In another blow for the Cannabis Control Commission that is already in turmoil, a new state audit reveals that the commission may have allowed for the sale of expired marijuana and did not ensure that cannabis sellers properly reported products that tested positive for pesticides. While the CCC’s management does not inspire confidence, perhaps it’s only fair […]

Keith Regan
Keith Regan is a freelance writer and local news junkie who has been on the MASSterList morning beat since the newsletter’s earliest days. A graduate of Northeastern University and Emerson College, Regan lives in Hopkinton with his wife, Lisa.
Energy project permitting reform may not sound sexy, but clean energy goals likely won’t be met without it
An unusual mix of influential Bay Staters representing everything from electric utilities and agricultural interests to environmental justice advocates and labor organizations will all be sworn in today with the same goal — overhauling the process through which clean energy infrastructure projects are permitted, which advocates and industry professionals alike say are in need of […]
DiZoglio steals the show, makes her case via song for MassDems at convention
Is Diana DiZoglio walkin’ on sunshine? After entering the stage of the MassDems Convention to that Katrina and the Waves pop anthem — and eliciting a standing ovation from the crowd — one elected official named the new auditor a “Robin Hood figure” who is “beloved by the voters & regular people.” DiZoglio took her campaign to audit the […]
There’s not much left, but Mass. lawmakers still have ARPA funds to spend
While the state’s financial outlook may seem shakier today than it did a year ago, Massachusetts is still sitting on a sizable pot of surplus funds from the revenue and federal grant boom of the early pandemic days. The Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, which tracks the state’s spending of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, estimates Massachusetts […]
New temporary status for Venezuelan migrants signals relief for Healey, amid complaints lobbed at DC
It can’t be any fun to want to be a loyal backer of President Biden, only to look at the ground and realize you are standing on quicksand. Such has been the situation of Gov. Healey, who is watching the migrant crisis suck the oxygen out of her administration, and whose primary option is to complain. Then […]
Cannabis reform aims to level playing field for Massachusetts businesses who don’t want to pay to play
Come November, the Cannabis Control Commission will roll out new regulations meant to lend the commission more control over local host agreements between cities and towns and marijuana businesses, cap impact fees communities can assess on businesses, allow for social consumption sites and remove barriers to entry for people with criminal records. Host community agreements and the […]
Shelter resources spread thin prompt local backlash over state right-to-shelter mandate
Some Bay State communities are starting to pull back the welcome mat for homeless families after a surge in need for emergency shelter space has left resources — and local patience — spread thin amid an ongoing rise in demand. With the number of families currently in need of emergency shelter still growing and overwhelming community resources, […]
Ballot question smorgasbord faces reality with Attorney General’s announcement today
The tragic R.J. Oppenheimer thought he was doing something powerful and good, and so does Rep. Mike Connolly… and so did Mike Dukakis and so did Cathy Judd-Stein and — well, state government is replete with cases where leaders proposed or effected explosive change, only to have it, um, bomb. John Keller explains in his […]
Child and family tax credit: highly popular and waiting for action
Over three-quarters of Bay Staters support the crown jewel centerpiece of state officials’ long-promised, and long-delayed, tax relief plan — though there’s no word on when it might be delivered to them, as lawmakers enter their sixth week of a long summer break. A new poll by MassINC and sponsored by the Economic Security Project found that 77 […]
An abundant police misconduct database with information still missing
Earlier this week two Boston cops arrived at the scene of a melee outside of the AMC movie theater by the Common where 150 teens were on the street. One cop was dragged to the ground and kicked; another was put in a chokehold. Ultimately four teens and two 12-year-olds were arrested. Order was restored, […]