Sullivan’s Castle Island reopened for its 75th season on Saturday, February 28, defying recent winter weather that included a significant nor’easter earlier in the week. The South Boston landmark, known for its hot dogs, lobster rolls, and enduring appeal, began serving customers at 10 a.m., continuing a tradition that started in 1951.
The reopening comes after Sullivan’s was recognized with a James Beard America’s Classics Award for the Northeast region in 2025, according to the restaurant’s website. Third-generation owner Brendan Sullivan discussed the restaurant’s history and community ties in a WBUR interview last year, shortly after the 2025 opening.
Despite a recent blizzard dubbed the “Blizzard of ’26,” deliveries of essential supplies, including Kayem hot dogs, were successfully made, the restaurant noted in a social media post. The Boston concession stand is open daily and typically remains in operation until November.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is simultaneously rolling out a novel system for E-ZPass transponders, phasing out the traditional hard-plastic cards in favor of smaller, sticker-based RFID chips beginning Sunday, March 1. The change is projected to save the state over $7 million annually, as the stickers cost $0.55 each compared to the $6.70 price tag of the older transponders. Existing plastic transponders will continue to function, and sticker replacements will be free, a change from the previous $20 replacement fee.
Commuters on the Orange Line will face disruptions beginning Saturday, February 28, as the MBTA initiates a nine-day partial closure between Forest Hills and Back Bay for signal modernization. Shuttle buses will supplement service, but travel times are expected to increase by 30 minutes. Commuter rail service between Forest Hills and Back Bay will be free during the disruption, offering a faster 10-minute alternative.
In other state news, the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) voted to eliminate insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for obesity, citing rising costs. The decision affects approximately 22,000 GIC members and represents a $46 million impact to the state budget. Coverage will remain in place for those using the drugs to treat conditions like diabetes.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a revised energy affordability bill late Thursday night, following protests by environmental activists. The bill includes a proposed $1 billion cut to the Mass Save energy efficiency program’s marketing and administrative budgets, a move criticized by environmental groups. The bill now moves to the Senate, where leaders have indicated a stronger commitment to climate change initiatives.
