government Archives

AFTER MATTIS

First “emerging adult” parole hearing held in Massachusetts since historic ruling on life without parole for those under 21

JEAN TROUNSTINE July 29, 2024

GOVERNING IN DARKNESS: Part 1

For centuries, critics have questioned whether the Governor’s Council, rife with conflict, should exist. In 2024, is the body obsolete?

JEAN TROUNSTINE July 25, 2024

THE POWER OF BIG PAPI

Commonwealth seeks no-bid contract with David Ortiz-tied EV charger company

DAN ATKINSON July 24, 2024

LACK OF TRAINS-PARENCY AT MBTA

The T commissioned multiple safety studies costing millions, but officials refuse to release the reports. Transparency advocates say the agency is using “Orwellian doublespeak” to conceal the findings.

DAN ATKINSON July 15, 2024

TESTIMONY BY INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS AND ALLIES

At the June 26, 2024 hearing regarding the Mass. journalism commission before the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses of the Mass. legislature

JASON PRAMAS June 27, 2024

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

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

PSYCHEDELIC SHOWDOWN

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

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