Republicans have once again thwarted an attempt by the Democratic-controlled Massachusetts Legislature to approve a spending bill that includes money for temporary shelter spaces for migrant homeless families.

Local Coverage

8 hours ago

Boston University's Center for Computing and Data Sciences on Commonwealth Avenue, seen from across the Charles River in December.(Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Why winter sunsets are especially vibrant, explained by a New England meteorologist

Meteorologist and weather expert Danielle Noyes sheds a light on the factors that make winter sunsets vividly colorful.

Local Coverage

Dec 2, 2023

Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O'Brien, in 2017. (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

State treasurer alleges inappropriate comments by cannabis commission chair

In a court filing, Goldberg cites a commission investigation that alleges O'Brien made "racially, ethnically, culturally insensitive statements." O'Brien denies the allegations.

Local Coverage

Dec 1, 2023

Over 100 students from the Boston Latin School walked out of classes in protest of Israel's war on Gaza Friday, before gathering in Evans Way Park. (Max Larkin/WBUR)

Over 100 students walk out of Boston Latin School to voice concerns over response to Israel-Gaza war

The diverse crowd from Boston’s largest and best-known public high school followed local college students into the controversial protest of an increasingly unpopular war.

Education

Dec 1, 2023

A woman squeezing the sample liquid on a test strip while carrying out a Covid-19 rapid self test at home. (Getty Images)

COVID rates are ticking up in Mass. Thanksgiving may not be the only reason

COVID levels have inched up in recent weeks, but the trend began before many holiday gatherings took place. Overall, data suggests levels of the virus remain lower than in prior...

Health

Dec 1, 2023

Northern shrimp lay on snow aboard a trawler in the Gulf of Maine in 2012. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP)

Feds close New England's shrimp fishery indefinitely

New England's long-shuttered shrimp business, which fell victim to warming waters, will remain in a fishing moratorium indefinitely, fishery regulators ruled on Friday.

Local Coverage

Dec 1, 2023

The dome of the Massachusetts State House peeks over the other buildings on Beacon Hill. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

For second day, Mass. House fails to pass budget deal

The budget framework negotiated over many weeks by Democratic budget-writers includes $250 million Gov. Maura Healey requested for the strained shelter system.

Local Coverage

Dec 1, 2023

A Boston Police station. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Boston police union and city agree to tentative 5-year contract after years of delay

Wu made police reform a primary focus of her 2021 campaign for mayor. She promised not to sign any new contract that did not include "significant" reforms to the disciplinary...

Local Coverage

Dec 1, 2023

The author's family at the Sakeo refugee camp in 1982, before she was born. (Courtesy Soreath Hok)

Rosalynn Carter helped me, and thousands of other Cambodian refugees, survive

Soreath Hok was born in a Cambodian refugee camp after her family, like thousands of others, fled the fall of the Khmer Rouge. They survived because of the groundwork laid...

Cognoscenti

Dec 1, 2023