LOCAL NEWS

On a mission: Parole Board Chairman Mark Conrad balances public safety, taxpayers' money and second chances

The convicted murderer faced the parole board humbly. In Levi's jeans, a pressed blue shirt and shackles, Stephen Emmons read from a statement hand-written on a sheet of yellow legal paper. More »

CAMKit encourages girls to explore career options

For many young women, getting ahead in life means finding a mentor who will guide them in the right direction. More »

Epiphany School grooms talented youth for future success

Since its founding in 1998, the motto of Epiphany School has been simple and clear: "Never give up on a child." More »

The Passage Universal Health Care Legislation

This week, Basic Black explores the impact of the passage of universal health care reform legislation - especially its impact on communities of color and the violent reaction from opponents to the legislation. More »

The Donut Man: For the last 20 years, Clayton Turnbull has preached the virtues of politics and business

Some people thought Clayton Turnbull was crazy. A successful businessman, Turnbull had decided to open up a Dunkin' Donuts franchise in, of all places, Mattapan Square. It was 1992, and ,at the time, Mattapan was one of Boston's busiest crime zones - not exactly a neighborhood where billion-dollar, international chains like to operate. More »

How to start and run a successful black business today - Making a profit

Last month I covered three important aspects of starting and running a successful business: doing your homework, planning realistically and financing your business adequately. In this article, I will cover the critical issue of profit. More »

Banner Biz Q&A

Q: What is microfinancing and why the demand in this country? A: The United States is rich with microentrepreneurs - owners of the smallest of businesses, typically with fewer than five employees and capital needs of less than $35,000. According to research, more than 10 million of these entrepreneurs, primarily minorities and women, lack access to small business capital. Microfinance - the provision of small loans, often less than $10,000, helps these small businesses grow. More »

NATIONAL NEWS

Democrats express safety concerns after protests

WASHINGTON - House Democratic leaders said last week they are concerned about the personal safety of lawmakers because of threats linked to intense opposition to the health care overhaul law. More »

WORLD NEWS

Haitians need key role in future economy

As international donors pledge billions for reconstruction, Haitians at home and abroad are appealing for a significant role in putting the country back together again. More »

Ex-drug lords' property used by Haiti government

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Election workers scurry across the airy courtyard of their lavish new headquarters, a three-story building that hardly suffered a crack in Haiti's earthquake. More »


HEALTH

Officials: Mass. may need to adjust health law

Massachusetts is facing a host of perplexing questions as it looks to mesh its landmark 2006 health care law with the sweeping health overhaul approved by the U.S. House. More »

AG: Runaway costs burden health system

While President Obama has made significant strides to reform the nation's health care system, last month's bill did not tackle all the problems. More »