Tara Jacobs has built a progressive reputation for herself in her four years representing western Mass on the Governor’s Council, a unique-to-Massachusetts elected council of eight that confirms judges and Parole Board appointments. But former Springfield City Council President Michael Fenton argues she has pushed too hard against the governor, jeopardizing the region’s representation in state courts and leaving too many vacancies locally.

In a race that one advocate for the incarcerated called “the most important race no one’s ever heard of,” the two will rematch after Jacobs defeated Fenton four years ago by only 2,300 votes. Read this first installment in The Shoestring’s 2026 election coverage, reported by Dylan Vrins.

Gov. Maura Healey on Monday signed into law a measure that loosens limits on later-term abortions in Massachusetts.

Previously, state law permitted abortions up to 24 weeks, with exceptions for cases involving a deadly fetal diagnosis or to protect the life of the mother. The new law eliminates these exceptions, putting the decision in the hands of the patient and health care providers.

Anyone in Lexington dealt with this before? The AC has been running for hours, but the house is still around 79°. The unit is about 13–14 years old. Just trying to figure out if this usually ends up being a repair or if it's a sign it's time to replace it

Help me give my students the ability to spread kindness throughout our community! Rocks, acrylic paints, and weather-resistant coating will allow them to create Kindness Rocks that inspire empathy, compassion, and brighten someone's day.