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  • Features
    Word of the Day

    charlatan

    Definition: A person who makes elaborate, fraudulent, and often voluble claims to skill or knowledge; a quack or fraud.
    Synonyms: mountebank

    Article of the Day

    Daily Grammar Lesson

    Idiom of the Day

    a modest proposal

    An extreme, unorthodox, and often provocative or distasteful remedy to a complex problem, generally suggested humorously or satirically. (An allusion to Jonathan Swift’s 1729 essay A Modest Proposal, in which he suggests that the poor of Ireland could alleviate their woes by selling their children as food.)

    This Day in History

    Today’s Birthday

    Today’s Holiday

    Bill of Rights Day

    The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution of 1787—referred to collectively as the Bill of Rights—were ratified on December 15, 1791. This landmark document protected American citizens from specific abuses by their government and guaranteed such basic rights as the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated December 15 as Bill of Rights Day and called upon Americans to observe it with appropriate patriotic ceremonies. More…

    Quote of the Day
    To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be who have tried it.
    Herman Melville
    (1819-1891)

    Word Trivia

    Today’s topic: nourish

    alimony – From Latin alimonia, "nourishment" or "eating money," from alere, "to nourish," and mony, "result, resulting condition," it first meant "nourishment, support." More…

    alumnus, alumna, alumni – Alumnus and alumna stem from Latin alere, "to nourish or be nourished," now by a university; originally alumnus was a pupil and now it is a male graduate. Alumni refers to either sex. More…

    coalesce – Meaning "cause to grow together," it is from Latin co- and alere, "nourish." More…

    nurture – The verb was formed after the noun, which first referred (c. 1330) to a person's training or breeding. The word can be traced back to Latin nutritus, meaning "to nourish." More…

Around Massachusetts and New England

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  • Arrest log
    by Staff Report on December 22, 2024 at 1:13 am

    The following arrests were made recently by local police departments. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Massachusetts’ privacy law prevents police from releasing information involving domestic and sexual violence arrests with the goal to protect the alleged victims.

  • Tildsley brothers, Billerica’s Rincan pin down George Bossi Lowell Holiday titles
    by Jason Cooke on December 22, 2024 at 12:26 am

    LOWELL — Two more trophies are making their way to the mantle at Shawsheen Tech. Just weeks after the Rams were crowned Div. 5 Super Bowl champions at Gillette Stadium, the Tildsley brothers couldn’t wait until Christmas to add some hardware to their growing display cases. Sid and James Tildsley both captured their fourth consecutive

  • Saturday’s local roundup: UMass Lowell men’s basketball team tops Boston University
    by Staff Report on December 22, 2024 at 12:04 am

    Freshman Martin Somerville (Bowie, Md.) matched his career highs with six threes and 22 total points, as the UMass Lowell men’s basketball team used an efficient second half to defeat Boston University, 83-71, on Saturday at Costello Athletic Center. Although the game featured nine lead changes and seven tied scores, with BU leading by as

  • Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson dies at 65
    by Dieter Kurtenbach on December 21, 2024 at 10:46 pm

    Henderson helped win two World Series championships, including the 1989 championship with the Oakland Athletics.

  • Happy Historical holidays
    by Mary Leach on December 21, 2024 at 10:38 pm

    BILLERICA — The Billerica Historical Society held its annual Christmas Open House on Dec. 7 in the Clara Sexton House at 36 Concord Road.

Massachusetts – NECN The latest news from around the state

  • Woman who allegedly stole purse from Allston-Brighton Toy Drive arrested
    by Kaitlin McKinley Becker on December 21, 2024 at 7:52 pm

    Deadlines, rules and ballot questions differ in every state. Here’s what you need to know to plan your vote if you live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont. Massachusetts election deadlines Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 11 Local early voting schedule becomes available Oct.19 Early voting period begins Oct. 26 Deadline to register to vote in person, by mail and online Oct. 29 Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot Nov. 1 Early voting period ends Nov. 5 – Election Day Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by this day in order to be counted. How can I register to vote in Massachusetts? If you’re not registered to vote, you can register by mail, online or in person at your local election office. Most applications ask you to confirm your citizenship, provide your full name, address and date of birth. Additionally, they ask for a driver’s license or social security number. And you are asked to provide your party enrollment or designation. If you want to be eligible to vote on Election Day, you must register by Saturday, Oct. 26. You cannot register on Election Day in Massachusetts. How to register to vote in Massachusetts If you’re not registered to vote, you can register by mail, online or in person at your local election office. Most applications ask you to confirm your citizenship, provide your full name, address and date of birth. Additionally, they ask for a driver’s license or social security number. You are asked to provide your party enrollment or designation. If you want to be eligible to vote on Election Day, you must register by Saturday, Oct. 26. You cannot register on Election Day in Massachusetts. How to vote by mail in Massachusetts If you are unable to vote in person in Massachusetts on Election Day or during the early voting period, you can vote by mail. You don’t need a reason or a witness to vote by mail, but you must return your ballot before the polls close on Election Day. The office of the Secretary of State William Francis Galvin suggests applying as early as possible, especially if your ballot needs to be mailed. The office recommends allowing up to seven days for delivery and applying two or three weeks before Election Day. There are several options to return a mail-in ballot.  You can mail it back using the envelope provided, hand deliver it to your local election office, drop it off at an early voting location during early voting hours or use a ballot drop box. How does early voting work in Massachusetts? You may also consider voting early in person. The early voting period offers voters the ability to vote before Election Day and usually in a less crowded location. Currently, 47 states, including Massachusetts, allow early in-person voting.  The early voting period in Massachusetts begins on Oct. 19 and ends on Nov. 1. There is no appointment or application required to vote early in person, you can just visit your local early voting location. Lines may be longer on the first and last days of early voting, so Galvin’s office recommends going on off hours. Each city and town in the state must offer at least one early voting location. The locations will be posted on the website of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at least one week before the early voting period begins. Massachusetts ballot questions There are five questions on the ballot for Massachusetts voters to decide on. Massachusetts Question 1: Should the auditor be allowed to investigate the state legislature? Every four years, voters elect a state auditor, who ensures that state agencies follow existing laws and regulations, according to Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis. Even if the question passes, the auditor still will not be able to oversee votes, debates, committee assignments or policy priorities, which are all seen as “core legislative functions.” Massachusetts Question 2: Eliminate the MCAS graduation requirement. Question 2 would eliminate the requirement that students need to pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to graduate high school but still require students to complete coursework that meets state standards. Massachusetts Question 3: A union for rideshare drivers Question 3 asks whether Transportation Network Drivers should have the right to form unions. Massachusetts Question 4: Legalizing psychedelic drugs Question 4 would allow people 21 and over to grow, possess and use certain natural psychedelic substances. It would be two substances found in mushrooms and three substances found in plants. Massachusetts Question 5: Minimum wage increase for tipped workers Question 5 asks if employers should have to gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped work over the course of five years. What is the key race in Massachusetts? On Nov. 5, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) and attorney John Deaton (R) will compete for Warren’s current seat on the U.S. Senate. Warren did not face an opponent in the primary election. Deaton secured his spot against Warren and hopes to unseat her as this would be her third term. Deaton classifies himself as a “small government, fiscally-conservative, socially moderate Republican,” while Warren has fought for progressive change nationally. Connecticut Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 18 Online and by mail voter registration deadlines Oct. 21 Early voting period begins Nov. 3 Early voting period ends Nov. 5 – Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last day to request an absentee ballot All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. In-person registration deadline How can I register to vote in Connecticut? You can register to vote through the Office of the Secretary of State’s website. The online registration and by-mail registration deadlines are Oct. 18, while the in-person registration deadline is Nov. 5. How can I vote by mail in Connecticut? Connecticut has strict laws regarding who can vote absentee. Some reasons you would be allowed to vote absentee: Being an active member of the armed forces Being out of town on Election Day Sickness that prevents you from voting in person Religious beliefs that prevent you from performing secular duties like voting on Election Day Performing duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own A physical disability that prevents you from voting in person There is also an emergency ballot within six days of an election. You can request a regular absentee ballot at the state’s online absentee ballot request portal, where an application can be downloaded for individual use, the use of an individual’s immediate family or the use of a designee of the applicant. An absentee ballot will be sent to you 31 days before a general election and may be returned by mail or in person. Only ballots received before the polls close on Election Day will be counted. How does early voting work in Connecticut? The early voting period in Connecticut is Oct. 21 to Nov. 3. The locations will be listed here as they become available. Each town or city will have at least one early voting location. Maine Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 15 Online and by mail voter registration deadlines Oct. 31 Absentee ballot request form must be submitted Nov. 5 – Polls open anytime from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. In-person registration deadline Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. How can I register to vote in Maine? You can register to vote in person, online and by mail. Online registration forms can be found on the Department of the Secretary of State website, which gives the option to register for the first time, update your voter information and change your party enrollment. The deadline to apply by mail and online is Oct. 15. You can register to vote in person through Election Day in Maine. How can I vote by mail in Maine? To vote by mail in Maine, you must request an absentee ballot which can be done online via this request form. Absentee ballots may be requested as early as three months before Election Day and must be submitted before Oct. 31. How does early voting work in Maine? In Maine, dates and times to vote early in person vary by where you live. Maine ballot questions There are five questions on the ballot for Maine voters to decide on.  Question 1: Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office? Question 1 would limit contributions to political action committees that make independent expenditures  Question 2: Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds? Question 2 would authorize a general fund bond issue for research, development and commercialization. Question 3: Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources? Question 3 would authorize a general fund bond issue to restore historic community buildings Question 4: Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions? Question 4 would authorize a general fund bond issue to promote the design, development, and maintenance of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Question 5: Do you favor making the former state flag, which was replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and is commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State? Question 5 would restore the former state of Maine flag. Timeline of important election deadlines: Nov. 4 Absentee ballots must be requested by mail by 12 p.m. Absentee ballots returned in person are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 5 Polls open as early as 6 a.m. and all locations close by 8 p.m. Hours will vary, but all polling locations are required to be open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. By mail absentee ballots must be returned by 5 p.m. In-person registration deadline How can I register to vote in New Hampshire? You may register to vote in New Hampshire in person, by mail under certain conditions, or on Election Day at your polling place. You can also register at your town hall before Nov. 5. Deadlines vary by town, generally six to 13 days before the election. You can find a full list of clerks and polling places on the New Hampshire Secretary of State website. How can I vote by mail in New Hampshire? You may request a mail-in ballot in New Hampshire through this application. The request must be received by Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. If returned by mail, the ballot must be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day. In person, the deadline is Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. How does early voting work in New Hampshire? New Hampshire does not offer early in-person voting before Election Day. What is the proposed change to the New Hampshire constitution? Voters in New Hampshire will be asked to weigh in on raising the mandatory retirement age for judges: “Are you in favor of amending article 78 of the second part of the constitution to read as follows: [Art.] 78. [Judges and Sheriffs, when Disqualified by Age.] No person shall hold the office of sheriff of any county, after the person has attained the age of seventy years. No person shall hold the office of judge of any court after the person has attained the age of seventy-five years.” (Passed by the N.H. House 321 Yes 27 No; Passed by the Senate 22 Yes 1 No) CACR 6 What is the key race to look out for in New Hampshire? Voters in New Hampshire will elect a new governor on Nov. 5. The seat is open for the first time since 2016 as incumbent Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, did not seek reelection. The three candidates are former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R), Joyce Craig (D) and Stephen Villee (L). Ayotte previously served as New Hampshire’s first female attorney general and is backed by Sununu. She wants to follow in the previous governor’s footsteps. Craig has served as Manchester’s first female mayor. She said serving the state’s third-largest city for three terms has prepared her to be governor. Libertarian candidate Villee runs on a platform for smaller government and greater individual freedom, according to his website. Rhode Island Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 6 Online and in-person registration deadlines By mail registration must be postmarked to this date Oct. 15 Mail-in ballot application deadline by 4 p.m. Oct. 16 Early voting begins Nov. 4 Early voting ends Nov. 5 – Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Ballot must be returned by mail or in person by 8 p.m. How can I register to vote in Rhode Island? You can register to vote in Rhode Island online through the Secretary of State’s website, in person, or by mail. You need a driver’s license or state identification number, your name and date of birth to register. You can register online through the Secretary of State’s website.   How can I vote by mail in Rhode Island? In Rhode Island, any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot. You can apply for a mail-in ballot online. The requirements are to have a valid state ID and be registered to vote.   To return your ballot, you may deliver it by mail or by hand. It must be returned before 8 p.m. on Election Day. How does early voting work in Rhode Island? In Rhode Island, you can vote early in person between Oct. 16 and Nov. 4. Schedules and locations vary by city or town. What are the key ballot questions in Rhode Island? There are five questions on the ballot for Rhode Island voters to decide on. Question 1: Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the Rhode Island Constitution? Question 2: Should $120 million be allocated for housing and community opportunity? Question 2 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: URI Biomedical Sciences Building – $87.5 million Rhode Island College Cybersecurity Building – $73 million Question 3: Should $120 million be allocated for housing and community opportunity? Question 3 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: Affordable housing – $80 million Acquisition and revitalization – $10 million Homeownership – $20 million Site acquisition – $5 million Housing related infrastructure – $4 million Municipal planning – $1 million Question 4: Should $53 million be allocated for green economy bonds? Question 4 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: Port of Davisville Infrastructure at Quonset – $15 million Climate resiliency – $2 million Brownsfield remediation and economic development – $5 million Local recreation projects – $5 million Municipal resiliency – $10 million Newport Cliff Walk – $3 million Agricultural Land Preservation Commission – $5 million Open Space program – $3 million Forests and habitat management – $5 million Question 5: Should $10 million be allocated for cultural arts and the economy grant program? Question 5 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: Tomaquag Museum – $2 million Newport Contemporary Ballet – $2 million Trinity Repertory Company – $2 million Other funds to be allocated by the Rhode Island State Counsel on the Arts – $4 million Vermont Timeline of important election deadlines: Sept. 21 Early voting begins Nov. 4 Absentee ballot requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. or by the close of the town clerk’s office Absentee ballots must be returned by mail Nov. 5 – Polls open anytime from 5 to 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Registration deadline Absentee ballot must be returned by 7 p.m. How can I register to vote in Vermont? You can register to vote online, in person, or by mail in Vermont. If you are registering for the first time, you must include an acceptable form of photo identification.  How can I vote by mail in Vermont? Active Vermont voters do not need to request a mail-in ballot because the state mails general election ballots no later than Oct. 1. The ballot must be received by the town clerk or local election office before 7 p.m. on Election Day.  All requests for absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the day of the election. More election coverage Decision 2024 Oct 3 Where Trump and Harris stand on immigration and border security Donald Trump Oct 3 Trump and the federal election case against him: Key passages from prosecutors' latest court filing Melania Trump Oct 3 Melania Trump indicates support for abortion rights a month before election

  • Inside a legendary old-world cafe in Boston's North End
    by Marc Hurwitz on December 21, 2024 at 9:03 am

    The North End is one of the most charming sections of Boston. It has the feel of a European neighborhood within a city that looks more European than perhaps any other major city in the United States. Within the North End are endless dining options, including touristy restaurants as well as old-fashioned local favorites. The wonderful Caffé Vittoria is one of the latter, an Italian café with a ton of character that visitors to Boston who read up a bit on the city’s food scene frequent along with Italian Americans who have lived in this very old section of the city for much or all of their lives. Hanover Street is the main drag of the North End, and it is lined with countless restaurants, cafes and food shops, most of which are Italian, though more and more options for other types of cuisine can be found these days both on Hanover, Salem and other streets within the neighborhood. There are indeed so many places for food on Hanover that it can be pretty overwhelming, making it easy to walk right by some must-visit spots. Caffé Vittoria’s block is a perfect example of this, as the cafe is one of approximately 10 dining options on just one side of a two-block stretch of road, and plenty more are across the street as well (not to mention, it sits next to Mike’s Pastry, one of the most popular places in all of the North End). But once you take a step inside, you’ll realize that Vittoria is a particularly unique spot that oozes character, with its tin ceiling, mosaic tile floor, marble tables, metal-rimmed chairs, old-fashioned hanging lights and walls adorned with all kinds of knick-knacks, artwork and old photos. The cafe is made up of several different sections, including two front rooms that have their own entrances (they are connected by a walkway in the back) a few more dining areas out back, and a cigar bar in the basement. While not really a place to get a full meal (unless you’re a fan of having dessert for dinner, not the worst of ideas), Caffé Vittoria is a great option for those who want to grab a sweet treat and a drink after going to one of the many nearby restaurants in the North End or as a last stop late in the evening before heading back home. The food options include classic Italian pastries and baked goods such as biscotti, cannoli, sfogliatella, tiramisu, lobster tails, cheesecake, limoncello cake, chocolate ganache, ricotta pie, napoletana and gelato, the last of which includes spumoni, a colorful and delicious treat that includes layers of different flavors. Biscotti options include one covered with chocolate and another with a mix of almond and anisette that is perfect to dip into a cup of hot coffee. Speaking of coffee, Caffé Vittoria has several coffee options, each of which is well worth trying. The espresso is a good one to get if you need a quick jolt from the extra caffeine, while the more mellow and creamier cappuccino goes very nicely with the aforementioned biscotti, as does the caffe mocha, which gets an added richness from chocolate. And yes, hot chocolate is also available here, while other coffee options include caffe latte, Americano and macchiato. Cafes and desserts places tend not to serve alcohol, but Caffé Vittoria does have a liquor license, offering a number of cocktails, special coffee drinks and liqueurs, with some options including martinis, cosmopolitans, Italian and Irish coffees, grappa and cognac. A limited selection of beer and wine is available as well. Boston has seen a lot of its classic old-school dining and drinking spots close over the past ten years or so, icons like Durgin-Park, Doyle’s Café, Anthony’s Pier 4, the No Name and Marliave now just a memory. With the legendary German restaurant Jacob Wirth’s return up in the air after a devastating fire this past summer, it is indeed tough times for those who love historic restaurants and bars. But Caffé Vittoria continues to thrive in its North End space, attracting crowds on weekends and weeknights alike in part because of its combination of history, atmosphere and excellent food and drink. You’d be hard-pressed to find a place that’s even remotely like this in the Greater Boston area, or anywhere in New England for that matter, with New York City perhaps being the closest place that has cafes similar to this North End landmark. Caffé Vittoria, 290-296 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. caffevittoria.com

  • Mass. State Police responded to 200 crashes during winter storm Friday
    on December 21, 2024 at 8:47 am

    Roadways were slick Friday as a winter storm brought more snow than originally expected, leading to 200 crashes across the state, more than half of which were considered serious. Massachusetts State Police say of the 200 crashes they responded to Friday, 106 of them were serious, meaning they resulted in more than $1,000 in damage or injury. Many were out on the road Friday, as the holiday travel rush got underway, and driving conditions became more difficult as the day went on. Further information on the crashes wasn’t immediately available. Boston Dec 20 Snowfall totals: 6 inches in Boston, nearly 3 in Providence Boston 14 hours ago Holiday travel troubles after snowstorm in New England Weather 14 hours ago Bundle up!: Chilly Saturday after Friday snowstorm

  • Holiday travel troubles after snowstorm in New England
    by Mary Markos and Matt Fortin on December 21, 2024 at 6:26 am

    Deadlines, rules and ballot questions differ in every state. Here’s what you need to know to plan your vote if you live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont. Massachusetts election deadlines Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 11 Local early voting schedule becomes available Oct.19 Early voting period begins Oct. 26 Deadline to register to vote in person, by mail and online Oct. 29 Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot Nov. 1 Early voting period ends Nov. 5 – Election Day Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by this day in order to be counted. How can I register to vote in Massachusetts? If you’re not registered to vote, you can register by mail, online or in person at your local election office. Most applications ask you to confirm your citizenship, provide your full name, address and date of birth. Additionally, they ask for a driver’s license or social security number. And you are asked to provide your party enrollment or designation. If you want to be eligible to vote on Election Day, you must register by Saturday, Oct. 26. You cannot register on Election Day in Massachusetts. How to register to vote in Massachusetts If you’re not registered to vote, you can register by mail, online or in person at your local election office. Most applications ask you to confirm your citizenship, provide your full name, address and date of birth. Additionally, they ask for a driver’s license or social security number. You are asked to provide your party enrollment or designation. If you want to be eligible to vote on Election Day, you must register by Saturday, Oct. 26. You cannot register on Election Day in Massachusetts. How to vote by mail in Massachusetts If you are unable to vote in person in Massachusetts on Election Day or during the early voting period, you can vote by mail. You don’t need a reason or a witness to vote by mail, but you must return your ballot before the polls close on Election Day. The office of the Secretary of State William Francis Galvin suggests applying as early as possible, especially if your ballot needs to be mailed. The office recommends allowing up to seven days for delivery and applying two or three weeks before Election Day. There are several options to return a mail-in ballot.  You can mail it back using the envelope provided, hand deliver it to your local election office, drop it off at an early voting location during early voting hours or use a ballot drop box. How does early voting work in Massachusetts? You may also consider voting early in person. The early voting period offers voters the ability to vote before Election Day and usually in a less crowded location. Currently, 47 states, including Massachusetts, allow early in-person voting.  The early voting period in Massachusetts begins on Oct. 19 and ends on Nov. 1. There is no appointment or application required to vote early in person, you can just visit your local early voting location. Lines may be longer on the first and last days of early voting, so Galvin’s office recommends going on off hours. Each city and town in the state must offer at least one early voting location. The locations will be posted on the website of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at least one week before the early voting period begins. Massachusetts ballot questions There are five questions on the ballot for Massachusetts voters to decide on. Massachusetts Question 1: Should the auditor be allowed to investigate the state legislature? Every four years, voters elect a state auditor, who ensures that state agencies follow existing laws and regulations, according to Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis. Even if the question passes, the auditor still will not be able to oversee votes, debates, committee assignments or policy priorities, which are all seen as “core legislative functions.” Massachusetts Question 2: Eliminate the MCAS graduation requirement. Question 2 would eliminate the requirement that students need to pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to graduate high school but still require students to complete coursework that meets state standards. Massachusetts Question 3: A union for rideshare drivers Question 3 asks whether Transportation Network Drivers should have the right to form unions. Massachusetts Question 4: Legalizing psychedelic drugs Question 4 would allow people 21 and over to grow, possess and use certain natural psychedelic substances. It would be two substances found in mushrooms and three substances found in plants. Massachusetts Question 5: Minimum wage increase for tipped workers Question 5 asks if employers should have to gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped work over the course of five years. What is the key race in Massachusetts? On Nov. 5, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) and attorney John Deaton (R) will compete for Warren’s current seat on the U.S. Senate. Warren did not face an opponent in the primary election. Deaton secured his spot against Warren and hopes to unseat her as this would be her third term. Deaton classifies himself as a “small government, fiscally-conservative, socially moderate Republican,” while Warren has fought for progressive change nationally. Connecticut Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 18 Online and by mail voter registration deadlines Oct. 21 Early voting period begins Nov. 3 Early voting period ends Nov. 5 – Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last day to request an absentee ballot All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. In-person registration deadline How can I register to vote in Connecticut? You can register to vote through the Office of the Secretary of State’s website. The online registration and by-mail registration deadlines are Oct. 18, while the in-person registration deadline is Nov. 5. How can I vote by mail in Connecticut? Connecticut has strict laws regarding who can vote absentee. Some reasons you would be allowed to vote absentee: Being an active member of the armed forces Being out of town on Election Day Sickness that prevents you from voting in person Religious beliefs that prevent you from performing secular duties like voting on Election Day Performing duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own A physical disability that prevents you from voting in person There is also an emergency ballot within six days of an election. You can request a regular absentee ballot at the state’s online absentee ballot request portal, where an application can be downloaded for individual use, the use of an individual’s immediate family or the use of a designee of the applicant. An absentee ballot will be sent to you 31 days before a general election and may be returned by mail or in person. Only ballots received before the polls close on Election Day will be counted. How does early voting work in Connecticut? The early voting period in Connecticut is Oct. 21 to Nov. 3. The locations will be listed here as they become available. Each town or city will have at least one early voting location. Maine Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 15 Online and by mail voter registration deadlines Oct. 31 Absentee ballot request form must be submitted Nov. 5 – Polls open anytime from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. In-person registration deadline Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. How can I register to vote in Maine? You can register to vote in person, online and by mail. Online registration forms can be found on the Department of the Secretary of State website, which gives the option to register for the first time, update your voter information and change your party enrollment. The deadline to apply by mail and online is Oct. 15. You can register to vote in person through Election Day in Maine. How can I vote by mail in Maine? To vote by mail in Maine, you must request an absentee ballot which can be done online via this request form. Absentee ballots may be requested as early as three months before Election Day and must be submitted before Oct. 31. How does early voting work in Maine? In Maine, dates and times to vote early in person vary by where you live. Maine ballot questions There are five questions on the ballot for Maine voters to decide on.  Question 1: Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office? Question 1 would limit contributions to political action committees that make independent expenditures  Question 2: Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds? Question 2 would authorize a general fund bond issue for research, development and commercialization. Question 3: Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources? Question 3 would authorize a general fund bond issue to restore historic community buildings Question 4: Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions? Question 4 would authorize a general fund bond issue to promote the design, development, and maintenance of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Question 5: Do you favor making the former state flag, which was replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and is commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State? Question 5 would restore the former state of Maine flag. Timeline of important election deadlines: Nov. 4 Absentee ballots must be requested by mail by 12 p.m. Absentee ballots returned in person are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 5 Polls open as early as 6 a.m. and all locations close by 8 p.m. Hours will vary, but all polling locations are required to be open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. By mail absentee ballots must be returned by 5 p.m. In-person registration deadline How can I register to vote in New Hampshire? You may register to vote in New Hampshire in person, by mail under certain conditions, or on Election Day at your polling place. You can also register at your town hall before Nov. 5. Deadlines vary by town, generally six to 13 days before the election. You can find a full list of clerks and polling places on the New Hampshire Secretary of State website. How can I vote by mail in New Hampshire? You may request a mail-in ballot in New Hampshire through this application. The request must be received by Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. If returned by mail, the ballot must be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day. In person, the deadline is Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. How does early voting work in New Hampshire? New Hampshire does not offer early in-person voting before Election Day. What is the proposed change to the New Hampshire constitution? Voters in New Hampshire will be asked to weigh in on raising the mandatory retirement age for judges: “Are you in favor of amending article 78 of the second part of the constitution to read as follows: [Art.] 78. [Judges and Sheriffs, when Disqualified by Age.] No person shall hold the office of sheriff of any county, after the person has attained the age of seventy years. No person shall hold the office of judge of any court after the person has attained the age of seventy-five years.” (Passed by the N.H. House 321 Yes 27 No; Passed by the Senate 22 Yes 1 No) CACR 6 What is the key race to look out for in New Hampshire? Voters in New Hampshire will elect a new governor on Nov. 5. The seat is open for the first time since 2016 as incumbent Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, did not seek reelection. The three candidates are former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R), Joyce Craig (D) and Stephen Villee (L). Ayotte previously served as New Hampshire’s first female attorney general and is backed by Sununu. She wants to follow in the previous governor’s footsteps. Craig has served as Manchester’s first female mayor. She said serving the state’s third-largest city for three terms has prepared her to be governor. Libertarian candidate Villee runs on a platform for smaller government and greater individual freedom, according to his website. Rhode Island Timeline of important election deadlines: Oct. 6 Online and in-person registration deadlines By mail registration must be postmarked to this date Oct. 15 Mail-in ballot application deadline by 4 p.m. Oct. 16 Early voting begins Nov. 4 Early voting ends Nov. 5 – Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Ballot must be returned by mail or in person by 8 p.m. How can I register to vote in Rhode Island? You can register to vote in Rhode Island online through the Secretary of State’s website, in person, or by mail. You need a driver’s license or state identification number, your name and date of birth to register. You can register online through the Secretary of State’s website.   How can I vote by mail in Rhode Island? In Rhode Island, any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot. You can apply for a mail-in ballot online. The requirements are to have a valid state ID and be registered to vote.   To return your ballot, you may deliver it by mail or by hand. It must be returned before 8 p.m. on Election Day. How does early voting work in Rhode Island? In Rhode Island, you can vote early in person between Oct. 16 and Nov. 4. Schedules and locations vary by city or town. What are the key ballot questions in Rhode Island? There are five questions on the ballot for Rhode Island voters to decide on. Question 1: Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the Rhode Island Constitution? Question 2: Should $120 million be allocated for housing and community opportunity? Question 2 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: URI Biomedical Sciences Building – $87.5 million Rhode Island College Cybersecurity Building – $73 million Question 3: Should $120 million be allocated for housing and community opportunity? Question 3 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: Affordable housing – $80 million Acquisition and revitalization – $10 million Homeownership – $20 million Site acquisition – $5 million Housing related infrastructure – $4 million Municipal planning – $1 million Question 4: Should $53 million be allocated for green economy bonds? Question 4 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: Port of Davisville Infrastructure at Quonset – $15 million Climate resiliency – $2 million Brownsfield remediation and economic development – $5 million Local recreation projects – $5 million Municipal resiliency – $10 million Newport Cliff Walk – $3 million Agricultural Land Preservation Commission – $5 million Open Space program – $3 million Forests and habitat management – $5 million Question 5: Should $10 million be allocated for cultural arts and the economy grant program? Question 5 would allow money to be allocated in the following ways: Tomaquag Museum – $2 million Newport Contemporary Ballet – $2 million Trinity Repertory Company – $2 million Other funds to be allocated by the Rhode Island State Counsel on the Arts – $4 million Vermont Timeline of important election deadlines: Sept. 21 Early voting begins Nov. 4 Absentee ballot requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. or by the close of the town clerk’s office Absentee ballots must be returned by mail Nov. 5 – Polls open anytime from 5 to 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Registration deadline Absentee ballot must be returned by 7 p.m. How can I register to vote in Vermont? You can register to vote online, in person, or by mail in Vermont. If you are registering for the first time, you must include an acceptable form of photo identification.  How can I vote by mail in Vermont? Active Vermont voters do not need to request a mail-in ballot because the state mails general election ballots no later than Oct. 1. The ballot must be received by the town clerk or local election office before 7 p.m. on Election Day.  All requests for absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the day of the election. More election coverage Decision 2024 Oct 3 Where Trump and Harris stand on immigration and border security Donald Trump Oct 3 Trump and the federal election case against him: Key passages from prosecutors' latest court filing Melania Trump Oct 3 Melania Trump indicates support for abortion rights a month before election

  • Plans to relocate Roslindale students to community center met with criticism
    by Michael Rosenfield on December 21, 2024 at 12:11 am

    Two elementary schools in Boston’s Roslindale neighborhood are merging, but parents and teachers are frustrated by plans to move students around during the school year. The Philbrick School and the Sumner School will join to become a single school serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, with a new setting in the former Washington Irving School on Cummins Highway. Fifth- and sixth-graders from Sumner have already moved to the Irving building, but it is undergoing a massive renovation project to be ready for everyone in fall of 2025. Those students will now move out, with some relocating to the Roslindale Community Center in late January. Get top local stories in Boston delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Boston’s News Headlines newsletter. In an email to parents, school officials say the general contractor has shared that the renovation project is at risk of significant timeline delays, and the students have to go elsewhere so that renovations can move more quickly. “Are people going to be buzzed in? Are they going to sign in? Is there going to be a secretary here from BPS?” asked Jennifer Dines, a Boston Public Schools teacher and parent who lives in Roslindale. She’s concerned about safety and security, worried about the public having access to the community center while school is also operating inside. “They haven’t even said it’s going to be secured,” said Dines. “They said nothing about that, just said, ‘Oh, there’s going to be this transition.’ I saw nothing in that email that this is how we’re going to keep children safe and secure.” “Due to construction that can be, at times, disruptive for teachers and students and in an effort to open the renovated building as close to on schedule as possible, it is in the best interest of our students in grades 5 and 6 to temporarily relocate,” Boston Public Schools said in a statement. “The three relocated classrooms in the BCYF Roslindale Community Center will be in a single, secure area with restricted access, which will allow them to continue their learning.” A community meeting is scheduled to take place after the holidays but before the relocation. It’ll be a chance for parents to learn more about the move and how it’ll work. “Moving students and educators mid-year is disruptive to the learning process,” said Erik Berg, president of the Boston Teachers Union. “It’s really not ideal, and we think this whole thing could have been avoided with adequate prior planning.” More on Boston Public Schools Massachusetts Dec 19 Woman accused of posing as Boston student in court. Is a plea deal near? Boston Dec 17 High school basketball opener canceled due to Boston school bus delay Dorchester Dec 13 6-year-old boy severely burned at Boston school