Massachusetts news

• Successful Healthy Rides program expands its help for older residents

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston’s Age Strong Commission, the Biogen Foundation, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM), and Lyft announced the expansion of Healthy Rides, a free transportation initiative for Boston’s older residents. Supported by a collaborative investment of $150,000, the expanded program builds on the success of the pilot to tackle social isolation, expand medical access, and improve the quality of life for older adults. Following the pilot’s success, the
  
  Read more

• Wu, USACE announce draft plan to protect Boston against sea-level rise

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the release of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) draft Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, a once-in-a-generation study to protect Boston against coastal flooding and sea level rise. This study, projected to be completed by 2028, will allow the City of Boston to access up to 65% federal cost-sharing to construct coastal resilience projects to prevent an estimated $41 billion in damages from coastal flooding. The proposed projects
  
  Read more

• Where is Teddy Roosevelt when we need him?

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Where is Teddy Rooseveltwhen we need him?
  The constant cacophony of bumbling babbling from our leaders in Washington these days with regard to the ongoing conflict with Iran brings to mind the wisdom of former President Theodore Roosevelt. On September 1, 1901 — just two weeks before he became President upon the assassination of President William McKinley — Roosevelt offered timeless foreign policy advice in a speech he delivered at the Minnesota State Fair:“Speak softly and ca
  
  Read more

• North End Historical Museum officially opens to the public

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The North End Historical Museum officially opened to the public on Tuesday, July 21, at 3 Prince St. Hours are Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  The interactive museum, which was conceived and created by the nonprofit North End Historical Society, covers 400 years of North End history.
  Throughout its history, the North End has served as a crucial steppingstone for Boston’s earliest settlers. Beginning with the original 1630 settlers of Boston, the North End remained at the heart
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• News Briefs 7-24-26

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Two Hill businesses receive city’s 2026 Legacy Business AwardsTwo Beacon Hill businesses, Helen’s Leather Shop and The Tip Tap Room, were among 30 businesses across 18 Boston neighborhoods to receive the city’s 2026 Legacy Business Awards.On Monday, June 1, this year’s award winners were honored by the city at a private ceremony.Legacy Businesses have all been located within the City of Boston for at least 10 years, according to the city, and “contribute to the cult
  
  Read more

• J. Paul Mattaliano

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  July 11, 1960 ~ July 13, 2026
  J. Paul Mattaliano, died of sudden cardiac arrest on July 13, 2026, just two days after his 66th birthday. His final day was characteristic of the way he lived – having finished a work call, he was hustling out of a supermarket with a case of water for his son’s lacrosse team, preparing to watch the final club tournament the following day. Paul dropped everything to see his daughter, Mariella (19) and his son, Mark (17) participate and flourish. He stea
  
  Read more

• Glasgow traffic cone welcomed as a token of hospitality and friendship

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, Massport CEO Richard Davey and Meet Boston President & CEO Martha J. Sheridan celebrated the arrival of the Glasgow traffic cone to Massachusetts. Inspired by the 40year Scottish tradition of placing traffic cones on the heads of statues, this traffic cone represents the joy, curiosity, and friendship shared between Boston residents and Scottish fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the bond built between the two cities. Additional photos from thi
  
  Read more

• Dr. Tommy Welch selected as new superintendent of Salem public schools

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Dr. Tommy Welch, Boston Public Schools Region 1 Superintendent,has been named as the new superintendent of the Salem (Mass.) public schools.An East Boston resident, Welch, 50, was selected by a 6-1 vote of the Salem School Committee at its July 15 meeting.“I am deeply humbled and honored to have earned the confidence of the Salem School Committee to serve as the next Superintendent of Salem Public Schools,” Dr. Welch said. “After more than 27 years as a teacher, principal, and
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• BHAC green-lights part of justice-inspired public art exhibit

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission unanimously approved as submitted a design review application for a series of temporary installations throughout the neighborhood as part of a proposed justice-inspired public art exhibit during the commission’s monthly public hearing held virtually on July 16.‘Be the Change’ – an art exhibit organized by The Vilna Shul, in partnership with the Museum of African American History (MAAH) is scheduled to run from May 2 through Oct. 25
  
  Read more

• A conversation with Mayor Michelle Wu: “Boston should be a home for everyone”

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  “Boston should be a home for everyone,” Michelle Wu said, gazing forward with measured confidence as she reflected on the city’s future.For Wu, that idea has shaped both her leadership and her vision for Boston since first taking office as mayor in 2021. But Wu’s leadership is shaped by more than policy alone. As Boston’s first woman and first Asian American elected mayor, her path to City Hall has carried both historic significance and personal responsibility.Befor
  
  Read more

• Your signature dish

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  We have access to a common roof deck. Summer means we have more opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors. We learned that it can be easy to respond to serendipitous offers of fun if you have something in your pantry or can have something delivered to add to the sharing table. Your option can be a specific food or a food category.Sailing and SharingFor many years we served as part of the racing crew on a 36-foot catamaran. The owner and captain allowed his crew to invite their friends t
  
  Read more

• Wu appoints Felicia Jacques to bpda Board

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu announced the nomination of Felicia Jacques to the BPDA Board. Jacques currently serves as the Principal Developer and Manager for Maloney Development. The new appointment, which would fill a vacant seat on the Board most recently held by Dr. Ted Landsmark, will need to be approved by the City Council. Once confirmed, all BPDA Board member seats will be filled and current. Jacques would be the first Black woman to serve on the BPDA Board. This appointment is part of Mayor Wu&rs
  
  Read more

• Wu announces launch of summer meal sites across the city

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu announced that all children and teens can receive free nutritious breakfast and lunch this summer through the Boston Summer Eats program. Meals are currently available to all youth 18 and under at over 60 locations across the city, such as community centers and schools. Site locations, hours, and program details can be found at boston.gov/summer-eats. For statewide Summer Eats locations, residents can call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.No identifica
  
  Read more

• Wu announces final fifa World Cup watch parties at City Hall Plaza

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Mayor Michelle Wu announced details for the City of Boston’s final slate of free, family-friendly FIFA World Cup watch parties, including the Semi Final matches, the Third Place Match, and the FIFA World Cup Final. These watch parties will bring residents, families and visitors together at City Hall to experience the final matches of the tournament and to celebrate Boston’s summer as a host city.“This summer, Boston has become America’s best ambassador as a
  
  Read more

• West Nile Virus detected in mosquito test sample in Jamaica Plain

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) announced that a mosquito test sample obtained from Jamaica Plain tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
  This is the first sample to test positive for the virus in Boston this summer. BPHC partners with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project to protect Boston residents from mosquito-borne disease transmission. They collect mosquito samples f
  
  Read more

• Red Line will be suspended between Alewife and Park Street July 21 – 30

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The MBTA is reminding riders that Red Line service will be suspended between Alewife and Park Street for 10 consecutive days, July 21 – 30.During this service suspension, the MBTA will accomplish critical and necessary track work, including the replacement of 18 primary floating slabs and six secondary floating slabs, rail replacement throughout the entire shutdown area, full-depth track replacement at Central (which replaces and upgrades all track, ties, and rail-related infrastructure in
  
  Read more

• New England Aquarium releases 10 rehabilitated sea turtles off Cape Cod

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Ten sea turtles were released Wednesday evening into the waters off Cape Cod, Mass., in the New England Aquarium’s second local beach release of the season. The group included six Kemp’s ridleys, two loggerheads, and two green sea turtles, all equipped with a combination of satellite and acoustic tags for researchers to collect data on the animals’ movements.
  For the past seven months, staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., treated the hypothermic t
  
  Read more

• Healey celebrates new MBTA Harbor Loop Ferry service

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, legislators and transportation partners to celebrate the new MBTA Harbor Loop Ferry, an affordable weekday ferry service connecting North Station, Aquarium, Seaport and Logan Airport. The new F10 route, which began service on June 29, expands transportation options across Boston Harbor, strengthens connections across the MBTA system and gives commuters, residen
  
  Read more

• BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program celebrates 14 graduates

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  On Saturday, June 28, the Office of Small Business celebrated the 14 graduates of the BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program. This is the inaugural year of BizUnlocked Boston, which is executed by Tessi Consulting.BizUnlocked Boston is a business access program that connects small business owners to the resources, expertise, and relationships they need to build lasting businesses that create jobs, stability, and sustainability in our communities. Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, the p
  
  Read more

• 53rd Festival Betances in Boston’s South End

  17-07-2026 15:41 via beaconhilltimes.com
  On Saturday, July 18, Festival Betances, New England’s longest-running Latino cultural festival, returns for its 53rd year, at Plaza Betances, 100 West Dedham Street, Boston, bringing thousands of residents, families, artists, and visitors together for a free, full-day celebration of Puerto Rican culture, music, food, art, and community.Hosted by Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), this year’s theme, “Boricua Legacy: Shaping America’s Story,” honors the cont
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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.
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• 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.
  
  Read more

Follow @MassNewslocker on Twitter!