State House News Service

The jobless rate in Massachusetts is still below the national average.

Former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang is considering a possible challenge to U.S. Senator Edward Markey.

Experts estimate the robust tax collections could lead to a budget surplus at the end of the fiscal year.

Lawmakers began efforts Wednesday to resolve differences in hands-free driving safety bills passed by the House and Senate.

An innovative but controversial proposal to allow a New Bedford charter school to open a new campus is now officially off the table.

Lawmakers used a procedural motion to block the bill from being sent to committee.

A controversial and time-sensitive New Bedford charter school bill inched along on Beacon Hill Wednesday as the House sent the legislation to the Education Committee for review.

A bill state education officials want to see passed by month's end to execute a deal between New Bedford and a charter school hit a speed bump Thursday.

The clock is ticking for lawmakers to act on a bill needed to execute a deal between New Bedford officials and a charter school looking to expand in the city.

The Massachusetts unemployment rate fell to its lowest point since December 2000.