Katie Lannan
The Lowell Sun
Boston, MA, United States
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Past articles by Katie:
Sonia Chang-Diaz ends campaign for governor
State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz on Thursday ended her campaign for governor, a move that clears Attorney General Maura Healey's path toward the Democratic nomination though Chang-Díaz said she will keep her name on the ballot so voters have a choice. → Read More
Massachusetts opioid overdose deaths reached new high in 2021
The rate of opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts climbed 9% last year, to a level that surpasses the state’s previous high point in 2016. → Read More
Biopharma expects to grow, but faces talent troubles
Most biopharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts expect to grow their workforces over the next year, but many have also had a hard time filling open positions, according to a new industry report. → Read More
Senate Democrats double planned boost to local aid pot
Senate leaders on Tuesday rolled out a $49.68 billion state budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins in July, touting investments they said would help families living in deep poverty and share the state's influx of cash with cities and towns. → Read More
Superintendents: COVID upheaval continuing in schools
Though Massachusetts is now past the “apex of fear” with COVID-19, challenges like mental and emotional strain on students and staff persist in schools, superintendents said Tuesday. → Read More
With $3.5 billion package, Baker focuses on improving downtowns
A $3.5 billion economic development bill that Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Thursday looks to chart a post-pandemic pathway for Massachusetts with investments in housing, downtown revitalization and climate resilience, administration officials said. → Read More
Analysis: App-based drivers in ‘limbo’ amid ballot question fight
A proposed ballot question that hinges on the status and benefits of drivers for app-based services is an "unusual" one and just one part of a bigger challenge around the gig economy and its workers, according to a new analysis. → Read More
Single-payer backers claim support on key committee
As members of Congress plan a Tuesday hearing on health care reforms, advocates in Massachusetts are watching to see if a Wednesday deadline will bring a new step forward for state-level single-payer legislation. → Read More
Healey, Diehl won’t commit to continuing local aid pledge
BOSTON -- When Gov. Charlie Baker ran for office in 2014, he did so with a pledge to increase local aid at the same rate that state revenues are expected to grow. Eight years later, whether that practice continues or gets left behind when Baker and his team leave the State House depends on who claims the corner office in this fall's election. → Read More
Unvaccinated students in some schools can go maskless
When state education officials earlier this month announced the extension of masking requirements in K-12 schools, they also quietly tucked in a change affecting a small number of schools where loc… → Read More
Boston to require vax proof to enter many businesses
Patrons and staff at indoor spaces in Boston — including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, fitness facilities and entertainment venues — will need to show proof they are vaccinated against… → Read More
Homeowners stunned by oil tank liabilities
A leak in their 275-gallon heating oil tank two years ago left Arlington resident Jay Eberle and his wife with about $10,000 in damage to their finished basement, plus a $12,000 bill for cleanup se… → Read More
Middlesex Community College backs bill aimed at making college campuses “hunger free”
LOWELL - One former client of The Open Door, a hunger relief agency on the North Shore, would buy a big bag of Rold Gold Pretzels on the days her schedule as a community college student didn't allow for a food pantry visit, eating a third of the bag for each meal. → Read More
Emotional arguments precede aid in dying hearing
SEPT. 30, 2021.....Nearly a decade after voters narrowly rejected a ballot question seeking to legalize medical aid in dying, state lawmakers are once again set to delve into the emotional testimony, ethical debates and logistical questions around the issue. → Read More
Building Trades Council launch addiction recovery council
WILMINGTON - Derek Briere lives in and manages a 12-step sober house for men. In the spring of 2019, Briere, a member of Laborers' International Local 429, was working on a job site in Wilmington, "severely hungover and taking unprescribed Percocets" when his superintendent announced a guest speaker was there to talk to the crew about addiction and treatment. → Read More
Secretary of State William Galvin requiring vaccination for employees
BOSTON - Secretary of State William Galvin is requiring the staff under his office's jurisdiction to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 "as a condition of continuing employment, unless an accommodation or exemption is approved." → Read More
Protestors arrested outside Gov. Charlie Baker’s Swampscott home
SWAMPSCOTT - At least seven people were arrested Tuesday after group of climate activists chained themselves to a pink boat outside Gov. Charlie Baker's Swampscott home, blocking his driveway and describing their action as placing him "under citizen's arrest." → Read More
State to launch mobile booster vaccine programs
BOSTON - With people 65 and older and some other populations now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots if they received the Pfizer vaccine, Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday that the state plans to make mobile booster programs available to people residing in long-term care and other congregate settings. → Read More
Survey: many are worried about health care, costs
BOSTON - More than half of Massachusetts adults who participated in a May survey said they'd experienced some sort of health care cost hardship in the past year and almost three-quarters said they're worried about their ability to afford care in the future. → Read More
State extends school mask mandate
BOSTON - Masks will remain required in Massachusetts public schools until at least Nov. 1, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said in guidance issued to districts and published Monday. → Read More