POLITICS
CommonWealth Beacon takes the pulse of Massachusetts politics by examining the policies, personalities, and pressing issues shaping moves in local governance, on Beacon Hill, and among the state’s congressional delegation in Washington.
FEMA quietly removes access to New England coastal erosion hazard tool
FEMA has not explained why some climate products have been hidden from view, but the New England regional director told Nantucket that it is “to ensure the alignment” of FEMA actions with Trump directives.
MBTA caught in tariff crossfire between Trump and China
The MBTA is “actively assessing the impacts — potential or otherwise — on existing and future contracts,” after the news that President Trump will hike tariffs on Chinese goods to 104 percent.
Former Baker deputy Mike Kennealy launches campaign for governor
A former private equity manager, who spent four years as state housing and economic development secretary under Gov. Charlie Baker, declared his candidacy for governor.
Troubled Boston nursing home could face $5 million deficit by end of year
Reviewing financial documents in court, Superior Court Judge Christopher Belezos said the future viability of the Benjamin Healthcare Center must be determined soon.
Massachusetts Democrats want delegation to fight Trump. The rest of the state? Not so much.
Given that Massachusetts is one of the deepest blue states, it makes sense that it would be firmly in the vanguard of the resistance to Trump. The challenge for the state’s all-Democratic congressional delegation is that the overall Massachusetts electorate is not exactly mounting the barricades.
Super PAC aligned with Mayor Wu receives six-figure donation
AN OUTSIDE GROUP that worked to help Boston Mayor Michelle Wu elect a slate of City Council candidates two years ago has received a six-figure infusion of cash as she faces a challenge from Josh Kraft, one of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s sons. Bold Boston, a super political action committee (PAC), took in…
‘Water doesn’t know property lines’: Where Massachusetts’s climate and housing crises meet
“The state rules have to catch up with the reality of climate change,” said Matthew Fee, a Nantucket select board member. “A town road can’t be abandoned if someone’s [living] on it, but what happens when the road goes into the ocean?”
Trump’s shadow looms as offshore wind price negotiation deadline missed
The latest delay was the second time since Trump was elected that the two sides have failed to meet a deadline and contract negotiations had to be extended.
Boston developer Tom O’Brien decides against mayoral run
O’Brien’s friends and acquaintances said he has long wanted to run for the top job inside City Hall.
Boston nursing home may have to be sold or closed, court-appointed overseer says
The options include finding a buyer for the facility, or closing up the nursing home and selling off the building and the land it sits on.
New poll: Mass. residents want back-up plan for funding transportation projects
A MassINC Polling Group survey of 702 residents found that 59 percent said the state should have a plan to pay for transportation improvements without billions of dollars in federal funding.
Fresh allegations of mismanagement swirl around Benjamin Health Center, court documents show
Established in 1927, the Benjamin has more than 80 patients and residents, the vast majority of them people of color.
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