Dine Out Boston 🤝 Michelin mania

 

❤️ Donate Monday, August 11, 2025 🥵 Sunny and hot, with a high of 93. Good Morning Boston, After a short break, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming. (Or should we say, "emailing"?) Last week was busy for Boston's sports teams: The Celtics and Red Sox both cut new contracts for their coach and star rookie, respectively, and a statue of former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was unveiled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Friday. Now, let's get to this week's news: Dine with the (potential) stars: It's the last week of Dine Out Boston, the city's semi-annual prix fixe dining event, which began earlier this month and runs through Saturday. It's also the last Dine Out Boston event before The Michelin Guide announces in November which — if any — Greater Boston restaurants have earned a star (or three). While we don't know who's officially in the running yet, there's a lot of speculation around which spots will make the cut. The good news is that many of these local darlings are participating in Dine Out Boston this week. Michelin mania: Ever since Michelin inspectors started to descend on Boston in the spring, the excitement within the city's restaurant scene has been palpable. "You can feel the energy in the culinary hospitality community right now," said David O'Donnell, a spokesperson for MeetBoston, which runs Dine Out. You can get in on the buzz by checking out some of the Dine Out specials at many spots named in early Michelin predictions. Northern Spy — which chef Tiffani Faison thinks will appear somewhere in Michelin's Northeast Cities Guide — is offering a lunch and brunch deal for Dine Out Boston. Boston Globe restaurant critic Devra First's picks for the guide include Select Oyster Bar, Grill 23, Bistro du Midi and Bar Volpe, all of which you can also taste on a budget this week. The details: Dine Out Boston lunches range from $27 to $36, and dinners from $38 to $55. O'Donnell suggests using MeetBoston's filter tool to search across nearly 200 participating restaurants for a place that fits your budget, diet and schedule. Go deeper: Looking for more affordable things to do on a weeknight? Check out this list of five free recurring events happening this summer in Boston. Attention commuters: Starting today, the Foxboro/Franklin line will be running on a modified schedule after a downed Amtrak wire caused an MBTA signal bungalow to catch fire on Aug. 1. Amtrak crews are working to repair the damaged infrastructure, but it may take several weeks before service is restored. The trains will bypass Forest Hills, Ruggles, and Back Bay stations. Commuter rail riders heading in either direction should expect delays of up to 25 minutes, according to the MBTA. (You can view the adjusted train times here .) And after 9 a.m. on weekdays, any riders going between Forge Park 495 and Franklin station will need to take a shuttle bus. That's not all: Blue Line riders are also getting the shuttle bus treatment. From now through Aug. 17, trains won't run between the line's Airport and Wonderland stations in order to accommodate track work, according to the MBTA. Riders should allot 20 to 30 extra minutes for their commute. (Good news: You can get five free BlueBike rides during this service disruption with the code MBTABLUE825.) PSA: The heat waves we've had this summer may have fueled a spike in West Nile Virus among mosquitoes, according to public health officials. As of last week, 135 samples of West Nile had been detected statewide, with no human cases of illness reported yet. "August is really the start of the peak time when we see transmission of these diseases to people," state epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown told WBUR's Cici Yongshi Yu. What to know: People over the age of 50 are at greater risk for severe illness from West Nile. The state public health department says about one third of communities in Massachusetts are at "moderate risk" currently, including Boston, Worcester and much of the metro west region. And the heat keeps coming: Bostonians may be getting their third heat wave of the summer. Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency starting today, thanks to temperatures expected to hit the mid 90s through Wednesday. Stay cool and safe out there, folks. P.S. — There isn't an all-out ban on broker's fees in Massachusetts, but it's likely you won't need to pay them when renting an apartment in Boston this September. WBUR's Katie Cole explains a few of the exceptions in this video. Hanna Ali Associate Producer, Newsletters The Rundown Suffolk County sheriff arrested by FBI, charged with extortion related to a Boston cannabis business Prosecutors allege Tompkins, who's served as Suffolk County sheriff since 2013, used his official position to threaten a cannabis executive into returning $50,000 he'd invested in shares of the company. Public records filed with the state's cannabis commission appear to indicate the company is Ascend Wellness Holdings. Read more. It's not just Wu and Kraft: Meet the Boston mayoral candidates not in the spotlight They're far behind Mayor Michelle Wu and Josh Kraft in recent polls, but Hyde Park's Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci of East Boston are making their pitch to voters. Read more. As legal status is set to end for many Haitians, Mass. health care sector braces for staffing shortages “There are not individuals that are lining up to replace the Haitian community or other immigrants that actually are filling these jobs,” said BU finance professor Mark Williams. “And we already have a labor shortage in Massachusetts.” Read more. Bar Harbor faces new pressures amid peak summer season Bar Harbor is billed as "the gateway" to Acadia National Park, and its summer season draws tourists from around the country and the globe. But the region is facing new pressures this year, including cuts within the National Park Service, a drop in cruise ship visits, and a decline in visitors from Canada. Read more. Meet the judge hearing Harvard's lawsuits against the Trump administration U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs is presiding over two Harvard cases challenging Trump's moves to cut federal funding from the university and to ban it from enrolling international students. Read more. Anything Else? While we were away: President Donald Trump's tariffs kicked in on Thursday, Aug. 7.  The full effect of the tariffs on consumer prices has yet to be seen; but some retailers are already preparing for big changes. Did you know much of modern reggae music was cultivated at one school in Jamaica? Take a closer look at the story behind the school — and the nun that oversaw it. The Perseids meteor shower hits its peak this week. If you’re in the right spot, you may be able to spot dozens of meteors over Massachusetts. WBUR’s Amanda Beland has tips to help you enjoy the celestial show.  Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis reprise their role as daughter and mother in "Freakier Friday," in theaters now. Click here for film critic Sean Burns' review of the reboot. What We're Reading 📚 Can NPR do without federal funding? Its CEO says she’s optimistic. (The Washington Post) How Doodles Became a Cutthroat Billion-Dollar Dog Industry (Bloomberg) Their Last Love Token: A Dinosaur Rebuilt From Its Excavated Bones (The New York Times) Tell Me Something Good With a wild walkoff win, Braintree is headed to the Little League World Series (Boston.com) After a eight strenuous innings and a wild finish, Braintree American is headed to Williamsport, Pa., and the holy grail of youth baseball for their big championship game tomorrow. Read more. Play: WBUR's daily mini crossword. Can you keep your streak going? Before you go: You get what you get. 😎 Forward to a friend. They can sign up here. 🔎 Explore WBUR's Field Guide stories, events and more. 📣 Give us your feedback: newsletters@wbur.org 📧 Get more WBUR stories sent to your inbox. Check out all of our newsletter offerings.

Carver, Middleboro Now at High Risk Level for EEE Read More: Carver, Middleboro Now at High Risk Level for EEE

 

BOSTON (WBSM) — The towns of Carver and Middleboro are now considered to have a high risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk level of both communities today.

In addition, the towns of Bridgewater, Lakeville and Rochester had their risk levels raised to moderate.

The new designations come after EEE was detected in additional mosquito levels collected in Abington, Middleboro, Wareham and Whitman.

Previously, 12 Massachusetts were already designated as moderate risk for EEE: Amesbury, Groveland, Halifax, Haverhill, Kingston, Merrimac, Newburyport, Plymouth, Plympton, Salisbury, Wareham and West Newbury.

The first EEE-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts in 2024 were announced on July 3 from Carver.

READ MORE: Carver Has Massachusetts' First EEE Sample of 2024

EEE-infected mosquitoes were also found in Halifax and Kingston in Plymouth County, Barnstable in Barnstable County, and Amesbury and Haverhill in Essex County.

“Summer is a time for people to be outside and enjoy themselves. We want people to have fun and keep themselves safe by being informed about where EEE is being found in mosquitoes,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD.

“Everyone should take the recommended steps to prevent mosquito bites. We recommend that people in high-risk areas use mosquito repellents any time they are outside and consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning,” Dr. Goldstein said.

READ MORE: West Nile Virus Found in New Bedford Mosquito Sample

There have been no human cases in Massachusetts since 2020, when one person died from the virus and four other people contracted it. That was after six people died as a result of EEE in 2019, out of a total of 12 human cases that year.

“The mosquitoes that are most likely to spread EEE are most active between the hours of dusk and dawn,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “They are also more active during hot and humid weather. We all want to enjoy this last month of summer but also want people to take steps to be safe from mosquitoes.”

In addition to EEE, mosquitoes can also carry West Nile Virus, which has recently been found in mosquito samples taken in New Bedford, Dartmouth and Fairhaven, among other Massachusetts communities.

Plant Some Of These In Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As we previously told you, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from you're yard, these plants can help!

WBSM 1420 MOSQUITOES

 

West Nile virus found in mosquitos in Raynham and Middleboro. What to know and do

Daniel Schemer

The Taunton Daily Gazette

RAYNHAM — West Nile virus has been found in mosquito samples in Raynham and Middleboro — including mosquitoes that bite humans — changing the towns’ risk level from low to moderate, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.   

Mosquitoes from Aug. 8 and Aug. 14 collections from the towns were tested by the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH), and multiple samples were found to be positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

The DPH says that moderate risk level means infection with WNV is a possibility, or has already occurred. 

Raynham Health Director Paula Rossi-Clapp explained that, according to communications she’s received from Bristol County Mosquito Control, the reason the town was changed to moderate risk is that Middleboro had positive samples identified at the same time. 

One of the mosquito samples is the kind that bites humans. Because mosquitoes do not stay within town borders, several communities with swampland have changed to moderate risk. 

What risk level are Taunton, Dighton and Berkley?

Currently, other area communities, including Taunton, Dighton, and Berkley, are at low risk for WNV, meaning no mosquito samples have tested positive, according to the state's most recent data, which dates to Thursday Aug. 17, as of Friday afternoon. 

Rossi-Clapp said Bristol County Mosquito Control wants more testing and data, to see if more than one human-biting mosquito tests positive over the next week.

Residents have had enoughLoud parties on Lake Sabbatia island, 'cowboying' jet skiers — What's Taunton doing?

Are there any restrictions on outdoor activities in Raynham?

In the meantime, there won’t be any restrictions placed on public outings. 

Has there been any aerial pesticide spraying?

Aerial spraying has been occurring regularly at the Senior Center and recreational athletic fields on King Phillips Road in Raynham. 

What $700K buys in RaynhamSpacious colonial in Raynham on 1.6 acres of land sells for over $700K

What is West Nile virus?

WNV is part of group of viruses known as arboviruses, which are most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas.

Who is at most risk for severe illness from West Nile virus?

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

How many people experience severe illness from WNV?

According to the state’s Department of Public Health, 80% of people infected with WNV show no systems, do not feel sick and will be fine. Less than 20% infected will develop symptoms, like fever, vomiting, nausea, and body aches. 

The CDC stated 1 out of 150, or less than 1%. of the infected will experience severe illness and symptoms, like encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis, vision loss or could even go into a coma or even death.

How common is West Nile virus?

The state’s Department of Public Health also said that even though cases have been identified all over the state, it’s difficult to record the number of people exposed due to the lack of symptoms for the majority. From 2011–2020, 148 cases were reported with severe illness. Seven of these people died. 

How can I avoid West Nile virus and EEE?

Raynham's and Middleboro’s health departments recommend taking the following measures to avoid mosquito bites that might cause WNV or Eastern equine encephalitis, also known, as EEE — which tends to be rarer but has a much higher incidence of severe illness than WNV:

1. Apply insect repellent when spending time outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
2. Wear long clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks will protect your skin from mosquitoes. 
3. Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak periods for mosquitoes. Think about rescheduling outdoor activities for outside these peak periods. 
4. Drain any standing water you find on or near your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Check rain gutters and drains, check your lawn for puddles, empty unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
5. Install or repair screens for your doors and windows. 
   
   LINK
   

Middleborough Town Manager: State public health officials announce first EEE positive mosquito samples in southeastern Massachusetts

Middleborough Town Manager

  · 

State public health officials announce first EEE positive mosquito samples in southeastern Massachusetts

Residents urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes

BOSTON (July 15, 2020) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in Plymouth County for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed today by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in mosquito samples collected on July 13 from a single location in Carver in Plymouth County. The mosquito samples collected July 13 are from the same trap collected on the same night. The findings are in a mammal-biting species of mosquito.

Data from the area will be reviewed and the risk levels in the area will be updated tomorrow as part of routine bi-weekly risk level changes by DPH. Information about current mosquito activity will continue to be updated regularly and can be found here.

The findings mark the third time EEE virus has been confirmed in tested mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year. The two earlier findings of the virus were detected in samples collected July 1 and July 5 in Franklin County, increasing the risk level of EEE to moderate in the communities of Orange, Athol, Wendell and New Salem. No human or animal case of EEE has been detected so far this year.

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths. There were also nine cases in domestic animals. Last year, public health officials raised the risk level for EEE to high in several communities in Bristol and Plymouth counties, both historic hotspots for EEE activity.

West Nile virus has also been detected this year in mosquitoes in Middlesex and Suffolk counties. There were 5 human cases of WNV in 2019. No human or animal cases of WNV have been detected so far this year.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR), Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information webpage at www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. A short video with State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown about EEE and what residents can do to protect themselves can be found here.

MASS.GOV

Mosquitoes and Ticks

Mosquitoes and Ticks