Massachusetts
Court rejects bid to derail ballot question to repeal marijuana legalization
The initiative petition that would undo the 2016 legalization of recreational marijuana in Massachusetts can continue advancing toward November’s ballot, the state’s high court said Friday in a ruling that also deemed the attorney general’s summary of the question to be fair.
A handful of participants in the state program that provides funding to boost opportunities for entrepreneurs disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement filed a lawsuit seeking to remove the question from this year’s ballot. The plaintiffs argued that Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s required summary of the initiative left out key details and that the AG should not have certified the multifaceted measure because it contains unrelated policy sections.
The Supreme Judicial Court disagreed in a 20-page opinion written by Justice Bessie Dewar.
“The Attorney General argues that the petition’s various parts all relate to the common purpose of restricting the use of recreational marijuana through a new integrated scheme for marijuana regulation. We agree and are not persuaded by the plaintiffs’ arguments to the contrary,” the jurist appointed by Gov. Maura Healey, an opponent of 2016’s legalization, wrote.
Elsewhere in the ruling, Dewar wrote, “We conclude that the Attorney General did not err in certifying the petition on either of the claimed grounds, and that her summary of the petition is fair.”
Massachusetts voters legalized recreational cannabis through a 2016 ballot measure. The Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts is advancing this year’s ballot question, which would repeal legalization of non-medical marijuana, allow adults 21 or older to possess and gift up to an ounce of marijuana (possession of up to second ounce would carry a civil penalty), make it a civil infraction for people younger than 21 to possess up to two ounces, and allow retail marijuana stores to either apply to become medical dispensaries or sell their inventory to one. The Cannabis Control Commission would remain, but only to regulate the medical sector.
“Massachusetts is just not as comfortable a place to live in anymore … We walk across the common and smell weed. I drive down [Interstate] 93, the car in front of me is a hotbox. It’s everywhere. It’s pervasive,” Wendy Wakeman, a veteran of Republican Party politics who is working as spokeswoman for the ballot campaign, told lawmakers in March.
The Legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions recommended that lawmakers take no action on the idea this spring, and most members of the committee signed onto a report that details tax revenue, public health and public safety concerns with the idea.
“The Committee finds that the proposal lacks sufficient detail regarding implementation and enforcement mechanisms, including how existing regulatory authority would be modified, transferred, or eliminated. This absence of clarity creates legal uncertainty with respect to the continued applicability of current statutes and regulations, as well as the roles of state agencies responsible for oversight of the cannabis industry,” the report said. It added, “The majority of the Committee therefore finds that, as drafted, the proposal does not adequately address these operational, fiscal, and public safety considerations.”
Legal cannabis sales grossed more than $1.65 billion in 2025, and generated $289 million in state tax revenue in fiscal year 2025, according to the CCC.
Lifeguards rescued a swimmer from the water at Houghton’s Pond in Milton, Massachusetts on Friday.
Massachusetts State Police confirmed they were called to the pond at 1 p.m. When they arrived, they found that lifeguards had pulled a swimmer from the water. The victim, who was conscious and alert, was taken to the hospital for further treatment.
This is the same place an 18-year-old swimmer died after he was pulled from the water last month.
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A Massachusetts city with one of the nation’s largest Cape Verdean communities has imposed a temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s historic World Cup match between the West African nation and Argentina.
The curfew will be in effect in Brockton, just south of Boston, from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday.
City officials said the decision follows recent World Cup celebrations that led to dangerous and unlawful behavior.
“World Cup celebrations have resulted in incidents of reckless driving, illegal street gatherings, vandalism, assaults, fireworks violations, disorderly conduct and other criminal activities,” the city said.
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A Cape Verde fan attends the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026. (Craig Williamson/SNS Group)
Brockton is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with nearly one in four residents identifying as Cape Verdean, according to local outlet The Enterprise.
Friday’s match was expected to draw large celebrations, as the 2026 tournament marks the first time the African island nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
Following previous World Cup matches, Brockton police said several people were injured in shootings that erupted during postgame celebrations, according to local outlet Boston 25 News — prompting city officials to impose the temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s matchup.
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A mural on the side of the Mayor Bill Carpenter Garage in Brockton, Massachusetts, on Oct. 8, 2020. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Under the curfew order, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m.
Patrons already inside will be allowed to remain until 10 p.m., but “last calls” for alcoholic beverages must end by 9:30 p.m.
The city said only limited exceptions to the curfew will be permitted.
Such cases include law enforcement officers and other first responders, individuals traveling directly to or from lawful employment, those seeking medical care, and those responding to emergencies.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates at the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
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Brockton officials described the measure as a public safety measure intended to preserve public order.
“The purpose of this curfew is to protect public safety, reduce criminal activity associated with post-match celebrations, and enable police, fire, and emergency personnel to effectively maintain order and respond to emergencies,” the city said.
“Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe.”
PEABODY, Mass. (WWLP) – A Peabody resident is celebrating a big lottery win after claiming a $500,000 top prize in a Massachusetts State Lottery instant ticket game.
David McHenry won one of the top prizes in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$500,000 Frenzy” instant ticket game, lottery officials announced Wednesday.
McHenry chose to receive his winnings as a one-time payment of $500,000 before taxes.
The winning ticket was purchased at E Market Convenience Store & Deli, located at 598 Lowell St. in Peabody. The retailer will receive a $5,000 bonus from the Massachusetts State Lottery for selling the winning ticket.
According to lottery officials, McHenry’s prize marks the seventh $500,000 top prize claimed in the “$500,000 Frenzy” instant ticket game.
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