Panel exploring changes to state seal ready to resume work

BOSTON (AP) — The stalled effort to come up with alternatives to the Massachusetts state motto and seal, condemned as racist by many for its depiction of the state's Indigenous peoples, is regaining momentum. The panel that was established in 2021 by the state Legislature to review...

Elizabeth Warren running for 3rd US Senate term in 2024

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren announced Monday that she will seek a third term in 2024. Warren, a prominent voice for the liberal wing of the Democratic Party and a failed 2020 presidential contender, said she's running for reelection to end...

Fire destroys 5 beachfront homes in Scituate

SCITUATE, Mass. (AP) — A massive fire has destroyed five homes and damaged three others in a beachfront neighborhood in Scituate. The fire broke out Friday night near Minot Beach. No injuries have been reported. The American Red Cross of Massachusetts is helping a...

Massachusetts House speaker rejects audit of Legislature

BOSTON (AP) — Democratic House Speaker Ronald Mariano said Friday that the House won’t meet with state Auditor Diana DiZoglio about an audit DiZoglio has launched into the Legislature. DiZoglio, a Democrat who served as both a state representative and senator, said she is...

Massachusetts train derails, no hazardous cargo reported

AYER, Mass. (AP) — Five freight train cars derailed in Massachusetts on Thursday, but no hazardous materials were being hauled and there were no reports of injuries, according to authorities. The freight cars that toppled over at about 11:30 a.m. were carrying sealed containers of...

Bill would extend food aid, school meals, to-go cocktails

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers approved a spending plan Thursday that would extend programs launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic including outdoor dining regulations, remote access to public meetings and support for assisted living residences. The $389 million...

Rifle stolen from marked Massachusetts State Police cruiser

MALDEN, Mass. (AP) — A department-issued rifle was stolen from a marked Massachusetts State Police cruiser overnight, an agency spokesperson said Thursday. It appears someone forced their way into the vehicle, which was locked and parked in the garage of a residential complex in...

There were no hazardous materials on a freight train that derailed in Massachusetts on Thursday, fire officials say

Former police detective convicted of killing wife

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A former Massachusetts police detective has been convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death nearly five years ago of his wife, which was originally ruled a suicide. Former Westfield Detective Brian Fanion was sentenced Wednesday in Hampden...

Massachusetts governor: Pharmacies must stock abortion pills

BOSTON (AP) — The governor of Massachusetts reminded pharmacies Wednesday that they are required to stock a key abortion pill, despite a nationwide effort by anti-abortion activists to ban the medication. The action comes as a federal judge in Texas is considering a lawsuit that...