By Matt Murphy State House News Service In the wake of the Biden administration restoring California’s authority to set vehicle emission standards more stringent than federal rules, Massachusetts is poised to follow that state into a ban on new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, potentially setting the stage for the next …
Read More »Massachusetts Department of Public Health Updates COVID-19 Death Definition
Beginning Monday, March 14, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) will update the criteria used for identifying COVID-19 deaths to align with guidance from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Currently, the COVID death definition includes anyone who has COVID listed as a cause of death on their …
Read More »Massachusetts Public Health Reports “Significant Overcount” of COVID Deaths
By Chris Lisinski State House News Service When state public health officials publish Monday’s report about the latest COVID-19 impacts on Massachusetts, the cumulative death toll through two years of the pandemic will suddenly stand about 15 percent lower. The Baker administration will start using a new public health surveillance …
Read More »Baker voices concerns about undocumented immigrant drivers’ license bill
Matt Murphy State House News Service As he waits to see how the Senate will respond to legislation that would allow immigrants unable to prove lawful residence in Massachusetts to obtain drivers’ licenses, Gov. Charlie Baker voiced his concern Thursday that the House-passed bill did not adequately protect against someone …
Read More »New Bedford Suspends COVID Vaccination/Testing Policy For Municipal Employees
Due to a precipitous decline in the number of COVID cases locally, the City of New Bedford is suspending its COVID vaccination/testing policy for municipal employees. Earlier today, Mayor Jon Mitchell directed the City’s Personnel Office to cease implementation and enforcement of the City’s COVID vaccination/testing policy across city government, …
Read More »Baker: Massachusetts Stands With Ukraine Against “Tyrant’s War”
Colin A. Young State House News Service The invasion of Ukraine that Russian President Vladimir Putin is leading is a “tyrant’s war” that must be met with swift and strong action from the rest of the free world, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday. “The commonwealth of Massachusetts stands with …
Read More »Sex Offender Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Attempted Production of Child Pornography
A New Jersey man was sentenced this week in federal court in Worcester in connection with attempting to produce child pornography. Jordan Winczuk, 36, of Bellmawr, N.J., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 45 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Oct. …
Read More »Massachusetts Senate backs two bills that would observe “Emancipation Day” and “Negro Election Day”
The Senate approved two bills on Thursday that would have the state observe two black-history relate days. One bill filed by Representative Michelle L. Ciccolo (D), bill H.3117 would declare July 8 as Massachusetts Emancipation Day or Quock Walker Day, and the second bill S 2703, filed by Senator Joan …
Read More »Bristol County D.A. Thomas Quinn announces that he will run for re-election
“I am announcing my candidacy for a third term as Bristol County District Attorney. In January 2015, I was appointed District Attorney by both Governors Patrick and Baker. I have since been elected twice by the citizens of Bristol County. I became District Attorney because of the support of the …
Read More »Massachusetts bill that would grant undocumented immigrants driver’s licenses nears approval
Massachusetts lawmakers appear ready to pass a bill that is twenty years in the making. The bill would lift restrictions barring undocumented immigrants from getting their driver’s licenses. Of course, this would hinge upon their being a Massachusetts resident, that they can provide valid proof of identity, and pass the …
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