Massachusetts is closing MCI-Concord, its oldest prison, to save $15 million annually; the move aligns with lower incarceration rates and a push for justice reinvestment.

Lowell High School's new policy requiring students to place phones in a classroom container has faced backlash and a petition arguing it's a security risk.

The Boston Police Department conducted a recruitment drive at Ruggles T Station encouraging locals to apply for the civil service exam before the deadline.

A water main break in Boston's North End has caused flooding and cut off water for residents. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission is working on repairs, with no timeline for service restoration yet provided.

Boston Police Department's B-3 Unit met with clergy in Mattapan to discuss joint initiatives under the Faith & Blue program, aimed at strengthening police-community ties.

Newton's schools stayed closed due to a continuing teachers' strike, with unresolved contract negotiations between educators and the school committee.

The Archdiocese of Boston has lowered the age for Catholic confirmation from 10th to 8th grade to combat youth exodus and improve the engagement of teenagers with their faith.

Massachusetts General Hospital faces a bed shortage, leading to a "Capacity Disaster" status and patients boarding in corridors. Efforts to increase capacity and expedite discharges are underway.

The Faneuil Branch of the Boston Public Library reopens on January 25th after a $14 million renovation, with modern upgrades and expanded space. Mayor Wu invites the community to a ribbon-cutting event.

Research shows that Boston's METCO program leads to higher standardized test scores, college enrollment, graduation rates, SAT-taking frequency, and income for participants, with noted areas for improvement in AP classes and higher-end SAT scores.

The Pembroke School Committee voted unanimously against a proposal to ban political and social symbols, including Pride flags, from classrooms after significant community debate.

The Boston Police Department hosted an MLK Day Brunch & Bowl event in Dorchester to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and foster community relations.

Active-duty US Air Force officer Madison Marsh, who is also a Harvard graduate student, has won the Miss America 2024 title, a first for a military member.