WBUR explains

Stories that explore complicated issues using plain language.

In this June 15, 2018, file photo, cash is fanned out from a wallet in North Andover, Mass. (Elise Amendola/AP)

How to create a sustainable budget that works for you in 2023

In our latest "Budget Boston" series, we learn the ins and outs of creating a budget that works for you in order to achieve your financial goals in 2023.

How the Puritans once banned Christmas in Massachusetts

You have likely heard the story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" — but what about the one where the Puritans in Massachusetts banned the holiday altogether?

Mass. homebuyers pay hidden fees to lawyers for title insurance, with no state oversight

In Massachusetts, WBUR found an unregulated and opaque business where title insurers pay large, hidden commissions to attorneys — and homebuyers often unknowingly foot the bills.

Energy prices are skyrocketing. Here’s how you can get financial help this winter

Energy prices are soaring this winter but Massachusetts residents have options for financial relief.

Bids and buses: Why districts worry as competition plummets in school bus industry

School districts say they now face fewer choices, worries about steeper prices and more frustrated phone calls from families. A slim number are now moving to control busing themselves.

Mass. taxpayers begin getting rebates today. Here's what to expect

From a new law that changes what you can throw away, to a major break in the "Lady of the Dune" mystery, here's what you need to know today.

Get that mattress off the curb! Here's what to know about Massachusetts' new waste bans

Massachusetts has new waste bans for textiles, mattresses and commercial food waste to help cut down on the garbage we send to incinerators and landfills.

What to know about Question 3, which could expand beer and wine licenses in Mass.

Question 3 asks voters if the state should let companies own more alcohol licenses, particularly licenses to sell beer and wine. The measure additionally would let customers present out-of-state licenses...

Local Coverage

04:18Oct 19, 2022

Question 2, one of this year's statewide ballot initiatives, asks voters if Massachusetts should become the only state to set a fixed percentage of premiums dental insurers must spend on patient care. (David Sacks via Getty Images)

What to know about Question 2, which would require dental insurers to spend a minimum rate on patient care

The 'Yes on 2' campaign says this initiative is about transparency and making sure dental insurance premiums go to patient care and not executive salaries. The 'No on 2' campaign...

Health

05:09Oct 18, 2022

A voter fills out a ballot in the Massachusetts primary election on Sept. 6 at a polling place in Attleboro. (Steven Senne/AP)

Voting season is underway in Massachusetts. Here's a guide to your 2022 ballot

Massachusetts voters are poised to make history at the ballot box this fall. Here's everything you need to know — from registering to vote to mail-in ballots to early voting...

Local Coverage

Oct 14, 2022

A portion of the 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form. (Mark Lennihan/AP)

VIDEO: What to know about Question 1, which asks voters if Mass.' top earners should pay higher taxes

This election season Massachusetts voters will decide if they want the state's top income earners to pay more in taxes.

Business

05:04Oct 13, 2022

People sign a banner during a rally in front of the State House in Boston on June 9 held in support of allowing immigrants in the country illegally to obtain driver's licenses in Massachusetts. (Steven Senne/AP)

VIDEO: What to know about Question 4, which will decide fate of immigrant driver's license law in Mass.

A "yes" vote on Question 4 will preserve the Massachusetts law that allows people living in the U.S. without authorization to apply for driver's licenses starting next July. A "no"...

Local Coverage

04:35Oct 7, 2022

An electricity meter on a house in Cambridge. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Why electricity prices are rising unevenly across New England

When your utility buys its power has a lot to do with the price spikes you're seeing.

Local Coverage

04:46Sep 8, 2022

Response to public records request from Groton Police Department. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

9 takeaways from WBUR's investigation into the impact of Mass.' domestic and sexual violence secrecy law

A WBUR investigation found that a sweeping privacy law has shielded police departments and officers from scrutiny, thwarted researchers studying ways to reduce violence and blocked victims from obtaining records...

Local Coverage

Aug 27, 2022

An electric car charges at a mall parking lot. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

So you’re in the market for an electric vehicle? Here’s how the new federal and Mass. laws will help

Whether you’re already in the market, or just starting to think about making the switch, the Inflation Reduction Act and the sweeping state climate and clean energy bill Gov. Charlie...

Environment

Aug 18, 2022

Patrons visit the sports betting area of Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island. (Steven Senne/AP)

Everything you need to know about Massachusetts' new sports betting law

Massachusetts officially became the 36th state in the U.S. to legalize sports betting on Wednesday. Here's what's allowed, where you'll be able to bet and what's next before wagers can...

Business

Aug 11, 2022

The turbines of the Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

What to know about the new Mass. climate law

The new state climate law will have a big impact on clean energy policy in the state.

Environment

05:56Jul 22, 2022

Solar panels on the roof of a building in Amesbury. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

What to know about Mass.' new 2025, 2030 'Clean Energy and Climate Plan'

Here's what Massachusetts' new "clean energy and climate" plan says the state needs to do for 2025 and 2030.

Local Coverage

Jul 5, 2022

The five turbines of the Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

The debate over an outdated rule that's harming renewable energy in New England

What to know about the MOPR, an obscure rule that critics say is harming renewable energy and raising electricity bills.

Environment

May 26, 2022

A technician walks with a solar panel across the rooftop during a solar panel installation at Boston Building Resources in Jamaica Plain. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

What to know about the Mass. Senate's new climate bill

The so-called Act Driving Climate Policy Forward builds off last year’s landmark Climate Act with new policies about green transportation and buildings, clean energy, the future of natural gas in...

Environment

Apr 8, 2022

Sections

Radio

Podcasts

CitySpace

Support

Subscribe to our weekday newsletter

How to create a sustainable budget that works for you in 2023

How the Puritans once banned Christmas in Massachusetts

Mass. homebuyers pay hidden fees to lawyers for title insurance, with no state oversight

Energy prices are skyrocketing. Here’s how you can get financial help this winter

Bids and buses: Why districts worry as competition plummets in school bus industry

Mass. taxpayers begin getting rebates today. Here's what to expect

Get that mattress off the curb! Here's what to know about Massachusetts' new waste bans

What to know about Question 3, which could expand beer and wine licenses in Mass.

What to know about Question 2, which would require dental insurers to spend a minimum rate on patient care

Voting season is underway in Massachusetts. Here's a guide to your 2022 ballot

VIDEO: What to know about Question 1, which asks voters if Mass.' top earners should pay higher taxes

VIDEO: What to know about Question 4, which will decide fate of immigrant driver's license law in Mass.

Why electricity prices are rising unevenly across New England

9 takeaways from WBUR's investigation into the impact of Mass.' domestic and sexual violence secrecy law

So you’re in the market for an electric vehicle? Here’s how the new federal and Mass. laws will help

Everything you need to know about Massachusetts' new sports betting law

What to know about the new Mass. climate law

What to know about Mass.' new 2025, 2030 'Clean Energy and Climate Plan'

The debate over an outdated rule that's harming renewable energy in New England

What to know about the Mass. Senate's new climate bill