To applause today and a resounding confirmation vote to be Secretary of State yesterday, Senator John Kerry marked his exit from the United States Senate. After a distinguished career in the Senate, Kerry moves on to be the nation’s top diplomat, a post which many
UPDATED 1/30/13 12:56 AM: Markey kickoff details added. The United States Senate confirmed Senator John Kerry to the post of Secretary of State this afternoon. The vote was not even close, but included a few interesting no votes. We will have more on Kerry’s confirmation
…And the World: We begin today in Egypt where protests continue against President Mohammed Morsi following the second anniversary of revolts that brought down former President Hosni Mubarak. Morsi has declared a state of emergency, which suspends some judicial and civil rights processes. Morsi has
NORTHAMPTON—Three years ago United States Supreme Court, in a ruling widely derided as putting corporations on the same level as people, let loose moneyed interests, already quite powerful within the nation’s political system. Citizens United v. FEC, became a touchstone in American jurisprudence, on part
UPDATED 1/25/13 1:06PM: Comments by Councilor Ashe added. SPRINGFIELD—Surrounded by city firefighters, family and colleagues from across the region, Joseph Conant was formally installed as Springfield Fire Commissioner, after a year of holding the job on an acting basis. Conant, 46, takes full and formal
We took yesterday off for Martin Luther King Day, but it just so happens there was an Inauguration, too… …And the World: We begin today in Israel where, as the Washington Post had predicted, incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s electoral scheme has, indeed backfired. Right-wing
SPRINGFIELD—In a city where the mayor wields tremendous power relative to the legislative branch, it can be difficult to adequately hold the executive branch accountable. Similarly, some councilors may show caution before premature votes, too. However, for either effort to be effective and, just as
In his 2013 State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Deval Patrick laid out a bold vision for the commonwealth urging higher income taxes, offset, in part, by lower sales tax. The Governor is attempting to make his final two years in office as worthwhile as
UPDATED 1/19/13: For grammar and clarity. SPRINGFIELD—Defying the low expectations of many City Council watchers, Council President and at-large Councilor Jimmy Ferrera appointed the Council’s committees, but without the inequitable and punitive air that characterized last year’s appointments. Chairs of committees were spread among councilors,
…And the World: We begin today in Mali where French fighter jets have attacked Islamist fighters that were advancing on the capital Bamako. The attack, which the US was reportedly wary about, may not have stopped the fighters, however, who had seized control of the