Olivia Ray

Cincinnati

Reporter at WWLP

•sports reporter covering the Bengals, Reds, & FC Cincinnati for @WLWT Cincinnati• •adjunct professor at @IUMediaSchool•

Articles

Pedro Martinez selected as education commissioner

1 day ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – The search for a new Bay State education commissioner continued as the commission met on Tuesday to recommend their top choice of the final three candidates.
What’s the House of Reps’ budget plan if federal funding is lost in Mass?

2 days ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – For months now, state leadership has vocalized concerns that the Bay State could lose millions of dollars if federal funding drives up, but the new House budget appears to have no plan should this happen. The Trump administration and DOGE are working to cut back federal spending they consider wasteful, and Massachusetts Democratic leaders say the state could lose up to $16 million. This $61.4 billion 2026 spending plan is 6.4% higher than the 2025 budget.
State House Spotlight: Budget advocacy

6 days ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – This week at the State House in Boston, the House of Representatives released their budget draft, leading to an influx of advocacy events and briefings calling for funding and support for activists’ causes. Jane Doe Inc., a group that works to end sexual assault and domestic violence in the state, held a Thursday legislative briefing calling for state action to help victims get back on their feet financially and end survivors’ incarceration.
House freezes UGGA local aid

6 days ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – For the first time in several years, local cities and towns will not see an increase in unrestricted general government aid under the House of Representatives’ budget proposal. This budget proposal levels unrestricted general government aid, or UGGA, one of the primary sources of state aid for municipalities, at $1.31 billion.
Jane Doe Inc. announces legislative priorities

6 days ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, held a legislative briefing at the State House, sharing their priority bills for this session. Jane Doe has two new priorities for this legislative session–one bill that will provide flexible, unrestricted funds to support survivors, and one that creates a strategy to decarcerate Massachusetts.
Western Massachusetts senator leads push for funding for children’s mental health

1 week ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – Westfield Senator John Velis joined the Children’s Mental Health Campaign to rally for increased budget funding for youth and family mental health services at the State House on Thursday. Governor Healy’s budget plan features significant cuts to the Department of Mental Health (DMH), many of which will result in far fewer resources and programs for children who need mental health care.
Three finalists selected in search for new Mass. education commissioner

1 week ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – Following the departure of the acting Department of Elementary and Secondary Education commissioner, Massachusetts officials have narrowed down the pool for his replacement to just three names. Acting Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Russell Johnston took a superintendent job in the Philly suburbs at the end of March, leaving his position open once again.
Massachusetts Economic Secretary to step down

1 week ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao is stepping down from her position in Governor Healey’s cabinet at the end of the month, just over halfway through the governor’s 4-year term. Secretary Hao said she is stepping down to address urgent family matters, but intends to remain an unpaid advisor for the Healey-Driscoll administration even after her official departure on May 2. This secretary position is Hao’s first in public service.
Mass. officials plan response to President Trump’s tariffs

1 week ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – In the wake of President Trump’s tariffs meant to boost the United States’ economy, Bay State officials are looking for ways to protect local businesses from losing much-needed revenue. President Trump imposed, and quickly paused, tariffs on over 60 countries last week, saying these taxes on imported goods will encourage companies to move production to the states.
Advocates push for incarcerated individuals’ rights at State House

1 week ago | wwlp.com | Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – A group of advocates for incarcerated individuals held a lobby day on Tuesday, pushing for reforms that will improve quality of life behind bars. The event focused on teaching lawmakers about three specific pieces of legislation, dealing with increasing medical and elder parole, improving options for family and community visits, and making education and job training more robust for incarcerated people.