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The trade-offs of a quieter Fed chief

In declining forward guidance, Fed chairman Kevin Warsh cedes some of the power to set expectations while preserving flexibility on interest rate policy.

Economy

Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh testified before Congress over two days last week, totaling more than five hours. Yet it was comments from several of his colleagues that gave the clearest picture of what the central bank is likely to do at next week&#x27;s policy meeting.Why it matters: It is a central paradox of Warsh&#x27;s communications strategy. He is determined to get out of the business of giving markets and the public much guidance on future policy, which means the markets fill in the gaps based on comments from other officials.

Trump vows to bomb Iran's bridges and power plants for each ship attack

The threat sets a new trigger for escalation.

World

President Trump threatened Wednesday to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant, including in Tehran, each time Iran attacks a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Why it matters: Trump sent the new threat as he considers both a ceasefire and a significant military escalation. His key condition for a ceasefire is for Iran to stop its attacks on ships and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Exclusive: Nvidia's Jensen Huang defends Chinese AI amid Kimi panic

Huang told Axios that American companies should "absolutely" be allowed to use Chinese models.

Technology

Nvidia CEO <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jensen Huang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/03/marvell-jensen-huang-nvidia-ai" data-vars-content-id="265c12aa-5d74-401f-a7b4-e7cdcfd27081" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Nvidia&#x27;s Jensen Huang defends Chinese AI amid Kimi panic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/03/marvell-jensen-huang-nvidia-ai" target="_self">Jensen Huang</a> believes America has nothing to fear from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="China&#x27;s open-source AI models" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/18/china-ai-open-source-kimi-anthropic-openai" data-vars-content-id="265c12aa-5d74-401f-a7b4-e7cdcfd27081" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Nvidia&#x27;s Jensen Huang defends Chinese AI amid Kimi panic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/18/china-ai-open-source-kimi-anthropic-openai" target="_self">China&#x27;s open-source AI models</a> — and everything to fear from the growing campaign to ban them.<ul><li>&quot;These Chinese models are excellent,&quot; Huang told Axios&#x27; Mike Allen on Tuesday in an exclusive interview for our &quot;Behind the Curtain&quot; video series. &quot;Open-source models that are excellent should be used.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: The world&#x27;s top AI chipmaker says American companies should &quot;absolutely&quot; be allowed to use Chinese models — a direct challenge to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/ai-us-china-open-source-kimi" data-vars-content-id="265c12aa-5d74-401f-a7b4-e7cdcfd27081" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Nvidia&#x27;s Jensen Huang defends Chinese AI amid Kimi panic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/ai-us-china-open-source-kimi" target="_self">Trump officials</a> and the U.S. labs lobbying Washington to shut them out.

Scoop: "Regime Change" sells 500,000 — on track for nonfiction bestseller of '26

Just two months ago, The Wall Street Journal declared politics titles and other "Dad Books" a dying breed.

Politics & Policy

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Regime Change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/23/haberman-swan-regime-change-trump-second-term" data-vars-content-id="849507f6-1bb0-4d44-a564-8b9ae0ee07d8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: &quot;Regime Change&quot; sells 500,000 — on track for nonfiction bestseller of &#x27;26" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/23/haberman-swan-regime-change-trump-second-term" target="_self">Regime Change</a>,&quot; the juicy exposé on President Trump&#x27;s second term by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, has passed the publishing milestone of 500,000 units sold (hardcover, audio, e-book) in just one month.<ul><li>Publishing sources tell me the blockbuster is on track to be the bestselling nonfiction book of 2026. Simon &amp; Schuster has ordered a seventh printing, bringing the total hardcovers in print to 460,000.</li><li>&quot;Reports of the death of the nonfiction book have been greatly exaggerated,&quot; said <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matt Latimer" data-vars-click-url="https://javelindc.com/teammates/matt-latimer/" data-vars-content-id="849507f6-1bb0-4d44-a564-8b9ae0ee07d8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: &quot;Regime Change&quot; sells 500,000 — on track for nonfiction bestseller of &#x27;26" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://javelindc.com/teammates/matt-latimer/" target="_blank">Matt Latimer</a> of the Javelin agency, which represents Haberman.</li></ul>

EEOC votes to stop collecting race and sex data on U.S. workers

The federal agency wants to reverse a decades-old practice.

The Trump administration took a step Tuesday toward scrapping a 60-year-old rule that requires companies to report employee demographic data that civil rights lawyers say is critical to enforcing anti-discrimination laws.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of an administration effort to overhaul decades of traditional civil rights enforcement — and a broader push against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts inside corporate America.

What to know about the Mass. ballot question to repeal legal pot

Ten years after legalizing adult-use cannabis, Mass. voters are being asked to reconsider.

Business

Massachusetts voters are being asked to revisit legal cannabis at the ballot box this fall.The big picture: The Bay State has become a key battleground state for opponents of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adult-use cannabis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/25/massachusetts-cannabis-industry-repeal-opposition" data-vars-content-id="f89b417a-6332-404e-90e9-7b7f2992e8af" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Mass. ballot question to repeal legal pot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/25/massachusetts-cannabis-industry-repeal-opposition" target="_self">adult-use cannabis</a> who want to outlaw recreational sales nationwide.

Healey blasts ICE, presses GOP rivals

Gov. Healey is demanding her Republican challengers denounce the agency's tactics.

Politics

Gov. Maura Healey blasted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE&#x27;s deadly enforcement tactics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/07/13/ice-deaths-continue-to-climb-in-2026" data-vars-content-id="3ddbb820-ed79-45f3-9612-8c33a5bafda4" data-vars-headline="Healey blasts ICE, presses GOP rivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/07/13/ice-deaths-continue-to-climb-in-2026" target="_self">ICE&#x27;s deadly enforcement tactics</a> yesterday and demanded her Republican gubernatorial rivals denounce the federal agency.Why it matters: Healey&#x27;s comments came after ICE agents fatally shot two people in one week — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one in Maine, one in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/man-shot-and-killed-by-ice-agent-in-maine-was-not-the-subject-of-a-warrant-lawmakers-say/" data-vars-content-id="3ddbb820-ed79-45f3-9612-8c33a5bafda4" data-vars-headline="Healey blasts ICE, presses GOP rivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/man-shot-and-killed-by-ice-agent-in-maine-was-not-the-subject-of-a-warrant-lawmakers-say/" target="_blank">one in Maine, one in Texas</a> — intensifying a national debate over the agency&#x27;s tactics.

New faces challenge sitting DAs across four Mass. counties

From Suffolk to Bristol, primaries are testing whether voters want continuity or a reset.

Massachusetts district attorney races in 2026 are pulling in fresh faces and familiar names, with contested races in four counties testing whether voters want change in local prosecutions.Why it matters: These races will decide how prosecutors approach criminal diversion, police accountability and victim advocacy for the remainder of the decade.

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Red Line shutdown looms for Cambridge

The MBTA will suspend the Red Line between Alewife and Park Street from July 21-30.

Transit

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The MBTA will suspend Red Line service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway" data-vars-content-id="a8a74295-dccd-44a6-a282-82222f934354" data-vars-headline="Red Line shutdown looms for Cambridge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway" target="_blank">The MBTA will suspend Red Line service</a> between Alewife and Park Street for 10 days starting Tuesday, through July 30.<ul><li>Instead of trains in the tunnel, free shuttle buses will ferry riders on street level at all eight stations in between Park Street and the northern end of the line.</li></ul>Why it matters: The closure will hit Cambridge&#x27;s busiest transit corridor hard.

Why everyone's hating on the Orange Line extension idea

A proposal to bring the Orange Line to Blue Hill Avenue could be a bold move for the Bay State as it struggles with traffic and aging transit systems.

A recent proposal to extend the MBTA&#x27;s Orange Line is already hitting a wall of logistical, financial and political objections.Why it matters: Expanding the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MBTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/transit" data-vars-content-id="68f5b75a-5c14-492d-985f-110f2d596373" data-vars-headline="Why everyone&#x27;s hating on the Orange Line extension idea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/transit" target="_self">MBTA</a>&#x27;s subway system could be a bold move for the Bay State as it struggles with traffic and aging transit systems.<ul><li>But experts say a plan from City Councilors Miniard Culpepper and Brian Worrell to bring the Orange Line to the Blue Hill Avenue corridor that connects Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan isn&#x27;t the answer.</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.

Inside La Casa, the South End's new arts and community center

When it opens in May, La Casa will be the largest Latino performing arts center in New England.

Development

When Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción&#x27;s arts center opens, it will host concerts, youth arts programming, workshops and maybe a quinceañera (a traditional 15th birthday celebration for Latinas).The big picture: La Casa, a $33 million project, will be the largest Latino arts center in New England.

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.

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.

Mass. locks in order for nine ballot questions this November

State election officials have assigned numbers 1 through 9 to this fall's ballot questions, covering everything from public records to marijuana sales to gun regulation.

News

Massachusetts voters will face nine statewide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/12/17/mass-voters-may-decide-rent-control-tax-cuts-and-election-reforms-on-packed-2026-ballot" data-vars-content-id="f492c94e-e460-4260-ad5f-8657a702ba0a" data-vars-headline="Mass. locks in order for nine ballot questions this November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/12/17/mass-voters-may-decide-rent-control-tax-cuts-and-election-reforms-on-packed-2026-ballot" target="_self">ballot questions</a> this November, and now we know which question number is assigned to each political debate.Why it matters: With nearly ten questions certified, voters will be bombarded by &quot;yes on 4&quot; or &quot;no on 1&quot; messaging this fall. <ul><li>It&#x27;ll be more work than usual to keep it all straight.</li></ul>

What a switch to permanent daylight saving time would mean for Mass.

A federal time-zone law, a stalled Senate bill and New York's economy all stand between Massachusetts and brighter winter evenings.

Switching the commonwealth to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="permanent daylight saving time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/daylight-saving-congress-backlash-side-effects" data-vars-content-id="f3193c80-4327-42c3-ad1f-ad620c5f318e" data-vars-headline="What a switch to permanent daylight saving time would mean for Mass." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/16/daylight-saving-congress-backlash-side-effects" target="_self">permanent daylight saving time</a> is more realistic than ever.Why it matters: Plenty of people in Massachusetts want more winter sunlight, but getting it would mean threading a federal needle, syncing with neighboring states and rewriting the school day.

Boston breaks back into the top 10 fittest cities

Boston jumped to No. 10 on the 2026 American Fitness Index, boosted by near-universal park access — but researchers say the gap between the healthiest and least healthy U.S. cities keeps growing.

Health

Boston is one of America&#x27;s healthiest metros, clinching a spot in the top 10 of a new national fitness ranking.Why it matters: Boston ranked No. 10 on the 2026 American Fitness Index, climbing three spots from 13th place last year.

Boston University signs first PILOT deal in 25 years

BU will pay the city $104.3 million over five years.

Boston University and the City of Boston have struck a five-year agreement that will see BU pay the city over $104 million in cash and benefits over the span of the deal.<ul><li>It&#x27;s the university&#x27;s first written payment commitment in 25 years.</li></ul>

Mass. is worried about AI, but most still use it

Two-thirds of Massachusetts voters are more concerned than excited about AI.

Massachusetts voters say they&#x27;re deeply worried about the impact of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="1678c877-a1df-4868-8419-0d530dc8866c" data-vars-headline="Mass. is worried about AI, but most still use it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">artificial intelligence</a>, even as many regularly use it.Why it matters: 65% say they&#x27;re more concerned about AI&#x27;s dangers than excited about its potential to aid humanity.

A pleasant dip in the Charles River

Hundreds took the plunge Saturday in the Charles River Conservancy's annual sanctioned swim.

I was one of dozens of swimmers who bravely plunged into the Charles River Saturday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Splash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/11/charles-river-boston-swimming-safe-city-splash" data-vars-content-id="d9974ef0-9dc8-4b66-a735-bd24d8777dfa" data-vars-headline="A pleasant dip in the Charles River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/11/charles-river-boston-swimming-safe-city-splash" target="_self">City Splash</a>, the Charles River Conservancy&#x27;s annual swim in the once-polluted river.Why it matters: The event is one of the only sanctioned chances to swim in the Charles. Demand keeps outpacing supply, and registration slots disappear within hours every year.Do you have brain worms now? Not that I know of!<ul><li>The water was totally fine and not really nasty at all.</li><li>It was surprisingly warm and not much of a shock to dive into.</li></ul>One man&#x27;s opinion: It would be amazing to have access to the river for swimming on some of the hot days we&#x27;ve had in Boston this year.Catch up quick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Last July&#x27;s swim was canceled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/charles-river-swim-canceled-city-splash/" data-vars-content-id="d9974ef0-9dc8-4b66-a735-bd24d8777dfa" data-vars-headline="A pleasant dip in the Charles River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/charles-river-swim-canceled-city-splash/" target="_blank">Last July&#x27;s swim was canceled</a> when heavy rain drove E. coli levels above safe thresholds.<ul><li>The Charles&#x27; reputation as one of the cleaner urban rivers still hinges on the weather.</li><li>But at least we know officials take bacteria testing seriously enough to cancel events for safety concerns.</li></ul>State of play: This year&#x27;s swim, the eighth, drew a full house at Fiedler Dock, plus an expanded vendor setup with crafts and food trucks.Between the lines: The swimmers&#x27; optimism comes along with a fight over the river&#x27;s future.<ul><li>The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority has proposed reclassifying the Charles to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="formally permit discharges of stormwater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2025/11/04/charles-river-e-coli-massachusetts-water-resources-authority-sewage-overflow-fredericks-hewett" data-vars-content-id="d9974ef0-9dc8-4b66-a735-bd24d8777dfa" data-vars-headline="A pleasant dip in the Charles River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2025/11/04/charles-river-e-coli-massachusetts-water-resources-authority-sewage-overflow-fredericks-hewett" target="_blank">formally permit discharges of stormwater</a> mixed with sewage. </li><li>Advocates, including the Charles River Watershed Association, argue that only adds pollution rather than fixing it.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Conservancy officials are pushing for expanded, longer-term swimming access.<ul><li>The MWRA&#x27;s board is weighing what to do with the sewage discharges.</li></ul><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Last year we asked if you&#x27;d swim in the Charles." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/14/our-readers-weigh-in-would-you-swim-in-the-charles-river" data-vars-content-id="d9974ef0-9dc8-4b66-a735-bd24d8777dfa" data-vars-headline="A pleasant dip in the Charles River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/14/our-readers-weigh-in-would-you-swim-in-the-charles-river" target="_self">Last year we asked if you&#x27;d swim in the Charles.</a> What do you say now? Email boston@axios.com to let us know.

Healey targets ticket resale fees

The governor's proposal would cap resale prices at 110% of face value.

Gov. Maura Healey wants to crack down on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ticket resale markups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/ftc-ticketmaster-live-nation-ticket-brokers" data-vars-content-id="067cfe60-0a1d-4e1a-bbd9-9ca881177541" data-vars-headline="Healey targets ticket resale fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/ftc-ticketmaster-live-nation-ticket-brokers" target="_self">ticket resale markups</a> and fees for concerts and sporting events in Massachusetts.Why it matters: Fans are paying far above face value for tickets on secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek, sometimes for tickets that don&#x27;t even exist.

Wildfire smoke casts yellow haze over Boston, more expected Wednesday

Smoke from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires turned the Boston sky yellow-orange

Canadian and Minnesota wildfire smoke drifted into Massachusetts on Tuesday, casting a yellow-orange tint over the sky and blocking out direct sunlight.Why it matters: The smoke&#x27;s so thick it dented afternoon high temperatures and prompted forecasters to pull a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="planned heat alert set for Wednesday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-yellow-sky-wildfire-smoke-air-quality/" data-vars-content-id="86c1607e-92f2-48bc-9414-e73551c8c3cf" data-vars-headline="Wildfire smoke casts yellow haze over Boston, more expected Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-yellow-sky-wildfire-smoke-air-quality/" target="_blank">planned heat alert set for Wednesday.</a>

Speed boards installed on Centre Street, corridor path

New DCR speed monitoring boards are flashing warnings to drivers on Centre Street and cyclists on the Southwest Corridor Park bike path near Stony Brook.

State workers have installed speed monitoring boards on Centre Street and the Southwest Corridor Park bike path in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaica Plain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2022/12/02/boston-affordable-housing-jamaica-plain" data-vars-content-id="85186497-e32d-4e4f-98d4-cd700349b4ac" data-vars-headline="Speed boards installed on Centre Street, corridor path" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2022/12/02/boston-affordable-housing-jamaica-plain" target="_self">Jamaica Plain</a>, aiming to slow down drivers and cyclists.Why it matters: Residents have long complained about speeding on the stretch of Centre Street between Murray Circle and Allandale Street.<ul><li>The Jamaica Hills Association <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="called for improvements" data-vars-click-url="https://jamaicaplainnews.com/2026/05/22/jamaica-hills-association-petitioning-elected-officials-for-centre-street-safety-improvements/689351" data-vars-content-id="85186497-e32d-4e4f-98d4-cd700349b4ac" data-vars-headline="Speed boards installed on Centre Street, corridor path" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jamaicaplainnews.com/2026/05/22/jamaica-hills-association-petitioning-elected-officials-for-centre-street-safety-improvements/689351" target="_blank">called for improvements</a> as recently as May.</li></ul>

Scottish keepsake: Glasgow influencer brings cone to Boston

A decked-out cone cements the good vibes between the new sister cities.

Arriving soon at Logan Airport: A Scottish keepsake for Boston.The intrigue: The cone is the latest gesture of goodwill between Glasgow and Boston, which recently became <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sister cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-michelle-wu-signs-formal-declaration-intent-establish-partnership-glasgow-scotland" data-vars-content-id="4a58972f-7b0c-4df9-8bdb-c5574dae609c" data-vars-headline="Scottish keepsake: Glasgow influencer brings cone to Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-michelle-wu-signs-formal-declaration-intent-establish-partnership-glasgow-scotland" target="_blank">sister cities</a>.Zoom in: Scottish influencer Andrew Dobbie couldn&#x27;t make the World Cup matches that drew throngs of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tartan Army members" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/14/scotland-world-cup-boston-stadium" data-vars-content-id="4a58972f-7b0c-4df9-8bdb-c5574dae609c" data-vars-headline="Scottish keepsake: Glasgow influencer brings cone to Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/14/scotland-world-cup-boston-stadium" target="_self">Tartan Army members</a> to Massachusetts.<ul><li>But he is shepherding a decked-out traffic cone on a flight across the pond on an invitation from Gov. Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu. </li><li>It has the Boston Red Sox, a duckling and, of course, the words &quot;No Scotland, no party!&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Healey and Wu will welcome the cone to Boston Tuesday and sign it.<ul><li>Then, the cone begins its journey around the city fundraising for Scottish and Massachusetts mental health organizations.</li></ul>

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.

The big Boston bookstore bar crawl

From Beacon Hill to Fields Corner, we mapped nine Boston bookstores and the bars within stumbling distance.

Boston&#x27;s literary crowd could have a new favorite pastime: pairing a bookstore haul with a well-poured drink nearby.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent bookshops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/02/06/bookstores-boston-cambridge-somerville" data-vars-content-id="cbbf90ed-e600-47f9-95f2-0a963508f2ae" data-vars-headline="The big Boston bookstore bar crawl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/02/06/bookstores-boston-cambridge-somerville" target="_self">independent bookshops</a> and its bar scene sit close enough together that a browse-then-sip route becomes obvious.

Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships' 4 million expected visitors

Crowds will gather to watch 60 ships from Argentina, Colombia, India and other nations.

Sixty ships from around the world will dock along Boston Harbor next month for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tall Ships" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/02/boston-biggest-events-2026-guide" data-vars-content-id="605f19d8-061f-4e0e-b7ef-f9df91c21056" data-vars-headline="Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships&#x27; 4 million expected visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/02/boston-biggest-events-2026-guide" target="_self">Tall Ships</a>.The intrigue: The international gathering of military ships could bring an estimated 4 million people to Boston&#x27;s waterfront as the U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrates 250 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" data-vars-content-id="605f19d8-061f-4e0e-b7ef-f9df91c21056" data-vars-headline="Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships&#x27; 4 million expected visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" target="_self">celebrates 250 years</a> — all while the city hosts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/22/scotland-tartan-army-leaves-boston-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="605f19d8-061f-4e0e-b7ef-f9df91c21056" data-vars-headline="Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships&#x27; 4 million expected visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/22/scotland-tartan-army-leaves-boston-world-cup" target="_self">the World Cup</a>.

Gardner Museum in Boston expands free admission to every Thursday

The museum is turning its free First Thursdays into a weekly event.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/05/boston-travel-guide-best-things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="cdfa3d17-b3f5-49f1-948c-be5bd4640a53" data-vars-headline="Gardner Museum in Boston expands free admission to every Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/05/boston-travel-guide-best-things-to-do" target="_self">Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum</a> expanded its free admission on the first Thursday of the month to every week.Why it matters: The move increases access to the 123-year-old art museum.

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.

Food and Drink

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.

What to know about Boston and Cambridge public drinking zones

These cities are throwing drinking restrictions to the wind, at least for now.

Boston and Cambridge have become the guinea pigs in the state&#x27;s experiment with laxer drinking laws as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/15/boston-stadium-world-cup-matches-schedule" data-vars-content-id="eab0cc2e-2c9f-4963-9bd9-d2e69f94e4eb" data-vars-headline="What to know about Boston and Cambridge public drinking zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/15/boston-stadium-world-cup-matches-schedule" target="_self">World Cup</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tall Ships" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/02/boston-biggest-events-2026-guide" data-vars-content-id="eab0cc2e-2c9f-4963-9bd9-d2e69f94e4eb" data-vars-headline="What to know about Boston and Cambridge public drinking zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/02/boston-biggest-events-2026-guide" target="_self">Tall Ships</a> draw thousands to Massachusetts. Why it matters: These cities are throwing drinking restrictions — described by some as puritanical — to the wind, at least until July 31, thanks to a hastily passed loosening of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Massachusetts&#x27; drinking laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/08/massachusetts-last-call-extended-drinking-districts-bill" data-vars-content-id="eab0cc2e-2c9f-4963-9bd9-d2e69f94e4eb" data-vars-headline="What to know about Boston and Cambridge public drinking zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/08/massachusetts-last-call-extended-drinking-districts-bill" target="_self">Massachusetts&#x27; drinking laws</a> this summer.

Scots drink Boston bars dry amid World Cup festivities

Boston-area bars welcome the sales boost amid a challenging economy.

Empty kegs, emergency beer shipments, tabs the length of the infamous CVS receipts — the Scotland effect is boosting sales in Boston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling bar scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/08/07/liquor-licenses-new-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="7f69857e-f527-4537-bead-ca6aa035f8ec" data-vars-headline="Scots drink Boston bars dry amid World Cup festivities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/08/07/liquor-licenses-new-restaurants" target="_self">struggling bar scene</a>.Between the lines: Boston&#x27;s drinking culture has shown signs of drying up in recent years, which restaurant owners attribute to shrinking corporate budgets, rising costs and the rise of cannabis and zero-proof drinks.

Cheapskate's Guide to Boston Stadium tailgating

Beers at Boston Stadium start at $16, and the food prices are similarly high.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/14/world-cup-frantzdy-pierrot-haiti-scotland" data-vars-content-id="e2e0d9dc-cbbf-41a2-a1d8-8905f7b2f02a" data-vars-headline="Cheapskate&#x27;s Guide to Boston Stadium tailgating" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/14/world-cup-frantzdy-pierrot-haiti-scotland" target="_self">World Cup</a> fans have found various ways to cut down on costs in Massachusetts, from renting a school bus to avoid transit hikes to finding cheap eats.Why it matters: Blame FIFA or Boston&#x27;s high cost of living for sky-high prices, but World Cup fans say they won&#x27;t shell out extra money that easily.

Boston-area officials scramble to extend alcohol service for World Cup

Some cities and towns are racing to approve later last calls.

The race is on for cities and towns to greenlight <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extended alcohol service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/08/massachusetts-last-call-extended-drinking-districts-bill" data-vars-content-id="1d43cee0-f915-4596-9889-04b7e67c3845" data-vars-headline="Boston-area officials scramble to extend alcohol service for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/08/massachusetts-last-call-extended-drinking-districts-bill" target="_self">extended alcohol service</a> and public drinking districts, just days before the first World Cup match at Boston Stadium.Why it matters: Beacon Hill swiftly passed the last-minute bill extending alcohol service as late as 3am, but in a commonwealth with 351 municipalities, that&#x27;s just half the battle.

Mass. workers prepare to spot signs of assault and abuse this summer

Advocates and authorities are working with hospitality workers to spot the signs and intervene.

Public Safety

Days before the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/27/boston-world-cup-watch-parties-fan-fest" data-vars-content-id="51a26eda-d306-4d40-9c4e-d21732875d06" data-vars-headline="Mass. workers prepare to spot signs of assault and abuse this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/27/boston-world-cup-watch-parties-fan-fest" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> begins, dozens of Boston-area bar managers, event organizers and advocates tuned in to a virtual training.<ul><li>Here, they learned about red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed during large-scale events: signs of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking.</li></ul>

World Cup boosted train ridership, but the financial picture's unclear

Amtrak saw a roughly 9% increase in ridership last month compared to June 2025.

The Northeast saw a boost in train ridership during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/09/world-cup-boston-economic-impact" data-vars-content-id="2310e1b2-9bde-4d8f-9afa-ccd649236924" data-vars-headline="World Cup boosted train ridership, but the financial picture&#x27;s unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/09/world-cup-boston-economic-impact" target="_self">World Cup</a>, from Amtrak rides to and from Boston to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commuter Rail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/30/commuter-rail-world-cup-tickets" data-vars-content-id="2310e1b2-9bde-4d8f-9afa-ccd649236924" data-vars-headline="World Cup boosted train ridership, but the financial picture&#x27;s unclear" 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">Commuter Rail</a> to Foxborough.The big picture: State and federal officials consider the ridership increase a win, but it remains to be seen whether these public transit systems actually profited from the international tournament.

Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses locked out after strike

The clash escalates already strained talks between over 4,000 nurses and Mass General Brigham.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brigham and Women&#x27;s Hospital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/29/mgh-brigham-top-u-s-news-hospital-rankings" data-vars-content-id="dda17c4d-1700-4f0b-bf20-7f7df31826e1" data-vars-headline="Brigham and Women&#x27;s Hospital nurses locked out after strike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/29/mgh-brigham-top-u-s-news-hospital-rankings" target="_self">Brigham and Women&#x27;s Hospital</a> nurses ended their one-day strike at 7am Thursday, only to be barred from re-entering the hospital.The big picture: The clash escalates already-strained negotiations between over 4,000 nurses and Mass General Brigham&#x27;s administration during the largest nurses&#x27; walkout in state history.

The World Cup could become the Boston economy's saving grace

The first two weeks were a boon for bars and restaurants — but not for everyone.

Boston-area hotels saw increased spending from tourists during the first two weeks of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 World Cup," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/14/scotland-world-cup-boston-stadium" data-vars-content-id="6dbde144-8c0e-40de-8a61-1b9e99d8ccc6" data-vars-headline="The World Cup could become the Boston economy&#x27;s saving grace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/14/scotland-world-cup-boston-stadium" target="_self">2026 World Cup,</a> even as occupancy levels remained flat.The big picture: The men&#x27;s soccer tournament&#x27;s economic impact remains unknown, but the festivities might just end up being a lifeline for the Greater Boston hospitality sector amid a dip in U.S. tourism.<ul><li>The industry had already seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Canadian tourism decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/08/19/foreign-tourism-decline-boston-canada" data-vars-content-id="6dbde144-8c0e-40de-8a61-1b9e99d8ccc6" data-vars-headline="The World Cup could become the Boston economy&#x27;s saving grace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/08/19/foreign-tourism-decline-boston-canada" target="_blank">Canadian tourism decline</a> in 2025 — be it due to inflation or in protest of President Trump&#x27;s policies — and Americans are staying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closer to home" data-vars-click-url="https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/small-businesses-good-summer-americans-travel-closer-home-134463470" data-vars-content-id="6dbde144-8c0e-40de-8a61-1b9e99d8ccc6" data-vars-headline="The World Cup could become the Boston economy&#x27;s saving grace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/small-businesses-good-summer-americans-travel-closer-home-134463470" target="_blank">closer to home</a> this summer.</li></ul>

Boston sues Meta, Snap, ByteDance over youth mental health

The city is suing the companies behind Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Education

Boston is suing three social media giants, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/ai-meta-image-generator" data-vars-content-id="72600bde-60c0-43d9-91fb-6cbad17f7fef" data-vars-headline="Boston sues Meta, Snap, ByteDance over youth mental health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/ai-meta-image-generator" target="_self">Meta</a>, Snap and ByteDance, alleging they use addictive features to get children hooked on their platforms and harm their mental health.Why it matters: Boston joins more than 1,500 school districts taking on social media companies over their effect on minors.

Exclusive: College athletes tend to pick teams on vibes. He wants to change that

Shawne Robinson wants to make his startup the "trusted advisor" of U.S. college sports data.

Shawne Robinson bases his biggest decisions on the data, which is why he was horrified to learn two years ago that his son had based his college soccer career plans on vibes.<ul><li>The vast majority of student-athletes do the same, Robinson later learned.</li></ul>Why it matters: That revelation inspired the creation of Andover-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tosch.ai," data-vars-click-url="https://tosch.ai/" data-vars-content-id="ae2d83b2-1f7d-48f2-ad9f-4053753803fc" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: College athletes tend to pick teams on vibes. He wants to change that" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tosch.ai/" target="_blank">Tosch.ai,</a> which calls itself the first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="ae2d83b2-1f7d-48f2-ad9f-4053753803fc" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: College athletes tend to pick teams on vibes. He wants to change that" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a> platform for unified college sports data.

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