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  ❤️ Donate Wednesday, August 12, 2026 ☀️ Sunny, high of 85. Good Morning Boston, Do you have some blood to spare? The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood as supply levels hit dangerously low levels. It's the worst shortage since January 2022. So if you can, roll up that sleeve. But first, the news: Finally home: A Massachusetts resident and veteran who was held in Russia for more than four years is now back in the United States. Robert Gilman, 32, had been held in prison under abusive conditions and was seriously ill and near death, according to Global Reach, a group that’s been working to free him and other American detainees abroad. No exchange of hostages took place, according to President Trump. This was a "humanitarian release" on the part of the Russian government, according to Kieran Ramsey, chief investigative officer for Global Reach. "Ultimately, though, it was Robert's precarious health situation that enabled the U.S. government to...

  New from CommonWealth Beacon TAX SLAP-DOWN: The state’s highest court on Thursday tossed a measure from the November ballot that sought to trim the income tax rate by one-fifth, stopping in its tracks a bruising, months-long political fight that would have carried major implications for both household budgets and public services. Chris Lisinski and Jennifer Smith have the details. THINK SMALL: A new report from the Pioneer Institute says there is a mismatch between need and supply on smaller homes, and that’s causing issues for young families and seniors who would like to downsize. Jennifer Smith digs in. OPINION: In a blistering pushback, House Speaker Ron Mariano says State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s attempt to audit the Legislature may be an effective “ political strategy ,” but “don’t mistake her performative attacks for a genuine attempt to reform the system for the better.” OPINION: Recent federal reviews have raised questions about Massachusetts’s oversight of special edu...