Massachusetts RMV Announces Special MA250 Low Number Plate Lottery 

In celebration of 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy.

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is celebrating President’s Day by announcing a special low number lottery featuring the state’s new 250th Anniversary Plate. Residents can apply starting today, February 16, at 9:00 a.m. and have until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Further information is available at Mass.Gov/MA250Plate. 

The “Massachusetts 250 Years of Independence” plate is emblematic red, white, and blue and is now the most popular specialty plate in the Commonwealth with more than 57,000 issued in just over seven months.   

The plate features a blue background, with the year "1776" surrounded by 13 stars and the phrase “250 Years of Independence” at the bottom. There are 1000 plates available through the lottery, numbered from 1-999 and including the symbolic 1776. 

“Massachusetts is a state of many firsts, and it is only appropriate that we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary honoring our shared history with the opportunity to celebrate civic pride with a commemorative low number license plate through a lottery. This is a fun but meaningful and visible tribute to the historic occasion, allowing residents to participate in this once in a lifetime event,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. 

“Since last May, the RMV has offered the patriotic-themed higher number plates (online) as part of the Massachusetts 250 festivities. We are so excited to continue this celebration of American and state history by enabling all qualified Massachusetts residents a chance to win a coveted low number on the popular commemorative plate. The RMV is thrilled to partner with the Massachusetts State Lottery and benefit from their lottery expertise. And thank you to the RMV team for their incredible efforts in planning this event,” shared Registry of Motor Vehicles Registrar Colleen Ogilvie.    

 “This event represents a unique opportunity to combine historical recognition with public engagement in a way that aligns with the Lottery’s mission. A commemorative low lottery plate is likely to generate strong interest from residents across the state while honoring an extraordinary milestone in our state’s history,” said Massachusetts State Lottery Executive Director Mark William Bracken.  

Applications for the special 250th Anniversary Plate low number lottery will be available at myRMV Online Service Center (located under the Plates button) beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026. To be eligible for the low number lottery applicants must apply by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Requests for specific plate numbers will not be honored. Plates will be awarded using an electronic random number generator system.  

Applicants should note that there is no fee to apply for the lottery. All specialty plates have a biennial $40.00 special plate fee, along with a registration fee of $60.00. The initial registration fee may vary depending upon the applicant’s current plate expiration date and the expiration date of the winning plate number. 

Customers are encouraged to visit the RMV’s website or follow @MassRMV on X (formerly Twitter) for additional details about the lottery. In addition, lottery plate applicants will be sent a notification from the RMV to the email address they provided with lottery event details. The lottery winners will be announced on May 7, and residents will be able to watch the event online via the RMV website. Following the event, results will be available on the RMV website.  

RMV Low Plate Lottery Rules and Eligibility Requirements  

• A person (known as “applicant”) who applies for the Massachusetts 250 Low Number License Plate Lottery must be a Massachusetts resident with a current active, Massachusetts registered, and insured passenger motor vehicle.  
• As a condition of the application process, applicants consent to their name, zip code, and any other information that is required be released in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records law. 
• Only one entry per applicant will be accepted, regardless of the number of active passenger motor vehicle registrations the applicant has on file with the RMV.  
• The following are ineligible to participate: 

o   Companies and corporations 

o   Commercial vehicles and motorcycles 

o   Any employee of MassDOT, including but not limited to executive level employees, RMV, Highway, MBTA, Rail and Transit, Aeronautics, all shared services within MassDOT, and contract employees 

o   Any employee of Mass Lottery, including but not limited to executive level employees and contract employees 

o   Immediate family members of any MassDOT employees (as described above) and Mass Lottery. This includes parents, spouses, children, and siblings.  

o   An applicant whose Massachusetts registration is not in an active status (i.e., in a non-renewal, suspended, or revoked status) at the time of entry, at the time of the lottery, or at the time of the plate swap. 

o   An applicant with outstanding violations or obligations reported to the RMV 

• Requests for specific plate numbers will not be honored. Plates will be awarded using an electronic random number generator system. 
• Submission deadline: Online entries will be accepted beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. 
• Lottery results, such as winner’s name, place of residence, and winning plate number, will be available on the RMV website (Mass.Gov/RMV) within 5 business days of the lottery event, which will occur in May.        
• All winners will be notified by mail with instructions on how to transfer their current registration to their new lottery plate. Winners will have until Friday, August 28, 2026, to pay for and swap their plates. 
• Unclaimed plates by the deadline are considered forfeited by the initial winners, and those plates will be awarded to the pre-selected alternate winners after Friday, August 28, 2026. 
• Plates will be registered only to the winning applicant specifically named on the application and cannot be transferred to anyone else. 
• All plates remain the property of the RMV, including after registration.  

National Grid has announced that applications are open for the “Charging our Future” scholarship, designed to strengthen the future energy workforce in Massachusetts.  The program will award a total of five scholarships—paired with paid summer internships—to financially eligible Massachusetts resident students pursuing careers in the energy and engineering fields who plan to attend college in either New York or Massachusetts.  The scholarship is also available to an additional five resident students in New York, where National Grid also operates.

Each scholarship will provide $10,000 per academic year to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering. While all engineering students are eligible, priority will be given to electrical engineering and power systems-related coursework. In addition to financial support, scholars will receive a paid summer internship with National Grid.

Eligible applicants must be permanent Massachusetts or New York residents who are high school seniors, high school graduates, or current college students enrolled in or planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year New York or Massachusetts college next year. Selection is based on financial need, academic performance, work experience, leadership, and a personal statement outlining career goals in the energy industry.

As the internship takes place within National Grid’s service territory, students attending school or residing outside those areas in New York and Massachusetts must be willing and able to commute. This requirement will be clearly communicated throughout the application process.

Applications are open now and will close on March 31, 2026. Award notifications will be made in early June with a public announcement to follow in August 2026. Complete eligibility requirements, application materials, and deadlines for the Charging our Future Scholarship found here

DCR announces Summer 2026 Lifeguard and Season Staff Recruitment.

MSBA's 17th Annual "My Ideal School" Contest. The primary goal of the "My Ideal School" contest is to promote discussion among students and teachers as to how thoughtful design and construction of schools in Massachusetts supports student engagement and 21st century learning. This contest is open to all first-grade students currently attending Massachusetts public schools and contest submissions must be postmarked by May 1, 2026 for consideration.

This year, regional winners will be chosen, each of whom will receive a special prize generously donated by M&T Bank. One lucky grand prize winner will also have their "My Ideal School" contest picture featured on the cover of the MSBA Annual Report. Also, winners will be honored at a special awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on June 10, 2026.

For more information, view the 2026 Contest Invitation and Entry Form.

Winners will be notified through their school's administration.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces the Opening of Reservations for the 2026 Camping Season at DCR Parks  

Reservations for DCR’s 25 Campgrounds Open to the Public on February 18; Campers Can Book Up to Four Months in Advance  

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that reservations for the 2026 state park camping season will open to the public on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. Camping season at DCR’s 25 campgrounds will begin in April and continue through October.

“Camping at a DCR park is a cherished tradition for families and friends from all over – many of whom return to the same campground year after year, and in some cases for decades,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Spending time together outdoors strengthens relationships, creates lasting memories, and helps foster the vital connection between people and nature, along with a shared responsibility to care for these special places.” 

Campers should note the following prior to booking a reservation:  

• Reservations are available up to four months in advance of arrival.  
• Same-day reservations are available until 2 p.m. daily through ReserveAmerica 
• Campers should fill out all required fields of the reservation application at the time of booking to ensure a smooth arrival.  
• Visitors without a reservation are not allowed in campsites; however, day-use areas are available for gathering and outdoor activities. 
• All pets must have physical proof of valid rabies vaccination. Entry may be denied at check-in if paper verification cannot be provided.  
   

Campground-Specific Updates 

• Fans of camping at Mount Greylock State Reservation and the Boston Harbor Islands are encouraged to monitor DCR’s website and social media accounts for updates on the camping schedule. 
• Savoy Mountain State Forest’s campground will close July 31, 2026, to accommodate the construction of a new bathhouse.  
• This season, Washburn Island will be available for camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The campground at Washburn Island is accessible by private boat only. Please note that there is no on-site parking at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve or at the Town of Falmouth parking lot at White’s Landing. Campers are responsible for finding suitable parking arrangements. 

Since last season, DCR has made several improvements to its campsites including the new yurts at both Clarksburg State Park and Nickerson State Park. 

A list of DCR campsites can be found at DCR’s camping webpage. Campsites vary in offered accommodations, including showers, flush toilets, and R.V. water and power hook-ups. 

Yurts can be reserved at Myles Standish State Forest, Nickerson State Park, October Mountain State Forest, Clarksburg State Park, Otter River State Forest, Shawme Cromwell State Forest, Wells State Park and Willard Brook State Forest. Cabins can be rented at Mohawk Trail State Forest and Savoy Mountain State Forest. For more information on camping in cabins and yurts visit DCR’s cabin and yurt camping webpage. 

Additionally, approximately 20 of DCR’s campgrounds have accessible campsites that all provide accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and a flat, firm and stable surface for camping. For more information on accessible campsites visit DCR’s accessible camping webpage.  

Last year, DCR accepted nearly 65,000 camping reservations at parks across the state. For more information and questions about the 2026 camping season, visit the agency’s website or email [email protected]. 

National Grid continues its series of in-person Customer Assistance Events in February 2026, part of the utility’s commitment to help customers manage their energy bills. Colder‑than‑normal weather across Massachusetts has led to higher energy use and increased winter bills for many customers. With more cold weather ahead, our customer service teams are here to help residents manage seasonal energy costs and connect with bill‑assistance and money‑saving programs.

The 31 Customer Assistance Events in February 2026 will take place across Massachusetts, hosted at city halls, local senior centers, and other accessible locations, ensuring easy access for senior citizens and other customers. The full list of locations is included below.

National Grid will also host two virtual Bill Assistance webinars this month to provide customers with an overview of bill management solutions and options for financial assistance. Customers can register at the links below for the free webinar, which will be hosted in both English and Spanish:

• Register for the Bill Assistance Webinar in Spanish - February 6, 2026, 1- 2 p.m.
• Register for the Bill Assistance Webinar in English - February 9, 2026, 12- 1 p.m.

These events, which are free and open to the public, are part of National Grid’s broader commitment to affordability and reliability. Customers can find information about upcoming sessions on our Customer Assistance webpage or learn more about managing winter energy bills at ngrid.com/hereforyou. Can also request assistance by calling 1-800-233-5325. 

February 2026 Customer Assistance Events

Help with Managing Energy Bills:

National Grid is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities we serve. We recognize that affordability is a significant concern, and National Grid offers various programs and services to help customers save energy, manage their bills, and access financial assistance. It is not too late to explore programs that help manage energy costs, including signing up for a Payment Assistance Bundle. The bundle combines three helpful solutions to make it easier for managing energy costs and paying down past due amounts over a 12-month period.

• Deferred Payment Agreement: Spread out past-due balance into future monthly payments.
• Automatic Monthly Payments: Automatically deduct payments from your bank account each month and avoid missing due dates.
• Budget Plan: Break down annual energy costs into balanced monthly payments, making it easier to budget and plan expenses.

Customers interested in enrolling in the Payment Assistance Bundle can do so online by visiting ngrid.com/hereforyou, at an in-person event, or by calling 1-800-233-5325.

• Budget Billing: Allows customers to spread their usual payment over twelve balanced monthly payments to help offset the traditionally high winter heating and summer air conditioning peak bills. Doing so makes it easier to anticipate monthly energy costs and plan household budgets. Additional information can be found here. 
• Discount Rates: Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on energy service. To be eligible, applicants must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Visit the Discount Rate application to determine eligibility and apply.
• Heat Pump Rate: National Grid introduced a new Residential Heat Pump Rate November 1st to help electric customers save during the winter heating season. Qualified customers who use heat pumps for home heating will receive a reduced delivery rate on electricity from November through April, lowering monthly costs. Customers who think they qualify but did not receive an enrollment confirmation should visit ngrid.com/heatpumprate to fill out the enrollment form to apply and ensure they receive the discount.

On behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security (EOPSS), and the Department of Fire Services (DFS), we are pleased to announce the availability of $6.8 Million in Fire Department Grants.

DFS has opened the FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which reimburses fire departments for the purchase of firefighter turnout gear, hoses, nozzles, communications equipment, hand tools, etc. More than 100 types of equipment are eligible for reimbursement, with a scoring emphasis on equipment that will help departments meet current NFPA and OSHA standards. The application period opened on 1/21/26.

• Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program:
• Notice of Funding Opportunity and grant application: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/grants-for-fire-departments#firefighter-safety-equipment-grant-program

DFS is also preparing to open the FY26 Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE Grant program, which funds age-appropriate fire and life safety education for school-age children and older adults. $1.8 million will be distributed to local fire departments for overtime and equipment associated with visits to schools, senior centers, and homes. The application period is expected to open next week.

• Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE grant program:
• Notice of Funding Opportunity and grant application: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/student-awareness-of-fire-education-safe

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) are pleased to announce that the inaugural round of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program has opened. Established and appropriated through Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025, this fund is designed to support a competitive matching grant program for major sports or entertainment events.  

The $10 million available in this round is dedicated to supporting uses related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Non-profit organizations and municipalities are eligible to apply, and by statute, no more than half the balance of the fund may be granted to any one recipient in any calendar year. MOTT will consider applications supporting match hosting, Fan Fests, watch parties, and team home bases. Per statute, grants will take into account both economic impact and geographic equity. 

More information and the program application can be found at https://mott.submittable.com/submit