Massachusetts news

• Union workers at Encore vote to authorize strike

  22-06-2023 13:15
  A majority of 1,400 union workers at a five-star casino and hotel in Everett voted to approve a strike on Wednesday, demanding better wages and benefits.
  
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• We love affogatos

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Here’s the setup for pour-your-own affogato corretto: vanilla ice cream in the cup, espresso in the tiny pitcher, and a shot of amarretto in the glass.We’ve always been surprised that dining spots that serve espresso drinks and ice cream don’t have affogatos on their dessert or after-dinner drink menus. We hope that as these traditional Italian drinks gain traction on social media, the hospitality industry will recognize that this can be a welcome and profitable add-on to a me
  
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• New England Aquarium releases five more endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles off Cape Cod

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Vanessa Kahn/New England Aquarium
  Rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtle “Gigi” enters Nantucket Sound on July 22, 2026.
  New England Aquarium releases five more endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles off Cape CodFive rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean waters off Cape Cod after the New England Aquarium’s fourth sea turtle release of the summer Wednesday morning.For the past seven months, staff at New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle
  
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• Letter to the Editor 7-31-26

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Who is responsible for the landscapingTo the Editor:I was very pleased when the North Washington Street (now Bill Russell) Bridge reopened after much anticipation, many delays and years of inconvenience.One of the special aspects of the new bridge was the landscaping: the daffodils in the spring, the trees in the middle of the walkway and the various grasses and shrubs that line both sides of the span.On a recent walk to the North End, I noticed that the plantings are uncared-for: the vines that
  
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• Healey urges Congress to pass legislation extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  On Monday, Governor Maura Healey urged the U.S. Senate to pass legislation extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, which has already been passed by the House of Representatives.
  Local congressional and business leaders voiced support for the passage of the Senate legislation.TPS for Haitians was set to expire on Monday after the Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s plan to end this policy that has been in place since 2010. Healey highlighted what she said is the critical
  
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• Healey-Driscoll Administration expands firefighter survival training with new mobile SCBA maze

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) announced the expansion of firefighter survival training at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) with the addition of a new mobile self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) training maze. The new training system will increase access to realistic, hands-on instruction for recruit and veteran municipal firefighters across the Commonwealth.“One of DFS’s most important responsibilities is ensuring firefighters across Massachuset
  
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• ‘Fatal Firefighter Injuries in the U.S.’ report shows 83 on-duty deaths in 2025

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) released its “Fatal Firefighter Injuries in the U.S. in 2025” report, which showed that a total of 83 U.S. firefighters died while on-duty, or as a result of heart attacks, strokes, or medical conditions within 24 hours of duty, in 2025. This number reflects a 17 percent increase over the 69 fatalities reported in 2024, with the majority of the on-duty fatalities (65, or 78 percent of the total) resulting from traumatic injur
  
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• Commissioner rejects proposed rate increase from Fallon Community Health Plan, re-negotiated seven proposals to save $72 million for 670,000 residents

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Governor Maura Healey announced that the Division of Insurance has negotiated down proposed rate increases from seven health insurers, saving Massachusetts residents and businesses a projected $72 million in health care premiums for 2027.
  The Division of Insurance re-negotiated lower rates with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, INC., Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Health New England, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Public Plans, United Healthcare and WellSense Health
  
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• Cambridge Breast Center earns national recognition for patient care

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north communities, has received a three-year reaccreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program of the American College of Surgeons.
  Programs accredited by the NAPBC follow a model that facilitates multidisciplinary, integrated, and comprehensive breast cancer services. The NAPBC focuses on the spectrum of a patient’s journey with bre
  
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• Annual Feast of the Madonna Della Cava returns to the North End August 7-9

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  The Annual Feast of the Madonna Della Cava will be held on Hanover Street (between Charter St. & Commercial St.) on August 7-9.Friday: 8 – 10:30 p.m.Saturday: 2 – 4 p.m. and8 – 10:30 p.m.Sunday: 2 – 4 p.m. and 5 – 8 p.m.Hosted by the Society of the Madonna Della Cava, a North End-based religious and cultural organization founded by Sicilian immigrants. The Society honors the Madonna Della Cava, the patron saint of Pietraperzia, Sicily, where the original festiva
  
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• ABCD, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and the Boston Red Sox celebrate community partnerships

  31-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler threw out the first pitch for Harvard Pilgrim Health Day at the July 19th Red Sox game where the Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1. ABCD Foster Grandparent Marylyn Johnson joined Scott-Chandler at the pitcher’s mound. ABCD is a long standing nonprofit partner of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care — the Official Health and Wellness Partner of the Boston Red Sox.
  A Title X grantee since 1973, ABCD Health Serv
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• Esplanade Association’s 25th Summer Dock Party

  24-07-2026 07:00 via beaconhilltimes.com
  Friends and neighbors gathered along the Charles River at Community Boating, Inc. on July 16 for the Esplanade Association’s 25th Summer Dock Party. Proceeds from the fundraiser support the non-profit organization’s mission to enhance, maintain, and sustain the park.“It’s exciting in our 25th anniversary year for the Esplanade Association to continue the annual tradition of the dock party. It’s a way to bring the community together, support a lot of our programs, an
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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