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Massachusetts
Massachusetts State Police, Fall River Police announce Blue Envelope Program to foster safe environment for neuro-diverse, autistic drivers
The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the implementation of the Blue Envelope Program, an initiative to foster a safer and more understanding environment during traffic stops for drivers with autism. The voluntary program provides individuals on the autism spectrum with specially designed blue envelopes to carry their driver’s licenses, which informs police officers about their diagnosis and other essential communication guidelines to ensure more effective and sensitive communication during the interaction.
The Blue Envelope Program is the result of a partnership between the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, The Arc of Massachusetts, and individuals with autism and their families.
The Fall River Police Department also announced this week that they will be participating in the program.
The program includes a state-issued blue envelope that holds a driver’s essential documents—license, registration, and a contact card. In addition, information printed on the envelope’s exterior identifies the operator as a person with autism spectrum disorder, provides instructions for a police officer on how to enhance communication with the driver, and how to reduce anxiety and stress the driver may be experiencing as a result of being stopped or involved in an incident. The envelope also lists guidelines for the driver, including what to expect during a traffic stop and how to present the Blue Envelope to the officer.
“In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the Blue Envelope Program reflects our deep commitment to supporting programs that strengthen inclusivity and support law enforcement’s ability to more effectively meet the needs of every community member,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the collaboration of our partners who brought this important public safety program to fruition.”
“Our administration is dedicated to implementing effective programs that foster inclusivity, support the unique needs of our residents, and promote public safety,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Blue Envelope Program will help to ensure more successful communication between police officers and drivers living on the autism spectrum.”
“This new program provides an essential tool to enhance communication between police officers and drivers with autism while helping officers to recognize possible behaviors and more effectively engage individuals during traffic stops, motor vehicle accidents, or mechanical breakdowns,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.
“The most important qualities a police officer must possess are empathy and understanding. Those who wear the badge never stand so tall as when they conduct themselves in a manner that eases fear, anxiety, and confusion of a person in a difficult situation,” said Colonel John J. Mawn Jr., Interim Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “It is incumbent upon us, as law enforcement officers and compassionate community caretakers, to recognize and mitigate the stressful effects that interaction with a police officer can have on a person with autism. The Blue Envelope Program is an important step toward that goal.”
The Blue Envelope Program addresses several key objectives:
- -Providing officers with immediate, accessible information about autism promotes empathy and patience, leading to more positive interactions;
- -The envelopes serve as a visual cue that helps officers adjust their communication style, thus reducing anxiety for the driver;
- -The printed guidelines make it easier for officers to communicate effectively with individuals with autism, even in high-stress situations like traffic stops; and
- -For persons with autism and their families, it encourages preparedness—by keeping their important documents in the envelope and understanding how to present them during a stop, drivers can feel more confident and secure.
“The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association is proud to partner with the Massachusetts State Police in this worthwhile endeavor,” said Agawam Police Chief Eric P. Gillis, President of the organization. “We feel the Blue Envelope Program will enhance the relationship between individuals on the autism spectrum and public safety officers by creating a better way to communicate during traffic encounters.”
More information about the Blue Envelope Program, including how to request an envelope online and how to prepare, carry, and display them, is available here.
Blue envelopes are available at all Massachusetts State Police Barracks. Blue envelopes will soon be available at local police departments (please call your local police department to check availability beforehand).
“These Blue Envelopes affirm our commitment to a Commonwealth where neuro-diverse individuals can live their lives safely, independently, and with dignity,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), the recipient of AFAM’s 2024 Distinguished Legislator of the Year award. “I am grateful to the State Police for making the envelopes available, and to the people on the autism spectrum and their families and allies for advocating for this idea and working to ensure equal opportunity for people of all abilities.”
“This Autism Acceptance month, I am thrilled to stand with the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA), and advocacy organizations such as the Advocates for Autism of MA (AFAM) and take part in celebrating the commencement of the State Police Blue Envelope Project,” said Representative Kay Khan (D-Newton). “This initiative could not have been fulfilled if it were not for the voices of countless self-advocates living with autism in the Commonwealth who came forward and shared their lived experiences, as well as members of law enforcement who acted to ensure that equitable accommodations be made to facilitate understanding and better communication between law enforcement and autistic drivers.”
Representatives of the Massachusetts State Police Traffic Programs Section, which is administering the Blue Envelope Program for the Department, and members of the Department’s Community Liaison Team, are attending today’s 19th annual Autism Advocacy Day at the State House, hosted by Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). AFAM applauded the initiative, noting that people who have autism don’t have any physical characteristics that alert others to their diagnosis.
“The Blue Envelope is a game changer for our family,” said Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an AFAM Executive Committee member. “My 25-year-old son, Sam, has autism and is a very safe driver. However, like most people with autism, Sam doesn’t have any physical characteristics that would alert a Trooper that he has autism in case of a traffic stop or accident. The Blue Envelope would alert law enforcement of Sam’s autism diagnosis, thereby decreasing the chances of any tragic misunderstanding.”
April is National Autism Acceptance Month. The MSP will present information about the Blue Envelope Program at various community events throughout this month and beyond.
Local News
The legislation would allow licensed establishments to sell alcohol one hour later than their normal closing time, up to 3 a.m., between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026.
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow cities and towns to temporarily extend bar and restaurant hours during the summer, as the state prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches and celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The legislation (H.5465) filed by state Rep. Carole Fiola, would allow licensed establishments to sell alcohol one hour later than their normal closing time, up to 3 a.m., between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026. The bill would also allow communities to establish designated public consumption districts where alcohol could be consumed in approved public spaces.
In a press release announcing the bill, Fiola said the summer’s threefold events lineup — the World Cup, Tall Ships, and July 4th — is an economically significant moment that the state should take advantage of.
“We should capitalize on these events that will generate economic benefits for small businesses and the state as a whole. It’s a local opt-in idea worth exploring that’s being done in other states,” Fiola said.
The proposal has received support from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and most recently Gov. Maura Healey, who submitted written testimony Monday to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies urging lawmakers to advance the measure.
“Massachusetts is planning for a once-in-a-generation summer,” Healey wrote, according to the Boston Globe. “In 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, welcome tall ships from around the world to Boston Harbor for Sail Boston, and host seven FIFA World Cup matches in Foxborough, along with watch parties across the Commonwealth.”
The governor argued that the added flexibility could help local economies benefit from an influx of visitors.
“That flexibility can help communities capture more visitor spending, support jobs, keep downtowns active, and strengthen Massachusetts’ image as a dynamic destination ready to host the world and a place our residents, including our young professionals, are proud to call home,” Healey wrote.
She also urged lawmakers to move the legislation forward, saying it will “help Massachusetts meet the full economic and cultural opportunities for the summer ahead.”
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Rhode Island bill proposes 24-hour bar hours during World Cup
In Rhode Island, a similar bill to allow bars and restaurants to remain open until 4 a.m. during the World Cup was signed into law on Friday.
Fiola’s bill remains before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Any final version would require approval from both the House and Senate before reaching Healey’s desk.
The meteor responsible for a loud boom heard in Rhode Island and Massachusetts Saturday afternoon was approximately 5 feet in diameter and weighed more than 12,000 pounds, according to NASA.
The object entered Earth’s atmosphere at roughly 42,000 mph, a NASA spokesperson said. It then traveled through the atmosphere from northwest to southeast for 26 miles before breaking up and producing a meteorite fall into Cape Cod Bay.
The energy released when the object broke up at an altitude of 31 miles is estimated to be equivalent to about 230 tons of TNT, according to NASA.
Professor Ralph Milliken of the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown University spoke with NBC 10’s Mike Cerullo. (WJAR)
While it’s not very common to experience a 5-foot-wide meteorite, there is a significant amount of debris from space that reaches Earth.
“The estimates are that we probably have about 5,000 tons of cosmic dust and material and meteorites landing on Earth. The vast majority of that is super tiny stuff, we’re talking things that are smaller than a grain of sand, or the thickness of a human hair,” said Professor Ralph Milliken of the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown University. “For something of this size a few feet across, it’s not that common, but a few a year. Most of these would occur over uninhabited areas, over the ocean, and we wouldn’t be able to see them, but they are detected.”
Because of its size, a meteorite with a 5-foot diameter is difficult to track before it enter Earth’s atmosphere.
“It’s virtually impossible to kind of know in advance of this size object coming,” Milliken said.
The area where a meteorite crashed in Cape Cod Bay. (WJAR)
Scientists are, however, able to track much larger space objects. NASA has been developing technology to try to deflect larger objects if needed.
Events like what occurred in New England over the weekend are recorded. Although other fireballs enter Earth’s atmosphere throughout the year, many of them materialize over water and uninhabited areas.
Massachusetts
Winners’ circle: Tracking every 2026 spring high school championship – The Boston Globe
Championship season is upon us, and we’re tracking every title winner in Massachusetts this spring.
From the golf sectionals in late May to championship weekend June 11-14, a four-day stretch in which 31 titlists will be crowned across boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, boys and girls’ tennis, boys’ and girls’ rugby, boys’ volleyball, softball, and baseball, we’ll have you covered.
Find all the dates, brackets, seedings, matchups, and links to our postseason previews here.
Follow us on X @GlobeSchools, Instagram @BGlobeSchools, and Facebook to stay up to date.
Over at Globe.com/Schools you’ll find our daily scoreboard, nightly Takeaways, game coverage, videos, live streams, and our weekly Varsity News newsletter (sign up for free) to keep you in the know.
Division 1: Lexington girls, St. John’s Prep boys
Lexington girls graduate to two-time Division 1 track champions, St. John’s Prep sprints to boys’ title
Division 2: Billerica girls, North Andover boys
Billerica girls unphazed by move up to Division 2, going back-to-back as North Andover boys dominate
Division 3: Canton girls, Walpole boys
Canton girls cap greatest season with first Division 3 track title, Walpole boys win by thinnest margin
Division 4: Duxbury girls, Newburyport boys
Historic win for Duxbury girls, Mohoric paces Newburyport boys to Division 4 outdoor track championship
Division 5: North Reading girls, Weston boys
It’s four in a row for North Reading girls, two straight for Weston boys at Division 5 track championships
Division 6: Ayer Shirley girls, Abington boys
Ayer Shirley girls pick up where they left off, Abington boys twinning at Division 6 track championships
Day 1, Divisions 1, 2, and 5: Lexington boys and girls setting the pace at Division 1 track & field championships
Day 1, Divisions 3, 4, and 6: Canton girls make a strong run to first at Division 3 track championships
South: Walpole | With Tori Adams as its driving force, Walpole scores third straight MIAA South girls’ golf championship
North/Central/West: Hopkinton | Concord-Carlisle’s Sophie Redmond, Hopkinton rule MIAA girls’ golf championship for North/Central/West
With titles for Natick and Peabody and smiles for all, MIAA unified track championship ‘beyond inspiring’
Brendan Kurie can be reached at brendan.kurie@globe.com. Follow him on X @BrendanKurie.
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