People, Power, and Politcs

Ads depicting children with the slogan "BPS IS FAILING THEM" began going up across the MBTA system on Wednesday. A day later, the T objected and began removing them. MassPotential, a K-12 education advocacy nonprofit led by former Boston Public Schools school committee member Mary Tamer, raised $1.5 million for the ad campaign "aimed at calling to attention the disturbing trends of a lack of student achievement in the Boston Public Schools." It was run through a new coalition in the nonprofit, Next Chapter Boston.  But on Thursday, the ads were "flagged" and had "already begun being removed per MBTA orders – based on the copy itself," [but don't call it censorship]...according to an email shared with the News Service, sent from OUTFRONT, the T's exclusive contracted advertising agency, to the ad agency MassPotential had contracted.

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!

9 meetings on tap this week and 1 special event being recorded for future broadcast.

I hesitate to call some meetings “major”, which means some are “minor”, when all are important to the operation of the Town and School services. And yet, some are more important than others.

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere is the representative for the District to the BICO Collaborative. Their transportation subcommittee meets on Monday.

The Recreation Advisory Board and the BFCCPS School Governance committees also have regular sessions on Monday.

The School Committee budget subcommittee meets on Tuesday to start preparing for the next budget cycle, especially in acceptance of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting on Wednesday.

Town Clerk Nancy Danello has an information session on Wednesday with Liz Harkins, Franklin TV executive director. The event will be recorded for a future broadcast providing the ins and out of mail ballots, early voting, etc. to prepare us all for the multipage ballot for the November 3 state election.

The Board of Health is scheduled to meet Wednesday. Their agenda is not yet published but will likely be on Monday.

The Joint Budget Subcommittee is composed of representation from the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee. They have the task to figure out how to solve our structural budget deficit.

This is one of those “major” meetings. Don't hide behind your keyboard and walk up in a couple of months “surprised“ when the opportunity for input is now.

The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled to meet on Thursday. Their agenda is usually posted no later than Tuesday.

The Conservation Commission and the Cultural District Committee close out the meeting week with their respective sessions Thursday.

Friendly reminder that it does take over 200 unpaid volunteers serving on these boards, committees, and commissions providing oversight and direction for the Town of Franklin authorizing the services the Town provides for all of us.

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 10/02/26 8:00 PM ***

BICO Transportation Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 2:30pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10052026-2542

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 7:00pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10052026-2515

BFCCPS School Governance Cmte

Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 7:30pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10052026-2541

Franklin Public Schools Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Time: 6:00pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10062026-2545

Your Vote, Your Voice! An Information Session

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 4:00pm

No agenda posted, will be recorded for future broadcast

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 5:00pm

Agenda usually posted Monday

Joint Budget Subcommittee

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 6:00pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10072026-2544

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 2:00pm

Agenda usually posted Monday

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 7:00pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10082026-2543

Cultural District Cmte Meeting

Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 7:00pm

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10082026-2537

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

Town & School meetings

The Planning Board met on Monday, among the key items was the opening discussion on the Depot Plaza proposal. View the replay https://www.youtube.com/live/ofxfKrbslNE?is=MOMwVA8TwQHUs5YJ

The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, view the replay here

https://www.youtube.com/live/xm10rWRaytg?is=g1bakbb8b92cAgtD

FHS Sports

FHS girls soccer on Monday

https://www.youtube.com/live/xh4QSWSx_hc?is=yLTq31XyeVryJyDj

FHS boys soccer on Wednesday

https://www.youtube.com/live/kFdaIal5xJE?is=UP37IqKBfi_Jc6Qd

FHS volleyball on Wednesday

https://www.youtube.com/live/PFsfHHjYovU?is=QLNsTlKkGx28gx9v

-----------

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

With Election Day just over a month away, the actual election is getting started already with many mail-in voters beginning to receive and cast ballots. The voting is happening for the most part without the level of public debates between statewide candidates that voters have become accustomed to over the years, and with a heavier emphasis this election cycle on social media ads that are running in tandem with TV ads for the candidates who can afford those. Voters will get one top-tier debate next week: Democrat Maura Healey and Republican Mike Minogue will meet for their first tête-à-tête of the campaign Thursday on WBZ-TV. Affordability and competitiveness are two of this year's top concerns for voters and candidates, and the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation this week released annual index results that feature material that incumbents can spin to their advantages, as well as fodder for challengers. "Massachusetts is still #1 in the nation for educational attainment and health care quality, ranks 2nd in GSP per capita and wages, and moved into the top ten for poverty rate for the first time," MTF said. "At the same time, labor force growth fell from 10th to 39th, unemployment rose to 4.8 percent, and the state ranks at or near the bottom on childcare, energy and housing costs. Residents see the same picture: 55% rate the state below average on affordability, and 40% of 18-29 year olds expect to leave within five years." Average weekly wages rose 4.8% to $1,818, and the state ranks third nationally in venture capital investment and NIH grants. At the same time, energy costs ranked 47th among the states, business formation ranked 49th and Massachusetts dropped 29 spots in labor force growth due to reductions in international migration and residents leaving. That's the backdrop as voting ramps up and with possible solutions to some of those problems bogging out on Beacon Hill. The Legislature hasn't been truly active since July as Democrats appear to be putting elections and campaigns above completing work on 12 substantial bills that have cleared the House and Senate in differing forms but remain unfinished. While economic development and energy affordability accords would give incumbents some juice for their campaigns, it's looking more each day like Democrats may wait until after the election to reach compromises on the vast majority of bills pending before conference committees. That approach would keep them from taking pre-election votes that could draw voter attention, for good or ill, and let them gauge the public mood before making final decisions. Spending, lobbying and debates on the people's agenda as reflected in nine ballot questions also continues this week with three public forums. One on Question 4 and Election Day registration is planned for Wednesday in Worcester. On Thursday, a forum on Question 9 and the 2024 firearms law is scheduled in Amherst, and one on Question 7 and housing production is up for discussion in Salem. Also on Thursday, MASSterList and the State House News Service host "Healthcare Cost Crunch: Understanding Drivers and Designing Solutions in Mass," bringing together some of the top voices in the field at the UMass Club in downtown Boston.

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026

DEATON ON KELLER: Jon Keller talks with U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton about differences between him and Sen. Ed Markey, and his positions on the war with Iran and health care reform. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

GOLDBERG, DIONNE ON NBC: NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard dives into the state treasurer's race, speaking with Treasurer Goldberg and Republican challenger Elizabeth Dionne on the network's weekly "@ ISSUE" segment. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

HEALEY ON THE RECORD: Gov. Maura Healey joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

FLEET DAY: AltWheels Fleet Day brings together corporate and municipal fleet leaders, policymakers and clean transportation innovators. The event will explore fleet electrification, alternative fuels, EV infrastructure and micromobility. (Monday, 8 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton Norwood, Norwood | Register)

HARVARD LAWSUITS: Harvard students, faculty, researchers, alumni and other leaders speak at a press conference outside the Moakley Federal District Courthouse, coinciding with two days of arguments as the federal government appeals in two cases that the university filed and won. The lawsuits involved federal funding freezes to Harvard and attempts to block the enrollment of international students. "Speakers will address the importance of these two cases to the future of academic freedom and institutional independence at Harvard and in U.S. higher education as a whole," organizers say. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., 1 Courthouse Way, Boston)

MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIPS CONFERENCE: Lt. Gov. Driscoll delivers the keynote address at the Statewide Municipal Partnerships Conference, hosted by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies and the Division of Local Services. The half-day conference brings together municipal and regional officials from across the state, with breakout sessions on siting new technology, housing innovations, regional public health, municipal AI and cybersecurity, and municipal finance. (Monday, 9 a.m., Hogan Campus Center, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester | More Info and Register)

SJC: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in six cases, including defendants who were not able to appear at previous trials due to federal immigration enforcement actions. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston | More Info and Livestream)

OUT-OF-NETWORK COSTS: Division of Insurance holds a third listening session on setting a default out-of-network payment rate, focused on consumer protections and network impacts. Regulators say they're looking for strategies to protect people from unexpected out-of-network costs, plus potential implications surrounding access and care utilization. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

HEALTHCARE PRICES: U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury host an event to announce joint efforts to "strengthen healthcare price transparency and make cost information easier to access, compare, and use." (Monday, ​​10:45 a.m., Hubert Humphrey Building, Great Hall, 200 Independence Ave, S.W., Washington, D.C.)

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

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

RED SOX SEASON-CAPPING PRESSER: Boston Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and Manager Chad Tracy hold an "end of season" press conference after the New York Yankees easily defeated Boston in a two-game wildcard series this week. Pro sports are a major economic driver in Massachusetts and player earnings also lead to income surtax revenues from high earners, though some fans would like to see the teams compete by signing more superstars who command the highest wages. (Monday, 11 a.m., Level M Media Interview Room, Fenway Park)

SENATE PROJECT: U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Peter Welch (D-VT) participate in The Senate Project conversation series, moderated by FOX News Channel's Martha MacCallum. The discussion will focus on bipartisan collaboration, including efforts on social media, and youth mental health and forecasting water-related disasters. (Monday, 11 a.m., Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Boston | FOX News, More Info)

COMPTROLLER CELEBRATION: Office of the Comptroller hosts a celebration for the launch of Mosaic, the state's new financial application. (Monday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

ANTI-SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT RALLY: Dozens of Massachusetts education, civil rights, parent and community organizations launch a statewide coalition opposing Massachusetts’ participation in a new federal scholarship tax credit program. The program provides tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship-granting organizations that can provide funds for students to attend private schools. Coalition members will urge Gov. Healey to opt out of the program, which is set to begin Jan. 1, 2027. Support has come from Republican lawmakers and gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, the Pioneer Institute, and from former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Opposition has come from teachers' unions and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. At least 27 other states have opted in. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 350)

ALLSTON POST OFFICE: Congresswoman Pressley, Boston Mayor Wu and Boston City Council President Liz Breadon host a press conference on the Postal Service's plan to not reopen the Allston branch. "This decision is an unacceptable reversal of a promise made to the Allston community by USPS," Breadon said in a statement. "For the past seven years, the 87,000 residents of Allston-Brighton have been served by only one post office location; Newton, which has a population of 88,000, has 10. Our neighborhood will continue to fight for fair treatment from USPS and the fulfillment of commitments made." Developer Eden Properties said the U.S. Postal Service reneged on a plan to reopen the location, The Boston Globe reported in April. For the press conference address, contact Malaya.Hayes@boston.gov. (Monday, 4 p.m., Allston)

CAMBRIDGE CIVIC ASSEMBLY: Cambridge hosts a public lottery event to select 40 residents who will serve on the Civic Assembly, a new community engagement process to guide the future of public safety and surveillance technology in the city. City officials said 15,000 randomly selected Cambridge households received mailed invitations during the week of Sept. 7. (Monday, 5 p.m., Cambridge City Hall, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)

SEPTEMBER REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on state tax collections in September, which DOR considers a "significant" month for state revenues. By mid-September, DOR had collected $3.177 billion, which is $749 million or 30.8% more than during the same period of September 2025. DOR has set September's monthly collection benchmark at $5.31 billion, which would be about $711 million more than last September. (Monday)

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026

FCC COMMISSIONER: FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez participates in a conversation about the First Amendment alongside Dartmouth College professor Brendan Nyhan. They'll discuss free speech, a free press and the Federal Communications Commission's role in the communications landscape. The event is hosted by the New England First Amendment Coalition and the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College | Register)

MASS BLACK EXPO: Black Economic Council of Massachusetts hosts the Mass Black Expo, which showcases businesses, organizations and "allies committed to building a more equitable economy." Attorney General Campbell gives the keynote address, and U.S. Sen. Markey speaks. Attendees will learn about new pathways for business growth, entrepreneurship and wealth creation. The event runs through 6:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Omni Boston Hotel, 450 Summer St., Boston, Seaport | Register)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE: Deadline to submit written testimony to Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on a Rep. Moakley bill (H 5588) that would designate the regional lockup, which is operated by the Dukes County sheriff, as part of the jail. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | More Info

GAMING COMMISSION: Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a hearing on proposed regulations dealing with public or private transfers of interests in gaming licenses and sports wagering licenses. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info)

DISABILITY INCLUSION: In honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month, Massachusetts Apprentice Network hosts a virtual event about how employers can intentionally recruit, hire and train individuals with disabilities through apprenticeships and other early talent pathways. Speakers include Becky Jackson Curran of Disability:IN, Rick Laferriere of CVS Health, Jamell Mitchell of EY and Michael Tamasi of AccuRounds. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Register)

BLOOD DRIVE: Sen. Driscoll and the American Red Cross of Massachusetts host blood drive through 3:30 p.m. People can make an appointment or drop in. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall | Register )

LEWIS BALLOT QUESTION SESSION: Sen. Lewis hosts an informational session on the nine questions appearing on Massachusetts’ Nov. 3 ballot. The session is intended to provide voters with information about what a “yes” or “no” vote would mean on each question. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Malden Senior Center, 7 Washington St., Malden)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a report from Commissioner John Oliveira and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE: Department of Public Utilities hosts a webinar about the pre-filing process for large clean energy infrastructure projects that will be reviewed by the Energy Facilities Siting Board. It's intended for community organizations and municipal staff. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

PROTECT ACT: MIRA, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts and the Health & Law Immigrant Solidarity Network host a conversation on the PROTECT Act’s new protections for immigrant communities in schools, child care centers and health care settings, as well as protections for victims of crime and trafficking. The discussion will cover what the law does and doesn’t do and what the new protections mean in practice. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

LEWIS BALLOT QUESTION SESSION: Sen. Lewis hosts an informational session on the nine questions appearing on Massachusetts’ Nov. 3 ballot. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Stoneham Senior Center, 136 Elm St., Stoneham)

MASSTRANSFER STEERING COMMITTEE: MassTransfer Steering Committee meets. The panel is tasked with supporting pathways for transfer students throughout the public higher education system. Agenda includes a discussion about the Innovation Hub, which the Department of Higher Education uses to pilot strategies to bolster co-ops and pathways from high school to college, as well as integrate non-degree credentials. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

MICROELECTRONICS FACILITY: Gov. Healey attends the groundbreaking ceremony for the Draper Integrated Microelectronics Production & Advanced Chip Technology Center, an 11,000-square-foot building featuring advanced microelectronic design, production and packing facilities. The technology will support Draper's U.S. defense, aerospace and government customers. Other attendees include Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, U.S. Rep. Trahan, UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen and Lowell Mayor Erik Gitschier. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 350A Dutton St., Lowell)

MASSDOT ATHOL: MassDOT holds a public hearing about a proposed bridge replacement project in Athol for Main Street over the G&W Railroad. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

WEST-EAST RAIL: MassDOT holds a public meeting about the Boston and Albany Corridor Service Development Plan, which will study how to operate passenger rail service. Officials say this is a "critical step towards advancing West-East Rail." (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

TIP TUNNEL MAINTENANCE CLOSURE: The I-93 Tip O’Neill Tunnel southbound will close to all traffic beginning Tuesday at 11 p.m., with plans to reopen to traffic at 5 a.m. Wednesday. "The closure will begin on I-93 southbound at exit 20 (Sullivan Square)," MassDOT said on Oct. 1. "Additional points closed will include access from Route 1 (Tobin Bridge) southbound to I-93 southbound, access from Storrow Drive to I-93 southbound, and all other tunnel on-ramps. Access to I-93 southbound will be maintained from Albany Street. This closure is necessary for crews to safely conduct multiple maintenance activities." (Tuesday, 11 p.m.)

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

SJC: Supreme Judicial Court holds a special sitting at the Hampden County Superior Court with three cases on the docket, including one dealing with a denied license to carry firearms. (Wednesday, 9:30, 50 State St., Springfield | More Info and Livestream)

QUESTION 4 FORUM: Worcester State University hosts a forum about Question 4, the ballot measure that would allow Bay Staters to register to vote and cast their ballots on Election Day. Hosted as part of the Commonwealth Ballot Forum Initiative alongside Salem State University and UMass Amherst, the conversation will offer perspectives from elected officials, local civic organizations and the Worcester City Clerk's Office. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Worcester State University, Fuller Theater, 2nd floor, Shaughnessy Administration Building)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council's Executive Committee meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Register)

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS: Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities hosts a celebration for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Lt. Gov. Driscoll gives the keynote. Sen. Lovely and Rep. Garballey will be recognized. There's also an afternoon panel at 2 p.m. in Room 428 called "Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work," which will bring together leaders in accessibility, employment, technology and the disability community. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Great Hall | More Info and Zoom)

BIOGEN CEO: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a conversation with Biogen CEO Christopher Viehbacher. The event, part of the chamber's series called "Executive Exchange: Insights From Prominent CEOs," will dive into Biogen's strategic direction ahead of the company's 50th anniversary, the evolving role of corporate leadership and opportunities for the region. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., The Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Ave., Boston | Register)

AUTHOR TALK: State Library of Massachusetts hosts an Author Talk with Byron Williams on his book, "Liberty and Equality in America: Examining the Radical and Paradoxical Legacy of the Declaration of Independence." Williams is a columnist and former NPR-affiliate host. The book explores issues including slavery, westward expansion, capitalism, civil rights, education and civil liberties, according to the State Library blog. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library, Room 341 | Livestream)

LEWIS BALLOT QUESTION SESSION: Sen. Lewis hosts an informational session on the nine questions appearing on Massachusetts’ Nov. 3 ballot. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., McCarthy Senior Center, 30 Converse St., Wakefield)

LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Investment Committee meets. Agenda items deal with approval for the Pathmaker Program, Business Builds: Life Sciences Awards, MassNextGen Awards, Impact Catalyst Award and an allocation for internship programs. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

AI AND DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT: Alexandra DeVoe, a lead accessibility engineer for the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, joins a panel on artificial intelligence, disability, and the future of work hosted by the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. DeVoe, who has more than 20 years of experience in web design, front-end engineering, and accessibility, is expected to discuss the role of accessibility as new technologies are designed and introduced. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Room 428 | Register and Virtual Access)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON POST AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT: Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight holds a hearing about the implementation of the 2019 law that requires the hands-free use of cellphones while driving. Organizations invited to testify include the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, AAA Northeast and the Safe Roads Alliance. Drivers who violate the law could face fines of up to $500. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Room B-2 | More Info)

BLIND VENDORS: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors meets. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

BRIMFIELD STATE FOREST: Department of Conservation and Recreation hosts a listening session to review final draft recommendations for the Brimfield State Forest Trail Master Plan. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MINOGUE RALLY: Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue hosts a "Rally in the City," where attendees can register to vote. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Park City Southie, 411 Dorchester Ave., Boston)

MASSDOT ADAMS: MassDOT holds a public hearing about a proposed project in Adams to replace the bridge superstructure for Cook Street over the Hoosic River. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | Register)

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

MASSTERLIST HEALTHCARE CRUNCH: MASSterList and the State House News Service host "Healthcare Cost Crunch: Understanding Drivers and Designing Solutions in Mass." Speakers include Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts CEO Sarah Iselin, Beth Israel Lahey COO Peter Shorett, Harvard Medical School professor Michael Chernew and Dr. Zirui Song of Massachusetts General Hospital. Healthcare spending in Massachusetts has repeatedly eclipsed the state's cost containment benchmark, with soaring costs affecting the decisions people make about getting care and forcing residents and employers to weigh bottom line financial decisions. Gov. Healey's Health Care Affordability Work Group in August released initial recommendations that involve setting a default out-of-network payment rate, updating the state's surrogate decision-making and healthcare proxy laws, tamping down the use of "low-value" care, lowering prescription drug costs and reining in spending at the Group Insurance Commission, among other ideas. (Thursday, 8 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., Boston | Register)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: DCR Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a report from DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle, a partnership update and public comment. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

COMPETITIVENESS INDEX: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a hybrid discussion about the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation's annual competitiveness index and poll. The index explores the commonwealth's strengths and weaknesses, as well as factors influencing economic growth, business competitiveness and quality of life. Speakers include MTF President Doug Howgate, Travis McCready of commercial real estate firm JLL, Babson College President Stephen Spinelli Jr., Associated Industries of Massachusetts President Brooke Thomson, and chamber CEO Jim Rooney. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., 265 Franklin St., Suite 1701, Boston | Register)

DEAFBLIND AWARENESS: Massachusetts DeafBlind Awareness Day will highlight the importance of services to support residents who are deafblind. The event's theme is "From Infants to Elders: Real Stories...Real Lives." Rep. Livingstone gives remarks. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

SUMMER LEARNING: Boston After School & Beyond celebrates its "5th Quarter of Learning" with state and city education leaders, including DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. The event will feature data from summer 2026 on enrollment, attendance and student skill growth, along with recognition of summer programs and discussion of summer learning. (Thursday, 10 a.m., School Committee Room, Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury)

MWRA FIELD TRIP: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Advisory Board takes a field trip to Stoneham. The event features a dedication of the newly named Laskey Building, formerly the Spot Pond Covered Storage Facility, in honor of Fred Laskey's 25 years as MWRA executive director. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., 15 Woodland Road, Stoneham | Register)

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

SENATE: Senate is likely to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT: Former Massachusetts Education Secretary under Gov. Baker, Jim Peyser, hosts former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education under President Trump, Jim Blew, for the Harvard Kennedy School's Education Policy Colloquium. Blew will discuss the new federal scholarship tax credit, which will go into effect in January 2027, although it has not yet been authorized in Massachusetts. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Wapp Cason Seminar Room, Taubman 102, Harvard Kennedy School, 79 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge)

QUESTION 9 FORUM: UMass Amherst hosts a forum on Question 9, the ballot referendum in which voters will decide whether to uphold or repeal the 2024 gun reform law. Speakers include Toby Leary, leader of The Civil Rights Coalition and No on 9 Campaign, and Megan DesAutels, campaign coordinator for the Yes on 9 Campaign. The event is part of the Commonwealth Ballot Forum Initiative that also involves Salem State University and Worcester State University. (Thursday, 12 p.m., UMass Amherst, Old Chapel, Great Hall)

QUESTION 7 FORUM: Salem State University hosts a forum on Question 7, the ballot measure enabling single-family homes to be built on smaller lots. Speakers include Andrew Mikula, campaign chair for the Yes on 7 Campaign, and Dave Koffman of the Massachusetts Municipal Association who's representing the opposition. The event is part of the Commonwealth Ballot Forum Initiative that also involves UMass Amherst and Worcester State University. (Thursday, 12:15 p.m., Salem State University, Forten 123, Harrington Campus)

VACCINE PURCHASING: Massachusetts Vaccine Purchasing Advisory Council meets. The group's role is to help with the distribution of recommended childhood vaccines. Massachusetts has disentangled itself from federal immunization recommendations after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. overhauled a key advisory panel. For remote access, contact cmcreynolds@mcaap.org. (Thursday, 4 p.m., Massachusetts Medical Society, 860 Winter St., Waltham | More Info)

CHRISTOPHER CASSIDY: Former NASA astronaut and Navy SEAL Christopher Cassidy is the featured speaker at a leadership forum hosted by the USS Constitution Museum. WCVB anchor and reporter Ben Simmoneau moderates the conversation. The event starts with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m. "Chris Cassidy has led in environments where preparation, trust and sound judgment are not abstract ideas - they are essential," museum CEO Jeff Draeger said. "This evening offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from Captain Cassidy and consider how each of us can prepare to meet demanding moments with greater clarity and purpose." (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston)

GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE: Candidates for governor Maura Healey and Mike Minogue square off in their first debate, hosted by WBZ-TV. "It's gonna be a barnburner," moderator Jon Keller said. Healey has agreed to the WBZ debate and one televised debate hosted by a media consortium consisting of WCVB, WBUR, and the Boston Globe in partnership with the Bay State Banner and El Planeta. Minogue's campaign says he has accepted invitations for four televised debates: with WBZ, the media consortium, WWLP and WFXT. "Maura Healey has spent three years driving up energy and housing costs, failing to conduct the audit, and making it harder to live and work in Massachusetts. Voters deserve to hear how she tries to defend her disastrous record. Hard-working families are struggling to get ahead on her watch. They deserve direct answers. They should be allowed every opportunity to contrast our two clearly different paths in this tipping-point election," Minogue said in a statement last week. Healey's campaign manager said in August that the debates "will outline the clear choice voters will have in November between a MAGA candidate who supports Donald Trump’s agenda, and Governor Healey who is committed to lowering costs, protecting people’s rights and freedoms, and standing up to Donald Trump." (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., WBZ-TV, 1170 Soldiers Field Road, Boston)

LEOMINSTER STATE FOREST: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting to review final draft recommendations for the Leominster State Forest Trail Master Plan. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MASSDOT CONWAY-SHELBURNE: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a proposed bridge preservation and superstructure replacement project in Conway and Shelburne. It involves Bardwell's Ferry Road over the Deerfield River. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Conway Grammar School, 24 Fournier Road, Conway | More Info)

Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

SJC: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in four cases, including whether the Superior Court erred in requiring an insurer to pay over $50 million in restitution and over $115 million in civil penalties. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston | More Info and Livestream)