A large snake that authorities believe hasn't eaten in months was found outside a hotel this weekend. trib.al/UO5jJGl

From equity advocates to firefighters helping out in a crisis, these outstanding individuals improved their cities in Massachusetts. trib.al/eebq4Q1

There are now some 20,000 people in the Massachusetts family shelter system due to housing costs and migrants seeking refuge. trib.al/sfj4yZM

The $56 billion state budget will fund state departments and many local initiatives through June. trib.al/sbVixuw

Parents in Reading can mark the first day of school coming later this summer. trib.al/b601uSa

Plans to rebuild the restaurant with a modern aesthetic and add a second drive-through lane were recently approved. trib.al/P7QtTLR

Plus: EarthGang and Dead Prez at GLD FSTVL, Carnival in Provincetown, Five Seconds of Summer and much more across MA this weekend. trib.al/RWViIT1

See the week's top Massachusetts dining news: Complex donuts, town-sponsored beer garden, ice cream recall, more. trib.al/pI5EeyN

Readers raise a stink about dog walkers who let their pets “squat and go,” leaving their neighbors to clean up the mess left behind. trib.al/uX7kd2M

Almost three months before Halloween, the seasonal pop-up retailer has opened a handful of stores in Massachusetts, with more on the way. trib.al/lWENlUZ

The change in state law would make calls free in state houses of correction. Fees now range from 12 to 14 cents per minute. trib.al/1IaHv2l

The answer is yes, but there aren't a ton of options. Here's what Patch found in our quest for affordable housing. trib.al/r3qtaFR

Cape Cod houses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island have gable roofs. The pitch allows snow and rain to slide off easily. trib.al/sqfAbbu

American credit card debt surpassed $1 trillion for the first time. A new analysis shows how much debt Massachusetts households hold. trib.al/7RFJP7x

The sculpture portraying a wounded Indigenous man was thought to be destroyed in the 1950s until it showed up in Virginia 30 years later. trib.al/O1GxYwj

Road work is being performed on Route 28 this week, which will result in overnight closures. trib.al/WFDJbQk

Many of us can point to a teacher whose influence has guided us, our children and our grandchildren. Nominate them for a Teacher Spotlight. trib.al/6fwbBHz

After a wild week of weather, it's possible Massachusetts could be hit with more severe storms and heavy rain late Monday into Tuesday. trib.al/MjK1kZH

The Patriots have reportedly come to terms on a one-year deal with the former Cowboys star. trib.al/Dg8Dhi2

One of your neighbors published an article in the Politics & Government section. Read their story on Patch. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.) trib.al/EeNfQzo