The Charles River is only a few inches deep in the worst spots, some of the lowest levels seen in years. trib.al/gegeHlv

The annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign began Wednesday and will last through the ceremonial end of summer. trib.al/76Ynia6

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/XowfIA6

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

With the region in a severe drought, this week may bring the first real chance of sustained rainfall in a long time. trib.al/g7OeVzA

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

You'll get a 6.25% discount on most smaller purchases this weekend, just in time for back-to-school season. trib.al/22SHY8G

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/yj1XJs4

Another spotted lanternfly infestation has been confirmed in a Massachusetts city, the third one after Shrewsbury and Fitchburg. trib.al/J7rAVOm

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

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/Db9hzR9

A U.S. Census and Harvard University study shows how young adults migrated. Here are the top destinations for Boston-area millennials. trib.al/9rEN8QY

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/qBMcrOP

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

There were 56 less Massachusetts patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Thursday than the week prior. trib.al/OxpyH3Q

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/KdleNiY

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/eCQk0fD

A potential Listeria contamination has the Massachusetts-based company recalling thousands of pounds of ready-to-eat meat products. trib.al/YeNUni6

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/BjGctqD

An injury law firm says multiple passengers retained their service for injuries suffered when escaping an Orange Line train that caught fire trib.al/E6ctouR