Franklin Town MA
5-10-2026 4:25am

People, Power and Politics

Federal prosecutors on Friday expanded the criminal case against Cape Cod Rep. Christopher Flanagan, adding charges that he laundered stolen money through his campaign account, filed false tax returns and used misappropriated funds for personal expenses like "psychic services," menswear and a home air conditioner.  The indictment supersedes charges federal prosecutors made last year. The new indictment unsealed Friday charges the Dennis Democrat with eight counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering, one count of falsification of records and three counts of filing false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley's office said.  Flanagan, 38, was charged in April 2025 with five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. He pleaded not guilty at that time and has continued to serve in the House, despite calls to resign from fellow lawmakers and the governor.

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!

May is fully here. That means Town & School meetings galore this week.

The schedule has filled out like the tree leaves bringing green and other vibrant colors to the landscape.

Much of the agenda items cover the normal business by the various boards and committees. Of particular interest are the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting Tuesday, the regular Town Council meeting on Wednesday, and the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Thursday.

The joint Council and SchCmte meeting focuses on the selection of a vendor for the strategic plan meant to guide us to an answer for how we will deal with our structural budget issues and maintain some levels of service for the community.

The School Committee separately has an agenda for their own portion of business after the joint discussion is complete.

The Council on Wednesday gets the annual update on the funding requirements and progress made for the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) as well as votes on the second readings for the zoning changes to the MBTA Compliance code, the Crossing Neighborhood District and an adjustment to the meeting schedule for October.

The Economic Development Subcommittee meets with the UMass Boston folks who are proposed to develop a unified plan for downtown Franklin during the Fall of 2026. As this project would be as part of the UMass Boston graduate level class work and free, an agreement on scope and approval is likely to be received. The subcommittee is also scheduled for discussion to set their goals and objectives.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to pay attention, this would be a good week to tap in as these meetings can be critical to determining the future for Franklin. And by the way, the budget hearings come up next week on May 20, May 21.

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 pages 5/08/26, 7:30 PM ***

Housing Authority

Monday, May 11 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05112026-2298

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, May 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05112026-2301

Norfolk County Regional Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 12 Time: 10:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2292

Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, May 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2303

Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, May 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2310

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2309

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, May 12 Time: 6:00 PM

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, May 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2307

Town Council Meeting (at School Committee)

Tuesday, May 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2302

Charles River Pollution Control District

Wednesday, May 13 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2304

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 13 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2308

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2299

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, May 14 Time: 8:30 AM

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, May 14 Time: 2:00 PM

Agenda not available at this time

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 14 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142026-2311

ZBA Meeting

Thursday, May 14 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142026-2280

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

Town/ School meetings

FHS live streaming

Podcast episodes released

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 United States has long welcomed legal immigration and has a history of also tolerating if not encouraging people from other countries to move here and live and work here. With that track record as the backdrop, Massachusetts lawmakers are taking a stand against the Trump administration's immigration law enforcement offensive and in particular the way that immigrants without criminal backgrounds have been swept up and rolled into the country's deportation push. A menu of measures designed to offer an extra level of protection to immigrants and hold federal law enforcement officials accountable for their actions is now headed to a conference committee for resolution following approval votes of 134-21 in the House on March 25 (H 5316) and 37-3 in the Senate on Thursday (S 3072). The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus on Friday drew a line between the legislation's importance and soccer matches that Massachusetts will host beginning in about a month, attracting a wave of international visitors. "As the bill moves toward conference committee, we urge a legally-durable resolution that prioritizes the strongest protections for immigrant families ahead of the World Cup and coming events that bring global attention to our region," the caucus said.

The Senate on Thursday named Sens. Brendan Crighton, Michael Rodrigues and Peter Durant to negotiate legislation addressing the student use of cellphones in schools (S 2581). A House negotiating team could be named next week. The House broadened its bill (H 5366) to also attempt to regulate social media use by children. Three conference committees are already in place to forge consensus bills based on legislation that has cleared the House and Senate. Panels are trying to merge plans to spend surplus income surtax funds (H 5280 / S 3054), develop an approach to use the surtax to finance long-term public higher education upgrades (H 4769 / S 2993), and reshape early literacy instruction (H 4683 / S 2940). The early literacy bill has been in conference for three months.

Other storylines in progress heading toward mid-May include a shakeup of the Cannabis Control Commission when Gov. Maura Healey names her three board appointees; an address Tuesday by Senate President Karen Spilka to a major business group; the first full week of signature gathering from 11 campaigns intending to put ballot questions before voters on Nov. 3, some of which are now waiting for crucial rulings from the Supreme Judicial Court; a potential response from the attorney general to the SJC's order giving her 30 days to decide whether to represent Auditor Diana DiZoglio as she pursues a lawsuit against the Legislature; and private debates over 1,158 Senate budget amendments as lawmakers work behind the scenes to determine what might be in and what will be out when formal and public deliberations begin May 19.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

CARNEVALE ON KELLER: MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale joins political analyst Jon Keller on his weekly talk segment "Keller at Large." (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

BARNEY FRANK ON @ ISSUE: Former Congressman Barney Frank, who recently entered hospice care, joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard for the station's weekly show, "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

"ON THE RECORD" WCVB's weekly political program features Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve as its guest. Shortsleeve and Mike Minogue, who appeared on the show last week, are competing in the GOP primary. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

LYNN MOTHER'S DAY VIGIL: Community members and educators will hold a Mother's Day Vigil for a mother who's at risk of being deported. The mother, who fled violence in Guatemala 16 years ago, was told she should expect to be deported at her next immigration check-in, according to organizers. (Sunday, May 10, 7:30 p.m., Red Rock Park, 188 Lynn Shore Drive, Lynn)

Monday, May 11, 2026

STUDENT LUNCHEON: Sen. Rodrigues hosts the Fall River preK-8 Catholic Saint Michael School for a luncheon. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Nurses Hall)

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

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

CABO VERDEAN CULTURE: Cape Verdean Commission meets. The commission is tasked with looking into creating a Cape Verdean cultural center in Boston, including a nonprofit to oversee the construction and management of the center and the associated costs. Commissioners will plan for listening sessions in May and June and discuss social media and outreach strategies. (Monday, 4 p.m., Microsoft Teams | Access & More Info)

MIFEPRISTONE ACCESS: U.S. Supreme Court faces a deadline to make a decision on whether to extend a stay on telehealth access to mifepristone, a drug commonly used for abortions. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana last week ruled that the drug can only be distributed at in-person clinics, and the Supreme Court put a one-week hold on the ruling, restoring telehealth access to mifepristone through May 11. (Monday)

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

BLOOD DRIVE: American Red Cross holds a blood drive, hosted by Sen. Bill Driscoll. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

MS SOCIETY STATE ACTION DAY: National Multiple Sclerosis Society holds its State Action Day, hosted by Rep. Edward Philips. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Nurses Hall)

NONPUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCACY: Massachusetts affiliate of the Council for American Private Education holds its annual lobby day. Speakers include Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues and Reps. Murphy, Fluker-Reid and Turco. Attendees will discuss nonprofit security grants, which are aimed at protecting organizations at risk of hate crimes or extremist attacks, amid rising antisemitism. Former Lt. Gov. and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Tim Murray will urge Gov. Healey to opt into a new federal scholarship tax credit, which advocates say could "generate hundreds of millions of dollars in scholarships for our children." Taxpayers could donate up to $1,700 in educational scholarships and receive a matching federal tax credit. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

SPILKA AT AIM: Senate President Spilka speaks to Associated Industries of Massachusetts a week before the Senate plans to take up a $63.3 billion fiscal 2027 budget. Business groups are watching Beacon Hill for signals on key issues like immigration, energy affordability, tax policy and more. This July will mark eight years as Senate president for Spilka; senators removed a limit on the president's term during her tenure. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston | More Info and Register)

LGAC: Local Government Advisory Commission meets. Agenda includes an update from the Executive Office for Administration and Finance on revenue collections. The state hauled in $7.36 billion in tax revenues in April, beating the Healey administration's expectation by nearly $1 billion. The agenda also includes discussions about Gov. Healey's Municipal Empowerment Act and the environmental bond bill. The Senate passed its $3.67 billion environmental bond bill in mid-April that bans single-use plastic bags and adds a 10-cent fee for recycled paper bags provided by retailers. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157)

GAMING COMMISSION: Gaming Commission’s Gaming Policy and Advisory Committee meets remotely. The agenda includes a proposed fiscal year 2027 gaming research plan. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

MBTA ACCESSIBILITY FORUM: MBTA holds its semi-annual forum on accessibility at the T. This meeting will be focused on the MBTA's transition from the Daniel-Finegold Settlement to the 2025 Next Generation Agreement between the MBTA and Boston Center for Independent Living. Attendees can share thoughts directly with T General Manager and Transportation Secretary Phil Eng and the Riders' Transportation Access Group. The meeting will also go over updates on major station accessibility upgrades moving forward, and reflection on the winter of 2025/2026, when there were major systemwide issues related to heavy snowfall. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

JULY 4 MUSCIANS: Gov. Healey and Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart host a press conference announcing the musical talent performing at the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular concert on July 4th at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. The press conference will also include additional updates and previews related to the event, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. (Tuesday, 3:15 p.m., Room 151, Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Summer St., Boston | Livestream)

STATE TROOPER WAKE: A wake is held through 7 p.m. for State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor, 30, who was killed May 6 in a collision while responding to a wrong-way driver call in Lynnfield. Trainor was raised in Salem and earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Salem State University. Gov. Healey attends. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody)

BOSTON CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING: Gov. Healey and Boston Mayor Wu are among those scheduled to speak as the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce holds its 2026 annual meeting. The event, expected to draw more than 1,500 business, government, and civic officials, will feature the induction of three people into the chamber's Academy of Distinguished Bostonians: Paul Ayoub, chair of the law firm Nutter; Kevin Churchwell, chief executive officer of Boston Children's Hospital; and Catherine D'Amato, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank. Other speakers include Michael Chamberlain of Bank of America, Geri Denterlein of Denterlein, Corey Thomas of Rapid7, Yvonne Garcia of State Street, and Chamber President James Rooney. Media should RSVP to mholloway@bostonchamber.com and cbaines@bostonchamber.com. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston)

MASSDOT DEDHAM: MassDOT holds a public meeting on proposed pedestrian and bicycle improvements on Elm Street in Dedham. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Dedham Public Safety Building, 26 Bryant St., Dedham | More Info)

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets and votes on a handful of project applications. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is looking to construct a new proton beam therapy center in Boston, with the aim of delivering a "sharp and precise dosage of radiation to cancerous tumors, while significantly reducing exposure of healthy tissue to radiation," the "determination of need" application says. The project is expected to cost $50 million. Beth Israel Lahey Health wants to expand endoscopy services in Winchester, with the project expected to cost $1.9 million. The council will also vote on regulatory changes dealing with blood screening for newborns for treatable diseases and disorders. There will also be an informational presentation about protecting public health at the World Cup. At a March meeting, Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said officials are preparing for a variety of potential scenarios, including food safety, infectious disease outbreaks and mass casualty incidents. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

WORKERS' COMPENSATION: Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes a judicial update and update on the Workers' Compensation Trust Fund. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

HEALTH EQUITY SUMMIT: The Boston Globe holds its Health Equity Summit, featuring a fireside chat with Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah at 3 p.m. Rep. Decker participates in a panel discussion about biotech and medical innovation at 1:30 p.m. Other sessions will explore bridging the cancer equity gap, fixing the maternal health crisis and delivering equitable care to historically marginalized communities. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University, 20 Western Ave., Boston | Register)

EDUCATION SECRETARY ON 9:30 CALL: Newly appointed Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike appears on the "9:30 Call" hosted by Strategies for Children. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Access)

MASSDOT FINANCE, AUDIT: MassDOT Board of Directors' Finance and Audit Committee meets and discusses the fiscal 2027 budget proposal (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSER: Digital advocacy group Fight for the Future and a coalition of human rights, LGBTQ+, civil liberties, racial justice and environmental advocacy groups hold a press conference to express concerns about "dangerous and unconstitutional online ID check bills" following the emergence of social media legislation on Beacon Hill. Advocates will make remarks, hold signs and take questions before going into the State House to deliver a letter to legislative leadership and Gov. Healey's office. The House in April passed a bill (H 5366) that both bans student cellphone use in schools and restricts social media use for children. Healey less than a week later proposed her own policy that would require social media platforms to have a "default" setting that disables addictive practices and imposes a two-hour time limit on users under the age of 18. Fight for the Future says it has concerns about how the proposals would affect online privacy and vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ youth and undocumented families. Rep. Connolly, one of 25 representatives to vote against the House bill, will join, according to the organization.(Wednesday, 10 a.m., out front of the State House)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a report from DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle, a presentation about the Brook Farm Historic Site in West Roxbury, and approval of a resource management plan for Belle Isle Marsh. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough | Agenda and Zoom)

LOCAL BILLS HEARING: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government hosts a hearing on bills that would require that elected officials be citizens of Holyoke for at least two years (H 5364), create a Falmouth Licensing Commission (H 5365), and authorize print-free digital legal notices in Westford. (H 5387). (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1)

CARING FORCE STATE HOUSE DAY: Caring Force holds its 14th annual State House Day advocacy event, hosted by Rep. Mindy Domb. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall and Grand Staircase)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission's Administrative Subcommittee meets. Agenda includes votes on the executive director's employment contract and the fiscal 2027 operating budget. Bill Keefe has been executive director since March 2024. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford | Agenda and Zoom)

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

STATE TROOPER FUNERAL: A funeral is held for State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor, who died May 6 in the line of duty. "Serving as a Trooper was more than a profession to Kevin — it was a calling," his obituary says. "He took immense pride in protecting and serving the people of the Commonwealth and formed strong bonds with the men and women alongside whom he served." Gov. Healey attends. In social media posts, Healey called Trainor a "hero" and said she was "heartbroken" by his "tragic death." (Wednesday, 11 a.m., St. James Church, 160 Federal St., Salem)

BIAS TRAINING: Senators meet in a caucus to receive implicit bias training as required by Senate Rules. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate president's office and virtual)

SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION TRAINING: House of Representatives holds a sexual harassment prevention training session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)

EARLY EDUCATION BOARD: Board of Early Education and Care meets. The agenda includes fiscal 2026 budget development updates, and an overview of the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative grant cycle. They'll also talk about the development of a new educator credential. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 50 Milk St., 5th Floor, Boston | More Info)

LYNNWAY MULTIMODAL: MBTA holds an open house in Swampscott to discuss its ongoing project with the City of Lynn and Department of Conservation and Recreation to make the Lynnway corridor safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders. Officials will discuss their draft design and take feedback. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Swampscott Senior Center, 200R Essex St., Rear | More Info)

MASSDOT CHARLESTOWN: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed bridge preservation project on Cambridge Street in Charlestown. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | Register)

Thursday, May 14, 2026

HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets. As of early April, nearly 409,000 people were enrolled in coverage accessed through the Connector, with the majority in heavily subsidized ConnectorCare plans. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)

CHILDREN'S LEAGUE ADVOCACY DAY: The Children's League holds its annual rally and lobby day, with a focus on legislation to boost wages for human services workers and expand student loan repayment programs. Rep. Finn and Sen. Kennedy will receive the "Caring Bear Award." Senate President Spilka, a past award recipient, gives remarks. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)

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

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

BIAS TRAINING: Senators meet in a caucus to receive implicit bias training as required by Senate Rules. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate president's office and virtual)

MASSDOT ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston)

HPC ADVISORY COUNCIL: Health Policy Commission's Advisory Council meets, with plans to discuss the HPC's priority research areas and share their perspective on healthcare system issues. (Thursday, 12 p.m., HPC office, 50 Milk St., Boston | Livestream)

ADVANCED METERING: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on proposed advanced metering infrastructure data access plans from Eversource, National Grid and Unitil. The 2024 clean energy law called for the creation of a statewide centralized platform about advanced metering data in "near real-time," which could be accessed by customers and competitive suppliers. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MASSINC CELEBRATION: MassINC hosts a celebration for its 30th anniversary. Guest speakers include Barr Foundation CEO Ali Noorani and former Boston Globe Editor Marty Baron. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., 60 State St., Boston | Tickets)

LYNNWAY MULTIMODAL: MBTA holds a virtual open house to discuss its ongoing project with the City of Lynn and Department of Conservation and Recreation to make the Lynnway corridor safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders. Officials will discuss their draft design and take feedback. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info)

JEWISH COMMUNITY RECEPTION: Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston holds its annual legislative reception. Treasurer Goldberg gives remarks. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Location not disclosed)

COASTAL CLIMATE ACTION: Boston's chief climate officer Brian Swett takes part in a discussion of the impacts of a changing environment on coastal cities. Other participants bring expertise from similar jobs in Seattle and in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Doors at 6 p.m. Cash bar available. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., New England Aquarium, Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf, Boston | Register)

MASSDOT NORTHBRIDGE: MassDOT holds a public hearing on proposed intersection improvements on Route 122 in Northbridge. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

Friday, May 15, 2026

ALCOHOL LICENSES: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure accepts written testimony on two alcohol petitions for the towns of Marion and Oxford. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

YOUNG PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a regulatory hearing on increasing rates for certain young parent support programs. The change will cost the state $330,000. (Friday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

IN-HOME LIVING SUPPORTS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a regulatory hearing on increasing rates for certain in-home basic living supports, plus adding an assistive technology rate to help programs monitor staff and clients remotely. The changes will cost the state $8.2 million. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

DAY HAB SERVICES: MassHealth holds a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes for day habilitation center services, including clarifying staff training requirements and staffing ratios, revising physical site requirements, and adding definitions like evacuation safety plan. The changes would take effect no sooner than late August. (Friday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)

SJC CHIEF AT UMASS AMHERST COMMENCEMENT: Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd will deliver the keynote address at the University of Massachusetts Amherst's 156th commencement ceremony, where she will also receive an honorary degree. Budd, the first Black woman to serve as chief justice of the SJC, was nominated to the post following the death of Chief Justice Ralph Gants in 2020 and has served on the court since 2016. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend as undergraduate degrees are conferred on more than 5,000 students. (Friday, 5 p.m., McGuirk Alumni Stadium, UMass Amherst, Amherst)

Saturday, May 16, 2026

WOMEN VETERANS: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network holds its annual conference, where attendees can learn about programs and services offered through veterans organizations. This year's theme is “Empowering Her Voice. Honoring Her Service." (Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m., Four Point by Sheraton, Norwood Hotel and Conference Center, 1125 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood | Register)

EDUCATION CONVENING: Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance hosts an "education justice" convening, featuring workshops for students, parents, caregivers, educators, organizers and community members. Attendees will highlight local and state issues across K-12 and higher education. Hany Massoud, senior TV producer at Democracy Now!, and American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang participate in the opening plenary. (Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m., Lowell | Register)

NORTHERN ESSEX COMMENCEMENT: Former Gov. Charlie Baker, now president of the NCAA, is the speaker at Northern Essex Community College's commencement ceremony. "Throughout his career in public service, Governor Baker has demonstrated a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening education and workforce pathways," NECC President Lane Glenn said. (Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m., NECC, Haverhill)

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