Crimson staff writer
Megan L. Blonigen
Latest Content
The JFK Presidential Library Closed — Then Reopened — Amid Confusion Over DOGE Firings
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum abruptly closed indefinitely on Tuesday afternoon, following an executive order that triggered a new round of federal layoffs. But the library reopened Wednesday morning — without reinstating fired workers.
As Mass. Sues DOGE, HKS Professors Criticize Musk’s Broad Authority As ‘Absurd’
After Massachusetts joined thirteen states to sue the Department of Government Efficiency, Harvard Kennedy School professors are condemning the DOGE’s extensive use of executive power to cut federal spending.
Advocates Raise Concerns As Boston PILOT Report Remains Unreleased
While property taxes comprise nearly three quarters of Boston’s revenue, nonprofits are exempt from paying this tax. Instead, the PILOT program asks large non-profits to voluntarily pay a portion of what they would have otherwise paid in property taxes. The 2024 report on contributions has yet to be released.
HKS Professor Expresses Optimism as Healey Announces Re-Election Bid
As Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey ’92 is preparing to seek re-election in 2026, Harvard Kennedy School professor Linda J. Blimes is optimistic about her chances to return to Beacon Hill.
As Mass. Legislators Work to Ban Phones in Schools, CPS Students See Ups and Downs
As a bill prohibiting the use of cell phones in public schools is making its way through the Massachusetts state legislature, students at Cambridge Public Schools — where a similar policy was adopted last fall — raised concerns about the phone restrictions.
‘We Are Here to Fight Back’: Massachusetts Legislators Decry DOGE Access to Treasury
Massachusetts politicians on Tuesday blasted Elon Musk’s moves to slash federal government spending while serving as an unelected official in Donald Trump’s administration.
Kraft Officially Launches Boston Mayoral Campaign
Philanthropist Joshua Kraft officially announced his candidacy for Boston mayor on Tuesday — and lost no time criticizing Mayor Michelle Wu ’07 for a lack of results on her campaign promises.
Mayor Wu Agrees to Testify Before Congress on Boston’s Status as Sanctuary City
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ’07 announced on Monday that she will head to Washington, D.C. to testify on Boston’s status as a sanctuary city before the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government.
Cambridge State Rep Says State Legislature Will Work to Protect Residents under Trump
The Massachusetts state legislature is preparing to use its power to protect residents while looking to the state Attorney General as the “first line of defense” against executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in his first week of office, state representative Marjorie C. Decker said in an interview Thursday.
Joshua Kraft Set to Launch Boston Mayoral Campaign
Joshua Kraft, son of billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, has officially filed to run for mayor of Boston against incumbent Michelle Wu ‘07, who has served in the role since Nov. 2021.
Harvard Law Professor Criticizes Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship
Harvard Law School Professor Gerald L. Neuman ’73 denounced President Donald Trump’s stalled attempt to end birthright citizenship — seven years after he first criticized Trump over the same issue.
Massachusetts’ Congressional Delegation Denounces Trump’s First Day in Office
As Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Massachusetts’ representatives in Congress were quick to warn their constituents about his second term.
Kennedy-Longfellow School To Close Following Unanimous Vote by Cambridge School Committee
The Cambridge School Committee voted unanimously to close the Kennedy-Longfellow School at their last scheduled regular meeting of the year, following extensive criticism during a nearly two-hour public comment period.
‘It’s Not as Sexy’: The Challenges of Pursuing Public Service at Harvard
Many students anticipate stepping onto a campus where public service and civic action were integral to the undergraduate experience. But they often discover that students feel intense pressure to sideline their public service aspirations in favor of pre-professional pursuits, and where public service initiatives and organizations struggle with funding shortfalls.
FAS Leadership in Talks to Expand Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship
Faculty of Arts and Sciences administrators are considering a proposal to transform the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship into a new “Center for Public Engagement” with expanded academic offerings, according to a draft document obtained by The Crimson.
