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By MADISON SCHOFIELD

BOSTON — Franklin County residents had their voices heard on Beacon Hill this week, telling legislators that Indigenous-themed mascots should not be allowed in Massachusetts public schools.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

BOSTON — “Electronic cocaine.” “A youth behavioral health crisis on steroids.” “Nothing’s more aggravating to me as a parent.”

By SAM DRYSDALE

Looking to keep pressure on what they deem an untransparent and ineffective Legislature, a coalition of unlikely allies is considering whether to bring two “good governance” measures straight to voters via the ballot.

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON — A bill to fortify protections under a 2022 law that shields reproductive and transgender care providers from out-of-state and federal threats received a favorable report from the Senate members of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Thursday.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

In response to the state Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to give FirstLight Hydro Generating Co. a water quality certification for its operations in Turners Falls and Northfield, two environmental advocacy nonprofits have joined others in the Pioneer Valley in filing an appeal with MassDEP’s Office of Appeals and Dispute Resolution.

By MAYA MITCHELL

Teachers and state educators are grappling with suspended statewide high school graduation requirements and what it means for the future of Massachusetts high school diplomas.

ERVING — CST Nominee Trust of Greenfield has claimed a $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$4,000,000 Gold 50X” game with a scratch ticket purchased at Weatherheads Convenience Store on the French King Highway, which gets a $10,000 bonus for the sale.

By CHRIS LARABEE

More funding for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) may be on the way in fiscal year 2026, as Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed budget, along with those put forward by the Senate and House of Representatives, all request more money than in FY25.

By CHRIS LARABEE

BOSTON — The state Senate’s approved fiscal year 2026 budget could bring more than $1 million in earmarks to western Massachusetts.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Hundreds of thousands of small business employees and individuals could face significantly higher health insurance premiums next year under proposed rate increases that critics warn would add another crushing weight to employers and residents already struggling to manage high costs.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Tens of thousands of Bay Staters could lose subsidized health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector and premiums could rise for most other members under a suite of reforms in the U.S. House-approved reconciliation bill that Gov. Maura Healey dubbed “devastating.”

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON — Despite funding increases, the top senator on elder issues is raising a red flag about service cuts to programs that help keep seniors out of nursing homes.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

BOSTON — The Senate agreed last week to add a major prescription drug price control measure to their fiscal year 2026 budget, drawing the ire of the influential life sciences sector and adding another major topic to House-Senate negotiations on the horizon.

By GABRIEL O’HARA SALINI

Over 50% of small business owners said they were likely to close or sell their business in the next five years, citing high costs across their businesses as a driving factor, a recent study from UMass Donahue Institute showed.

By ELLA ADAMS

BOSTON – To the tune of the 215th Army Band, families of Massachusetts veterans who lost their lives during or as a result of service gathered with state leaders last week in anticipation of Memorial Day and in recognition of their loved ones’ sacrifices.

By MICHAEL P. NORTON

No-bid emergency food and transportation service procurements followed a failure by state officials to assess and react to a spike in demand for shelter services, according audit results released Tuesday.

By ELLA ADAMS

Representing their experiences living through the child welfare system, a multi-generational ensemble of performers took center stage Wednesday at the State House as service providers and child welfare advocates called on the state to support key programs.

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By SAM DRYSDALE

Career technical schools in Massachusetts will use a lottery system to admit students when there are more applicants than available seats, an approach that supporters say will ensure fairness and critics warn will water down education standards.

By SAM DRYSDALE

The state will close its remaining motel and hotel shelters this summer, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday, as the governor and lawmakers have imposed restrictions on the emergency housing system over the past year and family enrollment has declined.

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — The state is soliciting proposals from artists, historians, designers, “culture bearers” and anyone else who has an idea for a new Massachusetts state seal, flag and motto.