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Increased Police Presence Outside State House
Several roads surrounding the Mass. State House were closed for several hours Sunday “out of an abundance of caution.”
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FBI Warns of Possible Armed Protests at 50 State Capitols
The FBI sent a warning that armed protests may be planned for all state capitols in the U.S. Jan. 16-20.
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Mass. Leaders Assessing State House Security
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...
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Mass. Lawmakers Wrapped Up Marathon Session Shortly Before 5 a.m.
A transportation bill and changes to college sexual violence laws were among the things highlighted by lawmakers overnight.
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Key Vote Set for Mass. Police Reform Bill
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.
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With DeLeo Stepping Down, Who Will Be Next Mass. House Speaker?
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...
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Mass. House Speaker Robert DeLeo Stepping Down
Robert DeLeo, the speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is leaving to join Northeastern University.
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Mass. Electors Vote Approaching: Is Electoral College Outdated?
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…
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What to Know About the Electoral College Before It Finalizes Biden's Victory
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.
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State Leaders Reach Agreement on Police Reform Bill
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.
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‘We Need Help': Mass. Restaurant Group Rallies for Grants to Aid Distressed Eateries
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…
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Restaurant Workers Push for Relief Bill Outside Mass. State House
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.
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Senate Lawmakers OK Bill Reviewing Massachusetts Flag
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...
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Mass. House Unveils Police Reform Bill
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.
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Renewed Calls to Change the Massachusetts State Flag
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…
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Police Reform Bill Delayed at State House Again
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.
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Mass. State Lawmakers Work From Home Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
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.”...
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Bill Could Help Small Businesses in Mass.
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.
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Mass. House Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
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…
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Ceremony at Mass. State House Marks 75th Anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima
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.