Franklin Town MA
6-21-2026 4:05am

People, Power and Politics

As Bay Staters run up their credit cards to attend a slew of summer events, a senator is proposing restrictions to curb climbing ticket resale prices. And the idea is stirring debate among consumer groups who say it would limit consumer choice and empower ticketing giants that are largely responsible for the high prices.  Sen. Dylan Fernandes, a Falmouth Democrat, filed legislation (SD 3994) dubbed "An Act to make Noah Kahan tickets affordable for the rest of us" that proposes a cap on ticket resale prices at 110% of their original price. Its title references the rising resale ticket prices for concerts popular singer-songwriter Noah Kahan is holding at Fenway Park this summer.

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 FY 2027 budget is finally behind us, summer is officially here, let’s start really taking part in all the fun stuff in Franklin.

The Farmers Market is operating weekly on Friday from 2 to 6 PM. Concerts on the Common extends musical entertainment for 6 weeks from July 10 to August 14. The Community calendar has the listing of performers each week.

The World Cup is happening and Franklin has its own Fan Zone Wednesday June 24 and Thursday June 25. Two games will be shown each day on a large screen at Hayward Manor. Food trucks, and activities will happen on the Town Common.

Main St will be closed from High St to Pleasant St to enable placement of the food trucks and easy access from the Common to the Manor, etc. Be aware of the traffic implications!

The Franklin 4th of July Celebration opens July 1. The fireworks are scheduled for July 2 and the celebration, rides, food, & entertainment run through Sunday, July 5.

And yes, there are a few town & school meetings this week, the schedule and agendas are listed here.

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.

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 6/19/26, 8:00 PM ***

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, June 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06222026-2372

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, June 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06222026-2373

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232026-2374

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, June 24 Time: 11:00 AM

Petition Hearing - Grant of Location for Small Cell Antenna

Wednesday, June 24 Time: 12:15 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242026-2376

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, June 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06252026-2359

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

Town/ School meetings

FHS/ Tri-County live streaming

New All-Access Programing

Franklin Matters Video

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

Lawmakers this week enacted and sent to Gov. Maura Healey legislation overhauling the way kids learn how to read as well as a bill to guard against the safety dangers associated with hot works like welding. Those bills are expected to secure her approval. But as July approaches the question is whether the governor will need to ask lawmakers for an interim budget, again, to prevent a government shutdown and payless paydays due to another late state budget. House Democrats this week talked up their efforts to keep major bills flowing and an on-time budget would put a bold punctuation mark on that, if they can come up with one by July 1. The branches are in agreement on 99% of the spending in the roughly $63.4 billion budget bills, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which cautions that there's "real work left underneath" those common areas. In particular: $863 million in unique spending that appears in only one chamber's budget, a gap between maximum spending and available revenue of between $353 million and $535 million that will be closed "almost certainly by trimming those unique items," and 134 policy sections that live in only the House or Senate bills. Both budgets propose to increase spending over the approved fiscal 2026 budget by at least 3.8% - how does that compare to your household or business budget for next year? Veteran budget chiefs Aaron Michlewitz and Michael Rodrigues have a history of reaching deals, and a track record of late budgets. There's no penalty for being late, if an interim budget is in place, but it may rob the Legislature of some of the bandwidth of the Ways and Means chairs at a time when bills are stacked up by the hundreds in their committees and lawmakers face a July 31 deadline to at least get controversial and meaningful bills into conference committees. Democrats are also working on agreements melding bills that passed overwhelmingly in each branch to support public higher education campus upgrades, provide limited protections against federal immigration law enforcement, and restrict cellphone use by students in public schools.

Other Storylines in Progress

... Senators could pop a major energy bill at any time since they appeared close to unveiling one this week ... World Cup fever is tightening its hold on people as teams and fans from around the world bring the energy of soccer to the United States. Matches are set to unfold over the next week in Foxborough on Friday, June 19 (Scotland vs. Morocco), Tuesday, June 23 (England vs. Ghana), and Friday, June 26 (France vs. Norway). Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Thursday announced patrons will be able to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors within new "social districts" at Union and Marshall streets in downtown’s Blackstone Block Historic District, and on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing. The initiative begins June 19 and ends on July 31. ... The Department of Public Utilities holds a technical session Monday on important regulations affecting transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft ... As another school year comes to a close, K-12 education system overseers on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education plan public meetings on Monday and Tuesday ... The candidacies of GOP attorney general candidate Michael Walsh and lieutenant governor candidate Anne Manning Martin are riding on the outcome of State Ballot Law Commission hearings and deliberations over complaints alleging the submission of fraudulent signatures. Decisions are expected soon to facilitate final ballots for this year ... Similarly, it's getting close to the last call for any compromise alternatives to this year's ballot questions. There's some heat over a potential deal on an alternative to statewide rent control, but there hasn't been a breakthrough in talks ... Quantum technology keeps popping up in public policy discourse and lawmakers on Tuesday open up for public comment legislation designed to lock state government in a supportive role for the emerging sector ... Mayor Wu joins political analyst Jon Keller for a "Keller @ Large Live" segment Wednesday morning in Boston hosted by the State House News Service and MASSterList ...

Sunday, June 21, 2026

MARKEY ON KELLER: U.S. Sen. Ed Markey joins political analyst Jon Keller's weekly "Keller at Large" talk show in Markey's first local TV interview of his reelection campaign, per Keller. The two will discuss Markey's age and calls for him to "pass the torch," his record in the Senate and his plans for a third term, Keller said. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

FUSION ENERGY ON NBC: Chief Science Office and Commonwealth Fusion Systems Co-Founder Brandon Sorbom talks fusion energy in Massachusetts with NBC 10 reporter Matt Pritchard on his weekly "@ Issue Sit Down" segment. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10 Boston)

ENG ON THE RECORD: MBTA General Manager and Interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)

CELEBRATING SOCCER, CULTURE, COMMUNITY ON CITYLINE: WCVB's weekly urban magazine program CityLine focuses on soccer, culture and community. Cape Verdean Association of Boston President Paulo de Barros, Soccer Unity Project President Caroline Foscato, Boston Senior Policy Advisory Anshi Moreno Jimenez, and Boston Director of Small Business Aliesha Porcena join the show. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WCVB)

Monday, June 22, 2026

RIDESHARE REGS: Department of Public Utilities holds a technical session on proposed regulations for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. The agenda includes discussions on transportation electrification, driver background check requirements and operational costs. The App Drivers Union became the country's first certified union of app-based drivers last month. Now, the DPU looks to significantly overhaul rideshare oversight rules. Pending regulations would expand background checks for drivers, limit drivers to 12 hours of work in a 24-hour period, and require rideshare companies to submit plans for increasing electric vehicle use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other proposals. (Monday, 10 a.m., One South Station, Third floor, Boston | Zoom)

COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a hearing on two bills. A Sen. Durant bill (S 3091) aims to provide "crumbling concrete relief for homeowners," and would create an assistance fund to help homeowners replace concrete foundations damaged by pyrite or pyrrhotite, according to a Senate summary. A Rep. Ultrino bill (H 5477) would require the GIC, MassHealth and commercial insurers to provide coverage for the cost of treating cleft lip and cleft palate for all ages, eliminating the existing cap only covering children under the age of 18. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., A-1 and Virtual | More Info and Access)

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

BALLOT LAW COMMISSION: Ballot Law Commission plans to continue a hearing on an objection seeking to disqualify Republican candidate Michael Walsh from the ballot. Democratic Party Executive Director Adam Roof filed complaints against Walsh and Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Anne Manning Martin alleging they filed fraudulent nomination signatures and do not have the necessary 10,000 to secure a spot on September's primary ballot. The arguments during the first hearing surrounded whether Roof met clerical requirements for the complaints to move forward. The commission must render a decision on the case by June 26, according to Deborah O'Malley, a spokesperson for Secretary of State Bill Galvin's office. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 1 Ashburton Place, 17th floor conference room, Boston)

BOARD OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education holds a virtual special meeting. Agenda includes discussion of the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council final report, which was released Wednesday and recommends requiring Massachusetts students to complete college-preparatory coursework, pass end-of-course exams, develop postsecondary plans, and finish a capstone project or portfolio to graduate. An 18-month process to create recommendations ensued after voters in 2024 eliminated the MCAS graduation requirement, leaving Massachusetts with no statewide graduation standard. (Monday, 5:30 p.m. |Agenda and Access)

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

BOARD OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. Members will discuss and vote on regulations dealing with special education and interpretation and translation services. The board will also vote on a report about conditions imposed on Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley. The board last year approved a 100-seat increase to the school's maximum enrollment of 584 students and directed the school to evaluate its capacity and expertise, engage in training about board of trustee responsibilities, and submit a plan for a regional cost-effective transportation plan. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez speaks about the K-12 Statewide Graduation Council's final report. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 135 Santilli Highway, Everett | Livestream)

COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure holds a hearing on eight bills. A Sen. Lovely bill (S 3082) addresses animal telehealth. Sen. Brownsberger and Rep. Rogers bills (S 3090, H 5114) would require manufacturers of "internet-connected consumer devices to disclose the timeframe in which a consumer can expect security and software updates," according to a Senate summary. Other bills would grant additional alcohol licenses in Foxborough (S 3092), Southborough (H 5425), Easthampton (H 5445), Weston (H 5461) and East Bridgewater (H 5130). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., B-1 and Virtual | More Info and Access)

FERNANDES RIDE-ALONG: Sen. Fernandes participates in a "ride-along" in a new van dedicated to the Plymouth Area Veterans Center, which is expected to provide transportation for veterans to get to medical appointments, jobs and other "essential" destinations. The event will include remarks and a check presentation. Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) President and CEO will attend. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., VOAMASS Plymouth Area Veterans Center, 20 North Park Avenue, Plymouth)

COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies receives written testimony through Tuesday, June 30 at 5 p.m. on Rep. Day's H 5436, which would establish a Massachusetts Quantum Center that would act as the state’s central organization for coordinating quantum initiatives and promoting research and investments in the industry. Massachusetts has been moving deeper into quantum technology, and Gov. Healey recently announced a commitment of up to $25 million in state matching funds to help establish the Quantum Systems Laboratory at MIT. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | More Info)

SENATE SESSION: Senate meets in an informal session. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Agenda TBA)

FROG POND: Boston Mayor Wu, Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett, Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Diana Fernandez Bibeau and The Skating Club of Boston officially reopen the Frog Pond wading pool for the summer. The Frog Pond spray pool will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Frog Pond, Boston Common)

'STOP THE REPEAL' LAUNCHES: Stop the Repeal Campaign, made up of dispensary owners, health care professionals, law enforcement and others, launches in opposition against the ballot question set to go before voters in November that would repeal adult-use recreational marijuana. The campaign is "focused on protecting the highly-regulated marijuana industry in Massachusetts," campaign chair Ryan Dominguez said in a statement. "Since legalization, the marijuana industry has brought in close to $2 billion in state and local revenue, generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually in support of public health, community investments and public safety." Social equity dispensary owner and former Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, family physician and "industry expert" Dr. Benjamin Caplan, Winthrop Police Department Lt. Sarko Gergerian, and others are slated to join. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., State House steps)

WORCESTER FREE TRANSIT: Worcester Zero Fare Coalition holds a celebration marking seven years of free bus service at the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. Organizers say attendees include Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Sen. Kennedy and Reps. O'Day and LeBoeuf. The WRTA Advisory Board this spring voted to continue fare-free bus service through next June. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worcester)

COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a hearing on 14 miscellaneous local bills. A Rep. Scanlon bill (H 5426) would amend the charter of North Attleborough, a Rep. Moakley bill (H 5434) would address Tisbury Planning Board vacancies, a Rep. Pease bill (H 5449) would amend the Westfield Traffic Commission, and a Sen. Cyr bill (S 3097) would amend the town of Dennis' waterways capital improvement fund. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., A-1 and Virtual | More Info and Access)

DPU GEOTHERMAL ENERGY: Department of Public Utilities holds a technical session to discuss Eversource Energy's petition for a regulatory framework around networked geothermal services. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and Home Energy Efficiency Team will give a briefing on geothermal networks, and Eversource provides an update on its Framingham geothermal network demonstration project. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., One South Station, Third Floor, Boston | More Info and Zoom)

ENGLAND VS. GHANA: England and Ghana face off in a FIFA World Cup match. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., "Boston Stadium," 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough | More Info)

ALLSTON MULTIMODAL TASK FORCE: Allston Multimodal Transportation Project Task Force holds a hybrid meeting. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., MassDOT Board Room, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Register)

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

SHNS/MASSTERLIST HOSTS WU: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins political analyst Jon Keller for a "Keller @ Large Live" segment hosted by the State House News Service and MASSterList. Wu and Keller sit for a fireside chat to discuss the challenges and opportunities Boston faces in 2026 as the city navigates federal policy challenges and economic stress, and is also in the midst of a mega-tourism summer with FIFA World Cup and 250th anniversary celebrations. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Boston | Register)

CELEBRATING VINEYARD WIND 1: Gov. Healey, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Lynch and Massachusetts Building Trade Unions President Callahan join labor union coalition Climate Jobs Massachusetts to celebrate the completion of Vineyard Wind 1 and the workers who made it happen. Vineyard Wind 1 is the first offshore wind project to serve Massachusetts. Offshore construction on the project ended in March, and eventually, the 62-turbine farm is expected to generate more than 800 megawatts of power. More than 1,500 union workers built the project under a project labor agreement, according to the coalition. Speaking program begins at 10:15 a.m. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, 4 Wright Street, New Bedford | RSVP)

PREVENTING CHILD CRUELTY: Rep. Decker and the Massachusetts Babies Coalition cohost Strolling Thunder, an advocacy event centered on infant and early childhood mental health. The event is modeled on national events led by Zero to Three, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and will bring together families with babies in strollers, coalition partners, legislators and community organizations. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., House Members' Lounge)

SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY BOARD: Massachusetts School Building Authority Board of Directors meets remotely. Agenda includes recommendations of preferred schematic designs for several municipalities and school districts, an executive director's report as well as finance and project status updates. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., for access email Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org or call 617-960-3067)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Zachary Hillman to the Appeals Court. Hillman is first justice of the Worcester District Court. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Old State House, Council Chamber, 206 Washington St., Boston | Livestream)

MASS CPA LOBBY DAY: Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, MassCPAs, holds its third annual advocacy day. Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley is a featured guest speaker and is expected to discuss his views on the state economy, economic development priorities and other issues affecting businesses and accountants. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., State House)

COMMONWEALTH HEROINES: Commonwealth Heroines award ceremony is hosted by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Lawmakers are encouraged to nominate one female constituent who's making "outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities." (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

HOUSE: House may hold a formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

SENATE DEMOCRATS: Senate Democrats plan to meet in a private caucus at 11 a.m. in Senate President Spilka's office.

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Sarah Joss to the Superior Court. Joss was appointed to the District Court in 2022 and primarily sits in the Lynn District Court. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Old State House, Council Chamber, 206 Washington St., Boston | Livestream)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets and could vote to reappoint Mark DeFrancisco to the Appellate Tax Board and redesignate him as chair. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Old State House, Council Chamber, 206 Washington St., Boston | Livestream)

AUTOMATED RECORD SEALING: A coalition of criminal justice advocates holds a lobby day on criminal record sealing reform legislation. A bill from Sen. Friedman (S 1114) to automate the record sealing process after the statutory waiting period was sent to the Senate Ways and Means Committee last June. The companion bill from Rep. Keefe (H 1811) was sent to study in March. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 222)

CHATHAM INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public hearing about a proposed project that would improve the Main Street (Route 28) intersection in Chatham at Depot, Queen Anne and Crowell roads. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Chatham Town Offices Annex, 261 George Ryder Road, Chatham | More Info)

CONCORD ROTARY IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public meeting to discuss a proposed redesign of the interchange on Route 2 at the Concord Rotary, which connects Route 2, Concord Turnpike (Route 2A/119), Barretts Mill Road and Commonwealth Avenue. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Concord Middle School Auditorium, 835 Old Marlboro Road, Concord | More Info)

NEWTONVILLE STATION ACCESSIBILITY: MBTA holds a hybrid public meeting to update the status of the Newtonville Station Accessibility Improvements Project, which is meant to provide a new, fully accessible Newtonville Station on the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., The Cooper Center for Active Living, 345 Walnut St., Newton | More Info and Register)

Thursday, June 25, 2026

QUANTUM CONFERENCE: Quantum.Tech kicks off a two-day conference focused on quantum innovation. The event will feature workshops, an exhibition, technology showcases and panel discussions. Speakers include Gov. Healey, who is delivering a keynote address on Friday; Paul Dabbar, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce; and Steven Hubbard, director of Mass Tech Collaborative's Quantum Initiative. (Thursday, 7 a.m., Encore Boston Harbor at 1 Broadway, Everett | More Info and Agenda)

NASHOBA VALLEY SMALL BIZ: The Main Streets Matters Tour comes to Shirley as small business advocates focus on rising energy bills and health insurance premiums, plus state labor mandates and challenges facing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. It's hosted by the National Federation of Independent Business, Retailers Association of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, in partnership with the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., 2 Shaker Road, Suite B200, Shirley)

MHP HOUSING INSTITUTE: Massachusetts Housing Partnership hosts its 19th Housing Institute conference. This year's conference includes three tracks: policy and planning, affordable housing development, and outreach and advocacy. Dr. Tiffany Manuel, president and CEO of TheCaseMade, is the keynote speaker. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., DCU Convention Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester | More Info)

MASSPORT BOARD: Massport Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

COMMITTEE ON REVENUE: Joint Committee on Revenue accepts written testimony through July 31 on four bills. A Rep. Jones bill (H 5417) would enable Lynnfield to impose a local sales tax on restaurant meals; a Rep. Lipper-Garabedian bill (H 5418) would establish a "means tested senior citizen property tax exemption" in Wakefield; a Rep. Luddy bill (H 5457) would allow Provincetown to impose a .5% real estate transfer fee; and a Rep. Ciccolo bill (H 5487) would allow Lexington to create a surcharge on "certain residential development activities" to help fund community housing. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

FIREARMS LICENSING REVIEW BOARD: Firearms Licensing Review Board meets. Agenda includes an executive session. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

RETIREMENT BOARD: Massachusetts State Retirement Board meets virtually. Its agenda includes a report from the executive director. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Access info unavailable; contact MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us)

POST COMMISSION: POST Commission holds a virtual status conference regarding Gary Poehler. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

HOUSE SESSION: House may meet in a formal session, according to Speaker Mariano's office. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

SENATE: The Senate plans to meet in an 11 a.m. "informal session," according to Senate President Karen Spilka's office......Senate Chamber

CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS: Mass Cultural Council holds a virtual celebration of public investments made into arts and culture in fiscal year 2026. The program will feature remarks from council chair Ché Anderson, vice chair Jo-Ann Davis, and Acting Executive Director David Slatery, Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development Committee Chairs Sen. Mark and Rep. Garballey, and state Poet Laureate Regie Gibson. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Register)

IMMIGRANT BIZ ROUNDTABLE: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition holds an immigrant business roundtable. Speakers include MIRA Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet, Steve Chang from Sen. Markey's office, Sergio Mendoza of Manka Food Service Consulting, Jean-Paul Karangwa of Caring Bees Healthcare, Jose Perez of Roads Consulting, and Chompon Boonnak of the restaurant Mahaniyom and Bar Merai. Sweet said immigrant business owners generate about $3 billion in business income. "This event will explore the challenges immigrant-owned businesses face, and the changes necessary to lift up immigrant-owned businesses to attract more businesses and ensure future success and longevity," Sweet said. (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., SRV Restaurant, 569 Columbus Ave., Boston)

AI BUSINESS EVENT: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a free, hybrid event on integrating artificial intelligence into business operations. Karen Kelly of Launch by Lunch and Brett Leary of Accenture are scheduled to talk about using AI for impact, innovation, and inclusion rather than efficiency alone. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Accenture, 888 Boylston St., Boston | More Info)

WOMEN IN WORKFORCE PANEL: Massachusetts Bar Association and Emerge Massachusetts co-host "Women in the Workforce: A Discussion on Pay Equity and the Gender Wage Gap." The panel is set to focus on the gender wage gap, economic empowerment, workplace equity and policies affecting opportunities for women in Massachusetts. Treasurer Goldberg is a panelist along with Emily Kibbe, AFL-CIO legislative coordinator. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Massachusetts Bar Association at 20 West St., Boston | More Info and Registration)

BROOK FARM HISTORIC SITE: Department of Conservation and Recreation presents the "preferred conceptual design" for the Brook Farm Historic Site in West Roxbury. The plan aims to improve visitor experiences at the site, where DCR says a society of transcendentalists lived during the 1840s. The farm later became a Civil War training camp. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom )

INTERVENOR SUPPORT GRANT: Department of Public Utilities launches its Intervenor Support Grant Program that was created under the 2024 clean energy law. It provides financial assistance to organizations, community groups and certain governmental bodies that are unable to participate in proceedings before the DPU or Energy Facilities Siting Board due to "financial hardship, inadequate resources, or lack of technical expertise." (Thursday, 6 p.m., 180 Walnut St., Chelsea | More Info)

WEST SPRINGFIELD CROSSING ELIMINATION: MassDOT holds a public meeting to discuss a proposed project that would construct a "grade-separated crossing" to address longstanding traffic congestion and safety concerns associated with the existing at-grade railroad crossing at Front Street in West Springfield, according to the agency. (Thursday, 6 p.m., West Springfield Town Hall, Justin Morgan Auditorium, 26 Central St., West Springfield | More Info)

WEST ROXBURY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting to inform the public about the full bridge closure scheduled to take place from July to December 2026 as part of the work underway to replace West Roxbury Parkway Bridge and make improvements to the Belgrade Avenue intersection in West Roxbury. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)

CIVIL RIGHTS: Lawyers for Civil Rights holds its annual reception and presents awards to four civil rights leaders. With the World Cup underway and thousands of international tourists in Boston, LCR says it's providing free legal guidance to workers, vendors, small business and community members. (Thursday, 6 p.m., State Room, 60 State St., Boston | Register)

Friday, June 26, 2026

QUANTUM CONFERENCE: Gov. Maura Healey is set to deliver a 10:50 a.m. keynote address titled "Welcome to Massachusetts, State of Revolutions" on the second day of Quantum.Tech, an two-day conference focused on quantum innovations. Attendees can go to workshops, an exhibition, technology showcases and panel discussions. (Friday, 8 a.m. with Healey's remarks are scheduled to start at 10:50 a.m., Encore Boston Harbor at 1 Broadway, Everett | More Info and Agenda)

MHP HOUSING INSTITUTE - DAY TWO: Day two of Massachusetts Housing Partnership's Housing Institute conference. At 12:15 p.m., Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Matias hands out Housing Hero awards. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., DCU Convention Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester | More Info)

HIGHER ED BOARD MEETS: Board of Higher Education holds a special meeting. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda TBA | Zoom Access)

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on increasing payments for certain adult community mental health services. The cost is about $25.3 million. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

SUBSTANCE-RELATED, ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on boosting payment rates for certain substance-related and addictive disorders programs. The specific services up for discussion deal with treatment and education services in 24-hour residential settings for patients with moderate-to-severe substance use and mental health disorders. The cost is about $476,450. (Friday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)

PLACEMENT, SHARED LIVING: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a public hearing on increasing rates for certain placement, support and shared living services. Due to an upcoming Department of Children and Families procurement effective in January, officials say the rates are not being changed for adoption management support services and Youth Permanency Connection services. The cost is nearly $20 million. (Friday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)

LIGHTHOUSE LENS RETURN: Essex Heritage and the U.S. Coast Guard host a ceremony marking the return of a 1903 lens to Bakers Island Light Station after more than 50 years on display at the Maine Lighthouse Museum. Manufactured by Chance Brothers & Co. and installed at Bakers Island in 1926, the lens returns in its centennial year. Rear Admiral Michael Platt, commander of the Coast Guard's Northeast District, and Annie Harris, president and CEO of the Essex National Heritage Commission, are scheduled to speak. The lens remains Coast Guard property under a long-term loan agreement and Essex Heritage has stewarded the station since 2014. The island is accessible only by boat, and space is limited. (Friday, 2 p.m., Bakers Island Light Station, Bakers Island, Salem | More Info)

NORWAY VS. FRANCE: Norway and France face off in a FIFA World Cup match. (Friday, 3 p.m., "Boston Stadium," 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough | More Info)

BALLOT LAW COMMISSION DEADLINE: Ballot Law Commission faces a Friday deadline to issue a decision on complaints seeking to knock two Republican candidates off September's primary ballot. Democratic Party Executive Director Adam Roof filed complaints against attorney general candidate Michael Walsh and lieutenant governor candidate Anne Manning Martin. Roof said they filed fraudulent nomination signatures and don't have the 10,000 verified signatures needed to make the ballot. Another Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, Shawn Oliver, filed a similar complaint against Manning Martin. Manning Martin and Walsh sought to dismiss the complaints saying the objectors didn't meet clerical requirements to move forward.

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