Amid increasingly divisive public discussion, civility has become a sought-after skill for colleges and universities struggling to maintain a rich set of viewpoints on campus, and for employers trying to build diverse workplaces. Now, a new pilot program shows that it might be possible to instill an ability to disagree productively in adolescents—and some of the nation’s top universities want to consider proof of that skill in admissions. As part of Dialogues, a pilot by the nonprofit peer-tutoring platform Schoolhouse.world, students ages 14 to 18 built portfolios showcasing their ability to disagree respectfully with other peers on hot-button topics. Today, eight selective colleges, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University,
Will Victims of Illegal Migrant Crime Be Able
Several months ago, US Congressman Chuck Edwards – R - North Carolina and US Senator Tom Tillis R also from North Carolina were working on a bill that would allow victims of Illegal migrant violence in a sanctuary state or city to sue that state or city for damages. The thinking was that since those places disregarded federal law and for the most part, encouraged illegal’s to locate there and then protected them by not cooperating with federal authorities trying to apprehend them and in some cases actually hindering federal law enforcers, those locations should face legal and financial consequences. Well, for reasons unclear, that effort fell by the wayside and never
moved forward. But now, there is talk of another such effort being considered as the climate in the country seems more receptive to the idea. And why not?
The violent crimes being committed by illegal migrants is now well known by just about everyone. Of course not all illegal migrants commit crimes other than unlawfully entering the country which alone is a deportable offense, but the data shows that an alarming number have. Which brings us to Massachusetts and its governor Maura Healy. Healy; seeing the writing on the wall, where the possibility of losing federal funds is no longer just a threat, but looking more inevitable by the day, now claims that
Massachusetts in NOT a sanctuary state. Right. Even Healy’s supporters know that’s a joke. She put out the welcome mat for tens of thousands of illegals to flood into the state. She promised them all sorts of tax payer funded benefits and for the most part delivered on those promises at the expense of citizens. She put them up in plush hotels, they received free food, healthcare and so many other goodies that citizens; including our veterans weren’t eligible for.
In addition to providing the many benefits, those migrants were/are in a way, actually shielded from prosecution if they com-
mit crimes; in some cases, some of the most violent crimes. Most saw the news video footage of ICE agents arresting murderers, rapists, child abusers, gang members etc. in Massachusetts towns. We also saw the outrage by Healy and so many members of the Massachusetts State Legislature at these arrests. They actually demanded that the arrests of these violent criminals stop and that they not be deported. They would rather have dangerous criminals be allowed to continue to terrorize neighborhoods than give in to ICE demands to turn them over. Putting citizens at risk seems not to be a priority compared
to harboring, hiding and yes, coddling the criminals illegally residing here. And Healy insists that this is not a sanctuary state? Total bs and everyone knows it.
If the effort that is once again being considered to allow victims of violence committed by illegals to sue comes to be and voted on and signed by President Trump which he will most likely do and should, Massachusetts could be looking at a much more serious financial situation than it currently has. The blame for that will fall directly at the feet of Maura Healy and those in the legislature foolish enough to still support her.
LInformation Center The The Frantic, Desperate Measures To Stop Deportations Aren’t Working
et me start this week’s column by saying straight out and proudly that I, and what surveys and polls say is a large majority of the American people fully support and appreciate the work that I.C.E (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the US Border Patrol and all the military assigned to work with them is doing. Our Hats are off to Tom Homan, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem and all the other officials and men and women with boots on the ground who are rounding up some of the most violent, perverted and vile criminals on earth and removing them from our country. They are helping to make America safer with each criminal deported. Of course, liberal incompetent politicians are furious at what’s going on. People like Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass of California who have been a disaster the whole time they’ve been in office not only were not able to control the rioting, looting and burning in Los Angeles, but for the most part, would not even try. So since they couldn’t or wouldn’t deal with it, President Trump had to take steps to do it. The street thugs are learning fast that they are not dealing with the Biden Administration as they are being hauled off to jail and in the case of the illegal immigrants taking part - deported. Throwing bricks, concrete and fire bombs at federal officers just trying to do their jobs is going to bring some serious consequences as it should.
Of course, there is a lot of controversy regarding the new holding prison set up in the Florida Everglades nick named ‘Alligator Alcatraz’. As most are aware it got that name because of the location which
is in the middle of a swamp filled with alligators and other dangerous animals and reptiles. It makes escape attempts less likely under the circumstances. But the given name it seems is the scariest feature of the place. Because as far as jails and prisons go, it’s not so bad.
Now as expected, Democrat politicians are in meltdown over the facility and their usual drama and antics are on full display. They claim the food is awful and not fit to consume, they say the air conditioning is too cold or not cooling enough, the beds are uncomfortable, the lighting is bad, the guards are not friendly and there are mosquitoes and the occasional grasshopper slips in. Some of the exaggerations are taken to the next level. Some are outright blatant lies. How about this one: One member of the visiting Democrats’ entourage was caught in the act by Florida Division of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie actually holding a thermometer up to a light bulb for the purpose of getting an extra high reading so he could file a complaint of excessive heat conditions. I guess he didn’t realize there are video cameras everywhere.
These detained illegals are not going to be lifers at Alligator Alcatraz. It’s just a holding station as they wait deportation. And that’s the issue isn’t it? Those on the left are on a desperate crusade. No matter how dangerous and violent some of these prisoners are or how many crimes they’ve committed, some of these Democrat politicians will fight tooth and nail to prevent them from being removed from the country. The millions of illegal and unvetted migrants that the Biden Administration allowed to crash the
talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
southern border were supposed to be the new voters for the Democrat party. The plan was to replace all the Americans that have been deserting that party in massive numbers. As Trump keeps his promise of mass deporting them, the Democrat party leaders are seeing their hope rapidly falling away.
In closing, a mention about one of the other locations that has been making the news in regard to I.C.E raids. The big pot field or Cannabis Farm located just outside the Los Angeles city limits was found to not only be staffed by hundreds
of illegal workers but also said to have unaccompanied child workers who are allegedly being forced to work there against their will. And yet, liberal politicians and some in the media could not even bring themselves to support the rescue of these children by I.C.E. This speaks volumes about the lengths some people on the Left will go to in protecting crimes committed by illegals and stopping the deportations. More proof that the safety and concerns of American citizens are no longer priorities for them. Maybe they never were.
Note:
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone
2025 BUDGET TIME
Ahead of the July 1 start of the fiscal year (surprise!) and in anticipation of a congressional reconciliation bill chugging along in D.C., Massachusetts budget-writers filed their just over $61 billion fiscal 2026 spending plan Sunday afternoon.
Top Democrats are pitching the bill as a “fiscally responsible” move amid major uncertainty over how congressional cuts could manifest in Massachusetts. Their proposal sits $3.3 billion higher than it did in fiscal 2025, but nearly $1 billion lower than Gov. Maura Healey’s initial fiscal 2026 bottom line.
Some aspects reflect that concern — like the 12% increase for the attorney general’s office “as she helps defend Massachusetts residents from the impact of federal actions,” budget writers said Sunday. And MassHealth spending, which accounts for the largest singular chunk of the budget and would face major losses should Congress cut Medicaid funding, would increase by more than $2 billion from fiscal 2025 to hit $22.1 billion.
As for the policy riders that were on the line in negotiations?
BYE BROKER FEES: The proposal would require residential broker fees be paid only by the
Window Into The State House
Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education. We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives. These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.
party that reaches out the broker, a measure aiming to bar those charges from being passed onto tenants.
CLOSURE NO MORE: Pappas Rehabilitation Center for Children and Pocasset Mental Health Center would remain open — and alongside $31 million to “fully fund and maintain operations” at Pappas, and $4.8 million at Pocasset, through fiscal 2026, the budget would create a legislative commission to study the future of Pappas. That report would be due by the end of 2026.
LOCAL ED FUNDING: Chapter 70 state aid for K-12 public schools would rise by nearly $500 million. But in the midst of urgent calls to rethink the formula, budget writers proposed the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education study the formula and report findings back to the Legislature by mid-2026.
TRANSPORTATION: The budget would codify and fully fund farefree regional transit and free RTA bus rides. It would also direct $470 million to the MBTA — an addition to the over $500 million just appropriated to the T in the recent supplemental budget, bringing T funding to about $1 billion overall for the upcoming fiscal year. The annual surtax revenues put into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund
would also be bumped from $250 million to $550 million.
IT’S A NO: Budget writers spiked the Senate-proposed measure that would have lowered prescription drug costs, alongside another Senate effort to give cities and towns more power over liquor license approval. They also scrapped a Houseproposed measure that would have paused the state’s plan to implement a lottery system for vocational technical school admissions.
Lawmakers plan to vote to pass the bill today, which would be the first time in years an upcoming budget would reach the governor’s desk before the fiscal year starts. It’ll likely be there alongside a $7 billion interim budget to plug the gap to give Gov. Maura Healey the full 10 days allotted to her to work through the big bill without any spending impacts.
Ella.Adams@MASSterList.com.
GOP CHAT: MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale said “On the Record” Sunday that the Republican party intends to have candidates run for the state treasurer’s office, the attorney general’s office, the U.S. Senate and some state House seats.
Carnevale reaffirmed her stance that the crisis of emergency shelter began during the Healey and Biden
administrations. She added that while “the [Trump] administration has said it isn’t always going to get it right” when it comes to ICE enforcement and detainment, “the American public, and I think residents here in Massachusetts, do support strong policies by this administration to deport criminal illegal aliens.” Carnevale also called the changes to Medicaid in Trump’s initial reconciliation bill “modest” and reaffirmed her stance that Iran should not be a nuclear superpower. — WCVB
HEALEY SAYS: Gov. Healey maintained that marriage and abortion rights are safe in Massachusetts despite any federal threats in an interview that aired Sunday. Also on Healey’s radar: competitive electric suppliers, who she thinks can exist, but “just can’t be ripping people off.” Healey said she thinks she’ll be able to get the policy through the Legislature.
Healey was tight-lipped about the more challenging lobbies on Beacon Hill, along with some controversy surrounding the state’s new education commissioner. Healey’s thinking big on economics and how tax policy is shaping up for the state. And as for the estate tax, which she
continued on page 12
Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston has secured a $200,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation to expand its partnership with the Gavin Foundation, a nationallyrecognized substance use treatment and recovery organization with more than a dozen programs operating throughout the City of Boston. The new funding will allow for an expanded partnership with the City’s Coordinated Response Team (CRT), which leads cross-departmental efforts to address safety, health, and quality of life for residents, with a goal to end outdoor substance use in neighborhoods of Boston and the criminal activity that supports it. The funds will allow CRT to draw on Gavin Foundation professionals to provide treatment navigation and transportation for individuals identified in the Mass & Cass area and throughout the city as they enter into substance use treatment and recovery programs. The City and the Cummings Foundation recently announced a $1 million investment in a range of summer and year-round safety initiatives in Boston, of which the Gavin Foundation is the latest.
“For decades, the people of Boston have trusted the Gavin Foundation to help neighbors and loved ones through the toughest of challenges,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we work to strengthen pathways to recovery and support communities impacted by the opioid epidemic, this partnership will provide an invaluable direct connection to recovery that can help
MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH GAVIN FOUNDATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO RECOVERY AND TREATMENT SERVICES
With $200,000 grant from Cummings Foundation, City’s Coordinated Response Team will draw on Gavin Foundation recovery professionals for treatment navigation and transportation
us transform our outreach work. We thank the Cummings Foundation for their generous support and the Gavin Foundation for their expertise and resources supporting the City and individuals on their treatment journeys.”
“We thank Mayor Wu and the Cummings Foundation for investing in the work that the Gavin Foundation does every day to serve Boston residents,” said Peter Barbuto, President and CEO of the Gavin Foundation. “For more than sixty years, Gavin has had the privilege of assisting individuals in their journey of recovery from substance use disorder, many of whom call Boston their home. We look forward to working more closely with the City of Boston and continuing on our Mission, ‘The Restoration of Dignity and Hope through compassionate comprehensive care for individuals and their families impacted by addiction’.”
“The Coordinated Response Team is thrilled to strengthen our partnership with the Gavin Foundation to rapidly connect individuals with the treatment and recovery services they urgently need,” said Kellie Young, Director of Coordinated Response Team. “With Gavin as an operational partner for treatment navigation and transportation, we can streamline pathways into recovery and address quality of life and safety objectives across the City.”
“With this new funding, we can dedicate more resources to tackling this complex, long-standing issue in the Mass and Cass area and beyond. I am deeply grateful to the Cummings Foundation, the Gavin Foundation, and the CRT for their continued investment and commitment to recovery and public safety,” said State Representative John Moran (D-South End).
“The Gavin Foundation is an incredible partner for our City and I am pleased to support this addition-
al funding to strengthen our work together,” said District 3 Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald. “Building stronger pathways into recovery is critical to saving lives and improving quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
Although significant challenges remain, over the past three and a half years, the City has succeeded in building clear pathways to recovery and stable housing, coordinating public safety and public health responses, and ending permanent encampments in Boston. To address persistent outdoor substance use and quality of life challenges, the Boston Police Department has committed to increased presence and enforcement in impacted areas, focused on
diverting individuals in treatment and recovery programs. Consistent with the City’s work in past years, CRT, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), and the Mayor’s Office of Housing are working with trusted health partners on an updated by-name list to develop a treatment and recovery plan with every individual regularly observed in the area. The City continues to work alongside residents and advocates to urge partnership for a regional public health recovery campus and decentralized treatment sites that will meet the scale of the challenge.
More details about the City’s coordinated response plan can be found in the City’s update sent to the City Councilsent earlier this year.
DESCRIPTION: The Planning Department is hosting a Virtual Public Meeting for the proposed Gillette Redevelopment Planned Development Area Master Plan located in the South Boston neighborhood. The meeting will include a topic-specific presentation focused on the waterfront, open space, and existing neighborhood context.
Students continued from front page
and Vanderbilt University announced they will accept these “civility transcripts” among the factors they weigh in college-admissions decisions.
“I don’t want brittle students,” said Jim Nondorf, the vice president for enrollment and student advancement and the dean of college admissions and financial aid for the University of Chicago, one of the colleges that plans to use civility as a consideration during admission decisions. “I want students who can come here and add to the conversation on campus but do it in the right way.”
Studies have found that adolescents need guidance and opportunities to practice difficult conversations and respond to criticism without falling into “outrage cycles.” In particular, students may have more difficulty picking up social cues and understanding nuance in virtual arguments compared to in-person disagreements.
“It’s very easy in anonymous or asynchronous forums to just completely ‘other’ the other party—to think they’re idiots, think they’re evil, whatever,” said Salman Khan, the founder of the virtual education platform Khan Academy and co-founder of Schoolhouse.world. “That’s very hard to do in this [faceto-face] setting.”
Many school- and communitybased programs focus on argument and discourse, but it can be difficult to measure nonacademic aspects of these skills. There are no standard assessments of students’ civility, but a few other projects are trying to look at some of the necessary components—such as listening and considering feedback from partners.
This year, five states—Indiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin—partnered with the nonprofit Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, which created the timebased Carnegie units for secondary credits, and the assessment group ETS for the Skills for the Future project, which is testing 15 different tools to measure underlying skills such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
“These types of skills are predictive of the success that we want to see for young adults, both with high school and college attainment, but also other dimensions of thriving ... that broaden the definition of commencement-level success,” said Brooke Stafford-Brizard, Carnegie’s vice president for innovation and impact.
For example, the partnership is testing one “test-less assessment” task in which a student coordinates with two artificial intelligence-run avatars to tell a story, according to Laura Slover, who leads the Skills for the Future project.
“They each build on each other’s ideas,” she said. “They have to listen so that they’re picking up the ideas and creating linkages to build the next part of the story ... [and] giving each other feedback in real time.”
Students would be evaluated based on things like how well they accepted and used the AI characters’ ideas and feedback. It’s not clear, though, how well simulation tasks of this sort can measure students’ ability to work with other people, particularly in problemsolving and healthy disagreements.
Students volunteer to talk about gun control, inequality, and immigration
The Dialogues program takes a different approach. It built off Schoolhouse.world, the peer-tutoring platform, in which secondary students develop a portfolio of tutoring subject “certifications” by passing online assessments and providing and reviewing video explanations of concepts. Then, as students begin to tutor, their tutees also review their support and effectiveness.
Dialogues participants, ages 14 to 18, volunteer to have conversations on any of about two dozen controversial topics, including AI, income inequality, immigration, mental health, and gun control. Each student reviewed guidelines for civil disagreements and discussion guides for particular topics, and was matched to peers with a different viewpoint on the assigned topics. The students had and recorded virtual conversations with their partners, then reflected on their own experience and provided written feedback for their partner.
The students participated independently of their schools and were not graded on their performance in these dialogues, but they received a portfolio transcript detailing the number of hours and topics of discussion in which they participated and feedback from their partners on skills like active listening and how well they challenged their own views. Students could submit these portfolios to colleges as part of admissions decisions.
During the year-and-a-half pilot, more than 600 students logged about 2,000 hours of discussion. Schoolhouse is expanding the pilot to school districts this week.
These structured peer reviews and self-reflections work in lieu of formal assessments, Khan said. “I don’t
think you can truly fake respect,” he said. “You have to have real respect; otherwise the other party can tell.”
Khan said nearly all student conversations have ended with them finding at least some common ground, and “out of the several hundreds of these conversations ... we haven’t had one real incident of people yelling at each other,” Khan said. “People are much more polarized, but this has surpassed our expectations in terms of people being able to engage in tough conversations as long as the context is right, and they’re primed in the right way.”
While an overwhelming majority of K-12 educators told the EdWeek Research Center in 2024 that schools have a responsibility to teach students how to have respectful disagreements, about a third of teachers said they have changed or avoided lessons on challenging topics out of concern about backlash from students, parents, or the public.
Nondorf, the University of Chicago administrator, said students need more practice with managing conflicts both in class and out of school.
“As things have evolved, the red states are redder and the blue states are bluer, and quite honestly, it’s tough in high school to find somebody who has different opinions given how separated the country has become around things,” Nondorf said. “If you look at what’s gone on on our campuses over the last couple of years, I think students being better able to articulate their views in a non-confrontational, nonviolent way is the best thing we could possibly do for them.”
Credit: Sarah D. Sparks – Education Week
Councilor Flynn Calls for Hearing on Pest Control and the Discovery of Leptospirosis in Boston
At the Boston City Council this week, Councilor Flynn called for a hearing on pest control and the discovery of leptospirosis in the City of Boston. In April, Tufts University released a study stating that rats in Boston are spreading leptospirosis, a potentially deadly disease typically associated with tropical climates. The six year long study found that most rats that live in the city carry the bacteria and different neighborhoods carry different strains that can move between colonies. Scientists warn that leptospirosis can infect humans and animals, causing symptoms that range from mild, flu-like illness and in rare cases, more serious complications such as multiple organ failure and death.
Following the one-year anniversary of the release of the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP) in June, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn maintains the plan continues to fall short as it disregarded the recommendation of both he and the study’s author, renowned rodent urbanologist Dr. Bobby Corriganthat the city looks to formally create a dedicated position solely focused on this issue, or “rat czar”, like New York City previously implemented. Moreover, after talking with residents and businesses across the city for years, Councilor Flynn continues to take issue with the analysis of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) - that our current pest control crisis does not pose a high public health threat to the residents of Boston and their families. Councilor Flynn has long advocated for the city to focus on the growing problem of pest control and rodent mitigation issues, which were exacerbated during the pan-
demic - when restaurants closed and rats began showing up in more residential areas searching for another food source. Flynn has called for annual hearings on pest control going back to the start of the pandemic in 2020. In May of 2023, he subsequently met with New York City’s Director of Rodent Mitigation, or “Rat Czar”, Kathleen Corradi, to discuss both the logistics of working with a number of different city departments to tackle this quality of life issue, as well as specific strategies to deal with the growing rodent population in municipalities across the country.
In fact, after calling for a hearing on the creation of an Office of Pest Control in January of 2023, Councilor Flynn introduced an ordinance at the Boston City Council in January of 2024 and held a hearing to formally establish one in the City of Boston. He also met with relevant city departments and Dr. Corrigan to discuss their work in formulating this report and offered recommendations. With these new findings and reports of increased rodent activity in neighborhoods across the city, it is critical that Boston revisits designating a city official, or “rat czar”, solely focused on this public health and quality of life issue.
“This new Tufts University report showing that rats in our city carry leptospirosis reinforces the urgent need for the City of Boston to make pest control a top priority. I continue to advocate, as was recommended by Dr. Corrigan, that we finally dedicate a point person solely focused on addressing our pest control crisis. Moreover, although the Boston Public Health Commission previously indicated that rats do not currently pose a high public health threat to the residents of Boston - I adamantly disagree,” said Councilor Flynn. “When I hear about a rat in a child’s crib, or rats carrying diseases like leptospirosis, it’s evident that this is a public health emergency. We should not be downplaying the impacts that this significant quality
of life issue is having on neighbors across Boston. Public awareness campaigns and language access in every neighborhood is critical to ensure all of our residents are
invested in making sure their trash is disposed of properly.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
DESCRIPTION: The Boston Planning Department is hosting a Public Meeting for the 43 Preble Street project located in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the updated proposal. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public.
Mail to: Phone: Email:
Stephen Harvey Planning Department
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.834.7964 stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov
Website: bosplans.org/43-preble-street
Guy The Wine
Wines To Beat The Heat
Iwon’t say it’s unusually hot, but yesterday, there was a guy grilling hamburgers- on the hood of his car. In any event, try any of the following to make this hot weather a
bit more bearable…
Josh, North Coast Chardonnay, California,($18.99). This one is made by blending juice from several vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma AVAs, as well as Lake and Mendocino Counties. The blend has a nose of mountain flowers, lemon and orange zest, as well as honeysuckle. On the palate, it has a noticeable chewiness and a full mouthfeel, while the finish is surprisingly long for a white blend. You can pair this one with any grilled white meat, especially marinated chicken or Cornish Hen, as well as Pork loin.
While it’s not usually on the top of anyone’s list, a bottle of chilled Riesling can be a nice accompaniment for summer salads and seafood. Jos. J. Prum, ($21.99), has a crisp, balanced sweetness that can turn tangy with fruites de mare, especially lobster and soft-shell crab. Grilled tails with this wine will make any cookout that much more special. If your occasion is special, make
Free arts & crafts workshops begin July 8 in Boston Parks
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s annual ParkARTS program is pleased to announce the return of free Arts & Crafts Workshops for children. From West Roxbury to East Boston, kids ages three to ten can enjoy a wide variety of arts and crafts activities led by local artists at the workshops held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Participation is free and all materials are provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more must pre-register by emailing parks@boston.gov or by calling the Parks Department at (617) 961-3082.
The Marionette Puppet Show series will also return in July and August during various children’s workshops. See Boston’s parks come alive with Rosalita’s Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actorpuppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore. Each puppet show will begin at 11:00 a.m. See the schedule below for details. Arts and Crafts Workshops dates and locations are as follows, 10 a.m. to 12 noon:
sure the wine is, too. Something bubbly usually fits the bill and the choices are many. My personal favorite is Veuve Clicquot, NV, ($55.99). Its effervescence is distinctive, but not overwhelming; the nose has notes of citrus and jasmine, while the finish is longer than many other sparklers.
Chateau St. Michelle, Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington, ($33.99). This is a complex, layered wine. Notes of cherries, blackberries, caramel and earth tones almost smother your palate; the finish is long and multi flavored. This one is not only good with the usual items, but especially good with grilled chicken, pork loin or brauts.
Eroica Riesling, Ch. Ste. Michelle/ Dr. Loosen, Washington, ($22.99). This Riesling, a wine whose style is an homage to Dr. Loosen, captures a great balance of sweetness and body. Notes of mountain flowers, turmeric and
peppermint on the nose give way to a pleasant finish. Best with poultry and pork dishes.
Woodward Canyon Artist Series, Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, ($55.99). This isn’t just another Cab. It’s full of structure, balance and distinctive notes and aromas. I’d suggest letting this one breathe for 30-45 minutes. Then just sip. Also, if it’s steak on your grill, be sure to have a glass of this in your hand. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful things that are going on in South Africa. The country’s winemakers continue to refine many varieties, especially Chenin blanc. Beaumont Chenin Blanc,2023,($23.99), is crisp and refreshing. Notes of orange blossoms and mountain flowers on the nose lead to a palate that’s balanced, but layered. This one is especially good with any kind of salad as well as Asian cuisine. This wine is so easy-drinking that you might want to pick up more than one.
Tuesdays, July 8, 15, & 22
Marcella Playground, Roxbury
Harambee Park, Dorchester
Wednesdays, July 9, 16, & 23
Iacono Playground, Hyde Park
Hynes Field, West Roxbury
Thursdays, July 10, 17, & 24
Fallon Field, Roslindale
Walker Playground, Mattapan
Fridays, July 11, 18, & 25
Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain Portsmouth Street Playground, Allston-Brighton
Tuesdays, July 29, August 5, & 12
LoPresti Park, East Boston
Langone Park, North End
Wednesdays, July 30, August 6 & 13
Myrtle Street Playground, Beacon Hill
Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury
Thursdays, July 31, 7, & 14
***Medal of Honor Park, South Boston***
Titus Sparrow Park, South End continued on page 9
Councilor Flynn joins Andrew Square Neighbors on Pest Control & Public Safety Walks
This week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will join residents in attending two walkthroughs of the Andrew Square neighborhood in South Boston aimed at addressing public safety and quality of life issues. This Thursday, July 17th at 9am, there will be a walk with residents and city officials primarily focused on reviewing locations related to pest control and rodents. The walk on Friday, July 18th at 9am will include the Boston Police Department and deal with issues of public safety and the spillover effects from the Mass & Cass crisis continuing to impact nearby residents and businesses. Neighbors have reported a recent uptick in rodent activities not only in Andrew Square, but across the city. These incidents have included countless sightings of rats during the day time. With a new Tufts University report stating that the Urban Rat population in Boston now carries Leptospirosis, a potentially serious disease for humans and other animals, it is critical to maintain our focus on pest control strategies. Councilor Flynn encourages residents to report improperly stored trash to code enforcement via 311, and to email any photos and locations to ed.flynn@boston.gov.
On Friday, Councilor Flynn invited neighbors from Andrew Square, South Boston elected officials, Boston Police, and the City of Boston’s Coordinated Response Team to join him on a public safety walkthrough to address concerns on homelessness and mental and behavioral health issues, public drug use, drug dealing, and other illegal activities from the area. With the warm weather now upon us, residents have expressed concerns on the recent uptick of open air drug markets, drug use and paraphernalia scattered across the neighborhood. Councilor Flynn encourages residents to call 911 for any emergency situation that requires an immediate response. Residents are also similarly advised to report any drug paraphernalia to the City’s mobile sharps team via 311, and to email any photos and locations to ed.flynn@boston.gov.
“When I hear about a rat in a child’s crib, and rats carrying diseases like leptospirosis, it’s evident that this is a public health emergency. We should not continue to downplay the impacts that this quality of life issue is having on neighbors across Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “On public safety, residents and businesses in the Andrew Square neighborhood continue to report open air drug dealing and drug use due to the Mass and Cass crisis. It is long past time for zero tolerance on public safety and quality of life issues.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-6353203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Friday, July 18: Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain
Councilor Flynn Holds Annual CPA Information Session for District 2
This week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn hosted his annual Community Preservation Act (CPA) Information Session in partnership with the CPA Team virtually via Zoom. Interested residents and civic organizations had the opportunity to explore how to apply for CPA funds to create impactful projects in their communities related to affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space. Councilor Flynn is calling on neighbors and community organizations to apply this summer and ensure that District 2 also receives its fair share of CPA funding this coming round and beyond.
The deadline to submit an eligibility determination form for the FY 2026 funding round is Friday, August 29, 2025 at 5pm. The Eligibility Determination Form is not a final application. Candidates deemed eligible will be invited to submit an application for their proposed projects. CPA Director Thadine Brown noted that in order to qualify, one must own a home or have a long-term lease of at least 15 years. Historic preservation projects should be listed on the State Registrar of Historic Places or noted by the Boston Landmark Commission. It
is also recommended that applicants are supported with a professional estimate of the funding needed. Long-term management plans are required. These costs are not funded by CPA. If your project is not approved, applicants are invited to reach out to the CPA Team to evaluate their application. With relevant project ideas, please contact Director Brown at Thadine.Brown@boston. gov and copy Councilor Flynn’s office at Ed.Flynn@boston.gov.
“CPA is one of the best programs we have in the City, as this office works directly with neighborhood groups and residents to support affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space and recreation projects,” said Councilor Flynn. “As a City Councilor, I have supported many worthwhile projects that have fortunately come to fruition - but the key is working closely with CPA and getting applications in on time. I strongly encourage residents and civic organizations to apply for this funding and help to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods for all residents.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Please keep chemicals, pet waste and litter OUT of Boston’s storm drains!
Fridays, August 1, 8, & 15
Training Field, Charlestown Doherty-Gibson Playground, Dorchester
Rosalita’s Puppets Marionette Performances are at 11:00 a.m. Dates and locations are as follows:
Thursday, July 10: Fallon Field, Roslindale
Friday, July 11: Portsmouth Street Playground, Brighton
Thursday, July 17: Walker Playground, Mattapan
Thursday, August 8: Titus Sparrow Playground, South End
Friday, August 9: Doherty-Gibson Playground, Dorchester
For more information, visit boston. gov/parkarts. 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.
Most catch basins in Boston connect to storm drains that discharge the runoff to the nearest brook, river, or Boston Harbor. Substances carelessly spilled, onto our streets or directly into a catch basin can pollute Boston Harbor, the Charles, Neponset and Mystic Rivers.
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City of Boston Hosts Lively Summer Concert at Medal of Honor Park
The City of Boston, Parks and Recreation, turned up the heat and the rhythm on Monday with a vibrant Summer Concert at M
Street Park, drawing a large crowd of residents and visitors of all ages, for a free evening of music, community, and Summer celebration.
The band chosen for South Boston was called Five Against None, a tribute band to Pearl Jam. Boston Water came with hydration and
Boston Police C-6, CSO Sullivan & Lopez made sure the BPD Ice Cream truck was well stocked. It was a beautiful night for a concert!
In third release of the season, New England Aquarium returns six rehabilitated sea turtles to the Atlantic Ocean Turtles spent seven months in Aquarium’s care
In its third beach release of the season, the New England Aquarium returned six sea turtles to the Atlantic Ocean following months of rehabilitation for hypothermia-related medical conditions.
Aquarium staff, interns, and volunteers lined West Dennis Beach as the four Kemp’s ridley and two loggerhead sea turtles entered Nantucket Sound on Thursday morning. The turtles spent the past seven months undergoing treatment at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, MA, for a variety of lifethreatening medical conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and bone infection, after becoming “cold-stunned” and stranding on the shores of Cape Cod in the late fall/ early winter.
“Many of these turtles received advanced diagnostics and intensive medical or surgical treatments, and they’re all currently healthy,” said Dr. Melissa Joblon, Director of Animal Health at the New England Aquarium. “The hard work and dedication of our New England
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proposed to limit for up to $3 million — “I do not like Massachusetts being an outlier,” Healey said, adding that the Legislature limiting the estate tax up to $2 million didn’t go as far as she wanted it to. — WBZ
‘I don’t know what my life would be like without Boston Children’s Hospital’: A family’s story of triumph and how your support can help save lives
Something was wrong. The due date for their twins was still months away. Twenty-six weeks was far too soon. With emotions and fear run-
Aquarium teams has paid off, and it’s so rewarding to see these animals get released.”
From November to January, staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary walk the beaches along Cape Cod Bay searching for hypothermic turtles to rescue and transport to the Aquarium’s Quincy facility for treatment. The Aquarium treated 518 live sea turtles this past cold-stunning season. There are currently 12 turtles remaining in the Aquarium’s care, with hopes of releasing them off Cape Cod later this summer as rehabilitative care continues. Most of the turtles that strand on Cape Cod are Kemp’s ridleys, a critically endangered species facing threats including fisheries interactions, climate change, ocean pollution, and degradation of their habitats. Rescue, rehabilitation, and research efforts help to conserve this species.
Aquarium staff, volunteers, and interns have a tradition of naming the turtles receiving long-term care, with this year’s theme being Greek mythology. The turtles released this morning included:
• “Chelone” (#543) – Kemp’s ridley sea turtle
• Stranded December 5, 2024, in Truro, MA
• “Persephone” (#634) – Kemp’s
ning high, Molly and Maddy Needham were born weighing less than two pounds, and it wasn’t until day seven that their parents were able to hold their daughters for the first time — READ MORE IN BOSTON AND BEYOND BUT FIRST, A CONGRATS IS IN ORDER: To budget chiefs, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, for getting their budget done before July 1 for the first time since they began writing budgets together, seven budgets ago.
ridley sea turtle
• Stranded December 6, 2024, in Truro, MA
• “Zagreus” (#770) – Kemp’s ridley sea turtle
• Stranded December 7, 2024, in Wellfleet, MA
• “Elpis” (#794) – Loggerhead sea turtle
• Stranded December 9, 2024, in Truro, MA
• Satellite tagged for post-release monitoring
• “Jason” (#818) – Kemp’s ridley sea turtle
• Stranded December 12, 2024, in Provincetown, MA
• “Boreas” (#899) – Loggerhead sea turtle
• Stranded December 31, 2024, in Truro, MA
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND
AQUARIUM: 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 50 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.
17, 2025.
RECOUNT IN EASTON: The town of Easton will recount votes cast in the House special election for the Third Bristol District open seat. Democrat Lisa Field claimed victory in the June special election, leading by 21 votes out of more than 5,100 cast. Republican candidate Larry Quintal is seeking the district-wide recount, his campaign saying they found discrepancies in the number reported on election night. Taunton’s recount is Wednesday.
HBCU INCOMING? Boston city councilors are looking into ways to bring a historically Black college or
university to the city via the Building Bridges HBCU Program, which will provide an update on its work trying to attract a satellite HBCU campus to Boston. City Councilor Brian Worrell called for a hearing on the order at last week’s meeting. — Boston Herald
A LOOK AT DEPARTING MFA
DIRECTOR: A look at departing Museum of Fine Arts Director Matthew Teitelbaum’s leadership, which spanned through the pandemic, economic and international concerns, racial unrest and staff dissatisfaction. — Boston Globe
Two rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles enter Nantucket Sound on July
