Massachusetts news

• Appreciation: Remembering Stephen Score

  21-09-2023 08:49 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesStephen Score, 79, died on Saturday, Sept. 9, of sarcoma bone cancer. He was a husband, a father, and a mensch. He was an icon in the art and antiques trades, revered for his integrity and unfailing “eye.” Whether acting at the Tavern Club or bidding at Sotheby’s, he was passionate and daring. He gave his all. He loved music and concerts at the Harvard Musical Association.
  He was a mentor to so many. A true humanist, he cared deeply about everyone. He always
  
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• Owner Makes Difficult Decision to Close Charles Street Liquors

  22-01-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  By Dan MurphyD. Murphy Photo
  The now-closed Charles Street Liquors at 143 Charles St.
  The decision to close Charles Street Liquors, the longstanding business at 143 Charles St., didn’t come easily for its owner.“For the past year, my wife and I have wrestled with this difficult decision,” Chris Pedersen told this reporter in an email. “After more than 20 years of following my passion for bringing fine wine and spirits to Beacon Hill, I have decided to close the store.&rdq
  
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• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast

  22-01-2026 15:40 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesWith great reverence and pride in our city, Mayor Michelle Wu joined in Boston’s 56th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast.Derek Kouyoumjian Photos
  The Boston Arts Academy Spiritual Ensemble performed Bright Mansions Above.
  Mayor Wu offered these thoughts: Dr. King knew that when fundamental rights come under attack—when hard-won progress must be defended again and again—it becomes difficult to imagine a better future.But he insisted that we are
  
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• Edwards Advances Legislation to Ensure fairness, due Process, and Access to the Courts for All 

  22-01-2026 15:39 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesSenator Lydia Edwards has filed legislation reaffirming a fundamental promise of our democracy: that everyone has fair and safe access to the courts. At a time when increased immigration enforcement activity has created fear around courthouses, the legislation ensures that all residents can participate in legal proceedings, assert their rights, and seek justice without intimidation or obstruction.This legislation is one of two major initiatives introduced by Senator Edwards t
  
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• Area A-1 Sees 4-percent drop in Part One Crime in ’25 from Previous Year

  22-01-2026 15:39 via beaconhilltimes.com
  By Dan MurphyAs 2025 was drawing to a close, Part One crime in Area A-1 was down 4 percent from the previous year.According to Boston Police, 2,174 incidents of Part One crime were reported in the district, which includes Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Downtown, and the North End, between Jan. 1 and Dec. 28, 2025, compared with 2,258 incidents during the same timeframe the previous year. 2025 marked a slight increase from the district’s five-year average of 2,121 Part One crime incidents, however
  
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• RMV Unveils Redesigned Disability Placard to Improve Efficiency  

  22-01-2026 15:38 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced the introduction of a newly redesigned Disability Placard, created to improve security, curb fraud, and expedite delivery. Current placards will remain valid until their expiration date.  The updated placard features several key improvements: · A modern design incorporating the widely accepted universal accessibility logo · Durable material embedded with security
  
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• Boston Public Market welcomes Marzae Cellar + Provisions, Opening Spring 2026

  22-01-2026 15:38 via beaconhilltimes.com
   Special to the TimesBoston Public Market is proud to announce a new partnership with Marzae, the first and only natural winery in Massachusetts, which will open Marzae Cellar + Provisions in the Market’s largest retail space in Spring 2026. The addition represents a significant expansion of the Market’s offerings and reflects its continued commitment to supporting New England producers through innovative, mission-aligned concepts.Founded in 2023 by husband-and-wife team Eliot M
  
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• BHAC Votes by Majority to Dismiss Violation for Unapproved Window decals at Proposed Charles Street Cosmetics Shop

  22-01-2026 15:37 via beaconhilltimes.com
  By Dan MurphyThe Beacon Hill Architectural Commission voted by a majority to dismiss a violation for the unapproved temporary window decals now adorning the proposed future home of a Charles Street shop that will sell luxury skin-care products and cosmetics at the commission’s first monthly public hearing of 2026, which was held virtually on Thursday, Jan. 15.Sisley Paris Boutique intends to open a retail store in a street-level retail space at 31-33 Charles St. last occupied by Benefit Co
  
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• Developer Releases Schedule and Construction management Plan for 27/29 Hancock St. Project

  15-01-2026 19:06 via beaconhilltimes.com
  D. Murphy Photo
  Two adjacent properties at 27/29 Hancock St., which are poised to
  be redeveloped by the nonprofit, Fenway Forward, into a total of 15
  affordable homeownership units.
  Representatives for the newly rebranded Fenway Forward (formerly Fenway CDC) were on hand for a virtual meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, to outline their schedule and construction management plan for a home-ownership project planned for 27/29 Hancock St. Per its agreement with developer JDMD, Fenway Forward -a nonprofit
  
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• Massachusetts Wins $10 million Federal Grant for Early Literacy Tutoring

  15-01-2026 19:03 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the SunThe Healey-Driscoll Administration is  celebrating that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been awarded $10 million from the U.S. Education Department in a new Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant. The state plans to use this funding for early literacy tutoring as part of the administration’s comprehensive strategy to improve literacy for all Massachusetts students.The funding for the 2026-27 school year will support Massac
  
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• Wu and the OYEA Announce Mayor’s Youth Council Cohort

  15-01-2026 19:02 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe 31st cohort of the Mayor’s Youth Council includes 20 high school students from schools across Boston who will represent their peers in City government.
  Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA) recently welcomed the 31st cohort of the Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). The 20 high school students in the new council cohort were inaugurated with a swearing-in ceremony hosted by the Mayor. “For over 30 years, the Mayor&rsquo
  
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• Healey Announces Safety Reforms following Release of the ALR Commission’s Final Report

  15-01-2026 19:02 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesGovernor Maura Healey announced a comprehensive set of reforms to strengthen safety, transparency and consumer protections in assisted living residences (ALRs) across Massachusetts. This action follows the submission of the ALR Commission’s final report to the Legislature, which outlines both regulatory and legislative solutions to improve the safety and well-being of residents.  The ALR Commission was established through the 2024 Act to Improve Quality and Ov
  
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• MassDOT Announces Annual Safe Routes to School Program Yard Sign Design Contest

  15-01-2026 19:01 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), through its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Yard Sign Design Contest. The annual contest raises awareness for transportation-related themes that help support school safety for walking and biking to school and is open to students in second through eighth grade who attend participating SRTS partner public schools. To become an SRTS partner, school administrators can connect with their Outr
  
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• City Offering Free Winter Fitness Series

  15-01-2026 19:01 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) are pleased to announce the 2026 Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The series will offer free weekly classes in City of Boston parks until April 4. This season, Bostonians can enjoy a variety of healthy activities both indoors and outdoors, including Walking Group, line dancing, Bota Foga, Kids Dance Fitness, Strength and Balance,
  
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• The Museum of African American History Marks a Century of Black History Commemorations throughout the Month of February 

  15-01-2026 19:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
   Special to the TimesIn 2026, Black History Week will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The observance was expanded into a monthlong celebration in 1970, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of Black history and culture. To honor this historic milestone, the Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket (MAAH) invites the public to take part in a vibrant series of programs, many offered at no cost, at its 46 Joy Street location on Boston&r
  
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• Boston City Council Welcomes Councilor Miniard Culpepper

  15-01-2026 19:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe Boston City Council welcomed Councilor Miniard Culpepper, who began his first term representing District 7 on January 5, following a recent inauguration ceremony.Councilor Culpepper represents the neighborhood of Roxbury and sections of Dorchester, Fenway, and the South End. Born and raised on Seaver Street in Dorchester, he was shaped by a family legacy rooted in activism, faith, and community leadership. His grandparents were the first Black couple to live on Seaver Str
  
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• Significant Drought Conditions Declared in Central and Northeast Regions

  15-01-2026 18:59 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Drought conditions worsen in the Southeast Region, Nantucket County and Millers Basin, while conditions have improved in Dukes County Special to the TimesEnergy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper has declared the Central and Northeast Regions have worsened to a Level 2–Significant Drought. Conditions also declined in nearly all other regions, moving the Southeast Region to a Level–1 Mild Drought and the Millers River Basin to a Level 3-Critical Drought. In
  
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• MBTA to Operate two Patriots Trains from Boston on Sunday, January 18

  15-01-2026 18:59 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the MBTA’s operations and maintenance partner for Commuter Rail, announced today that two trains will operate from Boston to Gillette Stadium for the Patriots playoff game on Sunday. Additionally, a third train will operate from Providence to Gillette. Tickets are limited and are currently available through the mTicket app.Trains to Foxboro:The first train from Boston will depart South Station at 12:40 PM and arrive in Foxboro at 1:40 PM. The
  
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• Wu Appoints Lydia Torres and Franklin Peralta, and Reappoints Stephen Alkins to Boston School Committee 

  15-01-2026 18:58 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu recently announced three new appointments to the Boston School Committee, Lydia Torres, Franklin Peralta, and Dr. Stephen Alkins. Torres and Peralta will begin their first terms, and Dr. Alkins will begin his second term, after first being appointed by Mayor Wu in January 2022. The Boston School Committee is the governing body of Boston Public Schools (BPS).“I’m excited to reappoint Dr. Stephen Alkins and appoint Ms. Lydia Torres and Mr. Franklin
  
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• Officials Announce over $300,000 in Swim Safe Grants to Expand Free Swim Lessons for Youth

  15-01-2026 18:58 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe City of Boston’s Office of Human Services and Boston Centers for Youth & Families announced the award of Swim Safe grants totaling $314,118 to 15 Boston-based nonprofit organizations to expand access to free beginner swim lessons for young people across the city. The grants bolster Boston’s ongoing efforts to enhance water safety and equitable access to aquatics programming.“This investment of City funds ensures that every young person has access to
  
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• Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  15-01-2026 18:57 via beaconhilltimes.com
  For those of a certain age, it is hard to imagine that 2026 will mark 58 years since the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis while he was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. Recalling how we felt when he first heard the news of Dr. King’s murder still brings chills and a deep sense of sadness that never has subsided.For those who are too young to have been alive in that era of American history, there are a few things that everyone should
  
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• Motor Mart Garage Reportedly going back on the Market

  15-01-2026 18:57 via beaconhilltimes.com
  By Dan MurphyThe owner of Motor Mart Garage has apparently scrapped its ambitious redevelopment plans and is now reportedly poised to put the property on the market this winter.The CIM Group, owner of the century-old garage  since 2016, has apparently hired the global commercial real estate services and investment firm, CBRE, to potentially sell the 1.2 acre site, which spans a full city block where Bay Village meets Back Bay, according to the Jan. 7 edition of The Boston Globe. (Banker &am
  
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• BPLF Hosts Free Estate Planning Webinar for Same-sex Couples and Non-traditional Families

  15-01-2026 18:57 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Boston Public Library Fund (BPLF) is proud to announce that it will host an online Zoom  free webinar on Wednesday, February 4, 12:30-1:30 p.m.,  featuring Scott E. Squillace, Esq., for an in-depth program exploring the unique estate planning considerations affecting same-sex couples and non-traditional families.In the wake of shifting federal administrations, LGBTQ+ individuals have faced evolving questions about marriage rights, legal protections, and long-term planning. This pro
  
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• Still Time to get Flu Shots for Yourself and Your Children

  15-01-2026 18:56 via beaconhilltimes.com
  An estimated 7400 Americans already have died from the flu this season. Although most deaths occur among senior citizens, young children are the next most-vulnerable group.The tragedy is that almost all of these deaths would have been preventable if those who died had received their flu shotsIt is not surprising that this flu season has seen more hospitalizations and deaths compared to last year. Fewer Americans have received a flu shot, even though a vaccination is the number one means by which
  
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• Boston Planning Department advances zoning reforms

  08-01-2026 17:30 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe City of Boston Planning Department this year made its first substantial changes to the development review process in decades, continued comprehensive zoning reform of the City, and made progress on revitalizing Downtown Boston. Staff also made progress in creating more housing, including through the Office to Residential Conversion Program, the Neighborhood Housing initiative, and approval of projects by the BPDA Board.Staff advanced 60 new development proposals and 27 no
  
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• Looking Back at ’25 on the Hill

  08-01-2026 17:27 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Courtesy Photo
  Event organizer Ann Heimlicher of Boston Spot-Lite (center) is seen
  with Beacon Hill Business Association members Jack and Cassie
  Gurnon, owners of Charles Street Supply Co.; Brian Maglione of
  Boston Antiques & Lamp Shades and event co-chair; and Laura
  Cousineau, owner of Upstairs Downstairs Home and event co-chair,
  are seen on April 29 during the Beacon Hill Business Association’s
  Beacon Hill Concierge Stroll.
  2025 was yet another noteworthy year on Beacon Hill, marked
  
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• City Officials take Oaths of Office as Mayor Wu Promises, ‘Boston will be a Beacon’

  08-01-2026 17:27 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Staff ReportMayor’s Office Photo By John Wilcox
  Mayor Michelle Wu stands with her family as she takes her Oath of Office from Judge Sarah G. Kim,
  Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court during the Inauguration Ceremony at Symphony Hall.
  Boston Mayor Michelle Wu took the oath of office for the second time on Monday morning, Jan. 5, before a capacity crowd who witnessed the traditional pomp and ceremony of a mayoral inauguration at Boston Symphony Hall.Ron Cobb, the official Cit
  
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• Prevent a Winter Blood Shortage: Give Blood or Platelets Now

  08-01-2026 17:26 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make d
  
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• Boston Man Pleads not Guilty in Hit-and-run Death of Man and his Dog on Comm. Ave.

  08-01-2026 17:26 via beaconhilltimes.com
   By Dan MurphyA 42-year-old Back Bay man is being held without bail after he pleaded not guilty on Monday, Jan. 5, in Boston Municipal Court to face charges alleging he caused a deliberate hit-and-run collision two days earlier on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall that left a venerable art collector and his dog dead.​Shortly after 8 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, the suspect, later identified as  William R. Haney Jr., drove a 2014 Toyota SUV on the mall’s pedestrian walkway  near
  
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• Breadon Elected City Council President

  08-01-2026 17:24 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Coletta Zapata withdraws her candidacyStaff ReportIn a major political development that stunned residents, Liz Breadon was elected the new president of the Boston City Council at its first meeting of the year Monday following the inauguration ceremonies.Local observers were expecting District 1 Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, who represents East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End, to be elected to the top leadership position on the 13-member board. In the weeks leading up to the vote, Col
  
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