STATE HOUSE NEWS BRIEFS: Experts urge state to extend, elevate drought levels
Experts in environmental sciences on Thursday recommended that the state broaden the scope of its drought declaration to include all of Massachusetts and consider elevating the central and northeast...
View ArticleSTATE PRIMARY: Voter registration deadline is Aug. 19
Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin reminds Massachusetts residents thatthe deadline to register to vote or to change party enrollment for the September 8 state primary is Friday, Aug....
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE ROUNDUP: Putting pen to paper
As the temperatures soared, the drought worsened and many lawmakers abandoned Beacon Hill for conferences in Quebec City or Chicago, the ink this week was flowing more freely than water through many of...
View ArticleState's highest court rejects pipeline tariff
BOSTON – A Texas natural gas company says it’s reevaluating one of its proposed pipeline construction projects in North Weymouth following a ruling from the state’s highest court that electricity...
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE ROUNDUP: Drip, drip goes the drought
This August summer showers have been as scarce as lawmakers on Beacon Hill.After their late-July cram session, House and Senate members have mostly avoided the capitol, soaking up the increasingly...
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE NEWS: Grant program opened ahead of state's first early voting period
With the start of the state's first early voting period two months away, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin on Wednesday announced a new grant program aimed at helping municipalities open...
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE NEWS: New law protects rescuers of pets in distress
As the temperature climbed above 80 degrees late Wednesday morning, Gumdrop, a nine-week-old pitbull-type puppy, took refuge from the heat and sun in a patch of shade underneath a desk placed on...
View ArticlePolito, two lawmakers, among this year's Abigail Adams Award winner
BOSTON – Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Sen. Karen Spilka, and Rep. Elizabeth Malia will be among the honorees at this year’s Abigail Adams Awards, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus announced...
View ArticleDrought severity expanding across portions of Massachusetts
In the midst of a summer devoid of significant rainfall, all of Massachusetts is now at least "abnormally dry" and the portion feeling the effects of a "severe drought" or worse has expanded to cover...
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE ROUNDUP: Dog days of summer on the Hill
Baker broke the August doldrums with an awww-inspiring bill signing ceremony for the state's newest animal safety law outside the State House to which the governor's office invited "members of the...
View ArticleMassachusetts farmers urge Gov. Baker to declare drought a disaster
Most farmers in Massachusetts are suffering daily from the continued lack of significant rainfall. In fact, more than 55 percent of the Commonwealth is classified as in a 'severe drought' by the...
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE NEWS: Most of Massachusetts in 'severe' drought, or worse
Nearly a quarter of the state has seen so little rainfall this summer that the arid conditions wreaking havoc on farms, lawns and waterways are now classified as an "extreme drought," the U.S. Drought...
View ArticleSTATE PRIMARY: Galvin turnout could fall below 10 percent
The combination of no marquee statewide races fueling voter enthusiasm and scant competition for the scores of local elected offices that are up for grabs this cycle will ensure low voter turnout in...
View ArticleDROUGHT: State launches $1 million loan fund to aid farmers
Up to $1 million in micro-loans will now be available to Massachusetts farmers struggling under the impacts of a widespread and historic drought.The launch of the Drought Emergency Loan Fund, announced...
View ArticleSENATE RACE: Democrats bypass second-place finisher Cook, pick Gannon to...
Former state Rep. Paul Gannon, who now lives in Hingham after representing South Boston in the early 1990s, will run against incumbent Republican Sen. Patrick O'Connor this November after the state...
View ArticleBallot question proponents enjoy cash advantage
When it comes to campaign cash, proponents of each of the four Massachusetts ballot questions hold a sizeable advantage over their opposition.
View ArticleFood Bank sheds light on hidden epidemic
While more than 10 percent of eastern Massachusetts residents struggle to put food on the table, Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO Catherine D'Amato characterizes hunger as a largely invisible...
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE ROUNDUP: Have it your way
Lettuce and tomato? Pickles and onions? Sesame seed bun? At the very least, it was going to take a little special sauce last week to get Gov. Charlie Baker to buy into the notion that his Education...
View ArticleMass. authorities urge caution, not fear, as NY bombing investigation unfolds
While intelligence officers have found no Massachusetts links to the weekend's bombings in New York and New Jersey, law enforcement personnel are on alert for suspicious activity and plan to increase...
View ArticleSTATEHOUSE ROUNDUP: Baker admin in a pickle
Turns out Gov. Charlie Baker did have a burger of some substance on his plate.
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