Act on Mass

Legislative leaders in Massachusetts are considering last-minute actions to reshape or override two ballot questions on public records reforms and a tax rebate law, despite advocates' criticisms of undermining the initiative petition process. The proposed moves could create ambiguity for voters deciding on these issues in November.

Calla Walsh, a former volunteer for Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s campaign and organizer for Sen. Ed Markey, appeared in Iranian state media praising the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the 'greatest anti-imperialist leader' of her lifetime. Walsh, described as a U.S. journalist in Lebanon, made the remarks during coverage of Khamenei’s funeral, with an Iranian flag visible in the backdrop.

Calla Walsh, a former volunteer for Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign and organizer for Sen. Ed Markey, praised the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Iranian state media interview, calling him the 'greatest anti-imperialist leader' of her lifetime. Walsh, who has worked on progressive campaigns in Massachusetts, appeared in the interview during coverage of Khamenei’s funeral, with an Iranian flag visible in the backdrop.

Transparency groups ACLU of Massachusetts, Common Cause, and Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association supported a bill addressing public records requirements for lawmakers but avoided commenting on its controversial provision limiting the state auditor's power to audit the Legislature. The bill, criticized by Auditor Diana DiZoglio, combined both issues, leading to confusion among observers and criticism from transparency advocates not consulted during its drafting.