Police
In Massachusetts and across the country, a movement is growing around the demand to kick Flock — and other license plate readers — out...
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The Shoestring
Investigations
At least 15 police departments in the Connecticut River Valley have used the company Flock Safety’s controversial surveillance tech, records show. But it’s not...
Housing
Last month, Massachusetts' highest court tossed out a rent-control ballot measure. But tenant organizers say the setback won't stop their work fighting against climbing...
Community
With city politics increasingly fraught, critics say the hub — a new nonprofit that won’t name its financial backers — isn’t giving residents the...
Health
Healthcare institutions, including Baystate Health, have stopped providing gender-affirming care for minors, leaving families scrambling. In part two of this series, The Shoestring hears...
Health
As healthcare providers cease gender-affirming care for minors, families are left scrambling. In part one of this series, The Shoestring shares their stories.
Education
Organizers of a week of action believe state intervention can help prevent financial “death spirals” in shrinking districts
Politics
After an electoral shakeup, the council has already set a different tone in both legislation and decorum. Can they keep it up?
Education
Ten years after the state took over Holyoke's schools, the district is now back under local control. But educators say they're still without a...
Education
After 10 years under state control, officials have lauded the progress the district has made. But others have questioned the metrics the state has...
Community
“Transparency, accountability, and respect”: Foster youth advocate for a bill of rights of their own
Earlier this month, youth who have experienced the Massachusetts foster care system spoke out on Beacon Hill.
Education
After a decade of receivership, members of the Holyoke Teachers Association feel the state’s exit plan comes up short of justice for the predominantly...