Massachusetts

Healey makes move to block efforts to suspend Mass. gun reform law for 2 years

Published

2 years ago

October 3, 2024

Healey makes move to block efforts to suspend Mass. gun reform law for 2 years

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an emergency preamble to a gun reform bill passed this summer, a move that prevents the law from being suspended while opponents work on a ballot measure to put before voters in two years.

The law addresses, among other things, ghost guns and red flag laws.

“We needed to give time to our agencies and municipalities to take the steps and do what they need to do in order to get ready for implementation on Day One,” Healey said Wednesday.

Critics say that doesn’t tell the whole story.

“Jobs will suffer, people’s lives will suffer, because of this action she is taking today,” said spokesman Toby Leary of Civil Rights Coalition, a group calling for the gun law’s repeal.

Gun advocates collected thousands of signatures in recent weeks hoping to push pause on the bill until voters could weigh in with a 2026 ballot question.

“Now, she’s saying, ‘Nope, we’re not going to allow that process to happen,’” said Leary. “‘You can still put it to a vote in two years, but you’re going to live with the law we signed,’ and I feel that is a subversion of the Constitution.”

Healey and others balk at that framing.

Gov. Maura Healey held a ceremonial signing for Massachusetts’ new gun reform bill that bans Glock switches and more, bringing praise from advocates, though the National Rifle Association said it plans to challenge the legislation.

“The system is there, it’s a democracy, you can go to your legislature and you can advocate for policy and advocate for laws,” Healey said. “That’s the way the system works.”

“The vast majority of Massachusetts residents wants this bill and want it to take effect as soon as possible,” said Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka.

As for opponents of the bill, attention now turns to the courts.

“It’s all reaching a crescendo, and we’re tired of being the whipping post,” said Leary.

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Massachusetts

Heavy police presence due to ‘ongoing incident’ in Tewksbury

Published

6 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Press Room

Heavy police presence due to ‘ongoing incident’ in Tewksbury

There is a heavy police presence in a section of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, on Wednesday afternoon due to what authorities are describing only as an “ongoing incident.”

“There is currently a heavy police presence on Salem Road due to an ongoing incident,” Tewksbury police said in a social media post just before 1 p.m. “Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible. Please allow emergency personnel the space they need to respond safely and efficiently”

No further details were released. Police said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Massachusetts

Wrong-way crash closes I-495 southbound in Chelmsford, 1 seriously injured – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

Published

18 hours ago

April 22, 2026

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Wrong-way crash closes I-495 southbound in Chelmsford, 1 seriously injured – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

CHELMSFORD, MASS. (WHDH) – A wrong-way driver crashed into another vehicle on I-495 in Chelmsford Tuesday night, shutting down the soundbound lanes in that area, according to Massachusetts State Police and The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

State police said Troopers from the Concord Barracks responded to a two-car crash on I-495 at the Hunt Road overpass shortly before 10 p.m. They said preliminary information indicates the crash happened as a result of a wrong-way driver striking a vehicle traveling in the correct direction.

Chelmsford Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and the driver was taken to the hospital by MedFlight. State police said they suffered life-threatening injuries.

MassDOT said the highway southbound is currently closed at exit 88 due to the crash, and is expected to remain closed for several hours.

Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes at this time.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

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Massachusetts

Two stabbed at Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods plant in Haverhill

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Press Room

Two stabbed at Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods plant in Haverhill

Two people were seriously injured in a stabbing at the Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods manufacturing facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Tuesday morning.

Haverhill police said they responded to the Cedar’s plan on Foundation Avenue around 10:30 a.m. for a report of a disturbance involving a weapon. When they arrived, they found two people suffering from apparent stab wounds.

Both people were provided with medical assistance on scene and taken to area hospitals with what police described as serious injuries. Their names have not been released, and no update on their conditions was immediately available.

Preliminary investigation determined that the two people knew each other, and police said there is no ongoing threat to the public. They said their investigation into the incident remains active.

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