State House

Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday said he would extend Vermont’s state-of-emergency order later this week as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the state surpassed 600. In a press conference, Scott said he would announce the extension and provide further details Friday. Scott said social distancing measures had helped slow the spread of COVID-19, adding that data showed over…

Gov. Phil Scott on Monday urged Vermonters to continue practicing social distancing, saying the coronavirus outbreak would reach its peak in the state in the “coming days and weeks.” “As we head into the next few weeks, we need to be prepared for things to get worse before they get better,” Scott said in a news conference. “Staying home and…

In an update on COVID-19, Vermont health officials advised residents to wear face masks.

Vermont officials are now advising residents to wear cloth masks when out in public to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine on Friday said he is now recommending that residents wear cloth masks in public even if they don’t have symptoms. This is a reversal from previous advice saying this was not necessary...

Vermont’s stay-at-home order is in effect amid the coronavirus outbreak, and businesses that remain open are making big changes.

A bill making its way through the Massachusetts Statehouse would require schools to provide free disposable menstrual products to students. The bill would require that the products be available in school restrooms in a way that doesn’t stigmatize students. The bill has received the backing of the Legislature’s Education Committee but has yet to come up for a vote...

The Rhode Island State House Christmas tree will be artificial this year. The governor’s office said in a statement that the 18-foot California baby redwood replica will be more manageable than a real tree. Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo says it’s challenging to keep a real tree alive and thriving through the holiday season.

A new award created for the Commonwealth’s 33rd annual Performance Recognition Program honors former Governor Paul Cellucci.

Vermont’s governor was sworn in to start his second term Thursday, urging state lawmakers to rise above partisan bicker.

On Day 27 of the government shutdown, hundreds of federal workers rallied outside the Massachusetts State House.

Parents and other visitors to schools in Hampstead are no longer allowed to bring guns onto school property. The Eagle Tribune reports that the School Board unanimously approved a policy prohibiting anyone other than law enforcement and school resource officers from bringing guns on campus during school hours and during school-sponsored activities.

A Massachusetts lawmaker has introduced legislation that would make using the “b-word” to demean others illegal in the state. The bill, proposed by Rep. Daniel Hunt, would subject those who use the word “to accost, annoy, degrade or demean the other person” to penalties.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joined other mayors from across Massachusetts Tuesday in support of legislation that would protect access to abortion in the Bay State. The mayors declared their support for the legislation during an event at the State House Tuesday morning.

Bostonians and others around New England were set Wednesday to mark the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. A series of events were scheduled in Boston to honor the victims and first responders, starting with the annual Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at Fenway Park, which began at 6 a.m.

Gov. Charlie Baker outlined an $18 billion transportation bond proposal Thursday aimed at modernizing and building out roads and rail throughout Massachusetts amid increasing scrutiny over the MBTA. Joined by MBTA officials, Baker revealed the bill, An Act Authorizing and Accelerating Transportation Investment.

Gov. Charlie Baker is filing a major transportation bill that would require an $18 billion bond.

Bills covering a range of kindergarten and early education issues are coming up for a public hearing at the Massachusetts Statehouse.