Bostopia News: Recent Episodes
Evan George
I cover politics in Boston, focusing on Michelle Wu's administration, the Boston City Council, and other big issues across Massachusetts.
I look at the Boston City Council's recent votes on Wu's tax proposal and amendments to the budget.
I look at Mayor Wu's proposed change in our property tax law and ask, is it enough to escape the doom loop?!
I outline a mega hearing the Boston City Council held with the Boston Police Department.
I look at the history of Enrique J. Pepén and try to figure out what makes the 26-year-old think.
I break down the last 40 years of Boston police budgets to try to answer the question of, "Who is the most ploce friendly Boston mayor?"
And after inflation, arbitration, economic growth, the answer is more complicated than I thought.
I interview two Northeastern University students, Zeltzin Mozo and Patricio Pino, to learn about their experience at the solidarity encampment and the police raid.
I give my perspective on what I witnessed during the Boston Police's raid against the Emerson College Encampment and then share my thoughts on why Wu did this.
I look at Mayor Michelle Wu's proposed FY25 budget and ask the question: Is this in line with her public image or is it just more of the same from the Walsh Administration?
I interview investigative reporter Susan Zalkind on her new book The Waltham Murders: One Woman's Pursuit to Expose the Truth Behind a Murder and a National Tragedy.
I look at the biography and history of newly elected District 3 Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald
I look at the recent Boston City Council meeting to absorb BPDA properties, positions, and planning department into the City's grasp.
In a 8-3-2 vote, I break down the politics and behind-the-scenes dynamics that make the City Council such a fascinating political body.
I go through the history of White Stadium and why I support the proposed partnership with the NWSL.
I interview Stephanie Rosario Rodriguez, Senior Director of Programs for Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition about the state of immigration here in Massachusetts
I look at the surprising announcement by Councilor Murphy that she is running for Clerk of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and first have to figure out what this is and does it even matter?
I look at the rise of John Francis "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald, the Progressive Movement that went after the spoils system here in Boston, and why the State House controls our liquor.
This is Part 2, go back to the previous episode for this to make sense!
To answer the question of why Boston needs to go begging to the statehouse to increase our liquor licenses you need to know A LOT of history, which I provide for you!
Irish immigration, the Know Nothings, Eugentics, Disease, Alcohol, the Kennedys, this one has it all! Definitely a part 1 of who knows how many.
I look through a recent Suffolk poll to get into the mind of the Massachusetts voter.... and it's horrifying.
I am joined by 3 parents from the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science to discuss Wu's plans to relocate the school to West Roxbury.
How to get involved:
Don't Move O'B Coalitiondontmoveobcoalition@gmail.comBlack Community Information Center, Inc.
(617) 427-2522
Boston Educational Justice Allianceinfo@bostonedjustice.orgFor Parents at the O'Bryantobryantparentcouncil@gmail.com
I look back on the events leading up to Ed Flynn's trip to Israel and what "lessons" he took away from it.
I look through the ward/precinct data in the past election to answer the question, "Did the Anti-Vax candidates have any political relevancy?" and spoiler alert but no, they did not. (still listen to the episode though!)
However, I did pick up on an alarming trend about Erin Murphy that I am not too thrilled with...
I interview Executive Director Ruby Reyes from the Boston Education Justice Alliance on Mayor Wu's plans for BPS. Is it that different from Mayor Walsh? What does the McKinsey consulting firm have to do with it?
I give a brief breakdown of Wu's state of the city address and then have a live recording of me listening and reacting.
I look at the last city council meeting of the previous session, the swearing-in ceremony, and the first meeting on January 1st. We hear the goodbye statements from outgoing councilors, Ruthzee's first speech as President, and I discuss the controversies of the presidential vote and of course "oathgate."
I also reflect on the roles of rituals in the Boston City Council and in our government.
I look back at the handful of big stories from 2023 to see if I have any lasting thoughts, unanswered questions, and ultimately try to figure out what direction we are all heading.
I go through the Fox News hysteria over the Elected's of Color Holiday Party and what it teaches us about conservative media and messaging.
I am once again joined by GBH reporter Tori Bedford to discuss the recent housing sweep on Mass and Cass. How did it differ from Wu's previous sweep? What is the role of the police? And will we be back again 2 years later to do it all again?
How did Michelle Wu go from calling for a 10% decrease to the Police Budget in 2020 to agreeing to a 21% increase in 2023?
What did the George Floyd protests mean for Boston?
We finally have our answers.
How did it take Ruthzee Louijeune only 45 hours to wrap up being the next Boston City Council President?
Redistricting, a liberal media, and a more conservative city council.
I look through the highs and many many lows of Wu's second year. After receiving the grade of a C in her first year, her sophomore year was even more disastrous. Also, there is a major show announcement at the end!
Support Independent Media: https://www.patreon.com/BostopiaNews
Follow:
Twitter/Tiktok/Instagram: Bostopia News
I give an overview of the 2023 general election and how it ultimately didn't change anything. We are still in the WUniverse and now things will just be a little quieter.
I look at two recent city council meetings and the allocation of $3.4 million in additional funding to the BRIC system. Most importantly, why Wu went back on a campaign promise and her coordination with Councilors Gigi and Sharon.
I document and analyze recent statements made by Massachusetts politicians and the local media concerning Palestine and Israel
I look at the Tier-3 level At-Large candidates for the Boston City Council: Clifton Braithwaite, Catherine Vitale, and Shawn Nelson. However, I spend most of the time on Catherine and Shawn, looking at their political development and how they became symbols of the Anti-Vax Right in Boston. Can they win?! No. But what they represent is with us to stay.
Deep Dive: I explore the open question of whether or not housing advocates should support a rent control ballot question in 2024. Looking at polling similarities with the Fair Share Amendment and national success in passing rent control, I am against the idea.
I do a quick recap and review of the Preliminary election. As well as thoughts on the role of the media, why liberals vote, and predictions for the general election.
I break down the 4 candidates for District 5 and go through my back and forth on who I think people should support, Enrique or Ricardo.
I go through the investigation and resignation of Rachel Rollins and what insight it gives us into Ricardo Arroyo and the baggage he enters the preliminary race with. Part 2 will come sooner than usual I promise!
I finally get to the closeout of the Boston Budget for FY24. I apologize for the delay, vacations and family matters come first! In this episode, I pick up where we left off and discuss the Wu vetos, the debate over the budget itself, the council's historic override, and Wu's dismissal of it.
AND many of my theories of Wu's meddling in the council are proven to be correct!
I go through the first half of the on going back and forth between the mayor and the Boston City Council. Looking through Wu's proposed budget, the political drama behind Worrell and Gigi changing their votes, and the operating budget that was sent to Wu on 6/14.
I break down how the City Council went from a 9-4 vote on a Progressive Map to a 10-2 vote on a Conservative Map and mostly rely on the people's champion At-Large Councilor Julia Mejia to guide us through it.
I look at the judge's decision that threw out the recently passed Boston City Council district map and Wu's attempt to take the matter into her own hands.
We say goodbye to the Joe Manchin of the Boston City Council. I take a look back on Kenzie's life, her political development, and her new job.
I jump back and forth in time between the Boston School Committee restructuring of 1984-1992 and the most recent Boston City Council debate and Wu veto. I go into the material and ideological conditions that produced the current Boston School Committee and how the debate back then (in some ways) mirrors our own today.
I finally have the data to look at the new Boston City Council map. I go through the demographic changes and try to see if some new opportunities have emerged.
I go through the 3 positives and 3 negatives of Mayor Wu's first term and what we have to look forward to in year 2.
I go through the last 2 months of redistricting, from Ricardo being removed as chair to Frank Baker's attack on Protestants. Mostly talk through the Conservative's attempts to stall, derail, and delay the process.
Election breakdown, released documents, Globe's integrity, and what Ricardo could have done differently. This one has it all!
I play audio from the electrifying Boston City Council meeting on Wednesday, and cover the continued political fallout from the Suffolk DA election.
I think through everything that has unfolded over the last week regarding the Boston Globe, Ricardo Arroyo, Kevin Hayden, the right-wing trolls, and the failures of our institutions and discourse. And most importantly, who should you vote for?
I go into Michael Cox's history growing up in Boston, what happened back in 1995, his suspension in Ann Arbor, and most importantly, his views on the George Floyd protests and Defund the Police.
I complete the saga of this year's budget fight by returning to Kenzie's plan to reduce OT spending in FY 21 (it didn't go well). Then we make it to the present where I break down Kendra's attempts to increase funding and Kenzie's stated reasons for voting no. Finally, end with my predictions about the police union contract with the city.
Corrections:
-
Ricardo running for DA, not AG
-
There are 6-8 weeks left in Summer, not months
Part 1: I go into the final result of the budget process, take a look at the conflict between the City Council and the mayor over what exactly the city council can do with its new budget power, and begin looking at Kenzie Bok's history (2020 budget fight) of sabotaging defund efforts in Boston.
I go more unscripted than usual to vent my frustration over Mayor Wu's decision to veto millions meant for a jobs program and give it back to the police.
I take a look at the 58 or so amendments the City Council added to the budget, and think through how it was unanimously passed. Also, express some fears for next year and make a prediction of what Wu will do next!
After Mike's endorsement of Maura Healey, I decided to talk through Mike's political history and his endorsements of establishment candidates over their more "progressive" challengers. Most importantly, what lessons we can learn from people on the Left who gain elected office, how their theory of change morphs over time, and what can we do about it.
I take a deep dive into the life of Tania Fernandes Anderson trying to get a read on our new District 7 councilor. Around 18:30 the outro is her maiden speech.
I am back! I go through my initial reaction to Wu's first proposed budget, how it compares to the last 2 budgets under Walsh and Janey, and where I think it fails.
As promised, Candidate for District 1 Boston City Council Gabriela "Gigi" Coletta joins me. In case you missed it, I also interviewed Tania Del Rio and both interviews were recorded before any were published.
Candidate for District 1 Boston City Council Tania Del Rio joins me for I believe my first interview with a candidate for office. I also have interviewed Gabriela "Gigi" Coletta (recorded before this release and will be out early next week).
I am back with District 6 city councilor Kendra Lara! Go through her back story, what she faced on the campaign trail, and what we can hope to see from her on the council. I also included her maiden speech in case you missed it!
*I fixed the audio problem during Kendra's speech
After hundreds of episodes, I am closing down the "Boston Local News in under 8mins" daily segment. Will release a weekly episode with The Council, Wu Watch, Deep Dives, and Community Conversations.
I am joined by Tori Bedford from GBH to discuss her coverage of Mass and Cass. If you would like to have a conversation shoot me a DM!
Alex Jones? Natural Medicine? Ohio? This episode has it all. I start with covering the recent Boston city council hearing and what begins with a strange tweet leads me down the right-wing rabbit hole. I explore the connection of the Boston First Responders United to a national organization being led by a "Doctor" from Ohio who is coordinating lawsuits across the country.
Correction: I used the word "literally" in the wrong way when I described Pam's company's mission at the end. I Meant figuratively.
I go into the life and history of Ricardo. His family, my views on him as a councilor, and his run for District Attorney.
I go through what the Wu administration has gotten right and wrong with their implementation of the vaccine mandates. The rise of the Anti-Vax movement here in Boston, and my biggest fear concerning the future of the Boston Police contract negotiations. (Was recorded Friday, February 4th and does not reflect recent changes).
Moving over to District 4 I give a quick backstory to political newcomer Brian Worrell and spend most of the time reviewing his questionnaire on key issues.
We now take a quick look at my city councilor Frank Baker. Learn about his arrest in the mid-90s and what to expect from "Councilor No"
I go over the events on Mass and Cass from January 12th, how things unfolded, and try to set the record straight of what really happened
I continue my series on the quick bios of the Boston City Council. This week looking at the new President Ed Flynn.
Final filler episode! I talk about Erin Murphy and what we can expect. Wish it was about David.
Flying back today! I talk about Ruthzee's history and path to the city council. Also, go on a slight tangent about my worries on homeownership policies.
Still on the beach! Here is a quick bio of Julia Mejia and what we can expect from her this term.
I am still on vacation! Here is the brief history of #FiveCarFlaherty and what to expect from him this term.
In this conversation I have on Algernon Lutwak, medical researcher at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine (views are his own), to discuss the use of electronic shock on children as a behavioral modification tool in a Massachusetts school. What began as a conversation over a horrific practice evolved into a larger discussion on the treatment of people with disabilities in our society.
If you are interested in having a conversation with me, DM me on twitter or email me at egeorge1215@gmail.com
I am on vacation! Down in Tampa Bay if you have any tips. But not to leave you completely abandoned, I have some pre-recorded stuff that I will send out! Have a great 2 weeks and a great rest of your day!
I am joined by James Davis from the Bay Staters for Natural Medicine to discuss the benefits of Psilocybin Mushrooms and the pros/cons of decriminalization and legalization
In the first episode of The Council (still a working title), I play audio from today's public hearing on the $8 million pilot program for free Bus service on 28, 23, and 29.
I talk about Segun Idowu as the new Chief of Economic Development and my minor concern. Also, Michelle's decisions on Mass and Cass, outdoor dining, vaccine mandates, and how much power she has to replace the ZBA.
I weigh in on Wu's first 24 hours and look back at promises she made in terms of police, housing, climate, and transportation and what are some benchmarks we should use to hold her accountable.
Ep. 1: I look at how Michelle was able to conquer Boston's political scene in 2013, becoming the 2nd highest vote getter for the At-Large race. I also give my initial thoughts on her transition team.
I talk about the elections in Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford and my big take aways. Follow on Twitch! (or Facebook/youtube/tiktok)
I live stream the mayoral debate and give commentary/answering questions throughout. Follow me on Twitch!
I talk about Boston's history with the BDS movement. A new study that shows how disastrous the prop 22 ballot initiative would be here in MA and also read some op-eds about safe injection sites.
I go into more detail about the preliminary results. Then talk about Wu receiving donations from members of AIPAC and how to leverage your support during an election. Finally, I discuss the recent Revere vs Boston housing treatment debate.
CORRECTION: Group's name was the Muslim Justice League, not Muslim's United For Justice
I break down what happened during the preliminary election, how Annissa advanced and what Kim Janey did wrong.
No traditional podcast until Thursday morning, but I will go live Wednesday night around 8pm to talk about the results from Tuesday. Make sure to vote Wu, Kendra Hicks, and Joel Richards!
I streamed and gave commentary on the Boston mayoral forum. Jump to 55:48 if you want to skip all that and just hear my predictions for the mayoral race and the At-large candidates.
I talk about the mayoral election, recent drama with the Boston City Council hearing, Kim Janey's stance on Rent Control, and we listen to her recent interview with Boston Public Radio
I discuss the community failure over the recent decision around Victory Programs. Also, I go into some of the political reasoning for multiple stories around Kim Janey.
I talk about the Jamaica Plain Progressives SC recommendation to support Kim Janey. Then go into why the right hates Rachael Rollins and my own critiques of her.
I talk about why I support sports betting, what Robert Moses can teach us about the BPDA, and then watch the first half of the Responsible Development Coalition's forum on housing.
I discuss what Jon Santiago's exit means for the race and how Ricardo Arroyo's endorsement clarifies his budget vote.
Boston Local News in under 8mins. Back from my vacation! Still re-entering, no night show yet
Boston Local News in under 8mins. I am slowly phasing into my vacation, might be last podcast of the week.
I go back almost 1 year ago to look at the differences from last years budget vote, focused on the mayoral candidates. I go live every evening Monday-Thursday at 9pm on Twitch/Tiktok/Youtube/Facebook. I am on vacation starting Wednesday/Thursday, might not go live tomorrow night who knows.
I break down the hearings from Friday and Monday to gain insight into what Michelle Wu, Andrea Campbell, and Annissa Essaibi-George are thinking. I go live every Monday-Thursday around 9pm on Twitch/Tiktok/Facebook/Youtube.
I cover the second half of the Boston City Council hearing from Wednesday. I go live every Monday-Thursday at 9pm on Twitch/Youtube/Facebook
Went through today's big Boston City Council hearing on the budget. I go live every Monday-Thursday around 9pm on Twitch/Youtube.
I go live every 9pm Monday - Thursday on Tiktok/Twitch/Youtube/Facebook! (still in soft launch)
I go live every night Monday - Thursday at 9pm on Tiktok, Twitch, Youtube, Facebook! (still in soft launch)
Still in soft launch but I got live every Monday-Thursday 9pm-10pm on Twitch, Youtube, and Facebook!
I am launching a new project: Bostopia Nightly News. 9pm Monday - Thursday. Best on Twitch/Youtube/Facebook but here is the audio!
I am launching a new project: Bostopia Nightly News. 9pm Monday - Thursday. Best on Twitch/Youtube/Facebook but here is the audio!
I am launching a new project: Bostopia Nightly News. 9pm Monday - Thursday. Best on Twitch/Youtube/Facebook but here is the audio!
I am going to try to do a livestream on Tiktok and Twitch every Tuesday night around 9pm. Come by to talk!
Yahaira Lopez of South End Roxbury Community Partnership joins me to discuss safe injection sites and what it is like living on methadone mile. DM me on twitter if you would like to have a community conversation.
Welcome to Bostopia News: Where I read the local news so you don't have to. Episodes under 10mins!
Bostopia News: Your Boston Local News Podcast (editors note: audio is particularly rough this morning. I will continue to improve!)