Political endorsements, once considered part of every newspaper’s job description, are becoming a rarity. In Massachusetts, we’re one week away from primary day and many people have already voted by mail. Yet a search of newspaper websites indicates most publications haven’t endorsed anyone in their coverage areas. That includes the Gannett chain, which includes the […]
Massachusetts politics
Posted inPolitics
Second-guessing begins on Alex Morse allegations
HOLYOKE MAYOR ALEX MORSE is fighting for his political future, amid allegations that he had sex with students attending the university where he taught. Now questions are being raised about what is behind the allegations. Are they true, are they politically motivated, or is there some anti-gay animus at work? Morse, who is openly gay, is […]
Posted inThe Download
Second-guessing begins on Alex Morse allegations
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse is fighting for his political future, amid allegations that he had sex with students attending the university where he taught. Now questions are being raised about what is behind the allegations. Are they true, are they politically motivated, or is there some anti-gay animus at work? Morse, who is openly gay, […]
Posted inPolitics
Downing, Vennochi voice concerns on Baker
MASSACHUSETTS VOTERS GIVE Gov. Charlie Baker very high marks in general and for his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, but two guests on the CommonWealth Codcast criticized him for failing to think bigger, to take responsibility when things go wrong, and to use his political capital to address some of the more difficult challenges facing the […]
Posted inThe Download
Downing, Vennochi voice concerns on Baker
Massachusetts voters give Gov. Charlie Baker very high marks in general and for his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, but two guests on the CommonWealth Codcast criticized him for failing to think bigger, to take responsibility when things go wrong, and to use his political capital to address some of the more difficult challenges facing […]
Posted inPolitics
Mail-in ballots now central feature of election
IT’S NOW CLEAR that mailed ballots will assume a prominent role in the November presidential election. The only question is whether that role ends up being to helpfully expand access to the franchise to millions of Americans wary of heading to polling places during a pandemic, or to create mass chaos and uncertainty about the election. […]
Posted inThe Download
Mail-in ballots now central feature of election
It’s now clear that mailed ballots will assume a prominent role in the November presidential election. The only question is whether that role ends up being to helpfully expand access to the franchise to millions of Americans wary of heading to polling places during a pandemic, or to create mass chaos and uncertainty about the […]
Posted inThe Download
Worcester officials fed up with Charter/Spectrum
What happens when internet service is a barrier to remote learning? And what happens when resolving the internet access problem is in the hands of a private company, which holds a regional monopoly on broadband internet service and has no incentive to negotiate? That appears to be the case in Worcester, where city officials are going […]
Posted inThe Download
House police reform debate moves at glacial pace
The House on Wednesday moved at a glacial pace through the 217 proposed amendments to a police reform bill. By day’s end, according to the State House News Service, six amendments had been adopted, six rejected, and 34 withdrawn without a vote, leaving 171 for Thursday. The House bill would place limits on use of force, […]
Posted inState House News Service, Uncategorized
Legislature’s regular timetable may not be viable this year
THE TIME NEEDED to process legislation on Beacon Hill is running short – or is it? The typical end date for the legislative session is July 31, a week from Friday. Normally lawmakers end the session and head home to their districts to run for reelection. But this year may be different. Between the massive health […]