Author: Elizabeth Plese
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State and city officials urge forward motion with Morrissey panel’s final report in hand
State legislators and city officials are determined to move forward on the re-design of Morrissey Boulevard following the release of a final report by a state-appointed board last month. The Morrissey Boulevard Commission approved a draft of their findings last June with…
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New bill targets ‘humanitarian crisis’ in Mass prisons
Legislation targeting what advocates call a “humanitarian crisis” in Massachusetts prisons would enhance educational opportunities, mental health services, and other standards across the system, advocates say. The bill, introduced by Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid of Mattapan, would create universal standards for…
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Dot delegation has mixed feelings on state flag and redesign of seal
Dorchester legislators have mixed feelings about the new Massachusetts flag and seal design options that have been laid out by a state advisory commission. After a previous panel failed to select a design in 2023, the current commission sifted through…
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Boston advocates watching statewide ‘YIMBY’ push on housing matters
The “Yes in My Backyard” (YIMBY) movement is backing a legislative proposal that would amend local zoning laws statewide – except for Boston – and allow for a broader range of housing options, including streamlined approval for small lot subdivisions,…
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Bruce Hedison wants to be an advocate for teachers on the School Committee
Bruce Hedison, who retired to Newton in 2024 after 33 years of teaching in Hudson, seeks to bring his decades of experience to the Ward 7 seat of the School Committee. “I just bring a different perspective to the table,”…
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Candidate Jenna Miara seeks to strengthen School Committee’s relationship with community
Jenna Miara said she decided to run for the School Committee in reaction to the distrust between the school system and Newton community. “It became clear to me that we needed to change the way that we approached some of…
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Ain’t No Sunshine: Trump’s tariffs on steel, aluminum stall Newton’s solar plan
Construction of a solar canopy in the Memorial Spaulding Elementary School parking lot has been halted after Trump’s tariffs caused steel prices to soar. The city has made a consistent effort to stay at the forefront of the Commonwealth’s sustainability…