Dorchester Reporter

12/31/2025

The union representing Boston’s firefighters has approved a new four-year, $90M contract that promises the first responders a 2.5 percent pay hike with an additional 2 percent increase over the next three years.

Sam Dillon, the president of the Dorchester-based IAFF Local 718, said: “I want to thank Mayor Wu for not only recognizing [our] service, but for her sincere efforts to compensate and care for our Firefighters and their families.”

The contract, negotiated by Mayor Wu's administration, must still be approved by the Boston City Council.

The union representing Boston’s 1,500 firefighters approved a new $90M contract with the city of Boston last week.

12/31/2025

2025– The year in photos from the Reporter

A look back at some of the best photos in the pages of The Reporter and DotNews over the last 12 months.

12/31/2025

A look back at the top stories in 2025 from The Reporter

A look back at some of the major news events and stories in and around Dorchester in 2025.

12/30/2025

Neighbors led by the former top archivist for the city of Boston are looking to create a “history garden” inside an underused public park along Columbia Road near Edward Everett Square.

A recently published state-funded report produced for their project outlines concepts, including sculptures and interpretive signage, that would give visitors background information about Dorchester, which was an independent town from 1630 until its annexation to Boston in 1870.

Neighbors led by the former top archivist for the city of Boston are looking to create a “history garden” near Edward Everett Square and the Blake House, Boston's oldest existing dwelling.

12/30/2025

NEW— Sen. Nick Collins explains his position on Boston's property tax increase and the Legislature's response.

"The real choice is not action versus inaction," writes Sen. Collins in an op-ed for the Dorchester Reporter. "It is between a zero-sum approach that shifts more burden onto the middle class and a responsible, win-win approach that delivers real relief."

"As the Senate advances tax relief proposals, I hope that 2026 brings collaboration, common sense, and solutions that work for everyone."

Senator Nick Collins makes his case for tax relief proposals, adding "I hope that 2026 brings collaboration, common sense, and solutions that work for everyone."

12/29/2025

State Sen. Liz Miranda wants Gov. Healey to take action after a 32-year-old prisoner died during an incident that Miranda described as a “potential homicide” at the Suffolk County House of Correction at South Bay on Dec. 8.

In a letter sent on Monday, Miranda highlighted the death of Shacoby DeAndre “Coby” Kenny as the latest instance of concern in Massachusetts jails and prisons. She called on Healey and her administration to support legislation aimed at toughening oversight of facilites and corrections officers.

Full story:

State Sen. Liz Miranda wants Gov. Healey to take action after a 32-year-old prisoner died during an incident that Miranda described as a “potential homicide” at the Suffolk County House of Correction at South Bay on Dec. 8.

12/29/2025

Members of the Leary family presented a $10,000 check to Dorchester Youth Hockey (DYH) leaders at Devine Rink on Dec. 15 that represented the proceeds from the Oct. 3 Bill ‘Biff’ Leary Memorial Golf Tournament.

Members of the Leary family presented a $10,000 check to Dorchester Youth Hockey (DYH) leaders at Devine Rink on Dec. 15 that represented the proceeds from the Oct. 3 Bill ‘Biff’ Leary Memorial Golf Tournament.

12/26/2025

This week's print edition of the Dorchester Reporter is in circulation across the neighborhoods. You can also read it here:

https://www.dotnews.com/2025/dec-24/

12/23/2025

Trustees at Cedar Grove Cemetery are planning to put up three buildings— each with two units of housing—on a parcel of land it owns near the corner of Granite Avenue and Milton Street.

Trustees at Cedar Grove Cemetery are planning to put up three buildings— each with two units of housing—on a parcel of land it owns near the corner of Granite Avenue and Milton Street.

12/23/2025

“Flu cases are on the rise in Boston, and we are urging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from respiratory illnesses which can cause hospitalization and severe illness,” said Bisola Ojikutu, MD, MPH, FIDSA, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston.

City health officials said today that a surge in reported flu cases in Boston, particularly among kids and teens, is happening earlier than in past years.

12/23/2025

ONLY IN THE REPORTER— Michelle Wu will be sworn in as mayor of Boston for the second time on Mon., Jan. 5 at Boston Symphony Hall. And when she convenes her first meeting with senior staff and cabinet chiefs, there’ll be many familiar faces around the table — but with different roles and titles.

Like every multi-term mayoral administration, the period between election and inauguration is an apt time to evaluate positions and the people in them. So, it’s no surprise that there’s already been some shuffling of the deck since Wu’s massive September triumph at the polls.

Today, the Mayor's Office announced a few of the changes in personnel, including a promotion for Phyliss St-Hubert (pictured) who will now be Mayor Wu's Deputy Chief of Staff of Executive Operations.

Get the full report:

The second term of Mayor's Wu's administration will feature many familiar faces with new titles in senior roles.

12/22/2025

Maddie Murphy, 18, is a fierce defender for the Boston College Eagles. She got her start, like many other athletes from hockey-crazed Dorchester, at Neponset’s Devine rink and the DYH Chiefs.

“I grew up in Dorchester, and I started hockey there at the Learn to Skate program,” the 5-foot-8 Murphy told The Reporter in an interview. “My brother and I were out there together just messing around. When he joined his first team, I thought he was the coolest person, so I obviously wanted to continue with that.”

Halfway through her first collegiate season, Murphy, who plays defense, has posted 12 points to her stat sheet with 4 goals and 8 assists, making her third in scoring points on the team. Last month, she was named Hockey East Rookie of the Week after a stellar performance against Merrimack, where she helped BC secure a 4-0 win with both a goal and an assist.

Read the full story by The Reporter's Cassidy McNeeley:

https://www.dotnews.com/2025/skys-the-limit-for-maddie-murphy/