Daily brief · South End, Boston, MA
Toxic algae advisory for Charles River basin
August 21, 2026
Top story
Charles River Lower Basin hit with toxic algae bloom advisory
The Boston Public Health Commission is warning residents to avoid contact with the water in the Charles River Lower Basin downstream of the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, effective August 20, after state Department of Public Health testing found cyanobacteria above state guidelines for recreational waterbodies. Officials say the blue-green algae can produce toxins that make people and pets sick, and are urging people to stay out of the water and off areas of algae concentration, including along the shoreline. Dogs should not swim in or drink the water; anyone who does come into contact with the water or shoreline algae should rinse off immediately.
City of Boston
SJC clears way for $325M White Stadium project in Franklin Park
On August 19, 2026, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court unanimously rejected a lawsuit seeking to block the public-private renovation of White Stadium, clearing the way for construction to resume.
City of Boston
Orange Line shuttle bus driver takes passengers to Stoneham
On August 20, 2026, the first day of an 11-day Orange Line track work suspension, an MBTA shuttle bus driver mistakenly drove passengers onto I-93 North and ended up in Stoneham.
Universal Hub
Explore "Better Angels," a public art pop-up at Waterfront Park
The Boston Public Art Triennial presents Heather Kapplow's free, participatory installation "Better Angels" — featuring giant inflatable clouds and interactive performances — today from 1 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park.
Boston Public Art Triennial
Boston Red Sox host San Francisco Giants in series opener at Fenway
The Red Sox open a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants tonight at 7:10 p.m. at Fenway Park, with Sonny Gray starting.
Meet Boston
San Gennaro Feast opens in the North End
The San Gennaro Feast opens today at Paul Revere Mall, with festivities running through Sunday, August 23.
The Boston Calendar
Hawa Collective plays BPL courtyard concert
Hawa Collective performs Arabic music today from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square, part of the Concerts in the Courtyard series.
Boston Public Library
Berklee brings KNMR&WST to Maritime Park
Berklee's free Summer Concerts series features KNMR&WST today from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at South Boston Maritime Park, 600 D St.
The Boston Calendar
ICA hosts Vinyl Nights on the waterfront
The Institute of Contemporary Art hosts a free Vinyl Nights event today from 5 to 9 p.m. at 25 Harbor Shore Drive.
The Boston Calendar
Gardens of Resonance opens at Piano Craft
Piano Craft Gallery hosts the opening reception for Gardens of Resonance today at 6 p.m.
The Boston Calendar
Jack Harlow plays MGM Music Hall
Jack Harlow's Monica Tour stops at MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park today at 6:30 p.m.
The Boston Calendar
KIPP MA governance committee meets virtually
KIPP Massachusetts' Governance and Compensation Committee meets virtually today at 2 p.m. to review executive director goals, strategic planning updates, and board recruitment.
City of Boston
Retirement Board voting opens for two seats
Voting opens today in the Boston Retirement Board election for the third and fourth board seats; ballots are due by 5 p.m. on September 25.
City of Boston
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