Massachusetts News & Current Events

More than six in every 1,000 people in the U.S. are behind bars, the highest incarceration rate in the world, despite the U.S. having lower crime rates than other countries. (Adobe Stock)<br /> <br />

Monday, April 22, 2024

Boston U. Prison Education Program celebrates 50 years of changing lives

Boston University's Prison Education Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and is hoping to expand. Students at Massachusetts Correctional …

128 of the 351 cities and towns in the state have had a change in their local clerk or chief election official since the 2020 presidential election, according to the Massachusetts Secretary of State. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Turnover in MA election officials as presidential election nears

Heightened scrutiny and harassment are helping fuel an increasing turnover rate of election officials in Massachusetts and beyond, according to a new …

The United Nations reported security threats in Haiti have forced the closure of some 900 schools, depriving approximately 200,000 children of their right to education. (Adobe Stock)

MA Haitian-led groups call for end to deportations as terror grips island

Haitian-led groups in Massachusetts are calling for a temporary pause in deportations as political instability and violence engulf the island…

Studies show the Earned Income Tax Credit and other rebates improve the health of mothers and infants, educational outcomes for children and future earnings of parents. But tax-prep volunteers say up to 20% of Massachusetts families who qualify for the refunds don't claim them. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

MA taxpayers benefit from IRS Direct File pilot program

Massachusetts residents can take advantage of a new pilot program from the Internal Revenue Service, which allows people to file their taxes online …

Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group Student advocates say the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative has already helped to grow cultural food options at Middlesex Community College, enroll eligible students for SNAP benefits at UMass Boston and provide meals for homeless students during breaks at Salem State University. (MASSPIRG)

MA students urge lawmakers to fund campus anti-hunger efforts

A coalition of college students and administrators is asking state lawmakers to help fight food insecurity on campus. The group is asking for $2 …

Massachusetts residents can call the MassHealth Service Center to speak with a counselor and determine if they qualify for a dual-eligible special-needs plan at 800-841-2900. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA seniors encouraged to take advantage of dual-use special needs plans

Health care advocates in Massachusetts said special health care plans are available for seniors and people with disabilities to help ensure they get t…

More than 71 million Americans saw a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments this year with the average retirement benefit increasing by more than $50 per month. (Adobe Stock)

GOP proposal threatens cuts to MA Social Security benefits

Congressional Republicans' proposed changes to Social Security have advocates for Massachusetts beneficiaries concerned about the future of the key sa…

In 2023, the Vatican's doctrinal office announced that transgender people could potentially be baptized in the Catholic church and serve as godparents but noted any baptisms should not risk

Queer churches in MA and nationwide offer all identities safe, sacred spaces

By Sara Youngblood Gregory for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public …

Atlantic herring serve as valuable bait for fishermen and lobstermen in Massachusetts, making them vital to the health of the state's blue economy, which grew 38% between 2009 and 2019. (Adobe Stock)

New England anglers seek greater protections for Atlantic herring stock

Recreational fishermen in New England say commercial trawlers are threatening the survival of smaller businesses relying on a healthy stock of Atlanti…

The American Federation of Teachers in Amesbury is calling on the School Committee to support an 8.04% increase to ensure level services for students and retain staff and reject an initial 3.16% proposal, which they say would be

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Proposed Amesbury school budget cuts rally parents, educators

The Amesbury School Committee will hear from educators and parents tonight as they rally to prevent more than $2 million in proposed cuts to their sch…

More than 75% of Massachusetts mothers with infants also work. For those who rely on child care facilities, the majority require parents to supply a week's worth of diapers at a time or find alternative care. (Adobe Stock) <br />

MA diaper distribution program helps families make ends meet

Supporters of a federal pilot program to distribute diapers to low-income families in Massachusetts hope to build upon its success. More than 1 …

The CDC's new COVID-19 isolation recommendations follow a decline in hospitalizations nationwide and as the disease falls from being the nation's third leading cause of death early in the pandemic, to 10th last year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Long-COVID fighters feel 'sucker-punched' by new CDC guidance

Advocates for people who suffer or have died from COVID-19 in Massachusetts and around the country say they're alarmed by new federal health recommend…

Massachusetts has been losing roughly 5,000 acres of forest each year to housing and industrial development as well as large-scale solar power installations, according to Mass Audubon. (Adobe Stock)

MA reforestation plan aims to counter urban heat islands

A proposed urban reforestation program in Massachusetts aims to help cities mitigate the effects of climate change. Legislation would create a state …

Following the Supreme Court's 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, Massachusetts lawmakers strengthened legal protections for abortion providers, mandated insurance companies cover abortion services, and expanded stockpiles of medication abortion drugs. (Kulbako) <br /><br />

'Deceptive' tactics by crisis pregnancy centers focus of MA legislation

Legislation in Massachusetts would ban some of the tactics used by "crisis pregnancy centers" to prevent people from having abortions. Many of the …

Studies show a correlation between ample tree canopy in urban areas and reduced heat-related ambulance calls during extreme heat events. (Adobe Stock)

New online tool helps Boston grow tree equity

A new online tool is helping community groups in Boston ensure all neighborhoods reap the benefits from urban tree canopies. The Tree Equity Score …

40% of public schools nationwide reported it was very difficult or difficult to fill mental health professional roles, during the 2022-23 school year. (Adobe Stock)

School counselors teach time management to counter students’ high rates of stress

Time management is an essential skill for academic success, but school counselors say it can also help counter students' increasing struggles with …

Every registered voter in Massachusetts received an official 2024 Vote by Mail application in January. In addition to the March 5 presidential primaries, voters can also use that application to apply for mail-in ballots for the Sept. 3 state primary and Nov. 5 state election. (Adobe Stock)

MA voters urged to register, complete mail-in ballots ahead of upcoming primary

Voters in Massachusetts are being encouraged to complete their applications for mail-in ballots ahead of next month's presidential primary. The …

New immigrants arriving in Massachusetts can expect to earn a median wage of about $24,000 per year, according to a report by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. (Adobe Stock)

Report: New immigrants adding to MA economy, workforce

A surge of new immigrants in Massachusetts is currently straining the state's emergency shelter system and budget but a new report found they will bri…

Education Support Professionals are working to lift their pay to achieve a living wage as defined by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Living Wage Calculator, which shows workers require a minimum of $45,000 to get by. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA public school support staff fight for a living wage

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering legislation to ensure Education Support Professionals in public schools earn a living wage. ESP's do it …

Over the last decade, the average grant aid per full-time undergraduate student has doubled, from $5,190 in 2001 to $10,590 in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

MA families in limbo as college financial-aid awards delayed

Families in Massachusetts will have to wait even longer for financial aid offers from colleges and universities this year because of an error in the F…

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who make roughly $60,000 or less get access to tax credits that can add up to over $8,000. (Adobe Stock)

MA agencies make expanded tax credits easier to access

Lawmakers in Massachusetts passed some of the nation's most generous tax credits - and now, help is available to make sure families can take …

The Greater Boston Food Bank reports one in three households in Massachusetts experienced child-level food insecurity in 2022. That means a child was hungry, skipped a meal or did not eat for<br />a whole day because there wasn't enough money for food. (Adobe Stock)

Stalled Farm Bill puts pressure on MA food banks

Massachusetts food banks are struggling to keep up with demand as the Farm Bill remains stalled in Congress. The bill is renegotiated every five …

Supporters of a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution said it is needed to protect future generations from crippling federal debt but opponents countered it could limit lawmakers' ability to cope with economic recessions or respond to national emergencies. (Adobe Stock)

Voting rights groups call constitutional convention efforts a threat to democracy

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering a resolution to convene a Convention of States, a process voting rights groups said could put civil …

In 34 states, low-income families are taxed at higher rates than everyone else despite having the least ability to pay. Just six states plus D.C., tax low-income families at lower rates, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Fair Share Amendment helps improve tax fairness in MA

A new analysis finds that Massachusetts' recently adopted millionaire tax makes the state and local tax system much more equitable. Adopted through …

The Jan. 6 Committee's final report revealed members of the Oath Keepers and other Trump allies stockpiled weapons near Washington, D.C., as they waited for the former president to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military for domestic law enforcement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Social media's 'networked incitement' the latest challenge to democracy

The use of social media to organize the Jan. 6 insurrection marked a turning point in American political protest, according to a leading media and …

Studies show the development and dissemination of vaccines have saved millions of lives and played a critical role in historic increases in average life expectancy - from 47 years in 1900 in the U.S. to 76 years in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Vaccination rates decline as health misinformation spreads online

Public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline in vaccination rates. Surveys …

Uninsured people are more likely to support public health insurance programs, but are less likely to vote than people with health insurance. Studies show this trend has contributed to a lack of Medicaid expansion in states that could benefit from it. (Adobe Stock)

Doctors say voting is critical to improving U.S. health care system

Voting is not only good for democracy - it's also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations. The American …

The housing crisis also affects renters. The U.S. is currently short more than 7 million homes available to renters with extremely low incomes. Only 33 affordable and available rental homes exist for every 100 of these households, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (Adobe Stock)

MA lawmakers pitch new investments in affordable housing

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., says the federal government needs to get creative in addressing America's affordable housing crisis. It will …

Some 51% of Americans say hidden fees for telecommunications services have caused them to exceed their budget for cable, internet or phone service. Two out of three Americans say they're paying more in hidden fees now than they did five years ago, according to Consumer Reports. (Adobe Stock)<br />

FTC, states propose new rules to target 'junk fees'

Federal and state regulators are cracking down on so-called "junk fees," which companies often use to hike prices on consumer products above what is a…

There were 45 book challenges in Massachusetts in 2022 affecting 57 titles, however no books have been banned in the state, according to the American Library Association. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Legislation aims to classify book bans as federal civil rights violations

New federal legislation would classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights law. The Books Save Lives Act would ensure …

Massachusetts had almost 5,000 fewer early educators, on average, in 2021 than before the COVID-19 pandemic, with roughly one in three child-care centers unable to serve their full capacity statewide, according to a report from The Boston Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

MA family child care providers ease shortage, seek greater state backing

Advocates in Massachusetts say increasing the pay of smaller, family child care providers could help ease the shortage and provide economic benefits …

A recent survey by the Anti-Defamation League found nearly three in four Jewish students in the U.S. have experienced or witnessed antisemitism this school year. The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has also opened investigations into alleged Islamophobic incidents at least a half-dozen colleges and universities. (Adobe Stock)

University presidents testify on rise of antisemitism on college campuses

College presidents testified before a congressional committee Tuesday on the rise of antisemitism on college campuses since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led …

The cost to attend public colleges in Massachusetts is increasing faster than it is in any other state, while the average graduate in Massachusetts carries more than $33,000 in debt. (Adobe Stock)

Student loan payment restart riddled with errors for MA borrowers

A new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found the repayment process for federal student loans has been filled with errors…

This past spring, the Federal Trade Commission accused Amazon of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Rule through its Alexa service by keeping the voice recordings of children indefinitely and failing to delete children's transcripts, even when requested by parents. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer watchdog: ‘Smart toys” put kids' privacy at risk

With the holiday shopping season underway, a consumer watchdog report is warning parents about the privacy risks associated with so-called 'smart …

A 2021 poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst found 65% of residents support same-day voter registration, compared to 28% who oppose it. (Adobe Stock)

MA groups push same-day voter registration to replace provisional ballots

Voting rights groups in Massachusetts say provisional ballot data from the 2022 statewide election highlight the need for same-day voter registration…

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy say MassReconnect could ultimately help more than 1 million people further their education, and will be paid for by revenue from the new

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Community college faculty in MA demand contract funding

The union representing faculty and staff at Massachusetts's 15 community colleges are demanding a pay raise. They're asking the state legislature …

Among households with a high school or college student, 44% said they experienced some form of educational disruption due to COVID-19, according to a BestColleges survey. They also responded they were worried about negative impacts on their students' ability to enroll or continue enrollment in college. (Adobe Stock)

Schools aim to prevent second-year college stop-outs

Colleges nationwide are improving services for students to ensure they stay enrolled after the challenging first two years. Administrators say their …

More than 6,000 blue economy businesses in Massachusetts employ a total of 100,000 individuals, who earn nearly $4 billion in annual wages. (Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers, scientists advocate for MA’s 'blue economy'

Lawmakers and scientists in Massachusetts are working to bolster the state's growing "blue economy." Several pieces of legislation aim to create a "b…

Massachusetts residents in non-subsidized housing with heat included in their rent may be eligible for a 30% reimbursement of their monthly rent paid back to them, according to MASSCAP. (Adobe Stock)

Home heating aid program in MA keeps families safe, warm

Winter is coming, and the annual statewide campaign to inform Massachusetts residents about available heating assistance is underway. Advocates for …

A legislative analysis of the EATS Act from Harvard says it

Family farm advocates in MA rally against EATS Act

A coalition of animal-welfare and family-farm advocates say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill jeopardizes states' ability to regulate their o…

Wages for low- and middle-income workers in Massachusetts have not risen substantially since the late 1970s, while wages for upper-income workers have increased fourfold, making it difficult for<br />people with low incomes to cover basic needs, according to to a study by MassBudget. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA 'baby bonds,' expanded tax credits aim to end racial wealth divide

Legislation introduced in Massachusetts aims to reduce the racial wealth gap by creating a statewide "Baby Bonds" program. It is a publicly-funded…

In Fiscal Year 2022, more than 2,500 union representation petitions were filed with the National Labor Relations Board, a 53% increase from FY 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Labor groups push to end tax breaks for union-busting

New federal legislation would prevent companies from getting a tax break for engaging in what are often illegal union-busting tactics. Labor groups …

Study finds youth voter turnout higher with mail-in voting

States in which all eligible voters are automatically mailed ballots had significantly higher youth voter turnout rates in 2020, according to a new …

Legislation introduced in Massachusetts would teach students about the Native American history of the region and the contemporary Indigenous peoples who live here, including the Aquinnah Wampanoag, Mashpee Wampanoag, Nipmuc and Massachusett. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA aims to teach Native American heritage, improve mental health

Advocates for Native American students in Massachusetts are working to improve high school graduation rates by improving students' mental health…

A survey of nearly 1,200 people nationwide found just 25% of people leave their leaves where they fall despite 72% of respondents acknowledging that fallen leaves and the leaf layer are beneficial to wildlife and biodiversity. (Adobe Stock)

More MA homeowners open to leaving leaves where they fall

Autumn leaves will soon be falling, and a growing number of homeowners in Massachusetts are willing to leave them on the ground. A new survey from …

Lawmakers and environmental groups celebrate creation of the American Climate Corps. It's part of the Biden administration's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been overburdened by pollution. (Office of Sen. Ed Markey)

Lawmakers, youth activists celebrate creation of American Climate Corps

A new federal jobs program aims to mobilize tens of thousands of young Americans to address the growing threats of climate change. The American …

The Massachusetts community action agency Citizens for Citizens prepares to distribute the first shipment of diapers and other necessary supplies to low-income families through the federal government's first diaper distribution pilot program. (MASSCAP)

Diaper Pilot Program Aims to Keep Families Healthy, Working

Massachusetts groups will be part of a new federal pilot program to help low-income families ensure they have the diapers they need to keep both babie…

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows 31% of Latino children and 18% of African-American children in Massachusetts live in poverty, compared to 7% of white children.<br />(Adobe Stock)

MA Part of Growing State Movement for Expanded Tax Credits

Massachusetts is on track to become the eighteenth state this year to enact targeted tax credits to help alleviate childhood poverty. New polling …

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