People, Power, and Politics

The MBTA’s long-running effort to replace its Red and Orange Line fleets faced renewed schedule pressures this fall, with transit officials highlighting a recent shift toward more consistent Red Line production as the Orange Line order nears its finish line. Shipments of Chinese-manufactured train shells have slowed in recent months — in part because of ongoing federal forced-labor reviews — contributing to delays that pushed the builder past a September delivery deadline for the Orange Line.

FRANKLIN

Courtesy of Steve Sherlock/Franklin Matters:

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 11/21/25, 9:00 PM ***

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7738/CDC-Agenda_Meeting_-Nov2025docx?bidId=

Franklin Agricultural Committee

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Agricultural-Commission-13/?#_11242025-2018

Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-26/?#_11242025-2022

Library Board of Directors Regular meeting

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_11242025-2024

Recreation Advisory Board

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11242025-2017

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, November 25 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11252025-2025

MEDWAY

Visit Medwayma.gov.

STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND

Throughout this year's ongoing and unprecedented surge in immigration law enforcement, legislation aimed at preventing local officers from cooperating with the federal push has remained in a holding pattern. Now, after formal sessions have ended for 2025, that bill and a batch of others related to immigration are poised to emerge for a public hearing two days before Thanksgiving. The timing stands in stark contrast to the theme of the week's other central activity: elected officials fanning out across the state for holiday food giveaways and feel-good Thanksgiving events. While families line up for turkeys and legislators don aprons for photo ops, some of the most politically sensitive immigration proposals of the session will get a late-November hearing in an otherwise mostly-empty building. In addition to Tuesday's Public Safety Committee hearing on the so-called Safe Communities Act, Judiciary Committee members will hear testimony on a proposal to create a statewide Immigrant Legal Defense Fund. Both are priorities of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. The defense fund would be seeded with public and private dollars to provide representation to low-income immigrants, and other bills before the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday would prohibit state and local agencies from entering or renewing ICE detention or collaboration agreements. A newly formed coalition, the Protecting Massachusetts Communities campaign, is staging a rally Tuesday morning ahead of the hearings, in what they say is a fresh, more coordinated approach aimed at elevating the immigrant-protection bills. The Judiciary Committee will also take up Rep. Christopher Markey's street takeovers bill, drafted after a series of late-night vehicular meetups rattled several communities. The legislation would allow police to seize vehicles used in organized takeovers, increase fines for disorderly conduct and make masked participation a jailable offense. Meanwhile, Gov. Maura Healey faces decisions on 10 bills on her desk, including a $2.31 billion closeout budget with major infusions for MassHealth, former Steward hospitals and World Cup hosting costs. She has until Nov. 29 to act, and can choose to amend the bill and send vetoes back to the Legislature.

BILLS ON HEALEY'S DESK: The $2.31 billion compromise closing the books on fiscal 2025 (H 4761) is the big item on Healey's desk, but the governor also has legislation before her that is designed to lower the cost of vehicle rentals (S 2616). Lawmakers in 2025 have busied themselves with lower impact bills and this week steered another batch to Healey's desk. They include an act increasing the membership of the Board of Health of Marblehead from 3 to 5 members (H 3912); an act authorizing the Commonwealth to dispose of certain parcels of land in Upton acquired for conservation and recreation purposes (S 2576); an act relative to the release or amendment of certain use restrictions for the Foxborough State Hospital (S 2141); an act amending the charter for the town of Ipswich to eliminate the residency requirement for town manager (H 4243); an act authorizing the town of Palmer to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages (H 4282); an act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant easements in certain parcels of land to the city of Lowell (H 4772); an act authorizing the town of Westford to release agricultural preservation restrictions over land owned by Westford Gateway, LLC (H 4362); and an act authorizing the continued employment of Steven Hilliger as a firefighter in Lancaster (H 2879).

Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025

KELLER AT LARGE: "Keller at Large" is a rerun of an interview with security analyst Ed Davis, the former Boston police commissioner. He will discuss deployment of National Guard troops to cities, expansion of ICE, the crime rate in Boston and the proliferation of bike and scooter mobs. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., Channel 4

DEATON ON NBC: GOP candidate for U.S. Senate John Deaton joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard for the station's weekly "@ ISSUE sit down." Deaton lost the race against U.S Sen. Elizabeth Warren in 2024, and recently launched a second attempt at a U.S. Senate seat, this time against U.S. Sen. Ed Markey who is facing his own primary challengers. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

SPILKA ON THE RECORD: Senate President Karen Spilka joins reporters Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti on WCVB's weekly political talk show, "On the Record." Democratic Political Analyst Mary Anne Marsh and Republican Political Analyst Ginny Buckingham join after for a roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

MARCH FOR THE FOOD BANK: The annual March for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is a two-day, 43-mile trek from Springfield to Greenfield. Marchers include Congressman McGovern, Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse and Monte Belmonte, who started the event 16 years ago. The first leg of the march goes from Springfield to Northampton. Organizers are looking to raise $650,000. (Monday, 7 a.m., MLK Center, 3 Rutland St., Springfield | More Info)

CATHOLIC CHARITIES THANKSGIVING MEALS: Catholic Charities Boston, which reported a 32% increase in household enrollment for its food pantries between September and October, is packing and distributing about 4,000 Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The annual distribution brings together nonprofits, volunteers and faith-based organizations. Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan is scheduled to attend. (Monday, 9 a.m., Catholic Charities South, 169 Court St., Brockton)

HOLIDAY TRAVEL PRESSER: Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Massport and the State Police hold a press conference to discuss Thanksgiving travel. (Monday, 10 a.m., Highway Operations Center 50 Haul Road, South Boston)

PRIM ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Administration and Audit Committee meets. The committee plans to discuss its fiscal 2025 audit results as well as Massachusetts state audit results. The committee is also scheduled to vote on a draft fiscal 2025 annual comprehensive financial report. (Monday, 10 a.m.| More Info)

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

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

PRIM COMPENSATION COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Compensation Committee meets. The agenda includes a vote on Executive Director Michael Trotsky's salary adjustment. Trotsky also serves as chief investment officer and his current salary is $565,000. Agenda also includes discussion of the Administration and Audit Committee Chair’s report on the executive director’s fiscal 2025 performance evaluation. (Monday, 11:30 a.m. |More Info)

VETERANS QUALITY OF LIFE: Veterans Quality of Life Commission meets. (Monday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)

PRESSLEY ROUNDTABLE: Congresswoman Pressley holds a roundtable and press conference in response to the newly released September jobs report from the federal government, which found the unemployment rate for Black women is 7.5%. Pressley is hosting the event with YW Boston, an organization focused on bolstering equity for women of color. It will bring together Black women, economists, civil rights leaders and community members. For location details, RSVP. (Monday, 1 p.m., Boston)

LEADERSHIP MEETING: Gov. Healey meets with Senate President Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano for a leadership meeting. A media availability will follow. (Monday, 2 p.m., Speakers Office, Room 350)

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS PARK: Friends of Christopher Columbus Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department host the annual Holiday Trellis Lighting Ceremony. The blue lights will be illuminated through mid-April. The celebration includes holiday sing-alongs and a visit from Santa. (Monday, 5 p.m., 110 Atlantic Ave., Boston)

CATHOLIC CHARITIES THANKSGIVING MEALS: Catholic Charities Boston, which reported a 32% increase in household enrollment for its food pantries between September and October, is packing and distributing about 4,000 Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The annual distribution brings together nonprofits, volunteers and faith-based organizations. Rep. David Biele, a Boston Democrat, is scheduled to attend. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Catholic Charities Labouré Center 275 West Broadway, South Boston)

SHORTSLEEVE MEET & GREET: Brian Shortsleeve, a Republican candidate for governor, hosts a meet and greet. (Monday, 6 p.m., The Fox Den, 482 Main St., Woburn)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service continues to accept written testimony on 14 miscellaneous bills through Nov. 30, most of which pertain to local police, employee and retirement matters. (Monday | More Info & Access)

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

MARCH FOR THE FOOD BANK: The second-day of the annual March for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts stretches from Northampton to Greenfield. Volunteers are looking to raise $650,000. (Tuesday, 7 a.m., Corner of Pleasant Street and Hampton Avenue in Northampton | More Info)

DCR STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council Policy Committee holds a meeting. Agenda includes the creation of a document "outlining the relationship between resource management plans, forest resource management plans and landscape designations." (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Register | More Info)

IMMIGRATION BILLS RALLY: The newly-formed Protecting Massachusetts Communities campaign holds a pre-hearing rally in support of legislation to prevent local officers from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement (H 2580 / S 1681), scheduled to be heard by the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. They are also supporting a slate of immigration-related bills before the Judiciary Committee at their Tuesday hearing. The coalition includes members of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, the ACLU of Massachusetts, 1199SEIU, Massachusetts Teachers Association and 32BJ. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Room 428)

CATHOLIC CHARITIES THANKSGIVING MEALS: Catholic Charities Boston, which reported a 32% increase in household enrollment for its food pantries between September and October, is packing and distributing about 4,000 Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The annual distribution brings together nonprofits, volunteers and faith-based organizations. Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson is scheduled to attend. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Catholic Charities Lynn Food Pantry 8 Silsbee St., Lynn)

PESTICIDE BOARD SUBCOMMITTEE: Department of Agricultural Resources' Pesticide Board Subcommittee holds a public meeting. Agenda includes an update about the next steps for the Rodenticide Individual Review, consideration of pesticide products in the meeting's cover sheet for registration, as well as consideration of registration of new active ingredients. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a public hearing to address 47 bills pertaining to immigration, protected classes and civil rights. Reps. Rodgers and Moran and Sen. Gomez bills (H 1954, S 1127) with numerous co-sponsors aim to create an Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to ensure access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings. A Rep. Markey bill (H 4736) would establish penalties for "street takeovers," which have made headlines in recent months and the state said it has made concerted efforts to crack down on. Other bills filed by Reps. Barber and Rogers and Sen. Gomez (H 1588, S 1122) would bar state, local and law enforcement agencies from entering into an immigration collaboration agreement or immigration detention agreement, or extending or renewing an existing agreement. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., A-2 | More Info & Access)

FIREFIGHTER AWARDS: The annual Firefighter of the Year Awards will recognize 170 firefighters for their "outstanding acts of heroism and service." Gov. Healey, Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine attend. WCVB-TV anchor Doug Meehan anchors the ceremony. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester)

HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education meets. Agenda includes presentations dealing with "earnings commentary" and the Commissioner on Higher Education Quality and Affordability. A new report from the Department of Higher Education found that five years after graduating, alumni of Massachusetts public colleges and universities made $20,000 to $30,000 more than their peers who didn't pursue higher education. Board members will also take up motions dealing with Roxbury Community College's strategic plan and updated guidelines for MassEducate, MassReconnect and MassGrant Plus financial aid programs. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

LOTTERY COMMISSION MEETING: Massachusetts State Lottery Commission meets. Agenda includes a vote to raise the aggregate maximum obligation by $3 million for its contract to purchase player activated terminals from Providence-based Brightstar Global Solutions Corp. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. |More Info)

TABLE OF FRIENDS: Friends of Boston’s Homeless hosts the 29th annual Table of Friends. More than 1,000 people facing homelessness will receive a full Thanksgiving meal and a care package. The meal will be served by volunteers from TD Garden, the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics as well as elected officials and corporate partners, Treasurer Deb Goldberg also plans to attend.(Tuesday, 11 a.m., TD Garden 100 Legends Way, Boston)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY: Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security holds a public hearing to address 12 bills pertaining to immigration. A bill often known as the "Safe Communities Act," filed by Reps. Cruz and Sousa and Sen. Eldridge (H 2580 / S 1681), is up for testimony and would bar any law enforcement officer or employee while on duty from asking people, including victims and witnesses of crimes, about their immigration status unless the inquiry is required by federal or state law. Immigrant rights advocates have been pressuring Beacon Hill to get behind the legislation this session in the midst of immigration enforcement surges in Massachusetts, though the proposal has long been dismissed by top legislative leaders. A Reps. Soter and Sweezey bill (H 2701) would enable any state, county or local law enforcement officer who has lawful custody of a person to detain them for a "reasonable period of time" after they would otherwise be released upon receipt of a written request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on the grounds that there is "probable cause that such person is a removable alien." Under the bill, detentions would not exceed 36 hours. A Rep. Cabral bill (H 2575) would address state and local law enforcement agreements as they relate to federal law, and a Rep. Boldyga bill (H 2573) would require local and state law enforcement agencies to comply with federal immigration detainers. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | More Info & Access)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight accepts written testimony on two bills. A Rep. Hawkins bill (H 4688) would designate Aug. 10 as Agent Orange Awareness Day. A Rep. Puppolo bill (H 4737) looks to designate May 2 as Veterinary Youth Day, aimed at raising awareness of the shortage of veterinarians in the commonwealth. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info)

MAHANIAH IN REVERE: Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah visits North Suffolk Community Service’s High School Co-Occurring Response Team at Revere High School. High school co-occurring response teams work to prevent or delay initiation, or reduce use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs for young people enrolled in the programs, according to Mahaniah's office. Bureau of Substance Use and Addition Services Office of Youth and Young Adults Director Stacey Lynch joins. Press asked to RSVP to molly.doris-pierce@mass.gov and check in at the front desk upon arrival. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. 101 School Street, Revere)

PRIM STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Stewardship and Sustainability Committee, chaired by Treasurer Deb Goldberg, meets. The committee plans to discuss a draft of proxy voting guidelines and an overview of the 2025 proxy voting season. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)

THANKSGIVING MEALS: Catholic Charities Boston, which reported a 32% increase in household enrollment for its food pantries between September and October, is packing and distributing about 4,000 Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The annual distribution brings together nonprofits, volunteers and faith-based organizations. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Catholic Charities Merrimack Valley 70 Lawrence St., Lowell)

CABO VERDEAN CULTURAL CENTER: Special Commission on Cabo Verdean Cultural Center meets. Agenda includes opening remarks from co-chairs and review of commissioner nominations. (Tuesday, 4 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

HOUSE & SENATE: House and Senate likely to hold informal sessions (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House and Senate Chambers)

Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

THANKSGIVING AT PINE STREET INN: Pine Street Inn Executive Director and President Lyndia Downie will share updates about Pine Street and a workforce graduate and tenant will speak about his journey through Pine Street. Boston Mayor Wu, U.S. Sen. Markey, Boston Rep. John Moran and City Councilor Fitzgerald are expected to help assemble Thanksgiving outreach bags and speak with the media after. More than 2,000 Thanksgiving meals will be prepared and served, according to Pine Street. Around 9:15 a.m., Boston Bruins players will drop off pies. A photo opportunity for media begins at 8:45 a.m., and around 10 a.m., several Pine Street guests and volunteers will be made available to speak with media. (Thursday, 8:45 a.m., Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service continues to collect written testimony on bills related to local police officers and retirement. Testimony will be accepted through Nov. 30. (Thursday | More Info)

Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

'GRATITUDE AFTER GRAVY' HIKES: Department of Conservation and Recreation hosts "Gratitude After Gravy" hikes across the state. The annual program, which was previously called "Go Green on Black Friday," features staff-led hikes at Belle Isle Marsh, Massasoit State Park, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Great Falls Discovery Center, Mount Holyoke Range State Park, Mount Greylock State Reservation and Harold Parker State Forest. (Friday | More Info

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

MARTIN'S SHIP LIGHTING: The annual lighting of the playground ship at Martin's Park is held. The park, situated on the Smith Family Waterfront near the Boston Children's Museum, was built in honor of Martin Richard, who was the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. (Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 p.m., 64 Sleeper St., Boston)