This week, Senator Nick Collins joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate in unanimously passing legislation that would provide thousands of public-school teachers with a new opportunity to enroll in the RetirementPlus pension program. The bill reopens the enrollment window…
Author: Special to the Sun
FDA’s approval of fruit-flavored vapes is a step backwards
The recent decision by those in charge at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow for the sale of fruit-flavored vapes in the United States represents a huge step backwards after a longstanding ban of these fruit-flavored, nicotine-based…
Wu highlights City’s readiness for summer events and announces coordinated preparation efforts across Boston
Mayor Michelle Wu joined City leaders and public safety officials at the Boston Summer Events Command Center (BSECC) to provide an update on the extensive planning and coordination efforts underway to prepare for a summer that will bring millions of…
Back Bay alley repaving this summer
You might have noticed the beginning work to repave Back Bay Alleys this summer. City Councilor Sharon Durkan announced that Back Bay alleys are being completely repaved curb to curb this summer in an email to abutters and constituents, including…
Massachusetts House passes landmark data privacy legislation with strong consumer protections
The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed comprehensive legislation establishing essential consumer data privacy rights for residents of the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act provides consumers with greater control over their own data. The bill increases accountability for…
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company names Victoria Townsend producing director
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) has named Victoria Townsend as its new producing director. From her early years with CSC as an Artistic/Management Intern (2011–2012) and Artistic Associate/Management Assistant (2013–2015), to joining the organization full-time as Artistic Programs Coordinator (2016–2018) and…
BPL Fund launches 2026 Summer Readathon to reignite a love of reading
As new national research points to a dramatic decline in reading for pleasure across the United States, the Boston Public Library Fund is launching its 2026 Summer Readathon to help readers of all ages reconnect with books, storytelling, and the…
Boston Public Market announces extended hours
The Boston Public Market Association (BPMA) announced 16 days of extended FanFest hours in honor of the World Cup. From Friday, June 12 through Saturday, June 27, the local food and drink hub will be open late, showing matches on…
Opioid-related overdose deaths in state fall under 1,000 for the first time in over a decade
For the first time in over a decade, total annual opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts fell below 1,000, according to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) preliminary 2025 data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).…
Bars and restaurants in Boston get extension of operating hours during summer 2026
Following recent passage of state law, Mayor Michelle Wu announced on Wednesday morning a temporary extension to allow bars and restaurants to serve alcohol for an extra hour. This measure will allow businesses currently licensed to sell alcohol until 2:00…