New NCAA president says NIL rules could protect athletes
March 1, 2023 GMTAs Charlie Baker takes over as NCAA president, he brings a different way of thinking about one of the most important and polarizing issues in college athletics: regulating how student-athletes monetize their fame.
Massachusetts bill would boost spending on emergency housing
January 31, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled a $282 million supplemental spending plan Monday that includes $85 million to help pay for the state's emergency assistance program and other services for eligible families in need of shelter.
NCAA board approves recommendations for Division I reform
January 13, 2023 GMTSAN ANTONIO (AP) — At the NCAA convention Thursday, outgoing President Mark Emmert said goodbye, incoming President Charlie Baker introduced himself and the state of college sports was declared perilous.
First woman elected Massachusetts governor sworn in
January 5, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Maura Healey, the first woman and first open member of the LGBTQ community to be elected governor of Massachusetts, was sworn into office at the Statehouse Thursday, pledging to lead “with empathy and with equity.”
Massachusetts GOP Gov. Baker marks final full day in office
January 4, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker engaged in a series of traditional ceremonies during his last full day as governor on Wednesday, marking the transition of power in the top office on Beacon Hill from Republican to Democratic hands.
Massachusetts, Maine to partner on large inland wind farm
January 4, 2023 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Massachusetts intends to finance up to 40% of a wind power project in far northern Maine, potentially giving the state the partner it needs to make the project a reality.
The partnership comes as states in the Northeast are struggling with surging energy costs.
Gov. Charlie Baker says he’s grateful for time as governor
January 3, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker told Massachusetts residents Tuesday he was “deeply grateful for the gifts” he received during his two terms as governor as he prepares to step down.
Massachusetts elected officials to see pay hike in new year
December 30, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers will see their pay jump in the new year, as will statewide officeholders including the incoming governor.
Minimum wage workers will also see a modest increase.
Massachusetts’ anti-Trump GOP governor ends time in office
December 29, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, an anti-Trump Republican who easily won reelection four years ago, learned his earliest political lessons listening to his Democratic mother and Republican father hashing out the issues of the day.
Incoming NCAA president has embraced role of problem-solver
December 15, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Not every Harvard basketball player can end up an NBA phenomenon like Jeremy Lin.
Some of them have to settle for other careers, like being the governor of Massachusetts — or the president of the NCAA.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to be next NCAA president
December 15, 2022 GMTMassachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will be the next president of the NCAA, stepping in to lead an organization with diminished power amid sweeping change across college sports.
Massachusetts Gov. Baker pledges smooth transition of power
November 9, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Hours after she was elected governor of Massachusetts, Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey met with Republican Gov. Charlie Baker at the Statehouse to discuss the upcoming transfer of power.
Massachusetts’ Healey is 1st lesbian elected governor in US
November 9, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey has been elected governor of Massachusetts, making history as the nation's first openly lesbian governor.
Vermont GOP Gov. Scott reelected in deep blue state
November 9, 2022 GMTVoters in deep-blue Vermont elected Republican Gov. Phil Scott to his fourth two-year term as the state’s top executive.
Scott, 64, defeated Democrat Brenda Siegel and three independent candidates.
Manager of Boston’s troubled transit system to step down
November 1, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The general manager of Boston's troubled public transit system, who shepherded the agency through the pandemic when ridership plummeted and has faced calls to resign during a federal safety review, announced Tuesday that he will step down early next year.
Law enforcement officers honored for exemplary bravery
November 1, 2022 GMTWORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A retired Massachusetts state trooper who was killed in what authorities described as a shooting motivated by racism, and an officer who drowned while trying to save the life of a teenager were honored Tuesday with awards for exemplary acts of bravery.
‘Swift-footed lizard’ named Massachusetts state dinosaur
October 19, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A “swift-footed lizard” that lived millions of years ago in what is now Massachusetts has been named the state's official dinosaur under legislation signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Massachusetts aims to launch sports betting in late January
October 9, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is planning to launch in-person sports betting in the state in late January, just in time for the Super Bowl.
The commission set a timeline at a meeting Friday, aiming to start in-person sports betting in late January at casinos and mobile sports betting in early March.
Last of migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard to leave shelter
October 5, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The last of dozens of migrants shipped to Martha's Vineyard last month are set to depart temporary shelter at a military base on Cape Cod for transitional housing by the end of the weekend, according to Massachusetts Gov.
Massachusetts taxpayers to get some of their money back
September 16, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts taxpayers can look forward to seeing a return of some of their tax dollars this year, Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday.
The announcement came after the state auditor’s office certified that tax revenues exceeded allowable revenues under a little-noticed 1986 law that kicked in due to the state’s soaring tax collections.
New Massachusetts driver’s license law faces repeal effort
September 12, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts voters will get the chance to decide whether the state should reject a new law allowing immigrants in the country illegally to obtain state driver’s licenses.
The secretary of the commonwealth’s office announced late Friday that it had certified the signatures needed to put repeal of the law on the November ballot.
Trump-backed Diehl to take on Healey in Mass. governor race
September 7, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Geoff Diehl, a former state representative endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has won the Republican nomination for Massachusetts governor over businessman Chris Doughty, who was considered the more moderate candidate in the race.
Boston seeks to ban fossil fuels in new buildings
August 16, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Boston is seeking to ban fossil fuels from new building projects and major renovations, Mayor Michelle Wu announced Tuesday.
The Democrat said the state’s largest city will take advantage of a key provision in the climate change bill signed into law by Republican Gov.
Massachusetts governor signs major climate bill into law
August 11, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts' governor signed into law Thursday a major climate change bill that's meant to bring the state closer to its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Boston subway line to be shut down for 30 days for repairs
August 3, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Transit officials are taking what they are describing as the "unprecedented" step of shuttering one of Boston's four major subway lines for 30 days to allow for track and signal work — the latest in a string of frustrating developments for Boston-area commuters who have suffered through fires, stalled trains and subway slowdowns.
Massachusetts governor asks lawmakers to alter climate bill
July 29, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker sent back to lawmakers on Friday a bill mandating some of the steps Massachusetts needs to take to meet a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In a letter to lawmakers, the Republican governor said he agreed with much in the bill, but suggested some changes.
Massachusetts governor signs bill protecting abortion access
July 29, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A sweeping abortion bill designed to protect access to the procedure in Massachusetts at a time when many other states are restricting or outlawing abortions was signed into law Friday by Republican Gov.
Massachusetts Gov. Baker signs belated $52.7B state budget
July 28, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new state budget Thursday, nearly a month into the 2023 fiscal year, which began July 1.
The Republican said the $52.7 billion spending plan will support the state’s communities, families, businesses, and workers.
New Mass. law bans hairstyle discrimination at school, work
July 26, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) —
Legislation to ban discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles — such as Afros, cornrows or tightly coiled twists — in workplaces, school districts and school-related organizations in Massachusetts was signed into law Tuesday by Republican Gov.
Massachusetts lawmakers OK compromise climate change bill
July 21, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A compromise bill mandating some of the steps Massachusetts needs to take to meet a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 was approved by House and Senate lawmakers on Thursday.
Massachusetts lawmakers approve more than $52B budget plan
July 18, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers approved a $52.7 billion state budget Monday, more than two weeks into the state’s new fiscal year.
The unanimous votes in both chambers came after a six-member House and Senate conference committee finished hammering out the details of the final compromise budget plan over the weekend.
Massachusetts’ highest court upholds new mail-in voting law
July 11, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — An effort led by Massachusetts Republicans to block election officials from putting into effect the state's new mail-in and early voting law was denied Monday by the state Supreme Judicial Court.
State high court hears arguments in GOP mail-in voting suit
July 6, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts’ highest court heard arguments Wednesday in a Republican challenge to the state’s new mail-in and early voting law, which is expected to take effect for September’s primary.
Gov. Baker, lawmakers at odds over suspending state gas tax
June 22, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic leaders in the Massachusetts House and Senate are at odds over temporarily suspending the state’s gas tax.
Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano issued a statement Wednesday in response to questions about the 24 cent-per-gallon gas tax.
Gov. Baker signs bill ensuring mail-in ballots, early voting
June 22, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A voting rights bill designed to ensure that mail-in ballots and early voting become permanent fixtures in future Massachusetts elections was signed into law Wednesday by Republican Gov.
Critics of new immigrant driver’s license law seek repeal
June 17, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A just-passed state law allowing immigrants in the country illegally to obtain driver’s licenses in Massachusetts is now the subject of a repeal effort.
Bill ensuring mail-in ballots, early voting heads to Baker
June 16, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A voting rights bill that would ensure mail-in ballots and early voting become permanent fixtures in future elections is headed to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's desk after the Massachusetts House voted 126-29 to approve the measure on Thursday.
With Senate override vote, driver’s license bill becomes law
June 9, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A bill that would allow immigrants in the country illegally to obtain driver’s licenses in Massachusetts has become law after the state Senate voted Thursday to override the veto of Republican Gov.
House votes to override Baker veto of driver’s license bill
June 8, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A bill that would allow immigrants in the country illegally to obtain state driver’s licenses in Massachusetts was approved by the Massachusetts House on Wednesday over the veto of Republican Gov.
Massachusetts Democrats gather for state party convention
June 4, 2022 GMTWORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts Democrats gathered in Worcester for their state party convention Saturday as they seek to regain the governor’s office and retain control of virtually every other source of political power in the state.
Gov. Baker vetoes bill to expand access to driver’s licenses
May 27, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed a bill Friday that would allow immigrants in the country illegally to obtain state driver’s licenses in Massachusetts.
The veto came just a day after the Massachusetts House and Senate gave final approval to the measure, sending it to Baker's desk.
Massachusetts House approves bill outlawing revenge porn
May 26, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A bill that would outlaw revenge porn in Massachusetts was approved unanimously Thursday by House lawmakers.
Massachusetts is one of just two states without a law banning the practice, which typically involves the nonconsensual posting of sexually explicit images online by former partners.
Massachusetts Republicans meet in Springfield for convention
May 21, 2022 GMTSPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts Republicans held their state party convention on Saturday as they wrestle with how far to the right they should move in a deeply blue state.
Members of the state GOP gathered in Springfield ahead of this autumn's elections to hear from candidates and party leaders as they hope to rebuild a bloc that's lost nearly all of the levers of political power in the state.
Massachusetts Senate OKs immigrant driver’s license bill
May 5, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate approved a bill Thursday that would allow immigrants in the country illegally to obtain state driver’s licenses, moving the proposed change one step closer to becoming law.
Massachusetts Senate to consider passing package of tax cuts
May 4, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts’ strong economic outlook is prompting Democratic leaders in the state Senate to consider a package of tax cuts.
Preliminary revenue collections for April totaled $6.9 billion — about $3 billion or 79.6% more than actual collections in April of last year and $2 billion more than projected, Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder announced Wednesday,
Following the House, Senate passes version of climate bill
April 15, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Legislation outlining steps Massachusetts needs to take to meet its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 cleared a key hurdle late Thursday when the state Senate voted 37-3 to approve the sweeping climate bill.
Massachusetts House leaders unveil $50B state budget plan
April 13, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Democratic leaders in the Massachusetts House released a nearly $50 billion state budget proposal Wednesday that would increase spending on areas like schools and local aid while sidestepping a series of tax breaks pushed by Republican Gov.
12 state police members fired for not getting COVID vaccine
April 10, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Eleven Massachusetts State Police troopers and one sergeant have been fired for not getting vaccinated against COVID-19, as required by an executive order issued last year, the state police said.
Body of Marine killed in NATO crash in Norway returned to US
April 2, 2022 GMTLEOMINSTER, Mass. (AP) — The body of a Marine officer killed last month during a NATO training exercise in Norway was returned Saturday to his home in Massachusetts.
Judge suspended over inappropriate touching resigns
March 29, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts judge suspended after the state's highest court found that he groped a court employee during a conference in 2019 and then lied about his conduct has resigned.
Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade returns after COVID hiatus
March 20, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Boston's St. Patrick’s Day parade returned Saturday after a two-year hiatus, an event Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker called a well-earned reward after the anxiety, trauma and tragedy caused by the pandemic.
Gov. Baker: Bill would expand mental health care services
March 15, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker unveiled a bill Tuesday that he said would help expand access to primary care and mental health services and help control rising health care and prescription drug costs.
Gov. Baker signs order to sever economic ties with Russia
March 3, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — An executive order issued by Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday aims to cut economic ties between Massachusetts and the Russian government following the invasion of Ukraine.
The order directs all executive branch agencies “to review and terminate any contracts with any Russian state-owned company.”
Massachusetts’ statewide school mask mandate comes to an end
February 28, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Many Massachusetts school children who returned to the classroom Monday after a weeklong vacation were no longer required to wear face coverings indoors.
Gov. Charlie Baker and state Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced early in February that they were lifting the statewide indoor mask mandate effective Monday and would instead leave masking requirements up to individual school districts.
Boston health officials to consider ending mask mandates
February 27, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Public health officials in Boston are weighing lifting the city's facemask requirement for schools and businesses.
The city's Public Health Commission will meet Tuesday to discuss the matter.
After two years, Massachusetts Statehouse reopens to public
February 22, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The public was welcomed back Tuesday into the Massachusetts Statehouse nearly two years after the historic building and center of government for the state was largely closed in the early days of the pandemic.
Closed coal plant will be transformed into offshore wind hub
February 17, 2022 GMTThe site of a former coal-fired power plant in Somerset will be transformed into the first offshore wind manufacturing facility in Massachusetts, the governor announced Thursday.
New law lets EMTs treat and transport injured police dogs
February 16, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — First responders in Massachusetts will be allowed to treat and transport injured police dogs to veterinary hospitals under legislation signed in to law Tuesday by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Nero’s bill was named for the K9 partner of slain Yarmouth Police Sgt.
Nominations papers available for candidates in fall races
February 14, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Candidates planning to run for office in this year’s state elections can begin picking up nomination papers Monday.
The state’s Elections Division had been waiting to release the nomination papers until Republican Gov.
Baker signs supplemental budget to boost pandemic response
February 14, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker has signed into law a $101 million supplemetal budget to boost coronavirus testing across the state, provide masks in a variety of settings, and provide additonal funding for a state COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave program.