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The MSPCA has seen a nearly 50% increase in animals being surrendered to their shelters for housing-related concerns over the last three years. The organization is now offering new resources for families and advocating for legislation to make housing more pet inclusive.

The addiction recovery program in Gardner, Mass., is part animal sanctuary, part therapy center. The men who stay there get assigned to care for one of dozens of animals — from chickens, pigs, goats and even ponies — as part of their treatment.

Leaders at art museums have been grappling with a cascade of existential challenges in 2025. We checked in with directors at four Massachusetts institutions to see how they fared.

Based on the best-selling children's novel of the same name, the show follows 7th-grader Auggie, who has a craniofacial difference. The two actors portraying the character relate to the part, and each other. "It feels really nice to have someone who has similar experiences and struggles as me."

Cedric Lodge was sentenced to eight years in prison for his central role in a nationwide network of human remains trading. His wife, Denise Lodge, was ordered to serve one year and one day in prison.

U.S. health officials like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tout San Patrignano, Europe's best-known rehab center, as a "beautiful model" of long-term drug treatment. But it and other therapeutic communities hold infamous, dark histories, and some addiction experts warn the style of care can leave residents vulnerable to abuse.

Matthews Arena was the original home of the Boston Bruins, and the site of the first-ever Boston Celtics game. Northeastern University is demolishing its 115-year-old hockey rink.

San Patrignano stands out among the "therapeutic communities" that treat drug addiction. The 700-acre campus is nestled in the Italian countryside, and features businesses — built on residents' labor. Critics worry this model could lead to exploitation.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said ICE activity has impacted hundreds of cases prosecuted by his office — noting instances in which defendants got detained during proceedings, as well as times when victims and witnesses were afraid to cooperate because of agents' presence.

The rally was a response to President Trump's remarks calling Somali immigrants "garbage." Most attendees were not Somali, but rallygoers said they turned out to show their solidarity.

The Strummerville Ukulele Club members know that many people think of their instrument as a toy. But that's part of the point. They're there to have fun, play songs badly and sing loudly.

Boston University's Warren Towers is the largest dorm in Massachusetts and one of the biggest in the country. Its three-and-a-half year, $550 million renovation will improve the living quarters and also the building's greenhouse gas emissions.

Addiction specialists, treatment programs and 12-step recovery groups tell WBUR they're seeing a rise in young adults — ranging from their late 20s to early 30s — seeking help for serious gambling problems tied to sports betting apps.

Massachusetts officials are laying groundwork for a plan to offer coastal residents money for their homes as threats like flooding and erosion increase due to climate change. But it can be hard to convince people to leave or get enough money to buy expensive homes.

This won't end up being a blockbuster storm. But in true New England style, there will be a little rain, a little snow and a lot of variability.

Fire ripped through the club, killing nearly 500 people and injuring hundreds more. It remains the deadliest fire in Boston history, and the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. For those left behind, their losses remain raw, even 83 years later.

The Trump administration has hit Massachusetts with ICE raids, cut funding to crucial economic sectors and battled with local universities. Gov. Maura Healey has used her office to push back against Trump. But what if it was a fellow Republican leading the state?

Massachusetts officials says batteries will bring down energy costs and help the grid run on more renewables. But there's a growing movement of people who say they don't want this technology in their city or town.

Larry Summers has seen his share of controversy, and up to now, he's bounced back. But the scandal engulfing those with ties to Jeffrey Epstein is, for now, derailing the high-profile economist at the university where he was once a hard-charging president. Summers is taking a leave from teaching.

Merriam-Webster, the country's oldest dictionary publisher which is headquartered in Springfield, just released an updated Collegiate edition with 5,000 new entries.

The artist produced some of the most enduring images of the 20th century. A recent dustup over the use of his paintings by the Department of Homeland Security reveals that his work is still a potent symbol of American identity — one in which people of all political stripes see themselves reflected.

As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history came to an end, some Democrats are still angry the party caved to Republicans. But some lawmakers and political observers say the fight was worth it.

For the first time in nearly half a century, a trove of vibrant watercolors is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, showcasing the artist's deep connection to Boston and New England.

This fall, 1,227 international students attend the University of Massachusetts, Boston. That figure is down about 17% — or about 250 students — since a year ago.

City Hall reporter Eve Zuckoff joined WBUR's All Things Considered to share three takeaways from Tuesday night.

Massachusetts residents who receive SNAP benefits may get about half their usual monthly payment of $324, on average. Food pantries are trying to do more to help. Recipients say they're eating less and trying to stretch food donations.

The seven-term mayor enjoys largely unchecked power, with a city council that rarely pushes back on his agenda. But nearly every council seat is being challenged on Election Day.

Area groups are trying to make up some of the loss in SNAP federal food assistance that started Saturday. The Worcester County Food Bank distributes food to meal programs, shelters and food pantries across the region.

The controversies around Maine's Graham Platner are resurfacing difficult conversations among Democrats about who gives them the best chance to recapture the House and Senate.

Boston University community members gathered around at lunchtime Friday to watch pumpkins fall off a roof.

Cog editor Cloe Axelson interviewed Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and her dog Bailey, who's dressing up as Stephen Colbert for Halloween this year. They talked about dogs, political humor in a democracy, and why she keeps moving.

Helen Kahn, who runs the weekly market for Grow Food Northampton, said a third of all market sales are from SNAP purchases.

Said Ahmed and the Rev. Miniard Culpepper are both political newcomers battling to fill the seat of disgraced former councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson in District 7, an area that includes high poverty rates, low homeownership and poor health outcomes.

Gov. Maura Healey's cabinet has seen major turnover this year, in roles from veteran services to transportation, as the first-term Democrat faces reelection in 2026 and a continuing onslaught from the Trump administration on federal funding, energy and health care.

Pediatricians across Greater Boston said they are extending patient visits and booking follow-up appointments to talk to families about vaccines, sometimes at the expense of other important topics like sleep and nutrition.

An exhibit at Harvard's Houghton Library showcases the work of the macabre illustrator Edward Gorey, who attended the university in the 1940s.

Two IRS workers in New England say they are furloughed as the government shutdown drags on and are concerned about their livelihoods. "It about time that we stop being used as pawns in this situation," said Beth Willwerth, an IRS employee in Andover.

A handful of local bands can fill up a venue as large as Boston's 3,500-capacity Roadrunner. Couch is one of them. After years of touring success, the group has released its debut album.

The artist was a cornerstone of Boston's Black arts community, welcoming mentees into his South End home and offering unwavering support. He helped shape careers, leaving a legacy defined not only by his art, but by the vibrant community he nurtured.

In 2019, John Hancock announced it had found a camera hidden in the women's locker room. But six years and one lawsuit later, former employees told WBUR they feel those at the top may have been more interested in protecting the company than finding the perpetrator.

Grounded in faith and inspired by his mother's teachings, the Boston artist was devoted to exploring Christian liturgy and Black spirituality.

Salem native Robby Roadsteamer was arrested after taunting ICE while wearing a giraffe costume during a protest in Portland last week. Underneath his absurdity, there's a serious aim: bringing laughter to highly charged situations.