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By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON – U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, joined by a cohort of Massachusetts health leaders, declared Tuesday he will vote against confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary, saying Americans need a leader...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON – Tobacco and nicotine products would eventually become banned in Massachusetts, under a regulatory trajectory that a trio of lawmakers hope will become law next session.Sen. Jason Lewis and Reps. Tommy Vitolo and Kate Lipper-Garabedian...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey’s office intends over the next roughly 19 months to phase out the use of hotels and motels for emergency shelter, seek a legislative change to boost rental assistance for needy families, create a reserve account for shelter...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Campbell, readying her office and Massachusetts for potential threats posed by Donald Trump’s win, told health regulators last Thursday she’s concerned about preserving access to reproductive and gender-affirming...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

Massachusetts should slash its reliance on hotels and motels used as shelters, invest in rental assistance and rehousing support, offer more tailored resources for homeless families, and more clearly communicate policies, according to a draft report...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

Days after Massachusetts voters embraced Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s mission to audit the Legislature, the Methuen Democrat formally notified top Beacon Hill leaders that her office is reviving its recent probe and seeking missing information.DiZoglio,...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

In her first public remarks since Vice President Kamala Harris lost the presidential election, Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday said she will support a peaceful transfer of power and acknowledged that voters across Massachusetts and the country have...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

At their first meeting last week, members of a new state panel tasked with combating the scourge of antisemitism in Massachusetts outlined priority issues, as well as the vitriol they have personally experienced over the past year.The commission,...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

With the higher education landscape shifting due to investments in free community college and financial aid, Massachusetts officials are honing in on quality and affordability concerns, infrastructure, and transfer credits through new...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — State housing officials kicked off outreach efforts on accessory dwelling units to municipal leaders Wednesday, as they prepare for zoning changes embedded in the Affordable Homes Act to take effect in February.Staff from the Executive Office...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

As the state health insurance marketplace prepares for open enrollment in November, officials say the steep cost of popular weight-loss drugs has fueled higher premiums.Increased provider rates also contributed to the rise in insurance premiums...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — Three years after the state launched a registry of providers found to have abused individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, some advocates warn that too many workers are slipping through the cracks and staying employed in...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON – State officials plan to launch a voluntary program by the end of the year to support health care workers recovering from substance use disorder and other mental health conditions.The forthcoming Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — Maternal health legislation is heading to Gov. Maura Healey’s desk.The conference committee report (H 4999), which emerged from negotiations Wednesday, won House and Senate approval during sparsely attended informal sessions Thursday.“It’s...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

Massachusetts is about to get a new law to shield firefighters from toxic chemicals contained in their protective equipment and eventually phase out the use of PFAS that’s been linked to cancer.Gov. Maura Healey announced Wednesday that she plans to...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

Gov. Maura Healey said Monday she would oppose gun owners’ potential effort to suspend a new firearm safety law as part of their longer-term strategy to repeal the legislation through a ballot question in 2026.The governor has the authority to file an...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

Massachusetts cities and towns would be authorized to open overdose prevention centers, under a bill the Senate plans to take up on Tuesday.The legislation’s supporters say the sites could be a powerful way to crack down on the devastating impacts of...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — Massachusetts drivers could be banned from FaceTiming their friends and livestreaming onto social media platforms while they’re on the road under legislation the House quietly passed last week.Lawmakers approved a distracting driving bill (H...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

The House chair of the Elder Affairs Committee has lambasted the Senate’s months-long delay in taking up a long-term care reform bill, but his Senate co-chair expressed optimism about the legislation reaching Gov. Maura Healey’s desk this session.“We...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — Some Massachusetts patients seeking physical and behavioral health care services could receive treatment in the form of arts and culture activities under a new model being embraced by state officials.The Massachusetts Cultural Council, the...

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey issued an executive order Monday meant to safeguard access to emergency abortions as her administration girds for U.S. Supreme Court rulings this week that could further unravel reproductive care options across the...