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 […]
Redistricting process could split some precincts
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 […]
Posted inPolitics
Most mayoral candidates pan the Seaport
THE FIVE CANDIDATES for mayor of Boston all have a problem with the city’s shiniest bauble – the Seaport District. At an in-person forum on development sponsored by the Responsible […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Berkshire district attorney aims to open ‘black box’ of plea negotiations
MOST CRIMINAL CASES never make it to trial. Nationally, around 90 to 95 percent of cases are resolved through a guilty plea, where the prosecutor and defendant reach a negotiated […]
Posted inEducation
Are exam schools really an academic promised land?
AFTER MONTHS OF debate amid heightened attention to racial justice issues, the Boston School Committee approved sweeping changes on Wednesday night to admission rules for the city’s three selective-entry 7-12 […]
Posted inThe Download
Breakthrough cases bad for vaccine messaging
Regular communication and sharing of data have been a key part of the Baker administration’s approach to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, Gov. Charlie Baker gave a COVID briefing […]
Posted inUncategorized
Breakthrough cases bad for vaccine messaging
REGULAR COMMUNICATION and sharing of data have been a key part of the Baker administration’s approach to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, Gov. Charlie Baker gave a COVID briefing […]
Posted inHealth Care
Health care costs keep rising
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE THE AVERAGE TOTAL costs for Massachusetts family health insurance premiums roughly tripled from 2000 to 2019, hitting $21,424 and surpassing the national cost for a new compact […]
Posted inUncategorized
Somerset officials press Baker to intervene at Brayton Point
THE SOMERSET Board of Selectmen voted Wednesday night to send a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker urging him to shut down a scrap metal export business that the board says […]
Posted inUncategorized
New Bedford makes offshore wind play
AS COMMUNITIES up and down the East Coast jockey for economic opportunities from the emerging offshore wind industry, New Bedford is trying to stay ahead of the pack by doubling […]