Category: Local
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Career Politician vs. Activist: Congressional hopeful Ayanna Pressley debates incumbent Michael Capuano
Bay State Rep. Michael Capuano and Boston City Councilor-At-Large Ayanna Pressley sparred over who would best represent the Seventh Congressional District in Congress – notably the most diverse district in the state – during a debate at UMass Boston hosted by WBUR on Aug. 7. Capuano touted his many notable endorsements as evidence of his…
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Fifty Years After the Fair Housing Act, Discrimination is Still an Issue
The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) of 1968, celebrated this past April, begs the question: where do we stand as a nation half a century later? The enactment of this law is the legacy of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many other civil rights activists, and as a…
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Boston names first black police commissioner, but activists say there’s still a lot of work to do
William Gross made history on July 23 when he became Boston’s first ever black police commissioner. Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced Gross’s appointment, which will begin on August 5. Both Walsh and outgoing commissioner William Evans had glowing words for Gross and his 33 year career at the Boston Police Department. “I don’t think the…
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Despite Endorsement From Massachusetts Medical Society, Legislators Go Home For Summer Without Approving Supervised Injection Sites
Legislators folded at the chance to establish a supervised injection site pilot program within a bill, following the strong condemnation of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling at the end of this legislative session. The supervised injection facility (SIF) idea was approved for further study by the Senate Ways and Means…
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Boston receives federal grant to help homeless youth
On Tuesday, July 17, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that Boston will be one of 11 communities to receive a part of a $43 million dollar grant to help end youth homelessness. The announcement was made by HUD’s deputy assistant secretary for special needs Jemine Bryon. “Today, we further commit…
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Boston receives federal grant to help homeless youth
Mayor Walsh poses with members of the Bridge Over Troubled Waters community. Photo by author. On Tuesday, July 17, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that Boston will be one of 11 communities to receive a part of a $43 million dollar grant to help end youth homelessness. The announcement was made…
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Boston passes living wage ordinance
Boston was one of the first cities in the United States to to pass a living wage ordinance to ensure that cleaning and maintenance workers and security officers in city buildings are paid a prevailing wage rate and have job protections. Mayor Martin Walsh filed a citywide proposal to update the current ordinance to include…
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Two women look to fight eviction while most of their older housemates face a similar fate
Judy Burnette and Lydia Eccles, residents of Our Lady’s Guild House, stand in front of housing court. Photo: Seth Rosczewski. Before stepping foot in housing court on the morning of July 12, Lydia Eccles was given support by her neighbor and friend Judy Burnette along with members of City Life/Vida Urbana, who held a press…