The Latest
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‘Are we going to end up homeless?' Chelmsford condo complex facing condemnation
Thirty families could soon end up without a home after the town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, found concerning structural damages at Milestone Condo. Many of the residents of the building on Chelmsford Street are low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. They now face a seemingly impossible task: find over a million dollars for the repairs necessary to keep their condos…
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IRS pilot program aims to make filing easier for Mass. taxpayers
The tax filing deadline is a little more than a month away, and millions of Massachusetts taxpayers can now take advantage of a free and easy way to send their returns to the IRS. The new IRS Direct File pilot program launched this week across 12 states. Taxpayers who have simple W-2s and claim a standard deduction are eligible to…
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The 5 R's of sustainability can help you be a more conscious consumer
Being a conscious consumer is good for both the environment and your wallet because it means thinking twice before you buy. An easy way to make sustainable decisions is to follow the 5 R’s of sustainability: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot or compost. Sabrina Auclair owns Unpacked Living, a sustainable refillery store in Beverly, Massachusetts. “Using your reusable water bottle, bringing...
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How it works: What's a ‘lemon law' and can it help me with my purchase?
Para leer en español, haz clic aquí. You may have heard of lemon laws – these are laws aimed at protecting consumers when they buy something big, like a car. The requirements can get specific, and laws vary state to state. For this episode of How it Works, we’ll break down the basics. “The most basic way to describe...
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Panel problem leaves family with no solar power — until they asked us for help
If you’re planning on getting solar panels installed in your home, ask the seller/installer what your maintenance options are in case their business closes. This simple question can keep you from getting stranded with no solar power and no answers. In Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the Allen family took a step toward sustainable living for both the environment and their...
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Contractor accused of renting out apartment he doesn't own
Finding an affordable apartment in this housing market can certainly be a challenge. It was even more challenging for one viewer who reached out after she said she lost thousands to a man pretending to be a real estate agent. “I didn’t think I was going to cry,” Sofía Mariscal said through tears of frustration, recounting how she and...
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Residents urged to beware of disaster scams following Vermont flooding
Severe weather can create opportunities for fraud. Vermont residents are now being urged to be vigilant in the wake of Monday’s devastating flooding. Flooding victims just trying to get back up on their feet need to be aware of criminals trying to take their money. These scammers will use phone, text, mail, email, and will even go door to...
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What Happens If I Can't Pay Rent? What to Know if You're at Risk of Eviction
Para leer en español, haz clic aquí. A final round of pandemic-related eviction protections in Massachusetts ended on March 31, and it came as Boston is already seeing eviction filings return to pre-pandemic levels. Rents are high, housing is in short supply, and if you’re struggling to pay rent, you may not know where to turn. If you think you...
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Don't Forget About Your Digital Devices During Spring Cleaning
Para leer en español, haz clic aquí. Spring is officially here, and it has a lot of us thinking about decluttering our homes. But as you get into your spring cleaning, are you thinking about your digital clutter? The Better Business Bureau and National Cyber Security Alliance say spring is a great time to clean up your devices, which...
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Chelsea Looking to Hire Emergency Dispatchers
Attention Chelsea residents – if you’re looking for a job that makes a difference, this may be your chance. The city of Chelsea is looking to fill two emergency dispatcher positions. The director of the emergency call center said they’re not dealing with a staffing shortage overall, but they do need two more dispatchers on the team. In order...
