LOCAL NEWS
Gov. unveils youth initiative to curb street violenceGov. Deval Patrick unveiled his new plan last week to curb youth violence throughout the state. As part of the "Massachusetts Safe and Successful Youth Initiative," the governor said that he plans to file legislation for tougher gun laws and will seek an additional $10 million to fund local partnerships. More » |
Redrawing political maps takes a first stepRepublican state Rep. Dan Winslow and attorney Jack Robinson fired a shot across the bow of Massachusetts Democrats last Thursday with a pair of proposed congressional district maps they say will set a tight legal standard for the Legislature's Joint Committee on Redistricting. More » |
Lawrence mayor defiant under fireLAWRENCE, Mass. - When William "Willie" Lantigua was elected mayor of Lawrence in 2009, he stood in front of supporters and sang Hector Lavoe's "Mi Gente" - "My People." Supporters in this majority Latino city danced, cried and listened to the first Latino to be elected mayor in state history declare through a bullhorn that he'd be a mayor of "all Lawrence residents." More » |
Viva 'the Deuce': Roxbury honors Korean War vetsOf all of Boston's most notable high achievers, none stand taller than Edward O. Gourdin. Gourdin graduated from Harvard College in 1921 with a B.A. and from Harvard School of Law in 1924 with the LL.B. In 1925, he was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association, and in 1929, he was admitted to the federal bar. More » |
Mass. considers ending 'lifetime alimony'Steve Niro got married three decades ago but divorced less than five years later. He's been paying alimony ever since - and there's no end in sight. After Niro's youngest child graduated from college a few years ago, his child support ended and his remaining alimony payment was $65 a week. But his wife took him to court for a modification, and a judge agreed to increase the alimony to $700 a week, or $36,000 a year. More » |
Community leaders: We can do better next timeWith data from the 2010 U.S. Census still just hitting the news, activists from "hard to count" communities in Massachusetts are already advising Census officials on how to do better next time. Representatives of 23 community organizations recently met with Census officials and offered an array of recommendations for 2020, including appeals to better accommodate the ethnic and linguistic complexity of Massachusetts. More » |
Mass. House approves bill to overhaul court systemThe Massachusetts House unanimously approved a bill last week designed to overhaul the state court system in the wake of revelations about abuses in the hiring and promotions practices at the court-administered Probation Department. More » |
Q & A: Sweet Honey in the RockCelebrity Series of Boston - a nonprofit arts presenter - recently brought "Sweet Honey in the Rock" to Symphony Hall. A six-member, all female acapella group comprised of Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson and Shirley Childress Saxton, Sweet Honey has been touring the world with their unique musical style for more than 30 years. More » |
Mass. Juvenile Drug Court marks 10th anniversaryNEW BEDFORD, Mass. - It took almost two years, but eventually the lessons of Juvenile Drug Court began to sink in for Dakota McMahon. "These people here know what's best for you and they give good advice," said McMahon, 16, who graduated in January from New Bedford's Juvenile Drug Court, which is entering its 10th year of existence. More » |
NATIONAL NEWS
Washington walks a tightrope in UgandaMuch of the world has been transfixed by the non-violent protests sweeping across the Middle East - all too often met by violent government retaliation. Outside the global spotlight, however, another non-violent protest is gathering steam. More » |
Diversity stretching is key to landing first jobIf you are a college student seeking to be recruited into the professional work force, one of the most important qualities employers will be searching for is your ability to be a "team player." More » |
Lawmakers press Obama on jobs in urban areasWASHINGTON - Black members of Congress pressed President Barack Obama last week for a greater focus on creating jobs in urban areas where unemployment is often highest. Obama said he was trying to fix the economy as a whole, said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. More » |
Study: USDA still plagued by civil rights problemsWASHINGTON - Despite acknowledging a legacy of discrimination, the Department of Agriculture is still plagued by civil rights problems that have in the past led to unequal treatment of minorities seeking loans and other help, according to a government-commissioned report released last week. More » |
Analysis: Romney makes tough choice on health careWASHINGTON - Republican Mitt Romney faces a deeply unpleasant choice in his all-but-announced bid for the White House. He signaled last week that he'd rather be charged with inspiring President Barack Obama's health care overhaul than with switching positions on a fourth big issue that's vital to conservative voters. More » |
Music legend Niles Rodgers tries theaterMONTGOMERY, Ala. - Nile Rodgers, hailed by many in the music industry as one of the best known musician/songwriters and record producers in pop music history, has earned the title pop superstar. More » |
Black women embrace first lady's evolved roleATLANTA - First lady Michelle Obama was welcomed with thunderous cheers and told the 550 graduating from Spelman College, an historically black women's school, that no matter where they go, they need to bring the school's ideals to the world. More » |
WORLD NEWS
Aristide surprises by staying on Haiti's sidelinesPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Exiled former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned in March to a movie star's welcome, arriving by private jet to a crowd of adoring fans and fevered speculation about what the twice-ousted leader would do back home. More » |
