People, Power, and Politcs

Bay State voters rejected the ballot measure intended to ease the state's housing affordability crisis by a margin of 1.2 percentage points, according to a call made by the Associated Press on Friday afternoon. Question 7 was the last initiative petition to be called in Massachusetts and one of nine decided by voters. With more than 95% of votes reported by the AP, 50.6%, or more than 1.28 million voters, voted against the measure. Over 1.25 million voters, or 49.4%, voted in favor. Supporters appeared to be concentrated in the Greater Boston area, with some pockets in Worcester, Springfield, Lowell and Amherst. Southeastern, central and parts of western Massachusetts voted largely against the measure.

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!

For a short work week with Veterans Day on Wednesday, there are 13 meetings so plenty of activity aside from the Town Council & School Committee.

The Town Administrators Ad-Hoc review committee seems set on wrapping up the 2025 review before getting to the 2026 review in their session on Monday.

The Housing Authority and the Budget Subcmte for the 250 Celebration are also scheduled to meet Monday

Tuesday has the Charter School Finance Committee and the Cultural Council are scheduled for regular meetings.

The Veterans Brunch is scheduled for Tuesday at the VFW.

Wednesday is Veterans Day. The schools are out and all Town buildings closed for the holiday. There is a Fallen Hero recognition on the Town Common at 9 AM to honor Danial McCahill who died on Nov 11, 1942 in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Thursday starts with office hours for Town and State officials at the Senior Center at 8:30 AM followed by 8, yes 8 meetings. The agendas for each as provided below.

Of note, the Town Clerk has scheduled for 9 AM a post-election tabulation session for vote-by-mail ballots returned by mail for the November 3, 2026 State Election to be processed. This session will include ballots received by the Town Clerk's Office on or before 5:00 PM on November 6, 2026, provided that the ballots are postmarked on or before November 3, 2026.

Closing out the week, the Fire Dept open house is scheduled for Saturday November 14 from 10 AM to 2 PM. This had been washed out by the rain on Nov 7.

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 11/06/26 6:00 PM ***

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

Monday, November 9 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11092026-2594

Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, November 9 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11092026-2597

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, November 9 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11092026-2606

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 10 Time: 12:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11102026-2611

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Tuesday, November 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11102026-2607

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, November 12 Time: 8:30 AM

no agenda for this informal session

Town Clerk - NOTICE OF POST-ELECTION TABULATION SESSION

Thursday, November 12 Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2610

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, November 12 Time: 2:00 PM

Agenda likely to be available Mon/Tues

Charles River Pollution Control District

Thursday, November 12 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2612

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2613

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2596 (opens Word doc)

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School-Board of Trustees Mtg

Thursday, November 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2604

Conservation Commission Meeting (remote only)

Thursday, November 12 Time: 7:00 PM

11/12 Meeting Scheduled due to the cancellation of the 11/5 and 11/19 meetings.

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2608

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Events Subcommittee

Thursday, November 12 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2602

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, November 12 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122026-2603

Fire Department Open House

Saturday, November 14 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (rescheduled from 11/7/26)

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

There were several video productions by Franklin TV during the past week both broadcast live and pre-recorded for publication via YouTube.

Town & School meetings

The Planning Board meeting on Monday, Nov 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaH_yNhlKAg

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZY_c6F45fk&t=270s

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdruwO7IWew

FHS Sports

The FHS girls soccer game vs. Concord-Carlisle On Mon, Nov 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1hGXcdCk-0

The FHS football game vs. Andover on Thursday, Nov 5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qkli0E7m4k

The FHS volleyball match vs Springfield Central on Friday, Nov 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8mBHHULtsI

All Access Channel

No Kings Rally 2026 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUZDWiQ1mJU

Franklin Votes - 2026 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJVc-q0SQQA

November’s FM Journal is set to premier at 5 PM on Monday, Nov 9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGmyCTD0IdM

Franklin Matters

School Committee POlicy Subcmte meeting audio recording from Nov 3

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/11/school-cmte-policy-subcmte-approves.html

Board of Health audio recording Nov 3 meeting - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/11/board-of-health-reviews-emergency.html

Town Council Communications Subcmte Meeting - Nov 5

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/11/you-can-listen-to-town-council.html

-----------

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 voters have spoken and now the lame-duck Legislature has about eight weeks to have its say. All of the significant work that was left incomplete back in July before most of Beacon Hill took time away to focus on campaigns and vacations remains outstanding as the holiday season starts to loom on the horizon -- creating the potential for lawmakers to take major action on issues of statewide concern at a time when voters are preoccupied with other matters. More than 2.2 million sets of eyes will be waiting to see exactly what details of Question 1 to make the Legislature and governor's office subject to the public records law need "to be worked out," as Senate President Karen Spilka put it this week. More people voted for that expansion of access to legislative and gubernatorial records than for (or against) any other question or candidate on Tuesday's statewide ballot -- Auditor Diana DiZoglio, the question's chief public proponent who has made a name for herself with government transparency efforts, got the second-most votes, about 1.98 million. The Legislature in 2016 used the sleepy and distracted days between Christmas and the new year to delay implementation of the ballot question approved that November to legalize recreational marijuana. This year, legislative tinkering could accompany a potential agreement among lawmakers who have spent more than three months hashing out their own proposal for making some more legislative records available to the public through a more narrow avenue. Gov. Maura Healey will undoubtedly be keeping one eye on the slate of a dozen conference committees supposedly active -- many of the things she mentioned as second-term goals when she addressed supporters Tuesday night have already passed the House and/or Senate and been under private negotiation between legislators for months. That list includes attempts to increase access to primary care, keep kids protected against social media, respond to the rise of artificial intelligence, and lower energy bills. It's likely that Healey will check some of those policy goals off of her to-do list before she is sworn in for a second term in January. In the weeks ahead, she will look to solidify her team, prepare a new annual budget and determine any precise goals or achievements she hopes to attain between 2027 and 2030.

Healthcare looks poised as the headlining issue next week. The abortion law legislators fast-tracked in the final days of July's regularly scheduled formal sessions took effect Friday due to an emergency preamble signed by Gov. Healey. Opponents say they have gathered enough signatures to attempt a repeal of the law on the 2028 ballot. The new law removed four criteria from state statute enabling abortions after 24 weeks of gestation and instead gives deference to providers' medical judgment. With healthcare costs continuing to climb unsustainably and federal funding for Medicaid in serious flux, government and health policy officials gather Tuesday to take stock and brainstorm new solutions. The unsettled labor situation between Mass General Brigham and thousands of union nurses will be playing out at the same time -- the sides plan to resume contract talks Monday and, absent a deal, the nurses plan to start an open-ended strike at 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026

REPORTERS ON KELLER: MASSterList Editor Katie Lannan and WBUR senior reporter Gin Dumcius join political analyst Jon Keller on his weekly talk show "Keller at Large" to recap local election results, highlights and lowlights. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

KERRIGAN ON NBC: MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard for his weekly political talk show "@ Issue." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

MBTA EMERGENCY RESPONSE EXERCISE: MBTA conducts an emergency response exercise near Bradford Station on the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line. The exercise is scheduled from about 10 a.m. to noon, though residents and local businesses can expect "heightened activity" starting as early as 6 a.m. MBTA officials say the exercise is "designed to establish a learning environment for transportation and public safety officials to exercise emergency response plans, policies, and procedures as they pertain to a mass casualty event on an MBTA Commuter Rail train." (Sunday, 10 a.m., 10 Railroad Ave., Haverhill)

GALVIN ON THE RECORD: Secretary of State William Galvin joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m. WCVB)

BLUE HILL AVE ON CITYLINE: Rep. Russell Holmes offers an overview of the proposed changes to Blue Hill Avenue in Boston and his support for them on WCVB's weekly magazine program CityLine, while City Councilors Brian Worrell and Miniard Culpepper explain their opposition and solutions. The segment also includes perspectives of Blue Hill Avenue business owners on the redesign proposal. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WCVB)

PELOSI KENNEDY AWARD: U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi receives a lifetime achievement award at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate's annual fundraising dinner. Pelosi, a California Democrat who in 2007 became the first woman elected House speaker, is the second recipient of the award after former President Joe Biden. Press request credentials from Olivia Wong at olivia.wong@emkinstitute.org. (Sunday, 5:30 p.m., Kennedy Institute, Columbia Point, Dorchester | More Info)

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026

MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government accepts written testimony on legislation affecting Holyoke, Scituate, Oxford, Brockton, Southborough, East Bridgewater and Marshfield. Testimony is due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16. (Monday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

EARLY CHILDHOOD POLICY: Strategies for Children spotlights the organization supervisors involved in the Early Childhood Policy Pathway Fellowships. Five inaugural fellows have joined three organizations as fulltime employees, with their 20-month period slated to span September 2025 through April 2027. Speakers include Ashley White and Eugenia Soiles of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. (Monday, 9:30 a.m. | Zoom)

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Hazardous Materials Mitigation Advisory Board meets virtually. Agenda includes office updates and a new technicians vote. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

BOSTON EMS: Boston Mayor Wu, Chief of Boston EMS James Hooley and Commissioner of Public Health Bisola Ojikutu attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new 5,700-square-foot EMS station along the South Boston waterfront. "With emergency calls in the area doubling over the past decade, the new facility represents a significant investment in public health and safety as South Boston and the Seaport continue to grow," city officials say. A media tour starts at 10:15 a.m., followed by a press conference and ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. (Monday, 10:15 a.m., 34 Drydock Ave., South Boston | Livestream)

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

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

HOFFER ON CLIMATE: Outgoing Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer discusses Massachusetts climate policy and what comes next in a virtual event hosted by MCAN. Hoffer, who worked four years as the Healey administration's climate chief, departs this month to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School on Dec. 1. The conversation around decarbonization efforts and their costs has recently also been swept into the debate over energy affordability. A one-hour program with Q&A is followed by open discussion. (Monday, 12 p.m., Register)

CORRECTIONS COMMISSION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration meets to review and discuss draft alternatives as it nears the end of its work. The agenda also includes a review of the commission's charge and process. Members plan to meet again Nov. 16 to review a draft of the full report and Nov. 30 to approve the final report for filing. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Virtual Access)

FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION: Department of Fire Services' Fire Service Commission meets. Agenda includes discussion of the interview and selection process for the next state fire marshal, as well as discussion and possible vote on whether to conduct initial interviews in an open session or establish a preliminary screening committee to conduct them. State Fire Marshal Jon Davine announced Nov. 5 that he will step down Jan. 22 after three and a half years on the job. He was previously chief of the Northampton Fire Department. (Monday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

UMASS LOWELL VETERANS DAY: UMass Lowell holds a ceremony in honor of Veterans Day. An American flag measuring 36 feet by 20 feet will be unfurled, and UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen will give remarks. There are more than 1,000 UMass Lowell military-connected students, staff and faculty. (Monday, 1 p.m., Martin T. Meehan Student Center, 100 Meehan Way, Lowell)

BRIGHAM NURSES: Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses and Mass General Brigham return to the negotiating table with a federal mediator. The nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, recently voted to reject what MGB described as its "last, best and final" offer. Amping up the pressure on MGB to strike a deal that meets their key demands, including around cost-of-living increases and limits on the use of travel nurses, Brigham nurses have issued a new notice for an open-ended strike to start on Thursday, Nov. 12. (Monday)

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026

HEALTH CARE COST TRENDS: Health care costs are rising at unsustainable levels and the Health Policy Commission holds its annual cost trends hearing that brings together top players across the industry to talk about that. Representatives from state government, hospitals, insurers and trade groups plan to focus on the underlying drivers of escalating spending - things like prescription drugs and utilization - and potential cost-cutting solutions. Attorney General Andrea Campbell gives opening remarks and HPC Executive Director David Seltz presents data on recent cost trends. The forum comes as Massachusetts officials prepare for major Medicaid changes, though federal policy could potentially shift as Democrats reclaimed Congress in the midterm elections. A panel discussion about a "sustainable safety net" features Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko, Boston Medical Center Health System CEO Alastair Bell, Lynn Community Health Center CEO Brenda Rodriguez and MassHealth chief Ryan Schwarz. A panel about responding to healthcare cost growth includes Mass General Brigham CFO Niyum Gandhi, Point32Health CEO Patrick Gilligan and Group Insurance Executive Director Matt Veno. Panelists in a session titled "Call to Action: A Leadership Agenda for Health Care Affordability" are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts CEO Sarah Iselin, Citizens Massachusetts President Lisa Murray, Merrimack Health CEO Diana Richardson and Community Care Cooperative CEO Christina Severin. Other sessions deal with real-world perspectives on healthcare challenges and "innovative partnerships for better outcomes and lower costs." (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston)

PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets. Agenda includes updates from Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein and an informational presentation about foodborne outbreak response. The council will also vote on a Determination of Need application from Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers for a transfer of ownership request. Blue Cloud is looking to acquire Northeast Ambulatory Center, which operates a freestanding ambulatory surgery in Stoneham. The facility would offer "high-acuity" dental procedures and surgeries for pediatric patients and individuals with special needs. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

HIGHER ED COMMISSIONER: Board of Higher Education Commissioner Search Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes a discussion and approval of the position profile, and a review of the search timeline. Commissioner Noe Ortega stepped down in September. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

HOUSING REPORT CARD: Boston Foundation plans to release the Annual Greater Boston Housing Report Card that explores regional and municipal housing trends, as well as the impact of current events and public policies. An analysis from Boston Indicators will explore how federal policy changes have affected the housing market. There will also be a presentation from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies about social housing, which organizers say is a "promising model for mixed-income housing that maximizes long-term affordability through public or nonprofit ownership and also centers residents' voices." The event agenda also includes a panel discussion with Cambridge Housing CEO Clara Fraden, Leggat McCall Properties Senior Vice President Addie Grady and CHAPA CEO Eric Shupin. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Edgerly Center for Civic Leader, 75 Arlington St., Boston | Livestream)

FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE: MassDOT Board of Directors Finance and Audit Committee meets virtually. Agenda items include discussion and possible action on an Emissions and Safety Vehicle Inspection Program contract extension and discussion about the fiscal 2027 audit plan. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

FOSTER YOUTH ART SHOWCASE: Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange hosts a National Adoption Month reception featuring a youth speaker and artwork created by young people who have been in foster care. MARE says 1,200 young people statewide are waiting for adoption. The artwork is on display on the State House's fourth floor Monday through Friday. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Room 437)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUVENILE AND EMERGING ADULT JUSTICE: Senate Committee on Juvenile and Emerging Adult Justice holds an informational hearing on the implementation of Vermont's Raise the Age Law and its impact on recidivism rates. The law, which is still being phased in, has expanded juvenile jurisdiction to 18-year-olds and is expected to expand to 19-year-olds on July 1, 2027. A recent report from Vermont-based nonprofit Crime Research Group found "relatively low rates of adult reconviction among 18-year-olds" who benefitted from the reform. In Massachusetts, the Senate has backed the policy, though it's failed to survive conference committee negotiations, including in the 2024 economic development law. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Room 222 | More Info and Livestream)

MA BUILDING TRADE UNIONS ON HELMETS TO HARDHATS: Veterans Services Secretary Goralnick attends a Mass Building Trades Unions event honoring Helmets to Hardhats, a program that helps connect veterans to union trades for careers. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 Union Hall, 1181 Adams St., Dorchester)

DPU TRANSPO OVERSIGHT: Department of Public Utilities Transportation Oversight Division holds hearings on applications for carrier certification. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MASS SAVE PLAN: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council holds a virtual public listening session about the next Three-Year Plan for Mass Save, which would cover 2028 through 2030. Energy affordability legislation remains tied up in conference committee, and the House proposal wants to slash Mass Save's long-term budget by $1 billion. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER APPEALS: Department of Fire Services' Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board meets virtually. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

CAPITAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE: MassDOT Board of Directors Capital Programs Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes discussion about and possible action on projects in Peabody, Wareham, Shrewsbury and Natick, as well as compass rail updates on major projects. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

MASS MARKETING PARTNERSHIP: Massachusetts Marketing Partnership Board of Directors meets. Agenda includes remarks from Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, a presentation about a campaign called "Curiosity Changes the World," and a Massachusetts Convention Center Authority update. There will also be updates from Massport, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and MA250, among other offices. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., One Ashburton Place, 21st floor, conference room A | Agenda and Zoom)

WOMEN'S, FAMILY HEALTH: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association holds a webinar called "Closing the Gaps: Strategies for Women's and Family Health." Leaders from Maven Clinic will discuss where gaps in fertility, maternity and menopause care show up in hospital workforces, as well as an upcoming change in maternity reimbursement. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

LGAC: Local Government Advisory Commission meets. Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz gives an update on state revenue collections and a budget outlook for the year ahead. Agenda also includes discussions about Gov. Healey's Health Care Affordability Work Group and the recently launched Move-In Mass Program, which the administration says will "encourage the use of manufactured, modular and other innovative construction methods that can reduce development costs, shorten construction timelines and make homes more affordable for first-time homebuyers." (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157 | Zoom)

RURAL POLICY: Rural Policy Advisory Commission meets. Agenda includes remarks from Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi, legislative updates from Rep. Sabadosa of Northampton and a discussion about fiscal 2028 budget priorities. Agenda items also deal with opioid settlement funds and an ADU incentive program. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

MONSON RESURFACING: MassDOT holds a design public hearing to present the design for a proposed project that would modernize the Main Street (Route 32) corridor in Monson, including updated sidewalks and curb ramps and new crosswalks. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Granite Valley Middle School, 21 Thompson Street, Monsoon | More Info)

SPRINGFIELD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public informational meeting to discuss the proposed Armory Street Bridge Replacements project in Springfield. The project would consist of demolition and reconstruction of two bridges that carry Armory Street over active and abandoned CSX railroad tracks. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield | More Info)

THANKSGIVING MEAL BAGS: United Way of Massachusetts Bay launches its annual Thanksgiving Project at the Hynes Convention Center, where more than 1,000 volunteers will gather through Thursday to pack 12,500 Thanksgiving meal bags. The bags, plus $250,000 in grocery gift cards, will be distributed in Attleboro, Chelsea, Dorchester, Haverhill, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, South Boston and Taunton. Amid rising food insecurity and affordability challenges, United Way says the number of bags is a more than 25% increase over last year. (Tuesday through Thursday, Hynes Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B, 900 Boylston St., Boston)

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026

VETERANS DAY: Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Treasurer Goldberg attend the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the State House. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

MOULTON VETS TOWN HALL: U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton hosts his 12th and final Vets Town Hall, welcoming veterans to share their military experiences with the community. Speakers include Brig. Gen. Enoch "Woody" Woodhouse, a 99-year-old Roxbury native and one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen. Moulton's office said he hosted the nation's first Vets Town Hall in 2015 with journalist and author Sebastian Junger. Moulton is leaving Congress after this term following an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate. He will be available to the press after the event. Media RSVP to aidan.curran@mail.house.gov. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead)

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026

BRIGHAM STRIKE: Unless a contract agreement comes together, Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses are prepared to embark on an open-ended strike. Nurses went on a one-day strike in July that turned into a five-day work stoppage as the hospital brought on temporary travel nurses. The nurses previously authorized an open-ended strike for mid-October, but they scrapped that plan and allowed union members to vote on MGB's final contract offer, which was ultimately rejected. MGB leaders say they have a playbook to maintain continuity of care should a strike occur, and in October they planned to bring on many of the travel nurses who had filled positions back in July. "We are ready to strike but are equally prepared to negotiate a fair contract that protects patient care, respects nurses, and averts the strike," bargaining committee chair Kelly Morgan said Nov. 5. "Brigham nurses are resolved to fight for as long as it takes for patient safety and the professional respect we deserve." MGB says it "deeply" values the Brigham nurses and remains "committed to reaching a fair and responsible agreement." (Thursday, 7 a.m., 75 Francis St., Boston)HEALTHCARE SAFETY, VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hosts its Healthcare Safety & Violence Prevention Summit, which comes as legislation remains tied up in conference committee to stiffen penalties for assaults against healthcare workers. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan gives a keynote address about strengthening the legal response to violence in healthcare. Panel discussions will explore the role of hospital police departments, patient and staff debriefings following violent incidents, preparing staff for home-based healthcare risks, the role of peer support after workplace violence, decreasing "incivility" through education and prevention, and balancing compassion and safety, including for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., MHA Conference Center, 500 District Ave., Burlington | Register )

HEALTH CONNECTOR BOARD: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets. Open enrollment for 2027 is underway at the state's health insurance exchange, and Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier has predicted a "unique" cycle due to federal eligibility changes. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)

MASSACHUSETTS GIRLS IN TRADES CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Girls in Trades holds its annual Eastern Conference and Career Fair. The event is meant to connect students at career and technical programs with tradeswomen, union apprenticeship programs and industry leaders to explore careers. (Thursday, 9 a.m., IBEW Local 103, 256 Freeport St., Dorchester | More Info and Registration)

"ENERGY BURDEN" SESSION: Department of Public Utilities holds a technical session tied to its investigation into "energy burden," with a focus on energy affordability for residential ratepayers. A DPU order called for utilities to implement income-eligible tiered discount rates and to ensure translated marketing materials and improved website access. Agenda includes discussing translation requirements to help customers with limited English proficiency to access a tiered discount, submit an application and confirm enrollment. There will also be a discussion about the future of webpage accessibility and the timeline for implementing new accessibility features. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: DCR Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a report from DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle and a presentation about the DCR Land Acquisition Program. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

CCC RESOURCE POP-UP: Cannabis Control Commission holds a community resource pop-up during the agency's public meeting. Attendees can learn more about the social equity program, the EquityWorks Career Hub - a platform meant to help with hiring and network within the state's cannabis industry and how to enroll in the medical marijuana program, among other resources. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station at 2 Union Square, Worcester)

CCC MEETING: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public meeting, its first since voters rejected a ballot question that would have banned retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station at 2 Union Square, Worcester | More Info and Access)

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

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

COUNCIL OF MILITARY INTERSTATE COMMERCE: Massachusetts Council of Military Interstate Commerce Commission meets virtually. The council supports students of active duty military families. Agenda lists a discussion of activity since the group's November 2024 meeting, including an annual report, a review of an annual business meeting, and introduction of new members. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)

LARGE CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE: Department of Public Utilities holds a webinar about the pre-filing process for large clean energy infrastructure projects that will be reviewed by the Energy Facilities Siting Board. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Zoom)

UMASS LOWELL VETERANS DAY: UMass Lowell holds its second ceremony of the week in honor of Veterans Day, featuring a flag-raising at the Yankee Division 26th Infantry Monument. The infantry was established in 1917 and was the first division to be composed of units mainly from New England states. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Behind the Tsongas Center, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell)

DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a members-only webinar on navigating municipal guidance for data center development. Gov. Healey signed an executive order in September that requires data center projects to secure local approval before developers can move on to state permitting. Speakers include Office of Energy Transformation Executive Director Melissa Lavinson and Energy and Environmental Affairs Undersecretary Mike Judge. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

FAMILY WEALTH FORUM: ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler hosts a discussion on wealth, economic mobility, and pathways to the middle class. Organizers cited research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the MassINC Policy Center showing a growing divide between Massachusetts residents who have accumulated wealth and financial assets and those who have not. Marybeth Mattingly, assistant VP for community development research at the Boston Fed, and Elise Rapoza, a senior research associate at MassINC, present research. Panelists include Scott-Chandler; Black Economic Council of Massachusetts President and CEO Nicole Obi; Segun Idowu, founding executive director of the Ruffin Institute; and Orlando Watkins, vice president and chief program officer at the Boston Foundation. Katie Johnston of The Boston Globe moderates, and Roxbury Community College President Jonathan Jefferson delivers remarks. Program begins at 6 p.m. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Roxbury Community College Media Arts Center, 1234 Columbus Ave., Roxbury | Register)

MASS SAVE PLAN: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council holds another virtual public listening session about the next Three-Year Plan for Mass Save, which would cover 2028 through 2030. Officials say written comments are "encouraged" about the future of utility energy efficiency investments. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Access)

TEWKSBURY BRIDGE PROJECT: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing to present the design for the proposed superstructure replacement of the North Street Bridge (T-03-013) over I-495 in Tewksbury. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026

HIGHER ED BREAKFAST: UMass Amherst Provost Fouad Abd-El-Khalick, MassBay Community College President David Podell, Lasell University President Eric Turner and Brandeis University President Arthur Levine discuss challenges facing higher education at the Charles River Regional Chamber's 111th annual fall business breakfast. Boston Globe higher education opinion writer Hilary Burns moderates. The chamber cited a 2025 Econsult Solutions study that found Massachusetts colleges and universities generate more than $70 billion a year in economic activity and support nearly half a million jobs, as the sector contends with a shrinking pool of college-age students, federal funding cuts, immigration restrictions affecting international students, rising costs, and changes driven by artificial intelligence. (Friday, 7 a.m., Newton Marriott, 2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton | Register)

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PORTFOLIO: Department of Energy Resources holds a public hearing on proposed changes to the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard. Officials want to reduce the minimum standard starting next year, which the hearing notice says will "reduce the cost of the APS program by 77% between 2027 and 2029 and save ratepayers up to $238 million." (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

NURSING FACILITY PAYMENTS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on the emergency adoption of updated payments to nursing facilities to align with fiscal 2027 budget requirements. Beyond updating rates, the changes also modify substance use disorder add-ons, reduce bariatric add-ons, strengthen staffing incentives and remove expired COVID-19 preparedness payments. Officials say the annual fiscal impact of the changes is about $29.7 million. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

PESTICIDE ADVISORY COUNCIL: Conservationist Pesticide Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes a discussion about integrated pest management in cranberries. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS APPEALS: Fire Prevention Regulations Appeals Board meets virtually. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

VISION CARE SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a public hearing on rates for vision care services and ophthalmic materials that would take effect on or after May 1, 2027. Officials are planning to maintain the current rates. (Friday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)

RECOUNT DEADLINE: Deadline for 2026 general election candidates to submit recount petitions and district-wide recount petitions for certification of signatures with registrars of voters. If a candidate wants a district-wide recount, the vote count has to be within half of a percent of votes cast, per the secretary of state's office. There's no percentage required for a precinct-level recount, but candidates must get 10 signatures per precinct in which they want a recount. (Friday, 5 p.m.)

DCF YOUNG ADULT SUPPORTS: Deadline to submit public comment to the Department of Children and Families on proposed changes to eligibility criteria for young adult support payments. Officials are also looking to set criteria to determine whether a young adult's supervised independent living setting is safe, and clarify that young adults must agree to DCF visits as needed. (Friday, 5 p.m. | More Info)