ranging interview in a West Roxbury municipal court, Chief Justice Budd reflects on her career and how to combat mistrust in courts during a divided time.
Posted inThe Codcast
Chief Justice Kimberly Budd makes the case for the state courts
This week on The Codcast, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd sits down for a wide-ranging interview with CommonWealth Beacon reporter Jennifer Smith. They discuss trust in the judiciary, the role of the trial courts and the SJC, and if independence feels more achievable for state courts than the federal bench.
Posted inOpinion
Where is Chelsea’s subway station?
As the state prepares to spend millions of dollars repairing or replacing the Tobin Bridge, which connects Chelsea and Boston, it’s time to ask: Can we use this opportunity to give densely populated Chelsea the high-quality transit that it deserves?
Posted inHousing
MBTA Communities law is not an unfunded mandate, judge rules
The decision dismisses suits brought by towns who argued the state should not be allowed to force compliance with the MBTA Communities multifamily zoning law.
Posted inHousing
Milton complies with the MBTA Communities law, with an asterisk
More intra-government disagreement and possible litigation over the MBTA Communities housing law are again on the table in Milton as a special Town Meeting creeps closer.
Posted inHealth Care
AG pushes back on federal abortion medication restrictions
Campbell implored federal regulators Thursday to eliminate medication abortion restrictions on prescribers and pharmacies.
Posted inGovernment
Falling office building values still a concern for Boston’s budget, think tank says
The revenue picture now “looks worse than we expected,” according to the report’s author.
Posted inRace/Racism
Survey highlights concerns among Asian Americans in Mass.
Despite being the fastest-growing population group, APIA voices are often overlooked due to sparse data. A new report aims to change that.
Posted inOpinion
Cannabis reform bill is important step forward
We need laws and regulations that enable us to thrive —not just survive — and give us a fair shot at growth and sustainability.
Posted inPolitics
Two companies, one roof, and the Boston mayoral race
On a tree-lined street in Medford, tucked away inside a strength training gym, there’s an office that’s been doing some heavy lifting in the Boston mayor’s race.
Posted inMarijuana
Cannabis commission remains short-handed as the agency works on social consumption and other pressing issues
The Cannabis Control Commission is down to just 3 members, with no timeline for appointing a new chair or commissioner with big decisions – including social consumption rules – ahead.
Posted inState House News Service
Feds blame ‘sanctuary policies’ in Milford teenager’s immigration arrest
A Milford High School junior was not the target of a federal immigration enforcement investigation and his arrest was the byproduct of “sanctuary policies,” federal officials said.
Posted inOpinion
As leaders of state and regional organizations, we’re sounding the alarm on Trump’s attacks on the arts
Our economic competitiveness, our educational excellence, and our role as a beacon of equality require us to protect and preserve our cultural sector. Every resident can play a role in this defining moment.