Your trusted source for local Boston, MA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Two Pittsfield educators face manslaughter charges after the drowning of 12-year-old Giver Essien during a school field trip. Prosecutors allege the educators ignored warnings about Essien's inability to swim and failed to follow water safety regulations. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols in place for school-sponsored activities.
A shipping error nearly cost Michael DiDonato's small business, Southbridge Tool, $9,000 due to an incorrect weight reported by DHL. After months of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue, DiDonato sought assistance from NewsCenter 5, which prompted DHL to review the case and correct the billing error.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse urged Massachusetts lawmakers to pass a bill preventing adults in positions of authority from engaging in sexual relations with minors. Erin Laffond, sharing her experience for the first time, emphasized the manipulation she faced from a coach during her high school years. Lawmakers have heard similar testimonies for nearly a decade, highlighting ongoing efforts to enact protective measures.
A cookie shop in Amesbury, Massachusetts, engages local children by appointing them as mini managers for a day. Nine-year-old Addi Gonthier chose a Hello Kitty theme for her event, where kids learn about business operations through hands-on experience. The initiative aims to empower children and foster creativity in entrepreneurship.
The Mayor’s Office of Housing in Boston amended the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, increasing the grant by $32,251 to a total of $21.6 million. The amendment reallocates $1.3 million from supportive services to affordable rental housing development but does not require a public comment period due to the minor scale of changes.
An 8-year-old boy, Brady Cassidy, died after being found unresponsive in Mossy Pond in Clinton, Massachusetts. Police responded to a report at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday and confirmed his death at a nearby hospital.
A 9-year-old cat named Mazy, suffering from facial injuries and broken teeth, seeks a new home after being surrendered to MSPCA-Angell. Investigators suspect animal cruelty as the cause of her injuries. Mazy is now ready for adoption and is a testament to the resilience of animals.
A 17-year-old boy from Orange, Massachusetts, Christian Walker, was shot and killed in Keene, New Hampshire, on Wednesday. An autopsy confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound, and officials ruled the death a homicide, with no ongoing threat to the public. Grief counseling is available for students at his school in response to the tragedy.
Two great white sharks were spotted off Gloucester, Massachusetts, during a whale watching tour, surprising both passengers and crew. Captain Salvatore Frontierro noted the rarity of such sightings, estimating a one-in-1,000 chance of seeing a great white shark on a tour. Visitors enjoyed close views of the sharks as they circled the boat, creating memorable experiences.
Boston officials announced the launch of an Equity Study to assess inequities faced by Black men and boys in the city. Tury Research Institute will lead the study, while Roxbury USA will manage community engagement. Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the importance of the citywide survey in shaping effective policies for the community.