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Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down

Criminologists suspect it's the result of several overlapping forces.

Politics & Policy

The U.S. is experiencing one of the steepest and most widespread <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime declines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/fbi-violent-crime-drop-2025" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/fbi-violent-crime-drop-2025" target="_self">crime declines</a> in modern history. Researchers aren&#x27;t exactly sure why — but they have theories: <ul><li>Early research points to a mix of factors — declining alcohol and drug use since the COVID pandemic, AI-fueled policing technology that&#x27;s making it easier for cops to catch suspects, an aging population, tougher prosecutions, and more.</li></ul>Why it matters: Knowing more about what&#x27;s driving the violent-crime decline could help cities decide what to preserve as pandemic-era federal money fades away — and how to distinguish policies that reduce violence from merely benefiting from the historic drop in crime.By the numbers: The U.S. violent-crime rate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plunged 9.7% in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/fbi-violent-crime-drop-2025" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/fbi-violent-crime-drop-2025" target="_self">plunged 9.7% in 2025</a>, the largest annual decline since FBI national estimates began 90 years ago.<ul><li>The murder rate fell 18.5% to 4.1 per 100,000 people, tying 1955 and 1956 for the lowest rate since national estimates began.</li><li>And the decline hasn&#x27;t stopped: An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/big-city-homicides-decline-2026" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/big-city-homicides-decline-2026" target="_self">Axios analysis</a> shows violent crime in big cities fell in the first half of 2026.</li></ul>Criminologists describe a complicated picture of why crime is down. No one&#x27;s sure, but several overlapping forces seem to be driving the drop:<ol><li>Vice consumption cooled: Pandemic-era spikes in alcohol consumption, illicit drug use and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="firearm purchases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.salon.com/2026/07/20/the-murder-rate-fell-to-historic-lows-last-year-heres-why-partner/" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.salon.com/2026/07/20/the-murder-rate-fell-to-historic-lows-last-year-heres-why-partner/" target="_blank">firearm purchases</a> — three factors linked to the 2020-2021 homicide surge — have receded.</li><li>A return to routine: COVID lockdowns disrupted community guardrails and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="displaced young men and teens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/19/unemployed-men-teens-pandemic-homicides" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/19/unemployed-men-teens-pandemic-homicides" target="_self">displaced young men and teens</a>. Employment and social routines have since stabilized.</li><li>A law enforcement tech boom: Police departments are using more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/02/ai-police-reports-patrols-data-centers-video" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/02/ai-police-reports-patrols-data-centers-video" target="_self">AI tools</a>, predictive analytics and platforms such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Palantir&#x27;s Gotham" data-vars-click-url="https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1588351" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1588351" target="_blank">Palantir&#x27;s Gotham</a> to deploy resources and identify crime hotspots.</li></ol>Under-the-radar demographic and health trends are also quietly reshaping public safety:<ul><li>The proportion of young people in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America is declining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/south-child-population-census" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/south-child-population-census" target="_self">America is declining</a>, shrinking the demographic most historically linked to street crime.</li><li>In a fascinating medical twist, the explosion of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (like Ozempic) has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clinically linked" data-vars-click-url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1745-9125.70058" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1745-9125.70058" target="_blank">clinically linked</a> to decreased alcohol abuse and improved impulse control — two major factors in violent offenses.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Leonard Adam Sipes Jr., a former Justice Department senior statistics specialist, tells Axios there&#x27;s &quot;no doubt&quot; that less alcohol use has played a significant role in crime reduction.<ul><li>Sipes agreed that the nation&#x27;s aging and the shrinking share of younger people in the U.S. population are pushing down crime.</li><li>He said it&#x27;s too early to know whether AI and other new technology have had a major effect. But some tools clearly help, he said: &quot;Drones do work. License plate readers, yeah, they work.&quot;</li></ul>The other side: Insha Rahman, president of the Vera Institute of Justice, tells Axios the decline isn&#x27;t simply society reverting to normal after COVID. She argues that cities made investments that helped prevent violence.<ul><li>Many cities expanded summer youth employment and workforce development programs, and increased mental health treatment as well as community violence intervention and crisis-response units, Rahman said.</li><li>She points to Newark, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit, Los Angeles and Orlando as cities using &quot;focused deterrence&quot; — concentrating police, crisis teams and social services in targeted neighborhoods.</li></ul>Yes, but: The Trump administration has credited National Guard deployments and other federal interventions in cities such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington, D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/15/trump-dc-police-national-guard-democrats-crime" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/15/trump-dc-police-national-guard-democrats-crime" target="_self">Washington, D.C.</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memphis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/trump-deploy-national-guard-memphis-crime-rate" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/trump-deploy-national-guard-memphis-crime-rate" target="_self">Memphis</a> with helping to reduce violent crime.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/one-year-after-federal-law-enforcement-surge-dc-safer-crime-declines-sharply" data-vars-content-id="b026b692-3436-4a61-baf1-7a59de355778" data-vars-headline="Alcohol, AI and aging: Theories on why violent crime is down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/one-year-after-federal-law-enforcement-surge-dc-safer-crime-declines-sharply" target="_blank">U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro</a> has credited increased prosecutions with reducing crime in D.C.</li></ul>Reality check: There&#x27;s little evidence that National Guard deployments or aggressive prosecutions drove the nationwide decline, Sipes and Rahman said.<ul><li>Both noted that crime also fell in cities that didn&#x27;t change prosecution tactics or see the National Guard deployed.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Pandemic-era federal money for local crime-fighting efforts expires at the end of the year, putting more pressure on already short-staffed police departments.<ul><li>An economic downturn could create another headwind: Historically, worsening economic conditions mean more crime.</li></ul>

Unapproved obesity drug spawns a black market frenzy

Demand for GLP-1s and other peptides is outpacing the regulatory system.

Health

A next-generation Eli Lilly weight-loss drug that hasn&#x27;t even been submitted for Food and Drug Administration review is already spawning a rash of cheap knockoffs that are being heavily touted on social media. Why it matters: The experience with the drug, called retatrutide, shows how demand for GLP-1s and other peptides is outpacing the regulatory system.

Trump and former fixer Michael Cohen make amends

Trump appeared on Cohen's radio show after a years long feud.

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="30f21f5f-02c3-4af2-97d5-f106225f0e99" data-vars-headline="Trump and former fixer Michael Cohen make amends" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> signaled that he&#x27;s welcomed his former fixer, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Cohen," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/13/michael-cohen-stormy-daniels-trump-trial" data-vars-content-id="30f21f5f-02c3-4af2-97d5-f106225f0e99" data-vars-headline="Trump and former fixer Michael Cohen make amends" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/13/michael-cohen-stormy-daniels-trump-trial" target="_self">Michael Cohen,</a> back into his good graces in a remarkably friendly interview that aired in full on Sunday.The big picture: The president and Cohen discussed a wide range of topics, including Trump&#x27;s proposed ballroom, how the economy is doing during his second term and how so-called &quot;weaponization&quot; is destroying America.

Scoop: Anthropic candidates face blunt money question

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is worried employees are coming to the AI lab for the wrong reasons.

Business

Frontier AI lab Anthropic has a culture interview that includes a question about prioritizing mission over future share price, according to people familiar with the process. The big picture: CEO Dario Amodei has questioned whether newer employees are joining the AI lab for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the right reasons," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/ai-talent-wars-openai-google-meta-anthropic" data-vars-content-id="f6927f42-fb6a-4fc3-8f3f-cde950f2d395" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Anthropic candidates face blunt money question" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/ai-talent-wars-openai-google-meta-anthropic" target="_self">the right reasons,</a> according to a source familiar. The interview process gets to the heart of that tension.

Trump says communities that oppose data centers are "making a mistake"

Data centers create "tremendous amounts of jobs and money," Trump said.

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="47e60765-d743-4da8-b929-65576330a406" data-vars-headline="Trump says communities that oppose data centers are &quot;making a mistake&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> defended the expansion of data centers in an interview with his former fixer, Michael Cohen, that aired in full on Sunday.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s support comes as data centers face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing backlash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" data-vars-content-id="47e60765-d743-4da8-b929-65576330a406" data-vars-headline="Trump says communities that oppose data centers are &quot;making a mistake&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" target="_self">growing backlash</a> in both red and blue states.

Markey dominates Moulton in new Senate primary poll

Sen. Ed Markey holds a massive 28-point lead over Rep. Seth Moulton with three weeks left.

Politics

Fresh poll numbers suggest U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seth Moulton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/08/markey-moulton-debate-massachusetts" data-vars-content-id="a2ead246-14f1-41ba-8f4a-27dab8abac9b" data-vars-headline="Markey dominates Moulton in new Senate primary poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/08/markey-moulton-debate-massachusetts" target="_self">Seth Moulton</a>&#x27;s attempt to unseat Sen. Ed Markey may be petering out before the Sept. 1 primary election.Why it matters: A new UMass Amherst/WCVB poll shows Markey with a commanding lead over Moulton.<ul><li>The polling gap has widened sharply from earlier surveys that put Moulton <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="within striking distance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/01/markey-moulton-massachusetts-senate-primary-poll-june-2026-uhn-survey" data-vars-content-id="a2ead246-14f1-41ba-8f4a-27dab8abac9b" data-vars-headline="Markey dominates Moulton in new Senate primary poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/01/markey-moulton-massachusetts-senate-primary-poll-june-2026-uhn-survey" target="_self">within striking distance</a> of the veteran Markey.</li></ul>

Boston can build White Stadium in Franklin Park, SJC rules

It's a major victory for Mayor Michelle Wu, who has pursued the public-private redevelopment.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled Boston can continue building <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/17/bostons-white-stadium-lawsuit-soccer-michelle-wu-josh-kraft" data-vars-content-id="875f9b00-2477-43bc-b99e-d14966c9fdd0" data-vars-headline="Boston can build White Stadium in Franklin Park, SJC rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/17/bostons-white-stadium-lawsuit-soccer-michelle-wu-josh-kraft" target="_self">White Stadium</a> in Franklin Park.Why it matters: It’s a major victory for Mayor Michelle Wu, who has pursued the public-private redevelopment project despite some residents&#x27; criticisms about potential traffic impacts and displacement of fall student athletes.

Trump deportations cost Mass. taxpayers $3,200 each on average

Deportations cost one town's taxpayers ten times as much, projections suggest.

Immigration

Massachusetts taxpayers will end up paying over $3,200 each on average for President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="0ee992a2-ce20-4b73-89d7-fd9db211cb71" data-vars-headline="Trump deportations cost Mass. taxpayers $3,200 each on average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> mass deportation push, according to a new calculator tool from the Economic Policy Institute.<ul><li>And taxpayers in one town will pay tenfold. </li></ul>Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="0ee992a2-ce20-4b73-89d7-fd9db211cb71" data-vars-headline="Trump deportations cost Mass. taxpayers $3,200 each on average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">deportations</a> should instead fund other public priorities such as food assistance, health care or housing.

Was this Boston's "best summer ever"? It depends on who you ask

Many in Boston profited off of this summer's major events, but it wasn't a win for everyone.

Seven miles south of City Hall, Mayor Michelle Wu convened 17 city officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs in a brewery for a victory lap.<ul><li>A blue sign hanging at the center of the U-shaped table summed it up: &quot;Celebrating Boston&#x27;s best summer ever.&quot;</li></ul>

Boston, Denver and Philadelphia named finalists for 2028 DNC 

The convention will be held Aug. 7-10 in 2028.

It looks like the schmoozing with Democratic leaders at Contessa and Fenway Park has paid off.<ul><li>Boston made the shortlist to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2028 Democratic National Convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/19/democrats-2028-convention-cities" data-vars-content-id="f0d42e7b-16bf-452b-8e22-d275bf5aed6b" data-vars-headline="Boston, Denver and Philadelphia named finalists for 2028 DNC " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/19/democrats-2028-convention-cities" target="_self">2028 Democratic National Convention</a>, along with Philadelphia and Denver.</li></ul>Why it matters: The city has another chance to show up on the national stage, 24 years after it last hosted the DNC, as it comes off a summer packed with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/08/18/boston-economy-world-cup-ma-250-sail-boston" data-vars-content-id="f0d42e7b-16bf-452b-8e22-d275bf5aed6b" data-vars-headline="Boston, Denver and Philadelphia named finalists for 2028 DNC " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/08/18/boston-economy-world-cup-ma-250-sail-boston" target="_self">international events</a>.

Part of every Green Line is down this week

Prepare for longer commutes and shuttle service.

Transit

Parts of the Green Line are down until this week as the MBTA works on signal upgrades and accessibility-related repairs. Why it matters: Passengers along the city&#x27;s core should expect longer commutes via shuttles and buses through Sunday.

Mass. will add 3 pilots to cut T fares, extend summer discounts

The MBTA pilots stand to benefit some bus riders, seniors and passengers who transfer often.

Massachusetts plans to launch three pilots to cut MBTA fares and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extend Commuter Rail discounts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/30/commuter-rail-world-cup-tickets" data-vars-content-id="0853ba03-ea32-4073-9372-7d7677a3d7ba" data-vars-headline="Mass. will add 3 pilots to cut T fares, extend summer discounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/30/commuter-rail-world-cup-tickets" target="_self">extend Commuter Rail discounts</a> this fall.Between the lines: Transit leaders are trying to capitalize on the ridership boost they saw during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/13/world-cup-train-ridership-commuter-rail-amtrak" data-vars-content-id="0853ba03-ea32-4073-9372-7d7677a3d7ba" data-vars-headline="Mass. will add 3 pilots to cut T fares, extend summer discounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/13/world-cup-train-ridership-commuter-rail-amtrak" target="_self">World Cup</a> and Sail Boston.

First look: BizGrow Central, a hub for underserved entrepreneurs, to open downtown

BizGrow Central is set to open in October across the street from the Boston Common.

The nonprofit Lawyers for Civil Rights plans to open a brick-and-mortar resource center for historically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="underrepresented entrepreneurs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/29/boston-cash-mobs-small-businesses" data-vars-content-id="e6065753-84f3-44f4-8dfa-ffbdbbe6ae15" data-vars-headline="First look: BizGrow Central, a hub for underserved entrepreneurs, to open downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/29/boston-cash-mobs-small-businesses" target="_self">underrepresented entrepreneurs</a> across from the Boston Common in October.Why it matters: BizGrow has supported people of color, immigrants, women and low-income residents as they break into historically wealthy, white and male industries for a quarter century.<ul><li>Now they have a physical space downtown, alongside financial services giants and other power players in Boston.</li></ul>

Mass. single-family home sales dip in April

The drop is a consequence of the state's low inventory of homes for sale, per MAR.

Real Estate

Single-family home sales fell over 12% last month compared with April 2025, per the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.Why it matters: The drop in closed sales is a consequence of the state&#x27;s low inventory of available homes, says Kristen Keegan, MAR president.

Boston sends Sullivan Square plan to MassDOT, again

The dream of a redeveloped Rutherford Avenue, conceived in the '90s, is old enough to rent a car.

Development

The Sullivan Square of the 21st century is turning into a playground for young families and professionals, between the new pickleball club, Hood Park&#x27;s new gym and plans for a grocery store.<ul><li>All that&#x27;s missing is a facelift of the square&#x27;s infamous rotary.</li></ul>

Utilities change course on charging interest on winter relief

Utilities asked state regulators early this week to let them charge interest on the deferred amount.

The Healey administration fended off an attempt by utility companies to charge interest on energy costs deferred under the governor&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter relief plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/22/healey-energy-bill-cut-massachusetts-winter-electric-gas-relief-fund" data-vars-content-id="06acfa04-cbd0-4312-bd58-5c95341bd51d" data-vars-headline="Utilities change course on charging interest on winter relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/22/healey-energy-bill-cut-massachusetts-winter-electric-gas-relief-fund" target="_self">winter relief plan</a>.Why it matters: The relief plan could have cost households more in the long run if utilities charged interest on the deferred amount.

Sheriff's trial could be a headache for leading Boston Dems

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins could lose his $191,000 job, pension and freedom.

News

Deehan here with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins heads to federal court Monday to face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extortion charges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/steven-tompkins-medical-leave-indicted-extortion" data-vars-content-id="10b46797-0ad3-4210-a7e4-02ea39db6ab1" data-vars-headline="Sheriff&#x27;s trial could be a headache for leading Boston Dems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/steven-tompkins-medical-leave-indicted-extortion" target="_self">extortion charges</a> that could end his 13-year tenure and land him in prison.Why it matters: A conviction would cost the powerful Democratic insider his $191,000 annual salary and his ample pension.

Things to do in Boston this week: Kacey Musgraves, jazz and more

From Kacey Musgraves at TD Garden to free outdoor movies in Charlestown, here is your curated guide to Boston.

Things to Do

Monday, 8/24<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Myles Smith" data-vars-click-url="https://www.livenation.com/event/vv1AvZkosGkeINcWS/myles-smith-my-mess-my-heart-my-life-tour" data-vars-content-id="95bb8d65-8126-4333-a89b-00f93073bf1a" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Boston this week: Kacey Musgraves, jazz and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.livenation.com/event/vv1AvZkosGkeINcWS/myles-smith-my-mess-my-heart-my-life-tour" target="_blank">Myles Smith</a> at Leader Bank Pavilion brings his My Mess, My Heart, My Life Tour to the waterfront for a Monday night show, 7pm.

Remembering Daddy's Junky Music

Nearly 15 years after its closure, Boston musicians are flocking to Reddit to share fond memories of the beloved Daddy's Junky Music store.

Music

Daddy&#x27;s Junky Music has been gone for nearly 15 years.<ul><li>Boston musicians have been trading memories of Daddy&#x27;s, the discount instrument chain that once anchored Massachusetts Avenue near Berklee&#x27;s campus.</li></ul>Why it matters: For decades, the Boston shop was a rite of passage for students, working musicians and wannabe guitar gods pining over a shiny new-to-you Strat or Les Paul.

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Think you're up to speed on the week's news? Take our quiz to prove it.

Think you&#x27;re up to speed on the week&#x27;s news? <ul><li>Take our quiz to prove it.</li></ul>

Boston-area Colombians mobilize to support earthquake relief efforts 

An earthquake has killed hundreds and displaced thousands in western Colombia.

Culture

Boston-area Colombians are raising funds and collecting supplies to support relief efforts after a 7.4-magnitude <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="earthquake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/14/how-miamians-can-help-colombia-earthquake-relief-efforts" data-vars-content-id="68ef0d29-7920-4be5-a844-e5a30a59ec8b" data-vars-headline="Boston-area Colombians mobilize to support earthquake relief efforts " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/14/how-miamians-can-help-colombia-earthquake-relief-efforts" target="_self">earthquake</a> rocked the Latin American nation.The big picture: Massachusetts is home to an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="42,000 residents," data-vars-click-url="https://www.neilsberg.com/insights/lists/colombian-population-in-massachusetts-by-city/" data-vars-content-id="68ef0d29-7920-4be5-a844-e5a30a59ec8b" data-vars-headline="Boston-area Colombians mobilize to support earthquake relief efforts " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neilsberg.com/insights/lists/colombian-population-in-massachusetts-by-city/" target="_blank">42,000 residents,</a> the nation’s sixth-largest Colombian population.<ul><li>East Boston is unofficially considered New England’s “Little Colombia.”</li></ul>

Wu, ICE clash over most Boston issue ever: parking

Boston plans to identify and dissuade property owners looking to lease parking spaces to ICE.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu wants to identify and dissuade private property owners who responded to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/ice-electric-shock-gloves-millions" data-vars-content-id="44bae5f5-dcd5-43d1-b35a-ebe6552399cf" data-vars-headline="Wu, ICE clash over most Boston issue ever: parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/ice-electric-shock-gloves-millions" target="_self">ICE</a> request to lease 249 parking spaces in the city.Why it matters: Wu&#x27;s goal is to stop federal immigration authorities from expanding operations in Boston.

Things to do in Boston this week

From The Dagny's Summer Sendoff Block Party to the WNBA's Connecticut Sun taking over TD Garden, here is your curated guide to Boston.

Monday, 8/17The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Sox vs. Arizona Diamondbacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/single-game-tickets" data-vars-content-id="85160967-d0d6-4f99-80ed-1463c236a920" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Boston this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/single-game-tickets" target="_blank">Red Sox vs. Arizona Diamondbacks</a> at Fenway Park opens an early week interleague series under the late summer lights, 7:10pm.Tuesday, 8/18<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tdgarden.com/events" data-vars-content-id="85160967-d0d6-4f99-80ed-1463c236a920" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Boston this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tdgarden.com/events" target="_blank">Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks</a> at TD Garden brings a massive one-night WNBA event to Boston.

Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities

While homicides have plummeted in Boston and across the U.S. in 2026, an uptick in aggravated assaults tells a more complicated local story.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> kept falling across many of the nation&#x27;s largest cities through June, with homicides down 17.2% from the first half of 2025, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios.Why it matters: The decline now spans two presidencies — it began falling under President Biden after the pandemic-era surge, and has kept dropping under President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a>.Zoom in: Crime in Boston is going down, but violence is getting worse.<ul><li>While the city mirrors the national plunge in murders, overall violent crime ticked up slightly.</li><li>Homicides plummeted 52% in the first half of 2026, dropping from 21 to 10. Reported rapes also fell by roughly 24%.</li></ul>Yes, but: Aggravated assaults jumped more than 7% (from 1,155 to 1,240), pushing the city&#x27;s total violent crime numbers slightly higher than the same period last year, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Major Cities Chiefs Association&#x27;s (MCCA) survey" data-vars-click-url="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" target="_blank">Major Cities Chiefs Association&#x27;s (MCCA) survey</a>.Trump came into office casting America as being overrun by crime at a time when the national numbers were already declining dramatically. <ul><li>As that decline has continued during his watch, he&#x27;s taken credit for it, often linking it to his deployment of the National Guard in cities such as Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tenn.</li></ul>By the numbers: An Axios analysis of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MCCA" data-vars-click-url="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-Midyear.pdf" target="_blank">MCCA</a> data on 66 large U.S. communities found drops in violent crime in the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period last year.<ul><li>Homicides fell 17.2%.</li><li>Robberies dropped 16.6%.</li><li>Rapes declined 6.2%.</li><li>Aggravated assaults fell 5.7%.</li><li>Taken together, the four categories were down about 8.3%, for roughly 14,200 fewer reported violent crimes, according to the Axios review. </li></ul>Zoom in: The homicide drops are especially striking in several cities that have struggled with high levels of violence.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/national-guard-washington-dc-about" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/national-guard-washington-dc-about" target="_self">D.C</a>. reported 46 homicides, down 43.9% from 82 in the first half of 2025.</li><li>Homicides in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memphis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/15/trump-national-guard-memphis-chicago-dc-crime" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/15/trump-national-guard-memphis-chicago-dc-crime" target="_self">Memphis</a> fell 43.7%, from 119 killings to 67, and 38.3% in Houston, from 154 to 95.</li><li>Philadelphia recorded 83 homicides, down 27.2% from 114.</li></ul>The intrigue: Aurora, Colo. — a city <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump falsely singled out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/11/trump-operation-aurora-targeting-undocumented-criminals" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/11/trump-operation-aurora-targeting-undocumented-criminals" target="_self">Trump falsely singled out</a> as being overrun by Venezuelan immigrant gangs during the 2024 election — saw a 58.8% drop in homicides.Caveat: Some of the biggest percentage drops came in places with relatively few killings to begin with — which can make the declines look particularly.<ul><li>Newark fell 64.7% from 17 to six homicides, Raleigh fell 63.6% from 11 to four, for example.</li></ul>Yes, but: Some cities had relatively small homicide totals that were significantly higher than in the first six months of 2025.<ul><li>Honolulu jumped 85.7%, from seven homicides to 13.</li><li>San Diego jumped 81.3%, from 16 to 29 — continuing the increase Axios identified in the first quarter.</li></ul>Zoom out: Another major crime tracker is seeing similar trends in declining violent crime.<ul><li>A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://counciloncj.org/homicide-likely-reaching-a-new-historic-low-as-most-crime-rates-continue-to-decline-at-mid-year/" data-vars-content-id="37f49a48-5bd6-4f05-9f2d-1e90a90b934a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Boston and biggest U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://counciloncj.org/homicide-likely-reaching-a-new-historic-low-as-most-crime-rates-continue-to-decline-at-mid-year/" target="_blank">Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) analysis</a> found homicides down 18% among 30 reporting cities in the first half of 2026. The group says the decline began in the second half of 2022.</li><li>The finding is notable because crime has fallen across cities with different political leadership, policing strategies, economic conditions and levels of federal involvement, CCJ said.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;President Trump promised to make America safe again — and the data proves he is delivering faster and more decisively than any administration in history,&quot; the White House said in a statement.

High-profile deaths highlight gap between crime stats, public fear

Recent deaths at South Station and near TD Garden are testing public confidence in Boston.

Two violent incidents in Boston&#x27;s busiest hubs this week are making the public question <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining citywide and national crime rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/08/14/violent-crime-keeps-falling-in-biggest-us-cities-boston" data-vars-content-id="e41689b9-dd8d-44b1-9f84-a41dd23c3226" data-vars-headline="High-profile deaths highlight gap between crime stats, public fear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/08/14/violent-crime-keeps-falling-in-biggest-us-cities-boston" target="_self">declining citywide and national crime rates</a>.<ul><li>A man <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was stabbed to death" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/08/12/metro/boston-south-station-man-fatally-stabbed/" data-vars-content-id="e41689b9-dd8d-44b1-9f84-a41dd23c3226" data-vars-headline="High-profile deaths highlight gap between crime stats, public fear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/08/12/metro/boston-south-station-man-fatally-stabbed/" target="_blank">was stabbed to death</a> Wednesday evening on an escalator at South Station during rush hour.</li><li>Boston police <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="found a body" data-vars-click-url="http://bostonglobe.com/2026/08/12/metro/boston-south-station-man-fatally-stabbed/" data-vars-content-id="e41689b9-dd8d-44b1-9f84-a41dd23c3226" data-vars-headline="High-profile deaths highlight gap between crime stats, public fear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://bostonglobe.com/2026/08/12/metro/boston-south-station-man-fatally-stabbed/" target="_blank">found a body</a> near TD Garden&#x27;s parking garage the same evening.</li></ul>

Judge tosses Trump administration's antisemitism lawsuit against Harvard

A Boston federal judge ruled the administration didn't show ongoing antisemitism at Harvard.

A federal judge in Boston dismissed the Trump administration&#x27;s antisemitism lawsuit against Harvard University Thursday.<ul><li>It&#x27;s a setback to the White House&#x27;s monthslong pressure campaign against Harvard.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The ruling removes one legal front" data-vars-click-url="https://thehill.com/homenews/education/6027947-judge-dismisses-harvard-antisemitism-lawsuit/" data-vars-content-id="9a2fe741-3c2e-4f21-a0ec-39cc7e080f0a" data-vars-headline="Judge tosses Trump administration&#x27;s antisemitism lawsuit against Harvard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/education/6027947-judge-dismisses-harvard-antisemitism-lawsuit/" target="_blank">The ruling removes one legal front</a> in the administration&#x27;s push to force elite universities like Harvard into settlements over campus antisemitism and diversity policies.

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New hot tub boat cruises let Bostonians soak while floating through the harbor

Rides start at $493 for two hours and the Boston skyline as the backdrop.

Move over Tiki bar booze cruises, there&#x27;s a new stupidest way to enjoy Boston Harbor: from inside a hot tub.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Hot Tub Boats" data-vars-click-url="https://spawithaview.com/locations/boston/" data-vars-content-id="aef2f2a1-3c1b-4ebd-954f-d19bfd3505cf" data-vars-headline="New hot tub boat cruises let Bostonians soak while floating through the harbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://spawithaview.com/locations/boston/" target="_blank">Boston Hot Tub Boats</a> launched two weeks ago out of Atlantis Marina in Winthrop.</li></ul>

Doing Dine Out Boston on a budget

Long gone are the days where customers could try an upscale dinner for under $30.

Food and Drink

Dine Out Boston returns Saturday with nearly 200 restaurants participating.Why it matters: The semi-annual dining event comes as restaurants are hungry for customers — and as some of those <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would-be customers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/groceries-volumes-decline-prices-bain" data-vars-content-id="1a0a25ea-cb97-4222-b850-66b513a7b1c9" data-vars-headline="Doing Dine Out Boston on a budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/groceries-volumes-decline-prices-bain" target="_self">would-be customers</a> are tightening their budgets.

The best things to do in Boston this weekend

From Ariana Grande at TD Garden to the massive Boston Puerto Rican Festival at Franklin Park.

Friday, 7/24The Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park open a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" weekend divisional series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/single-game-tickets" data-vars-content-id="28e7ce5c-ebdf-4f5d-a100-87243dd49ed7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do in Boston this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/single-game-tickets" target="_blank"> weekend divisional series</a> against their AL East rivals under the Friday night lights, 7:15pm.Saturday, 7/25

Boston's top events this week

From Ariana Grande at TD Garden to the massive Harvard Book Store Warehouse Sale.

Thursday, 7/23<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ariana Grande" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tdgarden.com/events" data-vars-content-id="17e49c6c-229a-47b6-a5f6-6bacdb28bff2" data-vars-headline="Boston&#x27;s top events this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tdgarden.com/events" target="_blank">Ariana Grande</a> brings her massive The Eternal Sunshine Tour to TD Garden for the first of three huge shows, 8pm.<ul><li>She also plays Saturday and Sunday.</li></ul>

Sail250 begins: Your Parade of Sail and tall ships cheat sheet

Dozens of ships, including 50-plus military vessels from 21 countries, are coming to Boston.

Boston welcomes more than 50 military ships from 21 countries starting Saturday for Sail250, the culmination of the multicity tall ships celebration.The intrigue: You don&#x27;t have to know the difference between a bow and a flying jib to appreciate the spectacle.

East Boston specialty grocer EBO is closing 

EBO in East Boston is closing, and other foodie news.

EBO Grocery&#x27;s owners decided not to renew their lease at 110 Meridian in East Boston, citing shifting priorities with their newer businesses, per their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram page" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcLl5wsnCyJ/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="7d6ec453-6cb0-4dba-811a-b25f9a5ce243" data-vars-headline="East Boston specialty grocer EBO is closing " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcLl5wsnCyJ/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Instagram page</a>. <ul><li>The store will be closed between Aug. 23 and Sept. 1 as the company heads to Italy for an oyster shucking event. </li><li>Then they&#x27;ll reopen until the last week of September.</li></ul>

Behind a Southie restaurant's deceptively easy menu

This is one of two restaurants chef Tony Messina opened this year.

Common Craft traded in its caviar and hake pizzaiola for a more approachable selection this summer, as co-owner Tony Messina puts it.The intrigue: This Southie restaurant, which the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/30/boston-dining-trends-michelin-2026" data-vars-content-id="47fbafe6-deef-4766-a87c-365d94b33348" data-vars-headline="Behind a Southie restaurant&#x27;s deceptively easy menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/30/boston-dining-trends-michelin-2026" target="_self">James Beard Award</a>-winning chef opened in March, packs surprisingly complex flavors into sandwiches and fried chicken alongside upscale seafood dishes.

Dunkin hacks: The Cape Cod Croque Madame

All it takes is a quick bechamel and a fried egg to turn a drive-thru snack into a bistro classic.

Turning a Dunkin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ham-and-cheese croissant stuffer" data-vars-click-url="https://news.dunkindonuts.com/file/croissant-stuffers551545515555156551575515855159551605516155162" data-vars-content-id="c36b0a58-1095-4a11-b58d-dfb02b0d4dfb" data-vars-headline="Dunkin hacks: The Cape Cod Croque Madame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.dunkindonuts.com/file/croissant-stuffers551545515555156551575515855159551605516155162" target="_blank">ham-and-cheese croissant stuffer</a> into a Croque Madame takes about five minutes — and turns one of their cheaper breakfast items into a full meal.<ul><li>With added protein!</li></ul>

The last Boloco will close in September

It's the end of an era for the beloved, once booming burrito chain.

The last <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boloco" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/19/boston-restaurant-news-bakey-opens-in-faneuil-hall" data-vars-content-id="2e1221cb-f2ec-49da-b586-d11f15d456e1" data-vars-headline="The last Boloco will close in September" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/19/boston-restaurant-news-bakey-opens-in-faneuil-hall" target="_self">Boloco</a> will close in two months, ending the Boston-bred burrito seller&#x27;s 29-year run.Why it matters: Boloco fed generations of Bostonians and college students their signature buffalo chicken burritos and Nutella milkshakes (including to yours truly).

Mission Hill institution Flann O'Brien's is making a comeback

The iconic Brigham Circle pub might return to its original Tremont Street location by the end of 2026.

Flann O&#x27;Brien&#x27;s, a Mission Hill Irish pub shut down during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="734d30c4-db16-4541-aed3-5e362413b9aa" data-vars-headline="Mission Hill institution Flann O&#x27;Brien&#x27;s is making a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">pandemic</a>, could be resurrected later this year.Why it matters: The Brigham Circle bar at 1619 Tremont St. was a neighborhood institution for nearly three decades.

Affordability meets opportunity in Greenville-Pitt County, NC

Build a life sciences career in NC without sacrificing quality of life

Partners

Expensive metropolitan hubs like Boston aren&#x27;t the only cities offering meaningful career growth for professionals in high-demand fields like life sciences and health care.What you need to know: Greenville-Pitt County in North Carolina is home to a growing life sciences and health care ecosystem.<ul><li>Residents, many of them transplants from cities like Boston, enjoy well-paying career opportunities and a welcoming place to put down roots.</li></ul>

Alpha Schools, the AI-powered school network, expands into Boston

Boston is one of 27 cities the school system is opening in this school year.

Education

Alpha Schools, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-end, AI-powered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/27/alpha-schools-ai-artifical-intelligence-education" data-vars-content-id="f417430a-2cb4-4647-aa96-0fe12b7c6ff2" data-vars-headline="Alpha Schools, the AI-powered school network, expands into Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/27/alpha-schools-ai-artifical-intelligence-education" target="_self">high-end, AI-powered</a> private school, plans to launch in 27 cities this school year, including Boston.Why it matters: While traditional schools navigate how to adopt AI, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alpha Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/alpha-schools-ai-expansion-50-campuses" data-vars-content-id="f417430a-2cb4-4647-aa96-0fe12b7c6ff2" data-vars-headline="Alpha Schools, the AI-powered school network, expands into Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/alpha-schools-ai-expansion-50-campuses" target="_self">Alpha Schools</a> uses an AI-dependent classroom model that the company claims reduces screen time and increases human interaction.<ul><li>Tuition will start at $55,000 a year, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Globe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/10/metro/private-ai-school-alpha-approved-in-boston/" data-vars-content-id="f417430a-2cb4-4647-aa96-0fe12b7c6ff2" data-vars-headline="Alpha Schools, the AI-powered school network, expands into Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/10/metro/private-ai-school-alpha-approved-in-boston/" target="_blank">Boston Globe</a> reported.</li></ul>

What to know about the 2026 Massachusetts sales tax holiday

The sales tax holiday falls on Aug. 8 and 9.

Money

This weekend is your only chance in 2026 to bypass the Massachusett&#x27;s sales tax.The intrigue: If you know what to look for, you could be in for some hefty savings, like I did when I bought a bicycle a few years back.

New England arts orgs lost over $13M in funding in 2025

They reported losses in state funding, individual donations and private-sector grants.

New England arts and culture organizations estimate losing a combined $13.5 million in 2025, the vast majority due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal funding cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/21/arts-funding-cuts-trump-pennsylvania-pa-humanities" data-vars-content-id="62a091a3-e5e3-4fc9-92f3-c34c62aa3723" data-vars-headline="New England arts orgs lost over $13M in funding in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/21/arts-funding-cuts-trump-pennsylvania-pa-humanities" target="_self">federal funding cuts</a>, a new regional survey found.Why it matters: The funding cuts led to 720 job losses across the region, according to employers across 125 organizations.

Boston cafe turns into phone bank for Haitian TPS bill

The chances of Congress voting to extend temporary protections for Haiti become slimmer.

Dozens of people gathered inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ula Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/ulacafe/p/DbdeVu1lUsT/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="133e6eff-94f2-4c4b-8614-9a8ca0a985a6" data-vars-headline="Boston cafe turns into phone bank for Haitian TPS bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ulacafe/p/DbdeVu1lUsT/?hl=en" target="_blank">Ula Cafe</a> and called a list of U.S. senators Tuesday, urging them to pass a bill extending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Temporary Protected Status" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/temporary-protected-status-tps-trump-immigration" data-vars-content-id="133e6eff-94f2-4c4b-8614-9a8ca0a985a6" data-vars-headline="Boston cafe turns into phone bank for Haitian TPS bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/temporary-protected-status-tps-trump-immigration" target="_self">Temporary Protected Status</a> for Haiti.The big picture: This Jamaica Plain cafe is one of several businesses and nonprofits nationwide pushing for congressional intervention now that TPS has expired for some 350,000 Haitians.

The grid's climate stress test

Every heat wave is becoming a stress test for tomorrow's electric grid.

Energy & Climate

A series of dangerous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/wildfire-weather-firework-bans-july-4-weekend" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/wildfire-weather-firework-bans-july-4-weekend" target="_self">heat waves</a> this summer — including one that has left 17 states under an emergency federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.energy.gov/documents/doe-order-no-202-26-37" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.energy.gov/documents/doe-order-no-202-26-37" target="_blank">order</a> — are putting the electric grid under an intense real-world stress test.Why it matters: Successive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/us-heat-wave-death-toll-july-2026" target="_self">summer heat waves</a> are forcing utilities to rethink how they prepare the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" data-vars-content-id="42106a81-a9b9-4e0f-aff2-f4d91cac0225" data-vars-headline="The grid&#x27;s climate stress test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" target="_self">grid</a> for longer and more frequent periods of extreme stress.

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