Massachusetts news

• 13th annual Boston JerkFest 


  10-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  With the FIFA World Cup in full swing and Sail Boston drawing thousands of visitors to the city, the 13th Annual Boston JerkFest turns up the Caribbean heat July 10–12 with its biggest festival yet. Expanding to three days and a larger footprint at Ohiri Soccer Field at the Harvard Athletic Complex (95 North Harvard Street, Boston), this year’s “Feme Tropikal” theme celebrates the powerful influence of women in Caribbean music, food, culture, and sports.

  The expand
  
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• Tom Ambrosino will retire as administrator of state courts

  10-07-2026 07:02 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Tom Ambrosino, one of the most influential municipal leaders in the history of two communities, Revere and Chelsea, has announced that he will be retiring as the court administrator of the Massachusetts Trial Court.

  Ambrosino said he notified court personnel that he will be retiring in the fall. “I haven’t yet submitted my paperwork to the state, but it’s sitting on my desk ready to be hand-delivered. I’ll probably retire sometime in September.”

  From h
  
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• Free Arts and Crafts 
and STEM Workshops arrive in Boston Parks

  10-07-2026 07:02 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the return of free Arts & Crafts Workshops and the introduction of STEM & Youth Preparedness Workshops for children through the ParkARTS program. Kids ages three to ten can enjoy a wide variety of activities led by local artists and instructors, including special programming right here in Beacon Hill. 

  Local Beacon Hill Events:

  • Rosalita’s Puppets Marionette Performance: Thursday, July 30 at 11 a.
  
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• XV Beacon named No. 1 City Hotel in Boston


  10-07-2026 07:01 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The XV Beacon hotel has been named the No. 1 City Hotel in Boston and No. 1 City Hotel in the United States in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, as voted entirely by readers.

  XV Beacon, which opened in 1999, is located within a meticulously restored 1903 Beaux-Arts landmark building in the heart of Beacon Hill. Its 61 rooms “offer the warmth and comfort of a private residence paired with the attentive service of a world-class hotel,” according to a press rel
  
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• Sail Boston 2026 launches interactive fleet tracker to follow ships in real time


  10-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Sail Boston 2026 is proud to announce the launch of its official interactive Fleet Tracker, powered by Aqua Map technology. Designed to enhance the viewing experience for maritime enthusiasts, locals, and visitors, this new tool provides an unparalleled and close-up look at this summer’s historic maritime celebration.  

  Users can reference the Fleet Tracker to follow the Tall Ships as they make their way into Bost
  
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• Governor Healey Proclaims July 5-11 as ‘Hurricane Preparedness Week’ 


  10-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  To encourage residents to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes, Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed July 5 to July 11, 2026, as “Hurricane Preparedness Week” in Massachusetts. 

  During the week-long initiative, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will share informational resources to help individuals, families, businesses and municipalities protect life and property before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane. 

  “Preparing before a
  
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• First aid tips

  10-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  We recently welcomed new neighbors and their dog to our floor and let them know we had an animal first-aid kit ready if ​​they ever needed it. Since our Poppy is our third Westie, we’ve fostered other Westies, and we live in a pet-friendly building, our kit has been used quite often over the years. What’s more, it doubles as a bit of puppy luggage whenever we travel.
First Aid Kits
Whole Dog Journal recently published a great article on the best first-aid kits
  
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• Fan expo Boston 2026 returns with legendary comic creators


  10-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  FAN EXPO Boston, the three-day pop culture extravaganza, is set towelcome 60+ of the world’s top comic creators alongside an all-star lineup of celebrity guests, animation and gaming voice actors, cosplayers, and more at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC), August 7–9. As Boston’s biggest pop culture event, FAN EXPO brings together fans of comics, manga, anime, TV shows, movies, gaming, and more to celebrate with friends, family, and, of course, th
  
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• City selects first of three options for new South End Branch Library


  10-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The City of Boston has selected the first of three options for the eagerly awaited $32 million redevelopment of the South End Branch Library, with an approach that prioritizes making the least impact on the adjacent park.

  “The project schedule remains on track, with the prequalification stage of contractor selection underway,” Mohammed Missouri, executive director of the city’s Office of Neighborhood Services, wrote in part in a July 2 email to South End community member
  
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• Beacon Hill Cleaners To Reopen This Month

  02-07-2026 13:05 via beaconhilltimes.com
  D. Murphy Photo
  After a lengthy closure due to structural issues stemming from construction
  work next door, Beacon Hill Cleaners is expected to reopen this
  month, according to the business owner.
  The drycleaners, which has been owned and operated continuously by
  the Tran family since 1991, was among the 30 recipients honored by
  the city as longstanding ‘Legacy Businesses’ at the inaugural Legacy
  Business Ceremony and Reception three years ago.
  
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• Fourth of July Celebration Starts at Boston Harborfest

  02-07-2026 13:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesBack for America’s 250th birthday is Boston Harborfest presented by Citizens, one of the nation’s largest 4th of July celebrations. From July 2-4, hundreds of thousands of attendees are expected to enjoy events and activities throughout Downtown Boston and along Boston Harbor, including Thursday’s kickoff ceremony, access to historical sites, free live music, and fireworks. Media will be provided on-site access for photography, interviews, and reporting
  
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• Boston Groundwater Trust’s Walking Tour Focuses on Lower Hill

  02-07-2026 12:54 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesPhoto Courtesy Scott Metzger/BGWT
  Christian Simonelli, executive director of Boston Groundwater Trust, leading a groundwater walking tour of
  lower Beacon Hill on June 20.As part of Boston Groundwater Trust’s 40th anniversary year, Christian Simonelli, the BGwT’s executive director,  led more than 35 guests  on a walking tour of lower Beacon Hill on Saturday, June 20.“The neighborhood’s familiar brick row houses and historic streets provided t
  
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• Parking Restrictions in Effect for July 4 Celebration on Esplanade

  02-07-2026 12:52 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to The TimesParking restrictions are now in place through Sunday, July 5, to accommodate the July Fourth celebration event on the Esplanade per the City of Boston.Road closure should be anticipated, with Boston Police closing Beacon Street from Arlington Street to Hereford Street, usually around 7 p.m. Charles Street also closes for the dispersal, and the closure is from Charles Circle to Boylston Street.Parking restrictions will be in effect through Sunday on the following streets: Beac
  
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• Fire Marshal urges to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

  02-07-2026 12:52 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesFires, explosions, and serious injuries related to illegal fireworks spike each summer in Massachusetts, and fire service leaders are hoping to reverse last year’s increase over 2024.“Here in Massachusetts, fireworks have caused nearly 500 fires and explosions, almost 200 serious injuries, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage over the past five years,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Tragically, one man even lost his life last summer.
  
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• West End Museum Offers July Programming

  02-07-2026 12:51 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe West End Museum, located at 50 Staniford St., Suite 7 (on Lomasney Way), is kicking off its summer programming with a bang! We will be hosting five different events, including a film screening, walking tour, a second watch party, and more.On July 8th at 6 p.m., the museum will offer ‘Lost & Found: Historic Boston in Postcards,’ Author Talk with Kathy Alpert. At this time, Alpert returns to the museum to discuss her newest work, ‘Lost & Found: His
  
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• USS Constitution to get Underway in Honor of Independence Day, America’s 250th Birthday

  02-07-2026 12:51 via beaconhilltimes.com
  USS Constitution is scheduled to get underway from the Charlestown Navy Yard on July 4 at 10 a.m.This underway honors Independence Day, commemorating the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, as well as the Freedom 250 celebrations taking place across the nation.During the underway, USS Constitution will render a 21-gun salute off Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 11:30 a.m., followed by a 17-gun salute as she passes U.S. Coas
  
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• Revolution 250 Distributes Copies of the Declaration of Independence as Part of Declaration Delivery Day

  02-07-2026 12:51 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesRevolution 250 Executive Director Jonathan Lane alongside historical reenactors and printer Gary Gregory met with state representatives at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, June 25, to deliver hand-printed copies of the Declaration of Independence as part of Delcaration Delivery Day.Historian and printer Gregory has printed hundreds of copies of the declaration at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill using 18th-century techniques, recreating a labor-intensive process
  
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• Enjoy a Safe & Sane 4th of July Weekend

  02-07-2026 12:37 via beaconhilltimes.com
  When Americans celebrated the Fourth of July at the turn of the 20th century, they did so in such rowdy fashion that vandalism and destruction of both public and private property were commonplace.This rampant hooliganism was suppressed only when public officials and the public-at-large decided that the holiday should be observed in what they termed a “safe and sane” manner.Our Fourth of July celebrations today are much more restrained compared to those days, but far too many of us go
  
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• Guest Op-Ed: Fenway Forward Releases Statement on Proposal for Rent Control Legislation

  02-07-2026 12:36 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Fenway Forward has released the following statement:“[Last week], the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court removed the rent control ballot initiative from this year’s ballot based on a technicality regarding exemptions for religious facilities. While this decision is disappointing, it does not erase the fact that more than 157,000 Massachusetts residents signed petitions calling for rent control, sending a clear message that skyrocketing rent increases are untenable amidst the curren
  
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• Seasonal Public Restroom on Common Boast Decorative Mural

  27-06-2026 17:31 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The seasonal public restroom trailer, located a short distance from the entrance to Boston Common at Charles and Beacon streets, features ‘Bright City Symphony,’ a decorative graphic treatment showcasing a vivid city skyline by Dorchester teen artist Sinai Phillips-Thompson, who works with the local nonprofit, Artists for Humanity.
  The ADA-accessible public restrooms, provided by the Friends of the Public Garden in partnership with Meet Boston, the Massachusetts Convention Center Au
  
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• BHAC Denies New Garage Door Proposed in Rear Ell of Chestnut Street Townhouse

  27-06-2026 17:29 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe Beacon Hill Architectural Commission voted unanimously to deny a design review application to create a new garage door opening by modifying the rear ell of a townhouse at 46 Chestnut St. at the commission’s monthly public hearing held virtually on Thursday, June 18.In making his motion to deny the application, which was supported unanimously by Commissioners Annette Given, Ralph Jackson, and Sandra Steele, along with himself, Chair Mark Kiefer noted the Beacon Hill
  
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• Scotland’s Tartan Army Leaves its Mark on City following World Cup Visit

  27-06-2026 17:28 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The John Glover statue on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.D. Murphy Photos
  The George Washington statue in the Public Garden.The Tartan Army descended upon Boston as Scotland made its first Word Cup appearance in 30 years on June 14, at Boston Stadium in Foxboro, where the team went on to defeat Haiti, 1-0. Scotland played a second World Cup game on June 19 at Boston Stadium, this time falling to Morocco, 0-1.While Scotland subsequently departed the area for a scheduled June 24 game against Brazil
  
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• Wu and Commissioner Cox Announce Pilot Allowing Boston’s Licensed Taxis to Accept Rides through Uber and Lyft

  27-06-2026 17:26 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesTo support Boston’s taxi drivers and expand choice for passengers, the City and the Boston Police Department announced a one-year pilot that will, for the first time, allow licensed Boston taxis to accept trip requests generated through TNC apps like Uber and Lyft. The pilot will allow e-hailing apps for licensed taxis, including Curb and ARRO, to interface directly with TNC apps and enable trips to be served by taxis. Such rides will be offered to passengers with the s
  
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• Citizens Named Presenting Sponsor of Boston Harborfest

  27-06-2026 17:25 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesBoston Harborfest proudly announced that Citizens will serve as the new Presenting Sponsor of Boston Harborfest, one of the country’s largest and most cherished Independence Day festivals. The partnership brings together two organizations deeply rooted in the region with a shared commitment to community, civic pride, and celebrating the rich history and culture of Boston, ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.The 44th Boston Harborfest will celebrate Boston’s
  
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• Boston Reports Continued Decline in Homelessness

  27-06-2026 17:25 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Housing today released the results of Boston’s 2026 Point-in-Time Homelessness Count, showing continued progress in reducing homelessness citywide. The annual census found a 19 percent decrease in overall homelessness since 2021, including a 31 percent reduction in unsheltered homelessness and a 28 percent decline in veteran homelessness. The findings reflect Boston’s continued investments in permanent supportive h
  
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• $800,000 Cummings Grant to Fuel Project Bread’s Fight Against Hunger Statewide

  27-06-2026 17:25 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesAs hunger reaches new heights across Massachusetts, Project Bread has secured a major investment to connect households with food. The leading statewide food security organization has been selected as one of 150 nonprofits to receive funding through Cummings Foundation’s annual grant program, which awarded $35 million this year. Chosen through a competitive review process that drew a record 959 applicants, the East Boston-based organization will receive $800,000 over 10
  
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• Wu Launches Tour250 Interactive Map Featuring 25 New Markers Celebrating Boston’s Neighborhood History as Part of Boston 250

  27-06-2026 17:24 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu announced the launch of Tour 250, an interactive map experience featuring 25 new historic markers across Boston’s neighborhoods that spotlight the everyday people, immigrant communities, youth, and other underrepresented groups whose contributions in education, public health, culture, and civic life have shaped the city over the past centuries.“The Boston 250 celebration is an opportunity to experience our city in a new way, inviting residents an
  
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• Statue of Jack Connors unveiled outside old Hancock Tower


  19-06-2026 15:23 via beaconhilltimes.com
  A bronze statue of the late Boston business titan and philanthropist, JackConnors Jr., seated on a bench in the front courtyard of the old John Hancock Tower was unveiled on Tuesday, June 9, at a gathering of around 250 of his family members and friends.

  For many years, Connors, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2024 at the age of 82, helmed the Hill Holliday advertising agency from his office inside the former Hancock Tower (now called 200 Clarendon) and later on the building’s top
  
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• Beacon Hill Civic Association Community Corner


  19-06-2026 15:23 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Upcoming Events

  Groundwater & Wood Piles Walking Tour – Saturday, June 20th, 11am (meet outside Starbucks at Beacon and Charles Streets)

  Founders Reception – Wednesday, June 24th, 6pm (by invitation only)

  Young Friends Social – Wednesday, June 24th, 7pm, Liberty Hotel

  Meet & Greet – Monday, July 6th, 6pm, 75 Chestnut

  

  Upcoming Meetings

  Zoning & Licensing Committee – Wednesday, July 1st, 6pm, via Zoom

  
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• Wu, secretary Phil Eng announce extension of fare-free transit program


  19-06-2026 15:22 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu and MassDOT Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng today announced that the City of Boston has extended its successful fare-free transit program through the end of 2026. During the pilot, ridership has grown faster on Routes 23, 28, and 29 than anywhere else in the MBTA system, while saving families money and improving bus speed and reliability. 

  “Fare-free buses are delivering results for residents—saving commuters money, easing traffic, and gro
  
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