$15M Lottery Ticket Sold + Big Tax Break Coming + Scotland Takes Over City For World Cup: MA Weekend

Two people died after a large house fire in the town of Bellingham this past weekend.

Meanwhile, state leaders secured a potential big savings opportunity for shoppers coming later this summer.

Plus, Scotland arrived in a big way in Boston as natives went from watching the World Cup to Fenway Park for a night celebrating their heritage.

2 Dead After Bellingham House Fire

Firefighters responded to the blaze on 15 Temi Road at about 12:40 a.m. Sunday, with Chief William Miller being the first on the scene, that had heavy fire coming through the roof. Firefighters entered the home to attack the fire and search for occupants. Crews soon rescued two older adults from the home, but both were later pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. No other injuries have been reported. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Bellingham Fire Department, Bellingham Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and State Police assigned to the district attorney’s office.

MA Sales Tax Holiday Back For Summer 2026: Find Out When You Can Save

The State Legislature approved the Sales Tax Holiday for two days in early August, which will waive the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax on a variety of purchases. The tax break has the goal of assisting businesses during a traditionally slow shopping season. The exemption does not apply to meals, motor vehicles, motorboats, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products, marijuana and marijuana products or alcohol.

Scotland's 'Tartan Army' World Cup Fans Take Over Boston Streets

Supporters dressed in kilts, waving Scottish flags, and playing bagpipes made their way from the Back Bay Fens to Fenway Park for Scottish Celebration Night, creating a sea of blue and white through the city. The festivities came just days after Scotland earned a 1-0 victory over Haiti in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The celebration at Fenway Park featured Scottish-themed entertainment, music, and festivities as supporters gathered to cheer on their national team Sunday.

Teen Killed In North Shore Single-Car Crash

A North Shore teen died from injuries suffered in a single-car crash in Topsfield. Police found the 19-year-old trapped in the car, suffering from life-threatening injuries. The "jaws of life" were then used to remove the teen and he was rushed to Beverly Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said a preliminary investigation indicated that speed was a factor in the crash.

1 Killed, 2 Injured After Stabbing In Worcester

The two injured people were taken to the hospital after the domestic incident on Sunrise Avenue Friday evening. Police had not immediately released information about any arrests or suspects.

Massive $15M Lottery Prize Won On Ticket Sold In MA

A $15 million lottery ticket was purchased at a local market in the town of Millis. The winning ticket came from the Massachusetts State Lottery's Diamond Deluxe scratch-off game. To win, players must match any of their numbers to one of the winning numbers. The odds of winning the top $15 million prize are reportedly more than 1 in 5 million. Retailers that sell winning tickets typically receive a bonus from the Lottery.

2 Salem Beaches Still Closed, 7 Reopen Across MA After Hot Weekend

Most of the beaches that close across Massachusetts each summer do so because of high bacteria levels caused by storm runoff and other means of fecal contamination. Water quality at public beaches in Massachusetts is required to be monitored by local public health departments. When the water quality is unsafe, the beach must be "posted" with a sign indicating that swimming is unsafe and may cause illness. The bacteria used as indicator organisms to test the waters at beaches are Enterococci and E. coli.