The Download: Long-stalled gambling data project moves forward
New Seaport tower showcases low-carbon cement from Somerville firm
The event celebrated the first commercial application of a new type of low-carbon cement, made entirely in Massachusetts, and its use to build Boston’s largest net zero office building.
Vote yes to let workers in the rideshare sector unionize
As someone who studies and works with companies and unions to build fair and productive collective bargaining relationships, I support this ballot initiative because I believe all workers should have the right to join a union if they want to do so.
O’Brien to Goldberg: ‘I did exactly what you asked me to do’
A copy of O’Brien’s remarks were provided by her legal team. Goldberg has not released her decision regarding O’Brien. The two sides appear headed for court.
Deaton poll reaches for a path forward
Republican John Deaton, has a steep uphill climb to defeat Democratic US Sen. Elizabeth Warren, but his campaign says an internal poll points to strengths he has and weaknesses for Warren that provide a pathway for him.
Carney should reopen as a full-service hospital
Why is the realization of this dream of equitable healthcare in Boston so urgent? Because the epidemiological landscape demands it.
Why I switched on MCAS
MCAS is the only measure we currently have to ensure all students in the Commonwealth are being taught the same content and skills, no matter their zip code.
75 municipalities now on board with MBTA Communities law
The event came after the town of Southborough, a Worcester County community that has a stop on the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line, narrowly voted to approve its multifamily zoning plan, making it a total of 75 communities “acting in good faith to follow the law,” according to Campbell.
Milton developing contingency MBTA rezoning plans
According to scenarios outlined in the slides, the primary goal of the new rezoning effort is to reduce the impact on East Milton and an adjacent area bordering Granite Avenue and increase the number of housing units that could be built in the area of Eliot Street, which borders the trolley line.
Post-Covid, 2019 traffic congestion study required reading again
“This year, traffic levels will exceed 2019 levels,” said Jonathan Gulliver, the state’s highway commissioner. He said congestion is worst on Wednesdays, Thursday mornings, and Friday afternoons, and notes Mondays and Tuesdays are hit or miss.
Brookline generational tobacco ban catching on in Mass.
Rather than setting a minimum age to buy tobacco and nicotine products, generational bans bar anyone born after a certain date from purchasing the products. As the name implies, the generational ban means tobacco and nicotine products will be off-limits forever to a younger generation within the geographical area covered by the ban.
Colarusso taking over as CommonWealth Beacon editor
A graduate of Columbia University and Columbia’s graduate school of journalism, Colarusso has also worked as digital managing editor at WGBH and digital opinion editor at the Boston Globe.
Lawrence General chief outlines vision for new hospital system
“So just watching it and say, ‘well, it’s not my problem, it’s Steward’s problem,’ was absolutely not an option from every perspective. If there was an abrupt reduction or discontinuation of services, there [would] be tremendous challenges in access to care and…we [would] have significant overcrowding and adverse impact to us as well.”
A new leader is changing Merrimack Valley health care
This week on The Codcast, John McDonough of the T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Paul Hattis of the Lown Institute are joined by Dr. Abha Agrawal, CEO of Lawrence General Hospital. They discuss her vision for a community-based health system, barriers to advancing equity in Merrimack Valley health care, and the hospital ‘safety net’ amidst a transition to 3 hospitals.
We need more stories like Bobby’s
As we have shown with cystic fibrosis here in Massachusetts, when the patients, families, scientists, academics, political leaders, and life science companies come together as one, there is no cure that is beyond our reach. Just ask Bobby.
Ware Police chief crossed fuzzy ethical line on new gun bill
The State Ethics Commission issued a public education letter – but no fine – to Ware Police Chief Shawn Crevier late last week, it said in a statement, “because the conflict of interest law’s application to political activity by public employees is complex, easily misunderstood, and in need of further public clarification.”
We need answers on Mass. hospital finances
The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association reports a $220 million Healthy Safety Net deficit for fiscal year 2025, following $380 million deficits in FY 2023 and 2024, totaling $600 million. It raises the question how exactly are hospitals burning through so much cash?
Mass. begins eminent domain taking of St. Elizabeth’s
“Taking the property for a fraction of the assessed value is theft and everyone in Massachusetts–every business owner and homeowner–should be concerned about this threat,” said an attorney for the landowner.,
Commuter rail employees getting suicide prevention training
Through this partnership, Samaritans will provide mental health and suicide prevention training to nearly 1,000 frontline commuter rail personnel.
Political Notebook: Ron Mariano, media critic | First lady or first partner?
“I mean, you guys have an obligation to write what’s really gonna happen,” House Speaker Ron Mariano huffed.