Charity tax deduction, OK'd by Mass. voters in 2000, delayed until at least 2023
Chris LisinskiState House News ServiceBOSTON — A tax deduction for charitable donations that Massachusetts voters approved in 2000 will not go into effect until at least 2023 after the Senate voted Thursday to override Gov. Diana DiZoglio of Methuen, Marc Pacheco of Taunton and Walter Timilty of Milton, all Democrats, sided with Baker and voted to allow the deduction to begin this year, as did the chamber's three Republicans, Sens. After years of delays tied to various economic triggers, the deduction was set to return to action in 2021, but lawmakers have twice now postponed it. Voters approved the deduction in 2000 with 72% in support, but it was only available for a single year before lawmakers suspended it. Baker and other Republicans criticized Democrats for the vote, arguing the state's surging tax revenues and billions in unspent federal aid eliminate the need for the additional cushion.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 21:45 UTC
Framingham interim Health Director DePalo 'reconsidering' role; top job a possibility
FRAMINGHAM — Interim Public Health Director Alexandra DePalo, who previously said she would not apply for the permanent director’s job, may be thinking about possibly doing so after all. DePalo declined to comment when asked if she had applied to become the city's permanent director of public health. More:Framingham council nixes mayor's pick for health director; Spicer disappointed by decisionLast month, the City Council rejected Mayor Yvonne Spicer’s appointment of Monifa Charles to fill the permanent position. DePalo has served as interim director since former Public Health Director Sam Wong took a medical leave of absence in January, citing exhaustion from directing the city’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19. More:Former Framingham health director Sam Wong takes job with state DPHEarlier this month, the state Department of Public Health announced that Wong will serve as director of the DPH’s Office of Local and Regional Health.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 21:20 UTC
The Bard is back on Boston Common: ‘The Tempest’ is pure enchantment
Iris FangerFor The Patriot LedgerA loud "hurrah" is in order for the reappearance of free Shakespeare on the Boston Common after more than a year of absence due to the pandemic. A tragi-comedy, “The Tempest” tells the story of rival brothers tasked with choosing revenge or forgiveness. In this instant, Shakespeare’s play changes tone from a revenge tragedy into a gentle hymn of forgiveness. “The Tempest” starts with an ocean storm ordered by Prospero to bring his enemies to his island. Quincy resident Jon Lam, a gifted principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, stands out as the sprite Ariel.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 20:37 UTC
Milford voters are being asked to buy a private water company. Why?
MILFORD — Town Meeting will decide on Monday night whether the town buys a private water company for $79 million. It’s been eight years since the first town vote to officially explore buying Milford Water Company, which governs residents’ drinking water. “We turn around and say, ‘What kind of system do I want for the Milford Water Company?’” Milford Finance Committee Chairman Alberto Correia said. The water system would be run by a three-member board of elected water commissioners and an enterprise fund. The Milford Water Company purchase will be the only item on Monday’s warrant.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 18:00 UTC
Weymouth man, Chelsea student are state's first 'Vaxmillions' winners
Katie LannanState House News ServiceBOSTON — A 63-year-old health insurance caseworker from Weymouth and a rising sophomore at Chelsea High School are the first winners of the state's Vaxmillions cash and scholarship giveaway. VaxMillions Giveaway Drawings will be held once a week and continue every Monday through Aug. 23. Massachusetts residents ages 12 and up who are fully vaccinated prior to each drawing are eligible to enter the giveaway. Residents ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated prior to each drawing will have the opportunity to enter to win one of five $1 million cash prizes. Eligible residents will be able to enter the giveaway at VaxMillionsGiveaway.com.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 16:52 UTC
Faith leaders launch campaign to increase vaccination rate among Black residents in metro Detroit
click to enlarge City of DetroitVaccination site at the Ford Wellness Center in the Samaritan Center in Detroit. click to enlarge University of MichiganFundings from a recent study on vaccines in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/RAyOQT7WZv — Dr. Jae $JaeSoFamous (@jaesofamous) July 24, 2021As COVID-19 cases make a resurgence, faith leaders from the Council of Baptist Pastors and Vicinity launched a campaign Thursday to encourage Black residents in metro Detroit to get vaccinated.The #TakeTheShot campaign is aimed at increasing the disproportionately low vaccination rate among Black residents by offering COVID-19 testing and inoculation sites at 50 churches in Detroit and its suburbs. A new study from the University of Michigan found that 80% of unvaccinated Detroit residents said they are worried about the vaccine’s safety and 78% said they were concerned about the side effects. The study also found that Black Detroiters were more than twice as likely as white residents to express concerns about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 15:45 UTC
Delhi Metro Recruitment 2021: Apply for the post of Director (Operations)
AdvertisementDelhi Metro (Metro Rail News): Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) invites applications for the post of Director (Operations) in Delhi Metro. Details are given below –Name of the Post – Director (Operations)Number of Vacancy – 01Scale of the Post – Rs.180000 – 340000 (IDA) and other allowances, perks and privilege. He shall be responsible for operations, commercials, safety and security of the Metro Sections opened for revenue services. In addition, he shall look after the functioning of the Delhi Metro Rail Academy (DMRA). The last date of receipt of complete application in hard copy in DMRC shall be 2nd August 2021.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 14:23 UTC
Nailed it - AGAIN! T-Mobile and Metro Snag #1 Spots in J.D. Power Customer Care Study
Power 2021 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Mobile Network Operator Performance Study–Volume 2. Power 2021 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Mobile Virtual Network Operator Performance Study–Volume 2. Power 2021 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Mobile Network Operator Performance Study–Volume 2. Power 2021 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Mobile Virtual Network Operator Performance Study—Volume 2 for the 10th time** overall. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 13:18 UTC
MassDOT to replace Pike's eastbound bridge over Cordaville Road this weekend
SOUTHBOROUGH — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's summer bridge replacement project on the Mass Pike resumes Friday night. In a press release, MassDOT officials said they will replace the Pike's eastbound bridge over Cordaville Road (Rte. The state is replacing eight bridges on the Pike eastbound and westbound over Flanders Road in Westborough and Parkerville Road, Cordaville Road and Woodland Road in Southborough as part of its so-called "Acceler-8" project. Monday Morning, Aug. 2 (completed at 5 a.m.): Mass Pike eastbound traffic will be shifted back to three lanes on the Pike eastbound. Pike westbound traffic will be shifted back to three lanes on the Pike westbound.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 12:22 UTC
Three dead as wildfires blaze on southern Turkish coast
Officials have said that more than 60 wildfires have erupted across 17 provinces on Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts this week, with the presidency vowing to hold to account those responsible for the “attacks”. Buildings including a hotel in the Aegean resort of Marmaris were evacuated due to the blaze, state broadcaster TRT Haber said. Footage showed two separate fires near residential areas in the Aegean summer hotspots of Bodrum, where another hotel was evacuated, and Didim. “Our struggle to contain (the fires) continues, and surely we will contain them. Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast is known for its scorching summer heat, which often causes wildfires.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 11:01 UTC
EIB approved loan for Agra Metro Rail Project
AdvertisementAGRA (Metro Rail News): In major news for Agra Metro Rail Project, European Investment Bank (EIB) has given its approval to sanction loan for the Agra Metro. This will enable Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) to float tenders for the underground section of the Priority Corridor between Taj East Gate to Fatehabad of Line-1 of Agra Metro. The Priority Corridor of Agra Metro comprises construction of 6 km long section from Taj East Gate to Jama Masjid with six stations. Line-1 (14.24 km) of Agra Metro is partly elevated (6.56 km) and partly underground (7.68 km) with 14 stations on the route. U-Girder is one of the most important components of the Metro Project.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 09:43 UTC
Female police officers who broke stereotypes hope to inspire the next generation
Framingham and Sherborn were the only other nearby communities that had female officers. Female officers explain howIs she too old? One of her best memories was when a male officer stopped thinking of her as a female officer, and instead as just another cop. Instead, the newly promoted Framingham police lieutenant got inspiration from a female officer when she was a child. Sometimes people are surprised when they see a female officer arrive, not in a negative way, but just not expecting it.”Rossi said stories like Mickens being inspired by a female officer need to happen more.
Source:MetroXpress
July 29, 2021 09:33 UTC
Framingham School Committee to Baker: Give us guidance for 2021-22
FRAMINGHAM — The School Committee has requested the state to offer consistent COVID-19 risk mitigation guidance ahead of the new school year. School Committee members noted that the state has not taken a formal position on COVID-19 risk mitigation public health measures for in-person learning and what that will look like during the 2021-22 school year. On Vice Chairwoman Tiffanie Maskell's recommendation, the School Committee authorized Chairman Adam Freudberg to write the letter to Baker in support of Tremblay's request. In the letter, School Committee members also noted that last year the state had already released its back-to-school plan on June 25. During our last School Committee meeting, our Superintendent Dr. Robert Tremblay, reported on his recent remarks during a large in-person forum of Massachusetts Superintendents.
Source:MetroXpress
July 28, 2021 19:41 UTC
House Oversight Committee investigating new allegations in Flint water crisis cover-up report by Metro Times
The chairwoman of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform has responded to last week’s Metro Times cover story that included new, previously unreported revelations of a cover-up in the Flint water crisis. “Governor Snyder obstructed the Committee’s investigation from the outset and set the tone that his decisions were above accountability. Baird also altered Flint water crisis timelines — created by the state environmental and health departments to provide their agencies actions during the water crisis — to prevent the full scope of the Snyder’s administration's actions from going public. Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib spoke out on the story on Tuesday, condemning Snyder for covering up the Flint water crisis. “You won’t be surprised to learn, however, we heard not a peep.”Stay connected with Detroit Metro Times.
Source:MetroXpress
July 28, 2021 18:33 UTC
Holliston wins right to ban commercial trucks on several of its streets
HOLLISTON — Several streets throughout town have been reclassified as “Commercial Motor Vehicle Exclusion” zones by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The changes were made after traffic studies and requests by the town, Town Administrator Travis Ahern said. Clark Street in Medway, which becomes South Street in Holliston, has also been changed. Ahern said most of these roads are side streets to major roads that larger trucks use as cut-throughs to avoid traffic lights. Because South Street becomes Clark Street in Medway, Holliston worked with Medway to get commercial trucks excluded from that road, too, Ahern said.
Source:MetroXpress
July 28, 2021 18:11 UTC