Latest News from Bay State News

Massachusetts retailers invited to participate in economic survey

By Bay State News | Sep 30, 2024

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is initiating a survey for Massachusetts retailers starting on October 7th.

Massachusetts retailers encouraged to participate in October survey

By Bay State News | Sep 30, 2024

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is rolling out a survey for Massachusetts retailers on October 7th.

VA provides 530 home loans in Massachusetts totaling $240.1 million in Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 28, 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) issued 530 home loans totaling $240.1 million in Massachusetts during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

Massachusetts experiences lower inflation rate than national average as of August 2024

By Bay State News | Sep 26, 2024

As of August 2024, Massachusetts experienced a 17.2% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.3% increase.

Massachusetts faces debate over ballot initiative on tipped wage elimination

By Bay State News | Sep 26, 2024

Efforts to eliminate the tipped wage in Massachusetts have resurfaced, this time through a ballot initiative.

VA provides 303 home purchase loans in Massachusetts in Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 25, 2024

There were 303 VA home purchase loans issued in Massachusetts in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 totaling $146.8 million, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Common Cause Massachusetts launches volunteer-driven election protection program for November elections

By Bay State News | Sep 23, 2024

Common Cause Massachusetts has initiated its 2024 Election Protection Program to assist voters in the upcoming November general election. The nonpartisan organization is seeking poll monitor volunteers to help ensure a smooth voting process in key areas.

Average VA Purchase Loan amount in Massachusetts increases from Q1 to Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 22, 2024

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for Massachusetts in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $484,382, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Massachusetts receives $32.4 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans during Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 19, 2024

The VA issued 76 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Massachusetts during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

NFIB urges Congress to extend expiring small business tax deduction

By Bay State News | Sep 18, 2024

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has released two reports concerning the potential expiration of the federal 20% Small Business Tax Deduction.

VA home loan amount averages $453,088 in Massachusetts for Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 16, 2024

The average VA home loan amount in Massachusetts during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 was $453,088, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

VA provides 24.4% fewer home purchase loans in Massachusetts in Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 14, 2024

There were 303 VA home purchases in Massachusetts in the second quarter of the VA's fiscal year 2024, totaling $146.8 million in loans, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Individual income tax revenue up 10% from previous quarter in Massachusetts

By Bay State News | Sep 13, 2024

The first quarter brought in $5.4 billion in individual income tax revenue for Massachusetts, a 10% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

Massachusetts ranks 35th in total VA home loans during Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 10, 2024

Massachusetts ranked 35th in the nation in VA home loans in the second quarter of 2024, with 530 loans issued, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

Massachusetts earns high marks on Common Cause's democracy scorecard

By Bay State News | Sep 9, 2024

Common Cause, a nonpartisan watchdog organization, has released its 2024 "Democracy Scorecard," evaluating every member of Congress on their support for voting rights, Supreme Court ethics, and other reforms.

Massachusetts ranked 10th in average VA home loan amount in Q2

By Bay State News | Sep 7, 2024

With $453,088 in home loans issued, Massachusetts ranked 10th in average loan amount for VA home loans in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

Analysis: Massachusetts one of 25 states allowing boys to play girls’ high school sports

By Bay State News | Sep 6, 2024

As President Biden revealed new rules regarding Title IX protections in April of 2024, which redefined “sex” to include “gender-identity,” an analysis by Bay State News shows that Massachusetts is one of 25 states that allow boys to play in girls’ high school sports.

Number of VA loans issued in Massachusetts increased by 8.6% from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024

By Bay State News | Sep 4, 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued 530 home loans in Massachusetts, totaling $240.1 million, during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

VA issues more Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Massachusetts in Q2 vs. Q1 2024

By Bay State News | Sep 3, 2024

The VA issued 76 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Massachusetts during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, compared to 12 loans the previous quarter, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Early voter turnout shows significant increase with new voting options