Tovia Smith

'Occupy Boston' Holds On As Other Camps Close

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500

It's been almost six months since the Occupy Wall Street movement started in New York City. In most cities, the encampments have been shut down and street protests have dwindled. But in Boston, the movement's organizers are trying out new tactics and strategies to keep their message alive.

Same-Sex Marriage May Hinge On Supreme Court

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:12:00 -0500

Three states are set to consider legalization while two states will vote on a constitutional ban. All the while, legal challenges are pushing the issue closer to getting an opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court. "Some of the justices don't like to have the law be too far ahead of where the public is," says one opponent.

Would-Be First Ladies Bolster Husbands-In-Chief

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:49:00 -0500

Spouses can play an important role for a presidential aspirant. Often, they humanize the candidate. Sometimes, they serve the campaign as powerful surrogates. Other times, they turn off voters.

New England Fishermen Brace For Cod Restrictions

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:09:00 -0500

Three years ago, scientists found plenty of cod in the region but data this season indicates just the opposite. Federal regulators say stocks are at such dangerously low levels, cod fishing might need to be shut down. Fishermen say they don't believe the reports.

Mass. Senate Race A Battle Over Who's More Populist

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:11:00 -0500

Republican Scott Brown won what he called the "people's seat" in 2010 by casting himself as the opposite of the Kennedy dynasty. Now, Democrat Elizabeth Warren, a Wall Street watchdog, is raising Democrats' hopes they can win the seat back. So far, both campaigns are competing over who is the "real" populist.

NTSB Recommends Cell Phone Ban For Drivers

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0500

The National Transportation Safety Board is advising against cell phone use — and even using hands-free devices — while driving. But even some cell phone safety advocates think the recommendation goes too far.

Romney Stance On Gay Rights? It's Complicated

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:56:00 -0500

Mitt Romney's position on gay rights doesn't quite lend itself to a bumper sticker. Depending on whom you ask, it is either too thoughtful and nuanced or too inconsistent and politically expedient. Either way, it's definitely got the GOP presidential candidate on the defensive.

For Mill Town's Youth, 'It Can't Get Any Worse'

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:39:00 -0500

East Millinocket, Maine, used to be a booming paper mill town that offered residents what was basically a guaranteed ticket into the middle class. But today young people are scrambling to find a new path. "It's a little scary because it's going to be tough," says high school senior Jared Lyons.

Rep. Barney Frank Faced A Tough Re-Election Bid

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:08:00 -0500

One of the most consistently liberal voices in Congress will not be returning in 2013. Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank announced on Monday that he will not seek re-election. Redistricting left Frank facing a tough re-election campaign.

Barney Frank Announces Retirement

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Democratic Rep. Barney Frank announced Monday afternoon that he will not seek re-election next year. Among the strongest voices for liberals in Congress, Frank was co-author of the Dodd-Frank Act, the most stringent regulations on the banking industry since the Great Depression.

Reduced Wages At Reopened Maine Mill Divide Town

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:26:00 -0500

Though some in East Millinocket, Maine, are thrilled the town's paper mill is open again, many are unhappy with what the jobs are paying. But for every resident riled up about the lower wages, there seems to be another who is infuriated at those who dare complain.

Filene's Basement To Close Its Doors

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0400

Filene's Basement, the storied discount store, has filed for bankruptcy and plans to close down all its locations by the new year. Its parent company, Syms Corp., has also filed for Chapter 11.

After Storm, Some Northeasterners Still In The Dark

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0400

Residents of the northeast are still coping with a weekend storm that was more trick than treat. Schools are closed and utility crews are working overtime to restore power in several states. More than 3 million people were without power immediately after the storm.

Gay Service Members Challenge DOMA

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0400

A group of retired and active gay U.S. military service members filed a lawsuit Thursday in Boston's U.S. district court. They are challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. They are also asking the Pentagon to recognize their same-sex marriages and to provide the same spousal benefits afforded to straight, married couples in the military.

Wall Street Protesters Turn Boston Park Into A Village

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:28:00 -0400

The Occupy Wall Street movement has sprung up in scores of U.S. cities over the past month. The size of the demonstrations have varied depending on the day and who showed up. But in Boston, protesters have used their own freewheeling version of democracy to organize a village — one they're not planning to abandon anytime soon.

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