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Mayor Wu starts New "Green Roof" initiative

Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled a statement requiring all new major buildings to incorporate vegetative green roofs. The initiative, aimed at combating urban heat and managing stormwater, will be reviewed by the City Council next month. Firms have expressed concerns over potential cost increases in an already tight market.

Tech Startup DX Announces Major in Sea

Boston-based genomic profiling company DX has signed a lease for 100,000 square feet in the Seaport District, pledging to add 150 high-tech jobs. The move, fueled by a recent $90 million funding round, signals continued strength in the city's life sciences cluster despite broader economic headwinds.

ICA Installation Overwhelming need

The Institute of Contemporary Art has extended its popular summer Watershed exhibition by popular demand. The site-specific installation by artist Firelei Báez, exploring themes of diaspora and memory, will now remain open through October 15th, with free admission offered on Thursday nights.

Greater Boston Home Prices See First Quarterly Dip in a

A new report from the Greater Boston Association of Realtors shows a 2.1% decrease in median home sale prices for Q3, the first decline since 2012. Analysts cite rising mortgage rates cooling buyer demand, though inventory remains critically low, preventing a steeper drop.

General Brigham to Hire 1,000+ for New Ambulatory Care Center

The state's largest employer, Mass General Brigham, has launched a hiring spree for over 1,000 clinical and administrative roles. The jobs support the impending opening of their new Brighton ambulatory care center, one of the largest healthcare expansions in the city this year.

Preliminary Results Set Field for 4th Suffolk District Special Election

Following Tuesday's preliminary election, Democrat Boston City Hall aide John Moran and Republican former school committee member Daniel Bennett will face off in a special general election next month. The seat was vacated by a former representative who resigned amid ethics allegations.

Boston Calling 2025 Lineup Leak Sparks Fan Frenzy

An unconfirmed leak of the purported Boston Calling 2025 headliner list—featuring top-tier acts like Hozier and Paramore—has set social media ablaze. Festival organizers have not commented, stating the official lineup will be revealed in a press event next Tuesday.

Somervs Formlabs Lays Off 6% of Global Workforce

3D printing manufacturer Formlabs, a darling of the local tech scene, announced a restructuring plan cutting 60 jobs globally, including an undisclosed number at its Somerville headquarters. CEO Max Lobovsky cited the need to "optimize resources" for future growth in a challenging economic climate.

City Council Clashes Over Revised Police Detail Ordinance

A heated Boston City Council debate delayed a vote on revising paid police detail rules for utility and construction work. Progressives seek more flexibility for certified flaggers, while opponents argue it compromises safety. The measure was sent back to committee for further review.

Boston Symphony Orchestra Announces New Fall Festival Focusing on American Composers

The BSO has revealed details for a new two-week fall festival in 2025, "American Perspectives." Music Director Andris Nelsons will curate a series dedicated to 20th and 21st-century American composers, featuring works by Copland, Ives, and contemporary living artists.

State Gas Tax Set to Expire, Prices Expected to Jump

The Massachusetts legislature failed to extend the state's gas tax holiday before their session ended. The 24-cent-per-gallon tax will be reinstated starting this Sunday, with analysts predicting a sudden spike at the pump. Advocacy groups warn it will strain household budgets amid persistent inflation.

Public Art Installation "Fog" Temporarily Shuts Down Due to Safety

The much-photographed mist-emitting sculpture on the Greenway has been temporarily deactivated. The Boston Arts Commission stated a review is underway after several pedestrians reported slippery conditions on the surrounding pavement on cooler mornings.

Controversial Allston Multimodal Project Gets Final Approval

The massive $2 billion project to straighten the Mass Pike, replace the crumbling viaduct, and develop new land in Allston received its crucial Record of Decision from the federal government. Construction is now slated to begin in earnest by late 2025.

Study Ranks Boston #2 in U.S. for "Green" Economic Growth Potential

A new Brookings Institution report highlights Boston's strong position in the clean energy economy, second only to San Jose. The ranking is based on concentrations of patents, job growth, and investment in sectors like battery storage, green construction, and carbon capture.

Boston Arts Festival: (Through Sunday) - Celebrate local visual and performing artists along the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.

Somerville Pumpkin Festival - (Saturday) - A family-friendly day of pumpkin carving, contests, and food trucks in Davis Square.

Boston Book Festival - (Oct. 26) - Free festival in Copley Square featuring renowned authors, panels, and activities.

Haunted Boston Ghost Tour - (Various nights) - Explore the city's spooky history with guided walks through Beacon Hill and the North End.

Boston Symphony Orchestra: "Nelsons Conducts Tchaikovsky" - (Oct. 24-27) - Andris Nelsons leads the BSO in Tchaikovsky's powerful Fifth Symphony at Symphony Hall.

MFA: "Hallyu! The Korean Wave" - (Opens Oct. 20) - New exhibition exploring the global phenomenon of Korean pop culture, from film to K-pop.

Boston Jazz Festival - (Nov. 2) - A day of free jazz performances at the Berklee Performance Center and surrounding venues.

n International Fine Art Show - (Nov. 7-10) - New England's premier contemporary art show at The Cyclorama.

Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony - (Nov. 11) - Annual observance starting at the Boston Common.

Boston Tattoo Convention - (Nov. 15-17) - Artists from around the world gather at the Hynes Convention Center.

Boston Comedy Festival - (Nov. 8-17) - Showcasing established and up-and-coming comedians at clubs across the city.

"1776" the Musical - (Nov. 12-24) - The acclaimed new revival of the American classic comes to the Citizens Bank Opera House.

Boston Tree Lighting & Holiday Market - (Dec. 5) - The official lighting of the Boston Common tree, with a European-style market at City Hall Plaza.

The Nutcracker (Boston Ballet) - (Nov 29 - Dec 29) - The holiday tradition returns to the Citizens Bank Opera House.

First Night Boston 2025 - (Dec. 31) - The city's iconic, artist-driven New Year's Eve celebration with ice sculptures, performances, and fireworks.

Boston Winter Market - (Weekends in Dec.) - Indoor artisanal market at The Underground at Ink Block.

Boston Science Festival: A.I. Edition - (Jan 18-20, 2025) - A weekend of interactive exhibits and talks on artificial intelligence at the Museum of Science.

Boston Wine Festival - (Kicks off Jan 2025) - The nation's longest-running wine festival, held at the Boston Harbor Hotel, featuring vintners from around the globe.

Boston-Area Office Market Leads Northeast in Vacancies

Boston’s commercial real estate market opened 2026 with approximately 24.3% of office space vacant, the highest rate among major Northeastern U.S. cities. Firms report continued challenges as demand lags new construction and hybrid work patterns weigh on downtown leasing. While some landlords pursue conversions to residential or R&D use, the high vacancy underscores broader economic concerns about downtown recovery and future office demand.

Boston Startups Raise $5.3B in Funding, Crown New Unicorns

Boston’s innovation ecosystem saw $5.3 billion raised in 2025, crowning several new unicorn startups and highlighting the region’s strength in tech and life sciences. Venture capital flowed across biotech, AI and cloud sectors, fueling growth and hiring. Local leaders say the capital influx boosts job opportunities and solidifies Boston’s status as a top U.S. startup hub, even amid economic uncertainty.

Local Coworking Spaces Adapt, Outlast Big Chains

In downtown Boston, locally owned coworking spaces are thriving despite the collapse of major chains. Owners say tailored services and strong community culture are key to resilience in a market still adjusting from pandemic-era shifts. With 249 coworking spaces spanning over 5 million square feet, Boston remains a hub for entrepreneurs and freelancers — though economic pressures could still test long-term sustainability.

Mayor Wu Pledges Housing Action Amid Fiscal Strains

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu used her inaugural address to stress housing affordability as a top priority in her second term. Wu highlighted previous reforms converting empty lots and offices into housing and vowed further zoning updates. Critics, however, raised concerns over looming budget challenges and whether funding will keep pace with ambitious housing goals as Wu prepares a new budget proposal for April.

Revolution Soccer Stadium Deal Gains Momentum

The Kraft Group finalized an agreement with Boston and Everett officials to advance a new 25,000-seat stadium for the New England Revolution along the Mystic River. The deal includes infrastructure investments and community benefit payments over 15 years. Officials say the stadium could transform the waterfront area, though construction permits and timelines are still pending.

Boston City Council Leadership Shakeup Reported

In a late-breaking local politics story, Boston City Council leadership experienced a last-minute reshuffle, with Liz Breadon elected as the new Council president. The change reflects shifting alliances and priorities on key issues like housing, policing, and economic recovery. Folks say the new leadership will influence legislative direction throughout 2026.

fish Safety Restored in Boston After Long Ban

State officials declared parts of Boston Harbor’s shellfish beds safe for consumption for the first time in decades, lifting longstanding bans tied to pollution concerns. The change came after improvements in water quality initiatives, benefiting local fishermen and restaurants. Seafood industry advocates say it could boost tourism and local dining in 2026.

Cold Weather Brings Boston Winter Travel Challenges

Recent forecasts signal icy mix and freezing conditions affecting travel, commuting, and outdoor events across Boston. Meteorologists warn of slick roads and transit delays, advising drivers and MBTA riders to plan ahead. Local authorities are coordinating salt and plow operations to keep major corridors clear amid the early 2026 winter.

New Transit-Oriented Office and Residential Tower Opens

The South Station Tower, a mixed-use skyscraper completed in late 2025, is now welcoming tenants with both office and residential space. Built above the historic transit hub, the tower aims to capitalize on downtown connectivity. Developers hope the project will help attract workers back to the urban core and support local businesses in the area.