NEWS
CommonWealth Beacon cracks open the stories, personalities, and political machinations that impact residents across the state.
Explore sharp, thoughtful reporting that explores local dust-ups, statewide legislative trends, transformative court rulings, and policies that shape life in Massachusetts.
Meet the Team
New survey shows that Asian and Pacific Islander Americans are concerned about cost of living, lean Democrat, and have high levels of civic engagement
Despite being the fastest-growing population group, APIA voices are often overlooked due to sparse data. A new report aims to change that.
Two companies, one roof, and the Boston mayoral race
On a tree-lined street in Medford, tucked away inside a strength training gym, there’s an office that’s been doing some heavy lifting in the Boston mayor’s race.
Cannabis commission remains short-handed as the agency works on social consumption and other pressing issues
The Cannabis Control Commission is down to just 3 members, with no timeline for appointing a new chair or commissioner with big decisions – including social consumption rules – ahead.
Feds blame ‘sanctuary policies’ in Milford teenager’s immigration arrest
A Milford High School junior was not the target of a federal immigration enforcement investigation and his arrest was the byproduct of “sanctuary policies,” federal officials said.
Average summer temps in Massachusetts have risen by 2.75 degrees Fahrenheit in past 55 years, according to new data
The 2.75 degrees Fahrenheit might sound like a small change in a state where temperatures can vary from below zero to around 100 degrees, but it is a very significant rise over the time period given historical temperature trends, said Jen Brady, a meteorologist at Climate Central.
On reproductive and transgender care, Massachusetts urged not to rest on its laurels
Advocates and care providers are asking the state to bolster and expand its nation-leading abortion and transgender care shield law. Better data security and limiting who can share patient information are key, they say, as other states ramp up efforts to prosecute doctors across state lines.
As ICE touts island arrests, Healey highlights ‘fear’ and ‘anxiety’
Gov. Maura Healey at an unrelated press conference Wednesday raised questions about due process and a lack of information about those arrested.
Boston stays the course, despite Trump yanking violence prevention grants
While the city plans to deploy more than $5 million to youth public safety efforts, and the state funds a robust set of programs aimed at at-risk youth and violence prevention, the US Department of Justice under President Trump has concluded that such programs no longer further “program goals or agency priorities.”
DEP delays electric vehicle sales requirements for two years
The Healey administration announced it will not enforce minimum electric vehicle sales requirements for model years 2026 and 2027.
Pay increase doesn’t undercut union retaliation claim in Newton, SJC rules
The Supreme Judicial Court decided against adopting a rule that would allow an employer to retaliate for union activity just because they met the terms of a collective bargaining agreement.
‘Pay now or pay greater later’: Mass. health centers CEO warns Medicaid cuts will lead to higher costs and strain to health system
Thirty percent of the Massachusetts population (2.1 million residents out of 7.1 million) are on Medicaid.
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