BINJ Investigative Features

THE MBTA’S ‘BILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION MARK’

Speaking of high fares and tardiness, will the T have to pay private lenders for being late to deliver its new collection system?

DAN ATKINSON June 18, 2024

FACIAL ANIMOSITY

As Massachusetts lawmakers weigh new facial recognition rules, their own guards shop for AI-enhanced surveillance that privacy advocates call “chilling,” “unlawful,” and “racially biased”

DAN ATKINSON May 20, 2024

THE ANTI COALITION

Advocates decry “shadow campaign” subverting ballot initiative to legalize psychedelics in Massachusetts

JACK GORSLINE May 8, 2024

GRADING THE PAROLE BOARD

The Massachusetts Parole Board still faces big challenges despite making some improvements this past year. Its final member was approved this week, but is the body equipped to operate efficiently?

JEAN TROUNSTINE April 3, 2024

From generating buzz around their cause to getting heard on Beacon Hill, psychedelics advocates had a big March. But underneath the wins, fractures in the movement as well as external opposition could undermine legalization efforts.

JACK GORSLINE April 3, 2024

FEATURE FOLLOW-UP: SURREPTITIOUS SIMULATION

Massachusetts State Police purchased cell-phone surveillance tech that civil liberties watchdogs say invites concerning violations of constitutional protections. Is it too late for privacy advocates and lawmakers to put accountability measures in place?

DAN ATKINSON April 3, 2024

PSYCHEDELIC STANDOFF

One side is behind the ballot initiative to regulate access to psychedelics. The other side has been advocating and organizing grassroots efforts across New England.

JACK GORSLINE February 8, 2024

STINGRAYS, SIMULATORS, SURVEILLANCE, AND SILVERADOS

How Massachusetts State Police are using the opioid crisis to pursue “profound and dangerous erosions of privacy and civil liberties”

DAN ATKINSON February 6, 2024

A “NEW HOPE”

What the Mattis decision means for parole in Massachusetts—unprecedented opportunities for release from life sentences, updated trainings for attorneys, and a big shift in the system

JEAN TROUNSTINE February 1, 2024

FARE GAME

After years of delays, the MBTA is finally about to roll out a new fare-collection apparatus. Will it only lead to more problems for the embattled agency?

DAN ATKINSON January 22, 2024