in the Mix

It was all about the music on the Liberation Tour at the Bank of America Pavilion with Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo and Melanie Fiona. What an incredible line-up! I caught the tail-end of Melanie's set and the girl has got some pipes. More »

Student loan reforms expected to help 1.6 million borrowers

As many as 1.6 million responsible student loan borrowers could benefit from a new order that ties loan repayment to income and family size. Beginning September 30, an expanded option called Income Based Repayment (IBR) can reduce monthly loan payments. More »

Study details racial, educational gaps in mortality rates

The longevity gap between "two Americas" has widened since 1990, says a new study. One America is mostly white and well-educated. The other is ethnic or undereducated and dying about a decade sooner than their more affluent counterparts. More »

Grambling's nursing program gains stellar reputation

Because of the perfect pass rate on national exams for 14 straight years, Grambling State University's graduate nursing program has gained a reputation for excellence in Louisiana. More »

Mayor Menino mulls Boston city redistricting vote

Activists and voter rights advocates are urging Boston Mayor Tom Menino to oppose redistricting legislation before the deadline this week in hopes that it will not automatically become law and dilute the electoral strength of black, Latino and Asian voters. More »

Dorchester's Joseph Goncalves beats the odds on & off stage

Joseph Goncalves has come a long way from his roots in theater. Years after he got his start in eighth grade as a background character in "Guys and Dolls," the Dorchester native recently staged a play that he wrote, directed, and produced. More »

Dr. Crumpler: Nation's first African American woman physician

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler holds the distinction of being the first African American woman in the United States to earn a medical degree?an accomplishment previously credited to Dr. Rebecca Cole. Crumpler was born in Delaware on February 8, 1831, the daughter of Matilda Webber and Absolum Davis. But she was raised in Pennsylvania by a kind aunt, whose service to the sick was constantly sought. No doubt that aunt inspired her niece; Rebecca relished relieving the suffering of others. In 1852, she moved to Charlestown, Mass. and pursued her passion, working as a nurse for eight years. More »