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Up against an end-of-year deadline, state transportation officials moved to stabilize operations at highway service plazas, extending most leases into 2027 after a procurement effort earlier this year imploded. The transportation agency has finalized 18-month lease extensions with existing operators at most highway service plazas after the developer selected to take over the network withdrew from contract negotiations. A Massachusetts Department of Transportation spokesperson told the News Service the agency has reached agreements with Gulf and McDonald's to extend their master tenant leases through June 30, 2027, covering 14 of the state's 18 service plazas. The remaining four plazas are already under lease through that same date.
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!
We have a wolf moon to begin the new year. Hmm, what does that mean?
There are probably lots of possible explanations, and from a variety of view points. For me, on a clear early Saturday morning with the moon setting over a very cold Franklin, it was such a sight to behold.
If only solutions for the issues facing us were as clearly defined and agreed to. Frankly, there are too many questions unanswered, or even well defined, to begin to see some agreements on approaching resolutions.
So we take each day as it comes. On Tuesday, the Police Station Building Committee meets for the first time since August. Who from the current Town Council makes up this group now? 2 of the 3 prior Council members are no longer on the Council.
The Board of Health meets at 5 PM on Wednesday. The Town Council is scheduled for 6 PM the same day. A presentation on Facilities is scheduled as is the return of the possible change to the friendly 40b policy.
Recall that the changes to this friendly 40b policy had been ‘tabled’ by the prior Council, sent to the Economic Development Subcommittee, which after their first meeting in October was canceled, the item was dropped from their rescheduled October agenda. Likely due to the approaching election. Now, this new Council gets it without a prior review of Economic Development. Will there even be such a Subcommittee for this Council?
For my view, the proposed changes only tackle one of the multiple issues with the existing policy. It only requires future projects to be ownership based rather than rental. It neglects to address the other process issues with this policy around awareness, notifications, etc.
So how will this Council approach the potential change? The answer may come Wednesday. Some folks might be left howling no matter how the Council decides to address it.
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.
*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 1/02/26, 6:30 AM ***
Police Station Building Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 6 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01062026-2064
Board of Health Meeting
Wednesday, January 7 Time: 5:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2071
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 7 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2073
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
Thursday, January 8 Time: 2:00 PM
no agenda available at this time
Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting
Thursday, January 8 Time: 4:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2070
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting
Thursday, January 8 Time: 7:30 PM
no agenda available at this time
(Note: if they keep with their recent practice of 1 session per month, likely to be canceled)
*** Looking back at the week that was ***
With the new year here, some of last year's items may not be fully complete. For example, the final document with the history and decision of the ZBA on the 444 East Central St project has been completed, marked with the Town Clerk seal, and posted to the ZBA page
Will this decision be appealed? Stay tuned…
On the sports live streaming front, it was relatively quiet over the holidays with only one live streamed event as we go to press
- FHS boys basketball on Friday, 1/02/26 vs.Taunton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvwrGKKYm1o
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 Legislature stirs out of its Thanksgiving through New Year's slumber next week to begin the second year of its two-year session. A rule change this session means House and Senate leadership don't need to enact most major bills by the end of July as they have tried to do for many years. After spectacularly coming up short in July 2024, Democrats changed the rule that was intended to prevent consideration of major matters during election season or just after it. The new rule says lawmakers can take up major legislation throughout the year as long as the branches pass their versions of the same bill and get them into a six-person conference committee by the end of July. Other rules reforms this session are designed to speed the flow of bills out of initial committees and to the floors of either branch. The changes have made it easier for Senate leaders to take control of Senate bills that used to languish in House-controlled committees. But old habits are hard to break and the Ways and Means committees remain immune from reporting deadlines and continue to serve as legislative cul de sacs where more bills enter than exit. House and Senate Democrats also exhibited very different policy agendas in the first year of the session, resulting in only a few major new laws. Per tradition, they will coalesce around more major proposals in 2026 -- health care, energy and cannabis reforms are gaining attention -- but they have a newfound freedom to spread more of their work over the full year. The branches gavel in the second year of the session to order on Wednesday but will not come roaring out of the gates. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will be inaugurated for a second term on Monday at Symphony Hall. Secretary of State William Galvin by Wednesday must file with the Legislature all initiative petitions still eligible for the ballot and there could be as many as 11 for the Legislature to begin vetting. Regulations will undergo public scrutiny next week: the insurance commissioner holds a public hearing on a proposed regulation dealing with licensure for pharmacy benefit managers, and the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) holds a hearing on streamlining the agency's health care claims, case mix and charge data release procedures on Thursday. And on Friday, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services will get feedback on increasing rates for certain elder care services.
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
HEALEY ON KELLER: WBZ runs an encore edition of "Keller at Large," a former weekly talk show hosted by political analyst Jon Keller. The guest is Gov. Maura Healey, originally aired in July. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)
MINOGUE ON NBC: GOP gubernatorial candidate Michael Minogue is the guest on NBC's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down" with reporter Matt Prichard. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)
2025 LOOKBACK ON THE RECORD: WCVB's weekly On the Record talk show features a look back on 2025 with analysts Mary Anne Marsh and Ginny Buckingham, who review the political news that dominated the landscape. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)
BOSTON FAMILY DAYS: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu visits the Museum of Fine Arts to start the Boston Family Days Celebration as part of the city’s inauguration week. Boston Family Days offers students between kindergarten through 12th grade who live in the city and two guests to visit many of Boston’s cultural institutions for free. Also, Boston students have free access to live performances at certain venues. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Linde Family Entrance, 20 Museum Road, Fenway| More Info and Registration)
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: The Supreme Judicial Court sits with four cases on the docket. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Rm 1 | More Info)
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, LAND SURVEYORS: The Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors hold a public hearing as part of Gov. Healey's initiative to streamline business operations by addressing regulatory barriers. The changes are meant to help with licensure and remove outdated language. (Monday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)
ELECTRICAL ADVISORY CODE: The Massachusetts Electrical Advisory Code Committee meets. Agenda includes a review of code change proposals and a potential vote on recommendations to the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
MARLBOROUGH INAUGURATION: City of Marlborough hosts the inauguration of Mayor J. Christian Dumais, as well as city council and school committee members. (Monday, 10 a.m., 1st LT. Charles W. Whitcomb School in the War Memorial Auditorium 25 Union St., Marlborough)
RESIDENT CARE FACILITIES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services held a remote public hearing on regulations that went into effect as an emergency on Dec. 5 for payment rates for resident care facilities, also known as rest homes. As of Nov. 30, 2025, per diem rates for rest homes ranged from $105 to about $243, with a median of $151, according to EOHHS. Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, the proposed rates will range from about $99 to $244, with a median of $149. Regulatory language also explains how $4 million in funding will be allocated to rest homes and nursing facilities. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
NEWBURYPORT INAUGURATION: City of Newburyport holds an inauguration ceremony for Mayor Sean Reardon, members of the school committee and city council. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is scheduled to perform. (Monday, 10 a.m., Newburyport City Hall 60 Pleasant St., Newburyport)
BOSTON CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR INAUGURATION: City of Boston hosts the inauguration of Mayor Michelle Wu and city council members. Media interested in attending are asked to RSVP by 5 p.m. Jan. 2. (Monday, 10 a.m., Boston Symphony Hall 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston | Livestream)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: Employee Ownership Advisory Board's Governance Committee meets. Agenda includes an update on the nomination and election process for chair and vice chair. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
SOMERVILLE SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE: Somerville School Building Committee holds a virtual meeting. The committee oversees the city's plans for a new school in the Winter Hill neighborhood. The Winter Hill Community Innovation School closed in 2023, since then students have been learning in a temporary school location. The committee is also considering replacing or renovating the Benjamin G. Brown School, which is more than 100 years old, according to the committee's website. (Monday, 4:30 p.m. |Zoom and More Info)
QUINCY INAUGURATION: The City of Quincy holds an inauguration ceremony for members of its city council. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is scheduled to give remarks. (Monday, 6 p.m., Quincy City Hall 1305 Hancock St., Quincy)
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
OLLIE'S LAW: Ollie's Law Advisory Committee meets. The panel was created through the 2024 law that aims to increase dog kennel safety. Agenda includes a review of proposed health requirement recommendations, including vaccination standards. Members will also discuss supervision and staffing ratios, with a focus on facilities that have overnight staffing. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)
FIRE PREVENTION: Fire Prevention Regulations Appeals Board hears a case involving a Boston property. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS STRATEGIC PLANNING: Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners holds a strategic planning meeting. Library workers, users, partners and community members are welcome to share their thoughts, concerns and ask questions about the future of Massachusetts libraries and the commissioners overall. Registration is required (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Commonwealth Salon in the Boston Public Library’s Central Library 700 Boylston St., Boston | More Info and Registration)
ASK DLS LAW: Division of Local Services hosts “Ask DLS Law” over Zoom where local officials can ask the bureau’s legal counsel about municipal finance law issues. The call is free and each one should not exceed 10 minutes. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Zoom Access)
SOMERVILLE VACCINE CLINIC: City of Somerville hosts a free flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Vaccines are available for anyone over 6 months old. A high-dose flu vaccine is available for those older than 65. Vaccines are offered to residents regardless of their health insurance coverage status. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as there are limited walk-in appointments. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Central Library 79 Highland Ave., Somerville | Registration and More Info)
ADAPTIVE ICE SKATING: Universal Access Program and Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers hold an ice skating event at Porrazzo Memorial Rink. Attendees can use their wheelchair, ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers or conventional skates on the ice. There will be pucks, races and obstacle courses. Pre-registration is required by noon two days before the program. To register email DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov or call 413-461-7126. Entry and equipment are free of charge. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 199 Coleridge St., East Boston)
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind holds a remote meeting. The agenda includes a commissioner report, an update from the deputy commissioner and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info)
THREE KINGS DAY: A Three King Days celebration hosted by the City of Boston features hot chocolate and cake. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
WILLIAM REID OVERPASS REPLACEMENT: MassDOT hosts a virtual public information meeting to provide information on the agency’s project to replace the William Reid Overpass in Cambridge. The project also includes replacing the rotary that forms the intersection between Memorial Drive and Brookline Street and the Boston University Bridge as well as the bridge that carries Memorial Drive over the Grand Junction Railroad. The agency says the Reid Overpass is safe for users, but has “reached the end of its useful lifespan.” MassDOT says it is assessing several options to address the overpass and reconfigure the intersection underneath it. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about the alternatives and offer input. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | Livestream and More Info)
PESTICIDE ADVISORY COUNCIL: The Conservationist Pesticide Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes Pesticide Program updates, including rodenticide reviews, annual pesticide use reports and pesticide exam updates. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE TRAINING: Somerville Prevention Services and the Cambridge Public Health Department hold a free virtual overdose prevention and response training. The one-hour training includes information on risk factors and signs and symptoms of overdose as well as Naloxone, or Narcan, administration. On-site trainings are available by appointment. (Tuesday, 3 p.m. | Access and More Info)
MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL: Boston Mayor's Youth Council holds a town hall in East Boston to discuss a wide range of issues related to youth wellbeing in the city. The Youth Council is a group of 20 high school students focused on improving the city for the youth. Attendees will be asked questions related to the city's youth experience. After answering, each attendee will be given a bingo card and can play a round. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library 365 Bremen St., Boston)
CHARLTON REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE: Charlton Republican Town Committee meets. Gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue is scheduled to attend. The agenda includes discussing the special town meeting, plans for the committee’s 2026 candidate forum, 2026 town elections and working with nearby Republic town committees. The meeting will also be available on Zoom. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Charlton Grange 10 Main St., Charlton | Zoom Access)
WILLIAM REID OVERPASS REPLACEMENT: MassDOT hosts a virtual public information meeting to provide information on the agency's project to replace the William Reid Overpass in Cambridge. The project also includes replacing the rotary that forms the intersection between Memorial Drive and Brookline Street and the Boston University Bridge as well as the bridge that carries Memorial Drive over the Grand Junction Railroad. The agency says the Reid Overpass is safe for users, but has "reached the end of its useful lifespan." MassDOT says it is assessing several options to address the overpass and reconfigure the intersection underneath it. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about the alternatives and offer input. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | Livestream and More Info)
AMESBURY - RIVERWALK CONNECTOR: MassDOT holds a design public hearing for the proposed Amesbury - Riverwalk Connector to the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail project. The proposal includes building a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path between the end of the Amesbury-Salisbury Trail Connector project at Elm Street and the east end of the Amesbury Riverwalk at Rocky Hill Road. The connection will be about one-third of a mile. The meeting is meant to provide the public more information about the project and a chance to offer feedback. (Tuesday, 7 p.m. Shay Elementary School 193R Lions Mouth Rd., Amesbury | More Info)
INSTANT TICKET LAUNCH: Massachusetts Lottery is set to launch a new batch of instant tickets, including the Lottery's first $30 crossword-style or "cashword" ticket with a $10 million top prize, the highest the Lottery has offered for a cashword. There will also be tickets available for $1 with a $10,000 top prize, $2 with a $100,000 top prize, $5 with a $1 million top prize and $10 with a $4 million top prize. The launch comes after instant tickets, a traditional sales driver for the Lottery, saw a $17.5 million or 5.8% drop in sales in November, compared with November 2024. (Tuesday)
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: Supreme Judicial Court sits with six cases on the docket. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Rm 1 | More Info)
HOME INSPECTORS: The Board of Registration of Home Inspectors holds a public hearing on updating regulations to "enhance business-friendliness." The changes look to ease the process for reinstating a lapsed license, as well as updating and clarifying regulatory and professional standards. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission holds a public hearing on proposed regulations dealing with the use of electronic signatures. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
FAIRHAVEN FOOTBALL: Members of the Fairhaven High School football team visit the State House in celebration of winning the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division VI Super Bowl. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Nurses Hall)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing for the nomination of attorney William Larkin to become clerk magistrate of the Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court. Larkin worked as acting, first assistant and assistant clerk magistrate of the same court between 2006 and 2019, when he became acting clerk magistrate of Berkshire Juvenile Court. He returned to Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court in 2022, where he has been since. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber)
HEATING BRIEFING: MASSCAP, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Action for Boston Community Development, the network of Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Energy Directors Association hold a briefing to raise awareness of the state's Home Energy Assistance Program. Help programs include both heating assistance and energy efficiency and weatherization programs. HEAP is funded by EOHLC and administered by a network of 20 community-based organizations. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., ABCD, 178 Tremond St., 3rd Floor, Cass Room, Boston | Livestream)
HOUSE: The House meets in an informal session on the first day back from its six-week holiday break from formal sessions. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chambers)
STATE POLICE GRADUATION: Massachusetts State Police holds a graduation ceremony for the 92nd Recruit Training Troop. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 1277 Main St., Springfield | Livestream)
SENATE: The Senate meets as is required under the constitution on the first Wednesday of January. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chambers)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on the nomination of attorney Scott Rathbun to become clerk magistrate of the Eastern Hampshire District Court. Rathbun has worked as assistant clerk magistrate at the same court since October 2018, and was acting clerk magistrate for a period of time in 2021 and 2022. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Council Chamber)
REFUGEE PRESSER: The eight refugee resettlement agencies in Massachusetts, together with Sen. Kennedy and Rep. LeBoeuf, host a press conference alongside an exhibit at the 4th floor gallery. The program is intended to highlight the contributions of refugees assisted in Massachusetts by the resettlement agencies. Agency leaders will discuss the challenges they and their clients are facing with new federal policies. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Room 437)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: The Governor's Council meets. The body could vote on pending clerk magistrate nominations of attorneys William Larkin and Scott Rathbun to courts in Western Massachusetts. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Council Chamber)
STATE INTEROPERABILITY: State Interoperability Executive Committee-Executive Management Committee. Agenda includes a discussion on newly submitted projects, committee reports and reports from state and federal agencies. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 50 Maple St., Milford | Agenda and Access)
LIQUOR LICENSE OFFICE HOURS: The City of Boston's Licensing Board hosts virtual office hours addressing the liquor license application process. (Wednesday, 3 p.m. | Access)
MIDDLETON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing to present the designs for a proposal to replace the bridge over the Ipswich River. A second bridge will be built to accommodate a multi-use path and relocated utilities. Attendees are encouraged to share feedback on the proposal. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
SENATE SPECIAL ELECTION DEADLINE: Deadline for filling vacancies caused by withdrawals for primary candidates in the special election for the 1st Middlesex Senate seat to fill the vacancy of Sen. Edward Kennedy who died in October. The primary will be held Feb. 3. (Wednesday, 7 p.m.)
BALLOT QUESTION TRANSMITTALS: Secretary of State Galvin's office faces a Wednesday deadline to process proposed 2026 ballot measures and transmit them to the Legislature. After the deadline, the Legislature has until May 5 to consider the proposals and act on them. If the Legislature does not pass the measure as filed by then, petitioners must then collect 12,429 more signatures and file them with local election officials for certification by June 17. After enough signatures are filed, the measure is then placed on the ballot for the 2026 statewide general election. Nine initiative petitions have already been cleared to be filed, with final determinations still to be made on two more. The Nov. 3 ballot will also include a referendum calling for the repeal of the 2024 gun law. (Wednesday)
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
QUALITY, PATIENT SAFETY: Board of Registration in Medicine's Quality and Patient Safety Committee meets. Agenda topics include patient care assessment boot camp, and safety and quality review data. (Thursday, 7 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
EMBODIED CARBONS: As the Massachusetts Embodied Carbon Intergovernmental Coordinating Council releases a new report, council member Bev Craig will present the recommendations during an event hosted by the Mass. Climate Action Network. Craig is the program director for high performance buildings at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Register)
EARLY LITERACY BILL BRIEFING: MassPotential Executive Director Mary Tamer will discuss the early literacy bill (H 4683) the House passed in October. The bill is pending before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Tamer's comments come as part of Strategies for Children’s "The 9:30 Call." (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | Zoom)
PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS: The state insurance commissioner holds a public hearing on a proposed regulation dealing with licensure for pharmacy benefit managers. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, all PBMs must be licensed to operate in Massachusetts. The Division of Insurance says it's rolling out licensure in stages, starting with initial one-year licenses. As of Dec. 18, the DOI said it had issued licenses to 31 PBMS. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
CHIA HEARING: Center for Health Information and Analysis holds a remote public hearing on updating and streamlining the agency's health care claims, case mix and charge data release procedures. CHIA is also looking to update references in regulations dealing with cost reporting requirements, as well as nursing facilities cost reporting requirements based on the 2024 health care market oversight law. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
FIRE PREVENTION: Fire Prevention Regulations Appeals Board hears a case involving a Taunton property. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS MEETING: Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners holds a hybrid board meeting. Representatives of organizations affiliated with the board and members of the public are welcome to attend. The agenda includes a presentation and discussion of the fiscal year 2027 plan and service program and budgets for both the Massachusetts Library System and Massachusetts Center for the Book and consideration of approval of municipalities meeting the requirements for the fiscal year 2026 State Aid to Public Libraries. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. (Thursday, 10 a.m., MBLC Offices Suite 500 at 90 Canal St., Boston | More Info and Zoom)
FOOD POLICY: The Massachusetts Food Policy Council holds its annual meeting. There will be presentations on the state-funded Food Security Infrastructure Program, the USDA-funded Regional Food Security Infrastructure Program, and Gov. Healey's Anti-Hunger Task Force. There will also be updates from the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room 428 | Agenda)
HOUSE: The House meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chambers)
SENATE: Senate plans to hold an informal session while Senate Democrats also meet privately at the same time in Sen. Spilka's office. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chambers)
FIRE PREVENTION: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations meets. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Access)
MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL: Boston Mayor's Youth Council holds a town hall in Chinatown with plans to discuss a wide range of issues related to youth wellbeing in the city. The Youth Council is a group of 20 high school students focused on improving the city for the youth. There will be free food and live music (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Josiah Quincy Upper School 900 Washington St., Boston)
GARDNER INAUGURATION: City of Gardner holds an inauguration ceremony for members of its school committee. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Gardner City Hall 95 Pleasant St., Gardner)
SPENCER INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT: MassDOT holds a design public hearing for proposed improvements along Route 9 and at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 49 in East Brookfield and Spencer. The project involves building a concrete roundabout, lighting, upgrades to pavement as well as to bike and pedestrian accommodations. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Great Room in Spencer Town Hall 157 Main St., Spencer | More Info)
ATTLEBORO DEMOCRATIC MEETING: Attleboro Democrat City Committee meets. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Attleboro Public Library 74 North Main St., Attleboro | Access)
Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: Supreme Judicial Court sits with two cases on the docket. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Rm 1 | More Info)
ELDER CARE SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a public hearing on increasing rates for certain elder care services. The total annualized cost is roughly $10.7 million, according to EOHHS. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
ADAPTIVE ICE SKATING: Universal Access Program holds an ice skating event at Gardner Veterans Rink. Attendees can use their wheelchair, ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers or conventional skates on the ice. There will be pucks, races and obstacle courses. Pre-registration is required by noon the day before the program. Entry and equipment are free of charge. (Friday, 10:30 a.m., 45 Veterans Drive, Gardner | More info and Registration)
CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD CHECKS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes to bolster the criminal background check process for applicants and employees "to better protect EOHHS' vulnerable clients." A proposed section deals with mandatory disqualification for candidates who have a felony conviction for certain crimes, including first- and second-degree murder, child abuse or neglect, crimes against children like child pornography, rape or sexual assault, kidnapping and aggravated assault or battery. (Friday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Access)
Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
LANDLORD SUMMIT: City of Worcester hosts its Landlord Summit. Discussion topics include updates on accessory dwelling units, how to run a historic building, housing grant programs, working with the Department of Public Works and Parks, energy rebates and resources for Worcester landlords. The event is free to attend. (Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m., DCU Center 50 Foster St., Worcester | Registration)
ORANGE LINE SERVICE: MBTA will suspend Orange Line Service between Wellington and Back Bay for signal system upgrades through Sunday. Shuttles will be available between Wellington and North Station. Riders are advised to use the Green Line between North Station and Copley/Back Bay. Riders using shuttle buses should allow as much as 45 minutes of extra time.(Saturday, Jan. 10)
