BOSTON (WWLP) - The summer lull is coming to an end on Beacon Hill with election season just around the corner. Focus was on the state house steps this week--both for an event featuring horses and fifes and for a protest drawing an impressive crowd. On Tuesday, the state government kicked off Massachusetts 250, a tourism initiative to bring visitors to the Commonwealth ahead of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. "This country was conceived here in Massachusetts. And what a great opportunity here on the 250th anniversary coming up of that conception, that we're going to showcase and spotlight what makes Massachusetts still great," said Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire Senator Paul Mark at the event. On Thursday, state officials were enjoying the Big E in West Springfield, but demonstrators gathered on the State House steps to send a message to lawmakers. These protestors say they want justice for Karen Read, Sandra Birchmore, and others whose cases are connected to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. "I need to come out and speak to the people up in the golden palace because they are not listening to what is going on, the reality of what is going on in the streets of Massachusetts," said Melissa "Mizzy" Berry, an organizer for Justice for Sandra Birchmore. These protestors called for change within the Canton Police, Massachusetts State Police, and the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. Also this week, the FBI investigated suspicious packages sent to election officials in at least 15 states, including Massachusetts. 22News will keep you informed about the packages, but thus far no injuries or harmful substances have been reported. Local News Headlines Statehouse Spotlight: Action on the State House steps Two Springfield men found guilty in 2019 murder College students, gov. officials meet to discuss campus sexual misconduct law Hope for Holyoke marches for Recovery Awareness Month WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.