Jess Bidgood  

 

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Boston

An Entrepreneur, A Soldier, A Refugee: Millennials And Sept. 11



SEPT. 11: A DAY OF REFLECTION, A DECADE OF STORIES
By Jess Bidgood
It may be too early to say how Sept. 11 affected the millennial generation, who came of age in its aftermath. But it did bring change, one person at a time. Here are three stories of youths whose lives were altered because of that day.
Boston

DiMasi Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison


By Jess Bidgood
Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has been sentenced to serve eight years in prison.
Boston

Prosecution Asks For 12-Year Prison Term For DiMasi

By Jess Bidgood
Government prosecutors say former House Speaker Sal DiMasi should face more than twelve years in prison after his conviction on corruption charges earlier this year. EARLIER: EX-SPEAKER DIMASI CONVICTED OF CORRUPTION
Boston

New App Lets You Complain About The T... Productively


BOSTON: THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT
By Jess Bidgood
A new iPhone app may help people complain more productively. The Talk To The T app, now available for free in the iTunes store, allows users to send the T a message detailing a problem they encountered on the system and attach an optional photo.
Local Politics

Elizabeth Warren Forms Exploratory Committee


By Jess Bidgood
Consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren is moving closer to a potential run for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. The Democrat, who helped form the nascent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before being passed over to run it amongst fierce Republican opposition, on Thursday launched a website and exploratory committee.
Economy

Gauntlets Thrown, Mass. Plans To Keep Young Talent


By Jess Bidgood
Recently-released census data shows 35 percent of Boston's population is made up of 20 to 34 year olds. The city now faces some competitive heat from its neighbors regarding its young residents.
Boston

And They're Off! Boston Bike Share Launches


GREATER BOSTON: HUBWAY LAUNCH MAKES BOSTON 'SPIN CITY'
By Jess Bidgood
Boston's landmark bike-sharing program, Hubway, is live. On Friday, it's first full day of operation, over 600 bikes were ready in kiosks around Boston, waiting to be borrowed, ridden and left at another kiosk in the city.
Art & Design

Donations Roll In For Popular Chihuly


By Jess Bidgood
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts says donations are rolling in after it last weekend began a campaign to get the public’s help in acquiring a piece from its popular Dale Chihuly exhibition.
Boston

Warnings Issued As Temps., Humidity Climb In Mass.


By Jess Bidgood
Local weather and government officials are advising people to take precautions against temperatures that could make parts of Massachusetts feel as hot as 105 degrees Fahrenheit later this week.
Boston

Former Harvard Fellow Charged With Hacking At MIT


By Jess Bidgood
A Cambridge man is facing federal charges of hacking into a computer storage system at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and stealing four million academic journal articles.
CRIME

Boston Police To Step Up Park Presence, Continue Targeted Sweeps

By Jess Bidgood
Police Commissioner Ed Davis says the Boston Police will continue a series of round-ups, undercover operations and police presence increases in the wake of a jump in shootings in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. THE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW: CURBING THE CRIME WAVE
Boston

Boston Has Nation's Highest Ratio Of 20-34 Year-Olds


By Jess Bidgood
Boston is home to a bigger proportion of adults ages 20-34 than any other city in America, with 35 percent of its population falling into the age group. Both Mayor Menino and an independent economist agree that's good for the city.
Health Care

Blue Cross Will Refund Ex-CEO's Payout

By Jess Bidgood
Massachusetts largest health insurer is refunding its customers for the $4.2 million severance payout it gave departing CEO Cleve Killingsworth.
Boston

Prosecutors: Bulger Says He Visited Boston While In Hiding


'WHITEY' BULGER CAPTURED: FULL WGBH COVERAGE
By Jess Bidgood
Longtime fugitive James "Whitey" Bulger came home to Boston last week after 16 years on the run. But the alleged mobster told authorities last Friday was not the first time he visited his hometown since he disappeared in December, 1994.
Boston

For Bulger Brothers, A Reunion Of Sorts


WHITEY BULGER CAPTURED: FULL WGBH COVERAGE
By Jess Bidgood
James 'Whitey' Bulger and William Bulger exchanged smiles when the former faced a judge in a Boston court on Friday.
Boston

Arrest Of Bulger, Former Folk Hero, (Mostly) Welcome News


FULL COVERAGE: WHITEY CAPTURED
GREATER BOSTON: THE OUTLAW AND THE LAWMAN
By Jess Bidgood
In South Boston's Ottavio's Barbershop — and, for the most part, the rest of the city — there was only one thing to talk about on Thursday.
Boston

In Southie, A Bruins Celebration Decades In The Making


BRUINS WIN STANLEY CUP
By Jess Bidgood
As the Bruins’ final face-off against the Vancouver Canucks came to a decisive, victorious end, the whole city of Boston erupted with joy. At The Connection, longtime Southie residents came together to enjoy a moment 39 years in the making, launching into a group rendition of “We are the Champions.”
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.
Weather & National Disasters

In Springfield, Tornado Cleanup Begins


TORNADO RECOVERY: HOW YOU CAN HELP
By Jess Bidgood
By Thursday afternoon, shock and fear from a tornado that struck Springfield on Wednesday had given way to a city-wide effort of soldiers, safety officials and residents beginning to put their city back together.
WEATHER

After Deadly Mass. Tornado, 'Jaw-Dropping' Destruction


By Jess Bidgood
At least four people are dead after violent storms swept through Massachusetts on Wednesday, spawning at least two tornados. A photographer who walked through Springfield just after a tornado touched down in the city described collapsed buildings, uprooted trees, damaged cars and widespread shock.
Media

Junger: Front-Line War Coverage 'Of No Use To Anyone'


THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Jess Bidgood
For a long time, the name Sebastian Junger has been almost synonymous with the word “war.” He explains to WGBH's why he's leaving front-line coverage — and why he's beginning to doubt its overall efficacy. 
Boston

In Boston, Freedom Riders Continue Activism



WGBH PRESENTS FREEDOM RIDERS
By Jess Bidgood
The story of the Freedom Ride is not just a story about the South. Freedom Riders came from and now live all over the country, enriching their communities with the convictions that led them to the Ride and the memories of what they experienced on it. Meet two Freedom Riders who are longtime Boston residents.
Boston

Dorchester Student Brings Freedom Ride Lessons Home



WGBH PRESENTS FREEDOM RIDERS
By Jess Bidgood
Tariq Meyers says growing up in Dorchester made him who he is. He participated in the 2011 Student Freedom Ride — and he hopes to use lessons from the experience to bring a new activism, steeped in history, to his home neighborhood.
Local Politics

Newton Mayor Announces U.S. Senate Run


By Jess Bidgood
Setti Warren, the Mayor of Newton, announced Monday that he'll run for Senate in 2012, hoping to face U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in the general election. Warren faces an uphill battle for name recognition.
Boston

Boston Chemist Applies Lessons Of Freedom Ride To Local Activism



WGBH PRESENTS FREEDOM RIDERS
By Jess Bidgood
T he same convictions that Harvard chemist Mike Wolfson on the Freedom Ride in 1961 have led him to engage in activism in Boston for the past 40 years.
Boston

Amid Rising Gas Prices, T Ridership Increases

By Jess Bidgood
The MBTA is reporting its largest month-to-month ridership jump in two-and-a-half years. PASSENGERS: RISING GAS PRICES AND PUBLIC TRANSIT
FREEDOM RIDERS

From Lowell To Jackson: One Freedom Rider's Story



WGBH PRESENTS FREEDOM RIDERS
By Jess Bidgood
In July 1961, Lowell native Ellen Ziskind joined the Freedom Ride, spending six weeks in a Mississippi prison after defying the state's segregation rule. 50 years later, she shares her story.

Student Wants To Connect Freedom Ride To Web. 2.0



WGBH PRESENTS FREEDOM RIDERS
By Jess Bidgood
Harvard junior Peter Davis built a social network to help bring neighbors together. As a member of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride, he wants to see more youth engagement today -- but he doesn't necessarily think big demonstrations like the Freedom Ride are the way forward.
Art & Design

Smee Talks Pulitzer, The Globe And Sports


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Jess Bidgood
Sebastian Smee has added a Pulitzer to the Boston Globe's mantle for his vivid, layered arts criticism. He spoke to WGBH's Emily Rooney about the award, his future plans and his commitment to arts criticism.
FREEDOM RIDERS

Boston-Area Freedom Riders Look Back



WGBH PRESENTS FREEDOM RIDERS
By Jess Bidgood
Check back this month for personal interviews with New Englanders who joined the original Freedom Ride.
BOSTON

Red Sox Announcer Preps For Fenway's Opening Day


LISTEN: WHERE HAVE ALL THE RED SOX TICKETS GONE?
By Jess Bidgood
WGBH's Emily Rooney speaks with Carl Beane, who's been the Red Sox PA announcer for the past eight years.
The Emily Rooney Show

Pressley Defends Sexual-Assault Awareness Efforts


By Jess Bidgood
Ayanna Pressley told her own story of on-campus sexual assault in order to raise awareness about the issue. Although she's facing some hostility for doing so, the Boston City Councilor is going forward with plans to hold a hearing about what colleges and universities can do to prevent on-campus sexual assault -- and encourage victims to come forward.
WHERE WE LIVE

For Saugus, A Push Beyond Route 1


WGBH SERIES: WHERE WE LIVE
By Jess Bidgood
Saugus's Route 1 location is considered a gold mine for retailers and restaurants. The town has never needed a planner to encourage that kind of development -- but some residents think its time to build a vision for the other parts of town.
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.
The Emily Rooney Show

Roundtable: NPR CEO Steps Down


VIVIAN SCHILLER, NPR CEO, OUSTED
By Jess Bidgood
The media world is reeling after news of NPR CEO Vivian Schiller's hasty exit from her post. Jay Rosen, Al Tompkins and James Poniewozik joined The Emily Rooney Show to offer their analysis of a chain of events that began with Juan Williams' firing and continues through Schiller's resignation.
Boston

Obama: Boston School Is National Reform Model


VIDEO: WATCH OBAMA'S SPEECH
By Jess Bidgood
President Obama gave an upbeat speech in Boston today, lauding TechBoston Academy for its achievements in education — and emphasizing his commitment to education investment as Congress scales up efforts to cut the nation's budget deficit.
Business

No Merger For Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan


By Jess Bidgood
Two of the state's biggest health insurers have called off talks of a merger.  In an email to staff obtained by WGBH, Tufts Health Plan CEO Jim Roosevelt said a review found it would be "ultimately too complex" to merge with Harvard Pilgrim.
Music

BSO's Volpe Hopes There's Still A Role For Levine


MARK VOLPE ON LEVINE'S RESIGNATION
THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW: CLASSICAL COMMUNITY REACTS
By Jess Bidgood
Maestro James Levine is stepping down as the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in order to better deal with the health issues that have kept the storied conductor off the podium for much of the past year.
REMEMBRANCES

'We Need People Like Him Every Day'


By Jess Bidgood
The Harvard community — and people the world over — is mourning the death of Reverend Peter Gomes, the man who ran the university's Memorial Church for over forty years. He died Monday night at 68 years of age.
Education

Harvard Brings Back Early Admission


By Jess Bidgood
Students applying to Harvard College will once again have the option of knowing early whether they got in. Harvard is rebooting its early-admissions program after eliminating it in 2007 due to concerns it wasn't accessible to low-income students.
POSTCARD FROM CAMBRIDGE

Boston: There's An App For That


POSTCARD FROM JAMAICA PLAIN
By Jess Bidgood
A growing number of individuals are dreaming up new possibilities for Boston’s civic data – basic streams of information on topics ranging from real-time bus data to sidewalks. They gathered for a low-key afternoon of brainstorming in Cambridge.
Boston

Boston-Area Egyptians Look Ahead With Resolve


By Jess Bidgood
Egyptians living in the Boston area this weekend joined their countrymen in processing the joy, challenges and questions left behind by Hosni Mubarak's departure from the Egyptian presidency on Friday.
Boston

In Boston, Egyptians Celebrate Mubarak's Departure

By Jess Bidgood
Egyptians in Boston are celebrating resignation of Hosni Mubarak. Amira Hussein grew up in Cairo, but has lived in Boston for four years while she works on a Ph. D. at Boston University. Walking through the city, she was positively jubilant. 
Sports

Shaq: Next Stunt Is Levitation


HEAR HOOPZ AND SHAQ ON THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Jess Bidgood
The Big Shamrock tells WGBH's Emily Rooney he's going to be levitated over the TD Garden by Criss Angel for his next Boston stunt. It will be the latest in a string of public appearances that have endeared him to Celtics fans.
Boston

Election For Turner's Seat Will Continue


CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW: 7TH DISTRICT CANDIDATES' ROUNDTABLE
By Jess Bidgood
A federal judge has ruled that Chuck Turner will not be able to stop the special election to fill his now-empty seat on the City Council, clearing the way for next week's primary election for the District 7 City Council Seat.
WEATHER

Weekend Snow Could Bring More Roof Collapses


MEMA: TIPS FOR SAFE ROOFS
By Jess Bidgood
By Friday afternoon, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Emergency Association (MEMA) reported almost 100 collapses of roofs and other structures resulting from snow and moisture piled on by this week's two-day storm. 
UPDATED

Storm Could Bring 'Flash-Freezing'


LINKS: TRAVEL DELAYS, SCHOOL CLOSINGS
MONSTER SNOW AND MEGASTORMS, OH MY!
By Jess Bidgood
The second part of a two-day winter storm is bringing sleet and freezing rain to New England, prompting officials to warn of icy roads and roof collapses.
The Emily Rooney Show

Back From Egypt, Mass. Man Waits To See Sons


NPR: EGYPT PROTESTS CONTINUE
By Jess Bidgood
Manchester's Colin Bower is trying to get his sons back from Egypt after his ex-wife allegedly kidnapped them in 2009. Bower watched millions of people take to the streets of Cairo this weekend, protesting the 30-year-rein of their president, as he waited fruitlessly to visit his sons.
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. 
WEATHER

After Another Storm, It's Shovel Vs. Snowplow


By Jess Bidgood
Although snow from Thursday morning’s storm has long stopped falling, the foot of white stuff that dropped from the sky overnight is still clogging up roads and sidewalks – and leading to a bit of a contest between shovelers and snowplows.
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.
WEATHER

Snow, Sleet Make For Slippery Mass. Roads


By Jess Bidgood
A winter storm -- the second in a week -- is blanketing Massachusetts with snow, sleet and freezing rain, creating dangerous road conditions around the state as Tuesday evening's commute looms.
POSTCARD FROM JAMAICA PLAIN

In JP, Social Networking Helps Neighbors Dig Out


By Jess Bidgood
An experiment in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood this week brought Web 2.0 together with the age-old task of shoveling, using Google Maps, text messaging and a tailor-made social network to dispatch shoveling volunteers around the neighborhood.
WEATHER

Gov. Declares State Of Emergency In Mass


WINTER STORM HAMMERS NORTHEAST
By Jess Bidgood
Tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents are without power as a blizzard blankets the state with wet, heavy snow. Schools and businesses are closed across the state, but some people are still heading to work, by road or by MBTA.
WEATHER

Nor'easter Will Bring Heavy Snowfall, High Winds To Mass.


By Jess Bidgood
A blizzard expected to blow through Massachusetts Wednesday could dump up to 18 inches of snow on some parts of the state, snarling both morning and evening commutes.  Dozens of schools are already closed because of the storm.
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.
Health Care

Beth Israel Chief Resigns


By Jess Bidgood
The chief of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, one of Boston's largest hospitals, is stepping down.
Local Politics

Gov. Patrick Opens His Second Term


HEAR THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS
By Jess Bidgood
It's official: With the completion of his inauguration ceremony, Gov. Deval Patrick's second term has begun. Patrick's inaugural speech touted the successes of his first administration and called on the state to approach its economic challenges with a mixture of optimism and a willingness to make difficult choices.
Economy

Shaws Will Shutter Five Stores

By Jess Bidgood

The Shaws grocery store chain is closing five New England Stores. It's the latest in a string of major retail closures across the state.

Local Politics

Watch Live: Gov. Patrick Takes Oath Of Office

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

Third Suspect Arrested In Mattapan Murders


MATTAPAN MOURNS THE SHOOTING DEATHS OF FOUR
By Jess Bidgood
A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of four people in Mattapan earlier this year.
Boston

Food Trucks May Be Rolling Toward Boston


READ THE CITY COUNCIL'S FOOD TRUCK REPORT
By Jess Bidgood
A proposed City Council ordinance would license up to 25 new food trucks in Boston -- and trucks could start rolling out by the summer.
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

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.
Education

BPS Supt. Proposes School Closures


SEE THE LIST OF CLOSURES, CHANGES
ONE THIRD OF MASS. URBAN STUDENTS RISK DROPPING OUT
By Jess Bidgood
Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson is expected to unveil a plan that would close, merge and move schools in an effort to close a $63 million budget gap.
The Emily Rooney Show

Rushdie Explores Video Games In New Novel


THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Jess Bidgood
World-famous author Salman Rushdie discussed parenthood, Harry Potter and his new novel, Luka and the Fire of Life with WGBH's Emily Rooney.
LOCAL NEWS

Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks Banned In Mass.


By Jess Bidgood
An emergency regulation filed by the state's Alcoholic Beverages Congrol Commission has banned the sale of alcoholic beverages containing added caffeine, like Four Loko.
Arts & Entertainment

Boston Gets First Glimpse Of New MFA


Q&A: JARED BOWEN ON THE ART OF THE AMERICAS WING
By Jess Bidgood
Sen. Scott Brown, Rep. Michael Capuano and Mayor Menino were among those in attendance as  the MFA's $500 million Art of the Americas wing was opened to its first viewings on Friday.
The Emily Rooney Show

BPD: Homicide Increase Due To Drug Activity


LISTEN TO THE SHOW
MORE: WGBH ON BLUE HILL AVENUE
By Jess Bidgood
Boston's murder rate is up almost 50 percent over this time last year -- and Police Commissioner Ed Davis says it's because of an up-tick in drug-related gang activity.
The Emily Rooney Show

Optimistic Patrick Will Focus On Jobs


MASS DEMS: GOTV KEY TO VICTORIES
PATRICK WINS A SECOND TERM
By Jess Bidgood
During an interview with WGBH's Emily Rooney, Gov. Deval Patrick said he's optimistic about Massachusetts' economic recovery, but plans to continue a focus on job-creation as he heads into his second term in office.
Mass Decision 2010

Historically High Turnout As Voters Consider Tight Races


JOIN US TONIGHT FOR A LIVE DISCUSSION
THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Jess Bidgood
This Election Day, Massachusetts' voters are on track to show historically high turnout. A roundup of the day so far from WGBH hosts and reporters.

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