FOOD IS A cornerstone of culture, connection, and prosperity, and restaurants are the hubs of our mealtime traditions. But last spring, the coronavirus brought Boston’s lively restaurant scene to a […]
COVID brought long-lasting changes to restaurant industry
Posted inDrug Addiction
New opioid settlement could bring $500 million to Massachusetts
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE MASSACHUSETTS STANDS TO receive more than $500 million over the next roughly 18 years as part of a massive settlement announced Wednesday that would end investigations […]
Posted inEconomy
McKinsey report lays out need for ambitious state investment
MUCH OF THE commentary on the McKinsey report commissioned by Gov. Baker on the future of work in Massachusetts seems to encourage the prospective reader to simply leave the report […]
Posted inGambling, Transportation
Legislation on the move: Sports betting, T governance, vote-by-mail
THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE teed up a bill authorizing sports betting for debate on Thursday, marking the second time the House will weigh in on the policy. Lawmakers have been discussing […]
Posted inEducation
Let’s resolve to make Boston schools work for all
THE FINAL BELL has rung throughout Boston schools, ending what has been undoubtedly the most difficult school year in recent memory for students and educators around the globe. The pandemic […]
Posted inUncategorized
With federal aid, small towns keep it simple
This is the first in a three-part series on how municipalities are spending ARPA money. WHEN MICHELE GIARUSSO, the municipal assistant in the small town of Leyden, read the rules […]
Posted inUncategorized
Single-family home prices continue to soar
MASSACHUSETTS’ SOARING HOUSING market remains red-hot, and continues to demand record-high prices, especially for single-family homes, according to data released Wednesday by The Warren Group. The monthly data from June, […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
James Hillman, DYS youth worker attacked by juvenile, dies
AN EMPLOYEE WHO worked at a residence for juvenile offenders in Springfield has died weeks after he was attacked by a juvenile who lived there. The employee was identified by […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Activists seek moratorium on prison construction
MASSACHUSETTS HAS THE lowest incarceration rate in the country and its inmate population continues to decline steadily, yet the state is still investing heavily in prisons and jails. A bill […]
Posted inEconomy
Legislative budget writer says Baker ignored law in spending plan
A TOP LEGISLATIVE budget writer on Tuesday accused Gov. Charlie Baker of violating state law with his plan to immediately spend $186 million of federal recovery money on health care […]
Posted inOpinion
Breaking up Boston’s heat islands
A PLACE to climb. An anchor for a tire swing. A home for wildlife. A source of shade on a hot summer day. Trees hold many meanings. For families, a […]
Posted inThe Download
Violent hate crimes put residents on edge
In Winthrop last month, a man described by District Attorney Rachael Rollins as a white supremacist with “hate in his heart” gunned down a retired state trooper and a retired […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Violent hate crimes put residents on edge
IN WINTHROP last month, a man described by District Attorney Rachael Rollins as a white supremacist with “hate in his heart” gunned down a retired state trooper and a retired […]
Posted inPolitics
Redistricting process could split some precincts
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE SOME LOCAL VOTING precincts may be split into two state legislative districts in the ongoing decennial redistricting effort, a top lawmaker said Monday during a hearing […]
Posted inOpinion
Conventions, conferences could be key to Boston’s recovery
THE PUBLIC HEALTH crisis of COVID, an economic downturn, and a racial reckoning in America have stimulated pledges and bold initiatives to create a new normal that meets how inclusive […]
Posted inUncategorized
Baker releases spending plan for $186m in ARPA funds
GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Monday announced that he will spend $186 million in federal COVID relief funding with a focus on health care and workforce training. “Our administration is putting this $186 […]
Posted inThe Download
State seal set to get a makeover
After hundreds of years, the state’s coat of arms, seal, and state flag are getting a makeover, or at least that’s the plan. A commission created by a state resolution […]
Posted inUncategorized
State seal set to get a makeover
AFTER HUNDREDS of years, the state’s coat of arms, seal, and state flag are getting a makeover, or at least that’s the plan. A commission created by a state resolution […]
Posted inOpinion
REAP is good role model for federal action
AS THE SENATE’S $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan advances, one approach to paying for the bill could be stepped up enforcement of federal tax collections. Just this Sunday during a […]
Posted inOpinion
Time to revolutionize our education system
COVID-19 caused profound disruption in the lives of millions of people in Massachusetts. As the state moves toward recovery, communities — especially historically underserved communities — are reckoning with the […]
Posted inOpinion
Another wealthy hospital system expanding in the suburbs
HERE WE go again. First came Mass General Brigham and its $400 million plan to launch new ambulatory care centers in Westwood, Woburn, Westborough, and Salem, New Hampshire. And now […]
Posted inOpinion
Dealing with climate change with justice and equity
IN THIS EPOCH we are living in, accelerating climate change is causing severe weather events to happen more frequently and with greater force. This includes extreme heat, which is dangerous, […]
Posted inTransportation
Lawmakers reach deal on new MBTA oversight board
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE LAWMAKERS REACHED a compromise Friday on a new MBTA oversight board and rules that would allow voters in cities and towns with municipal elections this summer […]
Posted inUncategorized
Budget provision sets standard on visa document
THE BUDGET SIGNED by Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday includes a provision creating statewide standards for immigrant domestic violence and human trafficking survivors who are seeking documentation for certain visas. […]