GovernmentVoters defend gun law, and sponsor says it’s a model for other states
Senate President Karen Spilka (left) and Senate majority leader Cynthia Creem (right) celebrate on November 5, 2026 after voters upheld a 2024 gun control law.
Worcester USA Wire
Health
Healey move puts abortion law into effect early, relaxing restrictions and teeing up fierce 2028 ballot fight
Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein join Sen. Robyn Kennedy, Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Christine Barber, Rep.
Government
GovernmentA former state lawmaker, Clark now ready to help set US House agenda
US Capitol at night.
EnvironmentMWRA pulls largest water transfer request in history after drawing backlash from Quabbin communities
The Quabbin Reservoir provides drinking water for much of Greater Boston.
Latest
GovernmentOn Election Day in Lawrence, political corruption, low voter turnout, and uncontested races converge
City Hall on Lawrence Street. (Hallie Claflin/CommonWealth Beacon)
GovernmentMass. just tackled 9 ballot questions. Here’s where each landed, and what comes next.
Massachusetts voters on primary day in September.
GovernmentVoters subject governor and Legislature to public records law, but there’s no guarantee lawmakers will comply
Auditor Diana DiZoglio (center), pictured here addressing a legislative committee helmed by Sen. Cindy Friedman (left) and Rep.
HealthRural microtransit is a lifeline. Massachusetts should help it reach more people.
Photo from Quaboag Connector website
EnvironmentNew nature conservation fund wins voter approval, setting stage for funding fight
Katie Theohardies, president of The Trustees conservation organization and a former state environmental secretary, speaks at an Election Night event on November 3, 2026 hosted by supporters of a ballot question to earmark tax revenue for na…
GovernmentPrimary election reform backers concede as ballot measure falls short
Jordan Berg Powers (right), a leading opponent to a ballot question implementing all-party primaries in Massachusetts, listens to proponent Danielle Allen at a debate hosted by CommonWealth Beacon on October 13, 2026.
GovernmentDemocrats, in push for blue wave, continue domination in Massachusetts as they look to take back power in Washington
US Sen. Ed Markey celebrates his reelection with Massachusetts Democrats at the Fairmount Copley Plaza hotel on November 3, 2026.
GovernmentCommonWealth Beacon Election Day insights
Happy Election Day, welcome to the CommonWealth Beacon somewhat live blog! I’m Jennifer Smith, one of the senior reporters here, and I’m helming this channel throughout the day as my colleagues head into the field.
EducationOur polling shows strong support for statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools. Will the Legislature act?
IN RECENT YEARS, support for restricting cellphone use in the nation’s public schools has grown dramatically. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 42 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico have passed legislation res…
GovernmentGalvin uncertain about beating voter turnout in 2022, 2018
Secretary of State William Galvin addresses reporters ahead of the 2026 primaries. (Photo by Jennifer Smith | CommonWealth Beacon)
EducationYour Massachusetts midterm rundown
WITH ELECTION DAY upon us on Tuesday, voters here in Massachusetts and around the country are preparing to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterms.
EducationNotwithstanding Mayor Wu’s claims, the ‘State of the Schools’ in Boston is not good
Boston Public Schools headquarters in Roxbury.
Technology
More Technology →
TechnologyMassachusetts should not settle for half-measures on children’s online safety
(Photo by Robin Worrall/Unsplash)
Education
More Education →- Education
Our polling shows strong support for statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools. Will the Legislature act?
IN RECENT YEARS, support for restricting cellphone use in the nation’s public schools has grown dramatically. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 42 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico have passed legislation res…
- Education
Your Massachusetts midterm rundown
WITH ELECTION DAY upon us on Tuesday, voters here in Massachusetts and around the country are preparing to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterms.
- Education
Notwithstanding Mayor Wu’s claims, the ‘State of the Schools’ in Boston is not good
Boston Public Schools headquarters in Roxbury.
Health
More Health →
HealthHealey move puts abortion law into effect early, relaxing restrictions and teeing up fierce 2028 ballot fight
Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein join Sen. Robyn Kennedy, Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Christine Barber, Rep.
- Health
Rural microtransit is a lifeline. Massachusetts should help it reach more people.
Photo from Quaboag Connector website
Elsewhere in Worcester
Reported by other newsrooms. Links open on their site.
- Traditional 'Dickens' Christmas at National Trust property as tour rules change
- Major plans for new car park at station as drivers slapped with 'fines'
- Five Worcestershire-born people who became household names in TV and music
- Highest-rated fish and chip shop in Worcester has the 'best chips' and 'biggest fish'
- Worcester's independent businesses are asking for your support this Christmas
- Salvation Army launches Christmas toy appeal for struggling families
- City landlords urged to attend forum on new legal duties
- Late interception seals Grafton’s playoff win over Worcester South