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These key public services won’t be hit by the state’s hiring freeze, Mass. Gov. Healey says

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These key public services won’t be hit by the state’s hiring freeze, Mass. Gov. Healey says


The day after she imposed a sweeping hiring freeze across the executive branch, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said her office is working to ensure the public doesn’t see any drop-off in services.

“Well, my commitment is to make sure [they don’t], and I’ve said public safety positions are off the table as our direct care positions there off the table,” Healey said Thursday after she attended the grand opening of Lego’s new offices in Boston’s Back Bay.

“I can tell you’ve got an incredibly hard-working team across government,” she continued. “I’m asking them to do more, and you know, I’m confident they’ll rise to that challenge.”

The Democratic administration announced the hiring freeze on Wednesday for the offices and agencies under its control, pointing to “widespread economic uncertainty” at the national level, and a “tightening budget outlook” at home.

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It is set to take effect on May 27 and last until lawmakers approve a new budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Agencies ranging from the Department of Transportation and Correction to Health and Human Services will be barred from hiring new employees. And there won’t be a waiver process, Healey’s office said in a statement.

The state budget is premised on $16 billion in federal support, and Healey and her Democratic allies on Beacon Hill have repeatedly said the state can’t backfill the money on its own.

Asked about the potential for job cuts because of the freeze, Healey appeared to rule it out, but did acknowledge that “we’ve just got to take it as it comes here, right?”

“And my job every day is to try to evaluate what’s happening, try to be proactive and also prepare,” she continued. “And you know, as I’ve said, these, these cuts by the Trump administration, unfortunately, have real consequences.”

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This week, Healey sent a letter to the top Republicans and Democrats on the House and Senate Agriculture committees, urging them to back off planned cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, sometimes referred to as “food stamps.”

Planned GOP cuts could cost the state up to $710 million a year, impacting 1 million state residents, the administration said in a statement.

On Thursday, Healey reiterated the impact of cutting the program that serves the neediest Bay State residents.

“We’re talking seniors, we’re talking single moms, we’re talking children, and he’s cutting that so you know, our job is to continue to monitor the situation, to try to be proactive and to plan, and that’s why I thought I was responsible to institute the hiring freeze,” she said.



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Massachusetts

Friday is colder with a chance of flurries in Western Mass. Boston’s first shot at snow could come Tuesday. – The Boston Globe

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Friday is colder with a chance of flurries in Western Mass. Boston’s first shot at snow could come Tuesday. – The Boston Globe


A chilly Thanksgiving is now behind us, and we’re looking at an even colder day on Friday for those of you starting your holiday shopping this Black Friday or just taking the day to relax and recover from a day of eating.

High pressure builds in from Canada today, bringing gusty winds. The air is a little bit unstable, especially over Central and Western Massachusetts, where some clouds could blow up this afternoon and actually produce a quick snow shower or a snow flurry. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the northern Berkshires.

Temperatures today will only be within a few degrees of 40 but the wind will make it feel in the upper 20s to 30s most of the day. It will be bright except for those clouds popping up and blotting out the sun from time to time. The most sunshine will occur from Boston south toward Cape Cod and the islands.

Forecast highs across New England on Friday.Boston Globe
Wind gusts on Friday may reach 20 to 25 mph across much of New England.Boston Globe

Clear skies resume Friday night with temperatures in the 20s and lower 30s, with the wind still making it feel like it’s in the teens late at night.

Parts of Northern New England could pick up a few inches of snow Friday and Saturday.Boston Globe

Weekend: Saturday brings sunshine; Sunday rain

Saturday is my pick of the weekend with sunshine and a cold start. Temperatures will again be within a few degrees of 40 in the afternoon. This is below average for this time of year.

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A new storm system is poised to move well west of New England through the Great Lakes and then into Quebec Sunday night and Monday. On this track, a southerly flow of air will boost temperatures to between 45 and 50 degrees Sunday afternoon as precipitation arrives. This obviously means that we’re looking at rainfall. The rain will continue for the first half of Sunday night before tapering off, with temperatures remaining above freezing all night.

Highs on Saturday may only reach the low 40s in Greater Boston.Boston Globe
Scattered rain and snow showers will push into New England Sunday afternoon and evening.Boston Globe

Monday: Chance of a morning shower; Tuesday, snow?

Monday brings the chance of a morning shower and high temperatures in the 40s, with breaks of sunshine. This active pattern continues into Tuesday when a new storm system approaches. The track of this storm will determine what type of precipitation we have, but some areas of New England could likely see their first measurable snowfall of the season.

Of course, you may be wondering if this will make it into the Boston area or not? Climatologically, it’s less likely that the coastal plain sees anything other than a cold rain or a wet mix, but Boston may end up with some accumulating snow if the track is a little farther offshore. This offshore track would keep the cold air in place.

If Tuesday’s storm were to move a little farther west, then the warm air would flood in from the Atlantic, which is still relatively mild this time of year, and we would only see rain from I-495 eastward. It’s too early to determine where the rain-snow line will fall or what the total snowfall would be, but just know that your plans could be disrupted on Tuesday. Of course, there will be more on this later in the weekend.

Greater Boston: Mostly sunny skies for your Friday with temperatures within a few degrees of 40 and a gusty wind at times. Chilly on Saturday with temperatures again right around 40.

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Central/Western Mass.: Look for some pop-up clouds mixing with the sunshine, with temperatures in the 30s to near 40 and a quick flurry from some of those clouds. It’s sunny on Saturday with highs 35 to 40.

Southeastern Mass.: Mostly sunny skies both Friday and Saturday with a bit of a breeze, especially Friday. Temperatures will be in the lower 40s in the afternoon, starting just under 30.

Cape and Islands: About 43 degrees should be a common high temperature across much of this area both Friday and Saturday, with plenty of sunshine and a gusty wind, especially Friday. This will make it feel in the 30s.

Rhode Island: Look for partly to mostly sunny skies on Friday with highs in the lower 40s along with the wind. You can expect more sunshine on Saturday with highs in the lower 40s.

New Hampshire: Look for partly sunny skies with a couple of snow showers and a gusty wind on Friday, highs in the upper 30s. Look for sunshine with highs in the upper 30s on Saturday.

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What’s opened, what’s closed in Massachusetts on Thanksgiving day 2025

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What’s opened, what’s closed in Massachusetts on Thanksgiving day 2025


Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, and this year it falls on Nov. 27, one of the latest dates it can possibly be.

The holiday is a time for friends, families and communities across the United States to come together to give thanks, enjoy a meal together and, for many, to take a break from their everyday lives and work.

Americans should anticipate that most businesses and public services will not operate or be open due to the holiday.

Here’s a list of what is open and what is closed in Massachusetts for Thanksgiving day 2025.

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Government

Federal Courts: Closed

State Courts: Closed

Federal Offices: Closed

State Offices: Closed

Municipal Offices: Closed

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Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV): Closed

Public Libraries: Closed

Finance

The New York Stock Exchange and the Dow Jones: Closed

Banks: Most banks will be closed, but most ATMs will remain open.

Alcohol & Cannabis

Liquor Stores: Closed

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Cannabis Dispensaries: Massachusetts regulators don’t identify specific holidays for when cannabis dispensaries must close, according to the Cannabis Control Commission. It’s up to respective dispensaries to choose whether or not to be open or closed, so check with your local dispensary. However, most will likely be closed.

Shopping

Retail Stores: Most retail locations will be closed, with some operating on reduced or amended hours. Check with your local retailer.

Aldi: Closed

Auburn Mall: Closed

Big Y: Closed

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Costco: Closed

CVS: Open, hours vary

Hampshire Mall: Closed

Holyoke Mall: Closed, but department store, restaurant, and entertainment venue hours may vary.

Market Basket: Closed

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Natick Mall: Closed

Price Rite: Closed

Safeway: Open, hours vary

Star Market: Closed

Stop & Shop: Closed

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Target: Closed

Trader Joe’s: Closed

Walgreens: Closed, but 24-hour stores remain open for essential pharmacy services

Walmart: Closed

Wegmans: Open, check with your local store on hours

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Whole Foods: Open with modified hours, check with your local store

  • Read More: I ate Thanksgiving Oreos so you don’t have to, with the worst flavor I’ve ever had

Parcel

U.S. Post Offices (USPS): Closed

FedEx: Closed

UPS: Closed

Transportation

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority: No service

Brockton Area Transit: No service

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Cape Ann Transportation Authority: No service

Franklin Regional Transit Authority: No service

Lowell Regional Transit Authority: No service

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): The MBTA will have regular subway service. There will be weekend commuter rail service. There will be no ferry service. Other transit routes that typically do not run on weekends will not be in service.

Merrimack Valley Transit: No service

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MetroWest Regional Transit Authority: No service

Montachusett Regional Transit Authority: Closed

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority: No service

Southeastern Regional Transit Authority: No fixed route service, but demand response service available

Worcester Regional Transit Authority: No service

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RIP Jay, dedicated Mass. State Police mount

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RIP Jay, dedicated Mass. State Police mount


Local News

Jay, a Percheron horse, worked with Massachusetts State Police for over two years.

Jay. Massachusetts State Police

A member of the Massachusetts State Police Mounted Unit, Jay, a Percheron horse, died on Nov. 19.

Jay, 12-and-a-half years old, passed away from cancer complications, State Police announced on Facebook.

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In March 2023, Jay joined the Mounted Unit at 10 years old from CNY Event Ranch in Oswego, New York, the announcement says.

“He immediately became one of our A-Team horses which meant he was a truly reliable ‘go to’ horse for our Unit members and was always head of the pack with his superior size [18 hands tall] and temperament,” State Police wrote.

Jay patrolled across the state, competed in Mounted Unit events in Kentucky, trained in Washington, D.C., and worked Patriots games outside of Gillette Stadium.

“Jay was always a main attraction wherever he went,” State Police continued. “His noble stature drew adults and kids to his side. He loved the attention and knew the happiness he brought to others.”





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