CHARLIE BAKER

The fall of Roe v. Wade shifted the battleground over abortion to courthouses around the country, as abortion foes looked to quickly enact statewide bans and the other side sought to buy more time.

The Supreme Court's decision to end the constitutional right to abortion likely will lead to legal battles as already divided states grapple with the new landscape of abortion access.

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion.

Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker on Friday vetoed a bill that would make illegal immigrants eligible to receive state-issued driver’s licenses, though state lawmakers are poised to override the veto.

Bobby Portis made a putback off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s missed free throw with 15 seconds left, Jrue Holiday snuffed Marcus Smart on Boston’s final two possessions and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Celtics 110-107 on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 series lead.

Gov. Charlie Baker is a popular Republican in a blue state. That's exactly why his party doesn't want him.

When she was elected mayor of Boston in November, Michelle Wu transformed the image of the city’s chief executive.

The Massachusetts governor’s refusal to seek reelection is a dark omen for the future of America’s two-party system.

Winter Weather New York A girls kicks at snow n New York's Times Square, Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. A winter storm that has already left areas of the south with more than 6 inches of snow moved into the northeast during the morning commute and prompted many school districts to close for the day. The storm also affected coronavirus testing sites, many of which have been overwhelmed with long lines and waits for days. The storm brought record-setting snow to some areas of the South on Thursday. Eastern Kentucky recorded 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and far western Kentucky had about 3 inches (8 centimeters).

Winter Weather New York A girls kicks at snow n New York's Times Square, Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. A winter storm that has already left areas of the south with more than 6 inches of snow moved into the northeast during the morning commute and prompted many school districts to close for the day. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (Richard Drew)BOSTON — (AP) — A winter storm that has already left areas of the South with more than 6 inches (15 centimeters) of snow moved into the Northeast on Friday during the morning commute and prompted many school districts to close for the day. The storm brought record-setting snow to some areas of the South on Thursday. Eastern Kentucky recorded 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and far western Kentucky had about 3 inches (8 centimeters).

A winter storm in the eastern U.S. has snarled travel and given hundreds of school districts struggling amid a surge in coronavirus cases an excuse to shut down for a respite.

In New York colleges and universities like New York University and Columbia will start classes remotely in January.

An expected decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in the coming year to severely restrict abortion rights or overturn Roe v.

The Guard members will provide support for transportation, observation, security, moving patients and delivering meals.

Charlie Baker announced Tuesday he will activate up to 500 members of the National Guard to support understaffed hospitals across the state facing a surge of COVID-19 patients and to bolster non-emergency medical transportation needs. The company found that 76% of 504 COVID-19 samples taken Dec. 14-15 were the omicron variant. The county is also seeing a spike in positive COVID-19 cases, which stand at 10% after dropping to about 1% a month ago, according to data. The recommendation comes as Germany anticipates a steep rise in infections as a result of the new highly contagious omicron variant. One Houston hospital system has reported the omicron variant is accounting for 82% of new COVID-19 cases it is treating.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision not to seek a third term has sparked a scramble among potential successors in a suddenly wide-open race. Can Republicans find a way to hang on to the governor’s office — their only remaining lever of power in a state when Democrats hold every other statewide office, every seat in Congress, and overwhelming majorities in the Massachusetts House and Senate? Since its first governor, signer of the U.S. Constitution John Hancock, took office way back in 1780, Massachusetts has elected an unbroken string of men as governor. Only one woman has served, but on an acting basis: Lt. Gov. Jane Swift, a Republican, took over as governor in 2001 after Paul Cellucci became ambassador to Canada.

U.S. health officials say that while the omicron variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading in the country, early indications suggest it may be less dangerous than delta, which continues to drive a surge of hospitalizations.

Baker, a Republican, is currently more popular with Democrats than with Republicans.

Charlie Baker announced Wednesday he won't seek a third term as governor of Massachusetts, where his party is bitterly split between supporters and foes of former President Donald Trump. His decision means there will be an open race for governor next year, and could encourage more candidates to jump in. Geoff Diehl, a former Republican state representative, has already announced his candidacy. Four years later, Baker ran again, defeating former Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley and taking office in January 2015. In his second run for governor in 2018, Baker easily defeated Democrat Jay Gonzalez.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker says he won’t seek a third term as governor of Massachusetts.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has signed an ordinance designed to divest the city from fossil fuels.

Michelle Wu has been sworn in as Boston’s first woman and first person of color elected mayor in the city’s history.

Across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, nearly half a million residents were left without power due to the storm.

Across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, nearly half a million residents were left without power due to the storm.

President Joe Biden’s most aggressive move yet to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is almost ready to see the light of day.

Dozens of Massachusetts State Police troopers have submitted paperwork to resign in response to the governor's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to a union that represents around 1,800 officers.

Dozens of Massachusetts State Police troopers have submitted paperwork to resign in response to the governor's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to a union that represents around 1,800 officers.

Under the governor's executive order, all executive department employees are required to show proof of vaccination by Oct. 17. Up to 20% of employees are not vaccinated.

In a story published September 27, 2021, about vaccine mandates for health care workers, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Dr. Jeff Smith was the CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

The pandemic has contributed to a shortage in bus drivers, so Gov. Charlie Baker says 250 Guard members with commercial driver's licenses will be brought in to help.

Up to 250 personnel have been made available in the state to help with the staffing shortage.

School bus driver shortage Stock photo of school buses. A critical bus driver shortage prompted Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, to activate the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with ongoing school transportation woes. (David Prahl/Getty Images/iStockphoto)BOSTON — A critical bus driver shortage prompted Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday to activate the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with ongoing school transportation woes.

Forecasters said Henri was expected to remain at or near hurricane strength when it makes landfall midafternoon Sunday.

Parts of the Northeast could begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Henri as soon as late Saturday, as the storm barrels toward the region.

EDT., and provided by NOAA, shows Tropical Storm Henri in the Atlantic Ocean. Henri was expected to intensify into a hurricane by Saturday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. — (AP) — Parts of the Northeast could begin to experience impacts from Tropical Storm Henri as soon as late Saturday, as the system that is expected to become a hurricane by the end of the day barrels toward the region. Storm surge and the tide could cause high water in coastal New England as Henri moves inland, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in an advisory. It was a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds at 70 mph (110 kph), and was moving north-northeast at 12 mph (19 kph).

Henri is now a hurricane.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) issued an executive order Thursday that requires executive department employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on or by Oct. 17. Why it matters: Baker's order comes as other Republican governors push back on vaccine and masks mandates. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Democratic governors in Minnesota, Washington, California, Illinois and New York, among others, have mandated vaccination for state employees.

California Recall In this July 26, 2021 file photo Gov. The Trump conundrum — he remains popular with the GOP base — is perhaps best witnessed in Republican California candidate Caitlyn Jenner, the former Olympian and reality TV personality. Despite Democratic leanings, Eastern states have a history of electing moderate Republican governors, while California has been growing increasingly Democratic. There also are quirks to the California recall election that could set the stage for an unexpected finish. In a recall, voters will be asked two questions: First, should Newsom be removed, yes or no?

California Recall In this July 26, 2021 file photo Gov. But there are exceptions: Republican governors have defied the odds in solidly Democratic territory — Vermont, Massachusetts and Maryland. Marshall Cohen, political director at the Democratic Governors Association, said the California race is entirely different than the elections in Vermont, Massachusetts and Maryland. Despite Democratic leanings, Eastern states have a history of electing moderate Republican governors, while California has been growing increasingly Democratic. There also are quirks to the California recall election that could set the stage for an unexpected finish.

Republicans are facing tough odds of ousting liberal Gov. Gavin Newsom in a recall election in heavily Democratic California.

California Republicans see a chance of ousting embattled Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in a September recall election.

About 73 percent of the renters likeliest to be evicted are people of color and about 56 percent are women.

Lebanon has vaccinated a daily record of people against COVID-19, raising the total number of shots administered around the country against the virus to more than 1 million.

With COVID-19 cases declining and vaccinations increasing, governors across the U.S. are wrestling with decisions about when to declare an end to the emergency declarations they have issued and reissued throughout the pandemic.

Washington is the latest state to offer prizes to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with Gov. Jay Inslee announcing a series of giveaways during the month of June that include lottery drawings totaling $2 million, college tuition assistance, airline tickets and game systems.

The German government is following up on media reports that some coronavirus testing centers have overbilled authorities for the number of tests taken.

More cities and states are shrugging off lingering COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise and the number of infections falls.

The party has many very popular governors in blue states. Republicans hate them.

A number of states have embraced new federal guidelines that say fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors or out in most situations.

President Joe Biden is highlighting new programs from ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft to provide free rides to and from vaccination sites as the pace of vaccination shots nationally declines.

Nations around the world are setting new records for COVID-19 deaths and coronavirus infections, and the disease is surging even in some countries that have kept the virus in check.

Eric Holcomb received his COVID-19 vaccine shot Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the opening of the state’s first mass vaccination clinic. Holcomb wore a face mask in the front passenger seat of an SUV while getting the shot of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the drive-through clinic. Ad___TORONTO — Canada is getting a fourth vaccine to prevent COVID-19, approving the Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose. Canada has pre-purchased 10 million Johnson & Johnson doses, with options to buy another 28 million. The U.S. approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine last month.

Giving the vaccine to teachers and other school staff “will help protect our communities," Pennsylvania Gov. The Department of Health and Human Services has ordered all states to make teachers, school staff, bus drivers and child care workers eligible for shots. In Wisconsin, teachers will get priority when the state receives its first shipment of about 48,000 doses of the J&J vaccine, health authorities said. In Texas, where teachers have been battling to gain access to shots, state officials on Wednesday ordered vaccine providers to begin administering shots to school workers. “The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Michigan Gov.

Employees with the McKesson Corporation scan a box of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine while filling an order at their shipping facility in Shepherdsville, Ky., Monday, March 1, 2021. AdThe push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Johnson & Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June. White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments “ remains too difficult in too many places."

The Justice Department said Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 it will appeal a judges ruling that found the federal governments eviction moratorium was unconstitutional. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)WASHINGTON – The Justice Department said Saturday it will appeal a judge’s ruling that found the federal government’s eviction moratorium was unconstitutional. “The CDC’s eviction moratorium, which Congress extended last December, protects many renters who cannot make their monthly payments due to job loss or health care expenses," he said. “By preventing people from becoming homeless or having to move into more-crowded housing, the moratorium helps to slow the spread of COVID-19.”AdThe CDC eviction moratorium was signed in September by President Donald Trump and extended by President Joe Biden until March 31. “The federal government cannot say that it has ever before invoked its power over interstate commerce to impose a residential eviction moratorium,” Barker wrote.

People line up for vaccines at a clinic in Central Falls, R.I., Saturday Feb. 20, 2021. Nearly a third of adults in the city have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to state data. Like Central Falls, it’s a tiny former industrial city that is overwhelmingly Latino. But the two cities’ fortunes could not be more different during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. And the vaccine rollout hasn’t been all smooth sailing in Central Falls.

(AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)ALBANY, N.Y. – At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, two Democratic governors on opposite ends of the country were hailed as heroes for their leadership in a crisis. The COVID-19 virus has been an especially painful illustration of that point. “New York and California are under a magnifying glass,” said Jared Leopold, former spokesman for the Democratic Governors Association. First, the state’s Democratic attorney general chastised the Cuomo administration for minimizing the death toll at nursing homes by excluding certain fatalities from the count. “Any of these Democratic governors are going to come off these initial highs they got that were better than Republican governors,” Stutzman, a Republican, argued.

He went on to say that by the end of July his administration can deliver 600 million doses for Americans. But “it's one thing to have a vaccine available, the problem was how to get to people's arms.”The Pfizer plant Biden toured, near Kalamazoo, produces one of the two federally approved COVID-19 shots. "I would’ve gotten there some way.”AdWhite House adviser Slavitt said the 6 million doses delayed won’t spoil and the vaccine is “safe and sound” under refrigeration. Slavitt said about 1.4 million doses were being shipped Friday as the work of clearing the backlog begins. The Virginia Department of Health reported that it was expecting delays on about 90% of its expected 120,000 doses this week and warned that delays could cascade into next week.

Making decisions about risks large or small in the pandemic era is fraught enough. But the storms and outages ravaging Texas and other states have added a whole new layer to the process. But the storms and outages that have hit a big swath of the U.S. over the past several days have added a whole new layer of complexity. They’re taking precautions while there, she said, including wearing two face masks each and keeping their distance from other people. Under normal circumstances, the family could stay with neighbors or family, but the pandemic has made that harder.

Coronavirus vaccination sites across the Northeastern U.S. are getting back up and running after a two-day snowstorm that also shut down public transport, closed schools and canceled flights. Some vaccination sites in New York City remained closed, but others, including those run by the public hospital system, were open Tuesday. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Coronavirus vaccination sites across the Northeast ramped back up Tuesday after a two-day snowstorm that also shut down public transport, closed schools and stranded travelers with canceled flights. Some vaccination sites in the city remained closed, but others, including those run by the public hospital system, were open Tuesday. Tom Wolf declared a disaster emergency after snowfall of up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) throughout central and eastern regions.

The winter weather prompted school districts to cancel in-person learning on Monday, and many COVID-19 vaccination sites were closed and rescheduling appointments. As much as 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow was predicted to fall in areas throughout the day Monday and overnight. 11:30 a.m.BOSTON — The second phase of Massachusetts’ coronavirus vaccine rollout is being disrupted by a winter storm that’s causing schedule changes and at least one vaccination location to shutdown. A winter storm warning remained in effect until Tuesday for much of the state. Most of the state remained under winter storm warnings or winter weather advisories that were expected to remain in effect through Tuesday morning.

(Peter Meecham/New Zealand Herald via AP)WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Travelers returning to New Zealand will face stricter rules at quarantine hotels as health authorities investigate how up to three people got infected with the coronavirus while isolating at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel. The record increase of 65 deaths is three more than the previous one-day record reported on Jan. 6, according to health department records. The university and county health department are asking students to limit leaving their residence to going to classes, getting food, work and other necessary in-person activities. The health department said in the news release that if the case counts continues to rise, stricter measures will have to be applied. The previous one-day record of 62 was reported Jan. 6, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

But if the U.S. Capitol — a shining symbol of democracy with a dedicated police force— can be overrun by a violent mob, could state capitols be next? Protesters in Idaho temporarily derailed a special legislative session last August. In Oregon, where Trump supporters burned a life-size puppet of Democratic Gov. “Pretty sure more #txlege members are going to start carrying inside the Capitol,” Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain tweeted Thursday, a day after the Capitol grounds were abruptly shuttered as hundreds of Trump supporters demonstrated outside without any reported incidents. Mike Parson is planning for more than a thousand guests to gather Monday on the lawn of the state Capitol for his inaugural ceremony.

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)NEW YORK – The latest developments on the winter storm moving across the Northeast (all times local):7:45 p.m.Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday he is banning tractor trailer and tandem trailers from all limited access highways, beginning at 9 p.m. due to the severe winter snow storm. ___2 p.m.PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island has closed all state-run coronavirus testing sites as the region braces for a major winter storm. A winter storm warning has been issued for Providence and Kent counties from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 1 p.m. Thursday. Meanwhile, New Jersey is poised to restrict commercial traffic from some highways because of the impending snow storm.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Tuesday that all communities in the state will return to Phase 3, Step 1 of reopening beginning Sunday. A move back to Phase 3 Step 1 will close certain businesses including indoor performance and high contact indoor recreational facilities. When eating indoors at a restaurant, patrons will also now have to wear masks unless they are eating and drinking. "The days of most people doing most of the right things are probably not enough," Baker said. Kayrn Polito said, "These restrictions today are targeted ways we can fight back again the second surge of the virus.

Massachusetts governor announces reopening rollback Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Tuesday the state will roll back some of its reopening measures beginning Sunday. He said new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are "showing disturbing trends." Watch his remarks.

Expanded unemployment benefits will cease by the end of the year, reducing much-needed income for as many as 12 million Americans. And millions of Americans are at risk of running out of benefits when two key federal pandemic relief programs expire. All states enabled extended benefits during the pandemic, but some have since ceased them because of an improvement in employment. Anyone who has exhausted their traditional state benefits should ask their state employment agency if extended benefits are available. The nonpartisan think tank estimates that 2.9 million of those running out of PEUC will be able to collect extended benefits in 2021.

As of Sunday, California has had nearly 1.2 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 19,000 deaths since the pandemic began. ___HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:—Fauci: US may see ‘surge upon surge’ of virus in coming weeks—U.K. ___ATHENS, Greece — Greek authorities announced 1,193 new coronavirus cases Sunday, a significantly lower daily figure than recently. Of the 115 infections reported Sunday, 24 were untraceable. South Korea on Thursday registered more than 500 new virus cases for the first time in eight months.

Pete Ricketts warned that he could impose tighter social-distancing restrictions before Thanksgiving if hospitalizations continue to rise. In Washington state, elective procedures such as joint and heart valve replacements and some cancer surgeries could be postponed to make room for coronavirus patients, said Washington State Hospital Association CEO Cassie Sauer. Even so, health officials are trying everything they can to slow the spread and address an even worse surge that many say is inevitable. New York Gov. New York state has averaged nearly 5,500 new cases per day over the past seven days.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is giving a COVID-19 update Friday. He was expected to speak about a plan to reopen field hospitals in the state amid rising COVID-19 cases. Back in the spring, five field hospitals were opened in Boston, Worcester, Lowell, Dartmouth and Hyannis to deal with a surge. How to watch Baker's update on plan to reopen field hospitalsWhat: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker gives update on plan to reopen field hospitalsMassachusetts Governor Charlie Baker gives update on plan to reopen field hospitals Date: Friday, November 13, 2020Friday, November 13, 2020 Time: 12:30 p.m. "These field hospitals will be fully equipped with hospital beds, life-saving equipment, and medical supplies."

FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2020, file photo, a worker wearing gloves, and other PPE holds a tablet computer as he waits to check people at a King County coronavirus testing site in Auburn, Wash., south of Seattle. The latest surge in U.S. coronavirus cases appears to be larger and more widespread than the two previous ones, and it is all but certain to get worse. But experts say there are also reasons to think the nation is better able to deal with the virus this time around. Several states posted records Tuesday, including over 12,600 new cases in Illinois, 10,800 in Texas and 7,000 in Wisconsin. Governors made increasingly desperate pleas for people to take the fight against the virus more seriously.

Newly confirmed infections per day are rising in 47 states, and deaths are up in 34. Health experts had warned that it was only a matter of time before deaths turned upward, given the record-breaking surge in cases engulfing the country. Deaths are a lagging indicator — that is, it generally takes a few weeks for people to sicken and die from the coronavirus. The virus is blamed for more than 8.6 million confirmed infections and over 225,000 deaths in the U.S., the highest such totals in the world. Deaths are still well below the U.S. peak of over 2,200 per day in late April.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll spoke on Wednesday about new restrictions on Halloween activities as the state faces a rise in COVID-19 cases. Salem typically attracts half a million visitors during October, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the city is asking visitors without plans to not visit. The new restrictions in the city include early business closures, road closures and parking restrictions. CBSN BostonParades, balls, and all large city events for Halloween were canceled back in August. Governor Baker spoke about Halloween, saying outdoor trick-or-treating, if done in small groups with face coverings and limited interactions, is "a lot safer" than hosting a house party.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said Tuesday the state is developing a plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. The plan lays out the initial steps for a "robust, comprehensive and equitable" vaccine distribution system once one or more vaccines become available. Massachusetts is among the states that has recently seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases. High risk communities are those with over 8 cases per 100,000 residents during the last 14 days. "While we continue to plan for distribution of a vaccine, we can't take our eyes off the measures that we've been talking about for the last several months to keep people safe," Baker said Tuesday.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said Tuesday the state is developing a plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. The plan lays out the initial steps for a "robust, comprehensive and equitable" vaccine distribution system once one or more vaccines become available. Massachusetts is among the states that has recently seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases. High risk communities are those with over 8 cases per 100,000 residents during the last 14 days. "While we continue to plan for distribution of a vaccine, we can't take our eyes off the measures that we've been talking about for the last several months to keep people safe," Baker said Tuesday.

Jake Auchincloss has won a packed primary to become the Democratic nominee in the race to fill the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Joe Kennedy III in Massachusetts. Nearly 1 million voters, skittish over the coronavirus pandemic, used the mail option for Tuesdays primary. He was elected to the Newton City Council in 2015. Kennedy opted not to seek reelection so he could challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Edward Markey in the Senate Democratic primary, but lost that bid Tuesday, becoming the first member of the Kennedy political dynasty to lose a congressional race in Massachusetts. The few other members of Massachusetts all-Democratic congressional delegation who had faced primary opponents Reps. Richard Neal, Stephen Lynch and Seth Moulton all breezed through Tuesdays runoff.

BOSTON (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday ordered Massachusetts authorities to allow gun shops to reopen after the governor deemed them non-essential businesses that needed to close to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock in Boston ruled that the restrictions ordered by Republican Governor Charlie Baker in response to the pandemic imposed an improper burden on the constitutional rights of citizens seeking to possess firearms. Several would-be gun purchasers, retailers and gun rights advocacy groups, including the Second Amendment Foundation, sued, arguing the orders amounted to an unconstitutional ban on acquiring firearms and ammunition for self-defense purposes. Woodlock ordered the state to allow firearms retailers to re-open by noon on Saturday under restrictions meant to promote cleanliness and social distancing. The case is one of several nationally seeking to keep gun shops open after states began directing the closure of businesses to reduce infections.

BOSTON (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday ordered Massachusetts authorities to allow gun shops to reopen after the governor deemed them non-essential businesses that needed to close to slow the spread of the coronavirus. U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock in Boston ruled that the restrictions ordered by Republican Governor Charlie Baker in response to the pandemic imposed an improper burden on the constitutional rights of citizens seeking to possess firearms. The judge said he would direct the state to allow firearm retailers to re-open by noon on Saturday under a series of restrictions meant to promote cleanliness and social distancing. Several would-be gun purchasers, retailers and gun rights advocacy groups, including the Second Amendment Foundation, sued, arguing the orders amounted to an unconstitutional ban on acquiring firearms and ammunition for self-defense purposes. He cited a major gun-rights ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2008 holding that the U.S. Constitutions Second Amendment guaranteed an individuals right to own guns for self-defense inside the home.

Then there are bars and restaurants that blur the distinction by serving culinary cocktails such as Aviary in Chicago or BarMini in Washington, D.C. There is one other thing independent bars and restaurants have in common: they are both facing extinction. According to the IRC and James Beard Foundation, only 9%of the $349 billion offered in the first round of PPP went to independent bars and restaurants. Bars and restaurants are fighting back by taking insurance firms such as Hartford Insurance to court in class action suits. And, lastly, through organizations like the IRC, independent bars and restaurants are hoping to establish a $120 billion dollar stabilization fund.

U.S. coronavirus-related deaths reached a somber milestone on Tuesday, surpassing the number of Americans killed in the Vietnam War. More than 58,300 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. That compares with the National Archives figure of 58,220 deaths from the Vietnam War, which lasted more than a decade. New York Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday that his states stay-at-home advisory would not be lifted on May 4 but instead was extended until May 18.

4/19: Dr. Deborah Birx, Gov. Charlie Baker, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Suzanne Clark, King Abdullah II This week on "Face The Nation", there's a new dilemma dividing the country — is it worth risking the health — and potentially the lives — of Americans in order to jump start our paralyzed economy?

Newsmakers on TVHere are the guest lineups for the Sunday morning TV news shows (lineups subject to change without notice):Meet the Press: Vice President Mike Pence; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Mich.; Gov. 2, 9 a.m.State of the Union: Whitmer; Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.; Gov. Fox News Sunday: Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Fox, Ch. This Week: Pelosi; Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus task force coordinator; Gov.

FILE PHOTO: A New England Patriots Boeing 767-300 jet with a shipment of over one million N95 masks from China, which will be used in Boston and New York to help fight the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), arrives at Logan Airport, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., April 2, 2020. Jim Davis/Pool via REUTERS(Reuters) - A truck emblazoned with the colors of the New England Patriots football team was out on the streets of New York on Friday, delivering 300,000 N95 masks to a makeshift hospital set up in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. New York state recorded more than 500 coronavirus-related deaths in a single day on Friday, bringing the statewide total to nearly 3,000. The Patriots, who are based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, received a shipment of 1.7 million N95 masks from China earlier this week after the teams owner, Robert Kraft, and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker partnered to buy the much-needed supplies to help protect healthcare workers on the front lines. The NFL team said on Thursday it would send 1.4 million of the masks to hospitals in Massachusetts, with the remaining ones going to New York.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A call for help from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker prompted an unorthodox mission from the New England Patriots, who sent their team jet to China this week in order to retrieve 1.7 million N95 medical masks, the NFL side said on Thursday. A New England Patriots Boeing 767-300 jet with a shipment of over one million N95 masks from China, which will be used in Boston and New York to help fight the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), arrives at Logan Airport, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., April 2, 2020. It is an honour for our family to be a part of this humanitarian mission, team owner Robert Kraft said in a written statement. Another 300,000 purchased by Kraft will be sent to New York, the epicentre of the outbreak in the United States. As a life long NY Jets fan, hats off to Mr. Kraft and the team business and aviation professionals making this possible!

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is scheduled to hold a press conference Tuesday at noon ET the same time that non-essential businesses in the state are ordered to close their in-person operations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. How to watch Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's press conference live todayWhat: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito give an update on coronavirus with Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders and Commissioner of the Department of Public Health Dr. Monica Bharel. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito give an update on coronavirus with Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders and Commissioner of the Department of Public Health Dr. Monica Bharel.

John Moore | Getty ImagesThe state of Washington on Monday issued a stay at home order effective immediately, Gov. The "Stay order will be enforced by the Indiana State Police and local law enforcement, but not the National Guard. Indiana currently has 259 total positive cases of the coronavirus, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Virginia currently has 254 reported cases of the coronavirus, according to the Virginia Department of Health. West Virginia has 16 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to data gathered by the state.

Massachusetts officials announced Friday that the world-famous Boston Marathon is postponed this year due to the coronavirus outbreak. The race that was set to take place Monday, April 20, is now scheduled for September 14. "Our priority right now is the health and safety of our runners we want to keep people safe," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said at a press conference Friday. "I know this is a change but it's certainly the right thing to do," said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. "As we've seen before, this marathon defines resilience," he said.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker speaks during the opening ceremony for the GE Healthcare Life Sciences headquarters in Marlborough, Mass., on June 23, 2016. The flaw affects some GE health-care Clinical Information Central Stations and Telemetry Servers, the regulator said Thursday. GE notified facilities about the vulnerability in November by mail, according to the FDA, and posted further guidance on fixing the problem to their website Thursday. The FDA said it is not aware of any "adverse events" related to the vulnerabilities and said a third-party cybersecurity firm found the problem. Manufacturers may issue patches to flawed medical devices, but unlike with consumer devices, pushing those patches to the devices is a much bigger challenge, if not impossible.

NEW YORK – The Latest on a wintry storm in the U.S. East (all times local):9:10 p.m.A bus carrying about 30 people collided with a tractor-trailer on an upstate New York highway during a snowstorm. New York State Police have responded to more than 740 storm-related crashes statewide and assisted more than 550 disabled vehicles. Dozens of school districts in upstate New York were closed Monday, along with several State University of New York campuses and other colleges. Many buses from New York City to Pennsylvania and upstate destinations such as Ithaca and Binghamton were canceled. The nor’easter is expected to drop 10 to 20 inches of snow by Tuesday morning from Pennsylvania to Maine.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said city schools were canceling classes and afterschool activities Tuesday. At least four counties closed schools Monday in West Virginia, where 2 inches to a foot of snow was forecast. Only 3 inches of snow was forecast for New York City, where schools were expected to remain open, and 5 inches for Philadelphia. Communities north of Boston could see a foot in the storm expected to reach its peak Tuesday morning, snarling the morning commute. Rowe in western Massachusetts received 16 inches of snow from the storm that started Sunday night.

BOSTON (Reuters) - Massachusetts on Wednesday adopted the countrys toughest ban on the sale of flavored tobacco and vaping products, including menthol cigarettes, in response to a rise in youth vaping and an outbreak of vaping-related serious lung injuries. Bakers administration beginning in September had moved to temporarily ban on all vaping product sales. That ban will remain in effect until Dec. 11 while new vaping regulations are adopted in light of the first ban passed by a state legislature. The outbreak has coincided with the rising popularity of flavored vaping products among underage users, creating concerns about a new generation of Americans becoming addicted to nicotine products. U.S. President Donald Trumps administration in September said it would unveil a sweeping ban on most e-cigarette and vaping flavors.

Massachusetts on Wednesday adopted the country's toughest ban on the sale of flavored tobacco and vaping products, including menthol cigarettes, in response to a rise in youth vaping and an outbreak of vaping-related serious lung injuries. That ban willremain in effect until Dec. 11 while new vaping regulations are adopted in light of the first ban passed by a state legislature. The outbreak has coincided with the rising popularity of flavored vaping products among underage users, creating concerns about a new generation of Americans becoming addicted to nicotine products. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration in September said it would unveil a sweeping ban on most e-cigarette and vaping flavors. The Vapor Technology Association, a vaping industry trade group that unsuccessfully challenged Baker's earlier vaping sales ban in court, signaled its opposition in a statement issued when the Massachusetts Senate passed the legislative ban.

The Massachusetts Senate has approved legislation banning the sale of flavored tobacco products and levying a 75% excise tax on e-cigarettes as state officials aim to curb a spike in underage vaping. It also would impose a steep 75% tax on e-cigarettes and improve access to smoking cessation programs. Several states have enacted temporary measures to ban flavored e-cigarettes, but Massachusetts would be the first state to pass a permanent ban if signed into law by Republican Gov. The Trump administration announced plans in September to ban all flavored e-cigarettes, but federal officials have since wavered on those plans. Some Republican senators opposed the bill over concerns surrounding state tax revenue and the possible creation of an illicit market for flavored tobacco products that could be dangerous.

A judge rules Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and state officials have a week to come up with new language for the state's vaping ban.

BOSTON (Reuters) - A Massachusetts judge on Monday declined to immediately halt a ban on the sale of vaping products adopted after an outbreak of e-cigarette-related lung injuries, but he said the state must redo the ban and get public comment this time. Lizzy Guyton, a spokeswoman for Baker, said his administration maintained the order was properly issued and was exploring next steps. Tony Abboud, VTAs executive director, said it regretted the ruling and would seek to block the ban, which the group has called an existential threat to the states $331 million nicotine vaping products sector. At least 1,479 e-cigarette-linked lung injury cases have been reported nationally to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Courts in New York, Oregon and Michigan have since put those states bans on hold following lawsuits.