massachusetts

Basic Black: An <em>urban agenda</em> for Massachusetts

January 9, 2015 This week Charlie Baker was sworn in as the 72nd governor of Massachusetts, with promises of bipartisanship and a renewed economic growth agenda for the Commonwealth’s urban communities. Later in the show we remember Senator Edward Brooke who died last week at the age of 95. Panelists:
- Callie Crossley, Host, Under The Radar with Callie Crossley, WGBH News
- Phillip Martin, Senior Reporter, WGBH News
- Darnell Williams, President and CEO, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
- Judge Joyce London Alexander Ford, formerly US District Court, Massachusetts
- Robert Fortes, Founder and President, The Fortes Group

Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, center, acknowledges applause after taking the oath of office, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, in the House Chamber of the Statehouse, in Boston. Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)




massachusetts

ChE SEMINAR: Zachary Smith, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (November 14, 2024 1:30pm)

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 1:30pm
Location: North Campus Research Complex Building 32
Organized By: Chemical Engineering


Abstract:
The chemical and petrochemical industries consume nearly 30% of global energy use, nearly half of which is a result of chemical separations. A major opportunity exists in identifying more efficient, productive, and environmentally friendly processes that operate in a continuous fashion. One attractive possibility is membrane-based separations, but significant materials limitations exist in designing membranes that can selectively distinguish between molecules with sub-angstrom differences in size and nearly identical thermodynamic properties. To survey these challenges and describe emerging opportunities, a brief overview of the current state-of-the-art in membrane-based materials and applications will be presented. Next, several design strategies will be presented on how to leverage pore structure and pore functionality to control separation performance. A particular emphasis will be placed on new materials chemistries with a focus on testing materials under complex gas mixtures and for extended periods of time. Microporous materials, including polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), will be highlighted to demonstrate the many opportunities that exist for scientists and engineers to tackle global challenges in chemical separations today.

Speaker Bio:
Zachary P. Smith is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT. He has been recognized with several awards, including the DoE Early Career Award, NSF CAREER Award, ONR Young Investigator Award, AIChE 35 Under 35 Award, AIChE Kunesh Award for Separations, and the North American Membrane Society Young Membrane Scientist Award. He was also awarded the Frank E. Perkins Award for Excellence in Graduate Advising at MIT. Prof. Smith serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Membrane Society and is an Associate Editor for Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. He is a co-founder and Chief Scientist for Osmoses Inc., a startup company aiming to commercialize membrane technology.




massachusetts

Crowds flock to small Massachusetts town to send off New York's Rockefeller Christmas tree

This year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree comes with a strong New England accent, and locals could not be more excited.






massachusetts

Massachusetts releases analysis of workers’ comp claims

Boston — Injury and illness prevention efforts are most needed in Massachusetts’ transportation and warehousing industry, results of a recent analysis of workers’ compensation claims show.




massachusetts

OSHA invites comment on pending approval of Massachusetts State Plan

Washington — A State Plan covering Massachusetts’ state and local government employees is a step closer to reality after OSHA recently published a proposed rule outlining its initial approval.




massachusetts

OSHA grants initial approval of Massachusetts State Plan for public-sector workers

Washington — A State Plan covering Massachusetts’ state and local government employees is now a reality after OSHA announced its initial approval.




massachusetts

Falls to lower level top list of work-related deaths in Massachusetts: report

Boston — Falls to a lower level were the leading a cause of fatal worker injuries in Massachusetts from 2014 to 2015, representing nearly 17 percent of the state’s workplace fatalities, according to a report released Oct. 16 by the state’s Department of Public Health.




massachusetts

Opioid-related worker deaths skyrocket in Massachusetts: report

Boston — The rate of opioid-related overdose deaths among Massachusetts workers in 2016 and 2017 rose 83.7% over the previous five-year period, with construction and agricultural occupations experiencing dramatic jumps, according to a recent report from the state’s Department of Public Health.




massachusetts

Overdose deaths hitting Massachusetts workplaces hard: report

Boston — Unintentional overdoses accounted for more than 1 out of 4 workplace deaths in Massachusetts between 2021 and 2022, the state’s Department of Public Health reports.




massachusetts

Massachusetts House passes bill to extend OSHA protections to public employees

Boston – Massachusetts is closer to extending OSHA protections to an estimated 400,000 public workers after the state’s House on Oct. 25 voted unanimously in favor of a bill (H. 3952) that boosts safety standards for all state and municipal government employees.




massachusetts

Bloodborne and airborne pathogen exposure: Massachusetts DPH offers sample written control plans

Boston — Intended to give small health care employers an “easy-to-use format” for a written exposure control plan, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has published sample written plans for a respiratory protection program and bloodborne pathogen exposure control.




massachusetts

Riva Spain Expands Luxury Flooring Presence with Four New Showrooms in Massachusetts

Luxury flooring brand Riva Spain opens four new "Riva Corners" in Massachusetts, showcasing their high-quality, sustainable wood products. The expansion reflects the brand's growth in the region, with business tripling over two years.





massachusetts

Basic Black Live: "Stand your ground" in Massachusetts? Also, the Supreme Court and the Affordable Care Act


This week on Basic Black: In the wake of the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, a look at Massachusetts' "stand your ground" proposal and recent efforts to pass or block the legislation. Also, the pending Supreme Court decision on the Obama administration's health care reform legislation: however they decide, what are the political ramifications for President Obama's re-election campaign and the impact on communities of color.

Our panel:
- Callie Crossley, host and executive editor, The Callie Crossley Show
- Kim McLarin, author and assistant professor of writing, literature, and publishing, Emerson College
- Peniel Joseph, professor of history, Tufts University
- Phillip Martin, senior reporter, WGBH Radio



(Image source via Creative Commons: xtopalopaquetl)




massachusetts

Basic Black: The New Black Politics in Massachusetts


(June 8, 2012)

The recently published Trotter Review examines political gains made by African American politicians at the beginning of the 21st century. Also, specific essays on why Boston has not elected a black mayor while the city of Denver has done so twice, and how Deval Patrick has served the interests of black communities while not alienating the larger population.

Our panelists:
- Latoyia Edwards, anchor, New England Cable News
- Kim McLarin, assistant professor of writing, literature and publishing, Emerson College
- Phillip Martin, senior reporter, 89.7 WGBH Radio
- Ravi Perry, political science professor
- Kenneth Cooper, editor, The Trotter Review




massachusetts

How Nursing Homes Are Handling COVID-19 - Best Practices from Maryland and Massachusetts

The 1.3 million nursing home residents in the U.S. make up less than 0.5 percent of the nation’s population, but represent approximately 15 percent of COVID-19 related deaths to date.




massachusetts

Massachusetts contractor’s safety failures led to employee’s crushing death

OSHA investigation finds operator of three Massachusetts waterproofing contracting companies could have prevented an employee from dying in February 2024 when part of a foundation broke and fell.




massachusetts

Massachusetts Residents Turn to Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health Care

Microdosing magic mushrooms in Massachusetts improves mood and cognition, while decreasing anxiety, depression and stress without any harmful side effects or dependency. Psilocybin guided therapy is affordable and best alternative treatment.




massachusetts

SARS2/COVID 19 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts: A Pilot Community Report

A data driven report on the spread of COVID 19 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts




massachusetts

Labcon Sponsors LabCentral's Network of Massachusetts-Based Coworking Labs

U.S. labware manufacturer partners with Labcentral to bring sustainable products to life science and biotech start-ups.




massachusetts

Cell Over Satellite Responds to Recent Massachusetts 911 Outages with Advanced Emergency Solutions

Addressing 911 Failures: Cell Over Satellite Highlights the Importance of Backup Communication Systems or Business Continuity as a Service




massachusetts

COVID19/SARS2 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts: A Pilot Community Report, vaccines vs. antiviral response

Considering the major societal disruptions brought on by government mandates responding to the COVID19 pandemic, all communities owe their residents an objective review of the mandates imposed.




massachusetts

Massachusetts Attorney General Publishes Long-Anticipated Guidance on the Revised Pay Equity Law

The Massachusetts Attorney General has recently published an Overview and Frequently Asked Questions (the “Overview”) regarding the amendment to the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act, set to take effect on July 1, 2018.  The Overview answers many questions that employers have been asking about this wide-ranging new law.  The Overview also confirms the importance of an employer self-evaluation, offering some direction on what types of evaluations are appropriate, and explaining how it could protect a company from liability under the law.

The New Equal Pay Act




massachusetts

Massachusetts Revises Its Workers’ Compensation Notice Requirement

Stephen T. Melnick discusses the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA)’s revised workers’ compensation notice for employees, which Massachusetts employers will start using Sept. 16, 2024.

SHRM

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massachusetts

Revised Poster Requirement in Massachusetts Starting September 16, 2024

The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) has published a revised workers’ compensation Notice to Employees, which Massachusetts employers should use starting September 16, 2024.




massachusetts

Massachusetts Considers Incentivizing the Four-Day Workweek

Stephen T. Melnick talks about a new bill that proposes to give a tax credit to businesses in Massachusetts that join a pilot program to explore the possible benefits of a shorter workweek.

WorldatWork

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massachusetts

Massachusetts Revises Guidance on Paid Family and Medical Leave

Ellen Donovan McCann, Alice Kokodis and Jim Paretti explain the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave’s new, more employer-friendly guidance.

SHRM Online

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massachusetts

Massachusetts Expands Reasons for Use of Earned Sick Time

The Massachusetts legislature has expanded the reasons employees can use Massachusetts Earned Sick Time through provisions in a larger bill entitled, “An Act Promoting Access to Midwifery Care and Out-of-Hospital Birth Options.”  Employees may now use Massachusetts Earned Sick Time to “address the employee’s own physical and mental health needs, and those of their spouse, if the employee or the employee’s spouse experiences pregnancy loss or a failed assisted reproduction, adoption or surrogacy.”




massachusetts

Massachusetts Latest State Expected to Restrict Access to Credit Reports for Employment Purposes

On March 14, 2024, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation that would add a new provision to the Massachusetts Consumer Protection law and would bar the use of true credit reports for employment purposes, i.e., for the purpose of evaluating an individual for employment, promotion, reassignment, or retention as an employee.  The legislation, entitled An Act Reducing Barriers to Employment Through Credit Discrimination (H.1434), is expected to be adopted by the Massachusetts Senate and promptly signed into law by Governor Maura Healy.  Once adopted, th




massachusetts

The Massachusetts PFML: 2025 Contribution Rates and Benefit Amounts

The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (Department) just announced the 2025 weekly benefit amount and contribution rates for both employers and employees under the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave benefit program, which is funded through a payroll tax.




massachusetts

2024 Massachusetts Employment Law Update




massachusetts

Piab USA Announces New Office Location in Canton, Massachusetts

The new office – equipped with modern amenities, advanced technological tools, and spacious conference areas – is designed to foster innovation and collaboration among Piab's teams.





massachusetts

Racism Sparks Fight At Massachusetts High School Football Game, Coaches Say

The game had to be ended early.




massachusetts

Ryan Outerbridge Wins 8k In Massachusetts

Ryan Outerbridge continues his impressive form, this time racing to victory in the 8k race at the Pop Crowell Invitational in Massachusetts. Outerbridge — who recently won the 5k race at the Ron Ouellette Invitational and was named the Male Athlete of the Week by the Northeast-10 Conference — conquered the 8k course in a […]





massachusetts

David Driscoll's Lessons From Massachusetts

Marc Tucker reviews David Driscoll's new book, 'Commitment and Common Sense', and describes how the Massachusetts reforms are comparable to those in top performing education systems around the world.




massachusetts

Helping Prepare Teachers in Massachusetts for Day One

Massachusetts' new performance assessment for teacher candidates helps boost readiness.




massachusetts

ESSA Forces Uncomfortable Conversations in Massachusetts Over School Spending

Relying on newly available data under ESSA, a local advocacy group found several districts that spend more money on wealthy students than poor students, despite the state's intentions.




massachusetts

Massachusetts Ranks Second on Quality Counts Annual Report Card

The state, which earned a B-plus, led the nation in K-12 achievement rankings and outperformed other states in several key academic indicators, but fell short on funding equity.




massachusetts

Educational Opportunities and Performance in Massachusetts

This Quality Counts 2019 Highlights Report captures all the data you need to assess your state's performance on key educational outcomes.




massachusetts

Massachusetts Moves Equity to Forefront of Aspiring Superintendent Program

The state's "Influence 100" project includes a leadership development program that will give aspiring district leaders a hands-on opportunity to work through an equity issue in their home districts.




massachusetts

Massachusetts Gets Green Light to Pilot Innovative Science Assessment

Massachusetts is the fifth state to join the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority created through the Every Student Succeeds Act, which allows states to experiment with new forms of testing.




massachusetts

Educational Opportunities and Performance in Massachusetts

This Quality Counts 2020 Highlights Report captures all the data you need to assess your state's performance on key educational outcomes.




massachusetts

A Treasure Hunter Just Uncovered the $100,000 Prize Hidden in the Massachusetts Woods

Two weeks ago, organizers of Project Skydrop stashed a golden statuette in a secret location somewhere in the northeastern United States




massachusetts

Boston Business Journal again names SolidWorks one of the "Best Places to Work in Massachusetts"

SolidWorks ranks fourth, making it the top ranking software company in its category




massachusetts

Boston Business Journal names SOLIDWORKS one of Massachusetts' Best Places to Work

#1 mainstream 3D mechanical design software provider wins third time in three years since award first announced




massachusetts

Massachusetts company saves more than $500,000 with COSMOS analysis software

Faced with soaring material costs, LeBARON Foundry streamlined designs, lightening manhole covers and frames by as much as 50 pounds




massachusetts

Students Lose, Teachers’ Unions Win in Massachusetts Election

The state’s vote to abolish its high-school exit exam keeps us from knowing how well they’re educating students — which is just how teachers’ unions like it.