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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.
A study in JAMA reveals that addictive technology use, rather than screen time, correlates with increased suicidal behavior among youth. Researchers found that nearly half of the children surveyed exhibited high addictive use of mobile phones, leading to a two to three times higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts by age 14. Experts advocate for addressing addictive behaviors instead of merely limiting screen access.
New York lawmaker Zohran Mamdani disrupted Andrew Cuomo's comeback bid, while Rep. Jake Auchincloss provided safety advice to Democratic mayors. Auchincloss highlighted that locking up products in stores erodes Democratic support, linking it to broader quality-of-life issues.
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.
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.
The MBTA is suing its union to overturn an arbitrator's ruling that reinstated a supervisor accused of sexual and racial harassment. The agency argues that the arbitrator's decision contradicts its zero-tolerance policy for such misconduct. The former chief inspector had previously faced disciplinary actions for inappropriate behavior.
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.
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 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.