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Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone retired amid rising tensions and a vote of no confidence from the police union following the death of Officer Katelyn Tully. Mayor Melinda Barrett acknowledged the challenges faced by officers and announced an independent investigation into the department's operations. Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty Jr. will serve as acting chief.
Construction on Cummins Highway begins in October 2025, focusing on crosswalks, bike lanes, and intersections. The Woodhaven/Cummins intersection will undergo reconstruction with a traffic detour from 7 am to 3:30 pm. Additional work includes paving and installing curbs along multiple sections of the highway.
Boston's School Committee Nominating Panel opened applications for three four-year terms on the Boston School Committee, with submissions due by November 7, 2025. Selected members will start their terms on January 1, 2026, while an additional vacancy will be filled for a term expiring on January 2, 2029. Candidates must be Boston residents and should prepare for a significant time commitment.
Boston officials inaugurated the new Sarah Roberts Elementary School, a $90.9 million investment, for the 2025-2026 school year. The school merges the former Philbrick and Sumner communities and will serve approximately 700 students, featuring a Spanish Dual Language Program.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the citywide expansion of the Menstrual Equity Initiative, which provides free menstrual products and education across the city. The program aims to address period poverty and ensure equitable access to menstrual health resources. The initiative, which began as a pilot in 2023 at six library branches, will now include additional facilities and community workshops.
The U.S. Treasury discontinued federally issued paper checks on September 30, 2025, transitioning to digital payments for federal benefits. Recipients must enroll in direct deposit or obtain a Direct Express Card® to receive their benefits electronically. This change does not affect state or municipal paper checks.
The Boston Public Health Commission warns residents that the cyanobacteria advisory for the Charles River now includes all areas downstream of the Cambridge Street Bridge. High levels of cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and pets, prompt officials to advise against any water contact. Residents should avoid activities like swimming and fishing in the affected areas.
Boston officials issued a public health warning on October 8, 2025, due to an ongoing sewage discharge affecting the South Boston waterfront. Residents are advised to avoid contact with the contaminated water for at least 48 hours following the overflow. The discharge began at 9:10 a.m. and continues to pose health risks from untreated wastewater.
Mayor Michelle Wu appointed Clare Kelly as Boston's new Chief of Staff, effective November 17, 2025. Kelly, currently the Director of Intergovernmental Relations, will succeed Tiffany Chu, who has held the position since February 2022. The transition will involve close collaboration between Chu and Kelly over the next month.
A technical interruption prevented the live broadcast of the Mayor’s Office of Housing Public Facilities Commission meeting on September 24, 2025. The meeting, which began at 10:35 a.m., adjourned shortly after the interruption at 10:51 a.m., leaving one vote tabled for a future session.