Massachusetts news

• 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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