Massachusetts State House

Several roads surrounding the Mass. State House were closed for several hours Sunday “out of an abundance of caution.”

The FBI sent a warning that armed protests may be planned for all state capitols in the U.S. Jan. 16-20.

Beacon Hill leaders are assessing State House security needs in the wake of Wednesday’s siege on the U.S. Capitol. Without getting into any specifics, Gov. Charlie Baker, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano issued a short joint statement addressing the issue Friday morning. “The safety of the Massachusetts State House, its employees and its neighbors is...

A transportation bill and changes to college sexual violence laws were among the things highlighted by lawmakers overnight.

Massachusetts senators passed a scaled-back version of a police reform bill Monday. With the House in session Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Gov. Charlie Baker said he would sign the new version if the House goes along with the changes.

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo is leaving the post he has held for more than a decade, and he’s doing so on his own terms. It’s a notable distinction, given that the three speakers who preceded him — Sal DiMasi, Tom Finneran and Charley Flaherty — all left amid corruption charges. “It’s refreshing that he doesn’t have to step...

Robert DeLeo, the speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is leaving to join Northeastern University.

When electors to the Massachusetts Electoral College meet at the State House to cast their votes on Dec. 14, Nicole LaChapelle will be among the 11 members. “Here I am, a kid from Holyoke and the mayor of a city of 16,000 and I’m an elector,” the Easthampton mayor said. LaChapelle was one of 20 Democrats who ran to be…

In a matter of days, the Electoral College will meet to make the election results official and finalize Joe Biden’s victory. But with Donald Trump still refusing to concede and making baseless claims of fraud, the method of picking a victor is currently in the spotlight.

Massachusetts lawmakers finished their work on a compromise police reform bill Monday, filing an updated version of the landmark legislation that Democratic leaders praised as “one of the most comprehensive approaches to police reform and racial justice” in the country.

A group representing chefs and restaurant owners in Massachusetts is calling on state lawmakers to help them survive. With temperatures dropping and outdoor dining becoming more difficult, they say more relief is needed now. Massachusetts Restaurants United rallied outside the State House on Tuesday in their chef coats and aprons. They are hoping lawmakers will pass an economic aid package…

Members of Massachusetts Restaurants United rallied outside the State House, calling on state lawmakers to pass a coronavirus relief bill that would include a distressed restaurant fund.

Massachusetts’ Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday creating a special commission to review the state motto, flag and seal, which includes a controversial depiction of a Native American man. The seal depicts a Native American man, a colonist’s arm brandishing a sword, and a Latin phrase that reads, in part, “By the sword we seek peace.” The bill still needs...

A dozen reverends from Black churches across Massachusetts gathered on the steps of the State House to call on lawmakers to pass police reform legislation. The Senate has done it. The House is debating its bill this week, but these religious leaders say it doesn’t go far enough.

Advocates are urging lawmakers to pass legislation in a renewed call to change the Massachusetts state flag. The flag features a colonial broadsword held over the head of a Native American. A group of advocates, legislators, and supporters are holding an 11 a.m. press conference on the steps of the State House Thursday in support of three bills that are…

The bill would create an independent oversight and investigatory body to hold police accountable and create a system to certify law enforcement officers. Police officers would also be required to intervene if they witness police misconduct and undergo racism training.

Massachusetts lawmakers say the stay-at-home advisory has not prevented them from doing their jobs amid the coronavirus crisis, despite a deserted State House. “On any given day, it’s like a beehive of activity under that gold dome,” Provincetown State Rep. Sarah Peake said, “even though there may not be many bees who are actually buzzing around in that hive.”...

Massachusetts lawmakers approved a bill that could help small businesses looking for relief from the coronavirus crisis. It would allow establishments to sell alcohol with takeout and delivery, helping businesses hard-hit by the economic fallout. The bill awaits signature from Governor Charlie Baker.

An employee of the Massachusetts House of Representatives tested positive for COVID-19, according to an email House Speaker Robert DeLeo sent to members and staff Wednesday morning. The speaker’s office confirmed to the News Service that DeLeo alerted the House that an employee received a presumptive positive result for the coronavirus-caused illness. DeLeo did not identify the employee — citing…

State leaders in Massachusetts marked the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima on Wednesday with a ceremony at the State House. Among the honorees, a top general for President’s Donald Trump and Barack Obama, as well as New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft.