Massachusetts News & Current Events

The city-run Engagement Center is a low-barrier day facility, which serves a few hundred people each day from the nearby

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Engagement Center Finding Success Near Boston’s Troubled 'Mass and Cass'

Boston's 'Mass and Cass' area, with its large homeless population and open-air drug market, remains a trouble spot for city officials, but staff at …

It is said founding father Alexander Hamilton once remarked,

Wild Turkeys in MA: A Model for Conservation Efforts Nationwide

Wild turkeys are not only the official game bird of the Commonwealth but the latest champion of conservation efforts in Congress, where …

Community members work on a peace mural for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. Along with the Boston Public Health Commission, the group offers a Survivors Outreach Services program to deliver coordinated services to families affected by homicide. (Louis D. Brown Peace Institute)

Group Works to Build Peace Out of Despair in Boston

While community activists in some of Boston's south side neighborhoods have declared a state of emergency following a string of fatal shootings…

Supporters of Question 4 say granting licenses to drivers without legal status in the United States would reduce unnecessary arrests and reduce the time police spent when an immigrant without status gets pulled over. (Adobe Photo)

MA Advocates Laud Increased Resources for Non-English Speakers

On the heels of the midterm election, and passage of Question 4, which upheld a law allowing immigrants without legal status in the U.S. to receive …

The manufacturing industry regained 63% of the jobs lost during the pandemic, but the remaining 570,000 had not been added back by the end of 2020, despite a near-record number of job openings in the sector. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /> The manufacturing industry regained 63% of the jobs lost during the pandemic, but the remaining 570,000 had not been added back by the end of 2020, despite a near-record number of job openings in the sector. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Voc-Tech Schools in MA Help Reduce Skills Gap

Educators say Masschusetts's system of vocational-technical high schools could serve as a model for other states struggling with a critical shortage o…

1st Lieutenant Joe Mondello, U.S. Army (Retired), at Fort Sill Artillery and Guided Missile Center in Oklahoma, 1956. President Joe Biden declared July 16 as National Atomic Veterans Day to remember the service and sacrifices of America's atomic veterans. (Photo courtesy Joe Mondello)

Atomic Veterans in Massachusetts Seek Greater Recognition

The majority of atomic veterans who participated in America's nuclear bomb testing program between 1945 and 1962 are now gone, but one from …

Massachusetts voters approved the Fair Share Amendment, also known as the

MA Educators Celebrate Passage of Fair Share Amendment

Educators across the Commonwealth say voters showed their commitment to public education in the midterm election by passing the Fair Share Amendment…

Cambridge parent and Baby University graduate Shirley Elliott learned about her daughter Asira's emotional, physical and cognitive-linguistic growth in the course, setting her up for success in school and later in life. (Elliott)

'Baby University' Offers Life Skills, Community to New Parents in Need

Parenting was challenging even before the COVID pandemic, but a unique program in Cambridge teaches new parents the skills they need to nurture their …

Research from the National Institute on Aging links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks of high blood pressure, depression and cognitive decline. (Citizens for Citizens)

Retired MA Seniors Bring Life Experience, Hugs to Kids at School

A program matching low-income seniors with area schools in need of additional help is providing some retirees with a new outlook on life. The Foster …

The average value of home weatherization installation, including appliance replacement, attic insulation and more, is over $4,000, according to National Grid. (Adobe Stock)

Keeping Out the Cold: Weatherization Help for Those in Need

Community service agencies say many low- and moderate-income homes in the Commonwealth are unprepared for the winter cold and could benefit from a num…

According to the Campaign for HIP Funding, the Healthy Incentives Program has resulted in an additional $61 million in local economic impact across the Commonwealth. (Atlas Farms)

Farmers Markets Help MA Shoppers Eat Healthier, Beat Inflation

Some low-income shoppers might assume farmers markets, with their specialty products, are out of reach. But more of these markets in the Commonwealth …

In previous years, a typical election saw only about 3% to 5% of Massachusetts voters cast their ballots by mail. In 2020, the number of voters using mail-in ballots jumped to 41.7%. (Adobe Stock)

Make a Plan to Vote: Early Voting in MA Begins Oct. 22

Massachusetts early voting begins Oct. 22, and voting-rights advocates say it is important to have a plan for when, where and how you will cast your …

Despite having one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country, more than one in four Commonwealth residents reported that their families had unmet health-care needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Photo) <br /> <br /><br />

Open Enrollment for ACA Health Coverage Begins Nov. 1 in MA

Massachusetts continues to have the lowest uninsured rate in the country, at just under 2.5%, but folks still looking for a health plan - or who want …

The Massachusetts Teachers Association says high-stakes testing in schools is diverting precious time and energy needed for teaching and supporting students mental-health needs. (Adobe Stock)

Not Enough School Counselors to Meet Needs of MA Students

In Massachusetts schools, the counselor-to-student ratio is critically high, with one counselor for every 364 students. Some 70% of public schools …

According to MASSCAP, a single-family household in the Commonwealth could be facing more than $3,000 in home heating-oil costs to make it through the winter. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Preparing for Low Temperatures, High Energy Costs in MA

Community service agencies say requests for home heating assistance were increasing even before National Grid - the power company that serves many in …

In addition to a bill to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, there is legislation in Massachusetts to protect Native American heritage, remove racist mascots from schools, and teach Native American culture and history. (Adobe Stock)

Backers of Indigenous Peoples Day Vow to Keep Working for MA Recognition

While the Commonwealth still recognizes today as Columbus Day, backers of replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day said it would be an important …

The state of Massachusetts is soliciting proposals for 5,600 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2027, a vast increase from the 1,600 megawatt goal in the 2016 Act to Promote Energy Diversity.(Adobe Stock)

MA Working Through Fishing Industry Concerns About Offshore Wind

With many states working on becoming more carbon-neutral, Massachusetts is looking to offshore wind for its sustainable future. According to a 2021 …

Nuestras Ra�ces manages nine urban community gardens in Holyoke, plus four for the Holyoke Education System, supporting over 100 families with locally grown, fresh food. (Adobe Stock)

Celebrating 30 Years of Puerto Rican “Agri-Culture” in Western MA

The Holyoke area is home to many Puerto Rican families who say they will do what they can to help people there as they recover from the latest hurrica…

A new report by the Massachusetts Teachers Association shows the Commonwealth has the fastest-growing price tag for public college, and the second-fastest growth in student debt, nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Students Want College and University Debt Forgiveness, Too

Students bolstered by recent student debt forgiveness say their next challenge is canceling the debt carried by colleges and universities, which also …

The synthetic opioid Fentanyl was present in 93% of the drug-overdose deaths in 2021 for which a toxicology screen was performed, according to the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health. (Adobe Stock)

Narcan Trainers Enlist Public’s Help in Preventing MA Overdose Deaths

At libraries, colleges and even movie theaters, more people in Massachusetts are learning how to prevent an opioid overdose death by administering …

Puerto Rico was still recovering from Hurricane Maria when Hurricane Fiona struck the island last week, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without shelter, water service or electricity. (Adobe Stock)

MA Steps Up for Puerto Rico, Again

Massachusetts residents are being asked to step up, just as they did five years ago, to help their fellow Americans in Puerto Rico. The …

A University of Massachusetts study showed an uptick in sports betting in recent years is due partly to the increase in states that allow it, from 10 in 2019, to 30 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Kids' Exposure to Sports Betting a Risky Gamble in MA

Young people in the Commonwealth were already exposed to sports betting even before it was made legal last month. So, what will Massachusetts do to …

About 67% of firefighters in the United States are volunteers, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council. (automatic6517/Pixabay)

Volunteer Firefighter Shortage Spurs MA Departments into Action

If you dial 911, it is more than likely a volunteer firefighter will respond to your emergency, but in Massachusetts, there are not enough volunteers…

Advocates for the poor say the Covid pandemic revealed effective tools to reduce poverty in America. (Adobe Stock)

We Know What Works: How Covid Showed Ways to End Poverty

Childhood poverty was cut nearly in half during the Covid pandemic due to expanded federal programs like the child tax credit, and stimulus payments…

According to a 2021 report, about 80% of residents in the mostly immigrant-populated city of Chelsea were deemed essential workers, meaning they had to continue working during the less knowledgeable early days of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

A new internship program is looking to investigate health disparities among Massachusetts' immigrant population. The Immigrant Scholar Internship …

Much like coal and oil, woody biomass is a carbon-burning form of energy production that emits carbon dioxide. (Adobe Stock)

Massachusetts Helping Turn Tide on Biomass Energy

Clean-energy advocates are hopeful Massachusetts' leadership on fighting biomass pollution will drive change in other states and nations. The Bay …

Home weatherization programs have evolved from placing plastic on windows. Industry leaders say crews analyze many aspects of the structure, including heating and cooling systems, the electrical system, and electric baseload appliances. (Adobe Stock)

In MA, Green Jobs Abound for Home Energy Upgrades

When it comes to "green jobs," installing solar panels and building wind turbines are often mentioned, and community action agencies in Massachusetts …

It's “Make A Will Month": Expert Tips to Save Time, Money

August is "National Make a Will Month," and it's something the experts say too few people have done. They have some tips on saving you and your heirs …

According to a Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation study, fewer than half of Massachusetts adults in need of behavioral healthcare received it and feel they're always able to get an appointment. (Adobe Stock)

New Legislation Expands Mental-Health Provisions in MA

Legislation signed into law this month by Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to bring updates long overdue to mental-health services in Massachusetts…

A new report recommends schools increase the number of mental-health professionals on campus. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Massachusetts Ranks #1 in Child Well-Being

Massachusetts ranks first in the nation for children's well-being, according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation…

In Massachusetts, unpaid restitution can lead to extended probation, detention or placement, civil judgment or interest accrual, and it can prevent record-clearing. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MA Needs to Reform Youth Restitution Policies

A new report found imposing restitution on youth offenders often leads to higher recidivism rates for kids, pressure on families and further …

CFES Brilliant Pathways and its partners plan to train more than 5,000 College and Career Readiness Advisors over the next 18 months. (Sergii Mostovyi/Adobe Stock)

New England Nonprofit Trains Educators, School Staff in College Advising

By Nick Fouriezos for the Mile Markers newsletter via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Commonweath News Service for the Publ…

More than 60% of people surveyed who said they needed behavioral healthcare during COVID also said the pandemic exacerbated that need. (Adobe Stock)

MA Group: 988 Launch One Step to Shore Up Behavioral Health System

Massachusetts advocates for mental health are raising awareness about the new three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988. Like 911…

Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018, has paid out billions to settle lawsuits over Roundup's association with cancer. (Pixavril/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: Stop Using Toxic Pesticides on School Grounds

Environmental and health advocates are calling for a bill to keep toxic pesticides off school grounds before the legislative session concludes at the …

Voter turnout in 2020 broke records in Massachusetts. (Wayne/Adobe Stock)

MA Supreme Judicial Court Rules In Favor of Early Voting, Vote-By-Mail

Despite an attempt by some members of the Massachusetts GOP to block a new voting bill, good-government groups are raising awareness about the new …

In fall of 2021, more than 4,000 students were enrolled in early college programs across the Commonwealth. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Early College Gives MA High School Students Head Start on Degrees

A new report found when high school students enroll in early college programs, it improves the chances they will go on to college after graduation…

Numotion and National Seating and Mobility are the two largest wheelchair manufacturers in the U.S., and critics say a lack of competition can lead to slow repairs. (rudolfgeiger/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: Wheelchair Repair Process Needs Improvements

Advocates for people with disabilities are urging the Massachusetts General Court to pass what is known as the Wheelchair Warranty bill, to improve …

In 2020 alone, at least 2.58 billion cubic feet of methane gas leaked into communities and the atmosphere. (romaset/Adobe Stock)

Report: Last Decade Has Seen Too Many Methane Gas Leaks

A new report found in the last decade, there have been nearly 2,600 methane gas pipeline incidents in the U.S. serious enough to require reporting to …

Advocates for and families of children and teens facing mental-health crises say emergency departments are not healthy for kids to stay in for days or weeks. (chrisdorney/Adobe Stock)

Mental-Health Program Provides Alternative to Emergency-Room Boarding

On a given day in Massachusetts, more than 100 children and teenagers are brought to hospital emergency rooms because they're facing a mental-health …

Massachusetts currently does not have Certified Professional Midwives integrated into the health-=care system. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge MA Lawmakers to Bring Maternal-Health Bills Back

Groups that advocate for maternal health in Massachusetts are urging the General Court not to let legislation to increase access to out-of-hospital bi…

Massachusetts is one of 21 states that requires background checks and/or permits to purchase any handgun. (michelmond/Adobe Stock)

MA Educators, Nurses Join Call for Federal Gun Legislation

This Saturday, groups across the country are taking to the streets to call for federal legislation to prevent gun violence, in the wake of the recent …

For college students or young adults entering the workforce, analysts say short-term insurance plans can help with unexpected injuries or medical events before another plan kicks in. (Adobe Stock)

Preparing for College This Fall? Don't Forget Health Coverage

As graduating seniors in Massachusetts and around the U.S. carve out their immediate future, they are reminded to make health insurance a priority…

MA Orgs Push for Increased Voter Access, Fight for ‘Fair Share’

As the state's June 7 filing deadline for primary candidates running in federal races approaches, a growing number of Massachusetts organizations …

Food banks across Massachusetts and the nation have been stretched thin during the pandemic. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Wraparound Services Spotlighted for Community Action Month

May is Community Action Month, and Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts are raising awareness about the wraparound services they provide to low-…

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a rule classifying

MA Lawmakers, Advocates: Steps Needed to Tackle Ghost Guns

CORRECTION: A previously inaccurately stated ghost guns have no metal parts. (08:40 p.m MST., May. 4, 2022) Groups advocating for gun safety are …

Around 40% of young people who've experienced care will experience homelessness. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

MA Group: Campus-Based Supports Needed for Former Foster Youth

May is National Foster Care Month, and groups that serve foster youths and families say improvements are needed for outcomes and to reduce …

Sheriffs in Massachusetts are responsible for more than half the state's incarcerated population. (Mark Sardella/Flickr)

MA Campaign: Do You Know Who Your Sheriff Is?

Fewer than one in five Bay State voters can correctly name their local sheriff, according to a recent survey. To fill that knowledge gap, the …

Nearly 70% of voters who identify as Independents oppose overturning the decision in Roe v. Wade, according to a January poll by Marquette University Law School. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Groups: MA Should Protect Abortion Patients, Providers From Other States

Groups are calling on Massachusetts to pass legislation protecting patients and providers from other states' restrictive abortion laws in the event th…

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