Massachusetts

The Difficult Push to Build More Housing Near Transit

Some states and cities are adopting policies to promote dense development near bus and rail lines. But it can be a hard sell politically and sometimes has unintended consequences.

  • By Jared Brey

The Best and Worst States for Health Care

Massachusetts ranks as the best state for health care while Alabama ranks as the worst, according to a report.

  • By Andre Claudio

Top 10 Spookiest Towns to Visit for Halloween

Sleepy Hollow, New York tops the list, but most famous is Salem, Massachusetts.

  • By Andre Claudio

Deploying the National Guard to Fill a School Bus Driver Shortage

Schools across the country are finding it difficult to recruit and retain school bus drivers.

  • By Andrea Noble

This Week in Federal Funding

In the July 20 edition we check in with the state and local lead for the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, a federal watchdog overseeing ARPA programs. Also: the outlook for broadband spending and updates from Massachusetts and Maine.

  • By Bill Lucia

The Best and Worst States for Child Well-Being

Massachusetts took the top spot in the KIDS COUNT Data Book, an annual survey from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, while Mississippi ranked 50th.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen

State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

US Approves its First Big Offshore Wind Farm, Near Martha’s Vineyard – it’s a Breakthrough for the Industry

COMMENTARY | Building a U.S. offshore wind industry will require more than just fast-tracking permits.

  • By Erin Baker and Matthew Lackner, The Conversation

Northeast ‘Ghost Forests’ Multiply as Waters Rise

COMMENTARY | New research indicates two factors behind the emergence of “ghost forests” filled with dead trees along the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coast.

  • By Todd Bates, Futurity

Pandemic Drives Phone, Computer ‘Right-to-Repair’ Bills

Legislation in half the states would make it easier to fix phones and computers.

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

Massachusetts Actually Might Have a Way to Keep Schools Open

An ambitious pilot program could finally pave the way to in-person learning—at least for those who can afford it.

  • By Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic

'A Lost Generation:’ Community Colleges Report Record Enrollment Declines

New data shows total enrollment decreased by more than 10% since last fall, with the most precipitous drop seen with first-year students.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram
Featured eBooks
State and Local Transportation Trends
Broadband Trends
Trends in the Police Workforce

A Look At Ballot Initiatives: Voters Reject Ranked Choice Voting, Colorado Creates Family Leave and a New Minimum Wage in Florida

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | There were 120 statewide ballot initiatives for voters to consider this year.

  • By Laura Maggi

State AGs Call on DHS to Withdraw Student Visa Rule Change Proposal

The coalition of 22 state attorneys general objects to a proposed rule change that would place time limits on visas for foreign students and members of the media.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Salem, Mass. Hopes to Scare Away Halloween Visitors

Known for its dark history, the Witch City’s annual Halloween festivities traditionally draw large crowds. But officials this year hope business closures, fines, and limited transit and parking options will keep tourists at bay.

  • By Andrea Noble

New Hampshire to Sue Massachusetts Over Income Tax Policy

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Michigan governor accuses President Trump of inciting terrorism … Trump administration reverses stance on California wildfire relief … Wisconsin to deploy National Guard as poll workers.

  • By Emma Coleman

Contact Tracers in Massachusetts Might Order Milk or Help With Rent. Here’s Why.

Massachusetts includes a specific role in its COVID-19 contact-tracing program that’s not common everywhere: a care resource coordinator.

  • By Martha Bebinger, Kaiser Health News

Seven States Band Together to Purchase Rapid-Result Covid Tests

The compact, negotiated by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, aims to increase production of the tests, which can deliver results in less than a half hour.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

States Crack Down on Large Gatherings as Covid-19 Continues to Spread

Minnesota officials are seeking damages from a ranch owner who held a three-day rodeo in defiance of state regulations on large gatherings. They say at least one attendee tested positive for Covid-19 days after the event.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

State Attorneys General File Lawsuit Over Student Visa Policy

Eighteen attorneys general are challenging a new Trump administration directive that would force international students to leave the U.S. if they are not taking in-person classes in the fall.

  • By Andrea Noble

It Can Be Difficult to Revoke a Police Officer's License. Some States Are Trying to Make it Easier.

Nearly all states require police officers to be certified, but not every state has a process for revoking that license, even in the face of egregious misconduct.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram