LOCAL NEWS

A noble history

About 200 African American-owned businesses existed in the city of Boston at the beginning of the 20th century. Before providing a brief history of the most prominent of those proprietorships, a sketch of the city's black demographics at that time is instructive. According to U.S. Census figures, from 1890 to 1920 Boston's black population doubled, growing from 8,125 to 16,350. More »

Hundreds protest proposed MBTA cuts and fare hikes

Activists lined up to testify in a packed hearing Monday on the MBTA's proposals to close an estimated $185 million funding deficit at the Boston Public Library. A crowd of more than 400 rallied outside the building against the agency's proposals to increase fares and cut services. More »

Young sisters sing the gospel in debut album

Sisters Oladunni, 12, and Olayeni Oladipo, 10, are rising stars. Both sing for the Boston's Children's Chorus, and last year they released their debut album, "The Mighty One," recorded at 12th Note Productions in Roxbury. More »