Maine news

• Long-term left-lane closure on Bowker Viaduct plan

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing a long-term left lane closure on the Bowker Viaduct in the northbound direction between the Boylston Street intersection and Storrow Drive in Boston. This closure will begin on Monday morning, August 17, and is necessary to support ongoing construction activity related to the Bowker Overpass Replacement Project. This closure is anticipated to remain in place until the end of this year. 

  Vehicular barriers and a fixed w
  
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• West End Museum celebrates Boston roots of Leonard Bernstein with live musical performance

  14-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  On Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m., The West End Museum, in partnership with Queer History Boston and Crescendo Productions, invites the neighboring communities of Beacon Hill and the West End to a special live musical performance celebrating the legendary Leonard Bernstein. The event will take place at the Hub Community Room at North Station, located just steps away at 52 Causeway St.

  This lively musical program, entitled ‘West End Story: Community and the Music of Leonard Bernstein,&r
  
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• Salads score despite recalls

  14-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  This is a great time of year to add salads to your menu. However, with the recent recalls of lettuce, some of you might be dodging this option. Let us remind you that there are salads from all over the world that never come close to lettuce or other greens. 
So step away from those wiltable side salads and skip the salad green mixed bag. Now is your opportunity to explore salads that can be made in large batches, enjoyed for more than one meal, plus do a better job of supplying a wide rang
  
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• News Briefs 8-14-26

  14-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  West End Museum’s August programming continues

  The West End Museum, located at 150 Staniford St., Suite 7, in partnership with Queer History Boston, will offer a screening of ‘1988 Boston Pride March’ and community night on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.

  Learn the local history of pride routes, enjoy ‘80s tunes, snacks, crafts, and community; ‘80s attire is encouraged, but not required. This event is made possible by Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce and MA250
  
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• City announces 26th annual Gospel Fest

  14-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu has announced that Gospel Fest, an annual City event that showcases local and national gospel talent, will take place on Sunday, August 30, at 5 p.m. on City Hall Plaza. The show will be headlined by Billboard Gospel Charts-topping artist Todd Galberth. 

  “This summer, Boston showed the world what it means to be a welcoming, beautiful and family-friendly city for everyone, and we are excited to keep that spirit going with our annual Gospel Fest,” said Mayor Wu
  
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• The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy announces upcoming 2026 seasonal program lineup

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy announced its lineup of upcoming summer and fall events and activities, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy free events, experiences, and seasonal amenities in the heart of Boston. Building on an exciting summer of citywide events and celebrations, The Greenway continues to be a welcoming place for recreation, relaxation, and community connection, featuring food trucks, beverage gardens, fitness classes, festivals, markets, public art, refreshed fountai
  
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• PROTECT Act passes in the Legislature

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  After months of deliberation, commission-building and drafting, An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment—the PROTECT Act (H.5620) – has been passed in both chambers of the legislature. The PROTECT Act was originally filed by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus and guards against violations of all residents’ Constitutional rights, promotes trust in local and state police, and protects against fear-inducing federal immigr
  
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• NEW Health Celebrates National Health Center Week with Community Event

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  North End Waterfront Health (NEW Health) celebrated National Health Center Week (NHCW) with a free community celebration on August 4 at its Charlestown site, which is Charlestown’s first full-service health center and is committed to improving the quality of life for its over 5,000 patients in the neighborhood.This annual celebration endorsed by the National Association of Community Health Centers helps raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers
  
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• New England Aquarium applauds Boston flood protection plan

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Given its location on Boston’s waterfront, the New England Aquarium is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, experiencing flooding during storm surges, king tides, and other extreme weather. Since 2019, the Aquarium has been among those leading the conversation about sea level rise and the importance of coastal preparedness, advocating for a comprehensive resiliency plan for Boston and championing a downtown waterfront for all—one that is resilient, accessible, an
  
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• More than an itch: Treating and preventing

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Between backyard barbecues, beach vacations, and hiking trails, warmer weather encourages us to spend more time outdoors. But alongside all the summer fun in the sun comes the often-overlooked health risk of insect bites and stings.Many people consider insect bites to be nothing more than an itchy inconvenience. A mosquito bite, a bee sting, or a tick found after a hike may seem like an inevitable part of enjoying nature. However, some bites and stings can lead to serious health concerns, includ
  
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• Massport to begin Phase 2 of runway safety work at Boston Logan Airport

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will begin the second phase of critical runway safety improvements at Boston Logan later this month, with work expected to be completed before Thanksgiving. This phase continues the installation of the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) at the end of Runway 27, building on work completed last fall. The project is an important investment in maintaining and enhancing the safety of Boston Logan’s airfield. To accommodate construction, Runwa
  
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• Markey, Pressley release report showing success of fare-free transit

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) released a new report, Making Transit Free, Frequent, and Reliable: Massachusetts shows the need for federal investment in fare-free transit, detailing the need for increased federal investments in fare-free transit. Senator Markey and Congresswoman Pressley are lead sponsors of the Freedom to Move Act, which would provide $25 billion to communities to pilo
  
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• Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks grant application cycle

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Friends of the Public Garden opened applications for small grants supporting community-led improvements to neighborhood parks and public greenspaces across Boston through the Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks. Neighborhood groups, resident associations, nonprofits, and other community organizations may apply, and official 501(c)(3) status is not required.Established in 2024, the Henry Lee Fund helps Boston residents and community organizations turn locally identified ideas into lasting improve
  
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• Helping Rescue animals

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  There are many ways you can help dogs in rescue situations. You could volunteer with a rescue group or shelter and see what assignments might fit your lifestyle and schedule. You could walk dogs and play with cats, giving critters one-on-one attention while they are in the shelter. If you have more time, you could visit and assess potential adoptive homes. You could also help transport animals to and from shelters, foster homes, or new families.
  Foster Homes
  If you’ve ever wondered whether
  
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• Council recognizes community resources supporting health and well-being across Boston

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Strong communities are built through access to resources that support residents’ health, connection, and quality of life. During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted resolutions recognizing National Farmers Market Week and National Health Center Week, honoring the organizations, workers, and community partners who help support residents across Boston.

  The Council recognized National Farmers Market Week, celebrated annually during the first week of August, and highl
  
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• Clean water and land conservation advocates launch ‘YES on 6’ campaign with Charles River

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Clean water and land conservation advocates from across Massachusetts gathered on the Charles River Esplanade — and ceremonially launched a boat into the Charles River — to mark the official launch of the “YES on 6” ballot campaign. Question 6, the Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative on the November statewide ballot, would dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to protecting and conserving water and nature — without raising taxes.S
  
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• Boston Ballet announces 2026–2027 company roster

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen announces the 2026–2027 season roster. The Company includes a diverse roster of 67 professional dancers from around the world. Four new dancers join the main Company, eight new dancers join Boston Ballet II (BBII), and 10 Boston Ballet and BBII dancers received promotions for the upcoming season.“As I celebrate my 25 years with Boston Ballet, I can’t imagine a more inspiring group of artists to lead,” said Artistic Director M
  
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• BHAC set to meet Aug. 20

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission will hold a public hearing on August 20 at 5 p.m.

  ZOOM: HTTPS://WWW.ZOOMGOV.COM/J/1655520374

  Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, reviews of architectural violations, and such businesses as may come before the commission, in accordance with Chapter 616 of the Acts of 1955 of the Massachusetts General Law as amended. Applications are available by request. Applicants or their repr
  
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• Archaeological report reveals extent of historic Bunker Hill finds

  07-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Months after ground-penetrating radar and historic 1775 maps first pointed to potential buried history at the Bunker Hill Monument, those high-tech clues have resulted in tangible discoveries right beneath our feet. Back in June, the Charlestown Patriot Bridge reported on the initial stages of this groundbreaking archaeological effort to map out the battle’s original footprint. 

  Now, the City of Boston Archaeology Program has released the highly anticipated findings from its summer
  
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• We love affogatos

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Here’s the setup for pour-your-own affogato corretto: vanilla ice cream in the cup, espresso in the tiny pitcher, and a shot of amarretto in the glass.We’ve always been surprised that dining spots that serve espresso drinks and ice cream don’t have affogatos on their dessert or after-dinner drink menus. We hope that as these traditional Italian drinks gain traction on social media, the hospitality industry will recognize that this can be a welcome and profitable add-on to a me
  
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• New England Aquarium releases five more endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles off Cape Cod

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Vanessa Kahn/New England Aquarium
  Rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtle “Gigi” enters Nantucket Sound on July 22, 2026.
  New England Aquarium releases five more endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles off Cape CodFive rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean waters off Cape Cod after the New England Aquarium’s fourth sea turtle release of the summer Wednesday morning.For the past seven months, staff at New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle
  
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• Letter to the Editor 7-31-26

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Who is responsible for the landscapingTo the Editor:I was very pleased when the North Washington Street (now Bill Russell) Bridge reopened after much anticipation, many delays and years of inconvenience.One of the special aspects of the new bridge was the landscaping: the daffodils in the spring, the trees in the middle of the walkway and the various grasses and shrubs that line both sides of the span.On a recent walk to the North End, I noticed that the plantings are uncared-for: the vines that
  
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• Healey urges Congress to pass legislation extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  On Monday, Governor Maura Healey urged the U.S. Senate to pass legislation extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, which has already been passed by the House of Representatives.
  Local congressional and business leaders voiced support for the passage of the Senate legislation.TPS for Haitians was set to expire on Monday after the Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s plan to end this policy that has been in place since 2010. Healey highlighted what she said is the critical
  
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• Healey-Driscoll Administration expands firefighter survival training with new mobile SCBA maze

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) announced the expansion of firefighter survival training at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) with the addition of a new mobile self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) training maze. The new training system will increase access to realistic, hands-on instruction for recruit and veteran municipal firefighters across the Commonwealth.“One of DFS’s most important responsibilities is ensuring firefighters across Massachuset
  
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• ‘Fatal Firefighter Injuries in the U.S.’ report shows 83 on-duty deaths in 2025

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) released its “Fatal Firefighter Injuries in the U.S. in 2025” report, which showed that a total of 83 U.S. firefighters died while on-duty, or as a result of heart attacks, strokes, or medical conditions within 24 hours of duty, in 2025. This number reflects a 17 percent increase over the 69 fatalities reported in 2024, with the majority of the on-duty fatalities (65, or 78 percent of the total) resulting from traumatic injur
  
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• Commissioner rejects proposed rate increase from Fallon Community Health Plan, re-negotiated seven proposals to save $72 million for 670,000 residents

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Governor Maura Healey announced that the Division of Insurance has negotiated down proposed rate increases from seven health insurers, saving Massachusetts residents and businesses a projected $72 million in health care premiums for 2027.
  The Division of Insurance re-negotiated lower rates with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, INC., Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Health New England, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Public Plans, United Healthcare and WellSense Health
  
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• Cambridge Breast Center earns national recognition for patient care

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north communities, has received a three-year reaccreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program of the American College of Surgeons.
  Programs accredited by the NAPBC follow a model that facilitates multidisciplinary, integrated, and comprehensive breast cancer services. The NAPBC focuses on the spectrum of a patient’s journey with bre
  
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• Annual Feast of the Madonna Della Cava returns to the North End August 7-9

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Annual Feast of the Madonna Della Cava will be held on Hanover Street (between Charter St. & Commercial St.) on August 7-9.Friday: 8 – 10:30 p.m.Saturday: 2 – 4 p.m. and8 – 10:30 p.m.Sunday: 2 – 4 p.m. and 5 – 8 p.m.Hosted by the Society of the Madonna Della Cava, a North End-based religious and cultural organization founded by Sicilian immigrants. The Society honors the Madonna Della Cava, the patron saint of Pietraperzia, Sicily, where the original festiva
  
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• ABCD, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and the Boston Red Sox celebrate community partnerships

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler threw out the first pitch for Harvard Pilgrim Health Day at the July 19th Red Sox game where the Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1. ABCD Foster Grandparent Marylyn Johnson joined Scott-Chandler at the pitcher’s mound. ABCD is a long standing nonprofit partner of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care — the Official Health and Wellness Partner of the Boston Red Sox.
  A Title X grantee since 1973, ABCD Health Serv
  
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• Wu, USACE announce draft plan to protect Boston against sea-level rise

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the release of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) draft Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, a once-in-a-generation study to protect Boston against coastal flooding and sea level rise. This study, projected to be completed by 2028, will allow the City of Boston to access up to 65% federal cost-sharing to construct coastal resilience projects to prevent an estimated $41 billion in damages from coastal flooding. The proposed projects
  
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