State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante Sworn In for 190th General Court

Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) was sworn in to the 190th General Court of Massachusetts on Wednesday, January 4th, as the member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the Fifth Essex District, which consists of Gloucester, Essex, and Rockport. Ferrante took the oath of office, administered by Governor Charlie Baker, along with 156 of her…

Mass. bill would let addicts turn in drugs without fear of prosecution

Special kiosks set up at some police stations collect unwanted and unused prescription medication, and some departments accept unwanted guns and ammunition on dedicated takeback days. Massachusetts police departments could next become a point for addicts seeking recovery to turn in unwanted heroin and other drugs, without the threat of prosecution, under legislation recently filed by…

Schools rise to new level: Focus on growth led to high scores, says superintendent

Students in two Gloucester elementary schools previously ranked among the state’s lowest 20 percent so outperformed their cohorts across the state in standardized tests last spring that they raised their schools and the Gloucester school district as a whole to a Level 2 classification in the state Department of Education’s accountability system. Read more on…