It’s not easy comparing the cost of different modes of travel. With driving, for example, there are a lot more costs than just the per-mile cost of driving – the cost of the vehicle, insurance, maintenance, tolls, parking etc. This appendix delves into some of those costs and how they have changed over time. It […]
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Poftak: MBTA needs more capacity to meet spending goals
MBTA OFFICIALS WHO have struggled to meet existing capital spending goals want to pour much more into upkeep and modernization projects, a goal that could fuel activists’ demands for more revenue for the system. To spend $1.5 billion annually on state-of-good-repair projects, the T will need to boost its own operational capabilities, MBTA General Manager […]
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When muskets defended the editorial page
MUCH HAS CHANGED in the national discourse since a pro-war rabble two centuries ago tore down a Baltimore newspaper building, besieged the paper’s editor, and later broke into the city jail to attack him yet again. But while legal and conventional structures have been erected to protect a robust free press, the baying mob hasn’t […]
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Herald puts up paywall, trims payroll more
THE BOSTON HERALD is putting up a paywall and continuing to reduce its payroll. Two long-time employees recently filed posts on Facebook indicating they will be laid off in June along with a number of coworkers. The Facebook posts said their jobs are being outsourced to Michigan. At least one editorial employee is also being let go. […]
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As Women’s Month ends, let’s stop wage theft at Logan Airport
Marlisa Thompson was happy when FSS — an airline contractor that does work for JetBlue, Lufthansa, and British Airways — hired her in 2014 as a security guard at Logan Airport. “I was just so excited, because, wow, if you get in at the airport, that’s a plus,” she said. But her excitement soon dwindled. She was on her […]
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Kravetz steps down as GM of WBUR
CHARLIE KRAVETZ, who helped WBUR grow into a public radio powerhouse, is out as the station’s general manager. In a joint statement, Boston University, which owns the radio station license, and Kravetz cited the opening of a new meeting venue called CitySpace and the conclusion of a union organizing campaign at WBUR as events that […]
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Will Gillette get nicked or boosted by #MeToo ad?
IF THERE WAS any doubt that heated debate and division can break out over nearly any topic in American life today, it’s been dispelled by the brouhaha over a new television ad by shaving giant Gillette. The nearly two-minute spot, which was rolled out on social media on Monday, is the Boston-based company’s response to […]
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Lawmaker salaries going up 5.9%
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE TWO YEARS AFTER legislators ignited an uproar by voting through a generous package of pay raises for themselves and other public officials, the salaries for top ranking elected officials and rank-and-file legislators on Beacon Hill are going up again. Gov. Charlie Baker certified a pay raise of 5.93 percent for the […]
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‘Beat the Press’ celebrates 20 years
Emily Rooney, who is celebrating her 20th year hosting Beat the Press on WGBH, says the biggest change she’s witnessed over that time period has been in the news-gathering business itself. In television, the network and local news shows have narrowed their focus and range. Locally, she says, the focus increasingly is on traffic, weather, […]
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Since I came to CommonWealth nearly 10 years ago after a couple decades in the newspaper industry, I tell people there is not all that much difference. “I went from one non-profit to another,” I often say. “It’s just that this one does it on purpose.” It is, like most things for us reporters and […]