CommonWealth’s Fall 2015 print issue is in the mail and available as a PDF and online. In addition to our regular lineup of stories, this issue goes deep on the opportunity gap that is preventing many young people from ever getting a shot at the American Dream. We interview Robert Putnam, the Bowling Alone author whose latest book explores the problem. We examine the rich-poor divide in Massachusetts high school sports that is contributing to the problem. And our editor’s note invites you, our readers, to share your views on this important topic.Here’s the rest of the magazine lineup:
FEATURES/NEWS
ML Strategies, the lobbying arm of the politically connected law firm Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, is assuming a higher profile as it advises Wynn Enterprises in the increasingly bitter battle for a Greater Boston casino. The ML team includes subject-matter experts and a host of ex-government operatives, including former governor Bill Weld and US senator Mo Cowan.
Cost overruns on the Green Line extension are not unique. An alternative public bidding approach putting contractors on the hook for overruns isn’t saving taxpayers money and could be driving up the price of projects.
PARCC vs. MCAS: the testing battle is coming to a head.
Everything you need to know about the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board.
In “Don’t tax my yogurt,” Jack Sullivan explains why the same snack gets taxed on the ground-level floor of the new Roche Bros. at Downtown Crossing but not the basement floor.
Students and schools play cat and mouse with online cheating.
The House chair of the Revenue Committee, who is supposed to chart the Legislature’s approach on taxation, is pushing for a “millionaire’s tax” via a constitutional amendment.
Boston-area universities and biotechs worry patent trolling legislation will tamp down innovation.
The Massachusetts Elder Affairs office is now down to one ombudsman for the entire state.
OPINION
Edward M. Murphy, channeling Jerry Miller, says sometimes the best way to reform an agency is by blowing it up.
One on One with the T’s chief tweeter.
Jane Wiseman: Using risk-based assessments for pretrial detainees could improve justice, lower crime, and save money.
John McDonough says this is no time to go wobbly on the state’s push to provide care for its neediest patients.
Bruce Mohl
Editor