CERTIFICATION OF POLICE OFFICERS WHO ARE PARDONED FELONS (H 2582)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that amends a current law which prohibits the state from certifying or recertifying as a police officer, anyone who has been convicted of a felony. The bill would amend the law by continuing to prohibit certification for a felon even if the person has received a presidential or gubernatorial pardon for commission of the crime.
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FOUR MORE POSSIBLE BALLOT QUESTIONS FOR NOVEMBER 2026 ELECTION ARE CERTIFIED

By Bob Katzen

Secretary of State Bill Galvin announced last week that petitions for four more potential ballot questions have been determined to contain the 74,754 certified signatures needed to advance another step toward going on the November 2026 ballot for voters to decide. With these four certifications, Galvin’s office has now cleared nine proposals for possible advancement toward the 2026 statewide ballot.
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Somerville/Medford Remembering Richard W. Fleming

Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard W. Fleming, aged 89, of
Medford, Massachusetts, who died peacefully on January 2, 2026, after a long and faithful life.
Born in Barryroe, County Cork, Ireland, in 1936, he was the son of the late William and Hannah
Fleming and the eldest of eight children. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Richard W. Fleming