CommonWealth

CommonWealth embodies the essence of quality journalism: thorough, unbiased, and autonomous. In a time when the financial structure supporting many news outlets is faltering, this type of reporting is more crucial than ever. We focus on politics, policies, concepts, and community issues, prioritizing investigative journalism, comprehensive analysis, and political insights. Additionally, we offer a platform for policymakers and politicians to express their views. Our approach is straightforward and authentic, setting us apart in the media landscape.

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Ruling coming in emergency shelter suit

Oct 31, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Gintautas Dumcius |Phelps Turner |Mireille El Bejjani

A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE is expected to rule by the end of the day Wednesday on whether to block Gov. Maura Healey from putting a cap on shelter placements and waitlist families looking for emergency shelter. Judge Debra Squires-Lee on Tuesday heard arguments at an emergency hearing in Suffolk Superior Court.
A checklist for the region's power grid operator

Oct 31, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Phelps Turner |Mireille El Bejjani |Paul Rehme

AT A CRITICAL JUNCTURE in our clean energy transition, a little-known, historically secretive, and oftentimes inaccessible organization that operates our grid called ISO New England is about to hold its second-ever public board meeting.
Red Line slow zones gone, but unpredictability is not

Oct 30, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Bhaamati Borkhetaria |Chris Lisinski |Fred Salvucci

RED LINE PASSENGERS on Monday said 16 days of repairs on the stretch of track between the Ashmont and JFK/UMass stations eliminated slow zones and dramatically improved service, but the ride remained unpredictable as one car during the afternoon experienced problems and had to be pulled from service. "Absolutely awful experience once again," said Alanya Leslie, 51, who got stuck on the defective train on the way to work. "This is my first time back on the Red Line. It's their first opening.
Quebec-New England transmission line gets Biden backing

Oct 30, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Paul Rehme |Colin Young |Jennifer Smith

THE BIDEN ADMINISTATION on Monday pledged financial support for a two-way transmission line capable of carrying hydroelectricity from Quebec into New England and eventually offshore wind and solar power from New England to Quebec. The transmission line, being developed by National Grid and Citizens Energy, was one of three transmission projects receiving a total of $1.3 billion under a new federal program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Short takes: It's Baker vs. Healey (in state Senate race)

Oct 27, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Michael Jonas |Gintautas Dumcius |Jennifer Smith |Bahar Akman Imboden

For months, Republican Charlie Baker kept political watchers guessing whether he'd seek a third term as governor. On the Democratic side, all eyes were on the state's two-term attorney general, Maura Healey, as the presumptive favorite for her party's gubernatorial nomination, but she was in no hurry to show her hand. Many speculated that Healey was waiting to see what the state's popular governor would do, and was not eager to go head-to-head against him.
Auditor takes sex offender board to task

Oct 27, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Jennifer Smith |Bahar Akman Imboden |Bhaamati Borkhetaria

YEARS AFTER a 2017 audit of the Sex Offender Registry Board, the board has not made recommended changes to record and verify the current addresses of sex offenders in violation, according to state Auditor Diana DiZoglio. In a newly released audit , following up on recommendations from prior Auditor Suzanne Bump, DiZoglio's office found that SORB fell short on several measures. "By law, SORB is required to keep sex offender registry information up-to-date and accurate.
Tracing the origins of our college affordability crisis

Oct 27, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Bahar Akman Imboden |Bhaamati Borkhetaria |Jennifer Smith

IN TODAY'S AMERICA, the cost of college is nothing short of staggering. But this was not always so; in 1987, tuition and fees at a public institution in Massachusetts totaled $1,352 annually; equivalent to $3,220 in today's dollars. This was a time when a summer gig paired with part-time work during the academic year could comfortably foot both tuition bills and living costs.
Somerset offshore wind plant clears major hurdle

Oct 27, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Paul Rehme |Colin Young |Bhaamati Borkhetaria

A PROPOSED TRANSMISSION cable manufacturing plant in Somerset to serve the US offshore wind industry cleared a major hurdle on Thursday when the town's Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to revise one of the conditions that had become a sticking point with the company. The board in mid-September voted unanimously to require Prysmian to only use vessels capable of running on electricity when in port picking up cable.
Avangrid says it terminated offshore wind contracts at "minimum cost"

Oct 26, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Paul Rehme |Colin Young |Jennifer Smith

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Avangrid told financial analysts on Thursday that he was very pleased the company was able to terminate offshore wind power purchase agreements in Massachusetts and Connecticut "at minimum cost" but was noncommittal about whether the firm will be able to sign future deals at prices that will be acceptable to the company as well as utility ratepayers.
Blue Line ridership disappointing during and after tunnel closure

Oct 25, 2023 | commonwealthmagazine.org | Chris Lisinski |Fred Salvucci |Sam Drysdale

THE SUMNER TUNNEL shutdown on July 5 prompted an increase in MBTA passenger levels on subways, buses, ferries, and commuter rail, but the increase wasn't as big as expected and there's little evidence that people who tried public transit during the closure remained riders after the reopening on August 31.