news Archives

REMOTE JUSTICE: ON TRIAL IN ZOOM COURT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

“It’s impossible to advocate for someone [in court] over the telephone. … Anything you say or your client says is heard by everyone.”

JEAN TROUNSTINE May 19, 2020

TONE AND CONSEQUENCES OF REOPEN DEBATE ESCALATE ON CAPE COD

Reopening looks as likely to be undemocratic in Mass as it has been anywhere in the country, with employers acting as the ultimate arbiters of whether their workers will be forced to choose between accepting the health risks of returning to work or getting kicked off unemployment.

BRIAN Z. ZAYATZ May 14, 2020

mental health college students coronavirus

COLLEGE STUDENTS, NOW HOME, STILL STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

“I am not asking for awareness from everyone, but I am asking if you know someone who struggles with mental health to check up on them frequently and actually show them you want to help and support them.”

BELLA PELLETIERE May 8, 2020

TEACHERS AND CITY YEAR TEAM UP TO MANAGE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM CHALLENGES

“Quite honestly, a whole group discussion in the classroom was hard for some kids, so a whole group discussion on a Zoom session is like impossible.”

JORDAN FRIAS May 6, 2020

COVID PHOTOS: RESTAURANTS DELIVER FOR HEALTHCARE & SERVICE WORKERS

Countless tipped as well as hourly wage workers have seen their earnings slashed or vanished. Still, through it all, many local restaurants are providing meals to fellow restaurant workers who are impacted.

KEIKO HIROMI May 1, 2020

THE COUNCILOR WHO RESPONDED TO HATE WITH HOPE AND HELPED THROUGH THE PANDEMIC

With her first 100 days in office coinciding with the COVID-19 crisis, Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia perseveres in the interest of most vulnerable, disconnected populations

IÑAKI ESTÍVALIZ April 30, 2020

LANDLORDS CAN’T EVICT DURING PANDEMIC, BUT A BUNCH OF THEM TRIED

“It was sort of testing the water with it, seeing what [evictions] they can get away with. This legislation stopped folks in their tracks before it caught on.”

DAN ATKINSON April 29, 2020

MASS CRAFT DISTILLERS PETITION FOR “FIGHTING CHANCE” IN COVID ECONOMY

The petition asks officials to consider: excise tax relief for the alcohol used to make hand sanitizer; the ability to sell and ship products directly to consumers within the state; and the ability for bars and restaurants to sell cocktails with takeout food orders.

ERIC TWARDZIK April 25, 2020

LAWMAKERS AND ADVOCATES PUSH FOR MORE COVID-19 DATA FROM PRISONS

“It’s always helpful to have transparency in reporting data … Especially when we’re dealing with people’s health and safety, and when people are dying.”

SARAH BETANCOURT April 24, 2020

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC COULD CAUSE TROUBLED MASS COLLEGES TO CLOSE

From unique hurdles for New England institutions, to enrollment crises on the international and domestic fronts, to preexisting existential challenges, coronavirus may spell the end for some colleges and universities.

ARIELA SHAPIRO April 23, 2020