Fatal work injuries in metro Boston at highest level since 2000
Fatal work injuries claimed 75 lives in the metro Boston area in 2016, the most since 2000, according to the federal government.The work-related fatalities here shot up by 27 -- a roughly 56 percent...
View ArticleOn 14th anniversary, same-sex marriage seen as 'same-old, same-old'
Today (May 17) marks the 14th anniversary of the first same-sex marriages in the United States, which took place here in Massachusetts.According to data obtained by the News Service, there have been...
View ArticleSTATE HOUSE ROUNDUP -- Wanna bet what sports gambling will look like?
A recap and analysis of the week in state government.In the wake of the May 14 court decision on sports betting, the only thing we can say for sure, ironically, is that all bets are off. For now.Will...
View ArticleMarkey says reinstate oil export ban to address rising gas prices
After exporting more crude oil per day than ever before last week, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey on Monday called on Congress to reinstate the ban on exporting American crude oil, pointing to the outbound...
View ArticleBackground checks underway, Cannabis Commission may start awarding licenses...
With just more than a week until it can begin issuing business licenses, the Cannabis Control Commission is in the midst of conducting its first background checks for prospective legal marijuana...
View ArticleNew numbers from DPH shed more light on prevalence of opioid overdose deaths
At least 201 Massachusetts residents died of opioid overdoses in the first three months of 2018, according to new Department of Public Health data, which shows the death toll for the quarter could rise...
View ArticleState Fire Marshal offers outdoor summer saftey tips
"Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer," said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. "Many people are anticipating activities with family and friends, and getting their yards and grills ready...
View ArticleSenate plan targets new danger to firefighters - their own gear
Sounding the alarm on cancer risks faced by firefighters, the Massachusetts Senate on Tuesday voted to set aside $420,000 to help municipalities buy equipment to remove deadly carcinogens from...
View ArticleMarijuana licenses expected in early June
The Cannabis Control Commission will get the legal green light to begin issuing business licenses at the end of this week, but the agency's top regulator suggested Tuesday it may be two weeks before...
View ArticleNotification bill framed as life-saver in opioid fight
Securing a commitment for his son to receive substance addiction treatment was a "last chance" effort that Tom Berry made to try to save his life, but without his knowledge Berry's 20-year-old Stephen...
View ArticleLawmakers hesitant to apply early voting to primaries
Early voting earned positive reviews during its inaugural run in Massachusetts, but lawmakers have so far been hesitant about implementing the voter convenience for this year's primary elections --...
View ArticleSTATE HOUSE ROUNDUP -- Civics lessons
A recap and analysis of the week in state government.There ain't no party like a party party, and but can the Democratic Party stop Gov. Charlie Baker?A month after Republicans gathered in Worcester to...
View ArticleMarijuana applications stacked up ahead of July 1 target date
The Cannabis Control Commission won't issue the first marijuana business license in Massachusetts until the end of next week at the earliest, and regulators already have more than 50 applications...
View ArticleBaker seeking life without parole for repeat child rapists
Responding to "inadequacies in the current system" revealed by the case of child rapist Wayne Chapman, Gov. Charlie Baker filed legislation Wednesday to mandate a life sentence without parole for child...
View ArticleFramingham joins list of communities suing opioid industry
In the latest twist to the opioid crisis, the city of Framingham plans to take drug manufacturers and distributors to state court, hiring an international law firm and seeking to hold companies...
View ArticleSTATE HOUSE ROUNDUP -- Trying to show proper table manners
A recap and analysis of the week in state government.When you throw a dinner party, the guests usually expect to get fed.So it made some sense last week when House and Senate leaders set their sights...
View ArticleNo licenses yet, but cannabis board "working as hard as we can"
As the Cannabis Control Commission goes another week without granting marijuana business licenses, the state's chief regulator said Thursday he will be OK with having no retail shops open for a few...
View ArticleMajor funding boost on tap for alcoholic beverages control commission
The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission is on track to receive a funding boost of more than $1.2 million in next year's budget, a infusion of money Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said is "desperately"...
View ArticleMEMA WEATHER ADVISORY: High heat indices and potential for severe...
From the National Weather Service in Norton:Hot and humid conditions are on tap today with our first taste of excessive heat this summer season as heat indices will range from 95-103°F for interior...
View ArticleGov. Baker does about face, won't send flight crew to southwestern U.S. border
In a sudden reversal, Gov. Charlie Baker's administration on Monday canceled its plan to send Massachusetts National Guard members and equipment to the southwestern U.S. border in light of the federal...
View Article