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Mayor Michelle Wu appointed Maria Perez as the new Neighborhood Liaison for the North End, West End, and Wharf District. Perez, a third-generation resident, aims to enhance community engagement and accessibility to city services. She has a strong background in public service and youth advocacy.
A mechanical issue stranded 32 guests on the Skyfari Sky Ride at Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts, on Monday. The ride's safety system activated, halting the gondolas, but all guests were safely rescued within an hour. Zoo officials confirmed that the issue was not detectable during routine inspections.
Six Massachusetts communities filed a complaint against Republic Services in Salem Superior Court, seeking a more effective trash collection method amid an ongoing strike. Residents claim the strike has created public health issues due to overflowing trash and inconsistent pickups. A judge questioned the effectiveness of the injunction given the company's assertion of near-normal service.
Boston officials announced the construction of 141 new homes converted from vacant office buildings, part of the Office to Residential Conversion Program. The initiative, aimed at revitalizing downtown and addressing housing shortages, includes 26 income-restricted units and is expected to create over 780 housing units in total.
The Boston Planning Department recommended and received approval for significant zoning amendments aimed at modernizing the development review process. These changes will streamline procedures, facilitate renovations, and enhance public communication, while also supporting the construction of 309 new residential units, including 67 income-restricted homes.
Boston will implement parking restrictions and street closures during various events in July 2025, including the Open Newbury Street Series and concerts at Fenway Park. Attendees are encouraged to use alternative transportation methods such as walking, biking, or public transit. The city has outlined specific streets affected by these restrictions to ensure public safety and ease of access.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced over 25 free cultural events at City Hall Plaza this summer and fall, funded by the City Hall Plaza Engagement grant program. The programming aims to celebrate Boston's artistic diversity and includes performances, workshops, and cross-cultural collaborations. Events will draw attendees from across the region, highlighting local creatives and organizations.
Two suspects were arrested after a police chase involving stolen firearms that began in Methuen, Massachusetts, and crossed into New Hampshire. The pursuit followed a BOLO issued for a Hyundai Santa Fe, believed to be carrying stolen guns, including an AR-15-style rifle taken from a police vehicle. Both individuals face charges related to the chase and have outstanding warrants.
Massachusetts state Rep. John Lawn faces charges of operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident after crashing his SUV near the State House. Lawn admitted his actions were "completely unacceptable" and expressed deep regret in a statement. No injuries occurred during the incident, which involved a witness following Lawn after the crash.
Northampton police Officer Heather Longley patrols to locate individuals who owe DNA samples to the state, part of an initiative addressing a backlog of over 9,000 cases in Massachusetts. The Northwestern DA's Office aims to increase compliance to aid in solving cold cases by uploading more DNA profiles to the national CODIS database.