Could Massachusetts be in danger of becoming the nation’s first lawless society – where criminals roam the streets without fear of being imprisoned?

Shootings. Street takeovers. Open drug use. Urban terrorism. Road rage. Rampant shoplifting. It’s become acceptable behavior.

It’s a state where you can essentially get away with attempted murder.

The state’s all liberal political hierarchy has allowed it for years, and now it’s coming to fruition. Will Massachusetts be the first state in the country where laws don’t matter?

Scores of hardened, dangerous criminals are being paroled every year thanks to the Massachusetts Parole Board appointed by liberal Democrat Maura Healey.

Liberal judges are giving lenient sentences to violent offenders like the accused Memorial Drive shooter against the wishes of prosecutors.

When will voters say enough is enough?

The terrifying mass shooting on Memorial Drive only cemented the feeling of citizens that they could be targeted next. That could have been them running for their lives, cowering under their cars while a gunman with an assault rifle sprayed dozens of shots.

The alleged gunman shot at police multiple times back in 2020, and was charged with assault with intent to murder. The judge rejected the Suffolk District Attorney’s recommendation of 12 years and cut it in half, enraging prosecutors.

There’s no doubt the alleged shooter should not have been on the street this week. Two innocent people nearly lost their lives.

Maybe now the line has been crossed where people looking at the shooting think: That could have been me on Memorial Drive, running for my life.

The fear of crime is a powerful political factor that could now play a role in this year’s gubernatorial race.

Incumbent Healey has to answer for her pathetic Parole Board and any judges she’s appointed that also have the same liberal bent that’s been part of the problem.

Voters fed up with high profile crimes and shootings – along with the high cost of living – may be part of the reason that Healey’s job approval numbers are tanking and could give life to Republicans’ hopes of stealing back the Corner Office.

Healey’s numbers are particularly bad among men and independent voters, according to a new MassINC poll of 800 registered Bay State voters. The only politician faring worse than Healey is President Trump.

Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu keeps repeating her claim that Boston is the safest major city in the country, but it doesn’t appear that way.

Wu was just reelected overwhelmingly, but Healey might be in some trouble.

Maybe it’s now time that voters might start demanding accountability from their political leaders.

But no, let’s keep focusing on Trump and the Epstein files. That’s the real problem.

Emily (Em) Madeline Peters, 28, passed away on April 29, 2026 in Boston. Em was born on February 27, 1998 in Rochester, NY. Our family moved to Amherst, NH in 1999.

Em attended school in Amherst and graduated from Souhegan High School in 2016. Em enjoyed photography and art where they demonstrated a talent for painting. Em also enjoyed playing the guitar and ukulele. Em was part of the Amherst Congregational Church Youth Group where they participated in mission trips to serve the communities in Tennessee and New York City.

After high school, Em lived and worked in New Hampshire, Cape Cod and the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston. Em was a devoted friend who dedicated themselves to causes that supported the LGBTQ+ community. Em also was always prepared to help those living with addiction. They carried Narcan with them and used it several times to help someone who had overdosed. They were passionate about equality and fairness in the workplace which led them to take action. Em helped lead workers to organize and form a union at a grocery store where they worked. Em also worked for a non-profit organization providing food, clothing and child care to those that needed help.

Em is survived by their parents, Eileen Marie (Hodges) Peters and David Lester Peters of Amherst, NH; brother Andrew Partrick Peters of Merrimack, NH; sister Katherine MacKenzie Peters of Essex, MA.; and grandfather Gerald L. Hodges, Jr. of Rochester, NY. Em is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Em is predeceased by her maternal grandmother Mary “Dolly” (Curley) Hodges and paternal grandparents Eugene Monroe Peters and Gloria Shirley (Thorne) Peters.

Some of our fondest and happiest memories were spent together on family vacations. Whether we were camping, visiting Old Orchard Beach, or exploring national parks, we were happy. Em’s time on this earth was far too short. We loved them dearly and they will always remain in our hearts. We will miss their good-natured teasing and many inside jokes. We will miss their creativity, compassion for others, and their beautiful smile.

Family and friends are warmly welcomed to attend calling hours at Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple Street in Wilton, NH on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 2 – 4 pm. A service will be held following calling hours at the funeral home. The arrangements are in the care of the Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St., Wilton, NH. To view an online obituary or leave a condolence, please visit our web site at www.michaudfuneralhome.com

New survey data released May 13 suggests affordability pressures are increasingly shaping whether older New Jersey residents stay or leave the state.

More than one-third of residents age 45 and older – 35% – said they have considered leaving New Jersey in the past year, according to a new AARP New Jersey “Vital Voices” survey. Among those weighing a move, 67% said the high cost of living is a primary reason.

The findings come as state lawmakers continue discussions centered on property taxes, utility costs and policies aimed at helping residents age in place.

“New Jersey should be a place where people can afford to grow older, not a place they feel forced to leave,” Chris Widelo, state director of AARP New Jersey, said in a statement. “Right now, rising costs are pushing people out.”

NJ property taxes, utilities driving concern

Affordability pressures extend across multiple key household costs.

Property taxes remain a central concern, with 53% of respondents citing them as a factor in considering leaving the state. The survey also found strong support for the Stay NJ program, which provides eligible homeowners with up to $6,500 in annual property tax relief.

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Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) said they support keeping the program intact, including maintaining the full benefit.

Rising utility costs are also a growing concern. About 89% of respondents said they are worried about increasing electricity bills, including a majority who said they are “very concerned.”

Support for caregiving relief, transparency

The survey highlights financial and logistical pressures facing caregivers, as more residents provide unpaid care for aging relatives.

More than half – 54% – of adults age 45 and older said they have served as unpaid caregivers. A majority said caregiving costs are a financial concern, and 86% expressed support for a caregiver tax credit.

Respondents also backed greater oversight of long-term care facilities. Strong majorities said they support requirements for nursing homes to disclose ownership, staffing levels and financial arrangements, along with greater transparency in how Medicaid funding is spent.

What it means for NJ budget talks

The findings underscore a broader policy debate in Trenton over how to address affordability challenges while maintaining services.

AARP New Jersey is urging state leaders to prioritize policies that reduce financial strain on older adults, including property tax relief, utility affordability and support for caregivers.

“This survey sends a clear message,” Widelo said. “If New Jersey wants to remain a place where people can age with dignity, we must focus on making it more affordable to stay.”

This story was created by reporter Joe Martino, jmartino@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.