State House News Service
Seekonk Lawmaker Sponsors Bill Targeting Protests Outside Homes
One Republican lawmaker from Bristol County thinks protests have gone too far — and he has an idea for what to do about it.
Key Panel Not Swayed By Calls to Unite SouthCoast Cities
Fall River and New Bedford would remain in different Congressional districts under a revised map released on Monday despite calls to unite the two cities.
Congressional Mapmaker Explains SouthCoast Approach
A top redistricting official said strengthening the only majority-minority congressional district played a major role in the decision to keep Fall River and New Bedford in separate districts.
SouthCoast Unification Effort Gains Support on Beacon Hill
A push to amend the legislature's draft congressional map to unite Fall River and New Bedford in a single district continues to pick up steam.
Right Whale Population Down 30 Percent Over Past Decade
The North Atlantic right whale population has shrunk by 30 percent over the last decade, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium announced Monday.
State Senate Approves Bill to Make Voting Reforms Permanent
The Senate on Wednesday supported the permanent adoption of COVID-era voting allowances like expanded early voting and voting-by-mail, among other policies.
State Senate Mulls Instructions For Sheriffs On Jail-Based Voting
With the state Senate on the verge of voting to make mail-in balloting permanent in Massachusetts, advocates and some lawmakers are trying to expand access to eligible voters behind bars.
Vineyard Wind Proposes Large Development Off Salem
Two developers vying for the state's third offshore wind farm are each promising economic investment — Mayflower Wind in Fall River and now Vineyard Wind in Salem.
Beacon Hill Hears Broad Support for Shift to Indigenous People’s Day
Indigenous people and other activists calling for the state to rename Columbus Day got support in their push Tuesday from some Italian-Americans who said they, too, think Massachusetts should make the change.
Fall River Brings Fire Stations Into Opioid Fight
As the state continues in the grips of the opioid epidemic, Fall River and other communities are pursuing new approaches and tools to help first responders address the crisis.