Massachusetts news

• Out and About

  14-09-2023 08:37 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Beacon Hill Village members, on September 8, took the Ferry to Hingham for a time of shopping and lunch at The Beth.
  
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• Turning Bad Weather into Fun

  28-01-2026 20:29 via beaconhilltimes.com
  A major snowstorm arrived in Boston Sunday, blanketing the neighborhood over the course of two days with more than 20 inches of snowSledders enjoying the snow on the Boston Common.
  Kenjiro Kanagy and Lucas Belfanz tube down a hill on the Boston Common.
  
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• Author Sets Second Novel in her Adopted Beacon Hill Neighborhood

  28-01-2026 20:24 via beaconhilltimes.com
  By Dan MurphyCourtesy of Karen Winn
  Karen Winn holding a copy of her
  just-published second novel, ‘The
  Society.’
  While Karen Winn set her first novel in a fictionalized depiction of her New Jersey hometown, ‘The Society,’ her second full-length work of fiction published by Dutton and out now, instead takes place in her adopted neighborhood of Beacon Hill.Winn grew up in Mendham, a small town in Morris County, N.J., about 45 minutes outside of Manhattan. She received an MF
  
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• Wu Urges Caution as Bitter Cold Weather Remains

  28-01-2026 20:23 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu has announced a cold weather advisory and shared winter safety tips through Saturday, January 31, due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for this time period. Boston is forecasted to experience wind chills reaching as low as -5 degrees tonight into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Due to the anticipated frigid cold weather that is following the snowfall, it’s important for residents and property owners to clear snow before it fr
  
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• Massport Releases Draft 2025 Strategic Plan; Public Input will Help Shape the Authority’s Vision for the Next Decade

  28-01-2026 20:22 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has announced the release of its draft Strategic Plan and is seeking public comment to help shape Massport’s path forward. The Plan builds on Massport’s strengths and a decade of progress, assesses current conditions and trends, and identifies future challenges and opportunities. It balances operational excellence with inclusive forward-looking growth, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to safe, efficient, sust
  
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• Residents Now able to Apply for Home Heating and Energy Assistance

  28-01-2026 20:20 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesThe Massachusetts’ home energy assistance program (HEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills.Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply in person at the agency in their area or through the online application.Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.Household income cannot exceed 60% of esti
  
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• City of Boston Conducts 46th Annual Homelessness Census 

  28-01-2026 20:20 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu, Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Bisola Ojikutu led more than 300 volunteers, including state and city officials, homelessness service providers, public health representatives, and first responders, in conducting the City of Boston’s 46th annual homelessness census. This comprehensive annual effort is part of Boston’s yearly work to assess and address homelessness by counting individuals and families experienc
  
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• National Grid Offers Safety Reminders for Clearing Snow at your Home or Business

  28-01-2026 20:19 via beaconhilltimes.com
   Special to the TimesNational Grid reminds its customers to exercise caution near the energy equipment outside of their homes as they clear snow left behind from Winter Storm Fern. Over a foot of snow has fallen across our Massachusetts service area with additional snow forecast throughout the afternoon. National Grid’s top priority is safety, including the safety and well-being of our crews and customers, and we offer the following reminders to assist with removing snow from your pro
  
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• Boston Food Access Council Awarded Community Power Grant from Project Bread to Advance Food Justice and Systems Change

  28-01-2026 20:19 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Special to the TimesBoston Food Access Council, of Boston, has been named a recipient of Project Bread’s inaugural Community Power Grants program. The funding will help to drive grassroots advocacy and systems change to address the root causes of food insecurity, building capacity for smaller organizations where it would not be otherwise possible. Boston Food Access Council was selected from over 40 proposals for its proven impact, advocacy wins, and strong potential to build power across
  
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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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