LOCAL NEWS

Passions flare at Dudley Vision meeting

A Boston Public Schools (BPS) representative told the Dudley Vision Advisory Task Force last Thursday that a proposed Skylab in the new BPS headquarters under construction in Dudley Square likely won't materialize. The July 26 task force meeting, attended by about 30 community members, was billed as a project overview and update on plans for the new municipal building, expected to open in 2014. But it turned into an impassioned discussion of what the Roxbury community needs and the high hopes harbored by some for the "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity the $115 million project presents. More »

Gov. Patrick signs 'three strikes' bill

After days of back and forth with the state legislature, Gov. Deval Patrick agreed to sign the controversial "three strikes" bill, saying the bill was a "good start" to more comprehensive criminal justice reforms. "I understand the concerns of those who worry we have taken judgment out of the justice system and the pain and frustration of the families of victims of violent crime," Patrick said in a statement. "For all those interests, and those of the public at large, this bill is a good start." More »

Employees question quality of care at Rox health center

In a series of internal letters, medical personnel at Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center painted a picture of woeful operations at the center and layed the blame squarely on its CEO, Anita Crawford. The damaging letters detail financial problems ranging from the loss of "significant grants" that helped pay for medical and psychological programs, to an almost chronic shortage of medical equipment, paper towels and toilet paper. In some cases, the letters allege, the center had no hot water. More »

OneUnited allowed to depose Bain exec in church bankruptcy

A federal bankruptcy judge ruled in favor of OneUnited Bank this week and will allow bank attorneys to question a Bain Capital official about his role in arranging a questionable $1.5 million donation to the historic Charles Street AME church. According to bank attorneys, the donation was part of a scheme to short-change the bank and eliminate the obligations of the First District African Methodist Episcopal Church as a co-signer on Charles Street's original $3.6 million construction loan. More »

Boston Rising invests $600k in programming

Boston Rising, a fund to end the cycle of poverty in Boston, announced today that it is investing $600,000 to support summer programs and activities. With this investment, more than 700 Grove Hall students will have summer learning, enrichment and/or work opportunities this summer. Typically, urban youth are more susceptible to learning loss and violence during the summer months. With that in mind, Boston Rising is dedicating significant grant money to support the youth in Grove Hall, the organization's first impact zone. More »