The state Senate voted 38‑0 to pass the PETS Act, which would ban most pet shop sales of dogs, cats and rabbits and route penalties into the state's animal‑care fund.

Governor Healey's budget would cut co‑responder funding by roughly $15 million, drawing sharp criticism from police chiefs and mental‑health advocates. Supporters warn the move could mean more arrests and ER visits.

A newly revealed litigation-funding tie has put the nationwide class action over elite colleges' financial aid at risk, imperiling hundreds of millions in settlements and payouts to more than 200,000 students.

The Justice Department sued Harvard in Boston federal court on March 20, 2026, alleging the university failed to protect Jewish students during 2023 protests. Harvard says it engaged with investigators and will defend itself.

A crowded Democratic primary to replace Seth Moulton is shaping into a test between well‑connected insiders and local outsiders. Dan Koh’s early money and endorsements have reshaped the field.

A Black and Latino Caucus bill moved toward a vote that would bar many courthouse arrests, restrict status questions by police, and require language access in jails. Lawmakers say it preserves due process; critics warn of conflict with federal enforcement.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Graham Platner in Maine’s Senate primary, injecting national muscle into a contentious race before the June 9 vote.

Councilors revived a home‑rule petition to let legal noncitizen residents vote in city elections and referred the measure to committee amid federal enforcement pressure. Supporters say it’s about representation; opponents warn of legal risks.

The City Council approved a $2.1M free‑cash transfer to cover police and fire pay and urged the mayor to freeze new overtime requests amid FY26 budget pressures.

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.

A narrow 5-4 City Council vote left a $2.6M request for PFAS-free turnout gear in committee after tests found PFAS in suits the city bought. Firefighters and the union say they need verified replacements now.

Quincy's new public safety HQ consolidates police, fire and an EOC with a 10‑lane range, VR training and upgraded evidence labs — but a $850K statue plan remains tied up in court.

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.