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Former US Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years has been released, his advocates say

Former US Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years has been released, his advocates say

A former U.S. Marine from Massachusetts who has been held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges has been released
AP News AP News
Former US Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years has been released, group says

Former US Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years has been released, group says

A former U.S. Marine from Massachusetts who has been held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges has been released
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Virginia data center boom pushes Dominion deeper into costly power market

Virginia data center boom pushes Dominion deeper into costly power market

By Tim McLaughlin Aug 11 (Reuters) - Dominion's fuel costs in Virginia have risen nearly 90% in five years as data-center-driven demand leaves the utility increasingly exposed to volatile wholesale electricity prices.
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Gov. Healey Signs Law Expanding Abortion Rights, Removing Gestational Limits

Gov. Healey Signs Law Expanding Abortion Rights, Removing Gestational Limits

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has signed a new law that expands abortion rights in the state by removing gestational limits on abortion procedures. The legislation, known as H.5595, allows physicians to perform abortions based on their professional judgment without the previous restrictions that limited abortions after 24 weeks to specific circumstances. This change positions Massachusetts as one of the few states without statutory gestational limits on abortion. The law also modifies the state's medical-review requirements, ensuring that the professional judgment of the treating physician and the patient is not overridden. The signing of this law comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had protected abortion rights nationwide for nearly five decades.
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Massachusetts Law Sparks Debate Over Abortion Regulations Post-24 Weeks

Massachusetts Law Sparks Debate Over Abortion Regulations Post-24 Weeks

A new law in Massachusetts has sparked controversy by allowing abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy based on a physician's professional judgment. This development follows a rumor that the state legalized 'abortion until birth,' which has been widely circulated on social media. The law, signed by Governor Maura Healey, updates existing regulations that already permitted late-term abortions under specific circumstances, such as to preserve the life or health of the gestating person or in cases of severe fetal anomalies. The updated statute aims to enhance abortion protections, allowing medical professionals more discretion in providing necessary care. This change has been met with both support and criticism, reflecting the ongoing national debate over abortion rights following the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
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Quabbin Reservoir Towns Face Financial Strain Protecting Water Supply for Eastern Massachusetts

Quabbin Reservoir Towns Face Financial Strain Protecting Water Supply for Eastern Massachusetts

Towns surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts are facing financial challenges as they continue to protect the water supply for over 2.7 million people in Eastern Massachusetts. Despite their critical role, these towns receive inadequate compensation through the state's PILOT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) system. For instance, Shutesbury, which sacrifices a significant portion of its land for the reservoir, receives only a fraction of the potential tax revenue. This financial strain has led to increased property taxes for residents and underfunded public services, highlighting the disparity between the value of the land and the compensation provided.
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Massachusetts Governor Signs Bill Expanding Abortion Access Amid Reelection Campaign

Massachusetts Governor Signs Bill Expanding Abortion Access Amid Reelection Campaign

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has signed a bill expanding abortion access later in pregnancy, positioning the state's laws among the most permissive in the nation. The legislation allows for abortions beyond 24 weeks based on the professional judgment of a physician, removing previous restrictions that limited such procedures to specific circumstances. The bill's signing comes as Healey campaigns for reelection, framing abortion access as a critical issue in the upcoming election. The move has sparked debate, with supporters advocating for reproductive rights and opponents expressing concerns over the removal of protections for unborn children.
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Baltimore City Council President Leads Protest Against BGE's Proposed Rate Hike

Baltimore City Council President Leads Protest Against BGE's Proposed Rate Hike

Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen led a protest in downtown Baltimore against Baltimore Gas and Electric's (BGE) proposed $156 million rate increase. The demonstration included community, consumer, environmental, and labor leaders who oppose the hike, which would raise consumer electric bills by $8 per month. BGE argues the increase is necessary to invest in infrastructure to reduce outages and recover storm damage costs. The Maryland Public Service Commission is reviewing the request, with new rates expected to take effect in early 2027. Cohen criticized BGE as a 'predatory monopoly' and highlighted the financial strain on Baltimore residents, many of whom are already struggling with high electric rates.
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Democratic Attorneys General Support Harvard in Federal Funding Dispute

Democratic Attorneys General Support Harvard in Federal Funding Dispute

Democratic attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia have filed an amicus brief urging a federal appeals court to uphold a ruling against the Trump administration's decision to freeze research funding for Harvard University. The funding was halted amid a dispute over campus antisemitism. The brief emphasizes the public benefit of research institutions and the negative impact of federal interference on such research. The attorneys general argue that universities should manage their internal issues without the threat of funding cuts. The brief highlights the importance of research universities to state economies and criticizes the Trump administration's actions as counterproductive to both the Jewish community and the nation's residents who rely on medical advancements. Massachusetts led the filing, with support from states like Minnesota, Vermont, and Nevada.
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Governor Healey Signs Expanded Abortion Law to Enhance Access in Massachusetts

Governor Healey Signs Expanded Abortion Law to Enhance Access in Massachusetts

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has signed a new law that removes restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks of gestation. The legislation allows abortions to be performed based on the professional judgment of a physician, eliminating the previous framework that limited such procedures to life-threatening situations. The law aims to keep more patients in-state for care and is a response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The bill, filed by Rep. Christine Barber, was fast-tracked through the legislature and will take effect in 90 days.
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Former US Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years on disputed charges has been released

Former US Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years on disputed charges has been released

A former U.S. Marine from Massachusetts who has been held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges has been released