Newly sworn‑in Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick says his on‑the‑ground response to the Boston Marathon bombings will inform his approach as the state presses ahead with new homes and reforms.

A state task force released dozens of recommendations to shore up SNAP access — from meal-delivery programs to DTA staffing and farm-donation incentives.

A rare EF1 tornado carved through Williamstown, Vermont Thursday night, toppling trees and shredding a sugar shack along Chelsea Road.

Lexington's Minute Men reenacted the Battle of Lexington Saturday, staging Munroe Tavern as a field hospital, cannon salutes and a 1:30 p.m. Patriots' Day parade.

Clarke's at Faneuil Hall will close next week after more than 50 years in downtown Boston, employees and patrons said.

A national analysis of time-use diaries finds social time and exercise correlate with "better than typical" days. Local residents say morning workouts and quick catch-ups do the trick.

State police say Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer faces additional sex-misconduct charges after new victims came forward. Arraignment is expected in mid‑May.

A $100 million, multi-year overhaul at International Place added a rooftop terrace, F1 simulators and a large amenity floor aimed at making the twin towers more competitive.

A planned $35M International Marathon Center in Hopkinton would add a museum, hall of fame and trails near the Boston Marathon start and aim to bring tens of thousands of visitors a year.

Four witnesses who testified against Karen Read have sued Read and blogger Aidan “Turtleboy” Kearney, saying false cover‑up claims unleashed years of harassment and threats. The suit asks a court to stop the online attacks and recover damages.

Dozens of Lynnfield parents demanded tougher discipline after multiple racist incidents at the middle school; the superintendent apologized as the district moves to rewrite handbook rules.

State bills would require sensors on school buses to detect people near doors and create grants to help districts install the systems. Proponents say the tech could prevent tragedies at pick‑up and drop‑off.

Patchy fog and light rain this morning with highs near 56°F. Chance of evening storms; a strong cold front brings rain Sunday and much cooler, blustery Monday.