Government & Politics

Central Mass. communities allocated $9.3M in housing funding from feds

This funding is a portion of $155.5 million in federal housing funds allocated to communities across Massachusetts, part of $5.5 billion in federal housing funds announced by the Biden Administration in May.

Framingham charity supporting human trafficking survivors receives cut of $1 million in state grants

As part of the Healey Administration’s efforts to bolster programs within Massachusetts working to support human trafficking survivors and those most at risk of exploitation, RIA, a Framingham-based public charity, has been selected as one of five organizations within the state splitting $1 million in funding.

🔒Q&A: Marlborough firm helps communities spend their ARPA money

After working together in the then-town government of Framingham, Nichol Figueiredo and Jennifer Thompson opened CSS to consult and help other communities find the resources they need to thrive.

🔒Family affairs: The trials and triumphs of running a family-owned business

From interpersonal communication and succession plans to community engagement and marketing, Central Massachusetts family-owned businesses have experienced the unique benefits and challenges that can only come from working with loved ones.

🔒Systemic failures: A growing number of Mass. pregnancies are resulting in severe complications, the greatest impact falls on the Black community

Rates of severe maternal morbidity in the state nearly doubled from 2011 to 2020, with Black birthing people among the most impacted by negative outcomes of labor and delivery.

🔒The new Worcester media, part 2: The rise of smaller players raises concerns about bias, independence

Amid the Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s decline in coverage and size, smaller publications have tried to fill the gap in Central Massachusetts’ journalism. But they’ve all run into the same problem: Making a profit as a media organization is not easy.

🔒The new Worcester media, part 1: The downsizing of the Telegram

Over the last 10 years, the reporting prowess of the Central Massachusetts paper of record has been reduced 75%, as small players try to fill the holes left behind.

Research highlights disparities in maternal health costs

Complications during pregnancy and delivery can cost twice as much in medical spending compared to caring for patients who do not experience severe maternal morbidity (SMM), according to a new analysis from state health regulators.

MBTA seeks to ramp up spending by tapping into cash reserves

Senate budget chief Michael Rodrigues, asked Tuesday about whether his chamber's plan would address the MBTA's budget gap, replied, "That gap is insatiable right now."