New on "Beat the Press with Emily Rooney": Don Lemon's arrest, identity crisis, looming cuts at WaPo, columnists call Minnesota ICE shootings murder, and Scot Lehigh and David Brooks move on Editor’s note: Welcome to another segment of “Beat the Press with Emily Rooney.” Today we look at Don Lemon’s arrest, the use of the words murder and execute by two columnists in reference to the dead...

New in Contrarian Boston: "Beat the Press with Emily Rooney": Don Lemon's arrest | Identity crisis, cuts at WaPo | Columnists call Minnesota ICE shootings murder | Scot Lehigh, David Brooks depart open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #localnews #DonLemon #mapoli #bospoli #ICE #Trump

Moderate pundits leave Globe, Times | Boston nonprofit chief raises eyebrows with political schmoozing | Nancy Barnes' odd disappearance | Wu preparing new White Stadium dodge? |MBTA housing reality | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Moderate pundits leave Globe, Times | Boston nonprofit chief's political schmoozing | Nancy Barnes' odd disappearance | Wu preparing new White Stadium dodge? open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... #mapoli @localnewsmatters.bsky.social @universalhub.com #bospoli

On the brand-new "Beat the Press with Emily Rooney," Emily, @scottvv.bsky.social and I take on Tony Dokoupil's embarrassing debut as anchor of the "CBS Evening News." You can watch right here: scottvanvoorhis.substack.com/p/hes-no-wal...

Catching up with ‘Beat the Press’: CBS News, media trust and Brian McGrory’s return to The Boston Globe Apologies for the delay, but the full episode of “Beat the Press with Emily Rooney” is now up. Our host, Scott Van Voorhis of Contrarian Boston, has posted it in four pieces at his YouT…

Catching up with "Beat the Press": Tony Dokoupil's less than inspiring debut; the decline of media trust; and the return of Brian McGrory to The Boston Globe. With @scottvv.bsky.social, Emily Rooney and me. dankennedy.net/2026/01/26/c...

Deep-pocketed Mass. teachers' union bankrolled more than 60 local candidates, records show | Reform reading instruction and ban cell phones from classrooms | Trump II descends into chaos | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Congress, wake up and smell the coffee: It’s time for an intervention as Trump II becomes a chaotic mess amid threats to invade Greenland and ICE shootings

@universalhub.com @localnewsmatters.bsky.social #mapoli #bopoli #ICEshootings #Trump #schools

Crisis in the classroom: Join Contrarian Boston at noon on Thursday as we dive into the growing challenges Massachusetts schools face, from a plunge in student scores to illegal teacher strikes. Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

Crisis in the classroom: Join Contrarian Boston at noon on Thursday as we dive into the growing challenges Massachusetts schools face, from a plunge in student scores to illegal teacher strikes. open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #mapoli #bospoli #schools #studentscores #localnews

Time for Congress to step up? Take our poll on whether more oversight is needed of the Trump administration's military ventures | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Time for Congress to step up? Take our poll on whether more oversight is needed of the Trump administration's military ventures | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan...
#mapoli #massachusetts #bospoli #LocalNews #Venezuela #MaduroDictador #Trump #Congress @universalhub.com

I don't think stagnant circulation is Barnes' fault. However, I think it raises question about Linda Henry's strategy. There is a market for real news\accountability journalism on the local level - yet the Globe has been shedding experienced reporters in favor of kids barely out of school. #locanews

More evidence rent control kills apartment construction | Driver booted from T in hot water in new job overseeing Boston school buses | Power play for top job at embattled MCCA | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contraian Boston: Driver booted from T after "ticket rage" incident in hot water in new job overseeing Boston school buses open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #localnews #mapoli #bospoli #bostonschools #schoolbuses

"Beat the Press" returns with a deep dive into the media circus surrounding Olivia Nuzzi, the political reporter who had a secret affair with RFK Jr. Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: "Beat the Press" returns with a deep dive into the media circus surrounding Olivia Nuzzi, the political reporter who had a secret affair with RFK Jr. open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #mapoli #massachusetts #bospoli #localnews #media @dankennedy.net

Yes, folks, it's true! "Beat the Press with Emily Rooney" is returning to the webwaves tonight with a segment on @scottvv.bsky.social's Contrarian Boston. Emily, Scott and I will be talking about the Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr.-Ryan Lizza shitshow. scottvanvoorhis.substack.com/p/is-the-wu-...

Is the Wu administration squeezing millions from half-empty office towers with jacked-up tax assessments? | Emily Rooney teams up with Contrarian Boston to revive "Beat the Press" | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Emily Rooney teams up with Contrarian Boston to revive "Beat the Press" - check out the first segment tonight.

open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #localnews #media @dankennedy.net

Breaking News: Family of one of three teens killed after high-speed chase files $30 million lawsuit against Boston Police Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston - Breaking News: Family of one of three teens killed after high-speed chase files $30 million lawsuit against Boston Police open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #mapoli #bospoli #police #localnews #massachusetts

Biz execs eye $30 million ad blitz against Mass. rent control proposal | Boston shoppers gouged by big retail chains with faulty pricetags | Pressley out | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Biz execs eye $30 million ad blitz against Mass. rent control proposal | Boston shoppers gouged by big retail chains with faulty pricetags | Pressley out | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #mapoli #bospoli #localnews #rentcontrol #risingrents #housing

The holiday season is here! Check out these free tree lightings across the Third Suffolk District 🎄

#mapoli #bospoli

Bye-bye Markey? Ayanna Pressley Senate bid may be imminent | Mass. trails Georgia and Mississippi in crackdown on rapists attempting to gain parental rights | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Bye-bye Markey? Ayanna Pressley Senate bid imminent | Mass. trails Georgia and Mississippi in crackdown on rapists attempting to gain parental rights | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... #mapoli #massachusetts #bospoli #boston #localnews #politics @universalhub.com

Pembroke School Committee Advances Cell Phone Policy Survey as District Prepares for State Compliance Review PEMBROKE - November 18 - The Pembroke School Committee unanimously approved a mobile phone usage survey on Tuesday evening as part of a professional development initiative that could reshape how students use technology in schools, while simultaneously addressing multiple policy changes mandated ahead of a state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education review scheduled for December 1st.

Pembroke School Committee Advances Cell Phone Policy Survey as District Prepares for State Compliance Review #mapoli #southshore

Rockland Select Board Approves Three-Year Contract Extension for Town Administrator Doug Lapp ROCKLAND - November 18 - Following an executive session, the Rockland Select Board voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve a new contract for Town Administrator Doug Lapp, extending his tenure through June 30, 2029, with annual raises and enhanced retirement benefits.

Rockland Select Board Approves Three-Year Contract Extension for Town Administrator Doug Lapp #mapoli #southshore

East Bridgewater Schools Consider Advanced Emergency Mapping System for Campus Safety EAST BRIDGEWATER - November 18 - The East Bridgewater School Committee explored a sophisticated emergency mapping technology November 18 that could transform how first responders navigate school buildings during critical incidents.

East Bridgewater Schools Consider Advanced Emergency Mapping System for Campus Safety #mapoli #southshore

After 30 years, would-be Fenway developer still swinging - and missing | Massachusetts lags nation in grappling with classroom cellphone use | Mass. antisemitism commission faced attacks from left | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: After 30 years, would-be Fenway developer still swinging - and missing | Massachusetts lags in grappling with classroom cellphone use | Mass. antisemitism commission faced attacks from left | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #bospoli #mapoli #localnews

Michelin honored these Boston restaurants, but city health inspectors flunked them | Did financial desperation drive MassGOP's early Senate race endorsement? | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Michelin honored these Boston restaurants, but city health inspectors flunked them | Did financial desperation drive MassGOP's early Senate race endorsement? | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... #mapoli #bospoli #localnews @universalhub.com #Michelinstars #restaurants

Top Mass. leaders' happy talk about supposed progress on the housing crisis masks ugly truth | No corporate jargon for her as Bari Weiss shakes up CBS News | Quick hits | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Top Mass. leaders' happy talk about supposed progress on the housing crisis masks ugly truth | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #mapoli #o=bosn @universalhub.com #mapoli #bospoli #localnews #housingcrisis #media #homeprices #rents

Breaking News: Seniors shafted in dispute between the Bay State's largest health insurer and its second-largest hospital chain | Quick hits | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Breaking News - Seniors shafted in dispute between the Bay State's largest health insurer and its second-largest hospital chain | Quick hits | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... #localnews #mapoli #Mass #bospoli #boston #healthcare #healthinsurance @universalhub.com

Nothing works in America anymore. Author Marc Dunkelman tells Contrarian Boston why | As scores plunge and third graders struggle to read, literacy bill gains traction on Beacon Hill | Election news | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

Nothing works in America anymore. Author Marc Dunkelman tells Contrarian Boston why | As scores plunge and third graders struggle to read, literacy bill gains traction on Beacon Hill | Election news | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... #mapoli #bospoli #localnews @universalhub.com #YIMBY

Yes, good question - we did it Friday.

Without Ed Markey:

Seth Moulton 29%
Ayanna Pressley 24%
Michelle Wu 19%
Joesph P. Kennedy 11%
Jack Auchincloss 6%
Alex Rikleen 6%
Not sure 5%

What in the world is happening with CBS News and Bari Weiss? Emily Rooney sits down with Contrarian Boston to dig into the biggest media story of the year. Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

Here's a treat for you: @scottvv.bsky.social has posted a video interview with Emily Rooney of "Beat the Press" fame about the Skydance takeover of Paramount. Topics include Bari Weiss' takeover of CBS News and CBS affiliate WBZ-TV's layoff of Jon Keller. scottvanvoorhis.substack.com/p/what-in-th...

What in the world is happening with CBS News and Bari Weiss? Emily Rooney sits down with Contrarian Boston to dig into the biggest media story of the year. Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: What in the world is happening with CBS News and Bari Weiss? Emily Rooney sits down with Contrarian Boston to dig into the biggest media story of the year. open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @universalhub.com #localnews #CBSNews @thefreepress.bsky.social #bospoli #mapoli

Boston Globe can't stop gushing over Wu | Top state safety chief toothless tiger when it comes to the calamity-prone MBTA | Another story you saw first in Contrarian Boston | Quick hits | Contrarian Boston depends upon your support - we can’t do it without you.

New in Contrarian Boston: Top state safety chief toothless tiger when it comes to the calamity-prone MBTA | Another story you saw first in Contrarian Boston | Quick hits | open.substack.com/pub/scottvan... @emilyrooney.bsky.social #LocalNews
@universalhub.com #mapoli #bospoli #Boston #MBTA

Top 10 Boston-area municipalities by share of residents on SNAP Table: NEENA HAGEN/GLOBE STAFF • Source: American Community. Survey, Boston Indicators City Clients Share of population Lawrence 36.4K 41% Brockton 34.7K 33% Lowell 31.9K 28% Lynn 27.8K 28% Chelsea 9.6K 24% Randolph 8.1K 23% Wareham 4.8K 23% Haverhill 14.7K 22% Boston 138.5K 21% Salem 8.4K 19%

“One in six Massachusetts residents, or about 667,000 households, receive SNAP benefits — including children, the elderly, and residents with disabilities.” - @bostonglobe.com

Can you imagine what the coming weeks will be like for the communities where 1/3 or more of its residents are on SNAP?