CommonWealth Beacon

CommonWealth Beacon The trusted source for in-depth news & original reporting on policy, politics, & civic life in MA.

CommonWealth Beacon is the trusted source for in-depth news, analysis, and original reporting on policy, politics, and civic life in Massachusetts. We are nonprofit, non-partisan, and make our work available for free to all, with no paywall.

GATEWAY CITIES: Despite lawmakers’ good intentions, state statute fails to create an enforcement mechanism to periodical...
01/10/2026

GATEWAY CITIES: Despite lawmakers’ good intentions, state statute fails to create an enforcement mechanism to periodically review each city’s eligibility. Over time, some cities have met the state’s criteria without being added to the list, while others no longer qualify yet continue to reap the benefits. Oversight of the designations seems to have been lost.

Despite lawmakers’ good intentions, state statute fails to create an enforcement mechanism to periodically review each city’s eligibility. Over time, some cities have met the state’s criteria without...

NEW: New report: Gas utilities spent record amount replacing leaky pipes in 2024
01/09/2026

NEW: New report: Gas utilities spent record amount replacing leaky pipes in 2024

The latest data on utilities’ work to replace leaky pipes paints an even more damning picture of GSEP as costs balloon with few additional results — driving up ratepayer bills — and places recent...

OPINION: Trees, parks, and green spaces are not just nice to have—they are critical, low-cost infrastructure that provid...
01/09/2026

OPINION: Trees, parks, and green spaces are not just nice to have—they are critical, low-cost infrastructure that provide nature-based solutions to bolster climate resilience.

Trees, parks, and green spaces are not just nice to have—they are critical, low-cost infrastructure that provide nature-based solutions to bolster climate resilience.

NEW: No way in and no way out: Beacon Hill hasn’t kept track of which communities qualify for Gateway City status
01/09/2026

NEW: No way in and no way out: Beacon Hill hasn’t kept track of which communities qualify for Gateway City status

Despite lawmakers’ good intentions, state statute fails to create an enforcement mechanism to periodically review each city’s eligibility. Over time, some cities have met the state’s criteria without...

ICYMI: Boston rep sanctioned for spending campaign dollars on personal uses
01/09/2026

ICYMI: Boston rep sanctioned for spending campaign dollars on personal uses

Campaign finance regulators say Rep. Chynah Tyler of Boston misspent campaign funds on personal uses such as Uber Eats orders, and failed to document details behind about $4,500 in other spending.

New in OPINION: Amid severe weather, Massachusetts must invest in protecting nature for all
01/09/2026

New in OPINION: Amid severe weather, Massachusetts must invest in protecting nature for all

Trees, parks, and green spaces are not just nice to have—they are critical, low-cost infrastructure that provide nature-based solutions to bolster climate resilience.

BALLOT QUESTIONS: As political fallout from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s ill-fated property tax plan continues, the Senate...
01/09/2026

BALLOT QUESTIONS: As political fallout from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s ill-fated property tax plan continues, the Senate prepares to vote on a relief plan of its own, plus a measure to impose new scrutiny on ballot question electioneering.

As political fallout from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s ill-fated property tax plan continues, the Senate prepares to vote on a relief plan of its own, plus a measure to impose new scrutiny on ballot question...

☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:1. Inclusionary zoning in the legal firing line as...
01/09/2026

☀️ Good morning, Massachusetts! Here are today's most popular stories:

1. Inclusionary zoning in the legal firing line as Senate tries to boost policy

The legal and legislative moves set up a clash over rules governing housing development at a time when there’s broad consensus that the state needs to build more units across communities.

OPINION: As AI transforms the economy, Massachusetts needs a plan for its workforce
01/09/2026

OPINION: As AI transforms the economy, Massachusetts needs a plan for its workforce

Technology has always changed work. What makes this moment different is the speed, scale, and breadth of change, and the absence of a coordinated response. If we fail to act, we are not witnessing inevitable...

HEALTH CARE: Federal enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of December, creating turmoil for residents whose s...
01/09/2026

HEALTH CARE: Federal enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of December, creating turmoil for residents whose subsidies had protected them from steep premium hikes.

Federal enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of December, creating turmoil for residents whose subsidies had protected them from steep premium hikes.

ICYMI: As cases rise, flu-related illness claims lives of two Boston children
01/08/2026

ICYMI: As cases rise, flu-related illness claims lives of two Boston children

TWO BOSTON CHILDREN under the age of two have died from flu-related illness, marking the city's first pediatric influenza deaths since 2013 and raising

NEW: Boston tax relief response, ballot question reform emerge for Senate action
01/08/2026

NEW: Boston tax relief response, ballot question reform emerge for Senate action

As political fallout from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s ill-fated property tax plan continues, the Senate prepares to vote on a relief plan of its own, plus a measure to impose new scrutiny on ballot question...

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