features Archives

Eternal Shuttle: The Cost And Inconvenience Of MBTA Track Repair In Photos

It’s clear that the MBTA is already looking past its shuttle costs, which according to bid documents are expected to run approximately $250 million over five years. This is a documentation of what Greater Bostonians endured during track repairs.

DEREK KOUYOUMJIAN November 25, 2024

RESEARCHING THE MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL

New series by Jean Trounstine includes original data set on Massachusetts judicial appointments culled from hundreds of paper files

BINJ ONLINE July 26, 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

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

PROFITS OVER PRISONERS?

While Massachusetts seeks a contractor to provide healthcare services for people in state prisons, advocates are pushing for stronger oversight of private operators as incarcerated people describe “deplorable” neglect and mistreatment By Dan Atkinson and Jean Trounstine For the past six years, Massachusetts has paid more than half-a-billion dollars to

DAN ATKINSON & JEAN TROUNSTINE January 12, 2024

SECOND LOOK

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that would reexamine harsh and mandatory prison sentences. The policy, which follows national trends, could have a significant impact on more than 1,800 people behind bars and their families.

JEAN TROUNSTINE October 3, 2023

DOES A NEW GOVERNOR SIGNAL A NEW DIRECTION FOR THE MASS PAROLE BOARD?

“I know that if Sarah Coughlin is appointed to the Parole Board, she will be the people’s Parole Board member.”

JEAN TROUNSTINE September 18, 2023