Daily brief · Back Bay, Boston, MA
Newbury goes car-free today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
August 2, 2026
Top story
Open Newbury Street returns to Back Bay today
Open Newbury Street closes the mile-long, eight-block stretch from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue to car traffic today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving it open to pedestrians, shoppers and diners. Parking is restricted on Newbury Street and adjacent streets, with enforcement starting at 5 a.m. and signs posted to inform drivers. The program, first piloted in 2016, runs the same number of days as last year, including a holiday stroll date.
City of Boston
Former Saks Fifth Avenue employee accused of six-figure embezzlement
A former personal shopper who worked nearly two decades at the Back Bay Saks Fifth Avenue store admitted to mishandling hundreds of thousands of dollars, Boston police say.
NBC Boston
City Council approves $8.15M in historic preservation grants
The Boston City Council approved $8.15 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Community Preservation Act grants for 23 historic preservation projects citywide, part of a $32.6 million CPA funding package.
Boston.gov
Mayor Wu announces pet certificates for City Hall weddings
Couples marrying at Boston City Hall can now request a pet certificate recognizing their animal as part of the newly united household, Mayor Michelle Wu announced.
Boston.com
Boston Police log 14 larcenies and 2 robberies in 24-hour period
The Boston Police Department's public journal for the 24 hours ending Saturday, August 1, recorded 14 larcenies, eight aggravated assaults, two robberies, two auto thefts, and no homicides.
Boston Police Department
Open Streets Jamaica Plain closes Centre Street today
Open Streets Jamaica Plain runs today, Sunday, August 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., turning Centre Street into a car-free corridor with live music, food trucks, and family activities.
City of Boston
SoWa Open Market runs Sunday in the South End
The weekly SoWa Open Market, with local vendors and food, is open today, Sunday, August 2, starting at 11 a.m.
Do617
100 elephant sculptures coming to Back Bay's Commonwealth Ave Mall
"The Great Elephant Migration," a free 1-mile-long public art installation supporting global wildlife conservation, opens on Commonwealth Avenue Mall on August 8, 2026.
The Boston Calendar
Zac Brown Band plays Fenway Park with 'Love & Fear' Tour tonight
Zac Brown Band performs at Fenway Park tonight with special guest Old Crow Medicine Show; doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Boston Red Sox / MLB.com
Boston Police District D-4 hosts Florida boy battling cancer
On July 30, District D-4 partnered with Cops for Kids with Cancer to give a young boy named Dylan, temporarily in Boston for treatment, a station tour and present his family with a support check.
Boston Police Department
Boston Police honor high school scholars with Pizzi luncheon
On July 30, Police Commissioner Michael Cox hosted a luncheon recognizing 31 local high school graduates who received college scholarships from the Salvatore and Maria Pizzi Family Foundation.
Boston Police Department
Jazz at the Fort features George W. Russell Jr.
Jazz at the Fort takes place today, Sunday, August 2, at 5 p.m. at Highland Park, featuring George W. Russell Jr. and Company in a free Bank of America Neighborhood Concert.
City of Boston
Get the Back Bay, Boston brief in your inbox every morning, free.
Get the morning brief