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Communications & Media

The Question No One Asked Karen Klein


By Jeff Keating
On Beat the Press, Emily Rooney questioned why reporters hadn't challenged the seeming passivity of Karen Klein, the bullied bus monitor. After all, Klein was hired to keep kids in line on the bus. So WGBH's Toni Waterman asked Klein herself.
Health Care

Dukakis on Health Care Reform


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
By Bob Seay
Former Gov. Michael Dukakis thought the result at the high court was positive but saw challenges ahead in the struggle to fix the U.S. health care system.
Health Care

SCOTUSblog's Live Feed of the Affordable Care Act Reactions


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
The experts at SCOTUSblog give the blow-by-blow of this morning's decision.
Health Care

WGBH News Coverage of the Health Care Decision


By WGBH News
The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act in a complex ruling. Here's our schedule of guests and conversations to help you make sense of it.
Immigration

On Beacon Hill, a Reaction to Arizona


REVIEW THE ARGUMENTS: HEALTH CARE ON TRIAL
By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick praised the U.S. Supreme Court for striking down key provisions of Arizona's crackdown on immigrants. But he wasn't entirely satisfied — and neither were some of his critics.
Health Care

Still Waiting for the Health Care Decision


REVIEW THE ARGUMENTS: HEALTH CARE ON TRIAL
By Bob Seay
As we drum our fingers, law professor Renée Landers explains four likely scenarios for the Supreme Court's Affordable Care Act ruling and their ramifications.
Social Issues

Appeals Court Rejects Key Provisions of DOMA


CASE CHALLENGES DOMA
By Sarah Birnbaum
In a landmark decision, on May 31 a Boston federal appeals court declared the heart of the Defense of Marriage Act, called DOMA, unconstitutional. The 1996 law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Election 2012

Governor Endorses Elizabeth Warren for Senate


By WGBH News
Deval Patrick has thrown his weight behind the Democratic Senate candidate just days before the state party's endorsement convention.
Food

How Do Your Dinnertime Rules Compare to the Obamas'?


In the Obama household, there are some rules at mealtime. The Obamas eat brown rice instead of white, limit dessert to a few times during the week, and pack lots of vegetables into dinner.

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.
Election 2012

Bill Bradley Says 'We Can All Do Better'


By Adam Reilly
The former senator, NBA star and presidential candidate says that to fix the broken American political system, we need a constitutional amendment restricting the role of money in politics. 
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: From Technology to the Tea Party


By Gregory T. Huang, Editor, Xconomy Boston
Thomas Massie started a tech company and moved West ... and then moved back to Kentucky, where he's a Tea Party darling and favored to win the Republican nomination for Congress.
U.S.

What Is … the Sultana?


By Danielle Dreilinger
Pop quiz: If someone asked you what the "Sultana" was … how would you answer? A restaurant, a band, a kind of grape? The answer comes with a surprising story.
Election 2012

Moving Past the Sweater Vest in Election 2012


By Jordan Weinstein & Danielle Dreilinger
Mitt Romney's biographer predicted that the former Massachusetts governor is breathing easy now that Santorum is out. Barack Obama? That's another story.
Communications & Media

Skittles and Etch-a-Sketch: When Brands Meet Politics


By Jared Bowen
Amid the fallout in the Trayvon Martin murder is a public relations conundrum for a product innocently linked to the Florida teen. It’s an unfortunate circumstance that’s plagued other brands from Kool-Aid to the Post Office.
Health Care

Physicians' Group Advocates for the Affordable Care Act


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: HEALTH CARE ON TRIAL
By Phillip Martin
Doctors for America, which filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, has 15,000 members of various political persuasions who all support President Barack Obama's health care law, the group's co-founder says.
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.
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.
Courts, Crime & Police

What to Listen for in the Health Care Arguments


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
Law professor Renée Landers and WGBH News' Bob Seay preview the week's Supreme Court verbal arguments with a guide to what's at stake.
Courts, Crime & Police

Stanching Violence in Boston's Inner City


THE MATTAPAN SURVIVOR'S STORY
By Will Roseliep & Danielle Dreilinger
A policeman and a preacher talk about working together to combat an increase in violence in the inner city — a problem brought home this week as jurors struggled to come to a verdict in the Mattapan trial. 
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.
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.
Election 2012

The State of the Massachusetts Republican


EMILY ROONEY: WHITHER CONSERVATIVES?
By Sarah Birnbaum
Mitt Romney's opponents call him a "Massachusetts moderate." In the week of Super Tuesday, we look at what characterizes the GOP voters who went to the polls.
U.S.

'Hope and Change,' and a New Center at Tufts


By WGBH News
At Tufts, a conference studying Barack Obama has grown into a center examining the role of race in democracy worldwide.
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.
Election 2012

On the Growing Latino Vote


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Will Roseliep
Nationwide, Latino voter turnout has increased with every election. The bloc could potentially have a major impact in November, in Boston and beyond.
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.
Religion

The Church Protests A Federal Birth Control Mandate


By Adam Reilly
The Boston archdiocese's secretary for social services said the White House needs to respect the church's core values.
Black History Month

Malcolm X In 1961


By WGBH News
As we celebrate Black History Month, an odd twist of history is giving us the chance to hear a rare recording of Malcolm X at Brown University.
Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking And The Super Bowl


By Phillip Martin
As sports fans watched the Patriots-Giants Super Bowl in record numbers, Indianapolis police, taxi drivers and private security were keeping a close eye on venues where trafficking might take place.
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.
Health Care

Mass. Group Applauds Course-Reversal On Planned Parenthood

By Jordan Weinstein
The director of the state Komen affiliate hopes local donors will see the impact of its state-level work.
WGBH Local News

A Kennedy Life 'Interrupted'


By Toni Waterman
In a new book, JFK Jr.'s former personal assistant shares her memories of the Kennedy heir and his life in New York.
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?
Presidents

Listening In At The End Of JFK's Life


By WGBH News
On Tuesday, the JFK Library and Museum released the final 45 hours of Kennedy's secret White House recordings for anyone to hear and download.
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.
Technology

Asking An #Alternative Wikipedia


By WGBH News
With Wikipedia dark for the day as a political protest, NPR, the Washington Post and the Guardian are teaming up to answer questions tweeted with the hashtag #altwiki. What are people asking?
Local Politics

Brown, Warren Not Likely To Prevent Third-Party Ads


By Frannie Carr
It's legally unclear how much control Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren have over third-party groups, even though both say they would like to prevent such groups from airing attack ads.
Election 2012

Huntsman To Withdraw, Back Romney


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By The Associated Press
Jon Huntsman staked his entire campaign on New Hampshire. Less than a week after that state's primary, he has decided to drop his bid for president.
Social Issues

To More Americans, Class Matters


By Jordan Weinstein
A growing number of Americans believe there are class conflicts, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center. 
Election 2012

Next Stop, Nomination?


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
Mitt Romney says the South Carolina GOP primary will be an uphill climb. But one analyst thinks it's downhill all the way from now to the Republican convention. 
Election 2012

It's Romney, Paul, Huntsman In N.H.


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By The Associated Press
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has won the Republican New Hampshire primary, taking 37 percent of the vote with 46 percent of precincts reporting.
Election 2012

'Independent' In Name Only?


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
The proportion of unaffiliated voters is growing in states across the nation but New Hampshire's 40 percent is still unusually high. That said, they might not be as independent as they seem.
Election 2012

Politics Is Romney's Career — And That's OK


MORE EMILY ROONEY
WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Frannie Carr
The author of a new book about Mitt Romney thinks the candidate should embrace his long life in politics instead of trying to distance himself in response to rivals' criticism.
Election 2012

Four Years Later, What's Changed For Romney?


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Sarah Birnbaum
On the surface, Mitt Romney's 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns look the same: He stresses his business credentials and tries to make the case that he would be the best candidate against Barack Obama. The difference? This time, the polls are predicting a Romney New Hampshire win.
Election 2012

The 'Indispensable' Newt


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Bob Seay
Long before Newt Gingrich announced his run for president, Americans had an opinion about his politics, his personality and even his many marriages.
Election 2012

A New Kennedy In Congress?


By Sarah Birnbaum & Charlie Mars
Joseph P. Kennedy III is forming an exploratory committee to consider running in the 4th District. Democratic analyst Warren Tolman thinks he could rise to the challenge.
Election 2012

Religion In The 2012 Race


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By Bob Seay
Mitt Romney may get a one-week reprieve from facing an evangelical Protestant voting block but he might not be able to avoid addressing his faith in the race.
Election 2012

Bachmann Out Of Race, Adviser Says


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By The Associated Press
An adviser says last-place Iowa caucus finisher Michelle Bachmann is ending her presidential campaign. That leaves her supporters up for grabs as Rick Santorum tries to establish himself as the conservative heavyweight in the Republican race.
Election 2012

Santorum May Add Supporters In N.H.


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
NPR: SANTORUM IN N.H.
By WGBH News
Though he hasn't struck sparks in the Granite State so far, Rick Santorum might have an impact in New Hampshire after his surge in Iowa.
U.S.

Santorum, Romney Take Top Spots In A Nail-Biter


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News & Wires
It came down to the wire for Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney in the Iowa caucuses.
Election 2012

Political Word Watch: Romney And Santorum


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
What do the Republican candidates' words reveal about their strategies? We analyze debate transcripts by Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney and the rest of the GOP field.
Election 2012

Mass. Sets Ballot Order For Presidential Primaries


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News & Wires
Ron Paul's name will top the ballot for Massachusetts' March 6 GOP presidential primary. Secretary of State William Galvin said that each vote really does matter.
Election 2012

Outsiders And Opportunists, But No Moderates In Race


WGBH ELECTION CENTRAL
By WGBH News
One political scientist says our candidates for president are less experienced than ever before — and an outsider can't fix a system they know nothing about.
U.S.

House Leaders Agree To Senate Tax Terms


By The Associated Press
House Speaker John Boehner says he has reached agreement with the Senate to renew the payroll tax cut before it expires Dec. 31.
Election 2012

Romney's First Day In The Oval Office


By WGBH News
Former Mass. Governor Mitt Romney is making resolutions not for 2012 but for 2013. In an interview on “The Howie Carr Show,” he discussed his plans for his very first day as president.
WGBH SPECIAL REPORT

Occupy: What Would Don Draper Do?


PICK YOUR OWN OCCUPY SLOGAN
By Phillip Martin
The Occupy movement has taken a beating in the press and elsewhere — and finds its image in desperate need of repair. For a fix, we look to an unlikely source: the advertising industry.
Election 2012

Enthusiasm Low Among Some N.H. Voters


By Adam Reilly
This year, the voters in the Republican hotbed of Salem, N.H. seem unexcited about their options for next month's primary.
U.S.

Post Office Agrees To Delay Closings


WGBH NEWS: SIGNED, SEALED, DISCONTINUED?
By WGBH News & Wires
The U.S. Postal Service has agreed to delay the closing of 252 mail processing centers and 3,700 local post offices until mid-May. This week, WGBH News explores the question of whether two of these offices matter to the people of Cambridge, Mass.
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.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Can Gingrich Win New Hampshire?


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
With the N.H. primary just around the corner, how much of a threat does Newt Gingrich’s recent surge in the polls pose to Mitt Romney’s presidential hopes? Adam Reilly of WGBH's "Greater Boston" went north to find out.
U.S.

Cain Suspends Campaign


By The Associated Press
Beleaguered Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain announced Saturday that he was suspending his campaign to avoid news coverage that hurt his family.
Courts, Crime & Police

Coakley: One Year Is Long Enough


CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW: THE FACE OF FORECLOSURE
By WGBH News & Wires
In an interview with WGBH News, Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley defended her decision to sue five major banks. One of those banks has announced it will stop buying new mortgages written by third parties in Mass.
COURTS AND THE LAW

State Files Suit Against Mortgage Banks


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a lawsuit on Dec. 1 against five national mortgage lenders, in what could be a setback for broader national negotiations.
Commentary

Dukakis On Gridlock, Influence And His 1988 Campaign


BARNEY FRANK TALKS TO WGBH NEWS
By Jordan Weinstein
WGBH News takes a critical look at the changing political landscape with former Mass. Gov. and past presidential candidate Michael Dukakis.
Social Issues

Occupy Boston And The 'Big Tent'


NPR: POLICE CLEAR CAMPS
By Phillip Martin
The Occupy movement's emphasis on including different views reminds some analysts of old Democratic Party national conventions. Can they all fit under the tent? 
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?
Commentary

Has Herman Cain's Time Run Out?


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW
NPR: CAIN 'REASSESSING'
By Will Roseliep
Cain is "reassessing" his options after accusations of a 13-year extramarital affair — and a former N.H. Republican party chair has had it up to here.
Social Issues

Solidarity Frays At Occupy Boston Camp


THANKSGIVING AT OCCUPY BOSTON
By Phillip Martin
A dramatic sea change appears to be taking place at the Occupy Boston encampment downtown. WGBH News has spent several days visiting the site. For the first time, we are witnessing the depth of problems, including drug use and violence, directly from the protesters.
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."
Election 2012

'Obamacare' Is 'Romneycare,' Economist Says


By WGBH News
An MIT economist who helped craft President Barack Obama’s affordable care act told WGBH News that like it or not, Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is the “hero of national health care reform.”
Local Politics

The Romney Hard Drive Purge: OK Or Not?


EMILY ROONEY SHOW: ROMNEY'S HOUSECLEANING
By WGBH News & Wires
WGBH News commentators say Romney's hard drive purge was apparently within the letter of the state's public records law — but may have violated its spirit.
Sports

Interim Coach Named At Penn. State


TONIGHT: "GREATER BOSTON" TALKS ABOUT PATERNO
By The Associated Press
Tom Bradley, considered the leading in-house candidate to replace Joe Paterno, will coach the Nittany Lions through the end of the season.
Greater Boston

'Modern Warfare 3' Video Game Hits The Shelves


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Jared Bowen
It had nothing to do with a new Apple device or the latest Twilight movie. Monday at midnight people lined up at electronics stores waiting to be among the first to buy the latest video game in the "Call of Duty Series." It will likely become the best-selling game of all time. And it's all about very violent combat.

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