LOCAL NEWS

Opposition mounts against 'habitual offender' bill

A new bill aimed at creating mandatory life sentences for habitual violent offenders goes too far and could put nonviolent offenders behind bars for life as well, according to civil rights activists. More »

Simmons reflects on tenure at Brown Univ.

PROVIDENCE - Ruth Simmons made a big news splash a decade ago when she was named president of Brown University, making her the first black president of an Ivy League school. She made another three years later by naming a committee to investigate Brown's past role in the slavery and make recommendations on possible reparations. More »

Two options presented for Ferdinand project site

The Ferdinand redevelopment project is starting to take shape. Sasaki Architects gave an update to the Dudley Square Vision Advisory Task Force on Nov. 16 and showed 3-D models of two possible plans for the new construction. More »

Dorchester volunteer helps service workers

Sandra Hughes, wearing a cheerful blue tie-dyed caftan, beams as she greets the middle-aged woman waiting to see her. Hughes leans back on her chair to retrieve a file. More »

Anonymous Boston strikes a chord on urban violence

The cheerful smiles of Eyanna Flonory and Amani Smith beam down from a large portrait of the mother and son mounted on the wall. Their bright faces are visible from the street outside through the big picture windows of Fenway art gallery The Fourth Wall Project. More »

Roxbury Trust Fund looks to continue grantmaking

When the Roxbury Trust Fund was established in 1990, its success was far from certain. The plan called for a $2.5 million, community-controlled fund to be established as a community benefit generated by a yet-to-be-built downtown skyscraper and the Ruggles Plaza office building. More »

Civic breakthroughs portend a new Boston

The recent general election for the Boston City Council appears to be one of those rare and important moments in the city's history when its ever changing demographics finally break through to provide access to power for formerly marginalized minority communities. More »