Report: Only half of phone companies use required anti-robocall technology More than three years after a federal law was passed requiring phone companies to install anti-robocall technology, fewer than half of those companies are in compliance.

The latest report on scam calls and texts finds that while robocalls are down roughly 17%, Americans still endure billions of these distractions every month.

Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director for the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, said not only are robocalls annoying - they add unnecessary stress to everyday life.

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MA unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap Massachusetts unions and worker-owned cooperatives are joining forces to help tackle the state's historic wealth gap.

Census data show just a handful of households now have average incomes nearly 14 times larger than the bottom 20%.

Kevin O'Brien is a worker-owner with the unionized Worx Printing Cooperative in Worcester. ...(Read More)

Sindicatos y cooperativas de MA abordan histórica brecha de riqueza Sindicatos y cooperativas de trabajadores de Massachusetts unen sus fuerzas para ayudar a combatir la histórica brecha de riqueza del estado. Los datos del censo muestran que sólo un puñado de hogares tienen ingresos promedio casi 14 veces superiores a los del 20% más pobre.

Kevin O'Brien es un trabajador-propietario de la cooperativa sindicalizada Worx Printing en Worcester. ...(Read More)

Federal regulators urged to consider wildlife in MA transmission plans Wildlife advocates want federal regulators to consider habitats and migratory routes, when planning new transmission infrastructure in Massachusetts and nationwide.

Transmission lines can act like highways - interfering with wildlife's ability to move, reproduce, or find seasonal homes.

Veronica Ung-Kono is a transmission specialist with the National Wildlife Federation. ...(Read More)

MA state grants boost rural economies, climate resilience Rural communities across Massachusetts are benefiting from state grants aimed at strengthening the local food supply and building climate resilience.

State officials have awarded nearly $4 million to help farmers improve soil health, upgrade irrigation systems and prepare for extreme weather events, including the current critical drought conditions.

Ashley Randle, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, said farms are helping the state meet its ambitious climate goals. ...(Read More)

MA worker co-op movement backs REI union contract efforts Union workers fighting for a fair contract at Recreational Equipment, Inc. Boston are drawing support from the state's growing worker co-op community.

REI is the largest customer co-op brand, but many worker-owned co-ops say it has failed to live up to its stated values or bargain in good faith. ...(Read More)

Unions: Green jobs are good paying jobs under new MA climate law Labor unions in Massachusetts say the state's new climate law will create good jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The law streamlines the siting and permitting process for new clean energy infrastructure and ensures contracted companies pay a fair wage.

Ryan Murphy, executive director of Climate Jobs Massachusetts, said smaller wind and solar projects will include more registered apprenticeship programs to create not just jobs but careers. ...(Read More)

Federal investments help bolster MA workforce training programs Federal investments are helping the city of Boston develop greater workforce training programs.

The city received $23 million in 2022 to develop pathways into quality child care, health care and energy jobs.

Trinh Nguyen, chief of worker empowerment for the City of Boston, said city officials knew they needed to focus on getting communities of color and women into well-paying careers.

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MA boosts educator diversity to improve student outcomes Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping a new teacher certification process will draw more diverse candidates to the classroom.

The state recently passed legislation to create alternative pathways for teachers who struggle to pass the certification exam but can otherwise demonstrate competence in their field.

Jessica Tang, president of the American Federation of Teachers-Massachusetts, said the effort is ultimately good for students. ...(Read More)

MA farmers, families brace for cuts to fresh produce benefits Massachusetts farmers said they are bracing for revenue losses due to cuts in fresh produce SNAP benefits.

Starting Dec. 1, families who utilize the state's Healthy Incentives Program to buy food directly from farmers will see their benefits cut to just $20 a month, regardless of household size.

...(Read More)