NEW ENGLAND

Through the hiring rules, the court has directed state human resources officials to follow hiring ratios intended to prioritize Black and Latino candidates.

Gov. Ned Lamont directed state agencies Friday to waive credit and debit card transaction fees for the fiscal year that begins July 1, a move that would save residents and businesses $6 million over the coming 12 months.

Abortion in Massachusetts and the rest of New England is likely to remain legal. In Massachusetts, abortion is legal through 24 weeks of pregnancy, under state law.

Donald Stern, a former U.S. attorney in Massachusetts, is the court-appointed claims administrator in charge of dispersing the $56 million settlement among residents of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home who contracted and suffered from COVID-19.

At an early morning presser, Chang-Díaz told reporters she will end her campaign for governor because she does not see a path to victory.

June 23 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, federal legislation that requires gender equity in education, including sports. Commentator Martha Ackmann reflects on the legacy of that landmark ruling, and one woman who changed the game.

State lawmakers are working on a raft of proposals to preserve and even expand access to abortion in Massachusetts, anticipating that the Supreme Court could soon limit people's right to the procedure.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont recently signed new legislation that speeds up the time it takes young offenders to be seen by a judge and to get access to therapy and other services.

Anika Lopes, founder of the tour, says she hopes to connect Amherst, Massachusetts, residents of color with their history.

Following a CDC recommendation, Massachusetts is now allowing children ages 6 months to 4 years to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.