SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Massachusetts’ third largest housing authority says the full smoking ban is effective Saturday.

The new law allows for as many as 35 dispensaries to open around the state where patients can receive up to a 60-day supply of marijuana.

BOSTON — A hoped-for rescue by the Legislature serves as the bridge across the $118 million budget gap at the state’s largest transit agency.

BOSTON — The new system would be entirely cashless and faster, but could put some 400 toll workers out of a job.

BOSTON — Massachusetts in 2009 was the first state to challenge DOMA, saying the law discriminated against the thousands of couples that had married since the state legalized gay marriage.

BOSTON — The measure would would allow voters to cast ballots at polling places during the 10 days leading up to a scheduled state election.

BOSTON — While the two Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate have mostly voted along similar lines, they have differed on some major issues like abortion and the Affordable Care Act.

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley explains why she’s leading a legal fight to overturn DOMA.

BOSTON — “The administrative burden is not really the issue. It’s more, for us, a question of fairness,” says Eastern Bank CEO Richard Holbrook.

BOSTON — House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi marked the 20th anniversary of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act in Boston by pushing for federal legislation that would require businesses to allow up to seven paid sick days a year.

BOSTON — Among those voting to eliminate the 2.3 percent sales tax on medical devices were Mass. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and William “Mo” Cowan, both Democrats.

WASHINGTON — The president challenged Congress to “finish the job” of finalizing legislation aimed at overhauling the nation’s immigration system.

BOSTON — Over 30 Massachusetts businesses are joining nearly 300 companies across the country in asking the Supreme Court to strike down DOMA, saying it hurts their bottom lines.

WASHINGTON — Two of the loudest voices in the gun debate — Wayne LaPierre, CEO of the National Rifle Association and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg — say it’s up to voters now to make their position known to Congress.