People, Power, and Politics

For more than two years, some sports betting companies allowed people in Massachusetts to wager on games of a professional basketball league in the Philippines that has been dogged by game-fixing allegations and has not been approved for wagering by state regulators, taking nearly $11.8 million in unauthorized action. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission was briefed Thursday on at least the fourth instance in which a sportsbook was found to be taking bets on the unauthorized Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

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!

September is here, and the back to school, or work routines are getting settled.

On the Planning Board agenda are the reviews of the proposed zoning changes to create the Crossing Neighborhood District as well as to create a limited use for commercial kitchens in residential zones. The one key requirement is that the household is on septic not Town sewer.

The Design Review and School Committee meetings are on Tuesday. The School Committee will hear about the improvement plans for the district and then the ECDC, Elementary, MIddle and High School.

The Historical Commission is scheduled for Wednesday. The agenda is likely to be posted on Monday (given prior practice).

The Classical Charter School board meeting is scheduled for Thursday. THere had been a ZBA meeting also but keeping with their recent habit, there is only one meeting in September and scheduled for the 25th.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 9/05/25, 7:30 PM

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, September 8 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082025-1897

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, September 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092025-1900

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092025-1902

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, September 9 Time: 7:00 PM

no agenda posted

Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, September 10 Time: 6:00 PM

no agenda posted at this time

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public

Thursday, September 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09112025-1898

ZBA Meeting (no meeting)

Thursday, September 11 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09112025-1884

*** Looking back at the week that was ***

The Board of Health meeting was canceled

The Town Council met for 4.5 hours, about an hour and a half just on the recognitions before getting to the presentations and then to the minor set of legislation for action.

Recap and video available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/town-council-retires-fire-chief.html

The Town Council quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer condensed the meeting to about 30 minutes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/tom-mercer-condenses-45-hour-90325.html

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) added a meeting to the schedule forThursday, September 4 at 5:00 PM via Zoom Only. Franklin TV did broadcast it, the meeting lasted only 6 minutes. You can find the video, audio, and transcript here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/franklin-zba-makes-first-vote-on-28.html

The Conservation Commission also met on Thursday. Franklin TV has the video available for replay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNuycQojdhM

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar 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

MEDWAY

Medway’s
new website, likewise, does not readily support cut and paste. Go to
medwayma.gov

STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND

The House and Senate have been largely dormant for five weeks and even before they have concrete plans to return the next recess is starting to become visible on the horizon. Left untouched in June's joint rules renewal was the deadline for formal legislative business in the first year of the two-year term, which remains fixed at the third Wednesday in November. That's Wednesday, Nov. 19 this year -- leaving lawmakers with eight full weeks, two holiday-shortened weeks and a couple extra days to wrap up major work until early 2026. Some time-sensitive matters are pending before the Legislature in a supplemental budget bill Gov. Maura Healey filed last month, and there are dozens of other bills in play that supporters would argue are urgent. Upstream in the legislative process, nearly a dozen joint committees have hearings planned for next week to take testimony on real estate transfer taxes, mitigation of so-called forever chemicals in drinking water and other consumables, a proposed audit of the state crime lab, and much more. Despite the active committee agenda, joint rules reforms agreed to in June have not yet led to the kind of marked increase in legislative debate and activity that some leaders predicted.

The next week could see the continued collision between state and federal government priorities around immigration, health care, energy and public safety. Boston officials have pledged to fight a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit over the city's policy to mostly restrict local law enforcement from cooperating in federal civil immigration actions, and Mayor Michelle Wu is on high alert for the possibility that President Donald Trump seeks to deploy National Guard members to conduct law enforcement in Boston under his direction, as he has done in other cities led by Democrats. Gov. Maura Healey and other offshore wind boosters have been frustrated by Trump's unrelenting antagonism towards the clean energy source and the industry is waiting to see what the president's next move will be while also trying to get frozen projects back on track.

Tuesday will give us the first actual snapshot of the Boston mayoral race when leading candidates Wu and Josh Kraft find out where they stand with voters ahead of their expected head-to-head matchup in the November general election. And at the end of the week, Democrats from around Massachusetts will be heading out to Springfield ahead of next Saturday's Democratic Party platform convention, a chance for Bay State Democrats to circle the wagons behind a new set of priorities and principles as the party seeks to move on from a dismal 2024 on the national stage.

Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025

SHORTSLEEVE ON KELLER: Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve joins political analyst Jon Keller's weekly "Keller at Large" talk show to discuss housing policy, taxes and immigration issues. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

NICHOLSON ON NBC: Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson sits for an interview with NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

ON THE RECORD: U.S. Rep. Trahan is the guest on the weekly "On The Record" show, which also features a bipartisan political roundtable. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

Monday, Sept. 8, 2025

SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: Supreme Judicial Court sits with three cases on the docket. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1 | More Info and Livestream)

CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure holds a hearing on two dozen bills mainly focused on health care and human services. Multiple proposals deal with establishing interstate licensure compacts, including for social work, occupational therapists and dentists. Bills from Rep. Fiola and Sen. Gomez (H 367 / S 246) look to boost access to hearing aids. Dental hygienists would gain the ability to administer dermal fillers and Botox under measures from Rep. Frank Moran and Sen. Payano (H 444 / S 284). Proposals from Rep. Lawn and Sen. Cronin (H 419 / S 214) would install protections for Bay Staters dealing with medical debt, including blocking "extraordinary collection actions" like arrests or foreclosing on property. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

FARE CHECKS BEGIN: MBTA begins deploying so-called fare engagement representatives to check for fare payment on buses and in the subway system. The T says workers in blue shirts and khakis will visually monitor whether people pay as they enter fare gates and board vehicles, and in the future will ride buses, Green Line trolleys and Mattapan trolleys to verify payment with handheld devices. Riders without proof of payment may receive a warning or a fine of up to $100. The new enforcement phase comes amid efforts to recover revenue lost to fare evasion — estimated in the tens of millions annually. The MBTA hosts a media availability marking the first day, with Deputy Chief of Fare Revenue Elizabeth Winters Ronaldson. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Government Center Station, Main level entrance)

SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream | Agenda)

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

ANTISEMITISM COMMISSION: Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism meets. Agenda includes a discussion on the impact of antisemitism on STEM and research in higher education, led by Mark Poznansky of Harvard Medical School. There's also a discussion on antisemitism at Harvard from the "perspective of a Jewish mom." Members of Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff participate in a panel discussion about "combating antisemitism in the Massachusetts way." Douglas Hauer, former adjunct faculty at Boston University School of Law, will speak about the role of state government in responding to antisemitism in higher education. Miriam Berkowitz Blue, executive director of Hillel Council of New England, will present on the "Hillel experience" at public and private campuses. Sara Coodin, director of academic affairs at the American Jewish Committee, speaks about addressing antisemitism and intellectual culture in higher education. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

AI IN HEALTH CARE: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a virtual panel discussion about AI's role in health care, part of its "AI Advantage" event series. Speakers include Joy Brown of Boston Medical Center Health System, Chris Coburn of Mass General Brigham, Prem Somasundaram of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Jazz Tobaccowalla of Boston Consulting Group and chamber CEO Jim Rooney. The panel will explore how AI is being deployed to improve patient outcomes and accelerate medical research, as well as ethical considerations. (Monday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Register)

LEADERSHIP MEETING: Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Senate President Spilka and House Speaker Mariano meet. The state's top leaders last met for one of their private, in-person meetings in July. A press availability will follow. (Monday, 2:30 p.m., Governor's Office)

SOMERVILLE RENT CONTROL: Dozens of Somerville residents rally in support of a potential rent stabilization ballot question that's newly certified by Attorney General Campbell's office. Tenants, homeowners and advocates with Somerville's community action agency will start collecting voter signatures. Attendees will also protest the pending eviction of a Sargent Avenue resident, who will appear in court Tuesday as he challenges a 91% rent hike. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., 66 Union Square, Somerville)

EARLY ED AND CARE HEARING: Department of Early Education and Care holds a hearing on proposed changes to the C3 Formula, which is used to calculate monthly payments to providers. The formula, which would take effect Nov. 1, includes a base rate depending on the care setting and the number of children, plus an equity adjustment that incorporates the volume of children receiving public assistance. Public comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. Sept. 12. (Monday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

HEALTH POLICY CONFERENCE: National Academy for State Health Policy Conference takes place in San Diego. Topics include Medicaid, public health, health care costs, coverage and access, behavioral health, workforce, maternal and child health, primary care, caregiving and aging. Asked about the conference last month, Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz said, "This is a particularly hard time working in state government. Having this opportunity for community is really important. It’s great to know that you’re not alone; we’re all in this together, we’re all going to try to think through ideas on how to manage some of these big challenges and support each other." (Monday to Wednesday, Town & Country Resort in San Diego, California | More Info)

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025

PRELIMINARY BOSTON ELECTION: Boston voters head to the polls for the preliminary mayoral election, where the main contest is between incumbent Michelle Wu and challenger Josh Kraft. Wu faces Kraft, as well as Robert Cappucci and Domingos DaRosa in a nonpartisan contest that will narrow the field to two candidates for the general election on Nov. 4. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with early voting having taken place from Aug. 30 through Sept. 5. (Tuesday, 7 a.m., Boston)

DPU OVERSIGHT: Department of Public Utilities' Transportation Oversight Division holds public hearings on applications for carrier certification. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., One South Station, 3rd floor, Boston | Agenda and Zoom)

STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a hearing on matters regarding state regulations, land bills and honorary designations. Some bills on the docket would create a Massachusetts COVID-19 memorial (S 2162), ban so-called hostile architecture, construction designed to prevent unhoused individuals from sitting or lying on buildings or structures at street level (H 3307), and create offices of legislative research and fiscal analysis (H 3892). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Livestream & More Info)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a hearing on matters related to real estate transfer fees and higher education. Committee members will hear testimony on one of the hottest housing topics last session — whether municipalities should be able to opt into a local option transfer tax on real estate transactions over a certain threshold in their communities. There's a number of local bills vying to implement the policy, which will have their day before the committee Tuesday. Among them is a bill (H 3193) to create a housing bank on Martha's Vineyard to acquire property for year-round affordable and community housing. The bank would be funded with a transfer tax on high-cost real estate transactions. After an effort for a statewide local-option transfer fee died last year, the Martha's Vineyard bill was given initial approval in the House, but never got a vote to send it to the Senate Chamber. Other bills before the committee Tuesday would create a college tuition tax deduction (S 2045) and create a deduction for private trade school tuition for taxpayers or their dependents when tuition exceeds 25% of their income (S 2051). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Livestream & More Info)

MEDWAY FIRE CEREMONY: Senate President Spilka speaks at the Medway Fire Department's change of command ceremony honoring retiring Fire Chief Jeff Lynch and welcoming incoming Fire Chief Michael Fasolino. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Medway Town Hall, 155 Village St., Medway)

PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets. Agenda includes a discussion on an interstate podiatric medical licensure compact. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

FRAMINGHAM DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Framingham Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

SUSTAINABILITY FAIR: The inaugural Sustainability Day on Beacon Hill features more than 35 exhibitors, including municipalities, nonprofits, advocacy groups, state agencies and businesses tackling climate change. The showcase runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 10:30 a.m., the speaking program includes remarks from Reps. Nguyen and Ciccolo -- the chair and vice chair of the House Committee on Climate Action & Sustainability -- and Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | More Info)

HOSPITAL REBRANDING: Lt. Gov. Driscoll speaks as the health system created nearly a year ago when Lawrence General Hospital absorbed the Holy Family hospitals in Methuen and Haverhill announces its new brand identity. In addition to a speaking program, event includes "a sign unveiling to announce the system and its hospitals' new names." (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Holy Family Hospital Methuen, 70 East St., Methuen)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a hearing on bills relative to health insurance. One bill before the committee (H 1193 / S 774) would require insurance providers to cover a minimum of 30 days for in-patient substance abuse treatment, an increase from 14 days. Sen. O'Connor and Rep. Kushmerek are seeking (S 802 / H 1228) to require private insurers to mirror MassHealth's policy of covering up to six behavioral health visits without a formal mental health diagnosis for children and people under the age of 21. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-2 | Livestream & More Info)

JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee's Guidelines Subcommittee meets. Members will discuss restorative justice programming needs at the Trial Court. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

FIRE TRAINING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Fire Training Council Sub-Committee meets. Agenda includes a discussion on the cadet program submission from the Cambridge Fire Department. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., 1 State Road, Stow | Agenda)

FIRE TRAINING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Fire Training Council meets. Agenda includes a fiscal affairs report, plus legislative and Department of Fire Services updates. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 1 State Road, Stow | Agenda)

CVI AWARENESS DAY: Perkins School for the Blind and Rep. Owens host the first CVI Awareness Day. Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a brain-based condition, is the leading cause of childhood blindness, often affecting children with healthy eyes but impaired visual processing. Despite its prevalence, fewer than 20% of children with CVI are diagnosed, largely due to the complexity of identifying the condition, according to research by Perkins and McKinsey & Company. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 428)

CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities meets. Reps. Cataldo and Lawn and Sen. Barrett have bills (H 200 and H 256 / S 102) to provide universal diaper changing stations in public buildings, accessible to people of any sex. Sen. Tarr proposes having mandated reporters of disabled persons abuse (S 172). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 l Livestream & More Info)

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a hearing on legislation related to criminal justice administration. Bills on the agenda would ban law enforcement from using tear gas (H 1623), eliminate cashless bail (H 2059) and enhance witness protection (H 4064). A number of bills have to do with the expungement of past marijuana convictions, updating the state's wiretap laws, and police use of epinephrine autoinjectors. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Livestream & More Info)

LGAC: Local Government Advisory Commission and its Executive Committee meet. Administration and Finance Secretary Gorzkowicz provides an update on current fiscal year revenue collections and the budget outlook. Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey provides an update on the office's work, specifically tied to municipal priorities. Agenda also includes a discussion on Gov. Healey's environmental bond bill and a streamlined permitting proposal. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., The Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke | Zoom)

MUNI CLIMATE LEADERSHIP: As part of Sustainability Day, a panel discussion will explore municipal best practices for climate leadership. Speakers will represent Framingham, Ashfield, Truro and Lexington, as well as the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the nonprofit HEET. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 437)

CORE PLAN COMMITTEE: The Q2 CORE Statutory Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)

MEMORIAL DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a meeting about the third phase of Memorial Drive improvements in Cambridge. The project stretches from the Eliot Bridge to the Anderson Memorial Bridge. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

ANTISEMITISM COMMISSION UPDATE: Jewish organizations hold a virtual gathering to learn about the work of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. Speakers include co-chairs Rep. Cataldo and Sen. Velis and Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem. It's moderated by NBC10 news anchor Jeff Saperstone. (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. | Register)

GOLDBERG ON NIGHTSIDE: Treasurer Goldberg is on NightSide with Dan Rea to discuss the Unclaimed Property Division returning Purple Heart Medals. (Tuesday, 8:05 p.m., NightSide with Dan Rea, WBZ 1030 AM)

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025

SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: Supreme Judicial Court sits with two cases on the docket. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1 | More Info and Livestream)

PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets. Agenda includes an update from Public Health Commissioner Goldstein, who has gained new authority to set the state's vaccine policies and break ties from federal recommendations. There will also be informational presentations, including an update from the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Response and the role of the Public Health Laboratory in emergency preparedness and response. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

EARLY ED BOARD: Board of Early Education and Care meets for a strategic planning session. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Access & More Info)

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Public Health Committee holds a hearing on nearly 50 bills dealing with environmental health, oral health, and food and nutrition. Proposals from Rep. Hogan and Sen. Cyr (H 2450 / S 1504) look to crack down on PFAS forever chemicals, including creating a remediation trust fund to help municipalities, public water systems and private well users address PFAS contamination. Measures from Rep. Kane and Sen. E. Kennedy (H 2460 / S 1555) aim to reduce food waste by establishing two types of labels: a "quality date" when the product is still safe to eat but may begin to deteriorate, and a "safety date" when the product may pose a health safety risk. Rep. Ramos and Sen. Oliveira want to create an advisory committee (H 2516 / S 1616) on the accessibility of fresh food in retail options throughout the commonwealth, including determining which communities lack adequate access. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

MICRO-TRANSIT BRIEFING: Transportation for Massachusetts, Reps. Farley-Bouvier and Smola, and Sen. Cyr hold a briefing on micro-transit. Micro-transit is on-demand transit operated by both private and public agencies to help fill gaps in transportation services. Jennifer Smith of Commonwealth Beacon will moderate a panel discussion about the challenges and successes of micro-transit in different areas of the state. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

FALL RIVER DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Fall River Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

VISIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind hosts a "Visions of Employment" webinar, designed to help employers create a supportive workplace. Employers will also learn about available services to onboard new employees who are legally blind. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Register)

FIREARM CONTROL: Firearm Control Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a discussion on subcommittee work on the prohibited "assault-style firearms" roster, review and approvals of additions to the handgun roster, and updating the formal target shooting roster. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 200 Arlington St., Chelsea | Agenda and Livestream)

CHILDHOOD CANCER ADVOCACY: Sen. O'Connor, Rep. Giannino and the American Childhood Cancer Organization host an advocacy day. Lawmakers will focus on their bills (S 1602 / H 2434) creating the Pediatric Cancer Research and Resource Project Trust Fund. Nearly 300 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, with 27 children passing away. The bills had a hearing before the Public Health Committee in mid-July. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Senate Reading Room)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats hold a private caucus. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Senate president's office and virtual)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission's Administrative Sub-Committee meets. Agenda includes a vote on draft regulations dealing with wet and electronic signatures. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford | Agenda and Zoom)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council holds its assembly, and could confirm Patricia Metzer to the Appellate Tax board and William Powers to the District Court. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission meets. Agenda includes regulatory, actuarial, legislative, audit and compliance updates. Executive Director Bill Keefe also gives a report. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford | Agenda and Zoom)

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES COMMISSION: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. The chair will give an update on goals for fiscal year 2026, and Developmental Disabilities Council Deputy Director Jennifer Bertrand gives a presentation on Medicaid federal funding. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Hearing Room 222 and Zoom)

LOAD MANAGEMENT STUDY: Department of Energy Resources holds a public workshop on a study analyzing whether technology can reduce electricity costs by reducing demand. DOER is exploring the impact of load management tools like energy efficiency, demand flexibility and virtual power plants. Officials will share preliminary study results and seek public feedback. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., 100 Cambridge St., Conference Room 2A, Boston | Register)

M&T BANK CHAIR: M&T Bank CEO René Jones will be the featured speaker at the Boston College Chief Executives Club luncheon, which will include a fireside chat with Eastern Bank Executive Chair Robert Rivers. Jones has been chairman and CEO of the Buffalo-based bank since 2017 and has nearly doubled its assets to become the 11th-largest bank in the country, according to organizers. Jones is a native of Ayer and a 1986 graduate of BC. Luncheon at noon, speaking program at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Georgian Room, Hilton Boston Park Plaza, 50 Park Plaza, Boston)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE: Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee holds a hearing on 50 bills. Legislation from Rep. Higgins and Sen. Moore (H 2632 / S 1745) calls for an audit of the state crime lab, intended to identify individuals who have not submitted legally required DNA samples after felony convictions. Inmates would gain privileged contact with lawmakers, giving them the right to refuse to disclose confidential communications, under measures from Rep. Uyterhoeven and Sen. Miranda (H 2721 / S 1727). Another Sen. Moore bill (S 1744) would establish the Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority and launch a fund to support building modernization and reconstruction projects backed by cannabis sales revenue. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Public Service Committee holds a hearing on about 20 bills, focused largely on personnel matters at the Boston Police Department. Other local bills impact Rochester, Northfield, Monterey and Haverhill. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

FREESTANDING BIRTH CENTER SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a public hearing on rates for freestanding birth center services. Officials want to update the effective date of the existing regulation to Feb. 1, 2026 because the only enrolled MassHealth provider "has been unable to realize the benefits of the last rate increases, effective January 5, 2024." The hearing notice adds, "This is due to both billing challenges and the limited provision of these services on a fee-for-service basis, since the bulk of the provider’s business is through managed care entities." Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CLEAN WATER TRUST: Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | Zoom)

HUBBARDSTON MUNI AGGREGATION: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on Hubbardston's municipal aggregation plan. Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

EVERSOURCE CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROJECTS: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on Eversource's proposed capital investments projects in the Southwick-Granville, New Bedford, Dalton-Hinsdale, and Gill-Montague areas. Officials say the proposals will "upgrade the electric power system to create more timely and cost-effective development and interconnection of distributed generation facilities." (Wednesday, 3 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MBTA RIDERS' ACCESS: MBTA Riders' Transportation Access Group meets. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

LYNNWAY MULTIMODAL CORRIDOR: MBTA holds an open house about the Lynnway Multimodal Corridor Project. The redesign of the Lynnway is intended to make safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers, and improve bus connections to the Blue Line, Lynn ferry terminal, Lynn Commuter Rail station and downtown Lynn. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., North Shore Community College, Room LE225 (Cafeteria), 300 Broad St., Lynn | More Info)

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Development Disabilities Council holds its quarterly meeting. Agenda includes committee reports, including a budget report. There's also a presentation from Ann Lynch of Attorney General Campbell's office. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD: One SouthCoast Chamber honors Anthony Sapienza, who most recently was CEO of JA Apparel Corp., at the Roger Valcourt Outstanding Citizen Award Dinner. Sapienza is currently board president of the New Bedford Economic Development Council. The award honors individuals with a "long record of volunteerism and leadership that has produced a measurable and lasting contribution to the region," organizers say. Dinner is at 6 p.m., with the formal program starting at 6:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Century House, 107 Main St., Acushnet | Register)

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025

9/11 COMMEMORATION: Gov. Healey presides over a commemorative name-reading ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. There will be a ceremonial lowering of the flag. (Thursday, 8 a.m., State House steps)

HEALTH CONNECTOR: Health Connector Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

MED REGISTRATION: Board of Registration in Medicine's Licensing Committee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SWEENEY AWARD: Rep. Hogan and Lt. Gov. Driscoll preside over the Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. The award honors the legacy of Sweeney, a flight attendant who was killed aboard American Airlines Flight 11; she shared "critical information" during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to a state webpage. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., House Chamber)

SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Agenda)

HOUSE: House is expected to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, Time TBD, House Chamber)

HIGHER EDU ECONOMIC IMPACT: Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies holds an informational hearing on the statewide economic impact of public and private colleges and universities, including direct spending, job creation and incubation of innovative businesses. Leaders from public and private colleges have been invited to testify, the committee said. Testimony is by invitation only. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Hearing Room A-2 | More Info and Access)

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Higher Education holds a public hearing on about two dozen bills. A Sen. Velis bill (S 954) would mandate overdose reversal drugs be available in college-operated housing and that resident assistants receive training on administering the medication. Legislation from Sen. Rausch and Rep. Tarsky (S 951 / H 1462) would require public colleges and universities to offer recovery-focused housing to support students with substance use disorder. Adjunct faculty could see improved working conditions, pay and benefits under proposals from Sen. Mark and Rep. Duffy (S 940 / H 1429). (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity holds a hearing on bills related to artificial intelligence and algorithms. Sen. Fernandes and AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch will testify in favor of H 77 / S 35, which the union said would establish guardrails on the use of AI in the workplace. Other bills on the docket deal with defending against election misinformation and studying how AI and data centers might affect demand for electricity. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | More Info and Access)

ECONOMIC ABUSE RELIEF BRIEFING: Economic Abuse Relief Act Coalition, Sen. R. Kennedy and Rep. Fluker-Reid host a legislative briefing on S 1147 / H 1694, bills intended to protect victims of coerced debt, a form of economic abuse in which abusers incur debt in a victim's name through fraud, force or coercion. The legislation would shift financial and legal responsibility for debt incurred through abusive tactics to perpetrators. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room 428)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a report from DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. There's also a presentation on the Wachusett Complex resource management plans. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Mount Holyoke Range State Park Notch Visitor Center, 1500 West St., Amherst | Agenda and Zoom)

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE: A wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Garden of Remembrance, which is located in the Boston Public Garden and honors victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Boston Mayor Wu presides. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Boston Public Garden)

FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL: Gov. Healey speaks at the annual Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. A procession of Pipes and Drum Bands, Honors Guards and firefighters will leave Boston Common at 4:45 p.m. and head to Ashburton Park. Event is sponsored by Auditor DiZoglio and Treasurer Goldberg attends. (Thursday, 5 p.m., State House, Firefighters Memorial)

9/11 SURVIVOR: Sept. 11 survivor, author and inspirational speaker Michael Hingson speaks at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His presentation will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a meet and greet and book signing from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hingson, who is blind, and his guide dog managed to escape from the 78th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center "moments before the building collapsed," according to organizers. "We are honored to welcome Michael Hingson to our campus on such a significant day," said MCLA Assistant Director of Disability Resources Nancy Rumbolt-Trzcinski. "His story of survival, resilience, and the power of human-animal partnerships offers invaluable lessons for our students as they navigate their own challenges and prepare for their futures." (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium, 375 Church St., North Adams)

HARLOW HOUSE: Department of Conservation and Recreation discusses a project involving the Harlow House, which is a historic property at Ellisville Harbor State Park in Plymouth. DCR says "many neighbors and stakeholders have reached out in the past year to express support for the preservation and reuse of the house." (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Access)

Friday, Sept. 12, 2025

MASSDEMS WELCOME PARTY: Congressman Neal and the Massachusetts Democratic Party State Convention Host Committee hold a welcome party ahead of Saturday's platform convention. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the event running through 10 p.m. (Friday, 7 p.m., White Lion Brewing Company, 1500 Main St., Springfield)

Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025

MASSDEMS CONVENTION: The 2025 Massachusetts Democratic Party State Convention is a platform convention, at which delegates will vote on the priorities to guide the party for the next four years. "Today, Massachusetts Democrats gather at a time of the greatest Constitutional challenge in our lifetimes," the draft platform states. "We convene with deep concern and a keen appreciation that past successes are no guarantee of the public's future approval." The platform touches on issues like economic opportunity, education, housing, health care, environment and climate, transportation and infrastructure, science and research, and community safety. The convention program begins at 10:15 a.m., with roll call slated for 10:45 a.m. U.S. Sens. Markey and Warren hold a delegate breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m. Congressman Moulton and the MassDems Veterans and Military Family Outreach Subcommittee host a "Taking Back the Flag" breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m. (Saturday, Sept. 13, MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield | More Info)

GOP "UNITY CONCERT": MassGOP hosts a "Unity Concert and Rally" fundraiser. Organizers promoted the event as "an electrifying afternoon of music, energy, and Republican unity" with both declared gubernatorial candidates, Brian Shortsleeve and Mike Kennealy, set to take the stage. Suggested donations range from $25 to $2,500. (Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m., Off the Rails, 90 Commercial St., Worcester)

POST-CONVENTION THANK YOU: Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll hold a "thank you" event to mark the end of the MassDems Convention. (Saturday, Sept. 13, 2:30 p.m., White Lion Brewing Company, 1500 Main St., Springfield)