Massachusetts Senate Democrats were preparing to advance legislation Tuesday that requires all public schools to implement a “bell-to-bell” ban on student access to personal electronic devices like cell phones during the school day.
Politics
Gov. Maura Healey approves $5M for immigrant legal defense fund in FY26 state budget
Gov. Maura Healey approved a $5 million legal defense fund for immigrants as part of the fiscal year 2026 state budget she signed Friday, a pot of money supporters say helps people fight deportations but critics knock as providing protections to those in the country illegally.
Business confidence up in June but still pessimistic, survey shows
Business confidence was up slightly in June but remains in pessimistic territory, according to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, news that comes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported greater-than-expected job growth and lower unemployment for last month.
Suspended cannabis testing lab has appealed and will sue regulators, owner says
The owner of a shuttered Tyngsboro-based marijuana testing facility is pushing back against an order demanding his company cease operations, and he says that he will see the commonwealth in court over an alleged lack of due process.
Former U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton talks ICE, immigration
Former Marine and U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton calls for a “common-sense approach” to the nation’s immigration issues. And while he encourages commonwealth leaders to “have a seat at the table” in deciding next steps, he thinks unrestrained federal agents, quotas and mass deportations are “un-American.”
Major crimes in Massachusetts fell more than 4% in 2024, but hate crimes grew
Major crimes like murder and armed robbery are down in Massachusetts, according to a preliminary state analysis. But hate crimes against Jewish people recently saw a 20.5% spike.
