West Roxbury

Boston is partnering with more than two dozen local barbershops and salons across neighborhoods including East Boston, Dorchester and West Roxbury to offer free haircuts to students ahead of the new school year. The first-time initiative, announced this week by the city, covers basic cuts and styling as part of an effort to ease back-to-school expenses for families. Cultural affairs director Alexandra Valdez said the program supports small businesses while helping offset costs during what she called a difficult financial period for many households.

The announcement came amid a busy week of Boston-area news, including record early-voting turnout ahead of the Massachusetts state primary, an expanded cyanobacteria advisory on the Charles River, a new statewide ban on kratom, and word that the Boston Legacy women's soccer team will play its 2027 home season in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.