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New England politics news

Massachusetts has passed just 10 laws this year, the fewest to open a legislative session in decades. It’s a sign of the times.

“No one would confuse the current day Legislature with a New England town meeting or an Athenian hillside,” said Secretary of State William F. Galvin, a former lawmaker himself.

Raimondo tells Brown graduates to ‘stick around’ R.I., commit to public service
“We have a lot of issues that we, together, have to deal with,” US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said after accepting an honorary degree from Brown University on Sunday. “They can all be solved... if you guys get in the game.”

In Allston’s Koreatown, the American dream grinds on despite demographic shifts
On Harvard Avenue, a concrete expanse where storefront graffiti is much more commonplace than trees on the sidewalk, generations of Korean families have come to try their hand at success.

Latest from our D.C. bureau

Raimondo tells Brown graduates to ‘stick around’ R.I., commit to public service

Here’s what could happen if the US defaults on its debt: ‘The reality would be chaotic.’

When it comes to raising the debt ceiling, there’s a reason politicians wait until the last minute

Just days before possible default, Congress heads out of town empty-handed

National politics news

Most in US say don’t ban race in college admissions but that role should be small, new poll shows

As the Supreme Court decides the fate of affirmative action, most people in the US say the court should allow consideration of race as part of the admissions process.

New details in debt limit deal: Where $136 billion in cuts will come from

The bill cuts so-called nondefense discretionary, which includes domestic law enforcement, forest management, scientific research and more — for the 2024 fiscal year.

Impeachment trial of Texas’ Ken Paxton to begin no later than August 28

A historic impeachment trial in Texas to determine whether Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton should be permanently removed from office will begin no later than August in the state Senate.

With debt limit deal in hand, McCarthy and Biden turn to task of selling it

To get the legislation through a fractious and closely divided Congress, McCarthy and top Democratic leaders must cobble together a coalition of Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate willing to back it.

Biden on Memorial Day lauds generations of fallen US troops who ‘dared all and gave all’

President Biden lauded the sacrifice of generations of US troops who “dared all and gave all” fighting for their country and called on Americans to ensure their “sacrifice was not in vain” in Memorial Day observances at Arlington National Cemetery.

With debt limit deal in hand, McCarthy and Biden turn to task of selling it

To get the legislation through a fractious and closely divided Congress, McCarthy and top Democratic leaders must cobble together a coalition of Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate willing to back it.

Takeaways on debt ceiling: McCarthy’s balancing act, Biden’s choice and the challenges ahead

After weeks of negotiations, President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have struck an agreement to avert a potentially devastating government default.

Debt-ceiling deal: What’s in and what’s out of the agreement to avert US default

President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have reached an agreement in principle on legislation to increase the nation’s borrowing authority and avoid a default.

Feinstein, back in the Senate, relies heavily on staff to function

A retinue of staff members serve not only the roles of typical congressional aides — advising on policy, keeping tabs on the schedule, drafting statements and speeches — but also as de facto companions to Senator Feinstein, whose age, frail health, and memory issues make it difficult for her to function alone.

EDUCATION

Raimondo tells Brown graduates to ‘stick around’ R.I., commit to public service

“We have a lot of issues that we, together, have to deal with,” US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said after accepting an honorary degree from Brown University on Sunday. “They can all be solved... if you guys get in the game.”

Biden and McCarthy signal confidence that debt-limit deal will be approved by Congress

“I think we’re in good shape,” President Biden said on Sunday, before taking a call with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to “make sure all the Ts are crossed and the Is are dotted.”

Debt ceiling tests McCarthy, as GOP speaker rides breezily through fight of his career

Kevin McCarthy was never Washington’s bet to become House speaker.