Rep. Andy Vargas earns high marks as Mass. Black and Latino Caucus chair
Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus Chairman Rep. Andy Vargas addresses a Juneteenth gathering at the State House. (front row, from left) Executive Director Tomås O’Brien, Rep. Russell Holmes, Vargas, Sen. Liz Miranda, House Speaker Ron Mariano, Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, Sen.

New bill aims for stricter penalties against real estate brokers who violate housing discrimination laws
This bill would require the Board of Registration for Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons to publish a summary of complaints against real estate professionals, add an expert in fair housing and civil rights or someone who has received a housing...

Fed. courts weigh Dept. of Education cuts
A March 20 Executive Order to “facilitate the closure of the Department of Education” has been contested in federal court for four months. Its fate remains unsettled. At issue are 1,378 staff put on leave through a reduction-in-force and whether the Department of Education can meet its statutory mandate without them.

Legislation filed to limit harmful chemicals in beauty products
The package of four bills — together called the “Safer Beauty Bill Package,” and filed July 17 by Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky along with three other congresswomen, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley — would take a host of moves to try to limit exposure of harmful chemicals in cosmetic products.

New Massasoit Community College science building brings updated lab space to Brockton campus
The new construction, which Massasoit leadership said they hope will attract and welcome new students to its STEM programs, comes as across the state, community colleges join a push to help grow and diversify the workforces in fields like the life sciences, information sciences and climate-related spaces.

Climate, environment take back burner in mayoral race
During Boston’s last mayoral election four years ago, Michelle Wu was hailed as a climate leader, but she wasn’t the only candidate staking a position on how the city should better serve its residents while building environmental justice initiatives aimed at addressing disparities in access and impact.

“There are so few students of color in our school – I can’t believe they’re complaining again.”
“There are so few students of color in our school – I can’t believe they’re complaining again.”.

It’s time to stop catering to the privileged class — equality means equality
They’re at it again. White and Asian parents have sued in federal court to outlaw the admissions policy for Boston’s exam schools, a policy based on socioeconomic standards that has boosted racial and ethnic diversity at Boston Latin School since its inception.

IN THE NEWS
The Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts has appointed Elana Casey associate director of the Augusta Savage Gallery. Her role will entail curating exhibitions furthering diversity and inclusivity, creating relationships with rising and established artists from marginalized communities and adding present-day trends in art to programs.

Boston must wake up
Just over two years ago, on July 20, 2023, around 11:30 p.m., my sister, Jazreanna Sheppard, walked into the Park Street MBTA Station after a long shift at work. She was just 21 years old, full of life and dreams. That night, in the heart of downtown Boston, she was stabbed seven times.

Why Black museums matter
If you thought there were no Black people on Nantucket Island back in the day, other than Frederick Douglass delivering his anti-slavery speeches, you’ll quickly be disabused of that notion. Visit the Museum of African American History on Nantucket and speak with the African American staff members there.

Immigration policy shifts are already costing health workers their jobs in Mass.
Some health and home care providers in Massachusetts have recently laid off staff because of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, according to advocates and employer associations.

Multidisciplinary artist Carlos W. Byron; at 78
Byron was born in Norfolk, Va., on May 24, 1947; he was the only child of Effie May Hewks and Ulysses Byron Jr. He began his creative exploration early and found a place in New York City, where he attended the Art and Design High School and earned his bachelor of fine arts from the Pratt Institute, Phoenix School of Design.

Sticker shock in America: From rental cars to groceries, prices keep climbing
It’s so bad in America that a foreign news organization dug into the pricey details. The Times of London reported that inflation, which began accelerating in 2021, has left American consumers grappling with the most persistent cost increases in decades.

Fresh fades and family ties at 1st Yard Barbers
Not even the COVID-19 pandemic was going to stand in their way, as brothers Omar and Shea opened their barbershop, 1st Yard Barbers, on August 15, 2020.The brothers bring deep expertise to their barbershop, as Omar has operated as a master barber for 32 years and Shea for 29.

History was made twice on the same day
Two significant historical events occurred on the auspicious day of July 27, 2025. Five players entered the hallowed halls of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and a Black man became the first African American driver to win the Indy 400 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

NFLPA under fire for money mismanagement
With the official opening of the National Football League’s training camps this past week, news of a scandal at the executive level of its players’ association has made headlines. Lloyd Howell Jr.

Dine Out Boston begins this weekend
Try out new restaurants with discounted prix fixe menus

An adventure a day keeps doldrums away
The foundation’s senior director of programs, Noreen Mc- Mahon, said the initiative was created after conversations the trustees and staff would have with some of their non-profit partners about the barriers youth face when it comes to visiting cultural institutions.

Exploring family roots and history in ‘The Meeting Tree’
The joyful abandon of a friendship between two girls is the heart and soul of the poetic play “The Meeting Tree” by B. Elle Borders, on stage through Aug. 9 in a world-premiere production by Company One Theatre (C1) at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester..

Nipmuc artist brings Native history to forefront during MA250 celebrations
As cultural institutions around Massachusetts celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence from British rule, Nipmuc artist Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley encourages us to look back even further at what Indigenous folks were experiencing in Massachusetts 350 years ago.

Award-winning artist Cliff Notez takes over the Museum of Science planetarium
Award-winning multimedia artist, musician and filmmaker Cliff Notez has been breaking genre and medium boundaries for years in their artistic practice. Fusing visual arts and music that pulls from hip-hop, folk and soul traditions, Notez tells stories in a unique and powerful way.

Summer of X Block Party
(Left) Hundreds gather at the Summer of X Block Party near Nubian Square. (Center) The crowd cheers as Doug E. Fresh beatboxes along with the music. (Right) Ricky “Slick Rick the Ruler” Martin Walters, raps at the Summer of X Block Party..

Cape Verdean Day Festival
Eastern Bank and the Brockton Rox were thrilled to be lead sponsors for the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton’s annual Cape Verdean Day Festival. Thousands celebrated at Campanelli Stadium’s first-ever hosting of this vibrant community event..

Joe Andruzzi Foundation Annual Codzilla Up(Beat) Patient Outing
Three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi is leading the charge for smiles! The Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s 14th Annual Codzilla Up(Beat) Patient Outing brought joy to over 100 cancer patients and their families with an exhilarating Codzilla ride and a fun-filled visit to the New England Aquarium.