Vanna Howard was sworn into the Massachusetts Senate on March 18, becoming the nation’s first Cambodian‑American state senator after a March 3 special election. Her victory gives Lowell a new voice on Beacon Hill.

Chelsea police say several Westies and puppies were found in Chelsea and Everett; authorities are asking the public for tips and have provided a case number.

A roughly $7 million shortfall could force closure of Marblehead's Abbot Public Library unless voters approve an override.

A 28-year-old man was found in a Brockton parking lot and later died. Authorities say he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Reading’s Select Board sent a letter urging Beacon Hill to enforce the voter‑approved audit, framing the issue as a transparency fight while court issues continue.

Avra Estiatorio will open its first Boston location at Lyrik Back Bay in mid‑April, bringing market‑fresh seafood and a 250‑seat dining room to 400 Newbury St.

A Boston licensing lawyer admitted forging liquor permits that disrupted restaurants and hotels; she was given three years’ probation and ordered into monitoring. City officials have tightened how licenses are issued.

Developer Synergy landed roughly $51.17M in public‑private financing to convert One Chestnut Place into 198 apartments, a project billed as the state’s largest office‑to‑housing reuse. State awards, a MassDevelopment bridge loan and a Washington Trust lead loan make the deal possible.

A Student Senate poll at UNH found nearly 86% of respondents would be less likely to enroll if lawmakers allowed guns on campus. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate.

Boston-based New Balance has reached a long-term deal to be the exclusive footwear and apparel provider for the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, and the partnership reportedly includes the team’s new Foxborough training center.

A newly disclosed $135 million taxpayer share of Boston’s White Stadium rebuild has revived protests and a legal appeal as councilors press for answers. The debate pits a pricey public‑private plan against a cheaper, fully public alternative.

A community workshop Wednesday will focus on rezoning a 55‑acre parcel along Neponset Avenue in Foxborough. Town officials say materials and recordings are online.

Boston police want help identifying a woman accused of brandishing a knife and stealing from a Dorchester shop on March 4. Detectives ask for tips to District B‑2 or CrimeStoppers.