People, Power, and Politcs

Senate President Karen Spilka, who represents Medway,  is among a group of senators in the United Kingdom this week, a transatlantic jaunt that her office said is focused on energy. While Spilka and others are meeting with U.K. dignitaries "in meetings and visits designed to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Massachusetts and the UK, with a particular focus on energy," as her office put it, a Bay State energy affordability bill remains unfinished more than eight months after it passed the House and more than four months after it cleared the Senate. Spilka left for the U.K. on Tuesday and will return to the United States this weekend, her office said. Spilka's office said the president "will join Senators and UK dignitaries" in meetings. Joining Spilka on the trip are Sens. Dylan Fernandes of Falmouth (co-chair of the Friends of the UK Legislative Caucus), Paul Feeney of Foxborough, Cynthia Friedman of Arlington, Adam Gomez of Springfield, Paul Mark of Becket and Pavel Payano of Lawrence. One staffer, Director of External Affairs and Office Administration James Zambrano, is also on the trip, per Spilka's office.

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!

From 8 meetings on One Day last week to 8 meetings across 4 days this week, there is still enough happening here in Franklin as Thanksgiving approaches. Less meetings this week but one is likely the most important this year

The Planning Board opens the week on Monday with no public hearings on their agenda, yes, another sign of ‘new growth’ drying up.

Tuesday evening sees multiple meetings: the 250 Celebration subcommittee on merchandise and the Design Review are both scheduled for virtual sessions. The Cultural Council meets in the 3rd floor conf room to work reviewing grant applications.

Wednesday, sees the Town Council hold their 3rd in the series of tax rate workshops. This meeting also includes the final adjustment to the FY 2027 budget and an outlook on possible shifts in tax rate should the Council proceed with a split tax. Lots of good information setting up for the decision at the Dec 2 meeting to set the tax rate.

Editorial note: in my 20 plus years of reporting on the Town of Franklin, a move away from the single rate would be more impactful for Franklin’s future than the multiple failed overrides were and continue to be. The onus is on the Town Council (and Joint BUdget Subcmte) to come up with a strategy to address our structural deficit. The possible shift from single to split rates doesn’t fix this problem.

The School Committee is also meeting Tuesday with a couple of key items on its agenda. A proposal for a FHS trip to Switzerland will be presented and reviewed for approval.

The major portion of the discussion is likely around the modernization or renovation of the Washington St complex. The project team will be introduced and the possible timeline and plans for the infrastructure upgrades will be reviewed.

While not directly on the Franklin calendar, Senator Rausch is facilitating a meeting of key parties in Norfolk on the Kingsbury Pond issue. The Kingsbury Pond Community Meeting for district residents will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7:00-8:00 PM, in the cafeteria at King Philip Middle School. Doors will open at 6:30PM. Please register in advance at beccarauschma.com/kingsburypond and check in upon arrival.

The Winter Farmers Market closes out this week with their first opening of the season at Fairmount Fruit Farm on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

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 ***

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, November 16 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11162026-2617

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Tuesday, November 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172026-2618

Design Review Meeting (virtual meeting)

Tuesday, November 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172026-2619

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172026-2621

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Merchandise Ad Hoc Working Group

(virtual meeting)

Tuesday, November 17 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172026-2620

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 18 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11182026-2622

November 19, 2026 - Pole Petition Hearing for Grove St.

Thursday, November 19 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192026-2600

Cancelled - Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, November 19 Time: 7:00 PM

Kingsbury Pond Community Meeting

Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7:00

Cafeteria at King Philip Middle School.

Please register in advance at beccarauschma.com/kingsburypond

Winter Farmers Market

Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 10 AM to 2 PM

*** 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

Conservation Commission meeting of Nov 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgPkpllrZaM

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting of Nov 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GGFC3GssCc

Economic Development Subcmte meeting of Nov 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L80-hyfSPqI

FHS Sports

FHS boys soccer vs Newton North on Nov 9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA3Q5BjkU-E

FHS Girls Soccer vs Weymouth on Nov 9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fimJDyVcjw

FHS Volleyball vs Natick on Nov 10

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

FHS Girls Soccer vs Acton-Boxborough on Nov 11

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

FHS Football vs Natick on Nov 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg2WJwljJyE

All Access Channel

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

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

Franklin Matters

FM Video: Tessa Gets A Ride 11/06/26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj1wTrHaG5k

FM #1855 - FPS Student Achievement Sign Project - 11/06/26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM-uJ6EtUv4

FM #1856 - Messiah Promo - 11/10/26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEA4L-vO8Vg

FM #1857 - School Cmte Mtg - Student Achievement - 10/13/26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uva6pu_RVds

FM #1858 - School Cmte Mtg - Superintendent's Goals - 10/13/26

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

-----------

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

Massachusetts voters just reelected largely the same group of top Democrats that this year has failed to deliver on a massive legislative agenda and also appears afflicted by a lack of regular communication. Legislative leaders and Gov. Maura Healey have backed way off the pace of routine public meetings where the governor and top legislators have traditionally talked about ways to connect and advance the people's business. Healey has called on elected leaders from her own party to compromise, but those same Democrats remain dug in on their positions. It's been more than 100 days since legislators wrapped up scheduled formal sessions for the year. Democrats appointed to find common ground on 12 separate bills, some of which are omnibus approaches stacked with far-reaching measures, have been unable to agree on even one of them. Next week is the last full week before Thanksgiving, presenting Democrats with a wide open opportunity to come up with agreements that voters might be grateful for, proposals that could address the concerns about affordability, jobs and the economy that voters tried to make clear at the polls earlier this month. The House and Senate long ago each agreed separately on the importance of the issues they have identified as in need of policy solutions, but once negotiations moved into the darkness of conference committees they have shown again their inability to address problems in a timely way. It's now causing this lame-duck session to bleed into preparations for Healey's second term and a new legislative session that starts on Jan. 6, 2027. And next week, the Rules Committee will hold a hearing that offers an opportunity to air issues with the way legislative business was conducted this session.

So how did we get here? How are we 22 months into the session with more bills stuck in conference committee than there are weeks remaining in the 2025-2026 General Court? Here are a few thoughts:

HARDBALL NEGOTIATIONS: It's clear that under the leadership of House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka the branches value negotiating and bargaining over reaching timely accords. No one would accuse either side of being quick to cave in talks where the "winners," if there are any, appear to be the last ones to blink.

PERSONALITY CONFLICTS: There's not one conflict that exemplifies the situation, but people who generally get along and share values are usually able to find common ground. Since this isn't a partisan thing, it's hard not to believe there are some personality conflicts contributing to the legislative malaise and inaction.

OVERLEGISLATING: This Legislature long ago tossed aside the traditional how-a-bill-becomes-a-law approach and instead has adopted on both sides one in which legislators take large bills and routinely make them even bigger by attaching scores of unrelated matters. This makes these omnibus bills harder to reconcile and gives advocates more to pick at during the negotiations.

COMPLEXITY: The omnibus bills become more complex with each addition and this group of legislators has not shown an ability to quickly cut through the complexity and reach deals. At the same time, they are often not willing to abandon the omnibus legislating approach and take up single topic bills that may be easier to get to the finish line.

APPROACH: The House and Senate rarely engage in true debate publicly. They routinely do all their debating privately, either while amending bills through "bundles" in the Senate and "consolidateds" in the House or in conference committees, which conduct virtually all business out of public view, attracting a frenzy of under-the-radar lobbying from special interest groups in the process. The lack of public debate creates a disconnect between the branches and also between the Legislature and the general public.

NO IMMINENT DEADLINE: The Legislature couldn't meet its July 31 deadline under the old rules and responded by setting an even later deadline that's effectively the last day of the session (Jan. 5, 2027). Deadlines lead to deals, and by setting an even later one this Legislature, for the reasons mentioned above, appears to have guaranteed that deals, if they come, will come later than in the past. The legislative response here is usually that it's better to get it done right than done quickly; people who believe public policy problems demand urgent solutions and implementation may disagree.

NO INTERNAL PRESSURE: With power consolidated at the top of the branches and many Democrats aided by financial stipends that come with being part of "leadership," few lawmakers are willing to go public with their dissatisfaction with legislative operations, much less publicly consider changes to the top decision-makers. The pressure from outside is minimal too given the Republican Party's struggles and its superminority status that makes the GOP a harmless speed bump for the Democratic supermajorities. Voters, in part because of the lack of legislative challengers, are also not upsetting the apple cart and are giving Democrats oxygen with each reelection cycle.

While the current session has about eight weeks left, another one is already gearing up to get started. Lawmakers and advocates are beginning to take stock of legislative priorities for next year — redrafting bills to be refiled, putting new ideas into bill form, and collecting co-sponsorship commitments. Some local bills remain in limbo, with supporters waiting to see if their priorities will be taken up in the end-of-session flurry of activity over the next seven-plus weeks, or if they should begin drafting new copies to start the process anew. Most bills will be filed by Jan. 15 next year -- bills are also filed throughout the session -- so it's wise to get a head start on the roughly 8,000 proposals filed with clerks. State agencies have already filed their legislative recommendations for next year, which were due Nov. 4. Gov. Maura Healey will be sworn in for her second term on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027, per constitutional rules, and then her fiscal year 2028 budget will be due by Jan. 28. Legislative and executive branch leaders usually kick off the budget cycle each December by hearing economic experts outline trends that will affect tax collections. This December will likely also feature time for departing lawmakers to deliver parting remarks.

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026

DARRIS-O'CONNOR ON KELLER: Representative-elect Daniel Darris-O’Connor, a 19-year-old Billerica Democrat, talks to political analyst Jon Keller about his campaign win over incumbent Republican Rep. Marc Lombardo and generational differences in local politics. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

CARNEVALE @ ISSUE: Mass. Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale, who has said she will not seek reelection to the post after four years leading the party, sits down with reporter Matt Prichard in his weekly @Issue segment. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC10-TV)

CLARK ON OTR: U.S. Rep. Clark, the Revere Democrat in position to become the first female majority leader of the U.S. House when Democrats regain control of the chamber in January, talks with Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti on "On The Record." Political analysts Mary Anne Marsh and Ginny Buckingham follow with a roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

PROVISIONAL BALLOTS: Municipal clerks face a deadline to resolve and count any eligible provisional ballots cast on Election Day on Nov. 3. (Sunday)

Monday, Nov. 16, 2026

FOOD POLICY COUNCIL: Massachusetts Food Policy Council meets. Agenda includes a discussion of nutrition services in the MassHealth Section 1115 waiver, as officials prepare to submit an extension request for 2028-2032 to the federal government. (Monday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

TUFTS INNOVATION HUB OPENING: U.S. Rep. Clark and Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn join Tufts University President Sunil Kumar for the grand opening of the Tufts Innovation Hub for Food and Materials. U.S. Sen. Ed Markey delivers a video message, and BioLabs President and CEO Johannes Fruehauf is also scheduled to attend. A ribbon cutting and speeches are followed by a tour of the 17,000-square-foot, 46-lab-bench facility and technology demonstrations. Tufts says the hub was established with a $4.6 million university investment and a $2.1 million grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Media asked to RSVP to Mike Silver at mike.silver@tufts.edu. (Monday, 10 a.m., 200 Boston Ave., Medford | More Info (opens now.tufts.edu in a new tab))

FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION: Fire Service Commission meets, and a screening committee to help vet the next state fire marshal is expected to be finalized. Agenda also includes updates from the Department of Fire Services. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee holds instructor revocation appeal hearings concerning Christopher Bartolomei, Bryan Derochea, Armando Feliciano and Hannah Greene. (Monday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | More Info and Livestream (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

SENATE: Senate meets. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee meets. Dignity Alliance's James Lomastro will discuss community spending. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Zoom (opens ltoplqfbb.cc.rs6.net in a new tab))

FIRE ACADEMY GRADUATION: State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership present certificates of completion to 18 graduating recruits of Career Recruit Firefighter Training Class #S47. The recruits represent the fire departments of Amherst, Auburn, Chicopee, Ludlow, North Adams, Springfield, Ware, Westfield and Wilbraham. (Monday, 11 a.m., 100 Grochmal Ave., Springfield)

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Agenda includes presentations on the Massachusetts Regional Employment Collaboratives fiscal 2025 report. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

CORRECTIONAL CONSOLIDATION, COLLABORATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration meets to review and discuss its draft report, which is due Nov. 30. At a recent meeting, former public safety secretary Andrea Cabral called for a mandated statewide reentry framework. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

DIWALI CELEBRATION: Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission hosts its annual Diwali celebration, sponsored by the Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus and held with community partners. The commission said Leila Bhatti Migliorelli of Melrose and Ravi Simon of Sudbury are set to become the first South Asian members of the Legislature when they take office in the House in January. (Monday, 1 p.m., Great Hall | Register (opens tr.ee in a new tab))

MASSHEALTH / PCA MEETING: MassHealth hosts a public informational session to review updates to the personal care attendant program, after requests for a meeting from members of the PCA Workforce Council. It will be hosted with fiscal intermediary Tempus Unlimited. (Monday, 2 p.m. | More Info (opens evb.gg in a new tab))

BUS REDESIGN: MBTA Better Bus Project Team hosts a public meeting on proposed Bus Network Redesign updates suggested by community members, including changes to Route 70 and 68. (Monday, 6 p.m. | Zoom (opens us.list-manage.com in a new tab) | More Info (opens mbta.com in a new tab))

BOSTON MASSDOT: MassDOT holds a public meeting to share updates on the replacement and widening of the Bowker Overpass bridge, which spans over I-90, the Worcester Commuter Rail Line and Ipswich Street. Ramps are also being reconfigured to and from Commonwealth Avenue. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St., Boston | More Info (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026

GLOBE SUMMIT, DAY 1: Gov. Healey gives the opening address at the sixth annual Globe Summit, the Boston Globe's two-day conference, at 9:30 a.m. U.S. Rep. Auchincloss follows with a fireside chat at 10 a.m., and Boston Mayor Wu speaks at 3 p.m. Health and Human Services Secretary Mahaniah, Economic Development Secretary Paley, Sen. Cyr and Massachusetts AI Hub Director Sabrina Mansur are also among the speakers. The Globe's schedule does not say which day or session they appear. Tuesday's programming is organized around healthcare and leadership. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston | Register (opens events.bostonglobe.com in a new tab))

PRIM INVESTMENT: PRIM Investment Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info & Access (opens mapension.com in a new tab))

AI AND LABOR ROUNDTABLE: Sen. Moore, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Advanced Information, Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, hosts the second in his series of State House roundtables on artificial intelligence, this one on how the technology may change work and how government can respond. Participants include Chris Albrizio-Lee of MassHire Metro North, Tess Fagan of MIT FutureTech, Chrissy Lynch of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Stephen Lynch of the Burning Glass Institute, Elizabeth Mahoney of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, Yunus Telliel of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Matt Walsh of Lightcast. Moore says the aim is to explore how the state can protect workers without restricting innovation. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

CCC MEETING: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public meeting where commissioners plan to discuss drive-thru marijuana establishments, and a study and recommendations on regulating the hemp-derived cannabinoid market. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Access (opens masscannabiscontrol.com in a new tab))

FIREARM BOARD: Firearm Control Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a discussion of pending regulations tied to the 2024 gun reform law, which 67% of residents recently voted to uphold. There's also a discussion of the process for making submissions to the prohibited assault-style firearm roster. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 200 Arlington St., Chelsea | More Info (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

POST COMMISSION: Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission holds a hearing on proposed regulations to set standards for determining whether an individual qualifies as a law enforcement officer or head of a law enforcement agency. The proposals also outline police duties, as well as restrictions and potential sanctions for individuals who carry out those duties "without appropriate certification or legal authority," according to the hearing notice. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Livestream (opens sec.state.ma.us in a new tab))

TROUBLE IN TOYLAND: MASSPIRG presents the 41st annual "Trouble in Toyland" report on toy safety as holiday shopping gets underway. The report, which has looked at potential dangers to children each holiday season since the mid-1980s, focuses this year on five of the biggest threats posed by unsafe toys. The panelists demonstrate toys mentioned in the report, including an A.I.-powered toy, and offer tips for parents and other gift-givers. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., MASSPIRG office, 294 Washington St., Suite 720, Boston)

CAREGIVER COALITION: Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition hosts its third annual celebration and awards ceremony. The coalition is a public-private partnership of businesses, nonprofits and worker advocates on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development that is focused on the needs of family caregivers. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

SCHOOL TOUR: Sen. Rodrigues sponsors a tour of the State House for students from Fall River's John Doran Elementary School. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Nurses Hall)

DIZOGLIO ON BPR: Auditor DiZoglio joins Boston Public Radio for a live interview. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston)

RIDESHARE DRIVERS RALLY: App Drivers Union members plan a "massive rally" for a first contract with Uber and Lyft, with organizers forecasting participation by thousands of drivers and unspecified elected officials. The union began negotiating with the companies in August, after Massachusetts voters approved a 2024 ballot law that secured drivers' union rights. Drivers are seeking better pay, more transparency, a fair process for challenging deactivations, safer conditions, and guardrails on Waymo and robotaxis. Speakers include Autumn Weintraub of the App Drivers Union; Mike Vartabedian, assistant directing business representative at IAM District 15 and principal officer of the union; Mass. AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch; and Greater Boston Labor Council President Darlene Lombos. Speakers begin at about 12:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., UMass Boston Bayside Lot, 240 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON RULES: Joint Committee on Rules holds an informational hearing to seek testimony from the public, per Joint Rule 35 that requires the branches to "conduct a comprehensive review of the joint rules adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives after the first day of August of the second annual session." The committee chairs for the branches "may submit a report" by the end of December, the rules say. Senate President Karen Spilka has called the months-long stalemate over major legislation "unacceptable," with major legislation stuck in 12 conference committees. In a statement, she said, "Unless we see movement soon, I cannot support extending the time for conference negotiations again in our joint rules next session." House Speaker Ron Mariano said conferees are still negotiating with the "understanding that the content of the final product is far more important than reaching an agreement quickly solely for the sake of doing so." In a Nov. 12 letter, a group of 13 progressive and environmental organizations asked Beacon Hill Democrats -- including Mariano and Spilka -- when the hearing on legislative rules would be held, reflecting an interest in providing public input. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

MBTA ACCESSIBILITY: Riders' Transportation Access Group holds its semi-annual forum on accessibility of the MBTA. The T has been transitioning for the last year from fulfilling the obligations of the Daniels-Finegold settlement to the Next Generation Agreement. As part of the transition, RTAG has taken on a new role as community monitors of the T. Main topics for Tuesday's meeting are the T's new elevator contract, automatic bus camera enforcement rollout, municipal coordination efforts for the upcoming snow season, and accessibility concerns. THE RIDE is not discussed as part of this meeting, per RTAG. (Tuesday, 2 p.m, 2nd floor boardroom, State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston)

SALEM GEOTHERMAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, Rev. Nathan Ives of St. Peter's-San Pedro Church, and state and philanthropic officials announce the next phase of the Heaven and Earth Energy Project, a proposed geothermal energy network and environmental resilience hub centered on downtown Salem. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., St. Peter's-San Pedro Church, 24 St. Peter's St., Salem)

ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS REMEMBRANCE: Lynn marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, one of more than 50 U.S. communities holding events, by raising a yellow flag and placing small yellow flags for victims of fatal and serious-injury crashes. The city said four people have died in traffic crashes in Lynn in 2026 and 11 have been severely injured, and cites an estimated 40,000 deaths a year on U.S. roads. The Lynn City Council passed a resolution in 2024 setting a goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. The city says it is working to invest more than $150 million in federal, state, and local funds in transportation projects toward that goal. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Lynn City Hall, 3 City Hall Sq., Lynn)

REGIONAL RAIL MODERNIZATION: MBTA holds a virtual public meeting on the plan to transition the Commuter Rail system into a modern "regional rail." The T is proposing to transform the system primarily designed for traditional 9-to-5 workers commuting from other suburbs into downtown Boston, into an all-day, rapid-transit-style network. T officials will share their vision with attendees and accept feedback. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom (opens us02web.zoom.us in a new tab))

METHUEN PUBLIC SAFETY: Methuen Exchange Club holds its police and firefighter of the year awards. Auditor DiZoglio attends. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., The Irish Cottage, 17 Branch St., Methuen)

BRAINTREE MASSDOT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed project in Braintree to replace the bridge that carries Washington Street (Route 37) over the MBTA railroad. The project also includes road reconstruction work to add sidewalks and bike lanes. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info and Register (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026

GATEWAY CITIES SUMMIT: The annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit focuses on "gateways to the middle class." Agenda includes a research presentation from the MassINC Policy Center's Elise Rapoza. A panel discussion on economic mobility features Juan Bonilla of United Way of Massachusetts Bay, MaryBeth Campbell of the Worcester Community Action Council, Denise Jordan of the Springfield Housing Authority and Corinn Williams of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts. Speakers on a panel about "disruptive strategies" for building community wealth include Katie Deal of Lafayette Square Institute, Betty Francisco of Boston Impact Initiative and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Senior Associate Commissioner Adam Seidel. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Hogan Center, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester | Register (opens eventbrite.com in a new tab))

BRISTOL-PLYMOUTH DIPLOMA PROMISE: Education Secretary Stephen Zrike, Mass. AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch, Mass. Competitive Partnership President and CEO Jay Ash, Bridgewater State University President Frederick Clark and Mass. Business Alliance for Education Executive Director Edward Lambert join Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School as it unveils the Bristol-Plymouth Promise, a diploma guarantee. The school describes the promise as five things every graduate must complete and prove, including a portfolio defended before outside judges, an industry credential, and real work experience. The unveiling comes two years after voters ended the MCAS graduation requirement and while the state's new graduation standard awaits legislative consideration. The state Graduation Council's June recommendations call for every student, beginning with the Class of 2032, to complete a capstone or portfolio, work-based learning, and financial literacy, and propose optional Seals of Distinction. The school says the Promise includes each of those elements. Media RSVP to tcosta@bptech.org. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School Auditorium, 207 Hart St., Taunton)

GLOBE SUMMIT, DAY 2: Boston Globe's Globe Summit continues with an innovation track that includes sessions on artificial intelligence in Boston, followed by a culture track. Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, joins a fireside chat at 1:30 p.m., and entertainer Jujubee records a "Say More" live podcast at 4 p.m. A closing reception with cast members of Bravo's "Real Housewives of Rhode Island" is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston | Register (opens events.bostonglobe.com in a new tab))

MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee meets. Agenda includes updates on disciplinary dismissal appeals and instructor certification revocation appeals, an executive director's report, and requests for waivers and exemptions from basic recruit training requirements. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Agenda and Livestream (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT: Public Employee Retirement Commission meets. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford | More Info (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream (opens youtube.com in a new tab))

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Zoom (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee holds an instructor revocation appeal hearing concerning Stephen Mullaney. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | More Info and Livestream (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

BIKE, PEDESTRIAN BOARD: Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Livestream (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

LGBT AGING COMMISSION: LGBT Aging Commission holds a listening session on HIV/AIDS and healthcare access. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

MWRA BOARD: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority board is scheduled to vote on four senior appointments and nine contract actions, and to receive an update on the new contract for Jonathan Gulliver, whom the board voted Oct. 21 to appoint executive director for three years at a salary within a range of $290,000 to $365,000, with a start date to be set by the chair. Anna Baker, Gulliver's chief of staff at the MassDOT Highway Division, is up for appointment as chief of staff to the MWRA executive director at a salary of $171,000, per meeting materials. Contract items include an $8.77 million award to American Environmental for PCB abatement at the Cottage Farm CSO facility in Cambridge, a $2.92 million security equipment maintenance contract with Sullivan & McLaughlin, and a $959,919 change order that would raise Walsh Construction's Deer Island clarifier rehabilitation contract over $300 million. Correspondence to the board includes letters on the agency's draft CSO plan, whose cost is estimated at about $1.3 billion, from Sen. Barrett, Reps. Owens and Linsky, and several municipalities. The board also plans an executive session on a watershed land acquisition and litigation strategy. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., MWRA Administration Facility, 2 Griffin Way, Chelsea | Agenda (opens mwra.com in a new tab) | Virtual Access (opens mwra.webex.com in a new tab))

STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a hearing on a Sen. Howard bill (S 3248) dealing with a Lowell land parcel. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

MIDWIFERY CARE: Executive Office for Administration and Finance and the Board of Allied Health Professions hold a regulatory hearing to implement part of the 2024 maternal healthcare law. The proposal looks to implement fees for licensed lactation consultants. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access (opens sec.state.ma.us in a new tab))

SOCIAL EQUITY PROGRAM CLINIC: Cannabis Control Commission holds a remote Social Equity Program application clinic and information session. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. | Access (opens masscannabiscontrol.com in a new tab))

WRRB ANNUAL MEETING: Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business at Tufts University's Fletcher School, joins a fireside chat on the regional impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, incomes and the economy at the Worcester Regional Research Bureau's 41st annual meeting. Boston Globe technology writer Hiawatha Bray facilitates. Chakravorti is lead researcher of "Will Wired Belts Become the New Rust Belts? AI and the Emerging Geography of American Job Risk" and an architect of the American AI Jobs Risk Index. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester | Register (opens eventbrite.com in a new tab))

ABIGAIL ADAMS AWARDS: Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus honors Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and the Boston Fleet at its Abigail Adams Awards, themed "250 Years Later. We Still Remember the Ladies." Sen. Pat Jehlen receives the Dolores Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award, with introductory remarks from Senate President Spilka. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Ave., Boston | Tickets (opens secure.ngpvan.com in a new tab))

LANESBOROUGH MASSDOT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed project in Lanesborough to replace the Williamstown Road (US 7) Bridge over Brodie Mountain Brook. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Community room, 83 N. Main St., Lanesborough | More Info (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

FITCHBURG MASSDOT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed project in Fitchburg to reconstruct a one-mile segment of John Fitch Highway. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. | Register (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

FRAMINGHAM MASSDOT: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a proposed project in Framingham to improve pedestrian access and safety near Harmony Grove Elementary School. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., 169 Leland St., Framingham | More Info (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

LOCAL VOTE CERTIFICATION: Local clerks must certify their vote tallies and submit them to the secretary of state's office. The results will then be certified by the governor and Governor's Council. That final certification is scheduled to take place Wednesday, Dec. 2. (Wednesday)

COMMONWEALTH SEMINAR: Commonwealth Seminar, a nonprofit focused on "opening the doors of government to everyone" holds its "accelerator" one-day, in-person program, geared toward professionals who cannot join for a six-week program. Presenters include Sen. Lydia Edwards, Senator-elect Erika Uyterhoeven, Rep. Amy Mah Sangiolo, former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Murphy, Assistant Undersecretary of Housing Stabilization Vivian Pham, and government affairs officials, lobbyists, communications professionals and advocates. Treasurer Deb Goldberg provides closing remarks. (Wednesday, State House | Register (opens docs.google.com in a new tab))

U.S HOUSE LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS: U.S. House Democrats plan to elect leadership members. Fifth District U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark is a front-runner for majority leader, making her the first female to hold the post and first from Massachusetts since 1977 when U.S. Rep. Tip O'Neill became speaker. (Wednesday)

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026

GIC: Group Insurance Commission meets. At the Health Policy Commission's annual cost trends hearing on Nov. 10, GIC Executive Director Matt Veno said his agency is in "the very late stages of a PBM procurement." (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Livestream (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council meets. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Zoom (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure accepts written testimony on a trio of bills dealing with alcohol licenses in Ware and Athol. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

MASSPORT BOARD: Massport board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access (opens massport.com in a new tab))

EARLY ED UPDATES: Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw gives agency updates to Strategies for Children. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | Register (opens strategiesforchildren.salsalabs.org in a new tab))

FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a public hearing on rates for family planning services. Officials are planning to make no changes to the rates for service effective on or after May 1. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

SENATE: Senate meets. Agenda for Monday's session calls for the Senate to meet Thursday without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

ABORTION, STABILIZATION SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a hearing on rates for freestanding clinics that provide abortion and sterilization services. Officials are planning to make no changes to the rates that take effect on or after May 1. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | More Info (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

MASSHEALTH WEBINAR: Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute hosts a webinar on MassHealth eligibility, benefits and delivery systems, costs, and recent reforms. The federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted in July 2025, changes Medicaid law in ways that are expected to significantly affect MassHealth coverage, eligibility and financing. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Register (opens well-b.zoom.us in a new tab))

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Workforce Supports Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Agenda includes a presentation about the direct care workforce from the Community Living Policy Center at Brandeis University. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

MASSHIRE AWARDS: Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and MassHire State Workforce Board hold an annual award ceremony. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

COALITION ANNIVERSARY: Lift Our Kids Coalition marks its 10-year anniversary. The group, co-led by Greater Boston Legal Services and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, advocates for cash assistance grants for low-income families. Legislative sponsors Rep. Decker and Sen. DiDomenico plan to attend. Since the group began its advocacy in 2016, the state has increased grant assistance four times. "But the maximum monthly grant for a family of three, $861, remains below half the federal poverty level," the coalition said, adding that it "will be working to raise grants further in FY28." (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Room 428)

BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Boston City Council Ways and Means Committee holds a hearing to discuss the Boston Public Schools' fiscal 2028 budget. The council approved a $1.73 billion BPS budget for fiscal 2027, which included up to 400 staff cuts. The district implemented a partial hiring freeze in fiscal 2026 as employee health insurance costs rose and required supplemental appropriations, and BPS is facing declining enrollment. "Serious concerns remain on how we can adequately improve student success and outcomes for all of our students enrolled in BPS through the budget. The City Council should begin working in collaboration with the school department and School Committee members in order to shape the priorities they would like to see reflected in the upcoming FY28 budget," said a hearing order (opens boston.gov in a new tab) offered by Councilor Benjamin Weber, and others. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Iannella Chamber, 5th Floor, Boston City Hall, Boston | Livestream (opens boston.gov in a new tab) & More Info (opens boston.gov in a new tab))

AUTISM COMMISSION: Autism Commission meets. Agenda includes a review of subcommittee updates and priorities. For access, contact Carol.m.gracia@mass.gov. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | More Info (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

JOINT COMMITTEE ON REVENUE: Joint Committee on Revenue accepts written testimony on five bills dealing with Eastham, Arlington, Chatham, Cambridge and Belmont. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. | More Info (opens malegislature.gov in a new tab))

NEWTON MAYOR: Newton Mayor Marc Laredo celebrates one year in office, joined by U.S. Rep. Auchincloss, state Sen. Creem, Reps. Lawn, Sangiolo and Schwartz, and District Attorney Ryan. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m, District 118 Kitchen & Bar, 118 Needham St., Newton)

DPC 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA: Senate President Spilka delivers the keynote address as the Disability Policy Consortium marks its 30th anniversary. The group presents its Visionary Changemaker Award to Charlie Carr, a founder of the organization and its legislative liaison. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Artists For Humanity, 100 West Second St., Boston | Register and Virtual Access (opens events.humanitix.com in a new tab))

ALLSTON MULTIMODAL TRANSPO: Allston Multimodal Transportation Project Task Force meets. (Thursday, 6 p.m., MassDOT Board Room, Second floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Register (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

MASSDOT CROSSWALKS: MassDOT holds a public hearing to discuss upgrades to pedestrian signal features and the installation of crosswalks in Auburn, Hadley, Southwick and Westfield. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info and Register (opens mass.gov in a new tab))

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026

SHVAM OPENING CEREMONY: Aswad Thomas, national director of Crime Survivors Speak, delivers the keynote at the opening ceremony for the 26th annual Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month, which runs through Dec. 20. Community leaders and elected officials are scheduled to attend. (Friday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

UMASS CHAN RESEARCHERS RALLY: Sens. Kennedy and Moore join postdoctoral researchers and graduate workers with CORE-UAW, the Coalition of Research Employees, at a rally calling on UMass Chan Medical School to agree to a first contract. The union represents about 700 researchers and says it has been at the bargaining table for more than a year. (Friday, 12:30 p.m., Corner of Belmont and Plantation streets, Worcester)

CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS: Sen. Mark, Rep. Barrett and Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti join Mass Cultural Council for a celebration of its fiscal 2027 grantees in western Massachusetts. (Friday, 1 p.m., Mass MoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams | Register (opens massculturalcouncil.org in a new tab))

HEALTH INSURANCE WEBINAR: Jennifer Lemmerman, executive director of Health Care For All, Katherine Howitt and Jessica Gottsegen of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, and Nicole Garrity of Revitalize Community Development Corporation discuss recent health insurance policy changes and how they may affect individuals, families, and small businesses. Coalition for an Equitable Economy Executive Director Tracye Whitfield moderates. The webinar covers what is changing, who may be affected, and what resources are available across Massachusetts. (Friday, 1 p.m., Register (opens lp.constantcontactpages.com in a new tab))