Author: Jonathan Igne-Bianchi
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Free Activities to Close Out the Summer of ‘14
Concerts in the Courtyard Wednesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 12:30pm Boston Central Library in Copley Square, Boston, MA Hosted by the Boston Public Library Foundation, the Boston Public Library’s concert series is sure-fire way to enjoy the plethora of local musical talent. Only an hour long, it’s a great excuse to go check out…
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State Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Bill for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
BOSTON, Mass.—On 16 June 2012, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing for House Bill 135, “An Act Providing Housing and Support Services to Unaccompanied Homeless Youth.” Co-sponsored by state senators James O’Day and Katherine Clark, the bill seeks to improve on the resources available to homeless youth…
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Alone in The Dark: Solitary Confinement Reform in Massachusetts Prisons
BOSTON, Mass.—When it comes to solitary confinement, prison reform advocated believe some correctional facilities in Massachusetts are not doing their inmates justice. An inmate in Massachusetts can be placed into solitary confinement for up to ten years.These inmates can be kept isolated for up to 23 hours a day. With no access to outside resources…
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Commissioner Monahan Lives on Food Stamps for a Week
CHELSEA, Mass.—”I never realized how expensive cheese is,” Stacy Monahan said as she picked up a generic pack of slices in a crowded Market Basket in Chelsea. The Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner is the latest in a string of Democrats across the nation have been walking in the shoes of people in the Supplemental…
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New Report on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
BOSTON, Mass.—The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth released its inaugural report at the end of April. The research in the report is setup to expand within the next few years, going deeper into underlying issues of homelessness that do not typically receive government or media attention. The commission states that their…
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Money and Houses: State Rep. Marjorie Decker Tackles the Issues at Spare Change News’ 21st Anniversary Gala
State Representative and Cambridge City Councilor Marjorie Decker was one of a handful of speakers at Spare Change News’ 21st Anniversary Fundraiser and Celebration. She also acted as an enthusiastic, quick-witted auctioneer. Raised in Cambridge, she shined, entering dialogues with the diverse group of attendees at the event. A democrat, and self-proclaimed “Cambridge progressive,” Representative…
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Is Boston Ready to Break the Mayor Mold?
The election of a new mayor of Boston has shaped up into a battle royal. Before Menino was mayor, there was Mayor Raymond Flynn. Menino’s predecessor won a hard-fought campaign against black candidate U.S. Rep. Melvin H. King in 1983. No stranger to politics, King’s near win came in a time of racial division and…
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Faktum Hotels Supplies the Homeless Experience
Faktum Hotels offers a unique experience: sleeping on the streets. With beautiful, high-resolution photos of scenic cityscapes, one might mistake Faktum Hotels for an upscale evening of Michelin Star cuisine and high ceilings. Located in Gothenburg, Sweden, their rooms are advertised as romantic getaways with historic surroundings, posh art, and a borderline pretentious appreciation for…
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Super PACs and Female Candidates
The landmark Supreme Court case: Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission established that government cannot restrict independent political expenditures by corporations and unions. While this strongly impacts all candidates for congress, women campaigning for public office have felt the blunt end of the 2010 court decision. Three of the nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices are…