CommonWealth Beacon
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Politics, ideas, & civic life in MA. CommonWealth Beacon's in-depth coverage is a primary news & information source for policymakers, civic leaders & citizens. www.commonwealthbeacon.org
BALLOT QUESTIONS: Ballot measures must clear courts, lawmakers, and voters
Ballot measures must clear courts, lawmakers, and voters - CommonWealth Beacon
As the secretary of state's office certifies hundreds of thousands of signatures submitted on behalf of the proposed 2026 ballot questions, campaigns and ballot initiative veterans estimate about half...
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 11:01 PM
BALLOT QUESTIONS: Ballot measures must clear courts, lawmakers, and voters
NEW: Suit to block Education Department closure expanded amid agency transfers plans
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/su...
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/su...
Suit to block Education Department closure expanded amid agency transfers plans - CommonWealth Beacon
In May, a federal judge in Massachusetts granted a preliminary injunction in the consolidated case, blocking the administration’s efforts, including a reduction in force effort at the agency.
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 26, 2025 at 10:48 PM
NEW: Suit to block Education Department closure expanded amid agency transfers plans
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/su...
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/su...
ICYMI: E-bikes are supercharging the Bluebikes system — and that’s a good thing #OPINION
E-bikes are supercharging the Bluebikes system - and that's a good thing - CommonWealth Beacon
Bluebikes ridership has soared in Greater Boston. While there is no single solution to our many transportation challenges, the growing popularity of
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 5:53 PM
ICYMI: E-bikes are supercharging the Bluebikes system — and that’s a good thing #OPINION
OPINION: President Abraham Lincoln delivered his 272-word Gettysburg Address during the Civil War on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery near where 50,000 soldiers died four […]
The Gettysburg Address (revised) - CommonWealth Beacon
President Abraham Lincoln delivered his 272-word Gettysburg Address during the Civil War on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Gettysburg
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
OPINION: President Abraham Lincoln delivered his 272-word Gettysburg Address during the Civil War on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery near where 50,000 soldiers died four […]
☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable - CommonWealth Beacon
The issue appears to be a spat about accounting records, but it highlights the struggles health providers had during the height of the first COVID waves, when frontline medical personnel were stretched...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:45 PM
☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
ICYMI: How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter
How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter - CommonWealth Beacon
In a closely watched upset, City Councilor Robert Van Campen beat DeMaria by 9 percentage points. His promise to restore trust and accountability in City Hall wasn’t hard to sell. But Van Campen has...
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 2:34 PM
ICYMI: How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter
EDUCATION: Controversial curriculum swept up in literacy reform debate
Controversial curriculum swept up in literacy reform debate - CommonWealth Beacon
Science-of-reading advocates describe the activity as a "back-door effort"
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 12:37 PM
EDUCATION: Controversial curriculum swept up in literacy reform debate
☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable - CommonWealth Beacon
The issue appears to be a spat about accounting records, but it highlights the struggles health providers had during the height of the first COVID waves, when frontline medical personnel were stretched...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 26, 2025 at 11:31 AM
☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
1. State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
HEALTH CARE: State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable
State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable - CommonWealth Beacon
The issue appears to be a spat about accounting records, but it highlights the struggles health providers had during the height of the first COVID waves, when frontline medical personnel were stretched...
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 11:01 PM
HEALTH CARE: State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable
NEW: Controversial curriculum swept up in literacy reform debate
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/co...
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/co...
Controversial curriculum swept up in literacy reform debate - CommonWealth Beacon
Science-of-reading advocates describe the activity as a "back-door effort"
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 25, 2025 at 8:21 PM
NEW: Controversial curriculum swept up in literacy reform debate
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/co...
commonwealthbeacon.org/education/co...
Hiring? CommonWealth Beacon's Job Board showcases career opportunities to top candidates seeking jobs in government, public policy, nonprofits, education, and more. Learn more: buff.ly/BFjAXWj
Job Board - CommonWealth Beacon
JOB BOARD Discover top job opportunities across Massachusetts with the CommonWealth Beacon Job Board — your source for the latest openings in government,
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Hiring? CommonWealth Beacon's Job Board showcases career opportunities to top candidates seeking jobs in government, public policy, nonprofits, education, and more. Learn more: buff.ly/BFjAXWj
NEW: State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable - CommonWealth Beacon
The issue appears to be a spat about accounting records, but it highlights the struggles health providers had during the height of the first COVID waves, when frontline medical personnel were stretched...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:51 PM
NEW: State audit claims 2023 maternity unit closure in Leominster was preventable
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
OPINION: Bluebikes ridership has soared in Greater Boston. While there is no single solution to our many transportation challenges, the growing popularity of Bluebikes is showing that the region’s public bikeshare […]
E-bikes are supercharging the Bluebikes system - and that's a good thing - CommonWealth Beacon
Bluebikes ridership has soared in Greater Boston. While there is no single solution to our many transportation challenges, the growing popularity of
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 12:37 PM
OPINION: Bluebikes ridership has soared in Greater Boston. While there is no single solution to our many transportation challenges, the growing popularity of Bluebikes is showing that the region’s public bikeshare […]
ECONOMY: How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter
How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter - CommonWealth Beacon
In a closely watched upset, City Councilor Robert Van Campen beat DeMaria by 9 percentage points. His promise to restore trust and accountability in City Hall wasn’t hard to sell. But Van Campen has...
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
ECONOMY: How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter
New in OPINION: E-bikes are supercharging the Bluebikes system — and that’s a good thing
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/e-bi...
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/e-bi...
E-bikes are supercharging the Bluebikes system - and that's a good thing - CommonWealth Beacon
Bluebikes ridership has soared in Greater Boston. While there is no single solution to our many transportation challenges, the growing popularity of
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
New in OPINION: E-bikes are supercharging the Bluebikes system — and that’s a good thing
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/e-bi...
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/e-bi...
Reposted by CommonWealth Beacon
Ex. article by Katy Naples-Mitchell @cwbeacon.bsky.social
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up - CommonWealth Beacon
Massachusetts has positioned itself as a leader on a range of policy domains under attack by the Trump administration. But as a national conversation has arisen about cash bail and public safety, fuel...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Ex. article by Katy Naples-Mitchell @cwbeacon.bsky.social
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
Reposted by CommonWealth Beacon
A must-read for anyone interested in Kraft’s plans for a #NERevs stadium.
Van Campen’s focus on transportation planning here is an excellent sign that the City of Boston may have a good faith partner in Everett, entering arbitration with the Kraft Group.
Van Campen’s focus on transportation planning here is an excellent sign that the City of Boston may have a good faith partner in Everett, entering arbitration with the Kraft Group.
NEW: How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter
commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/how...
commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/how...
How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter - CommonWealth Beacon
In a closely watched upset, City Councilor Robert Van Campen beat DeMaria by 9 percentage points. His promise to restore trust and accountability in City Hall wasn’t hard to sell. But Van Campen has...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A must-read for anyone interested in Kraft’s plans for a #NERevs stadium.
Van Campen’s focus on transportation planning here is an excellent sign that the City of Boston may have a good faith partner in Everett, entering arbitration with the Kraft Group.
Van Campen’s focus on transportation planning here is an excellent sign that the City of Boston may have a good faith partner in Everett, entering arbitration with the Kraft Group.
Reposted by CommonWealth Beacon
Beacon Hill clears hurdle for Weymouth naval air base redevelopment. via @cwbeacon.bsky.social
Beacon Hill clears hurdle for Weymouth naval air base redevelopment - CommonWealth Beacon
After a series of stops and starts stretching back 15-plus years, Beacon Hill is on the verge of removing one of the last remaining obstacles to redevelopment of the former naval air base in Weymouth.
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Beacon Hill clears hurdle for Weymouth naval air base redevelopment. via @cwbeacon.bsky.social
ICYMI: On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up #OPINION
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up - CommonWealth Beacon
Massachusetts has positioned itself as a leader on a range of policy domains under attack by the Trump administration. But as a national conversation has arisen about cash bail and public safety, fueled...
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
ICYMI: On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up #OPINION
New on the Codcast: Restoring civic discourse in an age of polarization
Listen now: commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/...
Listen now: commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/...
Restoring civic discourse in an age of polarization - CommonWealth Beacon
On this week’s episode of The Codcast, Jim Peyser, who served as secretary of education under Gov. Charlie Baker, talks with CommonWealth Beacon executive editor Michael Jonas about the yearlong series...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:58 PM
New on the Codcast: Restoring civic discourse in an age of polarization
Listen now: commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/...
Listen now: commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/...
NEW: How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter
commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/how...
commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/how...
How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter - CommonWealth Beacon
In a closely watched upset, City Councilor Robert Van Campen beat DeMaria by 9 percentage points. His promise to restore trust and accountability in City Hall wasn’t hard to sell. But Van Campen has...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:34 PM
NEW: How incoming mayor Robert Van Campen will write Everett’s next chapter
commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/how...
commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/how...
☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:
1. ‘They’re making a huge bet’: Rent control referendum splits progressives commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/the...
1. ‘They’re making a huge bet’: Rent control referendum splits progressives commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/the...
‘They're making a huge bet’: Rent control referendum splits progressives - CommonWealth Beacon
If a campaign to instate rent control across the Commonwealth makes it to the ballot, voters will need to weigh whether every municipality should adopt a measure more stringent than earlier attempts by...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:42 AM
☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:
1. ‘They’re making a huge bet’: Rent control referendum splits progressives commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/the...
1. ‘They’re making a huge bet’: Rent control referendum splits progressives commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/the...
ICYMI: Beacon Hill clears hurdle for Weymouth naval air base redevelopment
Beacon Hill clears hurdle for Weymouth naval air base redevelopment - CommonWealth Beacon
After a series of stops and starts stretching back 15-plus years, Beacon Hill is on the verge of removing one of the last remaining obstacles to redevelopment of the former naval air base in Weymouth.
buff.ly
November 23, 2025 at 3:57 PM
ICYMI: Beacon Hill clears hurdle for Weymouth naval air base redevelopment