Massachusetts

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

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
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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

To More Easily Ban Problem Police Officers, Some States Focus on Licensing

Proponents of professional licensing for police say that such a system would make it easier to fire an officer for misconduct.

  • By Emma Coleman

Proposal Would Require Full Refunds for Student Travel Trips Canceled Due to Covid-19

Legislation in Massachusetts would expand consumer protection laws to require full refunds for student trips that are canceled due to "a declaration of emergency."

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

State Parks See Overcrowding as Temperatures Climb

State parks across the country have limited capacity to encourage social distancing, leading to closures over the weekend as temperatures warmed and people flocked outdoors.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Army Research Shows How Do-It-Yourself Facemasks Can Be as Safe as N95s

Personal protective equipment for hospital workers is running out. This design works as well as the best in class.

  • By Patrick Tucker

Are Gun Stores Essential During a Pandemic? Depends on Where You Live

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued guidance that deems firearms stores essential services, but state and local governments have drawn different conclusions on whether gun stores should remain open.

  • By Andrea Noble

A State Restarts Its Electric Vehicle Rebates

Massachusetts extended its rebate program through at least 2021 after legislators provided funding for the program in the most recent budget.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Too Many Drugs, Too Little Data

COMMENTARY | Unlike other states, Massachusetts leaders relied on data—crucial in developing policies, but too often not available—to guide their decision to begin allowing medication-assisted treatment for drug addiction in jails.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

Fires and Explosions Spread Across Three Towns. They Worked Together to Respond

Fires and explosions tore across three Massachusetts towns last fall, the result of over-pressurized gas lines. Here's how officials say they banded together to contain the emergency.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram