Your trusted source for local Boston, MA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced $230,000 in grants for free youth swim lessons on International Water Safety Day. The Swim Safe initiative aims to provide accessible swimming education, particularly for children of color, amid rising concerns about drowning statistics.
The Boston Planning Department approved five development projects in Roxbury, which will yield 155 residential units, including 29 income-restricted ones. The initiatives aim to enhance community resilience and affordability while generating hundreds of construction and permanent jobs.
Boston will implement parking restrictions and street closures for several upcoming events from May 14 to May 24, 2025. Residents are encouraged to use public transit, biking, or walking to navigate the city during these times. Notable events include the Innovators Playground at ClimaTech and the Haitian-American Unity Parade.
Boston officials invite the community to participate in upcoming budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2026. The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Boston Housing Authority will present on May 19, followed by sessions for Veterans and Age Strong departments and youth services. Public testimony will be collected at each session, emphasizing community engagement in budget discussions.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley condemned recent interferences with ICE operations in Massachusetts, describing them as "disturbing." Residents expressed anger and concern over the aggressive tactics used by ICE agents, particularly in Newton, where a man was taken into custody. Local officials are calling for clearer guidelines on how ICE operates in the state.
A glass bottle thrown from a white SUV shattered a car window in Middleton, Massachusetts, narrowly missing driver Julie Lops. The incident, described as reckless, prompted Lops and her husband to seek accountability for the dangerous act. Local police are investigating the crime.
Boston Police identified Justin Bettencourt, 21, who died from a gunshot wound at Horatio Harris Park in Roxbury. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple shots and seeing two individuals flee on a moped. Police are investigating the incident as a possible drive-by shooting and are seeking public assistance for information.
A crime lab analyst testified in the retrial of Karen Read, accused of murdering Boston police officer John O'Keefe. Evidence examined included damage to Read's SUV and blood stains on O'Keefe's clothing, while O'Keefe's niece recounted witnessing conflicts between the couple. The prosecution argues Read struck O'Keefe with her vehicle during a snowstorm.
A Malden father, John Baglio, faced a life-threatening attack outside Tufts Medical Center in Boston while his son was hospitalized. The assailant, identified as Wilfredo Burgos, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after Baglio sustained severe facial injuries. Baglio's wife, an EMT, described the harrowing moment when she witnessed the attack.
Seventeen-year-old Keith Joseph from Franklin, Massachusetts, excelled at the DECA International Career Development Conference, placing first in his district and state and ranking in the top ten internationally. His business proposal for a CosMc's restaurant, a new McDonald's concept, showcases his ambition to possibly become a franchisee. Local McDonald's owner Richard Hogan praised Joseph's dedication and vision for the project.