In Other News

REMINDER: Franklin Historical Museum Regular Hours Resume

The special open hours ended Wednesday. Normal hours resume, namely Saturday 10-1 and Sunday 1-4. Franklin in Miniature will be on display through January and the Second Sunday Speaker Series, on Jan 11, at 1 pm, will feature historian Joe Landry talking about the factories and other structures illustrated in the dioramas. Master modeler Scott Mason will discuss the process of recreating 1932 Franklin in miniature.

New Year's Day with Gov. Healey

The Governor will be shuttling to three mayoral inaugurations, in Framingham, Newton, and Somerville.

A Closely-watched Ruling in Lexington

A federal judge has ordered Lexington Public Schools to stop reading LGBTQ-themed books to a kindergarten student after ruling that the school district likely violated the family’s First Amendment rights by refusing to allow an opt-out based on religious objections.

'Emergency' Meeting of the Medway Cultural Council

The Town sent out a notice Wednesday advising of an emergency meeting on Jan 6. No hint of the nature of the emergency in the agenda. Click here to view the PDF  medcc-january-emergency-6-2026-agenda.pdf

Soter Appointed to Cannabis Committee

Medway Precinct 1 State Representative Michael J. Soter (R-Bellingham) has been formally appointed to the Conference Committee for H.4206 and S.2749 to modernize the Commonwealth’s cannabis policy. The appointment, made on December 24, 2025, follows the House’s move to non-concur with a Senate amendment, necessitating a three-member House delegation to reconcile legislative differences between the two branches. This committee is tasked with finalizing a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s cannabis industry, aiming to provide regulatory stability and modern standards for a sector that has become a cornerstone of the regional economy.  “The cannabis industry represents a significant economic driver for our region, and it is vital that the 8th Worcester District has a strong voice in these final negotiations,” said Representative Soter. “Our district—including Bellingham, Blackstone, Medway, Millville, and Uxbridge—is home to 49 marijuana business licenses. My goal on this committee is to ensure that we foster a competitive, safe, and transparent marketplace that protects both our local small businesses and our consumers.” The stakes for the district are high; since 2020, Worcester County has recorded $1.4 billion in cannabis sales, while Norfolk County has contributed $460 million during the same period. Soter has consistently advocated for policies that prioritize product safety and business growth, ensuring the industry evolves responsibly within the community.