Your trusted source for local Boston, MA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
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.
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.
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.
Boston officials launched the Icons of Franklin Park Poster Competition, inviting artists to celebrate the park's cultural and historical significance. Submissions are open until August 1, 2025, with categories for both professional and emerging artists. Winners will be recognized and have their artwork displayed in prominent locations throughout the city.
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.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the groundbreaking of Hamilton at Mount Everett, a new affordable housing development in Dorchester that will provide 36 income-restricted apartments for older Boston residents. The project includes four units for seniors transitioning out of homelessness and various community amenities. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to ensuring older residents can age in place with dignity.
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 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.