Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world By Grace Hussain for Sentient.
Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration

The food we eat is responsible for as much as a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Most of that comes from beef — including millions of burgers served up by fast food chains across the world. To date, fast food companies have made little progress in curbing their climate pollution, but pressure to hold these corporations accountable is beginning to come from what may seem like an unlikely group: their own shareholders. ...(Read More)

MA families encouraged to explore foster care adoption Advocates for foster children in Massachusetts are encouraging people to open their homes and hearts to adoption.

More than 8,000 children in the Commonwealth are currently living in foster care and seeking permanent, loving families.

Rita Soronen, president of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, said too often people believe the myth children are placed in foster care for bad behavior. ...(Read More)

Massachusetts rideshare drivers win the right to unionize Voters in Massachusetts have passed a first of its kind ballot measure allowing rideshare drivers to unionize as independent contractors.

Question 3 narrowly passed with just 54% of the vote after a yearslong grassroots effort to gain greater protections for these gig workers.

Roxana Rivera, assistant to the president of the Service Employees International Union 32BJ in New England, called it a historic win. ...(Read More)

MA educators, parents celebrate end of MCAS graduation requirement Parents and educators in Massachusetts are celebrating an end to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System graduation requirement.

Nearly 60% of voters approved Question 2, which ensures students still take the standardized test but does not require passage to receive a high school diploma.

Carolyn Scafidi, a retired special educator in Tyngsborough, said the results show voters trust teachers. ...(Read More)

Chills vs. bills: MA kicks off home heating aid program Temperatures are dropping in the Commonwealth and community action agencies said help is available for those struggling to pay their heating bills.

The federal Home Energy Assistance Program helps households making less than 60% of the state median income, which for a family of four is just under $95,000.

Liz Berube, executive director of the community action agency Citizens for Citizens, serving the Fall River and Taunton area, called the eligibility requirements very generous. ...(Read More)

Federal funds expand successful MA diaper distribution program A federal pilot program distributing diapers to Massachusetts families in need is expanding.

The program has already distributed more than two million diapers, along with wipes and other supplies, to roughly 2,500 children over the past year.

Melissa White, director of programs for the Valley Opportunity Council in Hampden County, said the program is especially helpful for newly homeless and migrant families.

...(Read More)

Medicare payment cuts leave New England private practices in critical condition Ongoing cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates are leaving New England private practices in critical condition.

Doctors said the outdated payment system is forcing them to close or consolidate, limiting patient access to lifesaving treatments.

Dr. ...(Read More)

Medicare open enrollment in MA brings prescription drug savings Medicare open enrollment is underway and Massachusetts residents over 65 are encouraged to consider their health plan options.

Changes this year include a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs.

Cindy Phillips, director of the state's health insurance information program Serving the Health Needs of Everyone, which provides trained Medicare counselors, said the changes could bring significant savings.

...(Read More)

More MA communities strive for building decarbonization By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.
Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service Collaboration

A year and a half since Massachusetts introduced an optional new building code aimed at lowering fossil fuel use, climate activists are heartened by how quickly cities and towns are adopting the new guidelines.

The new code, known as the specialized stretch code, became law in 2023. Since then, 45 municipalities representing about 30% of the state's population have voted to adopt its guidelines. ...(Read More)

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in schools remains at risk.

The agency set a 10-year deadline for most utilities to replace lead service lines but omitted requirements for schools to replace any fountains or plumbing with lead components.

John Rumpler, clean water director for the Environment America Research and Policy Center, said it is up to state officials to protect kids and get the lead out.

...(Read More)