Government  

 

 

Community

Shape The Debate On Casinos


FULL COVERAGE ON CASINOS

WGBH looks at the casino gambling debate in Massachusetts in the special series, The Last Resort.

Economy

Rough Waters: History of Fishing Regulation


By Phillip Martin

In part one of 89.7 WGBH's series on the ongoing struggles of the fishing industry in Massachusetts, Phillip Martin explores the history of Federal regulation of fishing.

Economy

Rough Waters: From "Days at Sea" to "Sectors"


By Rachel Gotbaum

To comply with federal regulations meants to restore US fish stocks to sustainable levels, new quotas were set in New England for the first time on all species of groundfish. Rachel Gotbaum examines if these rules will lead to the end or the survival of New England's fishing industry.

Economy

Rough Waters: Declining Fish Populations


By Phillip Martin

Phillip Martin looks at the alarming decline in local fish populations.

Boston

Rough Waters: Local Fishing Industry


By Phillip Martin

Phillip Martin reports on how new conservation rules are affecting the lives of those in the local fishing industry.

CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

What The MA Primaries Mean

Massachusetts didn't provide much electoral drama on primary night, but we did offer a test case in whether anti-Washington sentiment can fuel Democrats as well as Republicans. And the answer seems to be: not really.

CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

No Free Pass For Coakley

By Adam Reilly

One of the biggest surprises of this year's MA elections was that--despite Scott Brown's win over Martha Coakley in that hugely hyped US Senate election earlier this year--the state GOP couldn't get anyone to run against Coakley for the AG's job this fall.

CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

Coakley Gets An Opponent


By Adam Reilly

One of the biggest surprises of this year's MA elections was that--despite Scott Brown's win over Martha Coakley in that hugely hyped US Senate election earlier this year--the state GOP couldn't get anyone to run against Coakley for the AG's job this fall. Until now.

Boston

At Home With The Gubernatorial Candidates


MORE GREATER BOSTON
MORE MASS DECISION 2010
By Jared Bowen
Greater Boston's Jared Bowen spent time with all four candidates for Massachusetts governor. Catch up on Jared's series of at home interviews with Jill Stein, Charlie Baker, Deval Patrick and Tim Cahill.
LEGAL AFFAIRS

After Mass. Ruling, Lawsuit Challenges DOMA


By Sarah Birnbaum
A new lawsuit is challenging the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which bans gay marriage at the federal level.  The case comes on the heels of the Massachusetts court ruling that found DOMA unconstitutional.
Local Politics

Brown Pushes For Pro-Business Policies Over Breakfast


By Sarah Birnbaum
Sen. Scott Brown, Massachusetts' lone Republican Congressional delegate, advocated for pro-business policies and job creation at a Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Monday.
Local Politics

Patrick: Probation Dept. Is Isolated Problem


WATCH THE SHOW
By Adam Reilly
Patrick is defending the right of elected officials to recommend people for jobs in state government -- even though that practice is at the center of the Probation Department controversy.
Government

Probation Center Stage At SJC Chief's Confirmation Hearing


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Governor's Council is making its final considerations on State Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Roderick Ireland after Ireland fielded questions during a confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Local Politics

Brown Supports Repeal Of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'


By Jess Bidgood
Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown -- the lone Republican in the state's Congressional delegation -- supports the repeal of military's so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Government

State Leaders Push Plans For Probation Dept. Reform

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Governor and top lawmakers say they will reform the state's troubled probation department in the new year -- with parallel plans coming from both the Legislature and the Judiciary.
SJC ORDERS DISMISSAL OF PROBATION COMMISSIONER
LAWMAKERS ON THE HOT SEAT AFTER PROBATION REPORT
Local Politics

Capuano: 'Where Is The Compromise?'

Rep. Michael Capuano is criticizing President Obama for what he says was the failure to play hardball with Congressional Republicans on a tax deal announced Tuesday.
HEAR THE INTERVIEW
Government

Ireland Confirmed As State's Chief Justice


SJC CHIEF CONFIRMATION HEARING FOCUSES ON PROBATION
By Jess Bidgood
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has a new chief justice. Rodrick L. Ireland, previously the court's senior associate justice, was unanimously confirmed for the position early Wednesday afternoon
Local Politics

Intriguing, Intense Race Gives Patrick Second Term


By Phillip Martin
WGBH's senior reporter Phillip Martin took a look at some of the highlights of the 2010 gubernatorial contest that produced last night’s results.
GREATER BOSTON

At UMass, An American DREAM On Hold


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
Deivid Ribeiro earned a 4.0 from Cape Cod Community College and now studies physics at UMass. But unless the DREAM Act passes in the lame duck Congressional session, he -- and thousands of other undocumented students -- could face deportation.
The State House

$2 B Budget Gap Looms; Major Cuts Anticipated


By Sarah Birnbaum
The state Legislature may be out of session – but a looming $2 billion budget gap  for the next fiscal year is worrying lawmakers and interest groups across Beacon Hill, who will be talking dollars during State House hearings on Tuesday.
Local Politics

DeLeo: Casinos Will Be On The Docket

By Sarah Birnbaum
House Speaker Robert Deleo says casinos are on the agenda in the upcoming legislative session after a bill failed at the last minute this past summer.
WGBH SPECIAL REPORT: THE LAST RESORT
Government

Mass. Tax Revenue Will Grow -- But Not Enough

By Sarah Birnbaum
Economists are predicting Massachusetts revenue will grow by as much as $700 million next year, a 5 percent gain over 2010.
CUTS PREDICTED AS MASS. FACES $2B GAP
Local Politics

Outgoing Rep. Delahunt Supports Tax Compromise


By WGBH News
Outgoing Rep. Bill Delahunt is ending is 14 years in Congress with a vote for the Obama-GOP tax compromise. He told WGBH's Emily Rooney why.
City Council Roundup

Big Changes For City Council As Year Ends


By Jess Bidgood
The race for Chuck Turner's empty seat on the Boston City Council begins as the body's president ends his term and a new member settles in. 
Local Politics

Mass. Loses Congressional Seat


AFTER CENSUS, A RESHAPED U.S. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
By Jess Bidgood
The state of Massachusetts will lose one congressional seat as the seats in the 435-member House are reapportioned to reflect population changes shown by the 2010 Census. 


Local Politics

Representatives Line Up For Redistricting Battle


MASS. WILL LOSE 1 CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
By Phillip Martin
Members of Massachusetts'  10-person congressional delegation are staking claims to their seats after the news that the state will only have nine seats when this term is over. 
Local Politics

SJC Nomination Breaks Another Racial Barrier


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday nominated appeals court judge Nan Duffly to be the next associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Duffly is Asian-American. 
Local Politics

Judge Hears Extra Testimony Against Wilkerson


By Sarah Birnbaum
During what was meant to be sentencing day for former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, a U.S. district judge heard testimony from a developer who said she solicited bribes from him. The prosecution hoped this would increase Wilkerson's sentence -- but the judge didn't seem convinced.
Local Politics

Gov. Will Cut Legislative Salaries

By Phillip Martin
There is little opposition to Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to shrink the paychecks of the state's legislators -- except for some lawmakers and watchdogs who say the cuts aren't big enough.
89.7 WGBH

Boston Website Helps Users Find Government Docs — Legally


By B. John Campbell
Wikileaks has dominated news headlines by releasing thousands of confidential government documents online. In Massachusetts, a new website is going about government transparency in an entirely different way. 
GREATER BOSTON

Lawmakers Push For 'Melissa's Law'


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Ralph Ranalli
After a Woburn policeman was allegedly shot to death by a "career criminal" out on parole, lawmakers are pushing for the passage of a decade-old bill some say would have prevented the suspect from leaving prison.
BEACON HILL

Mass. GOP Says They'll Make A Mark On New Session


By Sarah Birnbaum
Wednesday begins a new legislative session on Beacon Hill.  As Gov. Patrick swears in the members of the 187th Massachusetts Legislature, the chamber will look a little less blue than in recent years.
Local Politics

Watch Live: Gov. Patrick Takes Oath Of Office

By Jess Bidgood
Watch live as Gov. Patrick is inaugurated for his second term.
Local Politics

State House, Senate Kick Off Session


WATCH LIVE: GOV. PATRICK'S INAUGURATION
By Sarah Birnbaum
The governor is awaiting the formal start of his second term with his inauguration Thursday afternoon — but for Massachusetts' legislators, the year has already begun.
Health Care

Mass. Doctors Weary Of Medicare 'Meltdown'


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
Low reimbursement rates have already prompted some doctors to opt out of treating Medicare patients. In Massachusetts, rising business costs are compounding the problem.
Local Politics

Mass. Congressmen Hope For Giffords' Recovery


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts colleagues of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords are expressing shock and sadness after she and nineteen others were shot in Tuscon this weekend.
Government

Tsongas: Shooting Puts Democracy At Risk


MASS. CONGRESSMEN REACT TO SHOOTING
By Jess Bidgood
When Rep. Niki Tsongas learned Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had been shot while meeting with constituents in Tuscon, she was holding a similar meeting of her own. Now she's worried about what happens when people don't feel safe meeting with their representatives.
Local Politics

At The State House, Lawmakers Reflect On Security

By Sarah Birnbaum
Flags are flying at half-staff outside the State House in observation of the attempted assassination of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords as lawmakers reflect on their own security concerns. LAWMAKERS WEIGH SECURITY, ACCESSIBILITY
Boston

50 Years Later, 'City On A Hill' Speech Resounds


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts met a new Kennedy on Tuesday, when they gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's "City On A Hill" speech.
Economy

Lawmaker Wants To "Claw Back" State Aid


By Jess Bidgood
Evergreen Solar is closing its Massachusetts manufacturing plant, terminating 800 jobs it was given $68 million in state aid to create. One lawmaker is filing legislation that would help the state get its money back when companies fail to deliver on state aid.
BEACON HILL

Patrick Proposes Pension Overhaul

By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick filed legislation Tuesday to reform the state’s public employee pension system, saying the reforms will save the state billions of dollars. 
Local Politics

State Revenue Estimates Still Leave Budget Gap

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts budget-builders agree they will have $20.5 billion to work with for the coming fiscal year. That's $740 million more than their estimate for this year — but it still leaves the state with a budget gap of at least $1.5 billion.
Government

Council Digs Into Duffly At SJC Confirmation Hearing

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Nominee Fernande Duffly got a bumpy reception at her confirmation hearing on Wednesday.   DUFFLY'S SJC NOMINATION BREAKS RACIAL BARRIER
Local Politics

Despite Scrutiny, Jeff Perry Gets Top Police Job


LISTEN: MORE FROM THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Sean Corcoran
Jeffrey Perry has a new job. The former state representative ran unsuccessfully on the GOP ticket for the 10th Congressional District -- and now he'll be the Special Sheriff for Barnstable county, months after his law enforcement record was scrutinized during the campaign.
Local Politics

Senate Bill Outlines Proposed Parole Reforms

By Sarah Birnbaum
A bipartisan group of Massachusetts senators is calling for reform of the state's parole system following the fatal shooting of a Woburn police officer, allegedly by a violent career criminal out on parole.
Boston

Turner Sentenced To Three Years In Prison


By Jess Bidgood and Sarah Birnbaum
Ex.-City Councilor Chuck Turner has been sentenced to serve three years in prison after his conviction on corruption charges in October.
Local Politics

Harvard Government Students Grade SOTU Address


OBAMA: 'OUR DESTINY REMAINS OUR CHOICE'
By Phillip Martin
As President Obama addressed the nation Tuesday night during his second State Of The Union speech, about 75 students gathered at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government Wednesday night to watch.
Local Politics

Two Mass. Prisons May Close


By Adam Reilly
You'd expect the closure of two state prisons to be big news, but the possibility leaked in Wednesday in remarkably low-key fashion. After the governor's press conference on his 2012 budget,  Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez mentioned two coming prison shut-downs.
Local Politics

$30.5 Budget Plan Includes Deep Cuts

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick unveiled a lean budget Wednesday. The $30.5 billion spending plan includes deep cuts in human services and other state programs.  
The Emily Rooney Show

On The Defensive, Cahill Looks Ahead


By Jess Bidgood
After a bruising loss in his run for the governorship last fall, Tim Cahill last week finished up his job as state treasurer. Now, he is defending himself against multiple investigations into campaign irregularities. 
Local Politics

New State House Leadership Gets Started

By Sarah Birnbaum
A new team of leaders in the Massachusetts House gets to work Monday after House Speaker Robert DeLeo brought a major shakeup to his inner circle during a closed-door meeting at the State House on Friday.
Local Politics

Court Won't Dismiss Any Charges Against DiMasi

By Sarah Birnbaum
When former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi goes to court next April, he's facing the full list of charges brought against him. That's the decision a U.S. district court judge handed down last Friday, deflating DiMasi's hopes that some parts of the corruption case against him would be dismissed.
UPDATED

Barney Frank Will Seek Re-Election


EARLIER: REPS LINE UP FOR REDISTRICTING BATTLE
By Jess Bidgood and Sarah Birnbaum
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, who has served Massachusetts' 4th Congressional District for almost 20 years, announced his intention to run for re-election on Thursday. The news ends speculation that Frank might retire due to upcoming redistricting in which Massachusetts will lose a seat in the House.
Local Politics

Gov. Patrick Considered Resigning


By Sarah Birnbaum
Governor Deval Patrick's tenure — now beginning its second term — might have been only weeks long. That's because the governor considered resigning shortly after he took office, according to his soon-to-be-released memoir.
Local Politics

Gov. Patrick Will Lead Trade Mission To Britain, Israel


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick is off to to Israel and England next month, leading a trade mission he says will focus on growing businesses and jobs in the state’s innovation sector. 
Local Politics

Senate Moves To Freeze Unemployment Tax For Third Year Running

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts Senate wants to freeze the state's unemployment insurance rate — the tax paid by employers to cover the cost of jobless benefits — for the third year in a row.
CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

The Gov.'s Council: An Existential Drama?


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
Calls are mounting for the Governor's Council to be eliminated, because many think it's an antequated, do-nothing body. So it may not be a coincidence that the Council has been making life more difficult for Gov. Deval Patrick.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Lawmakers Look At Budget; National Grid Under Scrutiny


By Sarah Birnbaum
Action in Massachusetts politics this week will focus on the state budget and a tussle over unemployment insurance rates.
89.7 WGBH

DOJ Will Review DJ Henry's Death


LISTEN: HENRY'S PARENTS ON THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
HENRY'S FAMILY PUSHES FOR INVESTIGATION
By Phillip Martin
A New York grand jury has declined to indict police officers in the shooting death of 20-year-old Danroy Henry. The Pace University football player from Easton, Massachusetts, was shot by a police officer in Westchester County on October 17, as he drove away from a restaurant in a New York City suburb.   
89.7 WGBH

Obama's Budget Is Mixed Bag For Massachusetts


OBAMA UNVEILS 2012 BUDGET
By Sarah Birnbaum
The president's $3.7 billion budget cuts much-needed heating aid for the cold Northeast, but it includes continued spending that could help the state's academic and tech sectors. 
89.7 WGBH

In Bay State, $20 B In Unfunded Retiree Health Costs

By Sarah Birnbaum
A new study says the 50 largest cities in the Bay State owe $20 billion in existing and future retiree health care costs — and they have no plan to pay it down. READ THE STUDY
89.7 WGBH

Despite Skepticism, Patrick Admin. Says Budget Could Save $1 B

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Patrick administration is defending the governor's budget proposal. Gov. Deval Patrick's budget chief, Jay Gonzalez, was in the hot seat on Wednesday during a hearing before the House's and Senate's Ways and Means Comittees. 
Health Care

Gov. Lays Out Health Care Reform Plan

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is filing long-awaited legislation that aims to rein in the spiraling costs of health insurance by encouraging health care providers to move to the global payment system, in which doctors would get paid a set amount of money every year for each patient they care for.
Health Care

Mixed Reaction To Patrick's Health Care Reform Bill


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is filing a bill Thursday that aims to reduce health care spending by changing the way doctors and hospitals get paid.  Most insurers and health care providers reacting to the bill are positive, but cautious.  
This Week On Beacon Hill

Lobbying, Protesting Takes Spotlight On Beacon Hill


By Sarah Birnbaum
Schoolchildren aren’t the only ones off this week. There are no formal sessions planned in the House or Senate. For the most part, Massachusetts lawmakers are staying in their districts and tending the home fires, although there are some hearings around the state on Governor Deval Patrick’s budget blueprint.
Local Politics

Mass. Demonstrators Weigh In On Wis. Standoff


NPR BLOG: STATE BUDGET FIGHTS SPREAD
By Phillip Martin
The standoff between the governor of Wisconsin and some of its unions over bargaining rights is continuing. In Massachusetts, Gov. Patrick joined 1,000 union members on Beacon Hill Tuesday at a solidarity rally that turned into something of a political tug-of-war with a small Tea-Party organized counter-demonstration.
89.7 WGBH

Civil Legal Aid In Danger, Advocates Say

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts attorneys are rallying lawmakers to preserve funding for civil legal aid to poor residents. On Tuesday, over 300 lawyers rallied at the State House, worried lawmakers might try to cut legal services for the poor in order to help close a $1.5 billion budget shortfall.
RHODE ISLAND

Ousted Central Falls Mayor Defends Job


LISTEN: MOREAU ON THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Phillip Martin
The former mayor of Central Falls, R.I. says he was illegally removed from his job last summer by a state-appointed receiver looking into the financial crisis that has gripped the city.
Government

Mass. Terror Suspect Awaits Bail Decision

By Sarah Birnbaum
A Massachusetts man accused of taking part in a terror plot to kill Americans went to court is seeking bail. At a court hearing on Wednesday, supporters described him as a peaceful man with a right to free speech, but prosecutors said he is dangerous.
American Experience

Jimmy Carter


WATCH
American Experience looks at Jimmy Carter's rapid ascent in politics, dramatic fall from grace and unexpected resurrection.
Local Politics

SJC Orders Increased Transparency In Probation Dept.

By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is ordering changes to the state's patronage-ridden probation department. The department will be required to keep records of who it hires and promotes, to conduct annual performance reviews and to keep job recommendations out of the interview process until its final stages. EARLIER: SJC DISMISSED PROBATION COMISSIONER
Local Politics

Union Supporters Rally At State House


UNION BATTLES: A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST LABOR?
By Phillip Martin
A nationwide demonstration of unity with Wisconsin's public sector employees -- currenty in a standoff with the state's governor over their collective bargaining rights -- took place over the weekend, drawing a crowd of workers and supporters to the State House in Boston.
This Week On Beacon Hill

Charter Schools, Redistricting On The Docket This Week


By Sarah Birnbaum
While the governor continues his trip to Washington, DC this week, the state's board of education will announce its picks for new charter schools. Legislative redistricting and spending bill analysis are on the docket on Beacon Hill.
Local Politics

Patrick Announces Plan To Streamline Children's Services

By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick wants to reorganize the state agencies that provide social and health services to children. He says it will make their work more efficient and less confusing for those who use their services — but advocates have reservations about the plan.
Local Politics

State Dems Vote Down Independent Redistricting Commission

By Sarah Birnbaum
Democrats in the Massachusetts House Wednesday defeated a Republican-led effort to set up an independent commission to redraw the state’s political map.

The hits and the highlights from WGBH

Stay in the know about upcoming shows, special events, discounts, and more!
See a sample »
   
pss:999