Bank On Boston has partnered with futureBOS to employ ten high school students as Young Money Mentors, promoting financial literacy among their peers. The program engaged over 350 applicants and provided workshops on personal finance topics, reaching more than 100 young people in the community. Mentors also advocated for financial education to be mandated in Massachusetts high schools.
Boston will implement parking restrictions and street closures for several upcoming events, including the lighting of the tree at Copley Square on December 1, 2025. Residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize public transportation, bike, or walk to these events. The MBTA recommends purchasing round-trip tickets for quicker return trips.
Mayor Michelle Wu will host the 84th annual Boston Common Tree Lighting on December 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This year's event features performances by The Pointer Sisters and local artists, along with the traditional lighting of a 45-foot white spruce donated by Nova Scotia.
The Boston Parks Department's Forever Young Program for Older Adults will resume on January 7th at Carter Playground Bubble, offering free weekly activities. The program promotes physical fitness and community engagement for older adults every Wednesday until March 2, 2026.
Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu announced that applications are open for over 2,000 youth job opportunities for the 2025-2026 school year. Young people aged 14-24 can apply through futureBOS, which connects them to various employment experiences. The program aims to support career development and has received $23.3 million in funding.
A New Hampshire resident, Ren Rodgers, was found guilty of second-degree murder for stabbing Christopher Kellar at a Boston hotel in 2021. The incident occurred after an argument between Kellar and Rodgers' wife escalated, leading to Rodgers intervening and fatally stabbing Kellar. Rodgers will be sentenced on December 17.
Big Y plans to open new grocery stores in Fairhaven and North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, in 2027. The stores will occupy former retail locations of Big Lots and Christmas Tree Shops, both of which closed after bankruptcy. The company aims to enhance local service and community connection.
An archive containing the solution to the final encrypted message of the Kryptos sculpture at CIA headquarters sold for $963,000 at RR Auction in Boston. The anonymous buyer will meet with artist Jim Sanborn to discuss the codes and charts related to the sculpture, which has intrigued cryptography enthusiasts since its dedication in 1990.
Three Republican candidates for Massachusetts governor have made significant donations to Democrats, with Brian Shortsleeve leading at $32,000 to Rep. Seth Moulton. Mike Minogue and his wife have also supported Democratic candidates, while Mike Kennealy has not donated to any Democratic congressional candidates but has ties through his wife's contributions. The candidates’ financing strategies reflect their positions in a predominantly Democratic state.
Boston's Urban Forestry Division installed four above-ground tree planters on Harrison Avenue in Chinatown to enhance the neighborhood's tree canopy. The initiative, funded by the Office of Climate Resilience, aims to combat excessive heat and improve community aesthetics. Residents can expect the Serviceberry trees to bloom in spring, marking a new chapter for urban greenery in Chinatown.
Boston officials announced parking restrictions and street closures for several upcoming events, including a block party and a tree lighting ceremony. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use alternative transportation methods such as walking, biking, or public transit. The restrictions will affect Newbury Street, Copley Square, and Commonwealth Avenue on various dates in November and December 2025.
A Lexington father, Alan L., is suing the local school district, claiming they obstructed his attempts to excuse his kindergartener from LGBTQ-themed lessons that contradict his Christian beliefs. He alleges violations of his civil rights and is seeking a federal injunction to require prior notice of such materials. Lexington Public Schools contends that his opt-out requests were too vague and that his child was not present during the readings in question.
Former Stoughton police detective Matthew Farwell pleaded not guilty to charges of killing Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child. Federal prosecutors allege Farwell strangled Birchmore in her Canton apartment in February 2021 and attempted to stage her death as a suicide. If convicted, he faces life in prison or a possible death sentence.
ALDI offers the lowest grocery prices in the Boston area, while Roche Bros. ranks highest in quality. Market Basket and Wegmans also receive high marks for their pricing and product quality, with Wegmans achieving an 81% customer rating for overall superiority.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox will not undergo a disciplinary review regarding his comments on the Karen Read case, as determined by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. Cox, described as a civilian executive, faced criticism for allegedly misleading statements about his interactions with former Officer Kelly Dever, whose testimony was pivotal in Read's trial.
The Hampton Planning Board approved a redevelopment plan for the Hampton Beach Casino, set to replace the existing structure with luxury condos, a hotel, and a gaming venue. The project, led by Lupoli Cos., is expected to begin demolition in September 2026 and take three years to complete.
John Deaton secured the endorsement of the Massachusetts Republican Party for the U.S. Senate race against incumbent Sen. Ed Markey. This early support may deter other Republican candidates and allows Deaton to focus on his campaign against Democrats.
Encore Boston Harbor opposes a proposed bill to legalize online gambling in Massachusetts, arguing it would harm brick-and-mortar casinos and lead to job losses. The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Muradian, aims to regulate internet gaming and generate tax revenue. Supporters claim it could curb illegal gambling and provide oversight, while critics highlight the potential rise in gambling addiction and job losses.
A grizzly bear attacked a group of schoolchildren and teachers in Bella Coola, British Columbia, injuring 11, including two critically. The Nuxalk Nation reported the bear remains on the loose while police and conservation officers respond. The school will close Friday, offering counseling to students affected by the traumatic incident.
A high school intern at the Rhode Island Superior Court was wrongfully detained by ICE agents outside the courthouse on Thursday. Court officials intervened, leading to the teen's release after confirming his identity. The incident has sparked calls for increased access to virtual court hearings to protect immigrants from similar situations.
A 50-foot dead sperm whale weighing 104,000 pounds washed ashore on Nantucket and will be taken back to sea for decomposition. The Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket plans to conduct examinations before removal to ensure safety for beachgoers.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed the trade of Rafael Devers during a podcast, expressing that better communication could have eased tensions before the deal. Despite acknowledging a lack of disclosure regarding interest in Alex Bregman, Cora stated that he has "no regrets" about moving Devers for the benefit of the team. The Red Sox now face uncertainty about their third base and designated hitter positions.
Peter McMahon restored Marcel Breuer's dilapidated modernist house in Wellfleet, acquiring it for $2 million with plans to open it to the public. Breuer's son, Tamas, agreed to delay the sale to allow the Cape Cod Modern House Trust to raise funds for the purchase. The home, a key piece of modernist architecture, had been neglected for 30 years before its renovation.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the 29th Annual Enchanted Trolley Tour will take place on December 6 and 7, visiting 16 neighborhoods in Boston. The event features holiday tree lighting, Santa visits, and community giveaways, celebrating the start of the holiday season. Bank of America sponsors the tour, emphasizing its importance to Boston's festive traditions.
