Massachusetts Senate’s economic development bill would force towns to allow duplexes “as-of-right” on all residential lots, ending single-family zoning protections. Two years after ADU mandates, this next step aims to boost density and affordability—but critics see it as another erosion of suburban neighborhoods and local control to meet the state’s 222,000-unit goal by 2035.

Governor Maura Healey has proposed an additional $100 million for Massachusetts public schools to help districts avoid teacher layoffs and program cuts. Funded through anticipated Fair Share surtax revenue, the one-time aid would provide roughly $112 per student as schools confront declining enrollment, rising costs, and persistent budget pressures statewide.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue rallied supporters at Lowell’s Owl Diner amid a heat wave, declaring Massachusetts voters are ready to oust Governor Maura Healey. Promising aggressive audits of the legislature and state agencies, he vowed to slash waste, cut sales and inheritance taxes, boost energy with natural gas and nuclear power, reform health care…