Water quality good at most Massachusetts beaches; Issues remain at some urban...
THE ISSUE: Although water quality is generally good at Massachusetts beaches, issues remain in some areas.THE IMPACT: An average of 4.9 percent of samples from marine beaches and 3.8 percent of samples...
View ArticleSTATE HOUSE NEWS: Senate sends 'amend and improve' bill to pot talks with House
The Senate on Thursday night approved a series of updates to the state's voter-passed marijuana legalization law, which supporters said closely align with the ideals of the ballot question but which...
View ArticleFarming takes root in the city
THE ISSUE: The state Department of Agricultural Resources is preparing to award grants to urban farming projects.THE IMPACT: In five years, the DAR has awarded nearly $1.5 million in grants for 51...
View ArticleSeniors frequently targeted for financial abuse
THE ISSUE: Senior citizens are often targeted by scammers and sometimes financially exploited by loved ones.THE IMPACT: According to some estimates, older Americans lose $36.5 billion annually to...
View ArticleBill targets consent for psychotropic drugs
THE ISSUE: Some patient advocates say current informed written consent regulations for prescribing psychotropic drugs don't go far enough.THE DETAILS: A House bill would require that consent forms also...
View ArticleMassachusetts Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester dies
BOSTON -- Longtime Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester died Monday evening after a short illness, the state's education board chairman announced at a Tuesday meeting."We...
View ArticleMassachusetts could join neighbors in banning handheld devices while driving
Massachusetts is poised Thursday to take one step closer to becoming the 15th state to ban drivers from using handheld cellphones while behind the wheel.The Senate plans to consider legislation that...
View ArticleWatertown woman to hike to Ellis Island to raise awareness for refugees
This week, to shed a light and raise money for vulnerable immigrant and refugee populations, a Watertown resident is walking 200 miles, from Plymouth Rock to Ellis Island in New York City.Sarah...
View ArticleMany factors stressing Catholic schools throughout Massachusetts and the nation
THE ISSUE: Catholic schools across the country face declining enrollment and increasing costs.THE IMPACT: At least three Catholic schools in Massachusetts have recently announced they will not re-open...
View ArticleMarijuana deal raises tax rate, alters pot shop ban rules
What do you think of the pot policy changes? Vote in the poll below.
View ArticleWITH POLL: Compromise pot bill nears Gov. Baker's desk
Both branches of the state Legislature on Wednesday signed off on a compromise bill overhauling the marijuana legalization ballot law, moving the long-awaited deal a step closer to Gov. Charlie Baker's...
View ArticleHealth officials urge vigilance on ticks
THE ISSUE: Ticks can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease and Powassan virus to humans.THE IMPACT: There were more than 4,500 reported cases of Lyme disease in Massachusetts in 2016, and...
View ArticleReimagined buses could boost transit options
THE CONCEPT: Bus rapid transit is a system of express buses traveling in dedicated lanes, with riders paying their fares at stations before boarding. The buses would get traffic signal priority at...
View ArticleControversial stormwater permit delayed
THE ISSUE: Citing ongoing litigation, the Environmental Protection Agency has delayed new stormwater regulations intended to strengthen clean water protections in Massachusetts.THE IMPACT: The...
View ArticleWITH POLL: Gov. Baker says gender irrelevant as criteria to serve in military
Anyone fit to serve in the military should be allowed, regardless of their gender identity, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday, a day after President Donald Trump declared that transgender...
View ArticleIce Bucket Challenge week destined for state law
Lawmakers want to drench the first week of August in cold water, sending Gov. Charlie Baker legislation on Thursday to annually commemorate the catchy and frigid fundraising activity known as the Ice...
View ArticleFewer teens working summer jobs
THE ISSUE: Roughly 44 percent of Massachusetts teens are working summer jobs, compared to more than 61 percent in 2000.THE IMPACT: Teens who work summer jobs are more likely to develop marketable...
View ArticleExperts warn of mosquito risk
THE ISSUE: Mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and EEE pose a public health risk.THE IMPACT: There have been 27 mosquito sample pools to test positive for West Nile virus this year, as of...
View ArticleGovernor Baker signs rewritten recreational pot law
BOSTON -- Gov. Charlie Baker signed a law on Friday overhauling the marijuana legalization measure voters put on the books in November, and immediately afterward offered a cautious outlook on the...
View ArticleHave you seen a truck missing two wheels? State Police ask for help.
Early Monday morning, at approximately 5:35 a.m., a State Police cruiser was parked in a construction zone on Interstate 84 Eastbound, when it was struck by two wheels/tires, that came off of a passing...
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