• Part One Crime in Area A-1 Down Negligibly

    By Dan MurphyHeading into this Thanksgiving, the rate of Part One crime in Area A-1 was negligibly less than last year.According to Boston Police, 1,971 incidents of Part One crime were reported in the district, which includes Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Downtown, and the North End, between Jan. 1 and Nov. 9, 2025, compared with 1,977 incidents during the same timeframe last year.This year marked a nearly 7-percent increase from the five-year average of 1,846 Part One crime incidents in the district
  • Wu Joins in the Annual Holiday Tree for Boston Cutting Ceremony in Nova Scotia

    Special to the TimesMayor’s office Photos By Paul Bologna
    This marks the 54th year of the annual tree donation, celebrating 108 years of friendship between Boston and Nova Scotia. The tradition honors the
    people of Boston for their emergency assistance following the devastating 1917 munitions explosion in Halifax Harbor. .Mayor Michelle Wu takes part
    in the cutting of the 45-foot white spruce
    Waddie Long, Natural Resources Environmental Technology instructor at Nova Scotia Community Colleg
  • Transparency Still Needed Despite MWRA Tabling Board Vote on CSO Plan

    By Times staffAlthough the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) ultimately didn’t vote on the recently proposed Combined Sewer Overflows plan at its Nov. 19 board meeting, transparency is still being urged in the decision-making process going forward to allow the public  to participate in the process.A few weeks ago, the MWRA and the cities of Cambridge and Somerville unveiled sewage control proposals that raised serious concerns regarding what public health and the Clean Wa
  • Swearing in Ceremony for Mayor Wu and the Boston City Council Set for January 5 

    Special to the TimesThe 2026 Boston Inauguration Committee announced that the City of Boston will host Mayor Michelle Wu’s swearing in ceremony for her second term as mayor on the first Monday of the year in accordance with the City Charter, on January 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. The inauguration ceremony for Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston City Council will take place at the historic Boston Symphony Hall. Following the ceremony, Mayor Michelle Wu will host a series of events and activations throu
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  • Individual Shot on Bowdoin Street, Hospitalized with Life-threatening Injuries

    By Times staffAn individual was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being shot on Bowdoin Street on the morning of Friday, Nov. 14, boston.com reported.At about 9:15 a.m., Boston Police responded to a report of a person shot at 39 Bowdoin St., described as a lodging house, where they located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was then transported to an area hospital.The victim’s name hasn’t been released, and no further information on the incident was a
  • An Appetite for Art – the Future of Art in Boston 

    By Arielle ApplebyDoors to the stately brick-walled SoWa Power Station opened to a maze of contemporary art booths on a nippy Thursday night in October. The smell of fresh paint lingered, ambient jazz cushioned a buzz of voices and laughter, while the signature sound of cocktail shakers prepped drinks for an edgy young crowd. Many members of Boston’s new generation say they are hungry for art, and perhaps for the first time, their appetite was satiated at the Affordable Art Fair held
  • Wu Celebrates Progress of Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub Amid National Snap Emergency

    Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu gathered with partners of the Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub for a one-year progress update on the Hub’s operations as partners work to address food insecurity exacerbated by the federal government shutdown and delay in SNAP benefits. In its first year of operations, the Food Access Hub served an average of 20,000 individuals every month, distributing almost 62,000 pounds of produce, on average, every single week. In one year, organizatio
  • Boston Harbor Now Bolsters Resilient, Welcoming Harborwalk

    Special to the TimesBuilding on its nearly 10 years of work to create a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient Boston Harborwalk, Boston Harbor Now has appointed its first-ever Senior Manager for Harborwalk, Access and Resilience overseeing the 43-mile coastline public trail.The recruitment of Jason Rundle, a coastal access and environmental advocate who also holds a graduate degree in public health, puts a dedicated lead and champion in charge of all aspects of implementing Boston Har
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  • Water Authority Board Tables Vote on Proposal to Dump Sewage in Charles River Forever

    Special to the TimesFollowing a wave of public outrage over the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s (MWRA) recently-proposed plan to allow for sewage to continue to be dumped into the Charles River forever, the MWRA Board of Directors has tabled a scheduled vote on the proposal at its November 19 meeting.“The public has responded loud and clear. No amount of sewage is acceptable to be dumped in our beloved Charles River,” said CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton. “
  • New England Aquarium Invites Families to Special Screening of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo

    The New England Aquarium is hosting a family movie night during Thanksgiving weekend with a special screening of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo on the Simons Theatre’s five-story giant screen.This family-friendly evening offers audiences the chance to revisit the ocean adventure that introduced millions to the wonders of marine life, from clownfish and blue tangs to sea turtles and white sharks. The screening provides an opportunity to connect beloved animated characters with the re
  • City of Boston and Northeastern Announce New Five-year Pilot Agreement and 10-Year

    institutional master plan, including historic commitments on housing and community benefitsSpecial to the TimesThe City of Boston and Northeastern University announced landmark agreements on an Institutional Master Plan (IMP) and Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT), which include unprecedented housing commitments and community benefits for the City and neighborhoods around Northeastern. The IMP includes approximately $62.5 million in community benefits over the next 10 years, as well as $16.5 milli
  • SoWa: the Creative Enclave Thriving Just Off Boston’s Grid

    By Arielle ApplebyAn artist takes the long way to her studio, passing through a tranquil park bathed in morning light. She is alone, save a few squirrels and a grandmotherly figure thumbing pages of an old book on a nearby bench. She stops to admire a grand fountain and the crystalline droplets dancing in the morning light.She may have slept through her alarm this morning, and a considerable queue of emails is waiting at the office, but there is no firm timeline in her work routine. She lives th
  • More Than Words Shifts to Thrift as it Meets Changing Consumer Needs

    Special to the TimesMore Than Words, the Boston-based nonprofit social enterprise that empowers system-involved youth through paid work experience and leadership development, announced a major evolution of its retail business model. Beginning this month, the organization’s flagship Boston bookstore at 242 East Berkeley Street will evolve to include a curated thrift shopping experience featuring pre-loved clothing, home goods, and small furniture, in addition to its longstanding book offeri
  • Coastal Climate Resiliency Issues at the Center of the Massachusetts MBC Annual Hearing

    Special to the TimesThe Metropolitan Beaches Commission (MBC) and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay hosted their annual hearing at the Massachusetts State House on the condition of the 15 metropolitan beaches stewarded by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). DCR’s new Commissioner, Nicole LaChapelle, testified on the agency’s ongoing work to ensure the beaches are welcoming to all and strengthen the resiliency of DCR properties along the Boston coastline.“Our coastli
  • Annual Veterans Day Parade

    Mayor’s Office Photo by Mike Mejia
    The city held its annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 8, to honor the service and sacrifices of all
    who have served and those who continue to serve. This year’s parade featured 40 veteran-supporting organizations from across the state and over 1,100 participants.
  • Restored Madonna and Child Tiffany Window Returns Home

    By Dan MurphyCourtesy of Serpentino Studio
    A close-up of the Madonna and Child detail after conservation.
    After undergoing an approximately year-long, off-site conservation process, The Madonna and Child Window has returned home to the sanctuary of Church of the Covenant in the Back Bay.Between 1894 and 1897, the sanctuary at the church, located at 67 Newbury St., was completely redecorated by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Co., including the installation of “glass mosaic at the front, the h
  • City Offering Incentives for Landlords Who Rent to Individuals Transitioning Out of Homelessness

    By Dan MurphyThe city is now offering two programs that give significant incentives for landlords of Boston properties who rent to individuals transitioning out of homelessness.The city’s Home for the Holidays campaign is seeking to support landlords who rent to individuals moving out of homelessness by matching households who have rental assistance vouchers with available units.The program provides landlords with signing bonuses, up to two-months’ rent, and also offers stability to
  • Minds Matter Boston Named Community Captain by Bank of America and Patriots Foundation, Receives Grant Toward Mission of Prepping Students for Success

     Special to the TimesBank of America and the New England Patriots Foundation recently awarded $50,000 grants to several charitable organizations, including Minds Matter Boston, a non-profit that helps students from low-income families prepare for educational success. Minds Matter Boston will use the grant to expand their program, which has traditionally focused on high school students, to include college students as well. Bank of America Massachusetts President Miceal Chamberlain greet
  • Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1 Million for Guild House Retrofit

    By Dan MurphyVia the fourth round of funding allocated through its Climate Ready Housing program, the Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded $1 million to the Planning Office for Urban Affairs for the ‘deep energy retrofit’ of The Guild House in Kenmore Square.The proposed 100-percent affordable project at 20 Charlesgate West, made possible via a partnership between the city’s Planning Office for Urban Affairs and the nonprofit Fenway Forward (formerly the Fenway CDC [Commu
  • With Cold Weather on the Way, State Fire Marshal Urges Heating Fire Safety

    Special to the TimesWith temperatures falling into the 30s this week, Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding residents protect themselves and their loved ones from some of the most common home heating hazards.“Most of Massachusetts will see some of the coldest weather since last winter over the next few days,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Heating equipment is the leading cause of carbon monoxide at home and the second leading cause of residential
  • Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $1.1 Million for Public Safety Initiatives

    The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $1,155,240 in public safety grants through the Commonwealth Project Safe Neighborhood (CPSN) Initiative and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program. These awards strengthen partnerships between state and local law enforcement, enhance prosecution of violent crime and human trafficking, and expand community-based prevention and intervention services.For the Commonwealth Project Safe Neighborhood Grant, Suffolk County District Attor
  • Halloween at the Boston Athenaeum

    The Boston Athenaeum held a Halloween party with its members turning the unique private library into a
    house of mystery and fun.Shown (above) Boston Athenaeum Children’s Librarian Shay Class read Scary Stories to guests in the Gordon Reading Room.
    Sadie Alexander brought her own brand of witchcraft to add to the fun at the Athenaeum.
  • Election Results

    Four incumbent City Councilors at-Large reelected in general electionBy Dan MurphyMayor Michelle Wu
    Council President Ruthzee Louijeune
    All four incumbent City Councilors at-Large up for reelection clinched the four open seats in the Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election.According to the city’s unofficial election results, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune topped the bill, garnering 9.23 percent of the ballot (54,503 votes cast). Trailing her were Councilor Julia Mejia, with 16.74 percent of
  • Women’s Lunch Place Receives $7,500 Community Credits Donation from DoorDash

    DoorDash announced a $7,500 Community Credits donation to Women’s Lunch Place, a day shelter and advocacy center that provides meals, essentials, and other services to women experiencing homelessness, hunger and poverty in the Greater Boston area.DoorDash’s Community Credits program provides gift cards to local organizations to help expand access to meals and essentials in the communities they serve. The $7,500 donation will support Women’s Lunch Place’s programs and help
  • Mayor Wu Delivers First Ever State of the Schools Speech

    Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu delivered the first ever State of the Schools address on Oct. 28, to showcase the Boston Public School’s progress under the leadership of Superintendent Mary Skipper. Mayor Wu made a call to action for every sector of the city to invest in Boston’s success by stepping up for our families and our future. Mayor Wu’s goal is to connect every resource in the city to create opportunity, support, and accountability for every student to thrive.Und
  • For “Ride of the Valkyries!” BLO Mashes up Wagner, other Great Arias, American Musicals and More at the SoWa Power Station on Nov. 12 

    Boston Lyric Opera’s Ride of the Valkyries! – a loving send-up of Richard Wagner’s “The Ring Cycle” that marries a “Ziegfeld Follies”-inspired take on the classic German opus with opera’s greatest arias, American Songbook classics and more (plus voiceover narration by Emmy and Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce) – premieres in a one-night-only performance Nov. 12 at the SoWa Power Station in Boston’s South End. Valkyries! is the humoro
  • BPHC Encourages Residents to Apply for Health Insurance during Open Enrollment

    Federal changes are threatening access to health care nationally and in Boston. For many residents, it is already challenging to navigate the health insurance system and maintain coverage, but federal decisions to increase premiums, limit insurance eligibility, and decrease funding only deepen inequities in health access and create more barriers to keeping families healthy. While these changes are confusing and frightening, Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston, and the Boston Public Health Comm
  • BHWF Welcomes Guest Speaker Lyndia Downie

    Story & Photos by Marianne SalzaChilly and raining, Lyndia Downie, President and Executive Director of the Pine Street Inn, anticipated a busy night at the shelter following her October 14 presentation during the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum (BHWF) meeting at the Union Club of Boston. Downie shared the journey that brought her to the Pine Street Inn, and the policies that have led to successful strategies used to combat homelessness in the City of Boston.“We have an incredible board
  • Freedom Trail Commemorates the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Historic Ride

    Boston continues to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride, a momentous event in American history that alerted colonists to British plans and ignited the Revolutionary War. In honor of this milestone, on Thursday, November 13 at 7 pm, “A Revolutionary Concert: Paul Revere. The Man, the Myth, and the Legacy” will be hosted by the Paul Revere Memorial Association at Boston’s historic Converse Hall. Sponsored by the Freedom Trail® Foundation, the special
  • Hill-O-Ween

    D. Murphy Photo
    In keeping with tradition in the neighborhood, Beacon Hill was again festively decorated for Halloween in
    a number of creative ways. Above, 49 Mt. Vernon St. went all-out with their Halloween decorations.
  • Fur Baby Pet Studio Brings Museum-Quality Pet Portraiture to Beacon Street

    By Dan MurphyD. Murphy Photo
    Susan Symonds, co-owner of Fur Baby Pet Studio and its longstanding
    sister business, Infinity Portrait Design, which are both based at 59
    Beacon St.
    Soon after Susan Symonds was granted a second chance in life following a nearly fatal brush with ovarian cancer three years ago, co-owner of the longstanding Beacon Hill photography studio, Infinity Portrait Design,  turned her attention to her love of animals and established Fur Baby Pet Studio.The  new busine
  • Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4

    Election Department issues remindersSpecial to the TimesThe Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the General Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This election will determine the Mayor of the City of Boston as well as the 13 Councilors on the Boston City Council. This includes the nine District City Councilors and four At-Large City Councilors. Poll Worker RecruitmentThe Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming General Munici
  • Licensing Board Approves Four New Liquor Licenses

    Special to the TimesThe City of Boston Licensing Board has approved four new liquor licenses for restaurants across Boston. The approved applicants are located in East Boston, Roxbury, and the South End.   “These zipcode-restricted licenses awarded to local businesses will strengthen our neighborhoods, expand opportunities for business owners, and support the vibrancy of Boston’s communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I encourage local businesses throughout
  • Beacon Hill Blows Up on Social Media with Halloween Decor, Draws Crowds

    By Milena FernslerOn Beacon Hill, Halloween isn’t just a holiday — it’s a neighborhood-wide transformation. Cobblestone streets lined with gas lamps and historic brownstones are overtaken by ghosts, cobwebs and devilish inventions that turn The Hill into one of Boston’s most photographed spectacles.This year, Beacon Hill’s Halloween extravaganza has exploded on social media, turning the neighborhood into a pre-Halloween pilgrimage site for hoards of visitors –
  • Legendary Keezers Comes to Charles Street

    Special to the TimesKeezers, a legendary vintage clothing store has found a new home at 125 Charles St.Crisp and clean, a treasure trove of racks of affordable vintage clothing of every variety, shelves of shoes and jewelry displays.  Everything is clean, freshly laundered and on hangers, separated by categories. In addition, an expert tailoring capability is now in place after merging with Le Couturier House of Alterations.  A friendly and courteous staff is on hand to guide cust
  • Josiah Quincy Elementary School Hosts Annual Dragons F.I.R.E. Fundraiser on Nov. 20

    On November 20, the Josiah Quincy Elementary School will celebrate 178 years of educating Boston’s children with their Dragons F.I.R.E. Fundraiser. The evening event will be filled with tradition, live music, and a delightful 10-course meal, taking place at the Empire Garden Restaurant in Chinatown.By instilling F.I.R.E. values — Focus, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy — the school strives to shape the future leaders of the city and beyond. This year the goal is to raise $200,00
  • Naked Man Who Allegedly Smashed Front Doors of Restaurant is Shot by Police

    By Times StaffPolice responded (below) to the 1928 Beacon Hill restaurant at 97 Mt.
    Vernon St., (above) for a reported breaking and entering in progress.Police shot and arrested a knife-wielding man who allegedly smashed the front glass doors of a popular local restaurant at 5:45 AM on Wednesday.Police responded to a burglar alarm that was reported by a resident who lives in one of the condos above the 1928 Beacon Hill restaurant at 97 Mt. Vernon St. In addition, two employees of a local company
  • Compelling Series of Mixed Media Work by Jane Maxwell Debuts at Lanoue Gallery October 3

    Special to the TimesKick, 2025, 60” x 60”, Mixed media on panel.
    In Your Face, 2025, 60” x 60”, mixed media on panel.
    Artist Jane Maxwell.
    Acceptance vs. Perfection? Pressure vs. Empowerment? Nationally renowned, mixed media artist Jane Maxwell, of Beacon Hill, explores these questions in her solo exhibition, “In Your Face.” Focusing on the pervasive, societal pressure women feel to look younger, her show features a series of 15 provocative paintings and sculp
  • City Council Committee Convenes Special Hearing on Contractor Parking

    By Dan MurphyContractor parking regulations, permitting, and enforcement in Boston was the matter at hand for a special hearing sponsored by the City Council Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation held on Thursday, Sept. 18, at City Hall, as well as virtually.“Contractor parking is one of the top quality-of-life issues I hear about in District 8,” said committee chair and District 8 City Councilor Sharon Durkan during her opening remarks. “It is especially chall
  • East Coast Ivy Boutique on the Move!

    Special to the TimesAfter four years in a tiny upstairs location at 88 Charles St., the renowned fashion boutique East Coast Ivy and its popular owner, Greta Cunniff, have relocated to a large, spacious and sunny ground floor location at 126 Charles St.On July 10, 2021, Greta opened her boutique on Charles Street, and although operating in a small space, it quickly attracted a large and loyal clientele. Her journey to Boston began in Charleston, S.C.“I wanted to find a neighborhood that st
  • City Reaches Settlement over Jordan Mansion Garage Door Proposal

    By Dan MurphyThe city has reached a settlement agreement regarding an appeal of the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission’s determination on Dec. 21, 2023, to deny a design review application for a proposed garage entry door at the rear of the Eben Jordan Mansion at 46 Beacon St.In accordance with the judgment entered in connection with this matter, a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued to the applicant to approve the proposed garage entry door with the following specifications:
  • BHAC Approves Proposed Relocation of Blade Sign for Charles Street Women’s Clothing Boutique

    By Dan MurphyThe Beacon Hill Architectural Commission voted by a majority on a motion to approve a design review application for signage for a longstanding women’s clothing boutique, which is relocating to another location on Charles Street, during the commission’s monthly public hearing held virtually on Thursday, Sept. 18.DressBoston, which is moving from the Charles Street Meeting House at 70 Charles St. to its new home at 62 Charles St., intends to relocate its existing projectin
  • NeighborHealth Launches Boston’s First 24/7 Public Health Vending Machine

    Special to the Patriot-BridgeDuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its 10 Gove Street location in East Boston, NeighborHealth announced the official launch of Boston’s first 24-hour Public Health Vending Machine. This new technology marks a major milestone in the organization’s harm reduction and recovery support services, offering free, anonymous access to life-saving resources in a judgment-free setting.Launched in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), this inn
  • Communities will Determine the Future of Social Cannabis Consumption in Massachusetts

    By Ava Callender Concepcion and Bruce StebbinsOn Sept. 12, members of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission visited the City of Chelsea as part of a series of visits to municipalities across the Commonwealth to educate and engage with state and local leaders, planning and public safety officials, and prospective social consumption businesses about the new license types that will be coming to the Commonwealth.Regional outreach is just one of our many efforts to gather feedback from s
  • WECA Hosts Candidates Night for Councilor At-Large Hopefuls

    Courtesy of West End Civic Association
    The West End Civic Association (WECA) hosted a very successful candidates’ night on July 10. Attending were nine of the 10 candidates running for the four councilor-at-large seats. This included all four of the incumbents. Each candidate presented their background, their accomplishments, and their priorities
    and goals if elected. The preliminary election is Sept. 9, and the final election is Nov. 4. WECA will not meet in August. The next meeting is T
  • Rugg Road Paper Co. Finds New Home on Charles Street

    By Dan MurphyD. Murphy Photo
    Geraldine O’Hagan, managing owner of Rugg Road Paper Co., stands outside the shop’s soon-to-be former home at 105 Charles St.
    Rugg Road Paper Co. is leaving its longtime home at 105 Charles St., at the end of July, but owner Geraldine O’Hagan wants her many loyal customers to know that the beloved neighborhood stationary shop isn’t closing – in fact, it’ll be relocating in mid-August to a much bigger space, just across the street a
  • Wu and Age Strong Announce over $1.2 million in Grants

    Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu and the Age Strong Commission last week announced the recipients of two grant programs totaling $1,276,000 to support Boston residents aged 60 and older. The first, the Expanding Engagement grant program, awarded $570,000 to 44  nonprofit community organizations to create new or expand existing programs that promote greater engagement and social connection among older adults. The second, the Behavioral Health grant program, awarded $706,000 to 11 nonpro
  • Wu Announces New North End, West End and Wharf District Neighborhood Liaison

     Mayor Michelle Wu announced Maria Perez as the new North End, West End, Wharf District Liaison in the Office of Neighborhood Services. The Office of Neighborhood Services is integral in connecting residents to City services and resources, facilitating resident input in all aspects of local government, ensuring the appropriate City departments respond to constituent service requests, attending neighborhood meetings, and responding to emergencies such as fires to help displaced residents.&ld
  • Wu, Officials Celebrate first 100+ Units Converted from Offices

    Special to The Times Mayor Wu, along with City and State officials, last week celebrated the first 141 homes that are currently under construction and being converted from former vacant office buildings, as part of the City of Boston’s Office to Residential Conversion Program, 26 of which will be income-restricted. These buildings include 263 Summer Street, 129 Portland Street, 615 Albany Street, and 281 Franklin Street. The building at 281 Franklin Street, which will create 15 homes,
  • State Retailers Set for Sales Tax-free Weekend on Aug. 9, 10

    Special to the TimesSaturday, August 9, 2025, and Sunday, August 10, 2025, are the official dates of Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday thanks to actions taken by the Massachusetts Legislature today. During the holiday, the state’s 6.25 per cent sales tax is suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500.A 2018 state law, which made the sales tax holiday permanent, requires the Legislature to vote to set the dates of the holiday each year. Both branches adopted resolutions
05 Dec 2025

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