BU Statehouse Program covers government and politics for a dozen newspapers and radio stations around the state. (Photo by Heidi Heimsal)
CONGRATULATIONS...
to our Spring 2008 BUBS for winning the Society of Professional Journalists' Region 1 Mark of Excellence Awards for on line,in-depth reporting on the state's municipal budget crisis.
The Statehouse Program joins other Boston University Region 1 winners, including Corie Osborn and Jennifer Lunsford for non-fiction writing and the staff of The Comment for Student Magazine.
The awards will be presented during the Mark of Excellence Luncheon at the upcoming Spring Conference, April 24-25 in Philadelphia, Penn.
- WEEKLY NEWS FEATURES -
The Housatonic Cleanup
PITTSFIELD—The Housatonic River flows through nearly all of Berkshire County; its branches reaching 23 of the country’s 32 cities and towns. But residents can’t swim in the river, drink its water or eat its fish after 45 years of pollution from a Pittsfield General Electric factory. (By Jack Nicas)
Rail service cuts to mean hardship
Riding home from his Boston job to his Mansfield home, Edmund Laurie turned his attention from the sunset landscape speeding past to the question of higher fares and reduced schedules. (By Camille Roane)
State, nation’s founding fathers get their say in new Commonwealth Museum
BOSTON -- In 1775, John Adams traveled on horseback from Braintree to Philadelphia for the first Continental Congress. War with England loomed and the decision to declare independence rested heavily on the future president. (By Joe Markman)
The climb from within
BOSTON –When Rep. Jim Arciero was elected in November, his morning routine hardly changed. He had a new parking space, but his route to work could remain the same. (By Jack Nicas)
After 15 years, leadership post for Vallee
BOSTON –James Vallee's budget filing, number-crunching days are over. The 42-year-old Democrat will no longer hold the title of assistant vice chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee on which he has served the last four years. Rather, he will be the new House majority leader, working alongside newly elected speaker, and former Ways and Means chairman, Robert A. DeLeo. (By Stephanie Ganias)
Interview with Alan LeBovidge
BOSTON – Although Alan LeBovidge has held two high-profile spots in state government over the past decade, he is anything but your usual government bureaucrat. (By Evan Lips)
- STATEHOUSE RADIO -
Police officers and union officials turned out in force last night to speak out against a plan to replace paid details of police officers with civilian flaggers at some road construction sites. (By Kathryn Eident) Click here to listen to this report
Education Hearing
The Executive Office of Education held the first of 2 public budget hearings last night amid fears that this year’s budget strains will affect next year’s budget goals.
- Latest News -
Two paths diverged
As President Barack Obama's first 100 days come to a close, Bay State lawmakers agree the new president has put the country on a distinctly different path. But there are differences among Democratic and Republican lawmakers as to where that path is going.(By Camille Roane)
Click here to view Camille's stories
New museum’s documents tell important stories about Massachusetts
BOSTON -- An original copy of the Declaration of Independence, signed by Quincy native John Hancock, is among several founding documents now on display at the state archives. (By Joe Markman)
Click here to view Joe's stories
Lowell students, faculty, parents urge end to cap on charter schools
BOSTON--"Before I went to charter school, I didn't care," Ortiz said at the Statehouse yesterday, 43 days before she'll receive her diploma. "Now I'm here to support my school."
Framingham-based group lobbies for tax on all tobacco products
BOSTON--Framingham-based Tobacco Free Massachusetts says it has a plan - and public backing - to provide new revenue for the cash-starved state budget while further limiting tobacco use. (By Rosemary D'Amour)
Click Here to view Rosemary's stories
Legislators glad insurance appeals board is back to stay
BOSTON--Several area legislators are happy to have helped make sure the auto insurance appeals board will be permanently reinstated. (By Stephanie Ganias)
Click here to view Stephanie's stories
- SPECIAL REPORT -
FALL 2008
Budget Cuts
A package of stories examining aspects of the $1 billion in state budget cuts ordered last month by Gov. Deval Patrick.
- MWRA Helps the State Dodge Bigger Cuts
- Cuts Hit Mental Health Services
- Fewer Cops, But Departments Make Do For Now
- Outside Agencies Cover Housing Cuts
Click here to see graphs corresponding with Budget Cuts
Special Report Spring 2008
The Municipal Crisis
A package of stories that look at the causes, effects and
possible solutions to the growing fiscal crisis facing the state's cities
and towns.
SPecial Report Fall 2007
Crumbling Massachusetts
This five-story package investigates the deterioration of state owned properties in the Commonwealth
- ELECTION 2008 -
A celebratory night for Bay State Democrats
BOSTON — Hundreds of Massachusetts voters waited for election results with cautious optimism Tuesday night at the Fairmont Hotel in Boston's Copley Square, cheering with every state that turned Democratic blue for Barack Obama on the electoral map. (By Kelsey Abbruzzese)
State Income Tax
Voters last night elected to retain the state’s income tax, defeating Question 1 by a margin of 70 to 30 percent. Hear more from reporter Kathryn Eident.