Meteor Explodes Off Coast of Massachusetts, Producing Loud Boom A meteor exploded off the coast of Massachusetts on Saturday afternoon, generating a powerful boom that was heard across the state and parts of neighboring regions. The event, which occurred around 2:11 p.m. Eastern Time, was reported by dozens of residents who described the sound as a sudden, jarring explosion that rattled windows, startled pets, and caused minor structural vibrations in some homes. The incident was widely documented by local media, with WBZ-TV chief meteorologist Eric Fisher confirming the occurrence and noting its widespread impact. Preliminary reports from the American Meteor Society indicated that the fireball, visible to many across the Northeast, was observed around 2 p.m. Saturday. Sightings extended across multiple states, aiding scientists in tracking the meteor’s trajectory through the atmosphere. Satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) corroborated the event, showing a signature consistent with a meteor at the time of the reported boom. The data suggested the meteor likely entered Earth’s atmosphere near the South Shore of Massachusetts, close to Boston. NASA provided further details, stating that the meteor fragmented at an altitude of 40 miles over northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire. The energy released during the breakup was estimated to be equivalent to approximately 300 tons of TNT, which explains the intense noise produced. Most meteors burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere, but larger objects can create dramatic fireballs and shockwaves, such as the one witnessed on Saturday.#national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #massachusetts #american_meteor_society #eric_fisher #smithsonian_national_space_and_air_museum
America Turns 250, But Two Towns Cancel Independence Day Celebrations Amid Staffing and Budget Shortfalls Two Massachusetts towns, Rutland and Framingham, have decided to cancel their Independence Day celebrations this year, citing staffing shortages and financial constraints despite the nation’s 250th anniversary. The cancellations mark a significant shift from previous years, when both communities had planned elaborate events to commemorate the milestone. Rutland, a town in Worcester County, announced the cancellation of its Independence Day traditions, including fireworks, a parade, and a concert, due to concerns over public safety. Town officials stated that the decision was based solely on safety risks, not a lack of funds. Police and fire chiefs determined that they could not safely manage both the event and routine emergency services simultaneously. “Moving forward under these conditions would put both attendees and the broader community at risk,” the town said in a statement. Despite the cancellation, Rutland plans to host other July 4th activities, such as the Junior Olympics, a road race, a pancake breakfast, and a volleyball tournament. The town’s July 4th committee had already raised sufficient funds to cover the event’s costs, according to officials. However, the town government opted against hiring external staff, citing potential safety issues without a unified command structure or coordinated operations. Rutland’s celebrations last year cost approximately $55,000, with funds coming from donations and community support. The committee will not be returning donations, as some funds have already been spent, though remaining money will be allocated to future events.#massachusetts #worcester_county #rutland #framingham #independence_day
Barney Frank, Now in Hospice Care, Urges Democrats to Focus on Economic Reform to Defeat Trump Barney Frank, the late-term Democratic congressman from Massachusetts, is currently in hospice care at his home in Ogunquit, Maine, where he resides with his husband, Jim Ready. Despite his declining health, Frank remains vocal about his political views, emphasizing the need for Democrats to refocus on core economic issues rather than cultural debates to counter President Donald Trump’s right-wing populism. His remarks come as he prepares to publish his book, The Hard Path to Unity: Why We Must Reform the Left to Rescue Democracy, set for release in September 2026. Frank, who represented Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District for over three decades, is best known for co-authoring the Dodd-Frank Act, a landmark piece of legislation that reformed banking regulations following the 2007-2008 financial crisis. His career spanned decades of political activism, including his role as a state legislator, a staffer for Boston Mayor Kevin White, and a long-serving member of Congress. Now in his final chapter, Frank has spoken extensively about the challenges facing his party and the broader implications for liberal democracy. In an interview with WBUR’s senior political reporter Anthony Brooks, Frank criticized the Democratic Party for prioritizing cultural issues over economic reform. He argued that the party’s focus on litmus tests such as open borders, defunding the police, and transgender participation in girls’ sports has alienated voters and allowed Trump’s brand of populism to thrive. “Those on the left, who had been right on the economic issue, decided they could do even more changes,” Frank said. “They said, ‘Good, let’s do the economics, but let’s get rid of all these cultural and social evils.#massachusetts #barney_frank #jim_ready #ogunquit_maine #dodd_frank_act
Massachusetts 2026 Primary Poll: Sen. Markey Maintains Narrow Lead Over Rep. Moulton A new Emerson College Polling survey released in May 2026 reveals Democratic Senator Ed Markey entering his re-election campaign with a five-point lead over Democratic challenger Rep. Seth Moulton. The poll, conducted among Massachusetts voters, shows Markey at 37% support compared to Moulton’s 32%, with 29% of respondents undecided. Among registered Democrats, Markey holds a 13-point advantage, while Moulton edges unenrolled voters by 6 points. The survey highlights key demographic trends. Women favor Markey by 8 points (37% to 29%), while men are nearly evenly split, with 38% supporting Moulton and 37% backing Markey. Voters under 50 lean toward Markey by seven points (33% to 26%), whereas older voters (over 50) are closely divided, with 40% supporting Markey and 38% favoring Moulton. Notably, groups more favorable to Markey, such as women and young voters, also show higher undecided rates. Women are 10 points more undecided than men (33% to 23%), and 39% of voters under 50 are undecided compared to 21% of those over 50. Public opinion of the candidates reflects broader trends. Markey holds a 37% favorable rating statewide, with 35% unfavorable and 23% neutral. Among Democratic primary voters, 60% view him favorably, while 12% hold unfavorable opinions. Moulton’s favorable rating is 31%, with 26% unfavorable and 30% neutral. Among primary voters, 49% favor Moulton, and 11% oppose him. Governor Maura Healey’s approval rating stands at 45% favorable, with 35% unfavorable and 17% neutral. Senator Elizabeth Warren maintains a 48% favorable rating statewide, 35% unfavorable, and 14% neutral. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has a 45% favorable rating, 34% unfavorable, and 16% neutral.#emerson_college_polling #massachusetts #emerson_college #ed_markey #seth_moulton
Powerball Jackpot Grows to $166 Million Ahead of Next Drawing The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $166 million for the Saturday, March 28, drawing, with a cash value of $75.2 million. The previous Wednesday, March 25, drawing failed to produce a winner for the top prize of $148 million. The winning numbers for the March 25 drawing were 7, 21, 55, 56, and 64, with the Powerball number 26 and a Power Play multiplier of 4x. Two tickets matched all five white balls, resulting in prizes of $1 million and $2 million. One ticket sold in Florida claimed the $1 million prize, while another from Massachusetts won the $2 million jackpot by including the Power Play multiplier. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at 10:59 p.m. ET, with the jackpot remaining at $166 million. Powerball drawings occur weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and can be viewed live on the official Powerball website. The game costs $2 per play, with an optional Power Play add-on for $1 that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. Players can check winning numbers through the Powerball website or the Ohio Lottery platform. The March 25 drawing’s results highlight the competitive nature of the game, as the jackpot continued to grow despite no one claiming the top prize. The Power Play feature significantly increased the value of smaller prizes, demonstrating how players can maximize their winnings. With the next drawing offering a substantial jackpot, the event remains a focal point for lottery enthusiasts. Winners are encouraged to verify their tickets through official channels to ensure accurate results.#florida #powerball #power_play #massachusetts #powerball_drawing
A highly mutated COVID-19 variant has been detected in Massachusetts wastewater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The strain, known as BA.3.2, is described as “highly divergent” and was first identified in South Africa in November 2024. It has since spread to 23 countries by February 11, with federal health officials reporting its presence in 132 wastewater samples from Massachusetts and 24 other states. Nicknamed the “cicada” variant due to its ability to evade immune responses, BA.3.2 is a descendant of strains that emerged in late 2021 and 2022. Health officials warn that early studies suggest the variant may efficiently evade antibodies from the 2025-2026 vaccines, which are primarily designed to target the dominant JN.1 strains. Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, noted that the numerous mutations in BA.3.2 make it less likely that current vaccines will be highly effective against it. However, he emphasized the need for more data to confirm this concern. The CDC has also raised alarms about new variants that could evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines, potentially leading to seasonal increases in COVID-19 activity. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization stated that existing vaccines are expected to continue protecting against severe disease caused by BA.3.2. WHO added that the variant does not appear to be making people sicker or causing increased hospitalizations and deaths, describing it as posing a “low additional public health risk” compared to other Omicron sublineages. Virologist Andrew Pekosz of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health pointed out that BA.3.#world_health_organization #massachusetts #centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention #ba_3_2 #johns_hopkins_bloomberg_school_of_public_health
Winter Weather Forces School Delays and Closures in Massachusetts A wintry mix of snow and ice is expected to persist through the morning, prompting several Massachusetts school districts to announce delayed openings or closures for Friday. School districts such as Amesbury Public Schools, Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District, and others have implemented two-hour delays, while some, like Fitchburg Public Schools and Worcester Public Schools, have opted for full closures. Parents and students are advised to check with their local school district for the most up-to-date information regarding school operations. The decision to delay or close schools reflects the severity of the weather conditions, which have created hazardous travel environments. Multiple districts across the state, including Andover Public Schools, Dracut Public Schools, and Gloucester Public Schools, have followed suit with two-hour delays. Other districts, such as Leominster Public Schools and Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, have chosen to close entirely. The widespread impact underscores the challenges posed by the ongoing winter weather, which has disrupted daily routines and required proactive measures to ensure student safety. School administrators have emphasized the importance of staying informed, as conditions may change rapidly. While some districts have maintained their schedules with minor adjustments, others have taken more drastic steps to prioritize safety. The situation highlights the unpredictable nature of winter weather and its significant influence on educational planning. Families are encouraged to monitor local updates and adjust their plans accordingly to accommodate the disruptions caused by the storm.#massachusetts #amesbury_public_schools #ashburnham_westminster_regional_school_district #fitchburg_public_schools #worcester_public_schools
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
School Closures Extend into June as Blizzard Disrupts Academic Calendar The historic blizzard that struck Plymouth last week has left parents like Nicole Voudren grappling with the fallout of extended school closures. Beyond power outages and limited heating, the storm has forced families to confront an unexpected dilemma: when will their children return to school after the summer? With multiple districts in Southeastern Massachusetts adding snow days to their calendars, the academic calendar is now stretched beyond the state-mandated 180 days, raising concerns about summer plans and compliance with state requirements. In Plymouth, the storm’s impact has already pushed the school year past the required five end-of-year make-up days, leaving just one day remaining in June. Voudren, whose son Jacob is enrolled in a basketball camp starting June 29, faces the possibility of missing the final school day. “We might not even send him to school on the last day,” she said, highlighting the difficult choices parents are making. Similar challenges are emerging across the region, with some districts already exceeding the state’s snow day allowance and others facing the risk of shortening April vacation or holding weekend classes to meet requirements. Rhode Island officials are considering an emergency reduction of the school year to address the crisis. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green has requested a waiver from the state school board, though the exact number of days to be waived remains undetermined. Meanwhile, Massachusetts has stricter rules, allowing waivers only for days missed in April or later. Despite this, many districts, including Plymouth, Fall River, Falmouth, and Taunton, have already canceled school for the entire week, pushing their calendars into late June.#massachusetts #plymouth #nicole_voudren #jacob #anglica_infantegreen
School closings and delays for Massachusetts on Wednesday, March 4 Several school districts in Massachusetts have delayed the start of classes for Wednesday, March 4 due to snowfall overnight and icy road conditions this morning. The decision was made to ensure student safety amid the hazardous weather. The list of affected schools includes public institutions, private schools, and colleges, organized alphabetically. Delays are currently in effect for many districts, with updates provided as of the latest available information. In addition to Massachusetts, other regions such as Pittsburgh and Georgia have also experienced severe weather-related disruptions. The Pittsburgh area is under a winter weather advisory, with snow and high winds expected to impact transportation and school operations. Similarly, schools in Atlanta, Cherokee, and Meriwether counties in Georgia have canceled classes or delayed openings due to adverse conditions. Power outages have been reported across parts of Massachusetts following strong winds that knocked down trees and utility lines. These outages have further complicated efforts to clear roads and restore normalcy. The situation highlights the widespread impact of severe weather on daily life, with educational institutions and local governments working to prioritize safety over routine schedules. Updates on school closures and delays are expected to be posted as conditions evolve.#atlanta #pittsburgh #meriwether_county #massachusetts #cherokee_county
Steyer has wrong fix for California’s Prop 13. Here’s a better way California’s fiscal challenges stem from Proposition 13, a 1978 law that caps property tax revenues by freezing valuations at 1970s levels and limiting annual growth to 2% (until sale or new construction). While billionaire gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer has correctly identified Prop 13 as the root of the state’s funding crisis, his proposed solution—reviving a “split roll” property tax reform—fails to address the core inequities of the system. Instead, it shifts the tax burden onto commercial properties while leaving the outdated, regressive structure of Prop 13 intact. Prop 13’s artificial restrictions on property valuations have created a distorted tax landscape. New property owners often pay significantly higher taxes than long-time residents for identical homes, as valuations remain frozen at purchase dates. This system disproportionately benefits established homeowners while burdening younger families and new buyers. A 2016 Legislative Analyst’s Office report highlighted how these disparities penalize mobility, rewarding those who hold property for decades while shifting costs onto newcomers. The law’s impact extends beyond individual households. It distorts urban development by severing the link between public investments and land value capture. When cities spend public funds on infrastructure like transit lines or schools, surrounding land values rise. In a fair system, this appreciation would generate additional tax revenue to fund future projects. Under Prop 13, however, the untaxed windfall of skyrocketing land values is captured by private landowners, who then charge high rents on their tax-sheltered properties.#tom_steyer #prop_13 #legislative_analyst_office #washington_state #massachusetts
