Cry the beloved city! Reflections on the Newton teachers strike

The City of Newton's shameful, illegal, and history-making 11-day teachers strike is over. Finally, Newton’s 12,000 school kids are back in class, where they belong. Those of us who have lived in Newton for a long time are heartbroken that the dispute came down to that illegal action. The turbulence and incivility, the willingness to …

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“Women’s issues” front and center with Mermell, Grossman in 4th CD race

Two women stand out in the crowded race to fill Joe Kennedy's 4th district seat in Congess- Jesse Mermell and Becky Grossman.  Mermell, from Brookline, has paid her dues in politics and public affairs for 20 years.  Grossman, from Newton,  is a relative newcomer to elected office. Mermell headed the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus and …

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Can public schools be saved?

It takes a strong woman, a person of standing, experience, intellect and courage to change her mind in the public arena.  No, I'm not talking about Hillary Clinton.  I'm talking about another Wellesley College graduate, Diane Silvers Ravitch.  A former assistant secretary of education under President George Herbert Walker Bush, she also served under President …

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