Sampan Staff, Author at Sampan

Sampan Staff

Boston August 23, 2024 0

Boston Offers Electric-Bike Vouchers to 1,000 Low-Income, Disabled Residents

Running errands and getting to work could become an easier task for hundreds of low-income and disabled Boston residents, thanks to a pilot program to help people pay for electric-motor-assisted bicycles. The Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program will provide around 1,000 vouchers worth from $800 to $2,400 to help cut the costs of buying an “e-bike,” or electric-motor-assisted bicycle. Each person eligible to receive the voucher will also get $150 to help pay for safety equipment such as helmets. “… We […]

Boston July 26, 2024 0

Biden Concludes a Chapter, but Our Future Has Yet to Be Written

Fifty years ago, upon taking the oath of office after the resignation of his predecessor Richard Nixon, President Gerald Ford addressed the nation. Just as he had assumed the role of vice president after the resignation of Spiro Agnew, Ford took the reins of power for the remainder of Nixon’s term only to lose reelection in the 1976 campaign. Halfway through his Inaugural speech on Aug. 9, 1974, Ford uttered a line that seems too presumptuous in retrospect: “My fellow […]

Boston July 26, 2024 0

MBTA Now Offers No-Contact Pay System for Rides

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has introduced a “Tap to Ride” system, allowing passengers to use no-contact payment methods such as credit and debit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches. Starting Aug. 1, these payments will be accepted on buses, Green Line and Mattapan Line trolleys, and at all gated subway stations. This initiative aims to streamline fare collection and enhance convenience for riders. More information at mbta.com/TapToRide.To use Tap to Pay: Step 1. ChooseCredit/debit card: Ensure your card has the contactless […]

Boston July 26, 2024 0

Tyler St. Lot Owner Sues Over Denialof ParkingExemption

The owner of several dozen longtime parking spaces in Chinatown – commonly called the Tyler Street parking lot – filed a lawsuit earlier this month, accusing a city commission of improperly blocking the use of the spaces. The Chinese Christian Church of New England, which owns the spaces, argued in a court filing that the Boston Air Pollution Control Commission acted improperly in a hearing last month when it denied the church an exemption from the city’s parking freeze. Without […]

Arts July 12, 2024 0

‘Librarian Burnout’ Rises as More Censorship Requests Flood System

As libraries across then nation face ever growing pressure to remove books from their shelves, censor materials and cancel events, staff at these public institutions are taking the brunt of the stress.“I have strong concerns about librarian burnout,” a librarian in Greater Boston, who asked to remain anonymous in order to speak freely, told the Sampan. “I personally know of many librarians who are considering or have left the profession and moved on to corporate … or … retail positions […]

Boston September 2, 2023 0

September 2023 Service Changes On the MBTA

As we start a new month, go back to school, and soon welcome a new season, more changes to public transit are coming to city commuters. In an effort to keep our readers informed, Sampan will publish regular updates. September service changes will happen on the Red Line Braintree Branch for MBTA crews to perform critical rail and tie replacement work. Accessible shuttle bus service will replace Red Line trains between North Quincy and Braintree Stations on the following dates: […]

Features August 19, 2023 0

What August Moon Means to Me:

Three Community Leaders Reflect on the Summer Celebration Editor note: It’s that time of the year, where the August Moon Festival serves as a reminder for all of us that the greatest riches are within our grasp. We cherish friends, embrace family, give grateful thanks, and offer humble prayers for a bountiful future. The August Moon Festival is a rich tradition that harkens back to simpler times while also adapting to changing environments and our constantly evolving sometimes difficult days. […]

Education July 21, 2023 0

Ruling on Admissions Invites Mixed Emotions From Sampan Readers

Editor’s Note: Sampan asked a cross-section of Massachusetts residents about the recent court ruling regarding Affirmative Action. We spoke with retired Executives, academics, students, parents, and teenagers. What follows are their emailed responses, edited for clarity and space. I am personally conflicted with how I feel about the overturning of affirmative action for college admissions. On one hand I can see the usefulness of affirmative action and how it creates a more diverse student body which is very important. As […]

Boston July 7, 2023 0

All Immigrants Now Eligible for Standard Driver’s License in Massachusetts

Work and Family Mobility Act will allow residents to obtain license regardless of status. Starting July 1, eligible Massachusetts residents will be able to apply for a learner’s permit and road test to obtain a driver’s license, according to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Newly translated materials are also being prepared under the Work and Family Mobility Act. Under the new law, residents can apply to obtain a standard (class D or M) driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. “The […]

Boston July 7, 2023 0

Sumner Tunnel to Be Closed Through August 31, 2023

Editor’s note: In an effort to better serve and inform our readers, Sampan will be publishing regular updates throughout the course of this closing in all print issues (starting with this one) through the end of August. Updates will also be posted online. Our focus will be on the purpose of the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project and progress of the repair. In this issue, we are posting the current alternative means of travel options that will be available during the […]

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