The advisory commission, focused on replacing the controversial emblem, must offer up three options for the state seal, as well as the flag and the state’s motto.
New commission to change controversial state seal already behind schedule
Posted inOpinion
Dana-Farber plan merits tough scrutiny from state officials
While research scientists and clinicians focus their war on cancer, this has become a war for cancer dollars.
Posted inCourts
SJC gives a Second Amendment win to Mass. lawmakers looking to license non-residents
Dual opinions from the high court signals that even under a tougher standard for determining the constitutionality of gun regulations recently set by the Supreme Court, Massachusetts’ firearms restrictions – some of the strictest in the nation – may rest on solid ground.
Posted inOpinion
Voc-tech schools need support to build tomorrow’s workforce
Voters, students and their families, as well as Massachusetts businesses want more voc-tech seating capacity. The primary and bedrock focus for policymakers, parents, and the business community should be providing as many students as possible with the high-quality opportunities that a voc-tech education provides while maintaining many of the tenets that have made this form of education so successful.
Posted inEnergy
After heating bills spike, Healey announces $50 credit for electric customers
Gov. Maura Healey announced a plan on Monday to save ratepayers in Massachusetts up to $5.8 billion on their energy bills in the next five years, with immediate relief in the form of a $50 credit for residential customers on electricity bills in April.
Posted inPolitics
Mayor Wu could see a challenger from Boston’s business sector
If O’Brien enters the race, he would join a field that currently includes Josh Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Posted inThe Codcast
Temporary Protected Status marks the latest immigration standoff between Trump and Massachusetts
CommonWealth Beacon’s Jennifer Smith is joined by Sarang Sekhavat, Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), to discuss threats to immigration policies such as Temporary Protected Status and sanctuary cities, and how officials in Massachusetts and nationally are responding.
Posted inOpinion
Greater Boston must reclaim its transit leadership
Despite a proud history of innovation, we’ve resigned ourselves to complacency, While other cities and countries tackle transportation challenges with courage and a long-term vision, Boston and the Metro Boston region are losing their edge.
Posted inOpinion
60 years after Bloody Sunday, celebrating progress while voting rights struggle continues
The right to vote is the precious centerpiece of American citizenship and democracy.
Posted inEnergy
EPA move to undermine greenhouse gas regulation will hurt US competitiveness, says former Mass. energy official
“Pollution knows no state boundary, nor does heat, drought or intense storms.” – Former Mass. energy undersecretary Barbara Kates-Garnick on the Trump administration’s attempt to weaken a rule that underpins the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Posted inOpinion
Mass. should lead on reviving democracy
In Massachusetts, we have an opportunity and responsibility to build a positive alternative — a state-level democracy that actually responds to and delivers better results for people.
Posted inHealth Care
State orders open access to free prenatal vitamins, birth control
“We know that prenatal vitamins and birth control play an essential role in women’s health. No one should be prevented from getting the care they need because of cost or because they are waiting for a prescription,” Healey said in a statement.
Posted inPolitics
‘Are you out of your mind?’: Five moments from Mayor Michelle Wu’s immigration testimony
Mayor Michelle Wu offered a forceful defense of the city’s decade-old Trust Act, a policy that limits Boston police cooperation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, during a testy House Oversight hearing in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
Posted inPolitics
Wu fends off GOP critiques of Boston immigration policies
Mayor Michelle Wu defended Boston’s immigration policies on Wednesday, testifying with three other blue state mayors before a GOP-controlled House Oversight Committee.
Posted inTransportation
Meet Beacon Hill’s new top House lawmaker on transportation
Colleagues call Arciero a pragmatist who’s willing to listen, while Beacon Hill observers note that he was already a key player who helped shepherd Gov. Maura Healey’s multibillion housing bill.
Posted inOpinion
Why we sued to protect Temporary Protected Status immigrants
This fight isn’t just about TPS—it’s about the rule of law, the economic fallout, and fairness.
Posted inEnergy
The $500 million cut to Mass Save budget is ‘short-sighted,’ climate activists say
“Like a lot of stuff in the climate world, this decision is going to save people money in the short term but cost us more money in the long term.” – Vickash Mohanka, head of the Massachusetts Sierra Club.