Gov. Charlie Baker instead wants to initiate a 1986 ballot measure to force the state to return nearly $3 billion to taxpayers this fall. trib.al/z3Z82cI

U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said the hotline 1-83-END-H8-NOW is for reporting hate-based incidents or potential criminal activity. trib.al/POpkCi6

There were 56 less Massachusetts patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Thursday than the week prior. trib.al/ziC0AsC

From notebooks to pencils to iPads, snag the best back-to-school deals at these stores in Massachusetts. trib.al/fGWrYuz

Your neighbor may have forgotten about borrowing a weed trimmer — or may have broken it. In any case, it can be awkward to ask for it back. trib.al/dOCXnze

A U.S. Census and Harvard University study shows how young adults migrated. Here are the top destinations for Boston-area millennials. trib.al/20kWSXm

The average rent paid in Boston was $4,878 this past June, compared with $4,164 in June 2021, according to the report. trib.al/1vtDzV6

As unemployment remains high across the state, many local companies are still hiring. trib.al/nhcrkAL

The "give $5, get $5" effort runs through Aug. 21, with 100% of the money raised for the orgs; coupons are good through early September. trib.al/Gc68upA

Here's when to see the Perseids pass over Massachusetts, and why it might be a little more difficult to see. trib.al/w0BBjhp

One of your neighbors published an article in the Arts & Entertainment section. Read their story on Patch. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.) trib.al/5Fd7iT9

Another spotted lanternfly infestation has been confirmed in a Massachusetts city, the third one after Shrewsbury and Fitchburg. trib.al/dHzO8xl

Baker said this week he had problems with one part of the bill allowing some cities to restrict fossil fuels in new developments. trib.al/kKu5Zmn

You'll get a 6.25% discount on most smaller purchases this weekend, just in time for back-to-school season. trib.al/dVo7KA9

Parts of Massachusetts are in extreme drought, putting stress on the state's whole ecosystem — including typical bear food sources. trib.al/FBmOD3e

With the region in a severe drought, this week may bring the first real chance of sustained rainfall in a long time. trib.al/XqUaBb5

Students entering 9th grade this school year will face higher MCAS scores when they graduate in four years. trib.al/TU5OZC5

An unusual late summer storm will move across Massachusetts Wednesday with varying impacts. trib.al/IqD0c9Y

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/sNinYTp

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