Mass. public schools have seen a significant drop in ratings recently. The ratings, which came out in conjunction with the recent Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores, show a negative trend. According to this year’s MCAS data, only 414 schools secured a Level 1 rating, compared to 510 schools in 2012. Specifically in Boston, seven fewer schools are rated Level 1 this year than last year.
Nine pieces in a temporary art exhibition on the Back Bay Fens were destroyed in an act of vandalism the night of Sept. 26. A series of eight panels by sculptor Peter Kronberg, as well as a metal structure by Milan Klic, were found smashed, which will lead to the exhibit’s premature closing.
Last week, Andris Nelsons took his place behind the podium at the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), beginning his reign as the new music director and the youngest conductor in over a century.
Boston’s first Neighborhood Innovation District Committee, part of Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s efforts to expand economic development in the city, held its inaugural meeting at Roxbury Community College last Wednesday.
Soon, there may be a productive outlet to complain when the Green Line train comes 15 minutes late, or when the T breaks down on the way to an essential interview. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) advisory board is creating a website for regular T-riders to rate their rides to understand the average experience.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh returned Monday from an 11-day trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland. The trip was twofold: it allowed Walsh to reconnect with his Irish roots as well as foster ties between Boston and various cities across the island.
Nia Sanchez, the 2014 Miss USA winner, teamed up with Boston-based clothing outlet New Balance this weekend to promote the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and kick off October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) hosted the “Let’s Get Ready!” emergency preparedness fair last Saturday as part of an initiative for National Preparedness Month. Attendees were able to hear representatives from various departments and witness presentations such as a CPR presentation.
Janelle Campbell watched the legendary horse Cigar win two big races at Suffolk Downs with her aunt, who was a jockey herself. Campbell dreamed of following in her aunt’s footsteps and winning a race in her backyard at the mile-long track in Revere.
Last week marked the reawakening of a long-dormant rumor – the existence of a time capsule located within the lion statue on Boston’s Old State House. A 1901 Boston Globe article headlined “Lion and Unicorn: Copper Box to be Placed in Head of the King of Beasts” initiated the rumor.
The crown jewel of the state’s new gambling industry, the highly sought-after Boston area casino license, was awarded by the Commonwealth’s Gaming Commission to a group headed by Steven Wynn of Wynn Casinos last week. A $1.6 billion resort will be built on the north side of the Mystic River in Everett on a plot of land formerly owned by Monsanto.
Four young entrepreneurs are looking to open a contract-brewing facility in the Bowdoin-Geneva area of Dorchester. Felipe Oliveira, Todd Charbonneau, Holly Irgens and Travis Lee are working together to try to get the Dorchester Brewing Company (DBC) up and running by the summer of 2015. According to the company’s website, the brewery will be the first contract-brewing facility in Mass. The brewery plans to brew and package beer as well as do tastings and retail in-house.
