Many factors stressing Catholic schools throughout Massachusetts and the nation
THE ISSUE: Catholic schools across the country face declining enrollment and increasing costs.THE IMPACT: At least three Catholic schools in Massachusetts have recently announced they will not re-open...
View ArticleBaker's review of Weymouth compressor station applauded
Gov. Charlie Baker broke his long silence on the controversial natural-gas compressor station Monday, ordering state agencies to review the Fore River project's potential impact. Spectra Energy wants...
View ArticleMarijuana deal raises tax rate, alters pot shop ban rules
What do you think of the pot policy changes? Vote in the poll below.
View ArticleWITH POLL: Compromise pot bill nears Gov. Baker's desk
Both branches of the state Legislature on Wednesday signed off on a compromise bill overhauling the marijuana legalization ballot law, moving the long-awaited deal a step closer to Gov. Charlie Baker's...
View ArticleLynch wants EPA to run air tests for Weymouth compressor
Congressman Stephen Lynch, D-South Boston, made his comments Friday, at one of the sites where local groups have placed air-quality monitors. The groups are opposed to Spectra Energy's proposal to put...
View ArticleHealth officials urge vigilance on ticks
THE ISSUE: Ticks can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease and Powassan virus to humans.THE IMPACT: There were more than 4,500 reported cases of Lyme disease in Massachusetts in 2016, and...
View ArticleReimagined buses could boost transit options
THE CONCEPT: Bus rapid transit is a system of express buses traveling in dedicated lanes, with riders paying their fares at stations before boarding. The buses would get traffic signal priority at...
View ArticleControversial stormwater permit delayed
THE ISSUE: Citing ongoing litigation, the Environmental Protection Agency has delayed new stormwater regulations intended to strengthen clean water protections in Massachusetts.THE IMPACT: The...
View ArticleBill would ban compressor stations near homes, schools
BOSTON – A bill that would prohibit building a compressor station within a half-mile of highly populated areas, schools and playgrounds passed its first hurdle this week by getting a favorable report...
View ArticleWITH POLL: Gov. Baker says gender irrelevant as criteria to serve in military
Anyone fit to serve in the military should be allowed, regardless of their gender identity, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday, a day after President Donald Trump declared that transgender...
View ArticleIce Bucket Challenge week destined for state law
Lawmakers want to drench the first week of August in cold water, sending Gov. Charlie Baker legislation on Thursday to annually commemorate the catchy and frigid fundraising activity known as the Ice...
View ArticleFewer teens working summer jobs
THE ISSUE: Roughly 44 percent of Massachusetts teens are working summer jobs, compared to more than 61 percent in 2000.THE IMPACT: Teens who work summer jobs are more likely to develop marketable...
View ArticleExperts warn of mosquito risk
THE ISSUE: Mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and EEE pose a public health risk.THE IMPACT: There have been 27 mosquito sample pools to test positive for West Nile virus this year, as of...
View ArticleGovernor Baker signs rewritten recreational pot law
BOSTON -- Gov. Charlie Baker signed a law on Friday overhauling the marijuana legalization measure voters put on the books in November, and immediately afterward offered a cautious outlook on the...
View ArticleHave you seen a truck missing two wheels? State Police ask for help.
Early Monday morning, at approximately 5:35 a.m., a State Police cruiser was parked in a construction zone on Interstate 84 Eastbound, when it was struck by two wheels/tires, that came off of a passing...
View ArticleState's largest ambulance call center opens in Weymouth
Bewster Ambulance took its first 911 call in the center on Friday.
View ArticleSome schools will make up snow days with at-home assignments
THE ISSUE: Some schools are using at-home assignments to avoid making up snow days at the end of June.THE DETAILS: While Massachusetts has no formal policy, the state allows school districts to adopt...
View ArticleFederal bill could affect Massachusetts farm animal law
THE ISSUE: A proposal in Congress would prohibit states from taxing or regulating out-of-state businesses.THE IMPACT: Some analysts say the bill could affect parts of an approved 2016 Massachusetts...
View ArticleFederal bill could put pitchfork in Massachusetts farm animal welfare law
THE ISSUE: A proposal in Congress would prohibit states from taxing or regulating out-of-state businesses.THE IMPACT: Some analysts say the bill could affect parts of an approved 2016 Massachusetts...
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