Massachusetts news

• Five things you need to know, and what's all this about Threads?

  11-07-2023 12:11
  Good morning, Boston. I'll be heading into the office today on the Blue Line for the first time since the Sumner Tunnel closed. Here's hoping things go smoothly, and here are the five things you need to know in Boston business news to start your Tuesday.Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is proposing a property tax break of up to 75% for building owners to convert their downtown office properties into apartments or condos, Greg Ryan reports.Jenny Hellwig reports that Truly Hard Seltzer, which is owned&hel
  
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• Wu expands Boston Family Days with free, professionally guided tours

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the 2026 Boston Family Days program now includes free, professionally guided tours across the city, giving Boston students and their families new ways to explore the neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories that have shaped Boston for generations. Running from August through early October as part of the City’s Boston 250 commemoration, the new partnership brings together local tour organizations to make Boston’s history and culture more accessible this f
  
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• Wu announces Kerry Jordan as Executive Director of City of Boston Election Department

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Kerry Jordan as the new Executive Director of the City of Boston Election Department and provided an update on the department’s ongoing operational and modernization efforts ahead of the September 1 State Primary. Jordan will assume the role effective September 8, 2026. Until then, Commissioner of City Records Paul Chong, who is serving as Acting Head of the Elections Department, will continue leading day-to-day operations.
  “Over the last several ye
  
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• Old South Church installs Middle Passage Slave Trade educational exhibit

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  As America marks its 250th anniversary year, Old South Church in Boston is inviting the community to confront the nation’s history with honesty—including the painful history of slavery and the lives and labor of the people who shaped this country.
  Gathered in 1669, Old South Church has a long and complex history. Its story includes radical abolitionists and the publication in 1700 of what is believed to be the first anti-slavery tract on this soil. It also includes early ministers an
  
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• Musical ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll brings laughter and music to Boston’s Hale House

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  It was an afternoon filled with music, laughter, birthday wishes and plenty of audience participation when nationally recognized Musical Ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll entertained residents and staff at Hale House, located at 273 Clarendon Street in Boston’s historic Back Bay.
  “Awesome audience, fantastic facility, and super staff!” said Driscoll following the performance. “We were honored to entertain the residents and staff at the Hale House with our musical ventriloquis
  
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• Massachusetts Fire Departments achieve nation’s fourth-highest emergency response rate

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Department of Fire Services announced that Massachusetts fire departments have achieved the fourth-highest reporting rate in the country for the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). 90% of Massachusetts fire departments have reported more than 1.3 million apparatus responses to more than 788,000 incidents. This achievement reflects the state’s commitment to leading the nation in public safety data collection and will help local and state officials make informed decis
  
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• Flynn continues to advocate on public safety around Beacon Hill

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  As a violent summer in the City of Boston begins to come to an end and families prepare for their students to return to school, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn continues to focus his advocacy on public safety and ensure we as a city are providing a safe and healthy environment for all residents, families, students and workers in downtown, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the Boston Common.As the school year approaches, Councilor Flynn has met with concerned parents and educators to discuss concerns abo
  
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• DCR warns drivers about “Storrowing” on move-in day

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Ahead of Greater Boston’s college move-in day on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is reminding drivers of moving trucks and other large vehicles to avoid roads with low-clearance bridges, including Storrow Drive, Soldiers Field Road and Memorial Drive.DCR works with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and Massachusetts State Police (MSP) to alert drivers that these parkways, commonly known as the River Roads, are restricte
  
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• Co|So announces next show ‘Fantastical Realities’

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Copley Society of Art (Co|So) is excited to announce its next Juried Members Show: Fantastical Realities starting September 17. In this exhibition, works explore unexpected color and dimensions, psychological interiors, speculative futures and reimagined pasts. Artists interpret this theme broadly, from surreal landscapes and legendary narratives to quiet distortions of everyday environments. In uncertain and rapidly changing times, we invite you to imagine new realities through artistic vis
  
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• Conservancy, Citizen Plaintiffs respond to Mass. Supreme Judicial Court decision in Franklin Park White Stadium case

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Emerald Necklace Conservancy President Karen Mauney-Brodek issued the following statement in response to the court’s decision on the Franklin Park White Stadium case:
  “We’re disappointed by this outcome, which means that a new professional for-profit sports stadium and entertainment complex in Franklin Park will not be subject to the high level of scrutiny, formal review of alternatives, and required approvals that our state’s constitutional public recreation land protect
  
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• Aquarium documents 2,000 animals, including whale sharks, during aerial survey

  28-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Aerial survey observers with the New England Aquarium sighted more than 2,000 animals during a recent flight over the Northeast Canyons and Seamount Marine National Monument, showcasing the area’s extraordinary biodiversity.Scientists with the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life flew over the Monument in their survey airplane on August 16 and sighted 15 different marine species. The team initially counted 1,800 dolphins across four species and later sighted a sperm whale,
  
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• Upcoming film screening at Copley BPL highlights voters’ rights ahead of ’26 midterms

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Ahead of the ‘26 midterm elections, True North Action Alliance Boston, a dual chapter of Indivisible and Progressive Mass, continues its four-part documentary and community discussion series, the Good Trouble Film Series, with a screening of the 2025 documentary, ‘Democracy Under Siege’ on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rabb Hall at the Copley Square Branch of the Boston Public Library.
  Directed by Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Laura Nix, the film “traces t
  
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• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A musical reading at Old North Church

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The candles will be lit, the pews will be full, and the Headless Horseman will ride again inside Boston’s oldest surviving church. On Friday, Oct. 9, Old North Illuminated will partner with Crescendo Productions to present “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Musical Reading,” bringing Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane to life inside the candlelit, 303-year-old sanctuary of Old North Church.Actor Johnny Kinsman will deliver a dramatic recitation of the story, p
  
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• Suffolk County DA Hayden is proud of his many accomplishments

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  When Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden was introduced at a recent political event in Revere, the applause was substantial.
  Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe praised Hayden in his remarks, stating, “We’re here to celebrate our public safety. We have the most sworn officers, police and fire, that we’ve had in over two decades. We haven’t had a homicide in the City of Revere in over four years.”
  A week later at an event in Chelsea, residents gave Hayden an equally
  
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• Park Square Building poised for office-to-apartment conversion

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  An 11-story block-long office building at 31 St. James St. in the Back Bay, known as the ‘Park Square Building,’ is now poised to be redeveloped into 490 apartments, The Boston Globe first reported last week.New York-basedVanbarton Group has proposed what would become Boston’slargest office-to-residential conversion project, entailing the redevelopment of the 540,000-square-foot property located on St. James Street between Arlington and Berkeley streets. If approved, the projec
  
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• MBTA successfully completes latest infrastructure work on Green Line

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The MBTA has announced the successful completion of its latest infrastructure improvements along the Green Line, including work on two major projects: critical signal upgrades within the central Green Line tunnel and the C Branch Accessibility Improvements Project. This work took place during nine consecutive days of service suspensions between Government Center and Babcock Street on the B branch, Government Center and Cleveland Circle on the C branch, North Station and Kenmore on th
  
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• City of Boston Election Department issues reminders ahead of State Primary, issues call for poll workers

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the State Primary will take place on Tuesday, September 1. This election will determine the candidates on the ballot in the upcoming State Election on Tuesday, November 3.Poll Worker Recruitment
  The Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming State Primary on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Poll workers are paid a stipend ranging from $160-200 in addition to payment for required training. Being a poll worker is a meaningful
  
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• City of Boston earns 4-star certified welcoming designation

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), and Welcoming America announced that the City of Boston has earned a 4-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America, recognizing Boston as a national leader in creating policies, programs, and practices that support immigrant inclusion and belonging.
  “Boston has been shaped by generations of immigrants seeking a better future and working hard to build the city we enjoy today,” said Mayor Mich
  
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• Boston Public Library announces 2026 Fall Lecture Series

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Boston Public Library (BPL) announced its 2026 Fall Lecture Series, bringing award-winning authors, acclaimed filmmakers, and influential visionaries to Copley Square and the Shaw-Roxbury Branch this fall, with programs spanning literary fiction, documentary film, and public conversations on science and technology. All events are hybrid – free to attend in person or live via Zoom Webinar. Registration is available at bpl.org/events.  At a Glance:• Sept. 22 — Sarah
  
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• Boston Landmarks Commission

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Notice Of Public Hearing. The Boston Landmarks Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 25, Design Review Hearing – 4 p.m.and the Business Meeting at 6 p.m. ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1651490508 Subject of the Public Hearing will be action on the agenda below, and such other business as may come before the Commission in accordance with Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended.Attention: This hearing will only be held virtually and NOT in person. You can participate
  
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• Boston Athenaeum announces free Community Day open house, September 19

  21-08-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Boston Athenaeum invites the Boston community to its fourth annual Community Day open house on Saturday, September 19, welcoming all residents, visitors, families, and friends across the city to explore the landmark historic building at 10½ Beacon Street from 10 am – 3 pm. The event is free and open to everyone.Guests will have the opportunity to view rare items from the Athenaeum’s special collection, share stunning views of the Granary Burial Ground, Boston Public Garden
  
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• West End Museum celebrates Boston roots of Leonard Bernstein with live musical performance

  07-08-2026 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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• 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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• Salads score despite recalls

  07-08-2026 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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• 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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• News Briefs 8-14-26

  07-08-2026 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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• 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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