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The Healey administration said Friday it will not enforce minimum electric vehicle sales requirements for model years 2026 and 2027, administratively taking a step that lawmakers have repeated sought to force legislatively. Under the Advanced Clean Cars II regulation that Massachusetts adopted following California's lead in 2023, vehicle manufacturers are supposed to produce and make available for sale a gradually-increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles starting at 35% in model year 2026, rising to 43% in model year 2027 and eventually hitting 100% in model year 2035 and beyond.
FRANKLIN
New
Town Website Does Not Support “Cut and Paste” of calendar
entries. Go to https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
However, Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters has compiled and and
shared the below information. Thanks Steve!
Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kick off for summer time. Really a time of reflection to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. We have all the more reason to reflect given the current administration's challenge to our Constitutional freedoms that are working their way through the courts.
There is a revised parade route for Franklin this year. The VFW, American Legion, and other veterans organizations have made these changes to hopefully enable more veterans to participate.
- The parade will start from the Horace Mann middle school complex. A more spacious gathering point for those marching.
- A slightly shorter route that also avoids the last hill up to the Common.
- The three stops for recognitions at Dean and the 2 cemeteries will be done before the parade to avoid the stop start and waiting during the parade of previous years.
The parade will begin at 11:00 AM, come out Oak St to Union, to RT 140, to Emmons, to Main St and back to the Town Common. You can watch the parade twice from the Common.
At noon, the recognition ceremony for all veterans who passed during the prior year will be held among the veterans memorials on the Town Common. Albert Johnson who passed during World War I will also be recognized. His ‘killed in action’ date during the war is not known so this day is fitting for his recognition. The other 44 individuals who have pillars along the Veterans Walkway have known dates and ceremonies are conducted throughout the year on those dates.
With the holiday on Monday, the shorter week contains less town and school meetings. In person voting for the special election for the FY 2026 budget override continues through Friday May 30. All other voting in person will be conducted at the high school on Tuesday June 3.
*** The agendas for the week ahead can be found here:
from the Town page, as of 8:00 PM Friday, May 23 ***
Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting
Tuesday, May 27 Time: 1:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1759
Design Review Meeting (Virtual Mtg)
Tuesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/405?fileID=4909
Franklin School Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761
Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting
Thursday, May 29 Time: 4:30 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05292025-1760
Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, May 29 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/407?fileID=491
*** Looking back at the week that was ***
The Town Council conducted their 2 public hearings on the FY 2026 budget on Wednesday and Thursday as scheduled. The first night went 4 hours as all the questions and comments raised were answered. The second night saw the brief hearing continued to June 4. The results of the vote June 3 will be known and that will enable the Council to make their votes on the budget either
- As proposed, if the override passes
- Or with significant cuts, if the override fails
Thursday’s agenda also included some alcohol license approvals.
- A modification to management and ownership of The Shed
- A transfer of licenses between DeVitas and Big Y. After a somewhat contentious discussion, the Council did approve the transfers by a 5-1-3 vote (5 for, 1 against (Cormier-Leger) with 3 absent (Chandler, Pellegri, and Dellorco). Dellorco had been present, left during the public hearing and did not return to the meeting.
Additional info on these meetings can be found with the Franklin.News meeting recaps here
Weds -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-spends-4-hours-reviewing.html
Thurs -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-expresses-frustration-with.html
--------------
For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendars at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.
Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html
On Fri, May 23, 2025 at 8:26 PM Stephen Sherlock <shersteve@gmail.com> wrote:
With the holiday Monday, a short week and only a few meetings
From the Town page, as of 8:00 PM Friday, May 23
Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting
Tuesday, May 27 Time: 1:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1759
Design Review Meeting (Virtual Mtg)
Tuesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/405?fileID=4909
Franklin School Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761
Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting
Thursday, May 29 Time: 4:30 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05292025-1760
Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, May 29 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/407?fileID=4912
MEDWAY
Medway’s
new website, likewise, does not readily support cut and paste. Go to
medwayma.gov.
Tues. 27
1 PM Mass. Strategic Health Group Board Meeting
3:30 PM School Committee Budget Subcommittee
Weds. 28
8:30 AM Norfolk County Retirement Board Meeting
3 PM School Council Meeting-Burke Memoria l
3 PM School Council Meeting-Burke Memorial
STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND
Drafts of the next state budget have cleared the House and Senate and are now on their way to a six-person conference committee, which must come up with a single approach. If there are adjustments to be made in response to federal spending cuts, those changes could be executed by that negotiating panel or alternatively by Gov. Maura Healey, who could flex her executive powers to manage through any problems in the fiscal 2026 budget while she simultaneously ramps up her anticipated reelection campaign next year. The Legislature and Healey a year ago agreed on an annual budget that didn't take into account hundreds of millions of dollars in spending, which they have been addressing through a series of supplemental budgets this year. Budget bills have been signed to address underfunded family shelter and state employee health insurance accounts, but child care and home care providers are among those who hope lawmakers will wrap up work soon on another supplemental budget, which the House passed this week and sent over to the Senate. Senate budget chief Michael Rodrigues said the Senate will take up its version of that bill "in the very near future." The Senate has only informal sessions planned next week, as does the House. The early-session obsession with spending and budgeting is also reflected in legislation allocating more than $1.3 billion in surplus income surtax funds, which is already in conference committee. Joint rules reforms also remain hung up in conference committee. After a disjointed finish to the last two-year session, Democrats earlier this term said major reforms were needed to better manage the flow of legislation and bring an added measure of transparency to the Legislature, which is exempt from the Open Meeting Law. But while Beacon Hill Democrats like to boast about how well they get along with Republicans, they often can't get along or agree in a timely way on important issues themselves. The current session is unfolding much like its predecessors. While Republicans are clamoring for a focus on issues like competitiveness and affordability, Democrats have not presented a non-budgetary legislative agenda and by the time an agenda becomes apparent they could be looking again at another logjam of major bills. In the week ahead, committees plan to pull in outsiders for informational hearings on housing, community development and small business. The House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability is hosting a hearing about the impact of federal policy and federal funding cuts on Massachusetts, while the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy will hold its own hearing focused on legislation that could strengthen reproductive and transgender care protections here.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
SANTIAGO ON KELLER: WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller hosts Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago to discuss federal cuts in veterans' programs, progress at the state's Soldiers Homes, and public appreciation of veterans. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)
SANTIAGO ON OTR: Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago is the guest on WCVB's weekly "On the Record" program. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Channel 5)
Monday, May 26, 2025
AMHERST MEMORIAL DAY: Town of Amherst and Central Hampshire Veterans' Services hold their annual Memorial Day procession and ceremony. Amherst Chorale performs at the ceremony, which will also honor a local veteran who went missing during deployment. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Intersection of Spring Street and Boltwood Avenue, Amherst | More Info)
HEALEY IN AGAWAM: Gov. Maura Healey is expected to march in Agawam's Memorial Day parade, her office said. Veterans' Council ceremony follows immediately after the parade. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agawam Veterans' Memorial Green, Main Street, Agawam)
COMMONWEALTH MUSEUM: Commonwealth Museum holds special Memorial Day hours, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with artifacts from the American Revolution on display. Displays include an invoice from Paul Revere for a series of rides, a Revere copper engraving, a drum used at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and a sword used by an officer at Concord's Old North Bridge. Museum also has on display original signed copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, as well as the original royal charters for Massachusetts Bay Colony and the Massachusetts State Constitution. (Monday, 10 a.m., 220 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester)
QUINCY MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Quincy hosts its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The parade begins at Quincy Credit Union and ends at Mount Wollaston Cemetery, with a stop at First United Parish Church for a wreath-laying ceremony. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Quincy Credit Union, 100 Quincy Ave., Quincy)
OPERATION GOLD STAR: Bridges and landmarks across Massachusetts -- including the Zakim Bridge, Longfellow Bridge, Fore River Bridge and Burns Bridge -- will be illuminated in gold to honor men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. The statewide initiative known as Operation Gold Star was championed by the Military Friends Foundation and signed into law as part of the HERO Act last August. (Monday)
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
GSEP RISK ASSESSMENT: Department of Public Utilities' GSEP Risk Assessment Working Group holds a technical session to develop "proposed risk-based prioritization principles that will guide the 2026 GSEP filings this fall." The work group is tasked with helping to develop a "more comprehensive risk-prioritization strategy," as well as boosting transparency and consistency in GSEP filings. This session will focus on National Grid and Eversource. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 1 South Station, Third Floor | More Info)
RACING REGS HEARING: Gaming Commission holds a public hearing to accept input on a series of regulatory proposals related to horse racing. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Notice and Access Info)
BPS ARTS FESTIVAL: Boston Public Schools hosts the Citywide Arts Festival, an annual four-day celebration of arts in BPS. It's held in partnership with EdVestors, BPS Arts Expansion and the City of Boston Property Management Department. Over 1,100 student performers from 25 schools will participate in the festival. Ulysses Quartet, GBH Music's Quartet in Residence, will perform on Wednesday. The festival begins Tuesday with free student performances in music, dance and theater from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. every day until Friday. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SMALL BUSINESSES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses holds an informational hearing. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
GAMING AGENDA-SETTING: Gaming Commission meets to select topics for discussion and action at future commission business meetings. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
CANNABIS RESEARCH: Cannabis Advisory Board's Cannabis Research Subcommittee meets. Agenda calls for discussion of H 151 relative to cannabis research from Rep. Finn. Subcommittee will also vote on recommendations for the creation of a feedback form for renewal licenses and for the creation of regular cannabis stakeholder meetings. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
CIVICS SHOWCASE: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education hosts a civics project showcase, a regional "science fair for civics" where students "share the real-world action they are taking on community issues such as student mental health, environmental justice and educational equity." Students from 13 districts in southeastern Massachusetts will attend. Reps. Christopher Markey and Mark Sylvia and DESE Deputy Commissioner Regina Robinson plan to attend. (Tuesday, 10:15 a.m., UMass Dartmouth Marketplace, 285 Old Westport Rd., Dartmouth)
LOTTERY COMMISSION: State Lottery Commission meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda | For access, email gpolin@masslottery.com)
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a hearing on about two dozen bills related to automobile insurance. Among them is H 1195 from Rep. Steve Howitt of Seekonk seeking to remove penalties for vehicle inspection violations from consideration when determining surcharges on insurance premiums. Rep. Mary Keefe of Worcester also has legislation related to insurance surcharges (H 1219 / H 1220). (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
GAMING COMMISSION: Gaming Commission meets. Agenda calls for review of applications for awards from the Community Mitigation Fund, a source of aid to towns near casinos that regulators are preparing to phase out as lawmakers continue to divert its funding source. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
GUYANA FLAG RAISING: A Guyana flag-raising ceremony is held at Boston City Hall to celebrate Guayana's independence and the contributions of Guyanese Bostonians. Community leaders and members of the Guyanese diaspora attend. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., 1 City Hall Sq., Boston)
BOSTON VALEDICTORIANS: Annual Boston Public Schools Valedictorians Luncheon is hosted at Fenway Park by Mayor Wu, the Boston School Committee and Superintendent Mary Skipper. City officials say 33 graduates will be honored, and all of them plan to pursue a college degree or enroll in a career-training program. Amaka Ubaka, morning anchor of WHDH's "Today in New England," emcees the event. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Fenway Park, The 521 Overlook)
PUBLIC RECORDS, OPEN MEETING LAWS: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a member-only webinar about the state's public records and open meeting laws. Lauren Goldberg and Janelle Austin of KP Laws will answer questions about the laws' requirements and common violations. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
VETERANS QUALITY OF LIFE: Veterans Quality of Life Commission meets virtually to discuss topics to prioritize, including reaching recently discharged veterans, housing insecurity, food insecurity, education and training, employment, caregiver support and resources, suicide prevention, health care and transportation. They'll also discuss next steps and potential recommendations. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
AUTISM COMMISSION: Autism Commission meets. Agenda includes a presentation from the Department of Developmental Services about the Children's Autism Waiver Program renewal. For access, contact Carol.M.Gracia@mass.gov. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)
PASSPORT GENDER MARKER HEARING: U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts will hear arguments in Orr v. Trump related to President Donald Trump's executive order that requires passports to reflect individuals' sex assigned at birth. The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and Covington and Burling LLP are asking the court to "certify a class of people adversely affected by the passport policy and to extend this relief nationwide so that all other transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people can receive accurate passports," according to the ACLU. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., John Joseph Moakley Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston)
ROXBURY HOUSING: City officials hold a virtual community meeting to discuss urban design guidelines for "Welcome Home, Boston," an initiative to create homes for first-time homebuyers on city-owned land. This session is focused on parcels in Roxbury. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY: Massachusetts School Building Authority Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda | For access, contact Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org)
FIRE PREVENTION: General Requirements Code Committee of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 1 State Road, Stow | More Info)
CIVICS SHOWCASE: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education hosts a civics project showcase, a regional "science fair for civics" where students "share the real-world action they are taking on community issues such as student mental health, environmental justice and educational equity." Students from 12 districts in western Massachusetts will attend. Sens. Adam Gomez and Jacob Oliveira and Reps. Carlos Gonzalez, Shirley Arriaga and Brian Ashe plan to attend. (Wednesday, 10:15 a.m., Mass Mutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield)
STATE HEALTH PLANNING: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation holds a webinar about state health planning. Robert Seifert, who recently wrote a brief for the foundation about health services planning and gaps in Massachusetts, will give remarks. The 2025 hospital oversight law created the Office of Health Resource Planning at the Health Policy Commission, which is charged with "identifying and addressing service gaps and challenges in the Massachusetts health care system while fostering patient-centered care." Kara Vidal, director of the new office, also speaks at the webinar, alongside Kaitlyn Kenney Walsh, vice president of policy and research at the Foundation. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Register)
FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION: Fire Service Commission meets. Agenda includes a vote on credentialing and re-credentialing, a discussion about the status of commission members, and general issues and updates from the Department of Fire Services. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
EARLY ED PANEL: Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition holds a virtual lunch-and-learn panel about "next steps" for early childhood education. Panelists include Gaby Goldstein of the Department of Early Education and Care, Dana Sullivan of the Executive Office for Administration & Finance and Sheri Penney of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. It's moderated by Tom Weber, executive director of the Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Zoom)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STEERING AND POLICY: Senate Committee on Steering and Policy, which is not known for holding any public meetings or hearings, gathers to seek input on potential legislative fixes to tighten the 2022 abortion shield law, which also contains protections for gender-affirming care. The committee is chaired by Sen. Cindy Friedman. Senators say they want testimony on "potential loopholes and areas for clarification" within the law. The panel says it is interested in hearing about protecting access to emergency abortion care; restricting state agencies from cooperating with or providing information to federal or out-state entities tied to legally protected health care activity; curtailing access to electronic medical records and other identifiable health data by out-of-state entities; and protecting the licenses of health care professionals, plus their lawyers, who are providing reproductive and gender-affirming care. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream)
MUNI MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association holds its spring conference. The first day features facilitated roundtable discussions about advocating for communities, board relationships, budgeting, collective bargaining, health insurance costs and Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. There will also be an oyster bed tour. Closed to press. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Ocean Edge Resort, 2907 Main St., Brewster | Register)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a hearing on bills related to disability and health presumptions. Bills on the agenda deal with police officers, firefighters, court officers, EMTs, correctional officers and other public employees. House bills on the docket must be acted upon by House members by July 26, the committee said. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
GRADUATION COUNCIL: Gov. Healey's K-12 Statewide Graduation Council holds a listening session in Somerville. Officials are seeking feedback from students, families, educators, administrators, higher ed experts, the business community and others about the skills and knowledge that students need to "thrive in college, careers, and civic life." (Wednesday, 5 p.m., 81 Highland Ave., Somerville)
KELLY RINK IMPROVEMENTS: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about reconstructing the DCR Kelly Ice Rink, located within the Southwest Corridor Park that runs for four miles along the path of the MBTA Orange Line from Forest Hills MBTA station to Back Bay MBTA station. Officials want to reconstruct the ice bed, install a new roof and new stormwater infrastructure, and improve the entrance, among other changes. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
ANDOVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a proposed bridge replacement project for the Tewksbury Street bridge over the CSX Railroad in Andover. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Robb Center, 30 Whittier Court, Andover| More Info)
EVERSOURCE HELICOPTERS: Eversource is using helicopters to patrol electric transmission line rights of way through several communities in western Massachusetts. Crews will inspect the condition of the high-voltage transmission system and identify any issues. Helicopters will patrol Wednesday through Friday, weather permitting, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Agawam, Amherst, Ashfield, Becket, Belchertown, Blandford, Cheshire, Chicopee, Conway, Dalton, Deerfield, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Erving, Granby, Granville, Greenfield, Hadley, Hampden, Hancock, Hinsdale, Holyoke, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Leverett, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Montague, Northfield, Otis, Pelham, Peru, Pittsfield, Plainfield, Russell, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Southwick, Springfield, Sunderland, Warwick, Wendell, West Springfield, Westfield, Wilbraham, and Windsor. (Wednesday through Friday)
Thursday, May 29, 2025
MUNI MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE: The second day of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association's spring conference starts off with welcome remarks from John Mangiaratti, Acton town manager and MMMA president. A day-long session, called "Reflect, Reconnect & Reengage, will help municipal leaders process town meeting season and handle burnout. Closed to press. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | Ocean Edge Resort, 2907 Main St., Brewster | Register)
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition and city offices host a webinar about immigration enforcement, focused on employers' rights and responsibilities. "As policies evolve, it is critical that small businesses understand their rights and responsibilities should they become the center of immigration enforcement," organizers say. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | Zoom)
O'BRIEN v. GOLDBERG: Superior Court Judge Robert Gordon holds a hearing in former Cannabis Control Commission chairwoman Shannon O'Brien's appeal of her September 2024 firing at the hands of Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. The hearing is closed to the public, per an order from the judge, as it deals only with requests from CCC employees and others who want the court to continue to protect from disclosure personal information of theirs that was included in a five-volume administrative record of the case. That record remains mostly under seal. "While the Court acknowledges the significant community interest in the merits of [O'Brien's] claims against [Goldberg], that interest clearly does not extend with equal force to the discrete arguments presented for and against impoundment of the Administrative Record," Gordon wrote in the order that also orders the audio of the hearing to be impounded pending a further order. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Courtroom 313, Suffolk County Superior Court, 3 Pemberton Sq., Boston)
STATE RETIREMENT BOARD: State Retirement Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda | For access, contact MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us)
DEBT & DRIVING: Rep. Fluker-Reid and Sen. Cyr host an advocacy coalition for a briefing on legislation (S 2386 / H 3662) meant to end debt-based driver’s license suspensions. Organizers said Massachusetts is in a minority of states that suspend driver’s licenses for failure to pay fines and fees. The coalition includes ACLU of Massachusetts, the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Greater Boston Legal Services, the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, LivableStreets Alliance, and the National Consumer Law Center. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM: Groundbreaking ceremony for the Holocaust Museum Boston, which is situated along the Freedom Trail and will overlook the State House. Attendees include Senate President Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz, Rep. Cataldo, Sen. Velis and Boston City Councilor Flynn. Jody Kipnis and Todd Ruderman, co-founders of the Holocaust Legacy Foundation and the museum, give opening remarks. The museum will incorporate immersive exhibits to preserve the memories of Holocaust survivors, a Nazi-era historic railcar and personal artifacts. The museum will "reveal the persistent dangers of antisemitism, hate, and bigotry, helping visitors of all backgrounds understand the critical connections between history, today's pressing challenges, and the fragility of democracy," organizers say. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 125 Tremont St., Boston)
EARLY CHILDHOOD AGENDA: Strategies for Children holds a "spring convening" to share updates on progress made on their early childhood agenda. "As we navigate structural and funding challenges at the federal level, it's more important than ever to work together to preserve and protect early childhood progress," says a notice about the event. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Zoom Registration)
COLUMBIA CONSTRUCTION: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce continues its "Pacesetters Doing Business" series with a focus on Columbia Construction. Small business owners will hear directly from procurement officers about work opportunities. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL FUNDING, POLICY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: The House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability holds an informational hearing about the impact of federal policy and federal funding cuts on Massachusetts. While myriad interests might have insights into the topic given the volatile state of federal policy, testimony is invite-only. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | More Info and Livestream)
LIVE FIRE PUBLIC HEARING: Executive Office of Public Safety and Security holds a public hearing as it seeks to implement part of the 2024 gun safety law dealing with live fire training. EOPSS is required to "study and report to the legislature on recommendations to ensure the effective implementation of live fire training," according to the law. Comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on June 4. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing holds an informational hearing to meet with representatives of agencies, government offices and other organizations. Those testifying include Tamara Small of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), Doug Howgate of the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation, Mark Draisen of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Cardi Medina and Gena Frank of SEIU 1199, Frank Callahan of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions, Chrissy Lynch of AFL-CIO and Keith Fairey of Way Finders. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | More Info and Livestream)
GRID MODERNIZATION: Grid Modernization Advisory Council meets. The group is expected to discuss updates from electric sector modernization plan-related activities and outcomes of a long-term system planning process working group. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Register)
SMALL BIZ FAIR: The Supplier Diversity Office, City of Fitchburg and Fitchburg State University host a diverse and small business opportunity fair. The event, which runs through 4:30 p.m., includes workshops from the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance and the Operational Services Division. (Thursday, 2 p.m., 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg)
BOSTON EDUCATORS RALLY: Staff at Dorchester's Neighborhood House Charter School and Codman Academy, which are members of the Boston Teachers Union, rally as they begin bargaining for their first contract. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Codman Square, Dorchester)
MIRA GALA: Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition hosts its "Give Liberty a Hand" fundraiser and gala. The event features a Chinese lion dance, a performance from Nigerian-American Echezona Onwuama, and an interactive art experience. Recipients of the Community Champion Awards include Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Lino Covarrubias of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest and Dr. Robert Marlin, who helped craft the Physicians Pathway Act. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, 100 W. 2nd St., Boston | Register)
TUTWILER AT MASSBAY: Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler gives the keynote address at the MassBay Community College commencement ceremony. MassBay plans to award more than 400 associate degrees and certificates. (Thursday, 6 p.m., 50 Oakland St., Wellesley)
DCR BOSTON CONSTRUCTION: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about its construction plans at the intersection of Centre Street and Walter Street in Boston. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
Friday, May 30, 2025
FAITH LEADERS MARCH: Leaders from multiple faiths join for a march from Lexington Green to Boston Common "calling for renewed commitment to democracy, human dignity, and due process," organizers say. The "Prayers for Liberty" event will follow Paul Revere's historic ride in reverse with stops in Lexington, Arlington and Cambridge before a rally at Boston Common. Dozens of rabbis, pastors, imams and other clergy will participate, including Rev. Steve Watson, Rev. Mariama White-Hammond and Rabbi David Lerner. (Friday, 7:30 a.m., Lexington Green)
MUNI MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE: The final day of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association's spring conference includes a legislative update from Adam Chapdelaine, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Sessions throughout the day focus on managing an assistant or deputy manager, negotiating contracts for early career managers, and being a successful assistant or deputy manager. Closed to press. (Friday, 8:15 a.m. | Ocean Edge Resort, 2907 Main St., Brewster | Register)
CONSERVATORY LAB STUDENTS: Students from Conservatory Lab Charter School perform at the State House. (Friday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
ADULT FOSTER CARE: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing dealing with rates for certain adult foster care services. The proposed amendment updates the effective date of the rates, without making changes to current rates. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)
TEPPER AT WBUR FESTIVAL: Energy and Environment Secretary Tepper participates in a panel discussion about climate and clean energy policy in "an age of uncertainty" as part of the WBUR Festival. Other panelists are Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association; Mireille Bejjani, co-executive director of advocacy group Slingshot; and WBUR reporter Miriam Wasser. (Friday, 2 p.m., Booth Theatre, 820 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | More Info and Tickets)
WU AT WBUR FESTIVAL: As part of WBUR's celebration of its 75th anniversary, Boston Mayor Wu joins Morning Edition host Tiziana Dearing and WCVB political reporter Sharman Sacchetti for a conversation about "governing in the age of Trump, what’s ahead for the Commonwealth, and her own leadership experience." (Friday, 2 p.m., CFA Concert Hall, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | More Info and Tickets)
NATIONAL GRID CAPITAL INVESTMENT: Department of Public Utilities holds a virtual hearing on National Grid's Capital Investment Project Program, which calls for upgrades to boost interconnection of distributed generation facilities like solar projects. The proposal affects facilities in and around Belchertown, Granby, Monson, Palmer, Ware and Wilbraham. (Friday, 3 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
ORANGE LINE CLOSURE: Orange Line service is shut down between North Station and Forest Hills between Friday, May 30, and Sunday, June 1. Free shuttle buses will be available and make all stops between the stations, as well as Copley on the Green Line for parallel service through downtown to North Station. The Green Line C Branch will also be extended to North Station during this time period. (Friday through Sunday)
Saturday, May 31, 2025
KRAFT AT WBUR FESTIVAL: Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft sits down with Morning Edition host Tiziana Dearing and WCVB political reporter Sharman Sacchetti for a conversation about "his vision for Boston and why he wants the city’s top job." Event is part of the WBUR Festival, a celebration of the station's 75th anniversary. (Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m., CFA Concert Hall, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | More Info and Tickets)
