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Massachusetts Representative John J. Lawn, a Democrat from Watertown, was arrested for drunken driving early Wednesday morning near the State House. Lawn, 56, faces charges of operating under the influence and leaving the scene of property damage after allegedly hitting a parked vehicle and fleeing the scene. He has stated he takes full responsibility for his actions.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced $1.276 million in grants to enhance community engagement and behavioral health support for Boston residents aged 60 and older. The funding will assist 55 nonprofit organizations in expanding programs for social connection and clinical support.
New Hampshire's median single-family home price reached $540,000 in May, exacerbating the housing crisis despite a need for 60,000 new units by 2030. House Bill 577, recently passed, enables property owners to build detached accessory dwelling units, or "tiny homes," to help address this issue. The bill awaits the governor's signature and aims to provide affordable housing options for residents.
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Alaska, prompting evacuation orders along a 700-mile stretch. Although officials issued a tsunami warning, it was quickly downgraded and canceled, with no significant damage reported. Minor damage occurred in local businesses, and residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground.
Two brothers from Stoughton, Aldino and Valdir Centeio, died while attempting to rescue each other while fishing in Rhode Island on July 12. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $23,000 to cover their funeral expenses and support their mother, who lost her primary provider.
A Homeland Security Investigations official testified that he was directed to prioritize the arrest of Tufts Ph.D. student Rümeysa Öztürk due to her pro-Palestine op-ed. Öztürk, a Turkish national, was detained for over six weeks after her visa was revoked, despite lacking any evidence of criminal behavior. Her case is part of a broader lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's alleged targeting of noncitizens for deportation based on political views.
Former state trooper Kristopher Carr pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide for a crash that killed 51-year-old Christopher Zike in October 2021. Carr, who was driving under the influence, lost control of his SUV, resulting in Zike's death, and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with 18 months to serve. His driver’s license will be suspended for 15 years.
Two hikers from Quebec were rescued late Tuesday night from Mount Washington after becoming stranded on the Huntington Ravine Trail. Rescuers advised the pair to shelter in place for hours until they reached them and safely assisted them down the mountain. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department cautioned hikers about the trail's difficulty.
Two Beverly parents filed a class action lawsuit against the Beverly teachers union, claiming a 12-day strike caused emotional distress and financial losses. They seek $17 million in compensation and allege that the strike was premeditated, violating state law that prohibits public employee strikes.
The family of Francis Gigliotti, a 43-year-old Haverhill man who died after being restrained by police, is pursuing an independent investigation into his death. Gigliotti's family claims he did not deserve to die in such a manner and seeks accountability from law enforcement. Seven officers involved are on paid administrative leave as the investigation unfolds.