Parts of Massachusetts are in extreme drought, putting stress on the state's whole ecosystem — including typical bear food sources. trib.al/zRoTQiq

With the region in a severe drought, this week may bring the first real chance of sustained rainfall in a long time. trib.al/3HGo2Vv

Workers at the Reading Starbucks store at 288 Main Street filed a petition to unionize earlier this year. trib.al/wGMkDrn

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/HU43xpJ

Crews from North Reading, Lynnfield, Wakefield, Stoneham and Burlington all responded to the fire in the Postmark condo complex on Monday. trib.al/tG3imIx

Take a look through the newest jobs added in your area. trib.al/Mfs86rG

Students entering 9th grade this school year will face higher MCAS scores when they graduate in four years. trib.al/VJFDAB7

Check out the latest update from your neighbor on Patch. (This post was contributed by a community member.) trib.al/30Guz9Z

Early voting starts on Aug. 27. Election Day is set for Sept. 6. trib.al/q0nmJHu

Animal rescue organizations in your area put these pets up for adoption over the past week. trib.al/Jka7HYI

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/CvK4jjO

Sales of single family homes and condos in Massachusetts have dropped significantly, signaling a cooling trend, a Warren Group report said. trib.al/M16tZmk

Crews from multiple area departments responded to the fires on Tuesday night. trib.al/ItyG5rF

Zoo New England, which manages the zoos, is hiring for more than two-dozen jobs at both locations. trib.al/pN8BCEH

People with mild to moderate hearing loss will soon be able to buy hearing aids at pharmacies and retail stores without a prescription. trib.al/r3PAEyn

The fires drew a regional response from area departments on Tuesday night. trib.al/yvyMzJd

The annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign began Wednesday and will last through the ceremonial end of summer. trib.al/EldsxS5

Fires broke out on Tuesday night and have flared up at various points in the days since. trib.al/XVbJ9S5

The region is bracing for the 30-day disruption. Here's the latest on how to get around on the Orange Line route during the shutdown. trib.al/4lzZiEP

Crews will install a new 12-inch water main through a portion of downtown Stoneham over the next three months. trib.al/8AnZH4S