gov. charlie baker

Scuttling what looked to be a major session-ending accomplishment for the Massachusetts Legislature, Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday said he would veto ambitious climate legislation over his concerns that key pieces of the bill could stymie housing construction.

Manufacturers and retailers in Massachusetts will be banned from selling or importing covered products like bedding, furniture, children’s products, window treatments and carpeting that contain 11 flame-retardant chemicals under legislation signed Friday by Gov. Charlie Baker. The new law, which does not apply to inventory manufactured prior to Dec. 31, 2021, was celebrated by supporters who have pushed for its…

The Baker Administration on Thursday announced nearly $68 million in awards to hundreds of small businesses in the second round of grants through Massachusetts’ COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program. The program, administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, will award a total of $67.4 million to 1,366 small businesses, the Baker Administration said. Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker said qualifying…

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday signed a revised policing reform bill that was approved by the Legislature last week. The House voted 107-51 and the Senate took a voice vote to re-enact the bill, which has drawn opposition from police but maintained the momentum that grew over the summer out of outrage over police violence toward Black Americans. “This…

Those planning to celebrate are asked to do it in small groups, as coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Massachusetts reported 5,655 new confirmed coronavirus cases Thursday and an additional 76 deaths. There have now been 328,307 confirmed cases and 11,706 deaths, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive, on average, has slightly decreased to 5.76%, according to the report. The number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 has increase to…

The Massachusetts policing reform bill that grabbed Beacon Hill’s attention midway through 2020 is back on Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk, awaiting his expected signature. The House voted 107-51 and the Senate took a voice vote to re-enact the bill, which has drawn strong opposition from police but maintained the momentum that grew over the summer out of outrage over...

A series of new restrictions aimed at stemming the surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Massachusetts will go into effect on Saturday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday.

Gov. Charlie Baker in May outlined a phased-in approach to gradually restart the Massachusetts economy, which was largely shuttered nearly two months ago as the state ramped up its fight against the coronavirus which has claimed nearly 5,800 lives in the state. Baker said everyone must continue practicing proper hygiene, maintaining social distancing, and using facial coverings in public places…

Gov. Charlie Baker has one week, until Friday, Dec. 11, to decide what to do with the 129-policing accountability bill that the Massachusetts Legislature sent him Tuesday night. The bill passed without the support of a single GOP lawmaker — all 35, four in the Senate and 31 in the House, voted against it, as did unenrolled Rep. Susannah Whipps…

Increased rapid COVID-19 testing will soon be available for some Massachusetts school districts, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has been talking publicly about COVID-19 since March, often searching for new ways to express his message. On Friday morning, while speaking at an online executive forum, Baker said someone asked him to explain the transmission situation in a way that’s really easy to understand. The governor said yes, and then asked listeners if they’ve...

After two weeks away from the ice, hockey players across Massachusetts will be able play in indoor rinks again Saturday. In October, ice and roller rinks were shut down for two weeks due to several new clusters that were traced back to hockey games and practices.

At least four people were arrested Thursday morning for trespassing outside Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s home in Swampscott calling for all votes to be counted in the election.

Jose Duarte, the chef owner of Boston restaurant Taranta, just couldn’t see the logic in the new restrictions announced by Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday. Among other things, the new executive order mandates that restaurants must stop seating diners at 9:30 p.m., starting this weekend. “What difference does it make between the hours of 9:30 and 11 p.m.? Does COVID…

Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito plan to vote against the ballot question that would implement a ranked-choice system for Massachusetts elections, their campaign announced Tuesday. “At a time when we need to be promoting turnout and making it easier for voters to cast their ballots, we worry that question two will add an additional layer of complication…

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday announced a massive COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

DeRosa has been ordered not to go within 100 yards of Gov. Baker’s house. However, he intends to appeal the decision.

The state’s ban on evictions and foreclosures imposed during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic expires on Saturday, leaving many worrying about their housing security. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker this week unveiled a $171 million initiative he said will help tenants and landlords cope. Baker said the goal is to keep tenants in their homes and also ease the…

Black organizers and activists explain the history of Juneteenth in Boston and why this year feels different, after George Floyd’s death and in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.