Boston City Council urges a swift reopening of the closed South End Branch Library, acknowledging local advocate Marleen Nienhuis and highlighting the community's need for it.

Boston Harbor Distillery is set to open a beverage garden on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, offering a range of drinks and creating a family-friendly social space.

Eastern Edge opened Feb. 13 in Kendall Square with nine vendors, two bars and seating for about 275. The MIT-adjacent hall mixes local favorites and new concepts under one roof.

Massachusetts reports a seventh child death due to influenza, with the total flu-related deaths reaching 260 this season. Public health officials emphasize vaccination and pandemic-like precautions.

Retired firefighter Daniel Kennedy died after being hit by a Lowell police cruiser; his contributions as a Marine Veteran and student are mourned. The collision is under investigation with no word on charges.

Governor Maura Healey announced a ChatGPT-powered assistant for state employees, promising training and privacy safeguards as the tool is phased into agencies.

CoStar finds Boston’s office-construction pipeline has fallen to pre‑pandemic 2017 levels as developers pause projects and demand recovers only slowly. Big new towers are few and far between.

A fire destroyed a landmark Portuguese bakery in New Bedford, Massachusetts, with no serious injuries reported, but the business is considered a total loss.

State public defenders have urged the attorney general to order an independent review of Shacoby Kenny’s December death at South Bay, citing conflicts and worrying witness accounts.

Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore calls President Trump’s push to "nationalize" voting unconstitutional and warns proposed changes could disenfranchise voters.

Ting Management is planning Tiki Cove at 17 Union Street in downtown Boston; licensing filings show a 19‑seat bar, seasonal patio and a requested 2 a.m. closing time.

Recent WARN filings and company notices show Labcorp, Curia and other firms trimming staff across Greater Lowell, adding to months of closures and cuts in the Merrimack Valley.

Kamal Oliver from Mattapan was sentenced to 16-20 years for manslaughter of Xavier Barkon after a guilty plea. The shooting occurred in a car during an argument. Evidence included car rental records linked to Oliver.