Government  

 

 

Immigration

Before a License, an Immigration Check?


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts Senate is expected to debate a controversial amendment to the state budget that would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to check for proof of lawful immigration status before issuing driver's licenses.
Business

State Opens Investigation into Facebook IPO


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts’ top securities regulator has subpoenaed Morgan Stanley related to allegations that it misled most shareholders about the value of Facebook's IPO.
Health Care

'Safety-Net' Hospitals Awarded Federal Funds


By Sarah Birnbaum
The federal government has approved the use of $628 million to implement cost-saving reforms at seven Massachusetts hospitals that treat many of the state’s poorest residents.
Courts, Crime & Police

AG Moves to Close Drunk-Driving Loophole


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts lawmakers are trying to change a part of the state's drunk driving law that advocates say could let thousands of drunk drivers get back on the road sooner than expected.
Health Care

On Island, Health Care Coverage Gaps Are Common


By Sean Corcoran
Nantucket is getting ready for summer — a busy time not just for vacationers but for the island's labor force. But there's a serious side to island living, especially for those residents who aren't employed all year round: a gap in health insurance coverage.
Government

This Week in State Politics: On TV and in D.C.


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick welcomes cable industry executives and celebrities to Boston, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray travels to the Pentagon and the state House and Senate debate spending and jobs.
Government

After a Tragedy, Life Jackets at Camp


By Sarah Birnbaum
A grieving father is calling for legislation at the Massachusetts State House aimed at preventing child drownings.
Economy

State Unemployment Hits Lowest Level Since 2008


By Cristina Quinn
Figures show the Massachusetts jobless rate dipped to 6.3 percent in April, down from 6.5 percent in March.
Business

Facebook, Phone Home!


By Kristina Finn & Danielle Dreilinger
With the big IPO in the headlines, Mass. House Speaker Robert DeLeo put together his own sales pitch: to convince Mark Zuckerberg to move back to the Bay State.
Government

State Senate Opens Debate on Health Care Costs


GOV. PATRICK WEIGHS IN
By Sarah Birnbaum
The bill would control the cost of health care in Massachusetts. But is it necessary — or too much?
Government

Governor Sets Requirements for Health Care Bill


STATE SENATE OPENS DEBATE ON BILL
By Sarah Birnbaum
Deval Patrick weighed in for the first time since the state House and Senate unveiled competing versions of bills to rein in health care spending, listing four elements a final bill must have.
Government

Lawmakers Support Universities and Infrastructure


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. House leaders unveiled plans on Monday to boost the budget for universities and local infrastructure programs as part of an omnibus economic development bill. 
Government

Attorney General Calls for Change to Open Meeting Law


THE STATE INTEGRITY INITIATIVE
By Danielle Dreilinger
The attorney general's move comes as no surprise to those who have followed the State Integrity Investigation, a nationwide look at corruption risk.
Government

This Week on Beacon Hill: Love and Money


By Sarah Birnbaum
The budget process moves forward, the Mass. Senate tries to cut health care costs and the state marks 8 years of legal same-sex marriage.
Election 2012

The Democratic Core in Election 2012


By WGBH News
Latinos, African Americans, millennials, gay voters — all were key supporters in Obama's run for the White House in 2008. But will they come out in force in November? WGBH News and NPR bring you their views and voices.
Health Care

State Senate Targets Health Care Costs


By Sarah Birnbaum
With health care spending growing at least twice as fast as the overall economy, state Senate leaders released a proposal on Wednesday to drastically rein in the costs. The Mass. House released a similar measure last week.
Gambling

Gaming Official Turns Down Job


By Adam Reilly & Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick said he hoped the resignation of Carl Stanley McGee would let the new state Gaming Commission proceed with its work.
Economy

Paul Krugman Talks Solutions on Greater Boston


KRUGMAN ON THE FORUM NETWORK
By Jared Bowen
Forget "recession," forget "downturn." We're in a depression, Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman says — and he thinks he knows how to fix it.
Education

What's the Best Fix for Community Colleges?


By Abbie Ruzicka
Community college advocates say the system's been neglected in the face of booming enrollment. But they differ about what the colleges need in order to provide a strong education and job training in the 21st century.
WGBH News Focus: The MBTA

MBTA Chief Mulls Your Ideas


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: THE MBTA
By Bob Seay
Could the state take back the Big Dig debt? Could the MBTA expand service? Richard Davey, secretary of MassDOT, responds to WGBH listeners' ideas.
WGBH News Focus: The MBTA

Former Transportation Chief: The T's Troubles


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: THE MBTA
Fred Salvucci headed the state transportation department under two administrations. He talked to WGBH's Bob Seay about his take on the MBTA.
WGBH News Focus: The MBTA

Should Massport Help the T?


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: THE MBTA
By Bob Seay & WGBH News
Former state transportation secretary Fred Salvucci says there's one dramatic and simple fix for the MBTA's debt: Have Massport pick it up. Here's the agency's response and your thoughts on the Big Dig debt.
WGBH News Focus: The MBTA

The MBTA Answers Your Questions


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: THE MBTA
By WGBH News
Talk to the top, we said — and you did. Hear what MBTA general manager Jonathan Davis had to say in response to your calls and survey responses.
WGBH News Focus: The MBTA

MBTA Riders Disrupt Budget Debate


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: THE MBTA
By Jordan Weinstein
Mass. House officers closed down public access to the chambers after a group of seniors and people with disabilities interrupted proceedings to protest MBTA fare hikes.
Health

From Fat Boston to Fit Boston?


By Adam Reilly
Mayor Tom Menino is introducing an ambitious program to get residents to collectively drop 1 million pounds in the next year. But will it fly?
Government

Commission Targets Corporate Tax Incentives


By Sarah Birnbaum
A bipartisan commission has unanimously approved recommendations to track and assess the performance of business tax breaks.
Government

Budget Season on Beacon Hill This Week


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Mass. House of Representatives is considering a $32.3 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Economy

MIT Aerospace Center Could Save Hanscom Jobs


By Sarah Birnbaum
MIT is proposing a multi-million-dollar new research facility at Hanscom Air Force Base at a time when state officials are worried Pentagon cutbacks could mean steep job losses.
Government

Beacon Hill Examines Municipal Unemployment System


By Sarah Birnbaum
City and town leaders pleaded with state lawmakers to fix the municipal unemployment system, saying that questionable claims are draining town budgets.
Gambling

The Lottery: Who Wins, Who Loses?


EMILY ROONEY: THE LOTTERY
By WGBH News
Massachusetts has one of the most successful lotteries in the country. But as the lottery turns 40 this week, not everyone is celebrating.
Gambling

Gambling Commission Looks for Expert Guidance


By Sarah Birnbaum
The newly formed gambling oversight board is holding a conference to learn about what will be a multi-billion-dollar addition to the state's economy.
Government

Proposed Budget at Odds with Governor's Plan


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo unveiled a $32.3 billion state budget that would deal a blow to some of Gov. Deval Patrick's major policy initiatives.
Social Issues

'Death with Dignity': One Family's Story


By Adam Reilly
This fall, Bay State voters will likely be asked to weigh in on the so-called Death with Dignity Act. Heather Clish’s father ended his life in Oregon using a similar law. She shared her family's experience with Greater Boston.
Government

At the State House: Legalizing Medical Marijuana


By Sarah Birnbaum
There is evidence that Massachusetts residents support legalizing marijuana for medical uses. But at a public hearing on a proposed ballot initiative on the issue, Beacon Hill was decidedly lukewarm.
Transportation & Infrastructure

Lawmakers Consider T Bailout Bill


By Sarah Birnbaum
The debate over how to close the MBTA’s huge deficit is in lawmakers' hands now. 
Government

This Week on Beacon Hill: Budget Season


By Sarah Birnbaum
Immigration advocates rally, transportation officials testify on a bill transferring funds to the MBTA and the Massachusetts House unveils its budget for fiscal year 2013.
Energy

Power's Out? You Might Get Paid


By Sarah Birnbaum
The state Senate unanimously passed a measure that would compensate ratepayers for prolonged power outages.
Transportation & Infrastructure

MBTA Board Passes Unpopular Fare Hike


By Sarah Birnbaum
The board that oversees the Mass. Bay Transportation Authority voted 4-1 in favor of fare increases and modest service cuts as the crowd of 200-plus riders shouted "shame on you."
Courts, Crime & Police

Cahill Defends Himself Outside Courthouse


IS THE PUBLIC FED UP?
By Adam Reilly
Former state Treasurer Tim Cahill pleaded not guilty to charges that he used public funds to advance his own career. 
Transportation & Infrastructure

T Riders Make Last Push to Influence Board


BOARD PASSES FARE HIKE
By WGBH News & Wires
In the final hours leading up to a key Mass. Bay Transportation Authority board meeting, protesters gathered to decry a fare hike plan.
Government

Governor Blames GOP for Gridlock in Congress


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick criticized congressional Republicans Tuesday, saying they're blocking President Barack Obama’s efforts to fix the economy.
Government

Is the Public Fed Up with Politics as Usual?


FORMER TREASURER INDICTED
By Adam Reilly & WGBH News
After Tim Cahill's indictment on corruption charges for lottery ads, politicians are saying everyone does it — and some observers say that's the problem. Also: What's your grade for corruption in Massachusetts?
Government

Former Treasurer Indicted for Corruption


YOUR CORRUPTION REPORT CARD
By WGBH News
Attorney General Martha Coakley alleged that Tim Cahill used publicly funded lottery ads to advance his candidacy for governor in 2010. Cahill's former campaign manager and his former chief of staff were also indicted.
Government

This Week in State Politics: Same-Sex Marriage and the MBTA


By Sarah Birnbaum
A law banning the recognition of same-sex marriage law heads to federal appeals court in Boston and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority board is poised to approve service cuts and fare hikes.
Innovation Hub

A New Look For The Tax Code


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
Does our tax system make any sense? We ask two top economists how they would reinvent and rethink.
Government

Panel Recommends Limits on EBT Card Use


By Sarah Birnbaum
A Massachusetts commission is recommending new restrictions on Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT cards — the debit cards that replaced food stamps. Some lawmakers say the proposals don’t go far enough. 
Courts, Crime & Police

'Stand Your Ground' Law in the Bay State?


By Adam Reilly
Despite Gov. Deval Patrick's opposition, several lawmakers are backing a self-defense bill that's similar to the Florida law at the center of the Trayvon Martin shooting.
Transportation & Infrastructure

Governor: State Needs a Long-Term Transit Solution


By Toni Waterman & Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick said he supports the MBTA's plan to bridge a $185 million budget gap but warned that it is only a short-term fix.
Health Care

The History Lessons of Health Care


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: HEALTH CARE ON TRIAL
By Phil Redo & Bob Seay
A look at the last century of health care and health insurance through video — including some proposals that seem ideologically unusual today.
Energy

Bill Seeks to Lower Your Electric Costs


PREVIOUS COVERAGE
By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts Senate plans to take up an omnibus bill this week aimed at controlling electricity costs by authorizing more frequent reviews of proposed rate hikes and requiring competitive bidding for green energy.
Government

Three Former Mass. Probation Officials Indicted on Fraud


By Sarah Birnbaum
A former commissioner and two deputies pleaded not guilty to charges of seeking favors in exchange for hiring job applicants sponsored by state lawmakers. (AP photo)
Gambling

A Long Delay Possible for Casinos in Mass.


By Sarah Birnbaum
When the casino bill passed in November 2011, top lawmakers said shovels would be in the ground within 3 to 5 years for casinos, and even sooner for a slots parlor. The newly formed gambling commission says that timetable may be unrealistic. 
Government

Governor Responds to Corruption Risk Investigation


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
By Sarah Birnbaum
The executive branch earned a C-plus on the nationwide State Integrity Initiative, which looked at laws on the books to prevent corruption in government.
Gambling

Final Two Members Appointed to Gaming Commission


On Tuesday, the governor's office announced the remaining two appointments to the state board that will oversee the new casino industry: retired judge James F. McHugh and City of Springfield administrator Bruce Stebbins.
Communications & Media

City Councilor Stands Up for 'Damned' Lawrence


By WGBH News
Lawrence city councilor Dan Rivera said the city has problems but is "trying to figure it out." PLUS: Boston Magazine writer Jay Atkinson talks about his controversial story.
WGBH SPECIAL REPORT

The State Integrity Project



When Tim Cahill was indicted on April 2, it was yet another reminder of the state's patchy record on corruption. WGBH News is exploring the risk for corruption in Massachusetts as part of a nationwide initiative.
Government

This Week in State Politics: Gambling, Courts and Utilities


By Sarah Birnbaum
On Beacon Hill, judges make the case for more state funding for the trial courts, officials weigh the proposed NStar-Northeast merger and the final members of Massachusetts Gambling Commission are expected to be announced.
WGBH Special Reports

Mass. Earns a C on National Corruption Risk Index


FILL OUT YOUR MASS. CORRUPTION REPORT CARD
By Sarah Birnbaum
When you think of Sal DiMasi and his two convicted predecessors, Massachusetts can seem like a hotbed of political intrigue. See how we ranked in a new nationwide study of corruption risk.
Government

Your Take: A Mass. Corruption Report Card


THE STATE INTEGRITY INITIATIVE
By WGBH News
Tim Cahill's indictment was another reminder of the long history of corruption in Massachusetts. What does that mean for your grade on the corruption report card?
WGBH Local News

Insurance Claims & Lemon Cars Top List of Consumer Complaints


By Sarah Birnbaum
Thousands of callers contacted the state's Office of Consumer Affairs last year to lodge complaints. See which five top the list.
Transportation & Infrastructure

MBTA Plans to Raise Fares, Cut Service


By Danielle Dreilinger
State transportation secretary Richard Davey said that despite public outcry, major changes were needed to close a $159 million budget gap. 
Transportation & Infrastructure

Lawmakers: We Have to Fix the T ... Somehow


By Sarah Birnbaum
As the debate continues over proposed fare hikes and service cuts for Boston-area mass transit, advocates called Monday for a long-term solution to the state's transportation funding problems.
Gambling

Treasurer: Gaming Pick Knows Procurement, Transparency


By WGBH News & Wires
Enrique Zuniga, the third person named to the five-member gaming commission, has worked for the state Water Pollution Abatement Trust and School Building Authority.
Government

This Week on Beacon Hill: Hearings and Complaints


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in state politics, the debate over MBTA fare hikes and service cuts is about to enter a new phase, the state announces the top five consumer complaints and a rally is planned at the State House to push for a change in sex abuse laws.
Energy

The Question of Green Jobs and Energy Costs


Sean Corcoran's Cape Wind blog
By Sarah Birnbaum
A bill aimed at lowering state electricity prices spurred a debate on jobs Thursday at a hearing of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Utilities and Energy. 
Education

Lawmakers Consider Raising Dropout Age


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Legislature's Joint Education Committee is set to vote on a bill today to change the high school dropout age from 16 to 18. However, questions about funding remain unanswered.
Government

Put That in Your Ballot Box and Smoke It


By Sarah Birnbaum
Lawmakers held a public hearing Tuesday on a bill to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana.
Government

This Week in State Politics: Super Tuesday Looms


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in Massachusetts state politics, Sen. John Kerry addresses the Bay State business community, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray continues his tour of military bases and voters head to the polls to choose presidential nominees. 
Health Care

Expanded HIV Testing May Come to Mass.


By Sarah Birnbaum & Wires
The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill on Thursday aimed at expanding HIV testing in the state.
Government

State Considers Option to Free Terminally Ill Prisoners


By Sarah Birnbaum
A state Legislature hearing turned contentious over a bill that would permit compassionate release of terminally ill inmates.
Gambling

Putting Pieces Together at the State Gambling Commission


By WGBH News
On the day Attorney General Martha Coakley announced her appointment to the state casino gambling oversight panel, chairman-designate Stephen Crosby talked to WGBH News about working for a virtual startup.
THIS WEEK ON BEACON HILL

Patrick Hobnobs with Obama, and More


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in Mass. state politics, Gov. Deval Patrick continues his whirlwind tour of the nation's capital, former House speaker Sal DiMasi fights for his pension and the treasurer mulls online lottery sales.
Mental Health

Advocates Fight State over Mental Hospital Closure


By Abbie Ruzicka
At a Wednesday budget hearing, Southeastern Mass. lawmakers criticized the state's decision to close Taunton State Hospital. The state says closing the facility won't affect services.
Government

For Controversial Office Complex, a New Approach


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. lawmakers are pushing a bill to allow the medical software company Meditech to build an office complex on an Indian burial ground — and it's causing friction with Secretary of State William Galvin.
Government

At the State House, a Budget and a Burial Ground


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in state politics, the Legislature holds a public hearing on a bill that could pave the way for 800 jobs on the South Shore — on the site of a historic burial ground — and lawmakers discuss part of Gov. Deval Patrick's budget proposal.
Animals

How to Solve the Coyote Problem?


By Toni Waterman
After several high-profile dog deaths, lawmakers, communities and dog owners are grappling with how to prevent coyote attacks.
Transportation & Infrastructure

Emotions Run High at Malden MBTA Hearing


LAWMAKERS PUSH BACK
By Ibby Caputo
Media attention focused this week on the hearings at the Boston Public Library, where hundreds staged a protest — but transit users in the outskirts of the Orange Line are just as mad.
Energy

Cape Wind Deal Done, Governor Says OK to Merger


WCAI CAPE WIND BLOG
By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick has agreed to sign off on a merger between NSTAR and Northeast Utilities, removing a major roadblock from the $17.5 billion deal. The state had been holding off while the utilities negotiated a side deal to buy renewable power from Cape Wind.
Local Politics

Why Can't Cambridge Choose a Mayor?


By Jordan Weinstein
Every other year, as regular as the groundhog, Cambridge's City Council experiences gridlock trying to choose a mayor. What gives?
Transportation & Infrastructure

Lawmakers Push Back on Potential MBTA Solutions


By Sarah Birnbaum
Legislators may be approaching an impasse over how to handle potential cuts and hikes at the MBTA: At a Tuesday State House hearing, people from different regions of the state couldn't agree on a fix.
Health Care

Drug Shortages Compromise Care, Doctors Say


WGBH NEWS: HOSPITALS FACE SHORTAGES
By Sarah Birnbaum
Hospitals' inability to keep sufficient stores of medication on hand is endangering patients' lives, officials said at a Monday State House hearing.
Government

This Week On Beacon Hill, It's Rx 'N' T


By Sarah Birnbaum & Wires
This week in Massachusetts politics, state lawmakers discuss prescription drug shortages, transit funding and offshore wind farms. 
Poverty

Cracking Down On EBT Abuse


By Danielle Dreilinger
Republican lawmakers are putting pressure on Gov. Deval Patrick to overhaul what items publicly funded EBT cards can be used to purchase.
Government

Fight To Overturn Citizens United Comes To Mass.


By Sarah Birnbaum
Activists and lawmakers gathered on Feb. 9 to protest Citizens United and urge the Legislature to pass a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to reverse the decision.
Government

Read DeLeo's Lips: No New Taxes


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. House Speaker Robert DeLeo told lawmakers on Feb. 8 that he would not support any new taxes or fees, seeming to deal a blow to the governor's budget plan.
Transportation & Infrastructure

The Debate Over Civil Liberties And Seat Belts


By Abbie Ruzicka
What's not to like about stronger seat belt laws? The risk of racial profiling, the NAACP says. A seat belt safety bill is currently stalled in the Legislature.
Courts, Crime & Police

What's DiMasi Doing Up North?


By WGBH News
Beacon Hill is quaking over the return of former Mass. House Speaker Sal DiMasi, whose knowledge of corruption in the Probation Department could get some people into trouble.
Courts, Crime & Police

Pols Debate DNA Database Expansion


WGBH: INMATE ACCESS TO DNA
By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering proposals to collect DNA from people who have been arrested for felonies but not yet convicted, raising concerns about civil rights and privacy. 
Education

Kerry Town Hall Promotes College Affordability


By Frannie Carr
As college becomes ever more a necessity for economic success — it's also getting ever more expensive. Sen. John Kerry held a public meeting on Feb. 6 to learn how to keep costs down.
WGBH Local News

Gov. Patrick On Community Colleges, Jobs And Income Inequality


WATCH THE INTERVIEW
Governor Patrick talks on WGBH's "Basic Black" about his vision for unifying community colleges and the impact on people of color.
Government

Awaiting Probation Indictments On Beacon Hill


By Sarah Birnbaum
Lawmakers anxiously await possible criminal indictments, House Speaker Robert DeLeo discusses his legislative priorities and Attorney General Martha Coakley debates the federal health care law.
Courts, Crime & Police

'Three Strikes' Inches Toward Compromise

By Sarah Birnbaum
Progress this week on the so-called "three strikes" habitual offenders bill is leading observers to believe some version of the law will pass this year, despite ongoing criticism from communities of color.
WGBH Special Reports

Mayor Kevin White: Complete WGBH News Coverage


By WGBH News
Former Boston mayor Kevin White died on Jan. 27, 2012 at the age of 82. We look back at his legacy over four terms of change with interviews, analysis and exclusive WGBH archival footage.
Remembrances

Remembering Mayor Kevin White: The Funeral


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
By Emily Rooney, Jared Bowen & WGBH News
Hear the eulogies and watch interviews with Boston's living political history on the occasion of Kevin White's funeral on Feb. 1.
Boston

Kevin White And The Toll Of The Tregor Bill


By Ted Canova
The 1981 political standoff pitted every conceivable stakeholder against one another. There was money, politics, gamesmanship and personalities. In the end, Boston may have won ... but its mayor lost.
Transportation & Infrastructure

Hands-Free Phone Law Might Not Increase Safety


By Jordan Weinstein
On Jan. 26, the Mass. transportation committee passed a bill that would prohibit handheld phones behind the wheel. But one expert says the "common sense" solution lacks sense. 
WGBH Local News

Bipartisan Brown


By Sarah Birnbaum
A new study gives weight to Sen. Scott Brown's claim this election year that he's a political independent. Will it help attract moderate voters come November?
Governing

Deval Patrick Talks 'Three Strikes' And Tim Murray


By Adam Reilly
Among the highlights from the governor's interview on "Greater Boston": why he doesn't like the idea of people seeing his itemized cell phone records and what he wants in a "three-strikes" law.
Government

Administration Defends Spending Priorities

By Frannie Carr
It's another challenging budget year — and if you're tired of hearing that one, the state's head of finance can relate. WGBH NEWS: THE BUDGET PROPOSAL
Government

Governor's Budget Puts Emphasis On Education


WGBH NEWS: STATE OF THE STATE
By Sarah Birnbaum
"Education is our calling card around the world," said Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick, introducing a budget proposal that increases state aid to local schools.
WGBH Local News

An Interview With Paul Cellucci


By Emily Rooney
The former governor talks about how he's feeling three years after being diagnosed with ALS. Watch the full interview online now.
State of the Commonwealth

Health Care Costs, Community Colleges Top Governor's Address


By Sarah Birnbaum
We have full text and audio of this year's State of the State, in which Gov. Deval Patrick called for stronger community colleges, lower health care costs and passage of the three-strikes bill.
Presidents

Final Grade: The State Of The Union Report Card


By WGBH News
Your grades are in on the president's State of the Union address. Check out the report card results ....
Election 2012

Spotlight on the 2012 Mass. Senate Race


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
As Sen. Scott Brown officially launches his bid for re-election, WGBH News has coverage of the rally plus new interviews with his Democratic competition: Marisa DeFranco, Jim King and Elizabeth Warren — who responds to Brown's kickoff speech swipe.
Economy

Mass. House Passes Spending Increase for Social Programs


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a $130 million spending bill on Wednesday that will restore some programs cut from this year's budget.
Energy

Some Doubt State's Wind Turbine Safety Report


THE FALMOUTH EXPERIENCE: A WGBH SPECIAL REPORT
By Sarah Birnbaum
A panel of experts has issued a report saying that wind turbines do not pose serious health risks for residents. Opponents claim the report is biased.
Courts, Crime & Police

Despite Uproar, 'Three Strikes' Bill Still In


By Frannie Carr
Public safety officials, prisoner advocates and judges are arguing over whether or not the state should pass the "three-strikes" law that's currently on the table on Beacon Hill.
Government

Violence Victims To Win Time Off

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts state senate passed a bill this week that would give victims of domestic violence up to 15 days of unpaid leave from their jobs. 
Fish

To Get The Right Fish, It's Eater Beware


By Sarah Birnbaum
Lawmakers are trying to increase consumer protections against mislabeled seafood — but state health officials say they have limited ability to police fishmongers and restaurants.
Local Politics

Grossman On Murray: 'Our Lives... Are An Open Book'


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
In an exclusive WGBH News interview, state treasurer Steven Grossman hinted that Lt. Gov. Tim Murray owes the public more information about his early-November crash.
Local Politics

Patrick: 'It's Time We Moved On' From Lt. Gov.'s Crash


WGBH NEWS: THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW
By Danielle Dreilinger
Gov. Deval Patrick is defending Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, who's been dogged by questions following his November car crash.
Government

What's The Public's Right-To-Know In Lt. Gov. Crash?


WGBH NEWS: LT. GOV.'S CRASH
By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. Lt. Gov. Tim Murray continues to resist calls to release his cell phone records from the days surrounding his Nov. 2 car crash. It’s his latest effort to limit access to information about the unusual high-speed, pre-dawn crash — and a watchdog group says it could be hard to force more information out.
War & Conflict

Peer Support May Help Homeless Vets In Mass.


By Jordan Weinstein
Massachusetts is doing a good job of reducing homelessness in veterans compared to the national average, but there's more work to be done. Coleman Nee of the state Dept. of Veterans' Services talks to WGBH News.
Government

Auditor Wants 'Immediate' Reforms


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By WGBH News
Auditor Suzanne Bump is optimistic that her office's new report will spur improvement in the agencies that determine a defendant's eligibility for a court-appointed lawyer.
Health Care

State Settles ‘Important’ Medicaid Fraud Claim With Merck


By WGBH News & Wires
Attorney General Martha Coakley said the $24 million settlement sends the message that Massachusetts won't tolerate Medicaid fraud.
Education

Wilson's UMass Perks Not Unusual, Observers Say


By Sarah Birnbaum
UMass is launching a probe into the former president's sabbatical pay. However, this kind of benefit has become the norm in public higher ed.
Election 2012

The Strategy Behind Early Senate Ads


By Sarah Birnbaum
The onslaught of campaign ads makes most voters dizzy — especially when they appear almost a full year before an election. Are Mass. Senate candidates wasting their money?
Gambling

Gaming Chairman: 'The Public Is Very Skeptical'


GOV. NAMES GAMING CHAIRMAN
By WGBH News
New gaming commission chairman Stephen Crosby told WGBH News that upholding ethics was his top concern.
Business

State's Innovation Economy Draws International Deals


By WGBH News
Gov. Deval Patrick is finishing his nine-day trade mission to South America excited by new collaborations with countries there.
Government

Sen. Kerry: This Man's Walk Talked


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY
By Will Roseliep
Sen. John Kerry talks about why he supported cross-country walker B.J. Hill's effort to deliver thousands of people's letters to President Obama.
Government

Laying The Groundwork For A Third Party In 2012


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY
By Will Roseliep
The political group Americans Elect is inviting the public to choose its presidential nominee, betting that voter disaffection will make 2012 a strong year for third parties.
Government

State Opens Virtual 'Checkbook' To Public


By Sarah Birnbaum
The state of Massachusetts is putting everything from state contracts to government payroll information online for the public to scrutinize on the new "Open Checkbook" website.
THIS WEEK ON BEACON HILL

Senate Candidates Face Off And Casinos Court Mass. Towns


MORE STATE HOUSE COVERAGE BY SARAH BIRNBAUM
By Sarah Birnbaum
In Mass. politics the week of Dec. 5, Gov. Deval Patrick continues his nine-day trade mission to South America; the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate meet for a debate and casino operators scramble for licenses.
Courts, Crime & Police

A Day In The New Life Of Sal DiMasi


By WGBH News
What will Sal DiMasi's life be like at new home, the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Ky.? A former federal prosecutor says that for a prison, it's a pretty nice place.
Government

After Frank, Who Will Represent The 4th District?


FRANK TALKS TO WGBH NEWS
FRANK: "I DO NOT CHOOSE TO RUN"
'END OF AN ERA' FOR MASS.
By WGBH News
With longtime Congressman Barney Frank’s political eulogy being read far and wide, attention is turning to the obvious question: Who’s next? And which side of the aisle will they be on?
Local Politics

As Frank Retires, The 'End Of An Era' For Mass.


MORE: BARNEY FRANK'S INTERVIEW WITH WGBH
By Sarah Birnbaum
After 32 years in Congress, and a new district map with unfamiliar territory, Rep. Barney Frank has decided to retire, ending an era of iconic Massachusetts liberals like himself and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Government

Barney Frank To WGBH: Redistricting, Coming Out And His Future


WGBH NEWS: FRANK TO RETIRE
By WGBH News
In a conversation with WGBH News, Rep. Barney Frank affirmed that redistricting drove his decision to retire. Also: He might have come out a little earlier, but not much.
THIS WEEK ON BEACON HILL

Lawmakers Seek To Lower The Cost Of Health Care


MORE STATE HOUSE COVERAGE BY SARAH BIRNBAUM
By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. lawmakers are on their holiday recess this week but working behind the scenes on a bill that would change how the state reimburses doctors and hospitals.
Government

Frank: 'I Do Not Choose To Run'


By WGBH News
Rep. Barney Frank explained his decision not to run for a 17th term thus: "My view was that I could do my job best of fighting for the public policies I care about by making this my last term."
LOCAL POLITICS

Menino Occupies The 'Greater Boston' Set


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By WGBH News
In his annual Thanksgiving visit to Emily Rooney's set, Boston mayor Tom Menino said he won't be the first to kick Occupiers out of Dewey Square but the movement's time may be running out. Also: a new project at the Filene's site in six months?
Gambling

Casino Bill Is Signed Into Law


MORE WGBH NEWS GAMBLING COVERAGE
By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick signed a historic measure Tuesday authorizing three resort casinos and one slot machine parlor in Massachusetts.
Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking Bill Becomes Law In Mass.


WGBH NEWS: HUMAN TRAFFICKING
By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill on Nov. 21  to crack down on human trafficking in the Bay State. 
Local Politics

Bill Signings Come Fast And Furious On Beacon Hill


MORE STATE HOUSE COVERAGE BY SARAH BIRNBAUM
By Sarah Birnbaum
There's a spate of bill signings this week on Beacon Hill. One, the casino gambling law, will make history.
Government

The 2011 State Legislature Session Endgame


WGBH NEWS: MORE STATE HOUSE COVERAGE
By Sarah Birnbaum
Beacon Hill hummed like a beehive right up to midnight Nov. 16 as lawmakers rushed to get bills to the governor’s desk before a two-month break.
Gambling

Final Gambling Bill Almost There


WGBH NEWS: HAPPY HOUR IN MASS.? NOT SO FAST
By Sarah Birnbaum
The consensus bill licenses three resort-style casinos and one slots parlor in Massachusetts. 
THIS WEEK ON BEACON HILL

State Legislators Rush To Finish Before Break


By Sarah Birnbaum
Before Mass. lawmakers head home for a six-week recess, they plan to address pension reform, redistricting, casinos and a crackdown on human trafficking.
Government

Looking At The New Congressional Landscape


CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW: THE NEW MAPS
By WGBH News
As supporters of two Congressmen wonder who will be lining up at which polls next Election Day, politics-watchers examine the proposed redistricting map, asking what it means for representation in D.C.
LOCAL POLITICS

Happy Hour In Mass.? Not So Fast


GREATER BOSTON: SHOULD MASS. BRING BACK HAPPY HOUR?
By Sarah Birnbaum
The controversial “happy hour” amendment to the Massachusetts casino gambling bill could be off the table. 
LOCAL NEWS

In Wake Of Storm, Accusations And An Investigation


WGBH NEWS: FOUR DAYS LATER, STILL NO HEAT
By WGBH News
As Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley says she will request a formal investigation of the utility companies' response to the historic nor'easter, people debate the best way to prevent future problems.
POLITICS

A Bill To Stall Drunk Drivers


WGBH NEWS: HEDLUND ARGUES FOR 'HAPPY HOUR'
By Sarah Birnbaum
MADD and families of drunk driving victims rallied in support of a bill requiring ignition locks for all convicted drunk drivers, including first-time offenders.
Business

State Lures Bargain Shoppers With Online Auction


MORE NEWS
By Sarah Birnbaum
Just in time for early holiday shopping, the Massachusetts Abandoned Property Division is auctioning off unclaimed valuables on eBay.
POLITICS

Khazei Drops Out Of Senate Race; Olver To Retire


EMILY ROONEY SHOW: CANDIDATE ELIZABETH WARREN
By WGBH News & Wires
A Senate candidate and a Congressman have made decisions that could affect the face of Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress.
PUBLIC HEALTH

Legislature Considers Discount Coupons For Drugs


By Sarah Birnbaum
A Massachusetts Legislature committee held a public hearing Tuesday on a controversial bill that would allow drug manufacturers to offer discounts on brand-name drugs. 
THIS WEEK ON BEACON HILL

Jill Stein Enters Presidential Race; Advocates Push For DUI Law


By Sarah Birnbaum

In Massachusetts politics this week, another Bay State resident enters the race for president, the casino gambling conference committee is expected to come together and anti-drunk driving advocates call for tougher DUI laws.

POLITICS

Draft Redistricting Amplifies Minority Voice


By Sarah Birnbaum
State lawmakers unveiled a new political map October 18 that would increase the number of minority-majority districts in both the House and Senate. 
POLITICS

This Week At The State House


By Sarah Birnbaum
In Massachusetts state politics this week, legislators are expected to release new legislative boundaries, and the casino gambling bill will likely go to conference committee. 
Boston

Patrick Touts Mass. Gay Marriage Law


By Phillip Martin
Gov. Deval Patrick on Wednesday offered a spirited defense of Massachusetts’ Same Sex marriage law. The governor was addressing a meeting of the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy or ACS, a progressive legal organization that he helped form in 2001.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Treasurer Holds Micro-Beer Summits; Brown Back In Mass.


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week on Beacon Hill, Massachusetts Treasurer Steve Grossman meets with microbrewers who are upset over potential regulations and U.S. Senator Scott Brown is back in the Bay State.
89.7 WGBH

How Can We Fix Mass. Transit System?

By Bob Seay

Yesterday Richard Dimino President and CEO of A Better City outlined the scope of the fiscal problems facing the MBTA and other Massachusetts transit infrastructure. Today he talks about his ideas on how to fix them.

Boston

State Rep. To Promote Fundraiser With Groupon

Boston

Gov. Patrick Set To Negotiate On Mass. Casino Plans

Boston

Senate Bill Would Establish 'Supportive Housing' For Homeless

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday passed a new kind of housing bill: The plan calls for new units of "supportive housing," which would feature on-site social services and counseling, as part of an effort to curb and prevent homelessness. WGBH HOMELESSNESS REPORT: RECOGNIZING BRUCE
Boston

Senate Passes Bill Reforming Truancy Discipline

By WGBH News
The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday passed a bill to reform how the state addresses truant and runaway children. The reforms are designed to aid the children's families and to deal with the issue outside of the courts.
Local Politics

New Bill Would Curb Toxic Chemicals In Everyday Products

By Sarah Birnbaum
Environmental activists in Massachusetts are pushing for quick passage of a bill that would restrict potentially harmful chemicals found in everyday products from window cleaners to shampoo. The so-called Safer Alternatives Bill had an initial hearing Tuesday on Beacon Hill.
Human Trafficking

Anti-Human-Trafficking Bill Passes Mass. Senate

By Phillip Martin
The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday passed an historic human trafficking bill that will expand protections for victims and give law enforcement new statutory powers to go after pimps and other predators. WGBH INVESTIGATES: HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Boston

Time Running Short For Budget Deal On Beacon Hill

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts legislature has until July 1st to hammer out a budget deal. For now, some collective bargaining rights for municipal employees and big cuts to state aid for communities are still up in the air.
89.7 WGBH

Advocates: Trafficking Bill Should Be Stronger


WGBH INVESTIGATES: HUMAN TRAFFICKING
By Phillip Martin
After several years of slow progress, the Massachusetts legislature is close to passing a bill to outlaw and disrupt human-trafficking. But advocates are using the bill's final weeks on the table to try and make it even stronger.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Waiting On A Verdict, Disaster Funding, And A Budget


By Jess Bidgood
There will be a lot of waiting this week on Beacon Hill. A federal jury mulls over the fate of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi, while a legislative conference committee weighs the 2012 state budget.
Boston

Mass. Won't Participate In Immigration Check Program


ILLINOIS OPTS OUT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION PROGRAM
By Jess Bidgood
Gov. Deval Patrick has decided not to have Massachussetts sign on to a controversial federal program that allows local police to share information with federal immigration officials.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Budget Compromise, Trafficking Bill On The Docket


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week on Beacon Hill, the budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year head to conference committee, lawmakers take up a human-trafficking bill and University of Massachusetts trustees discuss potential fee hikes.
Local Politics

Gov. Testimony At DiMasi Trial Appears To Bolster Prosecution


PATRICK ON THE STAND: WHAT ARE THE STAKES?
By Adam Reilly
Gov. Deval Patrick told prosecutors ex-House Speaker Sal DiMasi repeatedly reminded him about the importance of a software contract that would eventually go to Cognos, the company DiMasi is accused of steering government contracts toward in exchange for kickbacks.
Local Politics

Senate Budget Cuts: The Question Isn't If, But How Much

By Sarah Birnbaum
The state Senate is well into its second day of debate on its budget for the next fiscal year, which begins in July. Budget cuts and municipal health costs are emerging as the bigger sticking points in debate. EARLIER: SENATE BUDGET GIVES UNIONS 'VOICE, NO VETO'
POLITICS

Patrick At The DiMasi Trial: What Are The Stakes?


AIDE THOUGHT DIMASI WAS TAKING MONEY
By Sarah Birnbaum
Governor Deval Patrick will be called to testify later this week or early next week in the corruption trial of former House Speaker Sal Dimasi. He'll be the first sitting governor in 15 years to testify at a criminal trial.
Government

Witness Thought Kickbacks Were Going To DiMasi

By Adam Reilly
The corruption trial of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi continued Tuesday with testimony from Bruce Major, the former business partner of Joseph Lally, the overeager software salesman turned government cooperating witness. YOUR DIMASI TRIAL GUIDE
POLITICS

Brown, Kerry Say 'No' To Ryan Budget


By Adam Reilly
Both of Massachusetts' senators are voicing opposition to a proposal in Congress that would turn Medicare into a privatized, voucher-based system.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Senate May Slash Budget; DiMasi Trial Continues


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week on Beacon Hill, lawmakers will take up the Senate Ways and Means Committee’s budget plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. Meanwhile, the corruption trial of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi enters its third week of testimony.
Local Politics

State Senate Budget Give Unions 'Voice But No Veto'


By Sarah Birnbaum
Last month, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a measure that would strip public employees of collective bargaining rights over health care benefits. The move infuriated unions. On Wednesday, Senate leaders unveiled a similar measure, though it gives unions some more room to negotiate.
Local Politics

Mass. Auditor Suzanne Bump Fires 27


TONIGHT AT 8 P.M.: SUZANNE BUMP ON GREATER BOSTON
By The Associated Press
State Auditor Suzanne Bump announced Thursday that she's firing 27 employees, including 20 from audit operations and seven from the Bureau of Special Investigations, which probes waste, fraud and abuse in public assistance programs like MassHealth and food stamps.
Local Politics

Gov. Patrick Will Testify At Ex.-Speaker's Trial

By The Associated Press
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is being called to testify in the federal public corruption trial of former state House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi.
Boston

Activists Call For New Boston Precinct Map


By Andrea Smardon
Voting rights advocates are asking the City of Boston to draw a new precinct map for the city. Boston is the only city in Massachusetts not required to redraw precincts once every 10 years. 
Local Politics

House Budget Rundown: Some New Funding, HC Loss For Unions

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts House of Representatives are sending a $30.5 billion spending bill to the Senate. So what's in it?
Local Politics

Lenk Faces Tough Questions From Social Conservatives


By Sarah Birnbaum
Social conservatives in Massachusetts put up a fight during the confirmation hearing for Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court nominee Barbara Lenk, who is gay.
Local Politics

Unions Mobilize As House Considers Collective Bargaining Rights

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts House is one day into its deliberations on a controversial budget would give cities and towns the ability to change employee health plans without union approval, and unions are mobilizing to keep it from passing. EARLIER: WIS. UNION SUPPORTERS RALLY AT STATE HOUSE
This Week On Beacon Hill

Collective Bargaining Fight Could Come Home This Week


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week could see a fight between unions and lawmakers, a high profile bribery trial and tough questioning for a groundbreaking state Supreme Judicial Court nominee. 
Local Voices

DeLeo Bill Would Revamp Mass. Probation Department

By The Associated Press
The Massachusetts Probation Department would remain under the jurisdiction of the courts, but a new civilian administrator would help run the agency under a bill being unveiled by House Speaker Robert DeLeo.
Books

Patrick Hopes Others Have Reason To Believe


GOV. PATRICK ON GREATER BOSTON
By Ben Taylor
In his new memoir, A Reason To Belive, Gov. Patrick recounts his unlikely rise from a difficult youth on Chicago's South Side, to Pepsi executive, to Massachusetts governor. But in an interview with WGBH's Emily Rooney, Patrick says his story is not -- and should not be -- all that rare.
POLITICS

Gov. Romney Announces WH Exploratory Committee


By The Associated Press
Republican Mitt Romney took the first official steps toward a second presidential bid Monday, telling supporters he had formed an exploratory committee to begin a White House run.
Health Care

At Forum, Patrick Stumps For Global Payments

By Sarah Birnbaum
The governor opened a Tuesday forum on health-care costs by calling on lawmakers and health care interest groups to rein in the spiraling costs of health care — and to do so quickly. EARLIER: MIXED REACTION TO PATRICK HEALTH CARE BILL
This Week On Beacon Hill

Eyes On Nuclear Safety, Pension Reform This Week


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week on Beacon Hill, Massachusetts lawmakers take testimony on major issues including pension reform and nuclear safety, while a judge on the state's highest court has plans to step down.
89.7 WGBH

State Leaders Butt Heads On Probation

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's top public safety official butted heads with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court Wednesday over Patrick's proposal to overhaul the state's troubled probation department. The disagreement came at a State House hearing before the Joint Judiciary Committee.
CENSUS 2010

Census: Greater Diversity Changes Face Of Massachusetts


CENSUS: BIG GAINS FOR BOSTON, WORCESTER
By Sarah Birnbaum
The U.S. Census Bureau released population data for Massachusetts on Tuesday, revealing a distinct trend: The state’s communities of color are growing, while the white population is declining.
The Emily Rooney Show

AG Coakley Warns Federal Government of Nuclear Storage Risks


RENEWED FOCUS ON NUCLEAR REACTOR AT MIT
By Ben Taylor
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is calling on the federal government to help find alternative storage for spent fuel rods at the state's Pilgrim nuclear plant and Vermont's Yankee plant.
Boston

Census Shows Minority Gains In Mass.

By Jess Bidgood and Ben Taylor
U.S. Census figures released Tuesday show significant gains in Massachusetts' minority populations. Both the state's Asian and Hispanic populations grew by 46 percent, while the state's black population grew by 26 percent.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Census Data Comes To Mass. This Week


By Sarah Birnbaum
Change in state politics — from term limits to redistricting to remaking the Parole Board — seems to be a theme this week on Beacon Hill.
Government

Lawmakers Take Up Parole Reform At Emotional Hearing

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts lawmakers are taking up potential reforms to the state’s parole system. An at-times emotional hearing followed the December shooting death of Woburn police officer John Maguire, allegedly at the hands of a career criminal who was out on parole.
GREATER BOSTON

Strangely Quiet, N.H. Waits For Primary Season


By Adam Reilly
With the New Hampshire presidential primary less than a year away, Manchester should be bustling. But right now, it’s relatively quiet. Would-be nominees have been reluctant to dive in — and the Granite State is getting restless.
Boston

Replacing Turner, Tito Jackson Wins City Council Spot


By Phillip Martin
Tito Jackson will replace Chuck Turner as the city councilor for Boston’s District 7. Jackson takes the helm of a district that's hurting, hit by high levels of violence last year and still wounded from the loss of two prominent lawmakers, Turner and Dianne Wilkerson, both convicted in federal corruption trials.
Local Politics

DeLeo Lays Out Probation Overhaul Plan

By Jess Bidgood
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo is proposing that the state's troubled Probation Department overhaul its hiring practices in an effort to put an end to the patronage practices found rampant there.
Boston

Two Candidates, Two Legacies In District 7 Election


LISTEN: JACKSON, MILLS ON THE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW
By Phillip Martin
On Tuesday, District 7 residents will vote in a special election to fill the seat of former city councilman Chuck Turner. The two candidates, Tito Jackson and Cornel Mills, are making their final cases before the vote.
This Week On Beacon Hill

State Considers Parole Hires, Reforms


By Sarah Birnbaum
Action on Beacon Hill this week will focus on changes in the Bay State's troubled parole oversight system, with confirmation hearings on the governor's nominees for the embattled body followed by hearings on bills for its reform.
Local Politics

African-American Union Leaders Rally At State House

By Sarah Birnbaum
A coalition of African-American union leaders from around the state rallied at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday in support of workers' rights. MASS. DEMONSTRATORS WEIGH IN ON WIS. STANDOFF
Local Politics

DiMasi Co-Defendant Pleads Guilty


EARLIER: DIMASI WILL FACE FULL LITANY OF CHARGES
By Adam Reilly
A key co-defendant in the federal corruption case against former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi is pleading guilty — and joining forces with the government. That could make things harder for DiMasi's defense.
Local Politics

Mass. Unions Say Plan Balances Health Costs, Bargaining Rights


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts public employee unions outlined a proposal on Monday they say will save cities and towns tens of millions of dollars in health care costs — all while preserving collective bargaining rights.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Patrick's Trade Mission Begins


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick arrives in Tel Aviv on Monday for the start of a trip that the administration says will highlight the state's innovation-based industries abroad. While he's away, President Obama swings by the Bay State to stump for his education agenda.
Framingham

DA Will Release Details On Framingham Death

By Phillip Martin
The Middlesex County District Attorney's office this week reveals the findings of a two-month long investigation into the fatal shooting of an unarmed man his Framingham home. The case has raised questions about racial profiling and the use of force.
Local Politics

Mass. Tea Party: Tone It Down!


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Tea Party has come in for its share of criticism for inflammatory talk. But now, calls to tone down the political rhetoric are coming from the Tea Party -- which liberal activists call "ironic."
Local Politics

State Dems Vote Down Independent Redistricting Commission

By Sarah Birnbaum
Democrats in the Massachusetts House Wednesday defeated a Republican-led effort to set up an independent commission to redraw the state’s political map.
Local Politics

Patrick Announces Plan To Streamline Children's Services

By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick wants to reorganize the state agencies that provide social and health services to children. He says it will make their work more efficient and less confusing for those who use their services — but advocates have reservations about the plan.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Charter Schools, Redistricting On The Docket This Week


By Sarah Birnbaum
While the governor continues his trip to Washington, DC this week, the state's board of education will announce its picks for new charter schools. Legislative redistricting and spending bill analysis are on the docket on Beacon Hill.
Local Politics

Union Supporters Rally At State House


UNION BATTLES: A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST LABOR?
By Phillip Martin
A nationwide demonstration of unity with Wisconsin's public sector employees -- currenty in a standoff with the state's governor over their collective bargaining rights -- took place over the weekend, drawing a crowd of workers and supporters to the State House in Boston.
Local Politics

SJC Orders Increased Transparency In Probation Dept.

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is ordering changes to the state's patronage-ridden probation department. The department will be required to keep records of who it hires and promotes, to conduct annual performance reviews and to keep job recommendations out of the interview process until its final stages. EARLIER: SJC DISMISSED PROBATION COMISSIONER
American Experience

Jimmy Carter


WATCH
American Experience looks at Jimmy Carter's rapid ascent in politics, dramatic fall from grace and unexpected resurrection.
Government

Mass. Terror Suspect Awaits Bail Decision

By Sarah Birnbaum
A Massachusetts man accused of taking part in a terror plot to kill Americans went to court is seeking bail. At a court hearing on Wednesday, supporters described him as a peaceful man with a right to free speech, but prosecutors said he is dangerous.
RHODE ISLAND

Ousted Central Falls Mayor Defends Job


LISTEN: MOREAU ON THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Phillip Martin
The former mayor of Central Falls, R.I. says he was illegally removed from his job last summer by a state-appointed receiver looking into the financial crisis that has gripped the city.
89.7 WGBH

Civil Legal Aid In Danger, Advocates Say

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts attorneys are rallying lawmakers to preserve funding for civil legal aid to poor residents. On Tuesday, over 300 lawyers rallied at the State House, worried lawmakers might try to cut legal services for the poor in order to help close a $1.5 billion budget shortfall.
Local Politics

Mass. Demonstrators Weigh In On Wis. Standoff


NPR BLOG: STATE BUDGET FIGHTS SPREAD
By Phillip Martin
The standoff between the governor of Wisconsin and some of its unions over bargaining rights is continuing. In Massachusetts, Gov. Patrick joined 1,000 union members on Beacon Hill Tuesday at a solidarity rally that turned into something of a political tug-of-war with a small Tea-Party organized counter-demonstration.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Lobbying, Protesting Takes Spotlight On Beacon Hill


By Sarah Birnbaum
Schoolchildren aren’t the only ones off this week. There are no formal sessions planned in the House or Senate. For the most part, Massachusetts lawmakers are staying in their districts and tending the home fires, although there are some hearings around the state on Governor Deval Patrick’s budget blueprint.
Health Care

Mixed Reaction To Patrick's Health Care Reform Bill


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is filing a bill Thursday that aims to reduce health care spending by changing the way doctors and hospitals get paid.  Most insurers and health care providers reacting to the bill are positive, but cautious.  
Health Care

Gov. Lays Out Health Care Reform Plan

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is filing long-awaited legislation that aims to rein in the spiraling costs of health insurance by encouraging health care providers to move to the global payment system, in which doctors would get paid a set amount of money every year for each patient they care for.
89.7 WGBH

Despite Skepticism, Patrick Admin. Says Budget Could Save $1 B

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Patrick administration is defending the governor's budget proposal. Gov. Deval Patrick's budget chief, Jay Gonzalez, was in the hot seat on Wednesday during a hearing before the House's and Senate's Ways and Means Comittees. 
89.7 WGBH

In Bay State, $20 B In Unfunded Retiree Health Costs

By Sarah Birnbaum
A new study says the 50 largest cities in the Bay State owe $20 billion in existing and future retiree health care costs — and they have no plan to pay it down. READ THE STUDY
89.7 WGBH

Obama's Budget Is Mixed Bag For Massachusetts


OBAMA UNVEILS 2012 BUDGET
By Sarah Birnbaum
The president's $3.7 billion budget cuts much-needed heating aid for the cold Northeast, but it includes continued spending that could help the state's academic and tech sectors. 
89.7 WGBH

DOJ Will Review DJ Henry's Death


LISTEN: HENRY'S PARENTS ON THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
HENRY'S FAMILY PUSHES FOR INVESTIGATION
By Phillip Martin
A New York grand jury has declined to indict police officers in the shooting death of 20-year-old Danroy Henry. The Pace University football player from Easton, Massachusetts, was shot by a police officer in Westchester County on October 17, as he drove away from a restaurant in a New York City suburb.   
This Week On Beacon Hill

Lawmakers Look At Budget; National Grid Under Scrutiny


By Sarah Birnbaum
Action in Massachusetts politics this week will focus on the state budget and a tussle over unemployment insurance rates.
CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

The Gov.'s Council: An Existential Drama?


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
Calls are mounting for the Governor's Council to be eliminated, because many think it's an antequated, do-nothing body. So it may not be a coincidence that the Council has been making life more difficult for Gov. Deval Patrick.
Local Politics

Senate Moves To Freeze Unemployment Tax For Third Year Running

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts Senate wants to freeze the state's unemployment insurance rate — the tax paid by employers to cover the cost of jobless benefits — for the third year in a row.
Local Politics

Gov. Patrick Will Lead Trade Mission To Britain, Israel


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick is off to to Israel and England next month, leading a trade mission he says will focus on growing businesses and jobs in the state’s innovation sector. 
Local Politics

Gov. Patrick Considered Resigning


By Sarah Birnbaum
Governor Deval Patrick's tenure — now beginning its second term — might have been only weeks long. That's because the governor considered resigning shortly after he took office, according to his soon-to-be-released memoir.
UPDATED

Barney Frank Will Seek Re-Election


EARLIER: REPS LINE UP FOR REDISTRICTING BATTLE
By Jess Bidgood and Sarah Birnbaum
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, who has served Massachusetts' 4th Congressional District for almost 20 years, announced his intention to run for re-election on Thursday. The news ends speculation that Frank might retire due to upcoming redistricting in which Massachusetts will lose a seat in the House.
Local Politics

Court Won't Dismiss Any Charges Against DiMasi

By Sarah Birnbaum
When former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi goes to court next April, he's facing the full list of charges brought against him. That's the decision a U.S. district court judge handed down last Friday, deflating DiMasi's hopes that some parts of the corruption case against him would be dismissed.
Local Politics

New State House Leadership Gets Started

By Sarah Birnbaum
A new team of leaders in the Massachusetts House gets to work Monday after House Speaker Robert DeLeo brought a major shakeup to his inner circle during a closed-door meeting at the State House on Friday.
The Emily Rooney Show

On The Defensive, Cahill Looks Ahead


By Jess Bidgood
After a bruising loss in his run for the governorship last fall, Tim Cahill last week finished up his job as state treasurer. Now, he is defending himself against multiple investigations into campaign irregularities. 
Local Politics

$30.5 Budget Plan Includes Deep Cuts

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick unveiled a lean budget Wednesday. The $30.5 billion spending plan includes deep cuts in human services and other state programs.  
Local Politics

Two Mass. Prisons May Close


By Adam Reilly
You'd expect the closure of two state prisons to be big news, but the possibility leaked in Wednesday in remarkably low-key fashion. After the governor's press conference on his 2012 budget,  Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez mentioned two coming prison shut-downs.
Local Politics

Harvard Government Students Grade SOTU Address


OBAMA: 'OUR DESTINY REMAINS OUR CHOICE'
By Phillip Martin
As President Obama addressed the nation Tuesday night during his second State Of The Union speech, about 75 students gathered at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government Wednesday night to watch.
Boston

Turner Sentenced To Three Years In Prison


By Jess Bidgood and Sarah Birnbaum
Ex.-City Councilor Chuck Turner has been sentenced to serve three years in prison after his conviction on corruption charges in October.
Local Politics

Senate Bill Outlines Proposed Parole Reforms

By Sarah Birnbaum
A bipartisan group of Massachusetts senators is calling for reform of the state's parole system following the fatal shooting of a Woburn police officer, allegedly by a violent career criminal out on parole.
Local Politics

Despite Scrutiny, Jeff Perry Gets Top Police Job


LISTEN: MORE FROM THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Sean Corcoran
Jeffrey Perry has a new job. The former state representative ran unsuccessfully on the GOP ticket for the 10th Congressional District -- and now he'll be the Special Sheriff for Barnstable county, months after his law enforcement record was scrutinized during the campaign.
Government

Council Digs Into Duffly At SJC Confirmation Hearing

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Nominee Fernande Duffly got a bumpy reception at her confirmation hearing on Wednesday.   DUFFLY'S SJC NOMINATION BREAKS RACIAL BARRIER
Local Politics

State Revenue Estimates Still Leave Budget Gap

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts budget-builders agree they will have $20.5 billion to work with for the coming fiscal year. That's $740 million more than their estimate for this year — but it still leaves the state with a budget gap of at least $1.5 billion.
BEACON HILL

Patrick Proposes Pension Overhaul

By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick filed legislation Tuesday to reform the state’s public employee pension system, saying the reforms will save the state billions of dollars. 
Economy

Lawmaker Wants To "Claw Back" State Aid


By Jess Bidgood
Evergreen Solar is closing its Massachusetts manufacturing plant, terminating 800 jobs it was given $68 million in state aid to create. One lawmaker is filing legislation that would help the state get its money back when companies fail to deliver on state aid.
Boston

50 Years Later, 'City On A Hill' Speech Resounds


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts met a new Kennedy on Tuesday, when they gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's "City On A Hill" speech.
Local Politics

At The State House, Lawmakers Reflect On Security

By Sarah Birnbaum
Flags are flying at half-staff outside the State House in observation of the attempted assassination of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords as lawmakers reflect on their own security concerns. LAWMAKERS WEIGH SECURITY, ACCESSIBILITY
Government

Tsongas: Shooting Puts Democracy At Risk


MASS. CONGRESSMEN REACT TO SHOOTING
By Jess Bidgood
When Rep. Niki Tsongas learned Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had been shot while meeting with constituents in Tuscon, she was holding a similar meeting of her own. Now she's worried about what happens when people don't feel safe meeting with their representatives.
Local Politics

Mass. Congressmen Hope For Giffords' Recovery


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts colleagues of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords are expressing shock and sadness after she and nineteen others were shot in Tuscon this weekend.
Health Care

Mass. Doctors Weary Of Medicare 'Meltdown'


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
Low reimbursement rates have already prompted some doctors to opt out of treating Medicare patients. In Massachusetts, rising business costs are compounding the problem.
Local Politics

State House, Senate Kick Off Session


WATCH LIVE: GOV. PATRICK'S INAUGURATION
By Sarah Birnbaum
The governor is awaiting the formal start of his second term with his inauguration Thursday afternoon — but for Massachusetts' legislators, the year has already begun.
Local Politics

Watch Live: Gov. Patrick Takes Oath Of Office

By Jess Bidgood
Watch live as Gov. Patrick is inaugurated for his second term.
BEACON HILL

Mass. GOP Says They'll Make A Mark On New Session


By Sarah Birnbaum
Wednesday begins a new legislative session on Beacon Hill.  As Gov. Patrick swears in the members of the 187th Massachusetts Legislature, the chamber will look a little less blue than in recent years.
GREATER BOSTON

Lawmakers Push For 'Melissa's Law'


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Ralph Ranalli
After a Woburn policeman was allegedly shot to death by a "career criminal" out on parole, lawmakers are pushing for the passage of a decade-old bill some say would have prevented the suspect from leaving prison.
89.7 WGBH

Boston Website Helps Users Find Government Docs — Legally


By B. John Campbell
Wikileaks has dominated news headlines by releasing thousands of confidential government documents online. In Massachusetts, a new website is going about government transparency in an entirely different way. 
Local Politics

Gov. Will Cut Legislative Salaries

By Phillip Martin
There is little opposition to Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to shrink the paychecks of the state's legislators -- except for some lawmakers and watchdogs who say the cuts aren't big enough.
Local Politics

Judge Hears Extra Testimony Against Wilkerson


By Sarah Birnbaum
During what was meant to be sentencing day for former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, a U.S. district judge heard testimony from a developer who said she solicited bribes from him. The prosecution hoped this would increase Wilkerson's sentence -- but the judge didn't seem convinced.
Local Politics

SJC Nomination Breaks Another Racial Barrier


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday nominated appeals court judge Nan Duffly to be the next associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Duffly is Asian-American. 
Local Politics

Representatives Line Up For Redistricting Battle


MASS. WILL LOSE 1 CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
By Phillip Martin
Members of Massachusetts'  10-person congressional delegation are staking claims to their seats after the news that the state will only have nine seats when this term is over. 
Local Politics

Mass. Loses Congressional Seat


AFTER CENSUS, A RESHAPED U.S. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
By Jess Bidgood
The state of Massachusetts will lose one congressional seat as the seats in the 435-member House are reapportioned to reflect population changes shown by the 2010 Census. 


City Council Roundup

Big Changes For City Council As Year Ends


By Jess Bidgood
The race for Chuck Turner's empty seat on the Boston City Council begins as the body's president ends his term and a new member settles in. 
Local Politics

Outgoing Rep. Delahunt Supports Tax Compromise


By WGBH News
Outgoing Rep. Bill Delahunt is ending is 14 years in Congress with a vote for the Obama-GOP tax compromise. He told WGBH's Emily Rooney why.
Government

Mass. Tax Revenue Will Grow -- But Not Enough

By Sarah Birnbaum
Economists are predicting Massachusetts revenue will grow by as much as $700 million next year, a 5 percent gain over 2010.
CUTS PREDICTED AS MASS. FACES $2B GAP
Local Politics

DeLeo: Casinos Will Be On The Docket

By Sarah Birnbaum
House Speaker Robert Deleo says casinos are on the agenda in the upcoming legislative session after a bill failed at the last minute this past summer.
WGBH SPECIAL REPORT: THE LAST RESORT
The State House

$2 B Budget Gap Looms; Major Cuts Anticipated


By Sarah Birnbaum
The state Legislature may be out of session – but a looming $2 billion budget gap  for the next fiscal year is worrying lawmakers and interest groups across Beacon Hill, who will be talking dollars during State House hearings on Tuesday.
GREATER BOSTON

At UMass, An American DREAM On Hold


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
Deivid Ribeiro earned a 4.0 from Cape Cod Community College and now studies physics at UMass. But unless the DREAM Act passes in the lame duck Congressional session, he -- and thousands of other undocumented students -- could face deportation.
Local Politics

Intriguing, Intense Race Gives Patrick Second Term


By Phillip Martin
WGBH's senior reporter Phillip Martin took a look at some of the highlights of the 2010 gubernatorial contest that produced last night’s results.
Government

Ireland Confirmed As State's Chief Justice


SJC CHIEF CONFIRMATION HEARING FOCUSES ON PROBATION
By Jess Bidgood
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has a new chief justice. Rodrick L. Ireland, previously the court's senior associate justice, was unanimously confirmed for the position early Wednesday afternoon
Local Politics

Capuano: 'Where Is The Compromise?'

Rep. Michael Capuano is criticizing President Obama for what he says was the failure to play hardball with Congressional Republicans on a tax deal announced Tuesday.
HEAR THE INTERVIEW
Government

State Leaders Push Plans For Probation Dept. Reform

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Governor and top lawmakers say they will reform the state's troubled probation department in the new year -- with parallel plans coming from both the Legislature and the Judiciary.
SJC ORDERS DISMISSAL OF PROBATION COMMISSIONER
LAWMAKERS ON THE HOT SEAT AFTER PROBATION REPORT
Local Politics

Brown Supports Repeal Of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'


By Jess Bidgood
Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown -- the lone Republican in the state's Congressional delegation -- supports the repeal of military's so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Government

Probation Center Stage At SJC Chief's Confirmation Hearing


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Governor's Council is making its final considerations on State Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Roderick Ireland after Ireland fielded questions during a confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Local Politics

Patrick: Probation Dept. Is Isolated Problem


WATCH THE SHOW
By Adam Reilly
Patrick is defending the right of elected officials to recommend people for jobs in state government -- even though that practice is at the center of the Probation Department controversy.
Local Politics

Brown Pushes For Pro-Business Policies Over Breakfast


By Sarah Birnbaum
Sen. Scott Brown, Massachusetts' lone Republican Congressional delegate, advocated for pro-business policies and job creation at a Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Monday.
LEGAL AFFAIRS

After Mass. Ruling, Lawsuit Challenges DOMA


By Sarah Birnbaum
A new lawsuit is challenging the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which bans gay marriage at the federal level.  The case comes on the heels of the Massachusetts court ruling that found DOMA unconstitutional.
Boston

At Home With The Gubernatorial Candidates


MORE GREATER BOSTON
MORE MASS DECISION 2010
By Jared Bowen
Greater Boston's Jared Bowen spent time with all four candidates for Massachusetts governor. Catch up on Jared's series of at home interviews with Jill Stein, Charlie Baker, Deval Patrick and Tim Cahill.
CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

Coakley Gets An Opponent


By Adam Reilly

One of the biggest surprises of this year's MA elections was that--despite Scott Brown's win over Martha Coakley in that hugely hyped US Senate election earlier this year--the state GOP couldn't get anyone to run against Coakley for the AG's job this fall. Until now.

CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

No Free Pass For Coakley

By Adam Reilly

One of the biggest surprises of this year's MA elections was that--despite Scott Brown's win over Martha Coakley in that hugely hyped US Senate election earlier this year--the state GOP couldn't get anyone to run against Coakley for the AG's job this fall.

CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

What The MA Primaries Mean

Massachusetts didn't provide much electoral drama on primary night, but we did offer a test case in whether anti-Washington sentiment can fuel Democrats as well as Republicans. And the answer seems to be: not really.

Boston

Rough Waters: Local Fishing Industry


By Phillip Martin

Phillip Martin reports on how new conservation rules are affecting the lives of those in the local fishing industry.

Economy

Rough Waters: Declining Fish Populations


By Phillip Martin

Phillip Martin looks at the alarming decline in local fish populations.

Economy

Rough Waters: From "Days at Sea" to "Sectors"


By Rachel Gotbaum

To comply with federal regulations meants to restore US fish stocks to sustainable levels, new quotas were set in New England for the first time on all species of groundfish. Rachel Gotbaum examines if these rules will lead to the end or the survival of New England's fishing industry.

Economy

Rough Waters: History of Fishing Regulation


By Phillip Martin

In part one of 89.7 WGBH's series on the ongoing struggles of the fishing industry in Massachusetts, Phillip Martin explores the history of Federal regulation of fishing.

Community

Shape The Debate On Casinos


FULL COVERAGE ON CASINOS

WGBH looks at the casino gambling debate in Massachusetts in the special series, The Last Resort.

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