News
Editorial coverage from the Massachusetts USA Wire newsroom.
EnvironmentMWRA pulls largest water transfer request in history after drawing backlash from Quabbin communities
The Quabbin Reservoir provides drinking water for much of Greater Boston.
GovernmentWhile Democrats are celebrating, pollsters are breathing sighs of relief
Somerville polling place. (Photo via Creative Commons/Flickr by Andrew Malone)
GovernmentMass. just tackled 9 ballot questions. Here’s where each landed, and what comes next.
Massachusetts voters on primary day in September.
GovernmentVoters subject governor and Legislature to public records law, but there’s no guarantee lawmakers will comply
Auditor Diana DiZoglio (center), pictured here addressing a legislative committee helmed by Sen. Cindy Friedman (left) and Rep.
GovernmentPrimary election reform backers concede as ballot measure falls short
Jordan Berg Powers (right), a leading opponent to a ballot question implementing all-party primaries in Massachusetts, listens to proponent Danielle Allen at a debate hosted by CommonWealth Beacon on October 13, 2026.
GovernmentDemocrats, in push for blue wave, continue domination in Massachusetts as they look to take back power in Washington
US Sen. Ed Markey celebrates his reelection with Massachusetts Democrats at the Fairmount Copley Plaza hotel on November 3, 2026.
GovernmentCommonWealth Beacon Election Day insights
Happy Election Day, welcome to the CommonWealth Beacon somewhat live blog! I’m Jennifer Smith, one of the senior reporters here, and I’m helming this channel throughout the day as my colleagues head into the field.
EducationOur polling shows strong support for statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools. Will the Legislature act?
IN RECENT YEARS, support for restricting cellphone use in the nation’s public schools has grown dramatically. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 42 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico have passed legislation res…
GovernmentGalvin uncertain about beating voter turnout in 2022, 2018
Secretary of State William Galvin addresses reporters ahead of the 2026 primaries. (Photo by Jennifer Smith | CommonWealth Beacon)
EducationYour Massachusetts midterm rundown
WITH ELECTION DAY upon us on Tuesday, voters here in Massachusetts and around the country are preparing to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterms.
EducationNotwithstanding Mayor Wu’s claims, the ‘State of the Schools’ in Boston is not good
Boston Public Schools headquarters in Roxbury.