NEWS
CommonWealth Beacon cracks open the stories, personalities, and political machinations that impact residents across the state.
Explore sharp, thoughtful reporting that explores local dust-ups, statewide legislative trends, transformative court rulings, and policies that shape life in Massachusetts.
Senate, House cut deal on emergency shelter funding
Top lawmakers crafting the compromise supplemental budget bill landed on pulling an additional $251 million for fiscal 2024 from the so-called Transitional Escrow Account, a one-time revenue source that boasts a balance of $863 million.
Milton asking state to restore its grant funding
The Milton Select Board voted 3-2 Tuesday night to send letters to Gov. Maura Healey and other officials asking them to reverse course and restore state grants that were cut off because of the municipality’s noncompliance.
When young people think about the climate, despair follows
A new Earth Month poll of middle school and high schoolers across the country found that 72 percent of poll respondents say climate change is already impacting their lives – with 30 percent saying it already has a major impact and 42 percent saying a minor impact – and 53 percent believe it will be…
Calling Warren too partisan, Cain launches US Senate campaign
“There’s essentially a market opportunity here to provide new thinking, new perspective, and new energy in the United States Senate,” Cain said.
Steward has its doctors over a barrel in Optum deal
If the Optum purchase moves forward, Steward will directly transfer the previous provider agreements to Optum without an opportunity for physicians to negotiate a new deal, despite an entirely new corporate change-over.
Tibbits-Nutt’s remarks rile transportation task force
Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, the chair of the task force, told the group that the task force is looking at tolls along the state’s borders, a hike in the payroll tax, and new fees on Uber and Lyft rides and package deliveries. But Rooney said none of those issues had been discussed previously within the…
Aloisi comes to defense of Tibbits-Nutt
“I understand why there’s a kerfuffle because I’ve been in that position,” said Aloisi, a former transportation secretary himself under Gov. Deval Patrick. “It did remind me a little bit of me.”
Senate president intrigued by border toll idea
“I do believe that we need to be creative about our funding. And I do believe that it needs to be fair, because I believe the toll system right now is not fair at all,” said Senate President Karen Spilka.