People, Power, and Politics

The Franklin Police Department has received re-accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, continuing its commitment to professional standards and community transparency. Chief Thomas Lynch says the department first earned accreditation in 2022 and has now been approved for another three years. The voluntary program ensures police departments meet rigorous standards promoting ethical conduct and the impartial application of the law. Of the 258 law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts, only 122 are currently accredited, with the remainder still working toward that status. Accreditation is a self-initiated process by which police agencies voluntarily strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the law enforcement profession by the profession. The program establishes standards on best practices for police agencies to adopt.

FRANKLIN

New Town Website Does Not Support “Cut and Paste” of calendar entries. Go to https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx to view directly. Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters has kindly compiled and and shared the below information. Thanks Steve!

The winds of change have landed in Franklin. Tuesday, November 4 dawned sunny but windy, and those winds may have been the portent of the change that the community saw when the Town of Franklin Biennial Election results were available just after 9 PM.

Only 2 of the Town Council incumbents were re-elected, joining 7 new members. Diane Daddario won the write-in vote for the Board of Health with a convincing margin. 1 of the School Committee incumbents did not return as 3 new members will be joining the committee.

The first Town Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 12 with a 6 PM starting time. The meeting will open with organizational votes so it will be interesting to see who ends up as Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk for this new team.

The agenda is mainly an orientation to Council operations, open meeting law, Conflict of Interest, Ethics, and other matters that for the prior Councils with less change were covered but not likely in the depth anticipated for this session with so many newbies.

Other Town meetings this week are scheduled around the Veterans Day holiday Tuesday.

The Housing Authority meets on Monday. The Historical Commission and Friends of the Franklin Public Library are scheduled to meet on Wednesday.

The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, the Charles River Pollution Control District, the BFCCPS and the Conservation Commission are all scheduled to meet on Thursday. The agendas for all the meetings this week are listed below.

For all the cultural events and meetings, 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.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 11/07/25, 8:30 PM ***

Housing Authority

Monday, November 10 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11102025-1994

Veterans Day - Town offices and Schools closed

Tuesday, November 11

Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-1999

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-2001

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 7:00 PM

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings

Thursday, November 13 Time: 2:00 PM

not available at this time

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Thursday, November 13 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-2000

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, November 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-1995

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, November 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/528?fileID=6820

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

The Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee met on Monday, Nov 3 at 6 PM. Exclusive audio of that meeting is expected to be available by Monday, Nov 10

The Planning Board met on Monday, Nov 3. Franklin TV broadcast the meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgAto6ygY8M

The Biennial Election was conducted on Tuesday, Nov 4. The official results were posted by Town Clerk after noon on Wednesday, Nov 5. 6387 voters, 24.4% of the 26,136 registered total cast ballots. Detailed results are available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/town-of-franklin-official-results-of.html

The Board of Health met on Wednesday, Nov 5 at 5 PM. Exclusive audio of that meeting is expected to be available by Monday, Nov 10.

The Finance Committee was also scheduled to meet Wednesday but it was canceled late in the afternoon due to lack of a quorum. The Technology ‘deep dive’ will need to be rescheduled yet again, likely for the next meeting in December.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met briefly on Thursday, Nov 6. They approved the first accessory dwelling unit requiring a variance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wc7bTwqVFg

With the MIAA playoffs underway, there were no live steamed FHS high school sports this week. The shareworthy presentation by Joe Landy on “Then & Now” video replay is available on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EkZIrEeq4

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 fallout from the federal government shutdown continues to wash over House and Senate Democrats as they inch closer to their next extended break, mindful that their own inaction might make things worse for Massachusetts. As federal safety net programs go unfunded, Comptroller William McNamara told legislative leaders this week that their tardy budgeting could delay required state financial reports, which could in turn be cited by the federal government in an effort to scale back or suspend federal funds. Spending bills to close the books on fiscal 2025 are pending before a six-member conference committee with just over a week until the Legislature, under its rules, is scheduled on Nov. 19 to wrap up formal sessions for 2025. The $2.3 billion supplemental budget is likely the central focus of top Democrats but there is a chance for the branches to also agree soon on bills to address an increase in assaults for transit workers and to wipe from the statutes language that's offensive to individuals with disabilities. The early part of the week is broken up by Veterans Day on Tuesday. When Beacon Hill comes back to life on Wednesday, an annual cost trends hearing will zero in on the serious impacts of rising health care expenses. "We've got to figure out a way, by bringing together our insurers, our providers, hospitals, our major employers, come together at the table and figure out a new way forward, because we've got to find a way to reduce costs and make health care more affordable," Gov. Maura Healey said this week during a radio interview. The transit workers bill is on the Senate agenda for Thursday, as well as legislation intended to safeguard access to books by laying out rules for library additions and removals. Also in the week ahead, proposed changes in the state gaming laws get a public hearing, Healey's plan to finance a wave of higher education infrastructure improvements is heard by a second legislative panel, and it appears there's momentum behind a new bill intended to prevent Republicans in Washington D.C. from changing the U.S. Constitution.

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025
TUTWILER IN SPRINGFIELD: Secretary of Education Tutwiler visits the Rebecca M. Johnson School in Springfield during a live "Breakfast in the Classroom" demonstration. Breakfast participation in Springfield Public Schools has increased from 44% in 2015 to 84% today, and organizers will highlight how other schools can leverage federal funding reimbursements to also cover breakfast costs. Tutwiler at 9:30 a.m. tours Springfield's Culinary and Nutrition Center (75 Cadwell Drive), a 62,000-square-foot production kitchen that's cooked more than 50 million meals since 2019. (Monday, 8 a.m., 55 Catharine St., Springfield)

CLIMATE READY HOUSING: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus announces the fourth round of awards under the Climate Ready Housing Program, which supports deep energy retrofits in multifamily affordable housing. He's joined by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill and Harborlight Homes Executive Director Andrew McKenzie-DeFranza. (Monday, 10 a.m., Turtle Woods Apartments, 339 Essex St., Beverly)

MARINE CORPS: A celebration is held for the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. (Monday, 11 a.m., Grand Staircase)

DAIRY PROMOTION BOARD: Mass Dairy Promotion Board meets. Agenda includes a treasurer's report and update on the state's Ice Cream Trail. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

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

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream | Agenda)

MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE AND RECOVERY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery holds a public hearing on 15 bills dealing with treatment settings and psychedelics. Legislation from Sen. Fernandes would create at least two intensive treatment units at the Department of Mental Health for "patients who exhibit persistently aggressive or self destructive behavior or exhibit atypically, intensively violent behavior that requires specialized care." A Rep. O'Day bill (H 4200) tasks the Department of Public Health to create a pilot program for the monitored use of psychedelics. A similar Rep. Decker measure (H 2203) would launch a pilot program for DPH to study psilocybin services for adults with PTSD, end-of-life distress and other conditions. Massachusetts voters last year rejected a ballot question that would have legalized certain psychedelics. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

GALVIN CENSUS TALKS: As preparations ramp up for the 2030 U.S. Census, Secretary of State Bill Galvin meets with officials from Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket to discuss strategies to reach a complete count of residents. Galvin's office says the region faces challenges like a large number of seasonal residents, a lack of home mail service to certain areas, and an aging population. The meeting will also include a presentation from the UMass Donahue Institute. (Monday, 3 p.m., Tilden Arts Center, Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable)

SHORTSLEEVE ZOOM: Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve hosts a "grassroots" Zoom call to speak with supporters. (Monday, 5:30 p.m. | RSVP)

MOULTON TOWN HALL: Congressman Moulton hosts his annual Veterans Town Hall. Veterans from the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy will share their stories. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead)

DEATON ANNOUNCEMENT: John Deaton, a Republican attorney who unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2024 against U.S. Sen. Warren, makes a "special announcement" where he's expected to announce his candidacy for the seat now held by Democrat U.S. Sen. Markey. (Monday, 7:30 p.m., Off the Rails, 90 Commercial St., Worcester)

EARLY LITERACY TUTORING: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education plans to start accepting applications this week for districts seeking to participate in the Early Literacy Tutoring initiative. DESE says the initiative "provides no-cost, high-dosage tutoring for grades K-3 with a focus on foundational literacy skills and a priority on first grade. Tutoring will be delivered by DESE-approved vendors using evidence-based approaches. The tutoring could happen in-person or virtually and before, during, or after school." (Monday)

WU IN NOVA SCOTIA: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu meets with the Halifax Port Authority and tours PIER, which is Canada's first living lab focused on transportation, supply chain and logistics industries. She also tours the Health Innovation Hub. (Monday, Nova Scotia)

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY: The annual Veterans Day ceremony will feature remarks from Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, and Treasurer Goldberg. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

CAMBRIDGE VETERANS DAY: City of Cambridge's Department of Veterans Services holds a Veterans Day observance event. Army veteran Keven Lambert — who served for three years, including 16 consecutive months in Iraq — is the keynote speaker. The event is followed by a free lunch at the Sheraton Commander Hotel (16 Garden Street) at 12 p.m. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Cambridge Common, 1500 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: Employee Ownership Advisory Board's Board Governance Committee meets. Agenda includes finalizing the nomination and election process for chair and vice chair. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
HEALTH CARE COSTS: Health Policy Commission holds its annual Health Care Cost Trends Hearing. The HPC set the 2026 health care costs growth benchmark at 3.6%; total health care expenditures increasing by 8.6% between 2022 and 2023, for an average of $11,153 in annual health care spending per resident. The HPC also set the benchmark at 3.6% for 2025, after total health care expenditure rose by 5.8% from 2021 to 2022; that equates to $10,264 in average annual health care spending per resident. While care costs here have been rising for a while, the HPC says the hearing will focus on "the recent federal action that has created uncertainties about the health care landscape in Massachusetts, exacerbating existing challenges like barriers to affordability, workforce constraints, financial volatility, high and rising prescription drug costs, and threats to health care access and coverage." It's the first hearing with the 2025 prescription drug reform and market oversight laws in effect, which stipulate new parties that must testify – including significant equity investors, health care real estate investment trusts, pharmacy benefit managers and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Attorney General Campbell provides opening remarks. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation CEO Audrey Shelto and HPC Executive Director David Seltz give "grounding research presentations." A panel discussion on state policy response to federal action includes Mass. League of Community Health Centers CEO Michael Curry, Cape Cod Healthcare CEO Michael Lauf, Undersecretary for MassHealth Michael Levine, Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier and Health Care For All Executive Director Amy Rosenthal. A panel discussion exploring how CEOs "maintain a focus on affordability in a time of uncertainty" includes Mass. Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass. CEO Sarah Iselin, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center CEO Zandra Kelley, Fallon Health CEO Manny Lopes and Beth Israel Lahey Health CEO Kevin Tabb. Other panel discussions will delve into community and clinician voices on threats to access, affordability and equity; transforming care through hospital-at-home programs; and navigating pharmaceutical market trends. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston | Register)

MASS GIRLS IN TRADE: Massachusetts Girls in Trades holds its 10th annual eastern conference and career fair for hundreds of young women in career and technical high school education programs across greater Boston. Gov. Healey, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Jones and Massachusetts Building Trades Unions President Frank Callahan plan to attend. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., IBEW Local 103, 256 Freeport St., Dorchester)

PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets. Agenda includes updates from state Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. Members are expected to vote on a Determination of Need application from Everest Hospital, LLC for a transfer of ownership, after the council postponed making a decision at a meeting earlier this year. Everest wants to become the owner of Vibra Hospital of Western Massachusetts, which is a 47-bed long-term acute care hospital in Leicester. Through the transaction, Everest would also acquire The Meadows of Central Massachusetts, a skilled nursing facility also located at the hospital campus. There will also be an informational presentation on tribal and indigenous health equity. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

WORKERS' COMP: Workers' Compensation Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes guest speaker Dr. Stefanos Kales, a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. There's also updates from Director Sheri Bowles and Senior Judge Omar Hernández. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

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

MASSDOT FINANCE AND AUDIT: MassDOT Board of Directors Finance and Audit Committee meets. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

NEW NUCLEAR: Edwin Lyman, nuclear safety director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, speaks at an event about small modular reactors and their risks. Gov. Healey's energy affordability bill proposes repealing a 1982 voter law that requires new nuclear power plants and low-level radioactive storage or disposal facilities to secure voter approval. The Healey administration is exploring "cutting edge nuclear technology," and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs says proposed new nuclear fissions facilities are subject to a barrier unlike other energy generation sources. Lyman, an expert on nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism, is concerned by Healey's plan. The event is sponsored by the Commonwealth Coalition for Democracy and Safe Energy. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 222)

AKA DAY: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosts Massachusetts AKA Day at the State House. Rep. Fluker-Reid gives opening remarks and participates in an interactive session. Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman also speaks. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | Register)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Ann Dawley as clerk magistrate of the Peabody District Court. Dawley has served as acting clerk magistrate since June, and she previously was the court's first assistant clerk magistrate. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER APPEALS: Department of Fire Services' Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board meets. Agenda includes a case dealing with a property in North Attleboro. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

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

HOUSE: The House plans to meet in an informal session. (Wednesday, House Chamber | Calendar)

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a public hearing on about 40 bills. A Sen. Oliveira proposal (S 429) would establish a commission on AI in the Executive Office of Education, tasked with evaluating the implementation and use of automated decision systems and generative AI in educational settings. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would be required to adopt school library standards from the American Association of School Librarians and the Massachusetts School Library Association under bills from Rep. Puppolo and Sen. Oliveira (H 4207 / S 428), with the aim of promoting a well-rounded and grade-appropriate collection, teaching information literacy and research skills, and integrating learning technologies. A Sen. Rausch bill (S 443) would overhaul and expand the membership of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Padraic Rafferty as clerk magistrate of the Uxbridge District Court. Rafferty is currently assistant clerk magistrate at Worcester District Court. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber |Livestream)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets for its weekly assembly, and could confirm Mark Twombly Lee to the Probate and Family Court. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

EARLY ED, CARE BOARD: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 50 Milk St., 5th floor, Boston | More Info and Livestream)

ABIGAIL ADAMS AWARDS: Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus hosts the 2025 Abigail Adams Awards, honoring Attorney General Campbell, Sen. Friedman, and Rep. Ferrante honoring their "leadership, courage, and public service" in advancing "equality and opportunity." The event includes a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. and a program at 6 p.m. Media are invited to attend. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. | Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Avenue, Boston)

MBTA LONGWOOD MEDICAL AREA BUS CIRCULATION STUDY: MBTA holds a virtual public meeting to provide an update on the Longwood Medical Area Bus Circulation Study. The study follows the 2022 Bus Network Redesign Plan, which proposed a roughly 75% increase in bus service to the area but deferred final decisions on routes, stops and circulation patterns. Results from the study will guide recommendations on new routing and potential roadway or infrastructure changes in the Longwood Medical Area. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Zoom | More Info and Access)

SEWAGE IN THE CHARLES: Charles River Watershed Association holds a webinar about a recommendation from staff at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority governing efforts to combat combined sewer overflows. The MWRA Board of Directors is slated to vote on the plan on Nov. 19. The webinar will share why advocates believe the plan is "unacceptable" and should be rejected, according to organizers. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. | Zoom)

WU IN NOVA SCOTIA: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participates in the Tree for Boston tree-cutting ceremony in Nova Scotia, before returning to Boston later in the day. The tree is slated to arrive in Boston Common on Nov. 18. This year's tree is a 45-foot-tall white spruce. (Wednesday)

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
WOMEN LEADING GOVERNMENT: Women Leading Government, which is overseen by the Massachusetts Municipal Association, meets. Agenda includes discussions on strength and storytelling in public service, and overcoming challenges and building resilience. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Devens Commons Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens | Register)

METROPOLITAN BEACHES COMMISSION: Metropolitan Beaches Commission holds its annual hearing with DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChappelle scheduled to outline agency plans for the 15 Greater Boston beaches it manages in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull. LaChappelle is expected to discuss DCR’s operational priorities and coordination with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay on beach management and accessibility. Save the Harbor Executive Director Chris Mancini will provide an update on climate vulnerability assessments along the coast from Nahant to Nantasket. Metropolitan Beaches Commission Co-Chairs Sen. Brendan Crighton and Rep. Adrian Madaro will also speak. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room B-2)

TROUBLE IN TOYLAND: MASSPIRG Education Fund holds a press conference about the 40th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report, which identifies potential dangers for children during the holiday season. This year's report addresses AI toys that have embedded chatbots, plus low-tech toys that also pose risks. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 294 Washington St., Suite 720, Boston)

MBTA PLANNING, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & COMPENSATION: MBTA Planning, Workforce Development & Compensation Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Virtual | More Info)

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTION AWARDS: Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association holds the Law Enforcement and Corrections Awards Ceremony. The event comes as lawmakers plan to withhold the majority of sheriffs' funding request in the closeout supplemental budget. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)

MBTA SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: MBTA Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

GAMING COMMISSION: Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a public meeting with guests including Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who is expected to give remarks to start. Chair Jordan Maynard and Commissioners Paul Brodeur, Brad Hill, Eileen O’Brien and Nakisha Skinner will attend. The meeting will feature a presentation by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission about the regional business ecosystem network, and MGM Springfield’s quarterly update will follow. There will also be an update on downtown Springfield’s revitalization efforts, according to the commission. A commissioner update will round out the meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Springfield City Hall, Room 220, 36 Court Street, Springfield | Livestream)

HOUSE: House is expected to meet in a potential full formal session, according to the speaker's office. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Calendar)

WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION: Massachusetts Water Resources Commission meets. Agenda includes a report from Executive Director Vandana Rao, an update on hydrologic conditions and drought status, and a presentation and vote on the commission's annual report. There will also be presentations on "40 Years of Water Use Under the Massachusetts Water Management Act" and the Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program. (Thursday, 11 a.m., MassWildlife Headquarters, Room 108, Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough | Agenda)

BONDING, CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND STATE ASSETS: Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's redrafted BRIGHT Act (H 4693), or an An Act to Build Resilient Infrastructure to Generate Higher-Ed Transformation. The legislation has already cleared the Joint Committee on Higher Education, which heard the bill on June 3 as the governor, Cabinet secretaries, and college leaders testified on her bill (H 54) and the importance of leveraging state dollars for bonding to improve aging campus infrastructure -- with an eye toward keeping tuition and fees down for future students. The Healey administration wants to use surtax revenues from high-earners to unlock $2.5 billion in capital funding to support infrastructure at UMass, alongside other state university and community college campuses. "Much of the core infrastructure at our public institutions of higher ed have reached the end of their functional lifespan, resulting in an estimated 10-year backlog of deferred maintenance," Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler had said. "Many of these buildings were designed and built before colleges even had computers." (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room A-1 | Livestream)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies holds a public hearing on 13 bills mostly focused on gaming. Measures from Rep. Roy and Sen. Rausch (H 496 / S 308) would enable gaming operators with a Category 2 license to host up to 30 table games and an additional 250 slot machines. Legislation from Sen. Keenan (S 302) aims to address the harms caused by sports betting by prohibiting sports betting advertising during televised sporting events, requiring online sports betting companies to double their contributions to the Commonwealth's Public Health Trust Fund, banning in-play and proposition bets, and directing the Gaming Commission to work with researchers to study how gambling addiction develops and harm reduction strategies, among other provisions. A Rep. Muradian bill (H 4431) offers a framework for regulating internet gaming. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE: Senate is expected to meet in a formal session. The Senate Ways and Means Committee has advanced legislation to address book bans and expand assault and battery protections for transportation workers. (Thursday, Senate Chamber | Agenda)

HOME CARE AWARDS: Home Care Aide Council holds its Annual Home Care Aide Celebration. Attendees include Executive Office of Aging and Independence Assistant Secretary Lynn Vidler, Aging and Independence Committee Co-chair Rep. Stanley and Rep. Carmine Gentile. About 200 home care aides and staff from agencies throughout Massachusetts are expected to attend. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Granite Links Golf Club, 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy)

NAVIGATING TARIFFS: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Strong initiative holds a free webinar focused on U.S. tariff policy updates and their impact on small businesses. Attendees will learn how to check tariffs on goods, and about strategies to adjust supply chains, vendor relationships and finances to manage costs. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

MASSHEALTH WEBINAR: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute host a webinar reviewing MassHealth eligibility, benefits, delivery systems, costs and recent reforms. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

VETERANS AND FEDERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs holds a public hearing on about 20 bills. Agenda includes resolutions from Rep. Peisch and Sen. Creem (H 4692 / S 2684) to rescind previous applications calling for a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The lawmakers say they are aiming to shield the Constitution from "unpredictable changes" amid concerns fueled by the Republican-controlled Congress and the Trump administration. Other resolutions on the docket voice support for Washington, D.C. becoming a state. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

ELECTION LAWS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Election Laws holds a public hearing on 14 bills focused on ranked choice voting and local matters. A Sen. Rausch petition proposal (S 531) would enable cities and towns to opt into ranked choice voting for municipal elections. Other home rule petitions on the docket would allow for ranked choice voting in Lexington, Acton, Brookline and Arlington. Additional local bills would impact Easthampton, Amherst, Longmeadow, Revere, Charlemont, Conway, Concord and Salem. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS, UTILITIES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy holds a public hearing on about 25 bills dealing with heating fuels and other matters. Bills from Rep. Williams (H 3582, H 3583) would block the approval of new or the expansion of combustible fuel expansion facilities unless required for public safety. A Sen. Comerford bill (S 2612) would prevent gas and electric companies from shutting off services during the summer or times of excessive heat. At least one air monitoring station must be installed with a one-mile radius of any working natural gas compression station under legislation from Sen. O'Connor (S 2312). (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

VETERANS BRIEFING: American Red Cross of Massachusetts and Chairs of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Sen. Velis and Rep. McGonagle host a briefing about the state's work with veterans. Staff and volunteers also highlight the Restoring Family Links program that connects active military personnel with displaced persons like refugees who have settled in Massachusetts. (Thursday, 1, p.m., Room 428)

NORTH SHORE DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's North Shore Advisory Board meets. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

HUMAN RIGHTS: Department of Mental Health's Human Rights Advisory Committee meets. Agenda includes reviews and updates on inpatient care, child and adolescent services, and community services. (Thursday, 2 p.m., 25 Staniford St., Boston | More Info)

NEAL AT BOSTON CHAMBER: Congressman Richard Neal is the featured speaker at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's government affairs forum. Networking and registration starts at 2:45 p.m., followed by the program at 3 p.m. (Thursday, 2:45 p.m., Nutter, 155 Seaport Blvd., Boston | Register)

APPLICATIONS — TIME-OUT PRACTICES GRANT: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is accepting applications for the FY26 Support Implementing of Updated Regulations Regarding Time-Out Practices grant. The federally funded grant aims to assist schools and districts in aligning with updated regulations, improving oversight and reporting, and reducing the use of time-out rooms. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts public school districts, charter schools, collaboratives, and approved special education programs that use time-out practices. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. (Thursday, 5 p.m.)

LEOMINSTER STATE FOREST: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting on findings from the Leominster State Forest trail master plan. Officials will also seek input on recreational opportunities. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

ALLSTON I-90 MULTIMODAL PROJECT: Allston I-90 Multimodal Project Task Force meets. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center, 123 Antwerp St., Brighton | More Info and Zoom)

MASSDOT DENNIS PROJECT: MassDOT holds a design public hearing on its proposed project for Route 28 in Dennis. The project involves building a sidewalk on the north side of Route 28 and a shared use path on the south side, upgrading the drainage system, widening the roadway and realigning intersections. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

PAUL REVERE CONCERT: Paul Revere Memorial Association hosts a free concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Dubbed "A Revolutionary Concert: Paul Revere, the Man, the Myth, and the Music," the event will feature music from the 18th and 19th centuries. State poet laureate Regie Gibson participates. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Converse Hall, 88 Tremont St., Boston | Register)

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on increasing rates for early intervention program services, which will take effect on July 1, 2026. The annualized fiscal impact will be about $6.14 million in fiscal year 2026, according to officials. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

RURAL HEALTH EQUITY: Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts hosts a webinar about advancing health equity in rural communities. Speakers include Sen. Comerford, Laura Kittross of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Lisa Ranghelli of the institute and Phoebe Walker of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. (Friday, 12 p.m. | Register

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FORMS: Division of Insurance holds an information session to review comments on proposed standard prior authorization forms that have been submitted by the Mass Collaborative, which represents more than 35 payers, providers and trade associations. The forms deal with services for post-acute care, home health care and applied behavioral analysis. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS HEARING: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Toxic or Hazardous List. The amendments would add nine PFAS chemicals to the list, aligning with action previously taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Friday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Access)

APPLICATIONS - SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking nominations to fill two at-large seats on the Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council, which advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on the state’s district and school accountability and assistance system. The council includes eight at-large members with experience or expertise in education, one business or industry representative, and six members nominated by designated organizations. Nominations and resumes should be sent to Tess Murphy by Friday, Nov. 14. (Friday)

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
QUINCY PARK: Quincy officials unveil the new John Quincy Adams Park, a pocket park that's located in view of the Hancock-Adams Common. The park features elements that honor Quincy's roles in Congress, as secretary of state and as president. Biographer Randall Woods gives the keynote speech. (Saturday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m., Corner of Hancock and Chestnut streets in Quincy Center)

FREE DENTAL CLINIC: Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation hosts the Mission of Mercy No-Cost Dental Clinic at the DCU Center in Worcester, providing dental care including extractions, fillings, limited root canals, X-rays, and oral health education for adults who are uninsured or underinsured. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6:30 a.m. (Saturday, Nov. 15, 6:30 a.m., 50 Foster St., Worcester)