Food insecurity is rising in Massachusetts while assistance programs are falling short, according to the latest annual report from the Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham.

The sixth annual Massachusetts Food Access Report finds that a record 40% of Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity during 2025. According to the authors, that equates to 1.1 million households across the Bay State.

Additionally, the report finds that 25% of households report regularly missing meals or going hungry.

Their conclusions are based on a survey of more than 3,000 adults across the state. The authors said the survey was conducted from October through December in three languages.

“Our results are sobering: more people are struggling, and while they report accessing food and nutrition assistance programs like food pantries, SNAP, and WIC, they also say these programs are not enough. Every population—from families with young children to seniors—is struggling to afford food,” Dr. Lauren Fiechtner, who advised the research, wrote in a statement.

Affordability remains a key challenge, with 88% of food-insecure households reporting difficulty paying for at least one basic expense and needing an average of $500 more per month to meet basic needs, according to the report.

The report found 75% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants said they still need additional food support, while 78% receive less than $300 per month in benefits, according to the report. Meanwhile, the authors state that charities are playing an “increasingly essential role,” serving more than half of the state’s food-insecure households.

“The call to action is clear: we must continue to invest in our emergency food system to meet this urgent and growing demand. And we must work together on implementing long-term solutions to poverty to empower everyone to live better, healthier, and more productive lives,” the Greater Boston Food Bank’s outgoing CEO, Catherine D’Amato, wrote in a statement.

Among the recommendations included in the report are calls to increase state funding for nutrition programs, strengthen food insecurity screenings through the health care system, investments in local food systems and legislative changes to address societal issues that contribute to hunger, including income and housing inadequacy.

WCVB partners with the GBFB for an annual day of giving.

Two people have died following separate law enforcement-involved shootings in New Hampshire over the past three days, marking the first such fatalities in the state this year.

The most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, when officers responding to a domestic disturbance call at a private residence in Northfield, N.H., shot and killed an adult woman.

According to the New Hampshire attorney general’s office, the woman died at the scene. The victim’s name will be released after the next of kin have been notified.

No additional details have been released, as the investigation remains active.

Another shooting took place on Saturday night, which was the culmination of an hours-long manhunt in Raymond, N.H.

Law enforcement responded to a call shortly after 1:30 p.m. that reported Matthew Masse, 38, was shooting a rifle at his family members at a home on Ham Road, according to a news release from the attorney general’s office.

During the initial response, Masse shot and wounded a Nottingham, N.H., police officer, who is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Masse then fled into the surrounding woods.

After an hours-long search and shelter-in-place advisory, officers made contact with Masse around 10:06 p.m. and attempted to arrest him, which resulted in a shootout.

Law enforcement then approached Masse and found him dead, authorities said.

Warrants had been issued for Masse’s arrest following an incident two days earlier, according to reporting by NHPR. But, police hadn’t located him until they responded to the call on Saturday.

Family members told WMUR that Masse struggled with his mental health.

In both incidents, autopsies are yet to be conducted.

The attorney general’s office has opened an investigation into both incidents, as it does for all shootings that involve police officers. The officers involved have not been publicly identified.

Last year, the state recorded nine officer-involved shootings, only one of which involved a female victim, making Monday’s incident in Northfield a particularly rare occurrence.

A mixed-use complex in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood has already been put up for sale less than two years after wrapping up construction.

Matthews, a commercial real estate investment services and technology firm, recently listed Iron65 for sale at 59-65 McWhorter Street. The asset, exclusively listed by Matthews First Vice President & Director David Ferber and Associate Brendan Cina, is asking $56 million and is currently the only Class A building on the market in Newark.

Iron65 features 135 luxury residential units and one ground-floor commercial space, complemented by a full suite of high-end amenities. Perks at the property include a fully equipped fitness center with wet and dry saunas, a yoga studio, a rooftop social hub with outdoor kitchens, a game room, and a skyline spa lounge with New York City views.

“Iron65 is built for today’s core stabilized buyer, offering high-quality construction, a best-in-class amenity package, and durable, high-end finishes,” Ferber said. “With strong in-place rents, institutional-level construction, and favorable financing available in today’s market, this offering presents a compelling opportunity for core buyers seeking durable cash flow and long-term growth.”

The development is supported by a 30-year tax PILOT starting at 10%, with potential debt below 5%. Iron 65 is a quick walk from Newark Penn Station and adjacent to the city’s Downtown in a neighborhood that has seen several notable new residential buildings like Union 55 in recent years.

Matthews noted in their announcement that the Newark submarket continues to attract renters seeking quality housing with strong transit connectivity, and that Iron65 is supported by ongoing reinvestment and development momentum throughout Newark.