gbhnews

Boston offers $4.5M in public-private funding for immigrant services The money will help immigrants access legal and mental health services, and boost the city’s know-your-rights outreach efforts.

The city of Boston will offer $4.5 million through a public-private partnership to support organizations helping immigrant residents with legal aid, rapid relief, and advocacy. https://bit.ly/4cFTpqu

Why young girls are disguised as boys in Afghanistan The Taliban has released a video of an interrogation of a girl who passed as a boy. It's an age-old practice in this patriarchal society but now appears to be happening with some frequency.

Girls dressed as boys has been documented for centuries in the patriarchal society of Afghanistan. It even has a term: a girl who disguises her gender is called a bacha posh — literally “dressing like a boy.” Learn more here: https://bit.ly/40U0f4w

Trump is using immigration policy to suppress speech, lawsuit claims A new lawsuit accuses the administration of violating the First Amendment by threatening the visas of researchers for work on disinformation and content moderation of social media.

An adjunct professor at a university in the eastern U.S. who studies online harms to children has left the country because they are not an American citizen and fear being denied a visa or deported. https://bit.ly/3OXSZlG

Attempted attack with explosives in New York City investigated as "ISIS-inspired terrorism" New York City INYPD Commissioner: "Explosive devices that could have caused serious injury or death."

New York City police commissioner Jessica Tisch said on Monday that an attempted bomb attack during a protest on Saturday outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence is being investigated by the NYPD and the FBI as “act of ISIS-inspired terrorism.” https://bit.ly/3NpC3E4

Video appears to show U.S. cruise missile striking Iranian school compound The seven-second video was released by Iranian state media and directly contradicts statements made by President Trump, who said Iran was responsible for the strike.

A new video released by Iranian state media shows what appears to be a U.S. cruise missile striking a compound where around 175 Iranian students and staff were killed at a girls school a little over a week ago. https://bit.ly/4cwG3ge

Trump says he won't sign bills until Congress overhauls voting President Trump is pushing the Senate to abandon the filibuster and pass the SAVE American Act, a bill top Democrat calls "Jim Crow 2.0."

President Trump threatened to withhold his signature on all bills until Congress passes stricter federal voting requirements — a move that escalates his efforts to change election rules ahead of the 2026 midterms. https://bit.ly/4uf4hlD

Photos: Scenes from Jesse Jackson's homegoing services Thousands showed up in Chicago over the weekend to pay respects to the civil rights leader, who died last month at the age of 84.

Rev. Jesse Jackson was laid to rest on Saturday at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago with a final private ceremony on Saturday at Rainbow PUSH headquarters on Chicago’s south side. https://bit.ly/4ur1Zjt

Live Nation and Justice Department reach settlement in antitrust case The trial, which began a week ago in a New York City courtroom, aimed to break up Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster.

Live Nation has reached a settlement with the Department of Justice over a federal antitrust lawsuit accusing the company of monopolizing the live entertainment industry, according to a report from The Associated Press. https://bit.ly/3PqdeZa

'This war touches everyone': What Boston-area residents with ties to Middle East are saying State Department has urged Americans to leave over a dozen countries as fighting spreads beyond Iran

“I have two adorable nephews who are 8 and 10 years old who are sleeping in a bomb shelter,” he said. “And that’s not something I’d wish on anybody.” https://bit.ly/4rmMCpn

Andris Nelsons forced out as music director of Boston Symphony at end of 2026-27 season The orchestra said Friday that leaders and Nelsons do not share the same long-term vision.

Andris Nelsons is being forced out as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the summer of 2027 after 13 seasons.

The orchestra made an unusually blunt announcement Friday.
https://bit.ly/4s069Nl

Judge dismisses Babson student's lawsuit over mistaken deportation; attorneys allege ICE ‘trap’ “I was like, am I being freed? Am I being played?" said the student in an interview with GBH News.

A federal judge in Mass dismissed the case of a Babson student mistakenly deported by ICE in November.

However, the ruling came a day after lawyers for Any Lucia Lopez Belloza documented what they called “a trap” in which ICE offered to bring her back only to re-deport her. https://bit.ly/40jTFnJ

Chelsea family sues Trump administration over arrest resulting in window-smashing “My family has been torn apart,” said Kenia Guerrero, a U.S. citizen. “They obviously don’t care.”

A Chelsea family is suing the federal government over a Mother’s Day arrest in which federal immigration agents shattered a car window and detained the family patriarch. https://bit.ly/46JPm8O

'This war touches everyone': What Boston-area residents with ties to Middle East are saying State Department has urged Americans to leave over a dozen countries as fighting spreads beyond Iran

As the war between U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran continues to rattle the Middle East, locals with ties to the region are feeling the impact from the conflict. https://bit.ly/4rmMCpn

WATCH HERE: Homegoing service for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are speaking at the event, which also features music from Chicago native Jennifer Hudson. Other attendees include Sen. Dick Durbin and Mr. T.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s loved ones celebrated his life in Chicago on Friday, as his family hosts a memorial homegoing service that’s open to the public, but will also be attended by dignitaries and celebrities. https://bit.ly/4rZhzkC

Despite no acting nominations, Asian creators shine from behind the camera What is the state of representation of Asian stories and creators both in front of the camera and behind the scenes?

Under the Radar explores the state of representation of Asian stories and creators both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3N9wLMH

Chelsea family sues Trump administration over arrest resulting in window-smashing “My family has been torn apart,” said Kenia Guerrero, a U.S. citizen. “They obviously don’t care.”

“This is a case that is reflecting ICE’s increasingly aggressive immigration tactics and something that we’re seeing across the country.” https://bit.ly/46JPm8O

Mass. joins 23 states suing over Trump's new global tariffs after Supreme Court loss Democratic attorneys general leading the suit argue that Trump is overstepping his power with planned 15% tariffs on much of the world.

Some two dozen states, including Massachusetts, challenged President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs on Thursday, filing a lawsuit over import taxes he imposed after a stinging loss at the Supreme Court. https://bit.ly/4sneef0

For 200 years, the Mass. State Library has recorded democracy at work The library is inviting the public to come celebrate its 200th anniversary with several events.

For 200 years, the Massachusetts state library has recorded our democracy at work:
https://bit.ly/4cpQq5t

Justices on the Supreme Judicial Court appeared to cast doubt Wednesday on the Town of Marshfield’s argument that the MBTA Communities Act creates an unfunded mandate. https://bit.ly/4rSqKTJ

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after building criticism over immigration enforcement Gov. Maura Healey said Noem had been an ‘absolutely terrible appointment.’

President Donald Trump on Thursday fired his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and said he will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. https://bit.ly/4aRFPPt

Endangered blue whales spotted off the coast of Martha's Vineyard for first time Scientists with the New England Aquarium say the two blue whales were just 15 miles out.

Scientists with the New England Aquarium have spotted two endangered blue whales about 15 miles off the coast of southern New England, marking what they believe is the first time the species has been spotted in those waters. https://bit.ly/4ssiRnR

Tariffs. Loans. ICE. Immigrant business owners face plenty of hurdles under Trump administration Businesses operated and owned by immigrants all over the Boston area face a slew of challenges that were shared at a recent roundtable with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

“I have two individuals with work permits & they have done everything by the law— but they feel very unsafe,” said Tanairi Garcia, a Puerto Rican City councilor in Chelsea and owner of the Aloe Natural Açai & Coffee Shop. https://bit.ly/4cP4NQP

Is ICE causing a drop in student enrollment? School leaders say yes. Officials from Massachusetts cities including Chelsea and Lynn say the falling enrollment could translate to budget cuts.

As school enrollments drop, local schools are likely to face spiraling layoffs. “As ICE raids continue across the commonwealth, immigrant families are living in fear,” said Vatsady Sivongxay, of the Mass. Ed. Justice Alliance. “And our public schools are paying the price." https://bit.ly/4rMoNs5

Harvard makes contingency plan after Pentagon cuts military programs The university says military applicants can either defer or be considered for admissions at peer institutions.

Harvard is offering contingency plans for active-duty military applicants to its public policy graduate program after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Pentagon was severing ties with several universities he described as “woke.” https://bit.ly/4rM3abk

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after building criticism over immigration enforcement Noem had been under fire for months.

You're fired: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tossed by Trump: https://bit.ly/4aRFPPt

Mass. nonprofits faced with rising needs yet fewer resources, says survey The Boston Foundation and MassINC Polling Group surveyed nearly 500 nonprofit leaders and employees in January.

One nonprofit that helps supply diapers to low-income families told MassINC that “clients are afraid to come to pickups because of ICE.” https://bit.ly/4cqlemD

Advocates testify in support of state legislation limiting immigration enforcement A local mother describes her fear of pressing charges against her daughter's alleged rapist due to fears of ICE courthouse arrests.

A mother who says her child was sexually assaulted pleaded with legislators Wednesday to pass a bill that could allow her to pursue justice against her daughter’s alleged rapist. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/40L06jL

MIT economist: Rent control will only worsen state housing crisis GBH’s Morning Edition host Mark Herz spoke with MIT economics professor Jonathan Gruber about the measure on the November ballot in Massachusetts.

MIT economist Jon Gruber says that rent control won't solve Massachusetts' housing woes -- here's why: https://bit.ly/3OS4kDF

Is ICE causing a drop in student enrollment? School leaders say yes. Officials from Massachusetts cities including Chelsea and Lynn say the falling enrollment could translate to budget cuts.

School leaders from local cities with large immigrant populations say fears of stepped-up federal immigration enforcement is driving a drop in student enrollment numbers. “As ICE raids continue across the commonwealth, immigrant families are living in fear.” https://bit.ly/4rMoNs5

Protesters flock to Boston Common to condemn US-Israeli attacks on Iran Approximately 200 people came to rally Saturday after President Trump announced the attacks against Iran.

“It’s the Iranian people who deserve to decide who their government is,” said Iranian-American Bahar Shirafi, “They cannot do that if they are under bombs, if they are suffocated by sanctions.” Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3NdvyEc