Ships from around the world tied up in Charlestown, Downtown, and across Boston’s Seaport. Following the Meet Boston Parade of Sail on July 11, ships were led to the berths where they were based.

Special to the Times-Free Press

The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that would rein in social media’s most addictive features in order to make platforms safer for young users.

The bill, S.3164 An Act Protecting Children From Addictive Social Media Feeds, will decrease the addictive aspect of social media for minors by disabling the ‘algorithmic feed’ and alerting users when they have been using the platform for a prolonged period. This aims to improve safety, mental health, and education of minors across Massachusetts.

“We have a responsibility to protect young people across the Commonwealth and that is exactly what this bill intends to do.” said Senator Lydia Edwards. “The addictive features social media currently relies on have serious impacts on young users, and I am proud to vote with my senate colleagues keeping their safety in mind. Thank you to Senate President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, and Senate Majority Leader Creem for recognizing the urgency of this issue and acting accordingly to protect our youngest residents.”

Key provisions of the Act:

Turns Off the Most Addictive Features. Requires that all social media platforms adopt default settings for minors that limit the most addictive aspects of social media—designed to keep people scrolling for hours, often without realizing how long they have been in the app. These default settings include:

Disabling the ‘algorithmic feed’—where social media companies capitalize on users’ personal online data to pick what content they see

Disabling ‘autoplay’ and ‘infinite scroll’

Requiring that users receive a reminder after using the app for one cumulative hour in a 24-hour period, then additional reminders every 30 minutes thereafter

Turning off notifications between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Minors would not be able to change these default settings, while adult users would maintain control over their own settings. Social media companies would be required to utilize age assurance methods identified by the Attorney General to determine whether a user is a minor.

Respects the First Amendment. Preserves users’ First Amendment rights by ensuring that none of these default settings infringe on their ability to engage in free speech, access online content, or participate in public or private online conversations.

Steps Up Privacy, Security for Minors. Ensures increased safety for children by requiring apps to create additional default settings. These additional default settings, which users would have the option to disengage, include:

Disabling the visibility and sharing of a minor’s precise geolocation data

Limiting direct messaging and content sharing for minors to their connected accounts, e.g. ‘friends’

Limiting the visibility of posts and other content on minors’ pages to their connected accounts

With respect to a minor’s precise geolocation data, the default setting could only be changed by the minor with their parent’s consent.

Preserves the Ability for Vulnerable Youth to Find Online Community. Minors would be able to change these additional default settings relative to sharing or receiving messages or content if they choose to. This acknowledges that social media in smaller doses can have benefits for isolated or disconnected kids, including LGBTQ+ youth who may not live in affirming households or communities.

Shields Personal Data. Ensures that any age assurance methods used to change settings must protect users’ data. Users must be able to verify their age through a method that either does not rely solely on a government-issued ID or that otherwise allows them to remain anonymous to the platform. 

Included in this legislation are two amendments filed by Senator Edwards:

Social Media Platform Definition (Amendment #3)

This designates a platform as a “social media platform” if it either primarily displays content through a feed or primarily allows users to create, share, or interact with content. The original definition required both conditions to be met, which would have exempted platforms like Snapchat—which use addictive features and present safety risks for minors, but which do not primarily display content through a feed.

This exempts some sites that may otherwise fit under the definition of “social media platform” but for which the application of these regulations would be nonsensical and/or overly onerous. Examples include Wikipedia, the Trevor Project’s TrevorSpace, and GitHub. These are sites that may be used for homework or for seeking affirming and life saving support.

This clarifies that the Attorney General’s role is to regulate how age signals work across different systems, not to require every operating system to use them. Requiring all operating systems to add age signals would be difficult for open source projects, where many people contribute code. It could also create security risks if the feature is not implemented well and raise free speech concerns by requiring open source projects to include specific code.

The bill will now move to a conference committee to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions. Read the full bill text at malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3164, and stay updated on bill progress at malegislature.gov/MyLegislature/About.

Special to the Times-Free Press

Without raising taxes on Massachusetts residents, the Massachusetts Legislature delivered a Fiscal Year 2027 budget that drives down costs for residents, boosts the state’s economy, and adds to the state’s savings account. 

The plan makes record investments in public education, unlocks new housing production, strengthens the state’s public transportation systems, and protects vulnerable residents from the impact of federal cuts.

The bill spends $63.4 billion, a 4 percent increase from last year, and includes $2.7 billion in Fair Share funds that will support public education and transportation as voters intended. The budget raises no taxes and adds $51 million to the state’s ‘Rainy Day’ Stabilization Fund, which is projected to reach a historic $8.2 billion balance by the end of Fiscal Year 2027.

“As a result of the Trump Administration’s sweeping federal funding cuts, reckless trade policies, and war with Iran, this budget has come during a period of significant economic uncertainty. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of the investments that this budget makes despite those challenges, from funding for free school meals and for the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, to robust support for the MBTA, to nearly $10 billion for cities and towns across the Commonwealth – all without raising taxes,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for working to ensure that this budget delivers for every community across Massachusetts.”

“This final $63.4 Billion Fiscal Year 2027 conference committee report will better position the Commonwealth for the challenges that lie ahead while also ensuring that we protect the programs that some of our most vulnerable populations rely on the most. Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, food security, or early education the initiatives contained in this budget are a reflection of our shared values,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “By reinvesting in the people of the Commonwealth we will continue to assist those in need while making our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come. I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his leadership during this budget process, as well as my fellow House conferees, Representative Diggs and Representative Smola. I also want to thank my counterparts in the Senate, specifically my co-chair Senator Rodrigues, for their partnership in bringing this proposal over the finish line.”

“I’m incredibly proud of the funding we secured for East Boston in this year’s FY27 budget,” said Representative Adrian C. Madaro (D-East Boston). “These funds will empower organizations throughout the community with the resources to provide programming and services to East Boston residents, improve our environment, and celebrate the culture and history of the neighborhood. I thank local residents and nonprofits for their partnership and service to our community and look forward to continued collaboration ahead”.

Funding secured by Representative Madaro for East Boston organizations and projects in the FY27 budget include:

Constitution Beach Patrols – To ensure continued safety and security at Constitution Beach, funding is being provided to continue regular state police patrols and monitoring at Constitution Beach.

Maverick Landing Community Services – to provide for a Housing Support Station in East Boston, Rep. Madaro secured funding Maverick Landing Community Services. The housing support station provides information, education, and assistance on housing rights, housing applications, and eviction and foreclosure issues for tenants and homeowners.

Mutual Aid Eastie – Providing funds to Mutual Aid Eastie to support their mutual aid programming and assistance to local residents and families in East Boston

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston – Funding through the budget will provide resources for NUBE to facilitate work in civic engagement and community programming throughout East Boston.

Center for Community Development and Solidarity – Appropriations will aid CCDS in providing support and community organization toward the creation of worker owned cooperatives. This funding will support CCDS in their search for permanent space to base their operations.

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen – East Boston’s only soup kitchen will be bolstered by funding to provide food aid and other critical services to those most in need in the East Boston community.

Tree Eastie –  Funding will help support Tree Eastie’s successful work expanding the tree canopy in East Boston through the planting and maintenance of new trees on streets, in parks, and in yard across the neighborhood.

Harlem Lacrosse – This earmark will support lacrosse programming at Harlem Lacrosse’s East Boston site based at the McKay school.

East Boston Main Streets – This budget earmark will allow East Boston Main Streets to revitalize community signage in our main squares and neighborhood business corridors.

East Boston Veterans Museum – The East Boston Veterans museum is an exciting piece of the renovations to the ITAM and American Legion Post. These funds will support the further development and expansion of the museum.

Paris Street Community Center Programming – Resources allocated in the state budget will support unique Special Olympics programming at the Paris Street Community Center.

Golden Thread Project – A new project developed to highlight the history and culture of East Boston, this earmark will support the initial stages of East Boston’s Golden Thread, creating public markers and information to highlight East Boston’s role in the history of immigration, maritime commerce, and more.

East Boston Senior Center – The East Boston Senior Center has continued to be an invaluable resource and social hub for seniors in East Boston and surrounding communities. Funding will support programming and events through the East Boston Senior Center.

Health Safety Net – Covers services provided by NeighborHealth under the Commonwealth’s Health Safety Net program, allowing them to continue to provide essential services to under-insured and uninsured individuals in our community.

Funding for these organizations and programs builds off funding that Representative Madaro was able to secure for the neighborhood in the Fair Share supplemental budget bill recently approved by the legislature, including:

Friends of the Children – Running an excellent K-12 youth mentorship program in East Boston, this earmark will support Friends of the Children Boston in expanding their impact in the community.

NeighborHealth PACE – Providing critical medically-necessary patient transportation and home meal deliver, these funds support the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) operated through NeighborHealth.

Piers Park Sailing Center – Supporting the vital sailing and maritime educational programming at Piers Park Sailing Center, a key after school and summer education program in our neighborhood.

East Boston Social Centers – One of the largest childcare providers in the neighborhood, this earmark will fund community-based initiatives for kindergarten through the East Boston Social Centers.

Boston Scores – As the 2026 World Cup continues to be celebrated in Boston, this earmark allowed Boston Scores, a non-profit based in East Boston promoting youth development through soccer programming, to operate the East Boston FC soccer program and Festival 2026 programming to celebrate housing the World Cup, including important youth cultural exchange programming.

East Boston School STEM – New experiential STEM and innovation programming offered for public K-6 schools in East Boston will receive much-needed funding.

YouthConnect – A longtime program in the community that has helped high-risk youth and families alike by providing community-based mental health services and intervention, this earmark will continue to support their work in the neighborhood.

Salt Marsh Restoration Education – These resources will support efforts by the University of Massachusetts Stone Living Lab to research salt marsh restoration techniques in East Boston.

East Boston Ferry – Bolstering the operation of the MBTA ferry between Long Wharf in the North End and Lewis Mall in East Boston. The continuation of this year’s route includes later hours, the expansion to year-round service, studies for additional ferry stops, and new tap-to-pay options on board.

Other provisions that were part of the final FY27 budget include:

Education

The agreement completes the Legislature’s commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act with $7.66 billion in Chapter 70 aid to public school districts, an increase of $297 million over Fiscal Year 2026 and the highest level ever, along with a record $160-per-pupil minimum in local school aid.

The budget also revives the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) to examine the K-12 funding formula and assess how the state can address rising costs in special education, student transportation, personnel, and educator health care statewide.

The agreement funds the Special Education Circuit Breaker at $654.6 million to help students who need support, which, combined with $152 million from the recent Fair Share supplemental budget, brings the total investment to $806.6 million, reimbursing school districts for 75 percent of the costs of educating students with disabilities and complex needs.

Other education investments include $475 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program to support early education and care providers’ day-to-day operational and workforce costs, $137 million for the MassEducate and MassReconnect free community college programs, $20 million for rural school districts, and $180 million for universal free school meals, which serve nearly 150 million free meals to Massachusetts kids every year. 

The budget also includes $11.7 million to support students receiving special education services through the DESE/DDS Residential Prevention Program, and $2 million for a new grant program helping schools address young people’s social media use.

Transportation

The agreement provides $465 million in direct investment for the MBTA, which, combined with $595 million from the recent Fair Share supplemental budget, brings the total new investment in the system to over $1 billion for Fiscal Year 2027. It also includes $217 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), including $40 million to sustain fare-free transit service statewide. The state’s fare-free Regional Transit program has resulted in ridership exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

The budget also responds to a string of fatal wrong-way driving incidents on Massachusetts highways, including the tragic line-of-duty death of State Trooper Kevin Trainor, by directing MassDOT to implement new infrastructure and officer training, including directional striping, signage, lane delineators, and motorist alert systems.

Municipalities and Housing

The agreement provides record support to cities and towns across the state, including $1.363 billion for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), a $40 million increase over Fiscal Year 2026 and the highest level ever. For new dollars, the legislation implements a new funding formula to equitably distribute the increase throughout all of the state’s 351 communities. 

In another step toward addressing the housing crisis and building homes faster statewide, the budget builds on last session’s Affordable Homes Act by streamlining local permitting, supporting development on nonconforming properties, providing reasonable timelines for projects under existing zoning, and modernizing the variance standard, all aimed at boosting housing production and driving down costs.

Health Care

The agreement extends the ConnectorCare expansion pilot program through 2027. Since 2024, the pilot has helped more than 115,000 residents access more affordable insurance through lower premiums, no deductibles, and reduced co-pays.

The budget also codifies existing federal protections requiring comprehensive insurance coverage of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) without cost sharing or utilization management barriers and directs a new study to modernize and improve the long-term sustainability of emergency medical services in the Commonwealth.

Retiree COLA Reform

This budget includes comprehensive, fiscally prudent reforms to cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retired public employees, based on recommendations from the Special COLA Commission. It establishes a COLA Reserve Fund financed in part by pension investment returns above target, provides enhanced COLA benefits for certain current retirees based on years in retirement, and allows the base amount used to calculate future COLAs to increase in $1,000 increments as funding allows.

Food and Economic Security

The agreement protects access to benefits through Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), and includes a $500 clothing allowance per child for families receiving TAFDC benefits.

It repeals the Learnfare law, which cut off TAFDC benefits when children had too many unexcused school absences and ended up hurting families who lost needed assistance.

It also provides $56.1 million for Emergency Food Assistance, an increase of $6.1 million over Fiscal Year 2026, and $21.5 million for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which supports local farmers and access to healthy food.

Protecting Vulnerable

Residents

The agreement includes provisions protecting children aged 16 and 17 from sexual interactions with mandated reporters and others responsible for their care and oversight, including teachers, coaches, police officers, and social workers.

In response to the tragic fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, the agreement provides $500,000 to implement recommendations from the Assisted Living Residences (ALR) Commission to improve safety standards, emergency preparedness, and oversight at assisted living facilities statewide.

The budget also establishes a commission to study transitional youth services for individuals with disabilities whose access to special education services will end due to high school graduation or turning 22, as the Legislature works to preserve community-based care options amid federal challenges to the Olmstead decision.

Sports Wagering Revenue

The agreement adjusts the distribution of sports wagering revenue, directing 5.5 percent to the Sports and Entertainment Fund and 2 percent to the Economic Development Trust Fund, dedicating new resources to support the Commonwealth’s economic growth. 

The full text of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is available online. On Thursday July 9, Governor Maura Healey signed the finalized FY27 budget with no vetoes.

By Cary Shuman

The East Boston community is paying tribute to Boston Herald high school sports editor Donato “Danny” Ventura, who died on July 7, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Ventura had officially retired last August after a superb 35-year sportswriting career. He garnered numerous awards, including the National High School Sportswriter of the Year Award.

Mr. Ventura and his wife, Carla, lived in East Boston for several years and attended numerous events in the neighborhood. Mr. Ventura’s photo appeared with his columns and for marketing purposes in the Herald, and local business owners would recognize him instantly, often chatting with the personable journalist about sports and other topics of interest.

If East Boston High School or any high school in the city was competing in a big game, Ventura was sure to be there covering it in person. At athletic events throughout Massachusetts, Ventura was greeted with respect and admiration by coaches, athletic directors, and parents who appreciated his interesting feature stories about athletes and accurate reporting of games.

Readers of the Herald sports pages thoroughly enjoyed Danny V’s “Sweet 16” rankings and game predictions. The Herald’s daily competition with the Boston Globe brought out the best in both, giving readers the premier major-city duo in high school sports coverage in the nation.

Colleagues at the Herald spoke of Ventura’s professionalism, work ethic, passion for high school sports, and helpfulness.

“I’m pretty confident that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Danny,” said Jim Clark, former Herald high school sports editor and current assistant director of the MIAA. “After spending my first two years at the Herald on the sports copy desk, I agreed to take over as the high school editor in August 2000. Having Danny alongside – with his tireless work ethic, incredible passion for high school sports and telling the stories of student-athletes, and incredible institutional knowledge – was an invaluable asset.

“I am proud of the work we did together and I am grateful to have been able to call him a friend and colleague for so many years. Danny was also incredibly supportive in my move to the MIAA, and we maintained that professional relationship right up until his retirement a year ago.

“Danny’s impact on high school sports in Massachusetts will never be forgotten,” concluded Clark.

Talented sportswriter Matt Roy covered games for the Herald under Ventura’s helmsmanship. He praised his mentor’s personal kindness and his helpfulness in his career.

“It is so typical of the person Danny was that not many of us knew he was battling cancer,” said Roy. “That’s just how he was, staying out of the spotlight and shining it on others.

“I’ve known Danny for nearly my entire career, and he always was so kind and helpful to me when I started out. To eventually become one of those guys who he trusted to be part of his staff was a dream come true and all of us will work our tails off to reward that faith he had in us.

“It’s been said many times over the last few days and I couldn’t agree with it more: The likes of him probably won’t come around again. He was the best and it’s a loss that is immeasurable,” said Roy.

Former Daily Item sports editor and Harry Agganis Games executive director Paul Halloran also paid tribute to Ventura’s immense contribution to the sportswriting profession.

“Danny Ventura combined a tireless work ethic and a wealth of institutional knowledge with a deep passion for his job and an endearing personality. He was a genuinely good guy who cared more than most. His coverage of the Agganis All-Star Games over the years was most appreciated and the Foundation was proud to present him with the David C. Weidner Media Award in 2007. I enjoyed our many conversations and interactions over the years, and I will miss him greatly.”

Former sportswriter David O’Connor, director of communications for Everett public schools, said,  “I’ll never walk into Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium without thinking about Danny V. He was an unparalleled professional and even better person, and I join the countless people who had the pleasure of knowing him in sending my thoughts to his wife and family.”

Revere High School Athletic Director Frank Shea called Ventura, “an icon” in sportswriting.

“Obviously, he was an icon for high school sports coverage,” said Shea. “He was a guy who would always pick up the phone no matter what time you called him. He was always very supportive and always willing to write encouraging, positive stories about our student athletes. But I think the best compliment I can give Danny is that he was a better guy than he was a writer. He was just a tremendous person and he’s going to be sorely missed.”

A funeral Mass for Mr. Ventura was held Monday at the St. Columbkille Church in Brighton.

Special to the Times-Free Press

On Saturday, June 28, the Office of Small Business celebrated the 14 graduates of the BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program. This is the inaugural year of BizUnlocked Boston, which is executed by Tessi Consulting.

BizUnlocked Boston is a business access program that connects small business owners to the resources, expertise, and relationships they need to build lasting businesses that create jobs, stability, and sustainability in our communities. Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, the program connected the selected business owners with resources, expertise, and peer support to help strengthen and grow their businesses.

The pilot program took place from May 13 to June 27 and blended collaborative in-person workshops, interactive virtual sessions, and group technical assistance with small business experts.

“This program came from a need to equip early stage businesses with the information and resources to avoid common pitfalls businesses make in their beginning years,” said Director of Small Business Aliesha Porcena. “It has been years in the making. Over the years, we have learned a lot from businesses and their varying experiences, and adapted that information into this program. We wanted businesses to feel part of the Boston small business ecosystem from the start, and support them as they unlock their full potential.”

Applications for BizUnlocked Boston launched on March 17 and attracted 168 applicants. Applications were reviewed based on demonstrated commitment, readiness to fully participate, and alignment with the program’s goals. The Office of Small Business and Tessi Consulting selected 14 business owners for the pilot cohort. The participants represented a diverse range of industries, including print and publishing, education and social impact, and health and wellness.

“Entrepreneurs thrive when they have access to the right tools and support at the right time,” said Christie Lindor, Founder and CEO of Tessi Consulting. “BizUnlocked Boston was created to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, confidence, and community they need to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow thriving businesses. It has been an honor to partner with the City of Boston to help make that vision a reality.”

Over five weeks, these businesses participated in a dynamic blend of collaborative in-person workshops and interactive virtual sessions. This pilot program included a combination of live instruction, technical assistance, and self-guided assistance designed to support their learning and business development. Through the program, business owners strengthened business operations, leveraged technology to improve efficiency, developed marketing plans, and built a stronger foundation for long-term growth.

“Throughout the program, we gained useful tools and knowledge that successfully helped me develop a full business plan and pitch deck to support the operations and functions of my business,” said Shawn McNamara of Odd Jobs Media LLC. “It was a huge success in further developing the business to make it better serve the Boston community and beyond.”

During the program, business owners gained a clear understanding of business planning, operations, marketing, and financing. They also completed an initial business plan that will serve as a roadmap for growth or be used to pursue funding opportunities. After the program, participants have access to six months of support sessions led by technical assistance service providers. Following graduation, business owners will continue to receive support through six months of group technical assistance sessions led by small business experts.

The BizUnlocked Boston cohort is as follows:

Bak and Beverage, Food and Beverage

BlackBrownBoston, Education and Social Impact

Boston Fire Escape Pros, Construction & Safety Services

BostonToSalemTours, Tourism & Hospitality

Corte Visual, Media and Creative Services

DMS Consulting, Professional Services

Groovy Thrifty LLC, Retail and E-commerce

Locd in Boston, Beauty

Lovey Ledgers, Professional Services

Mats Boston, Health and Wellness

Odd Jobs Media LLC, Printing and Publishing

Salon25, Beauty

Tugboat Toy Company LLC, Retail and E-commerce

Valet Waste Solutions LLC, Cleaning Services

“I truly appreciate the support and exposure BizUnlocked provided during my startup journey. The encouragement from fellow participants and the connections I made along the way were invaluable,” said Sofia Baliakhova of Tugboat Toy Company. “The program challenged me to think outside the box and consider diverse perspectives, which helped me grow immensely as an entrepreneur. Having such a comprehensive wealth of knowledge consolidated into a single program was incredibly helpful. Ultimately, I feel like BizUnlocked gave me the exact key I needed to unlock both my personal potential and the full potential of my business.”

The Office of Small Business is dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with tools, resources and guidance to successfully start, grow, and build a business in Boston. Through the Office of Small Business, the City seeks to provide support to business owners to enhance their economic impact on our communities. Since 2022, the Office of Small Business has provided over 11,608 hours of one-on-one Technical Assistance for over 530 businesses; funding over 70 storefront signage and facade renovation projects; and streamlining the process and reducing financial barriers for participation in the annual Outdoor Dining program.

Special to the Times-Free Press

Mayor Michelle Wu joined the Boston Common Golf and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the launch of Boston Family Golf Nights, a new pilot program that makes it easier and more affordable for families to learn and enjoy the game of golf together. Beginning in August at both George Wright and William J. Devine Golf Courses, this program is designed to introduce families to golf with beginner friendly introduction followed by discounted evening rounds of golf on both of the City’s top-rated municipal courses.

The announcement coincides with the launch of Common Ground, Boston Common Golf’s community platform dedicated to expanding access to golf throughout Greater Boston and New England. Through this partnership, Boston Common Golf will invest in programs and resources that help make golf more accessible, including the donation of three Full Swing golf simulators to the City of Boston, two of which will be installed at the City’s municipal golf courses to support instruction and year-round programming.

“Boston is a national leader in creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and reach their dreams. Through partnerships like this one, we’re expanding access to recreational programs and helping more young people learn how to play golf without barriers,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re grateful to Boston Common Golf and The Busyhead Project for investing in our youth and helping make the game more accessible across our city.”

To celebrate the launch, more than 70 youth from across Boston participated in golf instruction at George Wright alongside 2x Grammy-nominated multi-patinum singer-songwriter and Boston Common Golf Limited Partner and Ambassador Noah Kahan as well as Boston Common Golf player and Massachusetts native Keegan Bradley. The event was hosted in partnership with Boston Common Golf and The Busyhead Project with young golfers from Boston Public Schools, Boston Parks and Recreation programs, and Youth On Course in attendance.

“At Boston Common Golf, we believe the game should be accessible to more young people across our region,” said Mark Lev, President and CEO of Boston Common Golf. “Common Ground reflects work we’ve been committed to since day one and provides a framework for how we’ll continue to invest in opportunities that introduce more kids and families to the game. We’re grateful to our partners and to the City of Boston for helping make that possible.”

The Boston Family Golf Nights pilot program is designed specifically for beginner golfers aged 7-17 and their families. Participants will learn the fundamentals of the game, including golf etiquette, equipment, course safety, and basic techniques through hands-on instruction, including practice in the simulator. After completing the introductory sessions, families will have the opportunity to put their new skills into practice during reserved evening tee times at George Wright or William J. Devine Golf Courses, where they can enjoy an affordable round of golf together with continued guidance from staff.

“Our municipal golf courses are some of Boston’s most beautiful public spaces, and they belong to everyone,” said Boston Parks Commissioner Diana Fernandez Bibeau. “We’re grateful to partner with Boston Common Golf to help remove barriers to the game and create new opportunities for Boston families to experience golf together. Through Boston Family Golf Nights and the broader Common Ground initiative, we’re expanding access to our municipal golf courses with affordable tee times and welcoming programming that will inspire the next generation of golfers.”

The program will be offered after 6:00 p.m. on alternating weeknights at both George Wright Golf Course and William J. Devine Golf Course and will include discounted evening tee times at $25 for a foursome with families with up to two adults and two children. Free club rentals will also be available, helping remove barriers for families trying the sport for the first time. Each instructional session is limited to 12 participants.

Registration for Boston Family Golf Nights opens August 3 at boston.gov/family-golf. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

Special to the Times-Free Press 

On Saturday, July 18, Festival Betances, New England’s longest-running Latino cultural festival, returns for its 53rd year, at Plaza Betances, 100 West Dedham Street, Boston, bringing thousands of residents, families, artists, and visitors together for a free, full-day celebration of Puerto Rican culture, music, food, art, and community.  Hosted by Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), this year’s theme, “Boricua Legacy: Shaping America’s Story,” honors the contributions of Puerto Rican communities to Boston and the nation as part of the America 250 commemoration. The festival will feature a community parade through Villa Victoria, live musical performances, cultural demonstrations, local vendors, food, art activations, and family-friendly programming throughout the day. 

Headlining this year’s festival is internationally acclaimed salsa orchestra Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power, joined by Brenda K. Starr, Fabián Torres, and Liberty Vibes, the U.S. Army Reserve’s premier salsa ensemble. 

The 2026 festival also marks a milestone moment as the first Festival Betances following the opening of La CASA: The Center for Arts, Self-Determination and Activism, the largest Latino cultural center and community hub in New England. Festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to experience an exhibition inside La CASA, further connecting the celebration to IBA’s new home for Latino arts, culture, and community storytelling. 

As part of Boston’s Everyone250 initiative, the festival will also include the unveiling of a historical marker at Plaza Betances honoring Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances and the legacy of Villa Victoria residents who organized to resist displacement during Boston’s urban renewal era. 

For more than five decades, Festival Betances has served as a cornerstone of Boston’s Latino community – celebrating culture, resilience, and belonging while elevating the stories and histories that shape the city. The 2026 festival connects this longstanding cultural tradition to a new chapter for IBA through La CASA, while contributing to a broader effort to expand and reimagine how Boston’s history is told during the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Schedule:

12:30 – 1:00 PM: Welcome remarks by Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, national anthem (U.S. & Puerto Rico) performed               by Adel Velez and unveiling of the Everyone250 Plaza Betances marker.

1:00 – 2:30 PM: Community Parade 

2:45 – 4:00 PM: Liberty Vibes – U.S. Army Reserve Salsa Band 

4:15 – 5:30 PM: Fabián Torres 

5:45 – 7:15 PM: Brenda K. Starr

7:30 – 9:00 PM: La Puerto Rican Power 

La CASA programming will take place from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and Protest to Pride Exhibit Tours will be offered at 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:00 PM inside La CASA.  

Elected officials opening the event include: 

Nick Collins, State Senator

 John Moran, State Representative 

Ed Flynn, City Councilor 

Julia Mejia, City Councilor

Mayor Michelle Wu announced details for the City of Boston’s final slate of free, family-friendly FIFA World Cup watch parties, including the Semi Final matches, the Third Place Match, and the FIFA World Cup Final. These watch parties will bring residents, families and visitors together at City Hall to experience the final matches of the tournament and to celebrate Boston’s summer as a host city.

“This summer, Boston has become America’s best ambassador as a beautiful, welcoming, family-friendly city that is a home for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we enter the final stages of the FIFA World Cup, we are thrilled to collaborate with partners to keep the celebrations going and make the most of this opportunity for our residents, businesses, and all the visitors still enjoying summer in Boston. Thank you to State Street for helping us bring these final World Cup watch parties to City Hall Plaza, and for such strong leadership helping Boston shine throughout this summer.”

The watch parties are part of Mayor Wu’s efforts to host free, community‑based World Cup programming to communities across Boston. The City’s watch parties are made possible in part by State Street.

Wednesday, July 15

FIFA World Cup Semi Final – Argentina vs. England

City Hall Plaza, 3 p.m. ET

Saturday, July 18

FIFA World Cup Third Place Match 

City Hall Plaza, 5 p.m. ET

Sunday, July 19 

FIFA World Cup Final Match

City Hall Plaza, 3 p.m. ET

To date, the City of Boston has hosted 11 community watch parties across neighborhoods, bringing fans together to watch matches and celebrate the tournament. Previously, the City partnered with Big Night Entertainment Group and The Bowery Presents on earlier watch parties to provide more opportunities for residents, families and visitors to enjoy matches and share in the excitement of the World Cup.

For the latest information and additional details on the City’s watch parties, and a list of free watch parties taking place across Boston, visit: www.boston.gov/watchparties.

Residents and visitors are also encouraged to support local businesses during the tournament. Find local businesses showing matches on the City’s Neighborhood Business Guide and additional summer programming at boston.gov/summer.

Special to the Times-Free Press

Ten sea turtles were released Wednesday evening into the waters off Cape Cod, Mass., in the New England Aquarium’s second local beach release of the season. The group included six Kemp’s ridleys, two loggerheads, and two green sea turtles, all equipped with a combination of satellite and acoustic tags for researchers to collect data on the animals’ movements.

For the past seven months, staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., treated the hypothermic turtles for a variety of life-threatening medical conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and trauma. Staff veterinarians cleared the sea turtles to return to Nantucket Sound from West Dennis Beach.

“Each sea turtle release reminds us of what this rescue and rehabilitation work is all about,” said Adam Kennedy, Director of Rescue and Rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium. “We dedicate months to the turtles’ recovery, and sending them back to the ocean is exactly what we work toward. This work is critical to the long-term survival of these species.”

Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, loggerhead, green, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are threatened or endangered, facing threats including climate change, ocean pollution, and degradation of their habitats. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts help to conserve these species.

Scientists from the Aquarium’s research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, worked with the Rescue team to tag the turtles for post-release monitoring. The tags collect information about the turtles’ behavior, habitat use, and survivorship, which helps inform sea turtle conservation and protection efforts, especially in New England where little is known about these species. This season, the team is using a combination of satellite tags for real-time data and acoustic tags for longer-term tracking; some of the turtles will be added to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Tracker for the public to follow their journey. This sea turtle work is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Permit Number ES69328.

“The tracking data we gather after each release helps us better understand and protect these species for the long term,” said Dr. Kara Dodge, research scientist in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center. “Research like this is what allows us to make meaningful, lasting progress for science-based sea turtle conservation.”

Several of the turtles released this week were treated for traumatic fracture injuries that have since healed. “Curlz,” a green sea turtle, sustained a head fracture, while “Buckaroo,” “Leelawadee,” and “Modern Love,” all Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, each sustained plastron fractures. “Cavolini,” also a Kemp’s ridley, also sustained a fracture injury. Aquarium staff, volunteers, and interns have a tradition of naming the turtles receiving long-term care, with this year’s theme being font-inspired names.

During the 2025 cold-stunning season, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles that were rescued from the shores of Cape Cod from November to December by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Getting these turtles back to full health requires a collaborative effort between biologists, veterinarians and researchers. There are 19 turtles remaining at the Aquarium’s Quincy facility, which will be released off Cape Cod this summer once medically cleared by Aquarium veterinarians.

The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.