Waltham warns residents to avoid Hardy Pond amid cyanobacteria advisory
Waltham’s July 16 warning remains relevant: Hardy Pond was still on the state advisory list July 24, with swimming, boating, fishing and pet access prohibited.
Massachusetts
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Boston Coastal Flood Plan Seeks Comment on Preliminary $9B-$10.5B System
Boston’s draft coastal flood study covers five waterfront areas and roughly 16 miles of shoreline, with comments due by 5 p.m. on September 18.
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First Circuit Keeps $100,000 H-1B Payment Requirement Blocked for Now
A First Circuit panel refused to reinstate a $100,000 payment requirement for certain new H-1B petitions while the Trump administration appeals.
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Judge Temporarily Pauses USCIS Work-Permit Restrictions for Asylum Seekers and TPS Holders
A Massachusetts federal judge temporarily paused four USCIS actions affecting some asylum seekers and TPS holders, while leaving the $100 annual fee in place.
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After Flanders Road Closure, Westborough Drivers Face More I-495 Changes
The July 18 Flanders Road closure is over, but MassDOT says ramp changes, lane shifts and overnight work continue near the Westborough-Hopkinton interchange.
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Worcester sewer overflow prompts Lake Quinsigamond restrictions
Worcester, MA — A July 24 sanitary sewer overflow sent about 15,000 gallons of untreated wastewater toward Lake Quinsigamond, prompting swimming and fishing restrictions.
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Lancaster Water Ban Remains as Central Massachusetts Drought Continues
Lancaster’s mandatory outdoor watering restrictions remain in effect July 26 amid Central Massachusetts’ Level 2 drought, with limits set through Sept. 30.
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Westborough: Flanders Road closure July 18 for I-495/I-90 bridge demo—detours
MassDOT plans to close Flanders Road in Westborough (Washington St to Connector Rd) Saturday, July 18, 5 a.m.–7 p.m., with detours for east/west drivers.
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North Grafton residents: Select Board to review marijuana, crash-safety strategy (July 21)
North Grafton residents: The Grafton Select Board meets Tuesday, July 21, 2026 to discuss social consumption marijuana rules and a fatal/serious crash strategy.
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Boston ZBA virtual hearing July 14, 2026: how to comment and track cases
Boston MA – Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeal held its July 14, 2026 virtual hearing—here’s how to find the agenda, BOA case numbers, and decisions in the tracker.
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Charles River cyanobacteria advisory in effect for Needham to West Roxbury
Boston Public Health is urging people and pets to avoid Charles River contact between Kendrick St in Needham and Spring St in West Roxbury while testing continues.
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Worcester stays on Level 2 drought rules: outdoor watering limits
Worcester MA – Level 2 drought restrictions stay in effect for city residents; reservoir capacity was 94.8% as of July 8, 2026. Outdoor watering rules inside.
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Topsfield building department hours change: new Mon–Wed and Thurs window
Topsfield building/inspection office hours change at Town Hall (8 West Common St.): Mon–Wed 7–12, Thu 7–11; Friday closed. Inspections Mon–Thurs 10–2.
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Boston property tax relief calculator: 2026 residential exemption & condo timing
Boston’s property tax relief calculator can help you estimate your FY26 residential-exemption impact, but it’s an estimate—and bills may still rise.
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MBTA Red Line shutdown: Alewife–Park St cut for 10 days (July 21–30)
Boston MA commuters: MBTA Red Line service between Alewife and Park St will be suspended July 21–30. Free shuttles replace trains—plan at least 70 minutes.
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July 17 Federal Judge Blocks OMB “Agency Priorities” Clause for State Grants
United States Evening Courts and Rights Update – A July 17 ruling limits an OMB “agency priorities” termination theory, preserving already-awarded state grant funding.
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New Bedford families: Massachusetts makes staff-student sex a crime for 16- and 17-year-olds
New Bedford families are affected by a new Massachusetts law that makes certain mandated-reporter sex with 16- and 17-year-olds a crime tied to authority.
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FAA: Thunderstorms could delay flights at ATL, Florida hubs and more Friday
United States Severe Weather and Travel Disruptions – FAA’s July 17 report lists hubs where thunderstorms may delay flights; here’s what to check now.
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Boston Zoning Commission July 15 agenda: Codman Square and L Street Station
Boston MA – Boston Zoning Commission holds a virtual hearing July 15 (9 a.m.-11 a.m.) on Codman Square zoning and the L Street Station Phase 2 plan.
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Worcester cooling centers open Tue/Wed as Heat Advisory runs July 14–15
Worcester, MA: Cooling centers open Tuesday and Wednesday during the NWS Heat Advisory, with water supplies and WRTA transit options to get there.
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First Circuit upholds CDC six-month age rule for imported dogs
First Circuit affirmed CDC foreign-quarantine rules requiring imported dogs be at least six months old, rejecting a challenge by Caribbean rescue groups.
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FTC proposes $35M settlement with Hopper over hidden travel-app fees—what’s next
FTC proposes a $35 million settlement in FTC v. Hopper, accusing hidden “Tip” and “VIP Support” fees; here’s what the order would require next.