Barbara Lenk, the first openly gay justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, has died at 75. She was known for clear, principled opinions on free‑speech and civil cases.

City councilors voted unanimously to press the Retirement Board to raise the COLA base to $18,000 and adopt a 3% annual COLA — a change that would add about $90 a year to most pension checks amid budget pressure.

In a close vote, Cambridge’s City Council moved to shut down ShotSpotter and ordered sensors removed within 90 days amid concerns about accuracy and data use.

Nine students and community groups sued the state, asking a judge to force a statewide plan to integrate public schools and guarantee free transportation. The case spotlights RIAC data showing widespread segregation.

House Democrats on Beacon Hill are moving to outlaw weaponized drones and robots, with industry and civil‑liberties groups largely supporting new guardrails. The bill sets criminal penalties and reporting rules for police use.

Massachusetts’ top court ruled victims can sue individual academics under a 1986 statute, clearing the way for a former student’s personal claim against a former MIT researcher.

Xi Jinping hosted Vladimir Putin in Beijing days after President Trump’s state visit; the leaders extended a 2001 friendship treaty and put energy deals front and center.

Quincy’s new City Council is weighing whether to undo 2024 pay ordinances that would raise the mayor’s pay nearly 80% and lift councilors’ salaries by about half.

DNC officials visited Boston on May 18 as Mayor Michelle Wu and Gov. Maura Healey pitched the city to host the Aug. 7–10, 2028 Democratic National Convention. The bid leans on TD Garden, Fenway and waterfront tours to make its case.

State transportation officials say the MBTA will temporarily occupy a stretch of Summer Street for World Cup match days. The move has drawn pushback from Mayor Wu’s office ahead of June matches.

Haverhill PD has begun a phased rollout of department‑issued body cameras; officials say footage will aid investigations while privacy protections apply.

The Justice Department sued Connecticut on May 15, saying SB 397 unlawfully regulates federal officers and threatens officer safety.

Healey announced final rules to curb insurer prior‑authorization delays at Dana‑Farber, with patient advocate Chuck Stravin among speakers.