Politics

Massachusetts lawmakers are advancing legislation that could introduce regulated online casino gaming in the state, while simultaneously cracking down on unregulated sweepstakes-style platforms. This development comes as the Bay State already permits online sports wagering and digital lottery ticket sales, but has yet to greenlight internet-based casino activities like slots, …

In Massachusetts, proposals have emerged that could lead to the state becoming the first in the nation to reverse its decision on allowing recreational cannabis sales for adults. These initiatives, submitted earlier this month, seek to overhaul existing regulations by eliminating the framework for commercial adult-use marijuana operations. The state …

The website Stacker compiled a list of the sources of immigrants coming to Massachusetts by using data U.S. Census Bureau. They ranked the countries by the highest number of residents according to 2023 5-year estimates. There have been over 818,500 naturalizations in fiscal year 2024 reflecting ongoing integration.As of 2023, …

Statement from Council President Shane Burgo on Seeking Declaratory Judgment Regarding Police Chief Appointment:“As President of the New Bedford City Council, I am announcing my intention to seek a declaratory judgment on behalf of the Council to determine, once and for all, what the law requires in the appointment of …

More than 40 proposed ballot questions in Massachusetts cleared an initial deadline on Wednesday evening to potentially appear before voters in the 2026 general election. The initiative petitions cover topics including voter identification requirements, same-day registration on Election Day, a repeal of the MBTA Communities Law, tax cuts, and self-driving …

“Boston — Governor Maura Healey today signed into law a new Chapter 90 bill, delivering $300 million in critical transportation and infrastructure funding to every city and town across Massachusetts. The bill reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to strengthening local roads, reducing congestion, and ensuring safe, reliable travel across the state.  …

In the quirky town of Somerville, Massachusetts, where the bike paths are more paw-pular than the politicians, a fur-ocious election is underway that’s got everyone feline fine about democracy. What started as a simple cat-fight between two whiskered wannabes has ballooned into a full-blown animal anarchy, with over 50 critter …

City officials in New Bedford are evaluating options to temporarily deactivate certain fire units during shifts—a practice called brown-outs—as a way to manage reduced funding for overtime in the fire department. This consideration arises from City Council decisions that trimmed about $315,000 from the department’s budget, primarily targeting $300,000 in …

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has terminated the state of emergency declaration issued in August 2023 concerning the shelter system. This move coincides with the closure of the state’s last four hotel shelters on Friday, ahead of schedule. Prior to these final closures, 24 hotel shelters were shut down in June, …

“Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, along with Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), reintroduced the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act, legislation that would dedicate $50 million each year for the next five years for gun violence prevention research at the Centers for Disease Control and …