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 […]
With federal aid, small towns keep it simple
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. […]
Posted inUncategorized
Baker signs budget, takes different tack on tax policy
GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Friday signed into law a $47.6 billion state budget for fiscal 2022, which began two weeks ago. While he let most of the budget become law, Baker, who has line-item veto […]
Posted inTransportation
Feds throw ‘huge wrench’ in I-90 Allston project
THE MOST POPULAR configuration for the I-90 Allston interchange is facing yet another hurdle, as the Federal Highway Administration sent state officials a terse letter saying the current design is […]
Posted inThe Download
In Beacon Hill Twitter battle, State House News Service beats Gov. Baker
Sorry, Gov. Charlie Baker. You may hold the corner office, but you’re only the second most influential voice on Beacon Hill Twitter. First prize goes to the press. In particular, […]
Posted inState House News Service, Uncategorized
In Beacon Hill Twitter battle, State House News Service beats Gov. Baker
SORRY, GOV. Charlie Baker. You may hold the corner office, but you’re only the second most influential voice on Beacon Hill Twitter. First prize goes to the press. In particular, […]
Posted inTransportation
Lawmakers add $150m to transportation infrastructure bill
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE THE LEGISLATURE passed an infrastructure bill on Thursday that had been under negotiation for several weeks, padding the traditional $200 million in annual financing for local […]