The cavalcade of debates, endorsements, and ad drops continues with about a month until the elections and mail-in voting already underway. Candidates as well as the supporters and opponents of five ballot questions are pressing to reach voters and influence public opinion, all the while draining the campaign resources they've been amassing for this moment. Opponents of the state's new gun law face a Wednesday deadline to file signatures needed to attempt to repeal that law on the November 2026 ballot. Another state law aimed at forcing housing production has also drawn opposition, and oral arguments are set for Monday before the Supreme Judicial Court in the case involving the town of Milton's resistance to the so-called MBTA Communities Act. The Health Policy Commission has a thick agenda Thursday, with plans to discuss its annual cost trends report and findings from its brief review of the sweeping hospital transactions that flowed out of Steward Health Care's bankruptcy proceedings.

Top House and Senate Democrats remain dug in on clean energy, economic development, health care oversight, prescription drug and substance use bills that cleared both branches this session. Leaders say agreements are being pursued, but are not operating with any clear timetable. Any agreements would need unanimous consent to move through the chambers during informal sessions, and if accords can't be reached or can't get passed then the issues will be kicked into the next session, likely impeding progress on other emerging priorities. On Monday, the Senate intends to revisit a child custody jurisdiction bill during its session. And there's rare action Thursday at the joint committee level, with lawmakers planning to gather to hear about implementation of public higher education investments and programs.

By the end of the week, the schedules will be set for early in-person voting. That voter option became available in 2016 and accounted for about 31 percent of ballots cast in that November's elections here. By the 2020 presidential election cycle, mail-in voting had become available and the pandemic severely limited in-person activities. That November, about 42 percent of voters cast ballots by mail and 23 percent voted early in-person. In last month's state primary elections, about 62 percent of votes were submitted by mail and only 3.4 percent were cast early and in person, according to the Secretary of State Bill Galvin's office.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024

AVON FIRE OPEN HOUSE: Avon Fire Department and Chief David Charest hold an open house in celebration of National Fire Prevention Week. There will be family activities and demonstrations at the event, which runs through 1 p.m. (Saturday, 10 a.m., 150 Main St., Avon)

LAWMAKERS FOR 'YES ON 2': Sen. O'Connor and Reps. Kearney and Meschino canvass for the 'Yes on 2' campaign to eliminate the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement. (Saturday, 11:30 a.m., PRESS Juice Bar, 340 Washington St., Norwell)

DEATON MEET AND GREET: Republican candidate for U.S. Senate John Deaton meets and greets voters at an event that will also feature games and food. (Saturday, 12 p.m., Malcolm X Park Amphitheater, 150 MLK Blvd., Roxbury)

SIPS AND SUNSHINE: Auditor DiZoglio, fresh off walking 18 miles from Otis to Westfield to raise awareness of Question 1 to give her office the explicit power to audit the Legislature, hosts a "Sips and Sunshine" mixer rally with supporters. (Saturday, 6 p.m., Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield)

Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024

TUTWILER ON 4: Education Secretary Tutwiler talks with Jon Keller about falling MCAS scores, the MCAS ballot question, and the Brockton school budget debacle. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)

GALVIN "ON THE RECORD" | Secretary Galvin, the state's top elections official, is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)

ENDORSEMENT FOR DAVIS: Lt. Gov. Driscoll announces her endorsement (and Gov. Healey's) of Democrat Leigh Davis of Great Barrington, who emerged from a crowded primary field and is seeking to succeed outgoing Rep. Smitty Pignatelli. (Sunday, 10 a.m., Holiday Brook Farm, 100 Holiday Cottage Road, Dalton)

HONORING WOMEN VETERANS: Veterans Association of Bristol County holds an event to honor women veterans, called "Falling for our Sheroes." (Sunday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m., 486 Bedford St., Fall River | More Info)

SIPS AND SUNSHINE: Auditor DiZoglio, fresh off walking 19 miles from Westfield to Springfield to raise awareness of Question 1 to give her office the explicit power to audit the Legislature, hosts a "Sips and Sunshine" mixer rally with supporters. (Sunday, 6 p.m., Irish Cultural Center, 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield)

TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY AT BOSTON FUNDRAISER: U.S. Transportation Secretary and former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is the special guest at a brunch fundraiser for the Harris campaign hosted by event planners Bryan Rafanelli and Mark Walsh. Host committee also includes Nick Autiello, Elyse Cherry, Michael Dillon, Judd Flesch & Tim Sabol, Carol Fulp, Kathleen Gasperine, Amy Goldberg, Jeff & Jen Goldstein, John Hornor, Sharon McNally, Neal Minahan, Georgia Murray, Betsy Pattullo, Martha & Paul Samuelson, and Linda Whitlock. In an email invitation, state Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan called Buttigieg "one of the most dynamic, intelligent figures in our party." Tickets range from $250 to $5,000. Contact Benjamin Telerski with questions at TelerskiB@harrisvictoryfund.org or (202) 834-6200. (Sunday, Time TBA, Boston | Registration)

Monday, Oct. 7, 2024

PRE-SJC PRESSER: AG Campbell holds a press conference ahead of the Supreme Judicial Court's hearing on her lawsuit against Milton for being out of compliance with a new state zoning mandate that seeks to encourage more housing production. Representatives from Abundant Housing Massachusetts, AFL-CIO and Citizens' Housing & Planning Association -- all groups that support the AG's position -- will join Campbell for the presser. (Monday, 8:15 a.m., AG's Office, 20th Floor, One Ashburton Pl., Boston)

AG vs. MILTON: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in Attorney General vs. Town of Milton, the lawsuit AG Campbell brought against the Boston suburb and its building commissioner, Joe Atchue, in February alleging violations of the 2021 law that requires cities and towns near T service to adopt zoning that allows multifamily housing by right in certain areas. As many as 177 municipalities could be affected by the court's ruling on their legal obligations and the state's enforcement powers under the so-called MBTA Communities Act. Campbell argues that the law does not allow for communities to opt out of new zoning requirements and is seeking court-ordered compliance, but Milton officials contend that the Legislature specifically limited the punishment for non-compliance to loss of state funding. "This is a case about the separation of powers and the rule of law — about who sets the rules that govern the Commonwealth and how they do so," the town of Milton wrote in a legal filing. Zoning has long been the domain of municipalities, and Milton Town Meeting initially approved a zoning reform plan that would have complied with the law. But opponents of the changes worried about excess development pursued a referendum, and a majority of Milton voters chose to spike the zoning plan. There are 177 communities that either have or will have to rezone to encourage multi-family housing because they either host or are adjacent to MBTA service. The mandate, which lawmakers wove into an economic development package at the last minute and without real public debate, is meant to encourage needed housing production but several towns have been considering referendums similar to Milton's to ignore the law. The court's website shows that Justice Bessie Dewar, the former state solicitor placed on the high court by Gov. Healey early this year, will not participate when the case is called. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Full SJC Calendar | SJC Livestream)

CANNABIS REG HEARING: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public hearing on draft revisions to regulations that deal with delivery licenses, microbusiness licenses, and telehealth certifications for qualifying patients. (Monday, 10 a.m., Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | More Info)

HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. President Spilka's office said that it planned to resurface a child custody jurisdiction bill (S 2961) for passage Monday after it was given initial approval Oct. 3. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)

MAPC SOLAR WEBINAR: Metropolitan Area Planning Council holds a webinar, "Solar + Storage = Energy = Resilience in Savings." Panelists discuss their personal experiences installing solar technology, offer tips on procurement and installation, discuss challenges they encountered, and recommend best practices. Panelists include Erina Keefe, sustainability director in the city of Beverly, John Harper, energy and climate committee member in Wayland, and Matt Shortsleeve, vice president of development at Solect Energy. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Register)

CHILD CARE CONTRACTS: State officials announce contracts awarded to early education and care programs around the state. It's the first time the contracts have been re-procured in 15 years, according to the Early Education and Care Department, which says the event "will highlight how these efforts will better serve the child care needs of children and their families working with the Department of Children and Families." Participants include Education Secretary Tutwiler, Health and Human Services Secretary Walsh, Early Education and Care Commissioner Kershaw, and Department of Children and Families Commissioner Miller. (Monday, 4 p.m., Crayon Campus, Inc., 651 Orchard St., New Bedford)

MASSDOT EV OPEN HOUSE: MassDOT holds an open house focused on its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan that's required under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Transit officials say they "will strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and will establish an interconnected network to facilitate reliability across Massachusetts," with the state poised to receive "significant" federal funding over the next five years. Officials say they're seeking public involvement to understand community interests, needs and "sentiments." (Monday, 6 p.m., Torigian Senior Center, 75R Central St., Peabody | More Info)

SIPS AND SUNSHINE: Auditor DiZoglio, fresh off walking 19 miles from Springfield to East Brimfield to raise awareness of Question 1 to give her office the explicit power to audit the Legislature, hosts a "Sips and Sunshine" mixer rally with supporters. (Monday, 6 p.m., Rapscallion Pub, 3 Arnold St., Sturbridge)

WILMINGTON-TEWKSBURY HOUSE DEBATE: GBH News State House reporter Katie Lannan moderates a debate between the three candidates for the 19th Middlesex House seat: Rep. Dave Robertson (D-Wilmington), Paul Sarnowski (R-Wilmington), and George Hugh Ferdinand (I-Tewksbury). Questions are asked by reporters from the Lowell Sun, Wilmington Town Crier, and Tewksbury Carnation. (Monday, 7 p.m., Streaming on Wilmington Community TV YouTube and Tewksbury Telemedia YouTube)

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024

SCHOOL AVOIDANCE: Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth hosts the hybrid "Attendance Today for Success Tomorrow: Addressing School Avoidance" conference. Education Secretary Tutwiler discusses initiatives to increase school attendance. Other speakers include school counselors, mental health professionals, administrative leaders and teachers from Peabody Public Schools, Dearborn Academy and Harvard Medical School. (Tuesday, 8:45 a.m., Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School, 758 Marrett Road, Lexington | Register)

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE: Lt. Gov Driscoll headlines the keynote portion of this year's annual conference hosted by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies and the Division of Local Services. The LG's remarks will be followed by a mini Cabinet meeting of sorts -- a panel featuring Housing and Liveable Communities Secretary Edward Augustus, Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz, Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. Breakout sessions focus on federal funding opportunities, climate resilience, the future of housing and economic development. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Hogan Campus Center, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester | More Info and Register)

DECARBONIZING THE PEAK: The Decarbonizing the Peak Focus Area Work Group launches with an informational webinar, as members start exploring how to reduce the state's reliance on peaking power plants, which typically only run during times of high electricity demand. Massachusetts is home to dozens of "fossil fuel-fired power plants," officials say. "Most of these plants are either peaking power plants or combined heat and power (CHP) facilities, with many located in or near environmental justice communities," officials say. "As Massachusetts transitions to an electrified energy and transportation system powered by renewables, there is a potential to become more reliant, not less, on these facilities." The webinar will cover the group's focus areas, expectations of participants, and how organizations and individuals can get involved. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Register)

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: Women's Network of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce holds an event called "Redefining Possibilities for Women in Leadership." Panelists will offer insights for overcoming challenges women face, including career disruptions and "gender and systemic biases." April English, chief secretary to Gov. Healey, participates. Other panelists include Kara South of GW&K, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Laurie Giandomenico of MITRE, and Paris Alston of GBH. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., ML Strategies, One Financial Center, 41st floor, Boston | Register)

EARLY ED FUNDING REPORT: Boston Foundation hosts the release of a new report from the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy about investment in early education and child care. Massachusetts has expanded its investments in early childhood education in recent years, most notably through Commonwealth Cares for Children grants, $475 million annually distributed to providers across the state. Rep. Peisch, former chair of the Education Committee and assistant majority leader, will provide the opening remarks. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., The Edgerley Center for Civic Leadership at the Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington St., 3rd floor, Boston)

PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets remotely. Agenda includes board elections and a discussion about recommendations for the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program, which is a voluntary initiative to support health care workers recovering from substance use disorder and other mental health conditions. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

CONGRESSIONAL LUNCHEON: U.S. Reps. McGovern and Trahan are the guests at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce's annual Congressional Luncheon. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster)

NEW BEDFORD PORT TERMINAL: U.S. Sens. Warren and Markey, Congressman Keating, and New Bedford Mayor Mitchell celebrate completion of the extension project at the Port of New Bedford's North Terminal. The infrastructure project resulted in 965 linear feet of bulkhead with 10.5 acres of terminal space and a 56,000 square foot warehouse, according to the mayor's office. A total of $42.7 million in funding sailed in from seven sources: the U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD program, MassWorks Infrastructure, Massachusetts Dredging Program, MassCEC Offshore Wind Industry Ports Investment Challenge, Massachusetts Seaport Economic Council, City of New Bedford, and New Bedford Port Authority. Use entrance and parking lot at North Terminal. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., North Terminal, 242 Herman Melville Blvd., New Bedford)

CLIMATE FIRST PARTNERSHIPS: National Grid's John Massie and All In Energy's Mamadou Balde talk about Community First Partnerships, programs aimed at increasing participation in the Mass Save program in environmental justice communities, during Mass. Climate Action Network's monthly networking Zoom. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Registration)

C3 GRANTS: Department of Early Education and Care holds a virtual information session about upcoming changes to the Commonwealth Cares for Children program. Funded at $475 million in the annual state budget, the program supports child care providers across Massachusetts. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

WORKFORCE GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones announces Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grants. The grants aim to train, upskill and provide job placement for workers for in-demand occupations in health care, life sciences, technology and construction. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., MassHire North Shore Career Center, 70 Washington St., 1st Floor, Salem)

FIRE SERVICES COMMITTEES: Massachusetts Technical Rescue Membership and Training Subcommittees of the Massachusetts Technical Rescue Coordinating Council, housed with the Department of Fire Services, meet remotely. New business deals with a training document plan and membership application form. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

PCA WORKFORCE: The Personal Care Attendant Workforce Council holds an "emergency" meeting. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. | Zoom)

BLACKSTONE COMPLEX: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting on its draft resource management plans for the Blackstone Complex, which is comprised of six parks and other DCR "assets" mainly situated in southern Worcester County. The plans focus on Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Douglas State Forest, Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Southern New England Trunkline Trail, Sutton State Forest and Upton State Forest. DCR is seeking public comment through Oct. 31. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

SIPS AND SUNSHINE: Auditor DiZoglio, fresh off walking 18 miles from East Brimfield to Auburn/Worcester to raise awareness of Question 1 to give her office the explicit power to audit the Legislature, hosts a "Sips and Sunshine" mixer rally with supporters. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Jasmine, 711 Southbridge St., Auburn)

NEWTON CORNER PLANNING: The team involved with the Newton Corner Long-Term Planning Study holds its first public meeting. Officials say they are evaluating future travel conditions and alternative options for the interchange. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

ORANGE LINE: Orange Line shuts down between Forest Hills and Back Bay from Tuesday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 11. Free shuttle buses will be provided between those stops, as well as for Copley on the Green Line. Riders can also take the commuter rail for free between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay and South Station. The closure is part of the MBTA's Track Improvement Program, as the agency works to make repairs and enable trains to travel at designed speeds. (Tuesday)

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024

WALK TO SCHOOL DAY: International walk, bike and roll to school day is held to promote active transportation for students and families. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. | More Info)

SJC - ORAL ARGUMENTS: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in two cases, including one stemming from the conviction of Philip Chism, who is serving a 40-year sentence for the murder of his Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer in 2013 when he was 14 years old. The case before the SJC seeks to have Chism's non-murder convictions re-sentenced in line with case law established shortly after his sentencing. Chism's trial was presided over by Judge David Lowy, who shortly thereafter was elevated to the SJC and retired earlier this year. The second case on the day's docket is an appeal related to a 2017 conviction of a Dorchester man for a 2003 murder in Fitchburg. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Full SJC Calendar | SJC Livestream)

STELLWAGEN ADVISORY COUNCIL: Stellwagen Sanctuary Advisory Council meets. Stellwagen Sanctuary is a federally protected marine sanctuary in Massachusetts Bay, between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, known as an important habitat for whales and many other species of marine life. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester | Virtual Registration | Agenda)

MASSDOT FINANCE, AUDIT: Finance and Audit Committee of the MassDOT Board of Directors meets remotely. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

SPRINGFIELD BIOMASS PLANT: Massachusetts Court of Appeals hears oral arguments on Palmer Renewable Energy's attempt to revive a permit for a biomass energy plant in East Springfield. The Department of Environmental Protection revoked the air permit in 2021, which Palmer Renewable Energy has been fighting for over a decade to build, citing prolonged delays in construction and "environmental justice concerns. The plant would burn wood to generate energy, which opponents say would pollute the residential neighborhood it's planned to be built in, while Palmer points to it as a renewable energy source. The Conservation Law Foundation, one of the most vocal opponents of the project, plans to argue before the Court of Appeals Wednesday against Palmer's appeal. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Western New England Law School, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield | Livestream)

SPRINKLER APPEALS: Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board, housed within the Department of Fire Services, holds a virtual hearing for a New Bedford case. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Executive Committee of the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Access)

MASS COMPETITIVE EDGE: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation co-host a hybrid event called, "How the Commonwealth Competes: Measuring Our Competitive Edge." MTF President Doug Howgate gives a presentation on the Massachusetts Competitiveness Index Report, which warned the state's labor pool is shrinking, particularly as Bay Staters leave for lower-cost states. There's also a panel discussion, moderated by Chamber CEO Jim Rooney, with speakers including Howgate, Sara Fraim of the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council, Jane Steinmetz of EY. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston | More Info and Register)

MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: Capital Programs Committee of the MassDOT Board of Directors meets remotely. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. | More Info)

STATE POLICE GRADS: A graduation ceremony for the 90th Recruit Training Troop of the Massachusetts State Police is held. Doors open at 10 a.m., and tickets are required to attend. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester | Tickets and Livestream)

FUTURE OF AGING: Housing and Liveable Communities Secretary Augustus delivers remarks at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services' Future of Aging Forum, focused on aligning social and health care to advance health, equity and independence. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Boston University Metcalf Trustee Center, One Silber Way, Boston)

HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBINAR: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar about health insurance coverage options for small businesses with one to 50 employees. The webinar will also cover options for sole proprietors and owner-only groups. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

POWER GAP: U.S. Sen. Markey participates as Environmental League of Mass., the New England for Offshore Wind coalition and Acadia Center host a webinar titled, "Bridging The Power Gap - How Bidirectional Clean Energy Benefits the US Northeast and Eastern Canada." Speakers will dig into the potential benefits of balancing US-Canada energy resources to bolster Atlantic offshore wind potential. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Register)

MUNI LEADERSHIP: Situational supervision is the focus of the Virtual Municipal Leadership Academy hosted by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Attendees will learn how to identify their preferred "supervisory style" and how to adjust their approach to meet the needs of staff, as well as how to respond to specific challenges staff members encounter. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets virtually. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Zoom)

HOMELESS MEDICAL RESPITE RATE: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on a proposed new rate regulation for homeless medical respite services. EOHHS wants to establish a per diem rate of $255.44, which officials say is "based on a model budget that included costs for direct care staff wages and fringe benefits, administrative staff wages and fringe benefits, and non-staff program costs such as member meals, staff training, supplies, and member transportation." Aggregate annual spending is estimated to be $676,000 beginning in 2026. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., More Info and Livestream)

EARLY ED BOARD: Board of Early Education meets. Agenda not yet available. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Livestream | More Info)

HOMELESS MEDICAL RESPITE SERVICES: MassHealth holds a remote public hearing on a new homeless medical respite service program. The proposed regulation looks to create a new MassHealth provider type, provide coverage for services, and set minimum requirements for participation in the program. The hearing will also address proposed amendments tied to administrative and billing rules. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., More Info and Access)

WOMEN'S HEALTH TECH CONFERENCE: National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society co-host the "Empowering Innovation in Women's Health Conference," featuring discussions with leaders of women's health tech companies. Participants include NCI Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell and Dr. Christina Annunziata, senior vice president of extramural discovery science at ACS. Experts will discuss funding opportunities, startups that are making a positive impact on women's health, and stories about biopharma and MedTech entrepreneurs. "This event will cover roadblocks women entrepreneurs face and what it takes to maneuver them," organizers say. "The event will set the stage for the next generation of female scientists and entrepreneurs." (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., Portal Innovation Southline, 35 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester | More Info and Register)

BOSTON FED IN WORCESTER: Worcester Regional Research Bureau's annual meeting features Susan Collins, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. An international macroeconomist, Collins previously served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester | Register)

WESTFORD BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing on the proposed bridge rehabilitation project in Westford for Stony Brook Road over the Stony Brook. Officials want to reinforce the existing stone masonry arches and install new traffic barriers to meet "current safety standards." (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

RODENT CONTROL: Mass Audubon hosts a free virtual pest management forum to connect residents with New England’s leading poison-free pest control professionals for a discussion of wildlife-safe pest control practices. Event is hosted in partnership with Audubon Society of Rhode Island and New Hampshire Audubon. Speakers include Arlington Public Health Director Natasha Waden and Newton Commissioner of Public Buildings Josh Morse. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Register)

SIPS AND SUNSHINE: Auditor DiZoglio, fresh off walking 18 miles from Auburn/Worcester to Westborough to raise awareness of Question 1 to give her office the explicit power to audit the Legislature, hosts a "Sips and Sunshine" mixer rally with supporters. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Schoen Home, 8 McTaggart St., Westborough)

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024

MBTA AUDIT COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Audit and Finance subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)

MASSPORT: Massport Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

MAPC COUNCIL MEETING: Metropolitan Area Planning Council holds its 2024 fall council meeting, which includes a municipal leaders panel moderated and led by Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. The council will also give awards to their legislator of the year and legislative staff member of the year. (Thursday, 9 a.m., The Lynn Museum & Arts Center, 590 Washington St., Lynn)

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TRUST: Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board meets, with Treasurer Goldberg as chair. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Email samantha.c.perry@tre.state.ma.us or call (617) 352-4820 for access | More Info)

CANNABIS CONTROL: Cannabis Control Commission is expected to hold a business meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | More Info TBA)

WORKFORCE SUPPORTS: Workforce Supports Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets to hear from two guest speakers -- Caroline Ryan of the Administration for Community Living and Stephanie Gibbs of the National Council on Aging. Subcommittee is tasked with analyzing the workforce crisis for people who provide services to people with disabilities. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Zoom | Legislative Livestream | CART Interpretation URL)

MBTA WORKFORCE COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Planning, Workforce, Development and Compensation subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

MBTA SAFETY COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Safety, Health and Environment subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)

HIGHER ED COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Higher Education holds an informational hearing on recent investments in higher education, with plans to hear only from Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. State officials recently made community college free for all Massachusetts residents without a previous bachelor's degree, expanded financial aid for public colleges and universities, and increased funding for wraparound services at the state's public higher education institutions. The committee plans to hear about implementation of latest initiatives and the efforts underway in two working groups. The committee is co-chaired by Sen. Comerford of Northampton and Rep. David Rogers of Cambridge. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a public meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, Conference Rooms 5 and 6, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Register)

HPC BOARD: Health Policy Commission Board meets, with a presentation on the agency's reviews of the Steward Health Care transactions on its agenda. In what Executive Director David Seltz described as the busiest time in the agency's history, HPC staff fast-tracked its analysis of the sales of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center to Boston Medical Center, St. Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital to Lifespan, and Holy Family Hospital with campuses in Haverhill and Methuen to Lawrence General Hospital. The HPC on Sept. 27 said the agency did not need to pursue a more comprehensive analysis that could have taken six months. "While the proposed hospital transactions represent significant changes to the Massachusetts health care market, the HPC's initial reviews did not uncover evidence that these transactions are likely to significantly increase health care spending or negatively impact market functioning," the HPC said. "To the contrary, HPC found that the proposed acquisitions offer a critically important opportunity to maintain access to services for the patients of these institutions while offering real opportunities to improve quality and stabilize the health care market." The agenda also calls for policy recommendations included in the 2024 health care cost trends report. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | More Info)

McDONALD'S CEO: Boston College Chief Executives Club hosts McDonald's Corp. Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski as the guest speaker for its latest luncheon. Kempczinski has led the world’s leading food service retailer since 2019 and will discuss the company's business in a fireside chat with Bose Corp. CEO Lila Snyder. Lunch at noon, program at 1 p.m. Media RSVP to ed.hayward@bc.edu or 617-552-4826. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Wharf Room, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston)

EEA, DPU PLANS: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Public Utilities hold a virtual listening session as officials develop "public involvement plans." Officials say the plans are meant to promote "meaningful and ongoing public participation in decision-making processes," as the offices also look to ensure Bay Staters can access services, activities and programs. Written comments are due Nov. 4. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

OFFSHORE WIND AND BIRDS: Nature Conservancy hosts a webinar focused on birds, climate change and offshore wind. Experts will discuss "the effect that climate change is having on birds, the risks and benefits of offshore wind to birds and how research and monitoring can help us make better decisions when it comes to siting, technology choices and mitigation." (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION: Water Resources Commission meets virtually. Agenda includes an update on hydrologic conditions and drought status, a discussion on the WRC's annual report for fiscal 2024, and a presentation on a hydrologic monitoring program. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

REHAB COUNCIL: Business and Employment Opportunities Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Commission meets virtually. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | More Info)

ECONOMIC MOBILITY HUB: Housing and Liveable Communities Secretary Augustus delivers remarks at a ribbon-cutting for the Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons, a 70,000-square-foot mixed-use development featuring an education and job training center, affordable housing, and child care. (Thursday, 3 p.m., 430 Rindge Ave., Cambridge)

STOUGHTON, STATE CONTRACTS: Town of Stoughton and the Operational Services Division -- the state agency handling statewide contracts -- host an event for local businesses to learn about contract opportunities. Organizers say it's a drop-in event through 6 p.m. (Thursday, 4 p.m., Stoughton Town Hall, 10 Pearl St., Stoughton | Register)

WORRELL BROTHERS AT CITY AWAKE: Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell and Rep. Chris Worrell participate in a "Words of Wisdom" dinner hosted by City Awake, the young professionals network of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. The brothers are slated to "share their experiences, discuss how their commitment to giving back has shaped their public service careers, and learn how their vision continues to shape a brighter future for Boston and beyond." The event starts with networking and dinner, followed by the conversation with the Worrells at 6 p.m. (Thursday, 5 p.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston | Register)

MARTHA'S VINEYARD FOREST: Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo holds a public listening session on DCR's Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, which officials describe as a more than 5,300-acre forest located in the center of Martha's Vineyard. Officials say the session "aims to hear the concerns of stakeholders and the public regarding the management of the state forest." Public feedback can be submitted through Oct. 17. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs | More Info)

MASSVOTE AWARD CEREMONY: MassVOTE, a nonpartisan and nonprofit group that promotes political participation, holds the annual "Champions of Democracy" celebration. George Pillsbury, co-founder of MassVOTE, will be honored alongside the Massachusetts Communities Action Network. Attorney General Campbell gives the keynote speech. Honorary host committee members include U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III; former Boston Mayor Kim Janey; Reps. Chynah Tyler, Kate Donaghue, Russell Holmes, Samantha Montano; and Boston City Councilors Coletta Zapata, Julia Mejia and Liz Breadon. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Edward M. Kennedy Institute, 210 Morrissey Blvd, Boston | Tickets)

FIRSTLIGHT HYDROPOWER INFO SESSION: Department of Environmental Protection seeks public input on FirstLightPower's water quality certification application. FirstLight Power filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to relicense the Connecticut River hydroelectric facilities in Turner Falls and Montague and a pumped storage facility in Northfield. As part of the application, the company must first receive a water quality certification from the state. This is the second of three opportunities for public participation regarding the certification application. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Seah Theater Arts Center, Avenue A, Turners Falls | Register)

SIPS AND SUNSHINE: Auditor DiZoglio, fresh off walking 18 miles from Westborough to Wellesley to raise awareness of Question 1 to give her office the explicit power to audit the Legislature, hosts a "Sips and Sunshine" mixer rally with supporters. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Lockheart Restaurant, 102 Central St., Wellesley)

GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission is expected to hold a business meeting. (Thursday | More Info TBA)

Friday, Oct. 11, 2024

SJC IN NORTHAMPTON: Supreme Judicial Court holds a special sitting at Hampshire County Superior Court in Northampton, hearing arguments on three cases and then participating in a Q&A with students from Northampton’s Smith Vocational School. One case involves an appeal related to a 2019 Hyannis stabbing, another one is an appeal of a Springfield second-degree murder conviction and the third stems from a different Springfield murder. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Hampshire County Superior Court, 15 Gothic St., Northampton | Full SJC Calendar)

HAO IN HATFIELD: Economic Development Secretary Hao visits Hatfield for a celebration of the water and sewer infrastructure improvements project along Route 5. (Friday, 10 a.m., Hatfield)

EMMANUEL COLLEGE: Dr. Beth Ross is officially installed as Emmanuel College's 14th president. Rep. Tyler and Boston City Councilor Durkan plan to attend the ceremony. Ross, a North Quincy native, served at the college for 24 years before being appointed as president last January. (Friday, 11:30 a.m., Jean Yawkey Center, Emmanuel College, 400 The Fenway, Boston)

MIKE'S MAZE: Economic Development Secretary Hao pays a visit to Mike's Maze at Warner Farm. This year's eight-acre corn maze is circus themed. (Friday, 11:30 a.m., 23 South Main St., Sunderland)

HAO AT UMASS: Economic Development Secretary Hao visits the University of Massachusetts flagship campus. (Friday, 1:30 p.m., UMass Amherst, Amherst)

AMHERST ROTARY: Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao and Undersecretary Ashley Stolba are guest speakers as the town of Amherst hosts a ribbon-cutting for a new rotary in the Pomeroy Village section of town. The town said construction of the rotary creates infrastructure for additional economic development and private reinvestment while enhancing vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian safety. The project was funded by a $1.5 million MassWorks grant and $433,000 from the town's funds. (Friday, 4 p.m., 479 West St., Amherst)

SIPS AND SUNSHINE: Auditor DiZoglio, fresh off walking 14 miles from Wellesley to Beacon Hill to conclude her walk across Massachusetts to raise awareness of Question 1 to give her office the explicit power to audit the Legislature, hosts a "Sips and Sunshine" mixer rally with supporters. (Friday, 6 p.m., Moxies Boston Seaport, 899 Congress St., Boston)

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULES: Early voting for the November elections begins Oct. 19, but the specific early voting schedules set by local election officials will become available from Secretary of State Bill Galvin's office Friday. Local officials must have at least one early voting site within each community and each municipality is required to host at least some weekend early voting hours. (Friday, More Info)

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024

POLICE GALA: LLEGO Boston, a group of Latino emergency responders and citizens who promote community policing, holds its annual gala. The event celebrates the program's work to place police officers in departments across Massachusetts and New York. (Saturday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m., Tirrell Room, 254 Quincy St., Quincy)

ORANGE LINE: Orange Line shuts down between Forest Hills and North Station from Saturday, Oct. 12 to Monday, Oct. 14. Free shuttle buses will be provided for those stops, as well as for Copley on the Green Line. Riders can also take the commuter rail for free between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay and South Station. The closure is part of the MBTA's Track Improvement Program, as the agency works to make repairs and enable trains to travel at designed speeds. (Saturday, Oct. 12)