WITH THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN in foster care spiking and an inadequate number of foster parents available to provide a safe home, Massachusetts’ foster care system is overwhelmed. The solution […]
We know how to fix the foster care crisis
Posted inUncategorized
It’s time for power grid to look at benefits of offshore wind
The New England region is home to policies aimed at significant reductions in greenhouse gases. Each of the six New England states has renewable portfolio standards that set targets for […]
Posted inOpinion
Stop trashing an affordable housing option
PEOPLE ARE BAD-MOUTHING my house. Well, not my house in particular – though it could use a few upgrades, truth be told – but the model itself. After a lifetime […]
Posted inEducation
Customized student support can level the playing field
AS A NEW high school teacher, I paid attention when educators, mayors, and Patriots players gathered before the Joint Committee on Education last month to testify on behalf of high […]
Posted inOpinion
We need both renewables and natural gas
RENEWABLE ENERGY and natural gas aren’t an “either/or” choice for New England: Now and for years to come, they’re a “both/and” necessity to ensure we have a reliable, affordable energy […]
Posted inOpinion
The facts about ‘conversion therapy’ ban
RECENTLY, THE MASSACHUSETTS House and Senate passed a measure that prohibits licensed counselors from speaking to minors in a way that would “attempt or purport to change” that minor’s sexual orientation […]
Posted inOpinion
Don’t blame Uber and Lyft for congestion
NOT LONG AGO, many of us who live and work in Boston had to plan our days around times the T would run, hope that a taxi scheduled the night […]
Posted inTransportation
Uber, Lyft trips to airport keep rising
MASSPORT OFFICIALS said Uber and Lyft vehicle trips to and from Logan International Airport are up 29 percent so far this year, and indicated on Friday they are determined to […]
Posted inUncategorized
Markey, Trahan file pipeline safety bill
THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY Columbia Gas of Massachusetts that it plans to replace hundreds of appliances in homes impacted by the September natural gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley coincides with […]
Posted inThe Download
Markey, Trahan file pipeline safety bill
The announcement by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts that it plans to replace hundreds of appliances in homes impacted by the September natural gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley coincides with […]
Posted inOpinion
T cleaning contract déjà vu all over again
THE RECENT STORY about the MBTA’s plan to redo the station cleaning contract by adopting the performance-based contracting approach employed by Massport is a perfect example of why the MBTA’s pursuit of […]
Posted inEconomy
Coughlin changes hats at hearing on drug pricing
AT A PACKED STATE HOUSE hearing Thursday on legislation to rein in the cost of pharmaceuticals, MassBIO CEO Robert Coughlin and two of his national colleagues were pitching the same […]
Posted inUncategorized
Herald puts up paywall, trims payroll more
THE BOSTON HERALD is putting up a paywall and continuing to reduce its payroll. Two long-time employees recently filed posts on Facebook indicating they will be laid off in June along with […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Everett schools reckoning with its #metoo legacy
NOW THAT FORMER Everett school superintendent Fred Foresteire is out of a job and facing charges for allegedly indecently assaulting three women, his former employees are speaking out about his […]
Posted inThe Download
Everett schools reckoning with its #metoo legacy
Now that former Everett school superintendent Fred Foresteire is out of a job and facing charges for allegedly indecently assaulting three women, his former employees are speaking out about his […]
Posted inTransportation
T makes quick fix on Red-Blue connector
THE MBTA, under fire from the chairman of its oversight board, quickly amended its draft, five-year capital spending plan this week to funnel $22 million more to expansion projects, including […]
Posted inGambling
Budget notes: Beacon Hill assuming Encore will open on time
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAMING Commission is currently meeting in private, trying to decide whether Wynn Resorts should be allowed to retain its casino license and open on time in June. But […]
Posted inUncategorized
House budget leaves big education, tax decisions until later
THE BUDGET BILL that will be up for debate on the House floor later this month takes care of some big areas of need but leaves some of the most […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
The Rollins rule: play straight with me
HERE IS ONE OFFENSE that clearly does not appear on Rachael Rollins’s “do not prosecute” list: A top official taking a tough swipe at her through the press without first […]
Posted inThe Download
The Rollins rule: play straight with me
Here is one offense that clearly does not appear on Rachael Rollins’s “do not prosecute” list: A top official taking a tough swipe at her through the press without first […]
Posted inOpinion
On budget planning, be cautious
THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE’S House Ways and Means Committee will unveil on Wednesday its budget proposal for state fiscal year 2020, which begins on July 1. Their budget document will describe […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Opinion
Rollins brings welcome change
SUFFOLK COUNTY District Attorney’s Rachael Rollins’s bold stances around criminal justice in Massachusetts are good for democracy. Her proposals to effectively limit the criminal stigma of some illegal offenses — […]
Posted inTransportation
Bills banning handheld cellphone use by drivers start moving
THE LEGISLATURE TOOK another step Tuesday towards advancing a bill that would crack down on handheld cellphone use by drivers. In a poll set to end Wednesday afternoon, members of […]
Posted inOpinion
As mayors, we need Warren’s housing bill
AFFORDABLE HOUSING and access to home ownership are cornerstones of a strong middle class. For generations, affordable rental housing was the first step in the American Dream. For generations, homeownership […]