State Massachusetts News Roundup Week of 4-13-26
Top Massachusetts news includes surging gas prices reaching an average of $3.89 per gallon, a major apartment fire in Sunderland, and legislative action against youth social media use. Key developments also feature the retirement of a high-ranking State Police lieutenant from the Karen Read investigation and a lawsuit regarding offshore wind development. Significant local celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary are also beginning to take shape across the state.
Top Stories
Gas Prices Surge: Massachusetts gas prices hit a 2026 high of $3.89 per gallon, marking the eighth consecutive week of increases due to Middle East tensions, with further rises expected.
Sunderland Apartment Fire: A fire at Sugarloaf Estates on April 11 resulted in no injuries but caused significant damage, drawing a heavy emergency response from multiple local towns.
Legislative Action: Lawmakers are moving toward a ban on social media use for children under 14 and considering major spending bills, including potential changes to income tax cuts.
State Police Investigation Update: A Lieutenant in the Massachusetts State Police who oversaw the high-profile Karen Read investigation has retired, according to the Boston Herald.
Offshore Wind Lawsuit: Developers of a Massachusetts offshore wind farm have initiated legal action to prevent a turbine manufacturer from abandoning the project.
Other News
Energy & Economy: George Haseotes, the patriarch of the Cumberland Farms family, passed away at 94.
Local Infrastructure: A structural fire in Sunderland necessitated the closure of Route 47
Statewide News & Policy
Social Media Ban for Minors: The Massachusetts House has planned a vote on a measure that would ban social media use for children under the age of 14, citing safety concerns in the modern digital age.
MassHealth Milestone: Governor Maura Healey is joined by former governors Mitt Romney, Deval Patrick, Michael Dukakis, and Bill Weld to celebrate 20 years of MassHealth.
Education Funding Concerns: A new report highlights a “real risk” to completion rates at state community colleges, noting a 27% drop in per-student funding over the last two years.
Local & Community Headlines
America 250 Celebrations: Historic inns and cities like Worcester are preparing for the nation’s semiquincentennial. Worcester is specifically highlighting its history as the first place in New England where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud.
Springfield Wildlife Sightings: Residents in the Sixteen Acres and Pine Point neighborhoods reported coyotes running through the streets early Thursday morning.
Quincy Gas Station “Serenades”: In a unique customer service move, a local gas station in Quincy hired violists to perform for drivers at the pumps.
Sports & Events
Boston Bruins Playoff Run: The Bruins clinched a playoff spot this weekend despite a late 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Boston Celtics Standings: The Celtics have locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs following a dominant victory.
Red Sox vs. Tigers: Opening April 17 at Fenway Park.
New England Revolution: The team shut out D.C. United at home.
New England Patriots: Early analysis of the 2026 NFL Draft class has been released.
Mass Innovation Nights: Re-launching April 15 at the Museum of Science.
Upcoming Events:
Solomon Pond Mall Carnival: Running April 9–19 in Marlborough.