Jennifer Smith
@jenndotsmith.bsky.social
Journalist at CommonWealth Beacon probably sitting on the porch of a Dorchester three-decker. Co-host of The Horse Race and The Codcast.
The parties are advised to chill. ([email protected])
The parties are advised to chill. ([email protected])
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
New pod: @skoczela.bsky.social returns from Kenya to... an alligator in the Charles? He and @jenndotsmith.bsky.social discuss the shutdown fallout and Trump's abysmal approval numbers. Then, Jenn does not NOT talk about judicial forum shopping. open.spotify.com/episode/7csG...
Episode 372: The Center Folds
open.spotify.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:43 PM
New pod: @skoczela.bsky.social returns from Kenya to... an alligator in the Charles? He and @jenndotsmith.bsky.social discuss the shutdown fallout and Trump's abysmal approval numbers. Then, Jenn does not NOT talk about judicial forum shopping. open.spotify.com/episode/7csG...
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
President Trump and HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are expected to tie autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and present a cancer drug as a possible treatment. There is little credible scientific evidence for either claim.
The Trump administration is expected to link autism to Tylenol use during pregnancy
President Trump and HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are expected to tie autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and present a cancer drug as a possible treatment. There is little credible scientific evidence for either claim.
n.pr
September 22, 2025 at 5:17 PM
President Trump and HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are expected to tie autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and present a cancer drug as a possible treatment. There is little credible scientific evidence for either claim.
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
Lotta charts in here. Whole lotta charts.
More new polling for @cwbeacon.bsky.social: Mass. residents are largely satisfied with their health care, despite some sizable minorities reporting trouble with coverage and access. @jenndotsmith.bsky.social writes up the numbers.
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
New poll shows high satisfaction with health insurance in Mass., even as residents delay or skip care for cost reasons - CommonWealth Beacon
New polling for CommonWealth Beacon conducted by the MassINC Polling Group paints a picture of Massachusetts residents mostly happy with their health care coverage, especially when compared with other...
commonwealthbeacon.org
September 12, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Lotta charts in here. Whole lotta charts.
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
More new polling for @cwbeacon.bsky.social: Mass. residents are largely satisfied with their health care, despite some sizable minorities reporting trouble with coverage and access. @jenndotsmith.bsky.social writes up the numbers.
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
New poll shows high satisfaction with health insurance in Mass., even as residents delay or skip care for cost reasons - CommonWealth Beacon
New polling for CommonWealth Beacon conducted by the MassINC Polling Group paints a picture of Massachusetts residents mostly happy with their health care coverage, especially when compared with other...
commonwealthbeacon.org
September 12, 2025 at 1:58 PM
More new polling for @cwbeacon.bsky.social: Mass. residents are largely satisfied with their health care, despite some sizable minorities reporting trouble with coverage and access. @jenndotsmith.bsky.social writes up the numbers.
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
commonwealthbeacon.org/health-care/...
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
NEWSCENTER 5 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Philanthropist Josh Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is ending his campaign for mayor after a blistering defeat in Boston's preliminary election. http://www.wcvb.com/article/josh-kraft-boston-mayor-campaign-end/66056688 #Boston #Politics
September 11, 2025 at 11:03 PM
NEWSCENTER 5 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Philanthropist Josh Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is ending his campaign for mayor after a blistering defeat in Boston's preliminary election. http://www.wcvb.com/article/josh-kraft-boston-mayor-campaign-end/66056688 #Boston #Politics
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
Turnout already exceeding 2017, which saw 56K
(last time we had incumbent mayor versus challenger)
(last time we had incumbent mayor versus challenger)
September 9, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Turnout already exceeding 2017, which saw 56K
(last time we had incumbent mayor versus challenger)
(last time we had incumbent mayor versus challenger)
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
9AM turnout figures in Boston used to predict turnout. But since EV / AV / central tabulation practices changed, they don't anymore given large swings in the % of ballots that have been counted as of the 9 update. 36k ballots at 9 AM would be a blockbuster if the relationship still held. Alas.
September 9, 2025 at 4:22 PM
9AM turnout figures in Boston used to predict turnout. But since EV / AV / central tabulation practices changed, they don't anymore given large swings in the % of ballots that have been counted as of the 9 update. 36k ballots at 9 AM would be a blockbuster if the relationship still held. Alas.
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
As part of a new schedule that takes effect Aug. 24, the T plans to extend evening service by almost an hour on all four subway lines on Friday and Saturday nights and on a handful of bus routes, including some on the Silver Line.
MBTA will again experiment with late-night service
As part of a new schedule that takes effect Aug. 24, the T plans to extend evening service by almost an hour on all four subway lines on Friday and Saturday nights and on a handful of bus routes, incl...
www.wbur.org
August 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
As part of a new schedule that takes effect Aug. 24, the T plans to extend evening service by almost an hour on all four subway lines on Friday and Saturday nights and on a handful of bus routes, including some on the Silver Line.
While you are (hopefully) hunkered down safely during the rainstorm, we have a new The Horse Race looking at the modern history of the MA budget process and how we got so close to an on-time budget for the first time in 15 years. #mapoli
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Episode 356: The Ghost of Budgets Passed
Podcast Episode · The Horse Race · 07/10/2025 · 27m
podcasts.apple.com
July 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM
While you are (hopefully) hunkered down safely during the rainstorm, we have a new The Horse Race looking at the modern history of the MA budget process and how we got so close to an on-time budget for the first time in 15 years. #mapoli
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
The National Weather Service predicted rain would fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, potentially overwhelming small creeks and streams, streets, highways and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
Flash flood warning in effect for Boston and South Shore
The agency predicted rain would fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, potentially overwhelming small creeks and streams, streets, highways and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage and low-l...
www.wbur.org
July 10, 2025 at 11:51 AM
The National Weather Service predicted rain would fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, potentially overwhelming small creeks and streams, streets, highways and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
BREAKING: Supreme Court limits universal injunctions issued by federal courts in birthright citizenship case decision
Supreme Court limits nationwide injunctions in birthright citizenship order
At issue was how the lower courts should handle President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, which limited citizenship only to children born of parents with permanent status to be in the U.S.
n.pr
June 27, 2025 at 2:21 PM
BREAKING: Supreme Court limits universal injunctions issued by federal courts in birthright citizenship case decision
I will say, Judge Gildea was much more brisk in dismissing the Milton MBTA Communities lawsuit than the pile of towns he dealt with earlier this month. Nine pages, no standing, no issue with rapid transit. #mapoli
June 27, 2025 at 2:20 PM
I will say, Judge Gildea was much more brisk in dismissing the Milton MBTA Communities lawsuit than the pile of towns he dealt with earlier this month. Nine pages, no standing, no issue with rapid transit. #mapoli
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
This week @skoczela.bsky.social and @jenndotsmith.bsky.social discuss reactions to Iran news .... Local kids push for an official state salamander
Episode 355: Trump Attacks Iran. What do Polls Show? What do Massachusetts Politicians Think?
This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve discuss the flurry of news from the Middle East this weekend. Then they discuss various polls which reveal how Americans are feeling about Trump's unannounc
soundcloud.com
June 26, 2025 at 2:45 PM
This week @skoczela.bsky.social and @jenndotsmith.bsky.social discuss reactions to Iran news .... Local kids push for an official state salamander
Two excellent stories from one @gintautasd.bsky.social on MBTA court battles and personnel changes this week! #mapoli ⬇️
June 25, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Two excellent stories from one @gintautasd.bsky.social on MBTA court battles and personnel changes this week! #mapoli ⬇️
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
Breaking News: The national suicide prevention hotline will no longer work with the Trevor Project or provide specialized support to LGBTQ callers under a new Trump administration directive effective July 17. nyti.ms/444VrdN
June 18, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Breaking News: The national suicide prevention hotline will no longer work with the Trevor Project or provide specialized support to LGBTQ callers under a new Trump administration directive effective July 17. nyti.ms/444VrdN
After seven hours across two nights, members at Milton's special Town Meeting voted to pass zoning that would comply with the MBTA Communities law.
(There are still ongoing lawsuits that could be resolved soon, so more to come from a good handful of munis aside from Milton.) #mapoli
(There are still ongoing lawsuits that could be resolved soon, so more to come from a good handful of munis aside from Milton.) #mapoli
Milton Town Meeting decides to comply with MBTA Communities law - CommonWealth Beacon
By 69 percent to 31 percent, the 239 representative voters at Milton's special Town Meeting passed zoning language that would lay the groundwork for potentially 2,461 new units in the town, complying ...
commonwealthbeacon.org
June 18, 2025 at 3:38 PM
After seven hours across two nights, members at Milton's special Town Meeting voted to pass zoning that would comply with the MBTA Communities law.
(There are still ongoing lawsuits that could be resolved soon, so more to come from a good handful of munis aside from Milton.) #mapoli
(There are still ongoing lawsuits that could be resolved soon, so more to come from a good handful of munis aside from Milton.) #mapoli
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
Breaking News: The Supreme Court allowed members of the Department of Government Efficiency to have access to Social Security data. https://trib.al/bk6M2LG
Supreme Court Lets DOGE View Social Security Data
In a second order, the court ruled that, for now, DOGE does not have to hand over internal records to a government watchdog group as part of a lawsuit.
trib.al
June 6, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Breaking News: The Supreme Court allowed members of the Department of Government Efficiency to have access to Social Security data. https://trib.al/bk6M2LG
Well, Friday news on MBTA Communities! #mapoli
MBTA Communities law is not an unfunded mandate, judge rules - CommonWealth Beacon
The decision dismisses suit brought by town who argued the state should not be allowed to force compliance with the MBTA Communities multifamily zoning law.
commonwealthbeacon.org
June 6, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Well, Friday news on MBTA Communities! #mapoli
Milton's journey with the MBTA Communities law sure is a #mapoli adventure.
The town is now interim compliant as a special Town Meeting approaches, but the story is MUCH more complicated. (Yes, courts are involved again.)
The town is now interim compliant as a special Town Meeting approaches, but the story is MUCH more complicated. (Yes, courts are involved again.)
Milton complies with the MBTA Communities law, with an asterisk - CommonWealth Beacon
More intra-government disagreement and possible litigation over the MBTA Communities housing law are again on the table in Milton as a special Town Meeting creeps closer.
commonwealthbeacon.org
June 6, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Milton's journey with the MBTA Communities law sure is a #mapoli adventure.
The town is now interim compliant as a special Town Meeting approaches, but the story is MUCH more complicated. (Yes, courts are involved again.)
The town is now interim compliant as a special Town Meeting approaches, but the story is MUCH more complicated. (Yes, courts are involved again.)
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
The Trump administration has tried firing people, dismantling agencies and inviting people to quit. But how many people have actually left the government so far is unclear.
How many people have left government jobs under Trump? Here's why it's hard to know
The Trump administration has tried firing people, dismantling agencies and inviting people to quit. But how many people have actually left the government so far is unclear.
n.pr
June 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
The Trump administration has tried firing people, dismantling agencies and inviting people to quit. But how many people have actually left the government so far is unclear.
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
New in this week's Reporter: Two op-eds (point-counterpoint) on the proposal to bring Ranked Choice Voting to #Boston elections
Commentary — Two views on Ranked Choice Voting for #Boston
On the pro-side, Edwyn Shoemaker — executive director of Voter Choice Massachusetts— makes the case in favor: www.dotnews.com/2025/opinion...
Paul Craney of the Mass Fiscal Alliance, says it's a bad idea:
www.dotnews.com/2025/opinion...
On the pro-side, Edwyn Shoemaker — executive director of Voter Choice Massachusetts— makes the case in favor: www.dotnews.com/2025/opinion...
Paul Craney of the Mass Fiscal Alliance, says it's a bad idea:
www.dotnews.com/2025/opinion...
Opinion: Ranked Choice— A better way to vote | Dorchester Reporter
On May 14, the Boston City Council took a historic step forward by voting to advance Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for our local elections. As someone who lives in the Bowdoin-Geneva section of Dorcheste...
www.dotnews.com
May 28, 2025 at 12:19 PM
New in this week's Reporter: Two op-eds (point-counterpoint) on the proposal to bring Ranked Choice Voting to #Boston elections
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
The public radio network's chief executive said in a statement that the US president's order was a 'clear violation of the Constitution.' www.ft.com/content/f7a3...
May 27, 2025 at 4:58 PM
The public radio network's chief executive said in a statement that the US president's order was a 'clear violation of the Constitution.' www.ft.com/content/f7a3...
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
BREAKING: Justice Department and Boeing reach a deal allowing the airplane giant to avoid prosecution over 737 Max crashes.
Justice Department reaches deal to allow Boeing to avoid prosecution over 737 Max crashes
The Justice Department has reached a deal with Boeing that will allow the company to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed and killed 346 people.
bit.ly
May 23, 2025 at 7:09 PM
BREAKING: Justice Department and Boeing reach a deal allowing the airplane giant to avoid prosecution over 737 Max crashes.
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
NEW— Boston housing officials warn of looming Section 8 crisis; 8,000+ in Boston could lose vouchers if proposed Trump budget cuts are ratified by Congress; landlords urged to prepare www.dotnews.com/2025/city-of...
May 20, 2025 at 2:28 PM
NEW— Boston housing officials warn of looming Section 8 crisis; 8,000+ in Boston could lose vouchers if proposed Trump budget cuts are ratified by Congress; landlords urged to prepare www.dotnews.com/2025/city-of...
Reposted by Jennifer Smith
It's all about housing this week on the Horse Race. First, Jenn talks to @jessekb.bsky.social about a new @abundanthousingma.org poll (done by MPG). Then MPG's Olivia Wine joins to talk about a new report on the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program www.massincpolling.com/our-work/epi...
Episode 349: Home is Where the Polls Are — MassINC Polling Group
This week, it's a double housing policy polling special from the MassINC Polling Group. Jenn interviews Jesse Kanson-Benanav of Abundant Housing Massachusetts about a new poll MPG conducted for them, ...
www.massincpolling.com
May 15, 2025 at 11:59 AM
It's all about housing this week on the Horse Race. First, Jenn talks to @jessekb.bsky.social about a new @abundanthousingma.org poll (done by MPG). Then MPG's Olivia Wine joins to talk about a new report on the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program www.massincpolling.com/our-work/epi...