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The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University

The Daily Free Press

The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University.

The Daily Free Press

The Daily Free Press

Massachusetts legislators approved a police reform bill Tuesday that creates a statewide oversight committee and bans chokeholds. SOPHIE PARK/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

State Legislature creates police standards commission, bans chokeholds

Taylor Brokesh December 3, 2020
After months of debate, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a police reform bill banning chokeholds, creating a state-level oversight committee and allowing officers to report each other’s inappropriate or violent conduct.
Independent candidate Jon Lott ran against Democratic incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch for Massachusetts’ 8th congressional district. COURTESY OF JON LOTT

Independent candidates challenge Mass. incumbents to push non-establishment ideas

Allison Pirog November 4, 2020
Voters casting their ballot this election may have noticed some unfamiliar names. Three independent candidates ran for U.S. Congress in Massachusetts this election to challenge the status quo and highlight issues they are passionate about.
A bill that would permanently ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products passed through the Massachusetts House of Representatives Wednesday. SOFIA KOYAMA/ DFP FILE ILLUSTRATION

Mass. House of Representatives approves permanent ban on flavored tobacco products

Kate Gilberd November 15, 2019
In an effort to combat under-age vaping, the state House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to ban the sale of flavored vapes and institute a 75 percent tax on all other vaping products.
A Planned Parenthood location in Boston. More than 70 organizations rallied for safer abortion legislation for Massachusetts residents Jan. 17. SERENA VU/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

Massachusetts advocacy groups file contrasting abortion legislation

Sofia Saric January 31, 2019
Across the country and Massachusetts, reproductive rights groups are advocating for increased protections for abortion access.
Raise Up Massachusetts hosts a march for the Fight for $15 on the Boston Common on March 4. Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill Thursday to increase the minimum wage to $15 over the next five years. PHOTO BY FRANCHESCA VIAUD/ DFP FILE PHOTO

Baker signs ‘Grand Bargain,’ approves $15 minimum wage, paid family leave

Haley Lerner June 29, 2018
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill Thursday that will increase the minimum wage, create a new paid family and medical leave program and enact a sales tax holiday in Massachusetts.
A new petition is pushing to alleviate the stress of student debt for college students in Massachusetts. PHOTO BY BETSEY GOLDWASSER/DFP FILE PHOTO

Massachusetts on path to regulate student loan servicers

Jordan Kimmel April 17, 2018
The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would give students a loan “bill of rights,” despite demands from President Donald Trump’s administration to not go forward with this type of legislation.  
An ignition interlock device. Massachusetts is now the only state that doesn’t require ignition interlocks after a first drunk driving offense. PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Massachusetts only state to not include ignition interlock for first drunk driving offense

Michal Shvimer April 9, 2018
As of last week, Massachusetts became the only state in the country that does not provide ignition interlock options for first drunk driving offenses after Idaho implemented this type of law in March.
The Senate’s special committee on net neutrality released its final report. It calls to promote net neutrality through state government contracts. PHOTO BY MAISIE MANSFIELD-GREENWALD/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

Senate committee recommends ISP registry, limits on how online personal data can be used

Hannah Schoenbaum April 5, 2018
The Senate Committee on Net Neutrality and Consumer Protection proposed protections for Massachusetts media consumers, in response to the Federal Communications Commission's repeal of net neutrality.
The Massachusetts State House. House and Senate negotiators reached an agreement about the bill addressing the overhaul of the state's criminal justice system. PHOTO BY BRIAN SONG/ DFP FILE PHOTO

House, Senate reach final iteration of sweeping criminal justice bill

Camille Mojica March 28, 2018
The Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives reached an agreement Friday on what their sweeping overhaul of the state’s criminal justice system bill will look like.
The Massachusetts Senate will debate a bill that would protect the welfare of animals, specifically animals that are abused. PHOTO BY BETSEY GOLDWASSER/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

Second bill concerning animal welfare circulating MA Senate

Camille Mojica March 14, 2018
The Massachusetts Senate is currently considering a bill, known as PAWS II, to further protect the welfare of animals, especially those who have been abused.

Sen. Nick Collins to attempt to fill vacated Senate seat

Sarika Ram February 7, 2018

Rep. Nick Collins announced his run on Friday to fill Linda Dorcena Forry’s vacated seat in the Massachusetts Senate. Collins began to consider a Senate run after Dorcena Forry resigned last month...

Report shows Massachusetts’ residents concerned about climate, clean energy

Camille Mojica February 4, 2018

The Massachusetts Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change released a report Jan. 29 reflecting Massachusetts residents’ concerns about the state being “green.” The report was made...

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