State House and political general assignment reporter

Chris Van Buskirk

Chris Van Buskirk is the Herald's State House and political reporter. Email him at cvanbuskirk@bostonherald.com

The Healey administration plans to shuttle $50 million in state funds to a “community climate bank” to finance the reduction of greenhouse gasses from new and existing affordable housing, a move Mayor Michelle Wu said will help bring down the cost of living in Boston.

Healey announces new ‘community climate bank’ dedicated to affordable housing

June 13, 2023 at 4:22 p.m.

The Healey administration plans to shuttle $50 million in state funds to a “community climate bank” to finance the reduction of greenhouse gasses from new and existing affordable housing, a...

A Marlborough Democrat wants to repeal the state tax cap law that sent billions in reimbursement checks to residents last year, filing the idea as one of the 70-plus amendments to the Senate's tax relief proposal scheduled for debate later this week.

Eliminating tax cap law among 70-plus amendments to Senate’s $586M tax relief plan

June 13, 2023 at 2:17 p.m.

A Marlborough Democrat wants to repeal the state tax cap law that sent billions in reimbursement checks to residents last year, filing the idea as one of the 70-plus amendments...

Health disparities experienced by communities of color cost Massachusetts about $5.9 billion a year, with a quarter of the economic burden associated with avoidable healthcare spending and another quarter due to lost labor productivity, according to a report released this morning.

Health |
Health disparities among communities of color cost Massachusetts $5.9 billion a year

June 13, 2023 at 1:02 a.m.

Health disparities experienced by communities of color cost Massachusetts about $5.9 billion a year, with a quarter of the economic burden associated with avoidable healthcare spending and another quarter due...

A Boston cop remained in stable condition Saturday morning after being shot multiple times Friday night while responding to a robbery, a department spokesman said.

Crime & Public Safety |
23-year-old Brockton man accused of shooting six-year Boston police veteran

June 10, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.

A Boston cop remained in stable condition Saturday morning after being shot multiple times Friday night while responding to a robbery, a department spokesman said.

Any person 18 years or older could grow, eat, or share magic mushrooms under legislation pending on Beacon Hill that supporters say will offer residents another option to treat mental health and addiction disorders.

Politics |
Decriminalize magic mushrooms, say Democrats who have filed bills to loosen psilocybin law in Massachusetts

June 10, 2023 at 12:44 p.m.

Any person 18 years or older could grow, eat, or share magic mushrooms under legislation pending on Beacon Hill that supporters say will offer residents another option to treat mental...

Boston police received 47 reports of drink spiking in the city during the first six months of the year, according to data provided to the Herald.

Boston police received 47 drink spiking reports in first six months of 2023

June 10, 2023 at 6:45 a.m.

Boston police received 47 reports of drink spiking in the city during the first six months of the year, according to data provided to the Herald.

A beach advocacy group awarded more than $317,000 to 92 organizations for free beach events and programs on public spaces up and down the Massachusetts coastline.

More than $317,000 awarded to 90-plus groups for free beach events around Boston

June 9, 2023 at 6:06 p.m.

A beach advocacy group awarded more than $317,000 to 92 organizations for free beach events and programs on public spaces up and down the Massachusetts coastline.

The state’s top law enforcement office has issued 287 citations over the past three years for violations of Massachusetts’ child labor laws, Attorney General Andrea Campbell said Thursday, just as her office fined Dave & Busters for overworking minors and breaking meal break laws.

Dave & Busters fined for breaking child labor, meal break laws, AG Campbell says

June 8, 2023 at 5:50 p.m.

The state’s top law enforcement office has issued 287 citations over the past three years for violations of Massachusetts’ child labor laws, Attorney General Andrea Campbell said Thursday, just as...

Senate Democrats rolled out a $586 million tax relief proposal Thursday that boosts several housing-related initiatives but steers clear of significant changes to Massachusetts’ tax-cap law and short term capital gains tax.

Senate release $586 million tax relief plan that avoids changes to tax cap law

June 8, 2023 at 12:21 p.m.

Senate Democrats rolled out a $586 million tax relief proposal Thursday that boosts several housing-related initiatives but steers clear of significant changes to Massachusetts’ tax-cap law and short term capital...

The now-shuttered Compass Medical owes money to a handful of state and federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Internal Revenue Service, and state Department of Unemployment Assistance, according to a Wednesday filing in federal court.

Compass Medical owes money to state, federal agencies new bankruptcy court filing show

June 7, 2023 at 5:13 p.m.

The now-shuttered Compass Medical owes money to a handful of state and federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Internal Revenue Service, and state Department...

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