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When and where to catch Mass. DCR's free outdoor movies this summer
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TGIF! A quick reminder that part one of a two-part partial Red Line closure continues through the weekend. If you're headed downtown between Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass, plan accordingly.
Now, to the news:
Care to catch a movie under the stars? You're in luck. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's annual Free Family Flicks series is back for the summer. That means you can catch free movies at the Charles River Esplanade and seven other state parks starting tonight through Aug. 22. "We invite people to pack up a blanket, lawn chair, bring your bug spray and snacks, and enjoy a fun night under the stars; all movies begin at sundown," Julie Martin, DCR's director of visitor experience and programs, told WBUR's Todd Wallack. Here's what else you need to know:
- What movies are in the lineup? Tonight's film, starting at sundown at the Hatch Shell, goes beyond our expectations: "Moana 2." Other movies coming to DCR's big screens this summer include "Beetlejuice," "Inside Out 2," "Despicable Me 4," "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," "Captain America: Brave New World" and a sing-along screening of "Wicked."
- Where and when? Castle Island and the Hatch Shell will show a movie every week on Wednesdays and Friday nights, respectively. Other venues are only hosting some screenings on select dates, including Lynn's Red Rock Park on Tuesdays, Houghton's Pond on Thursdays and Salisbury Beach on Saturdays. You can see the full schedule and venue list here.
- Keep in mind: DCR will close the right lane along Storrow Drive from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. every Friday night to accommodate the Hatch Shell screenings.
Work stoppage ripples: Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said during a press conference yesterday he thinks public safety is at risk after several defendants were released from jail amid the ongoing public defender work stoppage.
- Everyone accused of a crime has the constitutional right to legal representation. But, as WBUR’s Eve Zuckoff reports, hundreds of defendants in Massachusetts haven't had that since late May, when public defenders went on strike demanding higher wages. The lack of legal representation has prevented many cases from moving forward, and last week the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a decision requiring defendants who have been in custody without representation for seven days to be released. (Those without representation after 45 days must also have charges dismissed.) This week, at least four people were released from jail, including one person who allegedly strangled his pregnant girlfriend.
- What Hayden's saying: His hands are ultimately tied. " God willing, nothing terrible will happen," he said. "The District Attorney's office continues to do everything we can.... Ultimately the judge makes a determination. And all of us, all of us end up living with it." Hayden added more releases are imminent as the strike continues.
- Who could raise salaries? It's not Hayden's office. Bar advocates want to see promises from the Legislature and Gov. Maura Healey's administration to get their pay comparable to other states. "Do they need and deserve higher pay? Yes," Hayden said. "How do we achieve that within budgetary constraints, within the budget that the state has and the dire times we're at? Unfortunately, we have to grapple with those hard questions."
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On the up: Shoplifting has jumped 15% across the city of Boston since this time last year. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said during a press conference Thursday he's not alarmed by the increase, saying he thinks the rise is because more businesses are reporting crime. "We are seeing an uptick, but it was also almost expected because the fact is we have more people who are more willing to work with us as opposed to a hopeless merchant who says, 'well, what, what difference does it make to report it? Because nothing's going to happen,' " Cox said.
- The spike comes as Boston police have been targeting repeat and violent offenders, and increasing patrols in some areas to drive down shoplifting, according to Cox.
Don't panic if you see a bunch of swimmers in the Charles on Sunday. It's City Splash, the Charles River Conservancy's annual free event where people are actually allowed to swim in the river. (While we "love that dirty water," the group tests the water several times leading up to the big day, hires lifeguards and cordons off a section of the river near the Esplanade to keep things safe.)
- Unfortunately, registration filled up hours after sign-ups opened, but there are a few walk-up spots available, for those who are interested in taking a dip.
P.S.— What would be banned from public schools by a bill advanced by a Mass. Senate committee this week? Take a guess with our weekly Boston News Quiz.
Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect the change in date of City Splash.
