May 16, 2026

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Mass. school absenteeism improved. But it’s still higher than before COVID, officials warn

State officials have repeatedly warned that missing significant classroom time can have lasting academic consequences.

By Sam Drysdale

Central Massachusetts

Shrewsbury pay database: The town’s surprising top earner in 2025

Shrewsbury's highest paid employee in 2025 wasn't the police chief, school superintendent or police or fire chief.

By Mike Grimala | mgrimala@masslive.com

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As Hampshire College workers face losing jobs, grassroots efforts rally to support them

After Hampshire College abruptly announced closure, grassroots efforts emerged to support laid-off staff and faculty left without severance.

By Juliet Schulman-Hall | JSchulman-Hall@masslive.com

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UMass commencement presided over by groundbreaking state Supreme Court justice (photos)

The UMass undergraduate commencement was one of many events this weekend, which also included the doctoral hooding ceremony, the Stockbridge School of Agriculture associate’s degree ceremony, and school and college senior recognition ceremonies.

By Staff reports

Chad Tracy: Red Sox’ ‘careless mistakes’ on basepaths were ‘big thing’ in one-run loss

“The big thing tonight was careless mistakes on the bases more than anything,” Chad Tracy said after another brutal Red Sox loss.

By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com

A’ja Wilson scores 45, Aces hand the Sun their fourth consecutive defeat

Hailey Van Lith had a career-high night on Friday, but the Sun lost again to the Aces after A'ja Wilson's big scoring night.

By The Associated Press

Red Sox reactions: Mike Yastrzemski walks off hometown team, ruins Marcelo Mayer’s heroics

The Red Sox clawed back but lost Friday when Mike Yastrzemski beat them with a walk-off hit in the 10th inning.

By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com