Daily brief · South End, Boston, MA
Melnea Cass land: first test of surplus law
August 11, 2026
Top story
City Council Faces First Test of Surplus Land Ordinance
The Boston City Council has received a request to declare two city-owned parcels on Melnea Cass Boulevard as surplus. It is the first test of a 2025 ordinance that prioritizes affordable housing on city land declared surplus.
Boston Policy Institute
100 Elephant Sculptures Remain on Commonwealth Ave. Mall
The Great Elephant Migration, a touring exhibit of 100 life-sized elephant sculptures, remains on view in Back Bay's Commonwealth Avenue Mall through September 13. The installation is free to visit.
WBUR
Partial Solar Eclipse and Perseid Meteor Shower Visible Wednesday
A partial solar eclipse will be visible over the Northeast Wednesday afternoon, August 12, coinciding with the ongoing Perseid meteor shower.
CBS Boston
All-Electric 'Wada Hoppah' Ferry Nears Charles River Launch
A Newton-based company is preparing to launch the Wada Hoppah, an all-electric ferry on the Charles River designed to bypass Storrow and Memorial Drive traffic. Trips will cost $10-$20, with launch expected in the coming weeks.
CBS Boston
South End Book Club Meets at Sip of Joy
Today, Tuesday, August 11, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., the BPL South End book club will discuss Sunny Hostin's "Summer on the Bluffs" at Sip of Joy, 661 Tremont Street.
Boston Public Library
Boston Ballet Announces 2026–2027 Season Roster
Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen unveiled the company's new roster of 67 dancers from 13 nationalities, including four new main company dancers and eight new Boston Ballet II members.
The Boston Sun
Council Demands Leave Standards After In-Custody Death
The Boston City Council urged the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department to adopt clear critical-incident leave standards following the 2025 in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny.
City of Boston
Boston Teachers Union Backs Hospital Nurses' Contract Fight
The Boston Teachers Union Executive Board voiced solidarity with unionized healthcare workers at Boston Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital amid ongoing contract negotiations.
facebook.com
South End's Eleanor Hendrickson makes Salve Regina Dean's List
South End resident Eleanor Hendrickson earned a spot on Salve Regina University's Dean's List for spring 2026 with a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
The Boston Sun
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