Boston Paid $12 Million to Settle Shaun Jenkins’ Lawsuit The city of Boston agreed to a $12 million settlement with Shaun Jenkins, a man who spent nearly 19 years in prison for a murder he claimed he did not commit. The agreement, reached in October 2024, was quietly finalized after a judge overturned Jenkins’ 2005 conviction due to systemic police and prosecutorial misconduct. The settlement, obtained by the Boston Globe through a public records request, was not publicly announced at the time and marks one of the largest payouts the city has made in recent years. Jenkins, who was released in 2021, filed a federal lawsuit against the city and several Boston police detectives in 2023. The case revealed that detectives had paid a key witness at least $100 per day before the witness was scheduled to testify in a grand jury proceeding. Prosecutors also buried evidence that could have implicated another suspect, including cellphone records showing the victim had frequent contact with a drug supplier on the day of the killing. The victim, Stephen Jenkins, had owed his supplier $3,000 and had lost a stash of crack cocaine, yet investigators never pursued the supplier, who later died of an overdose. The settlement came after years of legal battles. Jenkins’ conviction was initially upheld through multiple appeals, but his attorneys eventually submitted the case to the Suffolk District Attorney’s Integrity Review Bureau. There, they discovered previously withheld documents that exposed the misconduct. The revelations led to the case’s dismissal, and prosecutors later dropped the murder charge against Jenkins. This settlement is part of a broader pattern of police misconduct cases in Boston.#boston #shaun_jenkins #boston_globe #suffolk_district_attorney #massachusetts_bar_board
Hilary Duff to Appear in Boston This Spring and Summer Hilary Duff, the beloved pop culture icon, author, and businesswoman, will return to Boston this spring and summer with a series of appearances. The former Disney Channel star, best known for her role as Lizzie McGuire in the 2001–2004 series, will make her way to Massachusetts in April and August, offering fans a chance to experience her magic firsthand. Duff has been confirmed as the commencement speaker for Northeastern University’s class of 2026, set to take place at Fenway Park on April 29. The event, which combines a historic venue with a high-profile speaker, promises to be a memorable milestone for graduates. The university’s students will have the opportunity to attend the ceremony, which will be held at America’s most iconic baseball stadium. In addition to the commencement, Duff has announced her 2026 “Lucky Me” world tour, which will include a stop in New England. Fans in Massachusetts can catch her live at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield on August 8. While tickets for the tour are sold out on Duff’s official website, resale options are available at prices below $100. This gives fans a chance to secure seats without paying premium rates. The timing of Duff’s appearances aligns with her ongoing efforts to connect with fans and share her journey as a performer, writer, and mother. Her return to Boston marks another chapter in her career, blending nostalgia with new opportunities for her audience.#boston #hilary_duff #northeastern_university #fenway_park #xfinity_center
Boston Faces Unsettled Weather Pattern as Weekend Rain Chances Loom Boston is set to experience another round of scattered rain and light snow showers this weekend, continuing a trend of wet weather that has dominated the region. The last completely dry weekend in the city occurred on February 14-15, marking a four-week streak of precipitation. Meteorologists warn that the spring weather pattern remains volatile, with multiple weak systems expected to bring light rain to Greater Boston and parts of New England. The upcoming weekend will see temperatures gradually rise into the 50s, with mostly cloudy skies and a southwesterly wind flow. On Friday, a warming trend will push temperatures into the low 50s, accompanied by scattered showers that are likely to develop ahead of a weak cold front moving south from Canada. While the overall precipitation is expected to be minimal, some snowfall could occur in Northern New England, particularly in Central and Northern Maine, where up to 6 inches of snow is possible. Saturday will bring a mix of warm, partly sunny conditions and lingering rain chances. Highs will remain in the low to mid-50s across Southern New England, with the Cape staying cooler at mid-40s. Light showers are expected to persist in Greater Boston during the early morning hours before clearing up in the afternoon. However, snow or a wintry mix may return to parts of Northern New England, with Northern Maine facing the highest snowfall totals. Sunday will see a return to wet conditions as another weather system moves into the region. While the morning hours will feature a mix of sun and clouds, scattered light showers are expected to increase in the afternoon. The Cape and Islands will remain cool, with highs in the mid-40s, while Southern New England will see temperatures rise into the 50s.#boston #new_england #greater_boston #central_massachusetts #northern_maine
New England Forecast: Cold Start and Sunny Skies Expected Wednesday A cold air mass from Canada will clash with the rising sun angle during mid-March, creating a chilly start to the day. Temperatures are projected to be 5 to 10 degrees below average in the early morning, with wind chills dropping into the single digits and low teens across Boston and northern regions. This will make for a particularly brisk commute, especially for those traveling to work. As the day progresses, mostly sunny skies will dominate, allowing the sun’s warmth to gradually raise temperatures to the mid and upper 30s in Boston and Southern New England. Winds are expected to ease throughout the afternoon, though the cold air will persist. While the sun will provide some relief, the overall conditions will remain cool, with high pressure systems maintaining calm and clear skies. Wednesday night will bring partly to mostly clear skies, offering a potential opportunity to spot the Northern Lights in Northern New England. However, temperatures will drop again to the teens and low 20s north of Massachusetts, so those planning to observe the auroras should prepare for chilly conditions. In Greater Boston, temperatures are expected to fall below freezing after 8 p.m., though the likelihood of the Northern Lights appearing southward remains uncertain. Looking ahead, a storm system is set to move into the region late Friday night through Saturday morning, bringing a mix of snow and rain. The storm is expected to deliver light snowfall to Northern New England, with 2 to 4 inches of accumulation possible, while southern areas and coastal regions may see a coating of snow or light rain. Greater Boston is likely to experience a brief wintry mix before transitioning to rain.#boston #vermont #new_england #northern_new_england #cape_and_islands
Boston Globe Readers Criticize Mayor Wu’s Bike Lane Policies Residents across Boston and surrounding areas are expressing frustration over Mayor Michelle Wu’s handling of bike lane initiatives and street safety measures. Many argue that promised improvements, such as speed humps and bike infrastructure, have stalled despite years of community advocacy. The city’s apparent retreat from these projects has sparked debates about transparency, political priorities, and the effectiveness of Wu’s revised approach. Readers highlighted the lack of progress in neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain, where residents had long pushed for speed humps on Wachusett Street. Caterina Scaramelli, a local resident, wrote that after years of demands, the city promised to install speed humps alongside a repaving project—but no action followed. Similarly, Benjamin Siegel of Jamaica Plain criticized the administration for ignoring repeated calls for updates, stating, “The administration has stopped listening to the process it created.” Wu’s shift toward a more consensus-driven approach, launched after facing backlash for her first-term policies, has led to delays. While she initially faced criticism for being overly aggressive in implementing bike lanes, her new strategy has resulted in a near halt to projects. Thomas Thuene of Roslindale acknowledged the political challenges, noting that “the advancement to a more bicycle-friendly city has always been too slow,” but argued that bike infrastructure is “cheap” and widely accepted once implemented. Critics, however, remain unconvinced. Janice Rogovin of Jamaica Plain accused Wu of being “dictatorial” in her initial approach, while others questioned whether the city has gone far enough in prioritizing bike lanes.#boston #mayor_wu #jamaica_plain #wachusett_street #caterina_scaramelli
Evacuation Day 250th Anniversary Ceremony in Boston Tuesday marks the 250th anniversary of the British army’s evacuation of Boston, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. The event will be commemorated with a special ceremony and memorial service in Boston, featuring historical reenactments and speeches from notable figures. The day’s activities begin with a memorial service at St. Augustine’s chapel in South Boston, followed by a procession to Dorchester Heights for a commemorative program. The ceremony will honor the 1776 evacuation, which marked the first major victory for George Washington’s Continental Army after an 11-month siege. The event includes a memorial mass at St. Augustine’s chapel in the morning, with the procession starting at 10:15 a.m. and concluding at the Dorchester Heights Monument for commemorative exercises at 11 a.m. Political and community leaders, including Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, will participate in the program. Reenacting units such as the Lexington Minute Men, the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, and the Henry Knox Color Guard will also be present, alongside historical assets from Fort Ticonderoga and Saratoga 250. The event aims to celebrate the legacy of the American Revolution while engaging the public with living history. The full schedule includes a memorial mass at 9 a.m., a procession from St. Augustine’s Chapel to Dorchester Heights, and commemorative exercises at the Dorchester Heights Monument. The day’s events underscore the significance of Evacuation Day as a legal holiday in Suffolk County, observed on March 17, and its enduring connection to the nation’s founding.#boston #maura_healey #st_augustine_chapel #dorchester_heights #george_washington
Boston Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with One of the Nation’s Largest Irish Heritage Events A large crowd of people filled the streets of South Boston on Sunday for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which is one of the largest celebrations of Irish heritage in the United States. The event attracted attendees from across Massachusetts and other regions, featuring marching bands, decorated floats, veterans’ groups, and local organizations that paraded through the neighborhood. Law enforcement officers were stationed along the parade route to manage the crowds, as Irish dancers, bagpipers, and Revolutionary War reenactors marched past cheering spectators. Many residents and visitors took to rooftops and porches of South Boston’s triple-decker homes to wave and cheer, while sidewalks were packed with people wearing green beads, shamrock hats, and Boston Celtics gear. Some spectators held Irish flags aloft as the parade moved through the area. A college student stood out in a fluffy green robe, and parents pushed strollers decorated with Irish flags, highlighting the festive atmosphere. This year’s parade followed a modified route through South Boston compared to previous years, a decision made by city officials to better manage the expected large crowds. The event is a significant annual tradition in Boston, a city with strong historical ties to Ireland. It often coincides with the observance of Evacuation Day, which marks the departure of British troops from Boston in 1776. This year’s Evacuation Day falls on Tuesday. Preparations for the parade required extensive coordination among police, transit authorities, and emergency services to ensure safety and manage transportation for the massive crowds.#boston #st_patrick_s_day #south_boston #irish_heritage #evacuation_day
Did the time change last night? Here's what happened on Daylight Saving Time 2026 Daylight Saving Time began on Sunday, March 7, 2026, when clocks were moved forward by one hour, causing most Americans to lose an hour of sleep. In Boston, sunrise occurred at 7:08 am on the day of the change, compared to 6:09 am the previous day, while sunset shifted from 5:41 pm to 6:42 pm. This adjustment, which has been observed annually since 2007, marks the start of the seasonal time shift. The practice will conclude on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks are set back by one hour. Daylight Saving Time is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during spring and retreating them in autumn to extend daylight hours. First implemented in the United States in 1918 as a measure to conserve energy during World War I, the policy was later used again during World War II. Despite its historical purpose, the practice remains a subject of debate. Critics argue that the frequent clock changes disrupt sleep patterns and create confusion, while proponents highlight the benefits of longer evenings. The U.S. is not the only region to observe the practice. Much of Canada and parts of Mexico near the U.S. border also participate. In 2026, British Columbia announced plans to adopt a permanent daylight time zone, renaming it “Pacific Time.” However, Hawaii and Arizona have opted out of the practice, as have several U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Globally, the observance of Daylight Saving Time varies. Countries such as Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Egypt follow the practice, while most of Africa and Asia do not. In South America, only Chile and Paraguay observe the time shift, and no Central American nations participate. The debate over its relevance continues, with some leaders, like former U.S.#donald_trump #daylight_saving_time #boston #pacific_time #chile
Significant icing, plowable snow possible in parts of Massachusetts into Friday, weather maps show The Boston area remains under an active weather pattern, with another weather alert issued for a hazardous night Thursday. A mix of precipitation types, including rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow, is expected to create treacherous travel conditions. Conditions will deteriorate as evening approaches, with roadways becoming slick and dangerous, particularly north of the Mass Pike. Precipitation will initially consist of a blend of rain and sleet across southern New England. By the overnight hours, the weather will shift to mainly rain south of the Pike, while areas north of it will experience a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Ice accretion poses a significant risk, especially in southern Worcester County and western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Freezing rain could accumulate up to 0.25 inches or more on power lines, trees, and untreated surfaces. After midnight, temperatures will drop enough to transition sleet to snow in northern Worcester, Middlesex, and Essex counties, as well as southern New Hampshire. Snowfall is expected to be heavy around and just before dawn, with 3-6 inches predicted in northern Middlesex County, most of Essex County, and southeastern New Hampshire. Worcester County, southern Middlesex County, and Suffolk County will see 1-3 inches of sleet and snow. South of the Pike, only scattered sleet coatings are anticipated. Localized flooding is a concern in southeastern Massachusetts, where most precipitation will fall as rain. The region could receive 1-1.5 inches of rain, which will add to an existing snowpack. Once the storm passes, temperatures will rise, with highs between 60-70 degrees expected Sunday through Tuesday.#boston #massachusetts #essex_county #worcester_county #southern_new_england
New England Braces for Another Messy Storm After Recent Ice Event After Tuesday night’s storm left a glaze of ice on the ground for many Southern New Englanders, creating slow commutes into work, the skies cleared and sunshine pushed temperatures to the upper 40s across Greater Boston. A few areas reached 50 degrees, and many observed snow melting during the warm day. However, another storm is expected to move into New England on Thursday afternoon, lasting into the early hours of Friday. This storm will mirror Tuesday’s mix of snow, sleet, ice, and rain. The upcoming storm will begin with a dry start on Thursday, followed by a messy night. Temperatures during the commute into work will range in the upper 20s under cloudy skies, with highs likely reaching the low 40s for most of the region. Boston and coastal Southern New England may stay in the upper 30s. The storm’s mix of precipitation will include snowflakes, sleet, and freezing rain, with the wintry mix arriving in Greater Boston by mid to late afternoon. This could lead to another challenging commute home, so drivers should plan for extra travel time. Winter weather advisories for accumulating snow and sleet are in place for much of the region starting Thursday evening and continuing into Friday. Precipitation is expected to begin falling by late morning across areas like Worcester, Providence, Western Mass, and Connecticut, though getting to work should remain dry. The storm’s intensity isn’t the main concern, but the combination of warmer early March temperatures and near or subfreezing nighttime conditions will create mixed precipitation. The wintry mix is likely to cover most of Massachusetts, southern Vermont, and New Hampshire. A transition to plain snow may occur overnight north of the Mass Pike, but more likely in New Hampshire and Vermont.#boston #new_hampshire #massachusetts #new_england #greater_boston
