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The global fiscal reckoning is here

The epic shifts in global bond markets mostly reflect economic fundamentals, but the distruptions could grow into a broader crisis.

Economy

The good news about the epic shifts in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global bond markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/global-rates-japan-britain" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/global-rates-japan-britain" target="_self">global bond markets</a> is that they mostly reflect economic fundamentals, not the kinds of panicky swings seen in a crisis.<ul><li>The bad news is that there&#x27;s a risk the disruptions metastasize into a broader crisis in an era of fractured politics across major democracies.</li></ul>The big picture: Turmoil in the streets this week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in France" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/france-debt-yields-politics" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/france-debt-yields-politics" target="_self">in France</a> is the latest sign of hazards that await elected leaders who try to address yawning fiscal deficits head-on.<ul><li>They are squeezed between voters who want to maintain public benefit levels and tax levels and a bond market that is resetting long-term interest rates higher — meaning that carrying on with wide deficits will come at a greater and greater cost to service debt.</li><li>That&#x27;s why even what has been a relatively orderly repricing so far carries risks that are bigger than just high mortgage or corporate borrowing rates.</li></ul>Driving the news: The relentless upward march of bond yields continued Wednesday morning. The French 10-year yield soared 0.18 percentage point, to 4.93%.<ul><li>French yields are also surging relative to other countries that use the euro, especially Germany — the kind of fragmentation seen in the eurozone debt crisis of the early 2010s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that originated in Greece" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/08/14/europe-moves-on-from-financial-crisis-but-greece-is-still-recovering-bailout" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/08/14/europe-moves-on-from-financial-crisis-but-greece-is-still-recovering-bailout" target="_self">that originated in Greece</a>.</li><li>But France is not alone. U.K. 10-year yields are up 0.12 point, to 5.49%, while the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is up 0.08 point Wednesday morning, reaching 5.36%, the highest since 2002.</li></ul>Reality check: These are massive moves in markets that form the bedrock of global financial markets. And yet they don&#x27;t appear to be driven by the kind of crisis dynamics and forced selling that fueled bond market volatility in the 2008 crisis, the 2014 Treasury flash crash and the March 2020 pandemic.<ul><li>Rather, they&#x27;ve been driven by bottomless demand for capital from AI hyperscalers and deficit-running sovereign governments, exacerbated by surging energy prices that increase inflation risk.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;When you look at outright yield levels and/or spreads, a lot of this is still quite rational, and within the realm of what fair valuation should be, just given where nominal growth is and where we are in the cycle,&quot; Kunal Shah, the co-CEO of Goldman Sachs International, tells Axios.<ul><li>&quot;At this point, I still wouldn&#x27;t say that we&#x27;re anywhere close to the point of this being a broad financial stability risk or issue,&quot; says Shah, who is also co-head of fixed income, currency and commodities.</li><li>&quot;What policymakers in Europe have shown us, though, is that when there&#x27;s broader issues on contagion and/or disorderly functioning markets, that&#x27;s when they can be quick to respond.&quot; </li><li>&quot;Whilst the move in spreads has been very quick and sharp, in the broader context, we&#x27;re still nowhere close to where we had got to in that previous European crisis,&quot; he says. &quot;Financial conditions are tightening, but it&#x27;s still not, I&#x27;d say, flashing red to the point that you need a backstop from the policymakers.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: The European Central Bank has more powerful tools than it did in 2010 to address imbalances between European countries, and has shown willingness to use them. But it can&#x27;t do much about the fundamentals of governments spending consistently far more than they raise in taxes.<ul><li>And the global nature of the yield surge shows the common fiscal challenge across major economies.</li></ul>State of play: In France, there have been violent clashes with police as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teachers and students protest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/10/06/world/france-protests-students-schools" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/10/06/world/france-protests-students-schools" target="_blank">teachers and students protest</a> proposed wage freezes and school funding cuts.<ul><li>In the U.K., a central political dispute is over the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the &quot;triple lock&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://ifs.org.uk/articles/what-do-you-need-know-about-triple-lock" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ifs.org.uk/articles/what-do-you-need-know-about-triple-lock" target="_blank">the &quot;triple lock&quot;</a> pension adjustment mechanism, which all but guarantees pension costs will grow faster than the overall economy.</li><li>The U.S. Social Security trust fund is on track <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to be exhausted in 2032" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/social-security-trust-fund-medicare" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/social-security-trust-fund-medicare" target="_self">to be exhausted in 2032</a>.</li><li>The rate adjustment of the last several weeks will increase already-onerous debt service costs for all advanced countries.</li></ul>Of note: Those forces can create destabilizing effects for business even apart from the impact on rates. Shah, for example, says that U.K. governments lurching from budget to budget has made it hard for businesses making long-term decisions.<ul><li>&quot;I hope that at some point we&#x27;ll be able to break out of this cycle, because it does stifle confidence and it just makes planning for the long term very hard,&quot; Shah says.</li></ul>

Exclusive: Paxton privately blames woes on Iran war, gas prices

The GOP Senate candidate told donors he doesn't "know what was behind some of the decisions."

Politics & Policy

Texas Republican Senate nominee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" data-vars-content-id="1964f327-e792-4974-824e-4302f2361ac9" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Paxton privately blames woes on Iran war, gas prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" target="_self">Ken Paxton</a> privately lamented the impact of the Iran war and gas prices on his campaign in a meeting last month, telling a group of donors and lobbyists, &quot;I don&#x27;t make the decisions,&quot; according to audio obtained by Axios.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a candid admission from a close Trump ally about the challenging environment Republicans face this cycle.

Raskin seeks to preserve Trump's D.C. "propaganda" in Smithsonian

The measure is unlikely to advance under GOP control.

Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamie Raskin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-epstein-files-jamie-raskin-unredacted" data-vars-content-id="88b2df7c-fa2e-4d43-9ec6-9e361cf24400" data-vars-headline="Raskin seeks to preserve Trump&#x27;s D.C. &quot;propaganda&quot; in Smithsonian" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-epstein-files-jamie-raskin-unredacted" target="_self">Jamie Raskin</a> (D-Md.) introduced legislation Wednesday that would direct the Smithsonian to preserve and display artifacts he said reflect the rise of &quot;governmental propaganda&quot; under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="88b2df7c-fa2e-4d43-9ec6-9e361cf24400" data-vars-headline="Raskin seeks to preserve Trump&#x27;s D.C. &quot;propaganda&quot; in Smithsonian" 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">President Trump</a>.Why it matters: The bill will almost certainly fail in a Republican-controlled Congress. But it could preview how Democrats would scrutinize the president&#x27;s use of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taxpayer dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/06/trump-super-pac-taxpayer-funded-ads-reimbursement" data-vars-content-id="88b2df7c-fa2e-4d43-9ec6-9e361cf24400" data-vars-headline="Raskin seeks to preserve Trump&#x27;s D.C. &quot;propaganda&quot; in Smithsonian" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/06/trump-super-pac-taxpayer-funded-ads-reimbursement" target="_self">taxpayer dollars</a> to promote his image if they regain control in November.

Tariff price increases can take a year to fully show up, New York Fed says

Tariff inflation can arrive in waves, with domestic price effects emerging months later.

Tariff inflation has a long tail. Higher import costs can ripple through U.S. supply chains, with effects on domestically produced goods emerging as much as a year later, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Reserve Bank of New York researchers" data-vars-click-url="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/10/how-fast-do-tariffs-pass-through-into-consumer-prices/" data-vars-content-id="e58d2e82-911f-4699-9c29-a2e5b2418cd2" data-vars-headline="Tariff price increases can take a year to fully show up, New York Fed says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/10/how-fast-do-tariffs-pass-through-into-consumer-prices/" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Bank of New York researchers</a>.Why it matters: The inflation hit from 2025 tariffs is fading, but newer levies are still feeding through to prices as inflation is already too high for policymakers&#x27; comfort.

3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election

He blames the deep state. The opposition blames him.

World

Israel is marking the third anniversary of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oct. 7" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/oct-7-two-years-war-gaza-how-changed-world" data-vars-content-id="96af3fd6-d8e8-442c-9e45-2717c918e4ff" data-vars-headline="3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/oct-7-two-years-war-gaza-how-changed-world" target="_self">Oct. 7</a> terror attacks three weeks before an election where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#x27;s personal culpability for the country&#x27;s worst-ever security failure will be a central issue.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/trump-netanyahu-israel-election-endorsement" data-vars-content-id="96af3fd6-d8e8-442c-9e45-2717c918e4ff" data-vars-headline="3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/trump-netanyahu-israel-election-endorsement" target="_self">Netanyahu</a> has never looked more politically vulnerable than in the weeks after Oct. 7, but he has defied expectations by keeping his government afloat — presiding over simultaneous wars and an atmosphere of perpetual emergency. Though the polls are tight, they leave a clear path for the ultimate political survivor to hang on yet again.

MBTA looks into using falcons to clear pigeons from stations

The T is asking falconry firms how raptors could deter pigeons, seagulls and starlings at stations and maintenance campuses. No pilot is guaranteed.

Transit

The MBTA thinks one way to stop pigeons from pooping all over the stations is to have trained birds of prey ready to swoop in and regulate.Why it matters: Poo-covered subway stations like Tufts Medical and JFK/UMass could get raptor bouncers to keep the pigeons in line.

Mass. couple wants to bring Bolivian food back to Boston

Sandra Roque and her husband sell Bolivian and Dominican food in Raynham. But Boston's home.

Food and Drink

Sandra Roque was hard-pressed to find empanadas and other dishes from her native Bolivia.<ul><li>So, she started selling them herself.</li></ul>

How to become an MIT-certified pirate

Students need to complete pistol, sailing, fencing and archery classes to reach pirate status.

Education

MIT nerds can satisfy their physical education requirements by becoming recognized pirates.Why it matters: Undergraduates who complete archery, fencing, pistol and sailing classes can claim a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pirate Certificate" data-vars-click-url="https://physicaleducationandwellness.mit.edu/about/pirate-certificate/" data-vars-content-id="b22f8f82-4ed4-4228-a31d-1a5be50daca1" data-vars-headline="How to become an MIT-certified pirate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://physicaleducationandwellness.mit.edu/about/pirate-certificate/" target="_blank">Pirate Certificate</a>.

One way to retain talent? A Mass.-only accelerator

These founders were tasked with developing products that address biotech' s biggest pain points.

Business

The ask was simple: Pitch a product that doesn&#x27;t just layer AI onto existing software, but uses it to fix a problem affecting life sciences companies.<ul><li>The only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="requirements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/massventures_mfn-applied-ai-life-sciences-challenge-activity-7462867228833746945-hrU7?utm_medium=ios_app&amp;rcm=ACoAAAbDsyIB3OOnuwPuAvYkUki6dvaqXdDEcSc&amp;utm_source=social_share_send&amp;utm_campaign=copy_link" data-vars-content-id="bb7a4c97-0586-4990-b7f8-02b42c43c978" data-vars-headline="One way to retain talent? A Mass.-only accelerator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/massventures_mfn-applied-ai-life-sciences-challenge-activity-7462867228833746945-hrU7?utm_medium=ios_app&amp;rcm=ACoAAAbDsyIB3OOnuwPuAvYkUki6dvaqXdDEcSc&amp;utm_source=social_share_send&amp;utm_campaign=copy_link" target="_blank">requirements</a>? It must have high growth potential and be based in Massachusetts.</li></ul>

Spill of the Hill: Why you're not getting a gas tax holiday

Gov. Healey wants a two-month pause on the gas tax. Legislative leaders aren't buying it.

Politics

Deehan here with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.Gov. Maura Healey&#x27;s election-season<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" gas tax holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/09/22/healey-gas-tax-holiday-massachusetts-minogue-suspension-2026" data-vars-content-id="55bc9628-536b-4671-bde5-6e63730f7333" data-vars-headline="Spill of the Hill: Why you&#x27;re not getting a gas tax holiday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/09/22/healey-gas-tax-holiday-massachusetts-minogue-suspension-2026" target="_self"> gas tax holiday</a> is stalled, and it&#x27;s her own party, not President Trump or Mass. Republicans, that is the obstacle.Why it matters: A suspension of the 24-cent-a-gallon tax quickly became a cornerstone of Healey&#x27;s reelection campaign and her pitch to voters that she&#x27;s fighting to make Mass. more affordable.

Inside Boston's rat war, from the city's plan to local resistance

Boston's war on rats — or at least the Wu administration's offensive — is shaping up.

Boston officials have armed city blocks with rodent-resistant trash cans, birth control and thermal cameras that can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="detect rat clusters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2022/12/01/rat-sightings-boston-rankings-2022" data-vars-content-id="3ec29006-8a31-4505-849a-17b1d612f517" data-vars-headline="Inside Boston&#x27;s rat war, from the city&#x27;s plan to local resistance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2022/12/01/rat-sightings-boston-rankings-2022" target="_self">detect rat clusters</a>, but every war has its rogue vigilante.<ul><li>In the North End, that&#x27;s Lilly, a 7-year-old dachshund.</li></ul>

Part of every Green Line is down this week

Prepare for longer commutes and shuttle service.

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.

How Wu's incentives to build housing work

Housing development has drastically slowed in Boston post-pandemic.

Boston&#x27;s tax breaks for new housing construction are one of five tools the city is considering to encourage development in a sluggish market, Mayor Michelle Wu told business leaders Wednesday.Why it matters: Housing development has slowed since the pandemic, due to higher materials costs, tariffs, interest rates and, developers say, the city&#x27;s affordable housing requirements.<ul><li>The Wu administration is considering drastically lowering its housing construction target from 13,000 in her first term to 3,000 annually in her second term, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Globe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/08/business/michelle-wu-housing-plan/" data-vars-content-id="1e6ecc19-9a9b-4a5a-ab47-a2084e74fede" data-vars-headline="How Wu&#x27;s incentives to build housing work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/08/business/michelle-wu-housing-plan/" target="_blank">Boston Globe</a> reported last week.</li></ul>

Downtown Boston office vacancies create opening for nonprofits

Downtown's vacancy rate is hovering just above 25%.

Development

Boston-area nonprofits are capitalizing on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="office vacancies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/27/boston-area-office-vacancies-drop-slightly-in-q1-2026" data-vars-content-id="2d971e74-7dd4-4d7e-9f2a-72f474f558c6" data-vars-headline="Downtown Boston office vacancies create opening for nonprofits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/27/boston-area-office-vacancies-drop-slightly-in-q1-2026" target="_self">office vacancies</a> downtown.Why it matters: Office vacancies and, in some cases, steeply discounted building sales have created an opening for nonprofits to buy or lease in a pricey real estate market.

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>

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>

Exclusive: How the Greg Hill Foundation topped $34M and changed local giving

A local radio charity has quietly morphed into one of New England's most successful nonprofits.

News

A local radio charity has quietly morphed into a heavy-hitting nonprofit by leveraging a generous audience and filling in the gaps where traditional crowdfunding falls short.Why it matters: The Greg Hill Foundation, which taps into the popular WEEI broadcaster&#x27;s sports talk audience, provides beneficiaries with immediate, fee-free cash relief.

Officials push USPS on Allston, Fields Corner

USPS says no final decision on Allston, but Fields Corner's branch closes Oct. 26. Public comments on the Allston proposal are due Oct. 11.

Boston officials are pressing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Postal Service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/09/09/mail-in-voting-massachusetts" data-vars-content-id="4d9bdcfe-2af5-4a0d-8518-98d6e6af54ed" data-vars-headline="Officials push USPS on Allston, Fields Corner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/09/09/mail-in-voting-massachusetts" target="_self">U.S. Postal Service</a> to abandon plans that would leave Allston permanently without a post office and close a central Dorchester branch.Why it matters: Around 87,000 Allston-Brighton residents would share one branch in neighboring Brighton, according to Council President Liz Breadon.

Pressure mounts over center-running bus lane plan in Mattapan

Dozens of Boston residents detailed their frustrations and fears during a two-hour hearing Thursday.

Public Safety

Dozens of Mattapan and Dorchester residents spent two-plus hours on Thursday listing their frustrations and fears over the proposed center-running bus lanes on Blue Hill Avenue.<ul><li>Among them? Making schoolchildren, elders and other pedestrians cross the major thoroughfare to reach the bus. </li></ul>

Healey plans to cut solar, renewable energy charges in utility bills

The executive order comes amid oil price hikes and her reelection campaign.

Gov. Maura Healey declared a &quot;state of energy emergency&quot; and issued an executive order to cut charges on electric and oil heating bills.Between the lines: It&#x27;s the governor&#x27;s latest move to cut high energy costs amid her reelection bid.<ul><li>It also comes after her proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas-tax holiday stalled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/10/05/healey-gas-tax-holiday-massachusetts-gas-prices-house-democrats-mariano-michlewitz-election" data-vars-content-id="117d3b50-e0ed-4f2d-bb1b-d2f9365e9ea9" data-vars-headline="Healey plans to cut solar, renewable energy charges in utility bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/10/05/healey-gas-tax-holiday-massachusetts-gas-prices-house-democrats-mariano-michlewitz-election" target="_self">gas-tax holiday stalled</a> on Beacon Hill. </li></ul>

Nor'easter caused fuel shipment delays at Logan Airport

Travel

Logan Airport ran low on fuel Monday after the storm delayed fuel shipments.Why it matters: The shortage caused delays as some planes added a stop at other airports to refuel.

Boston among the nation's top walkers

The average American walked 151 miles in 2024. Bostonians walked 530, according to a new StreetLight report ranking 100 large US cities.

Boston residents walk about 1.5 miles a day on average, according to a new report from transportation data firm StreetLight.What they found: Bostonians walked 530 miles per person in 2024, more than residents of 98 other large cities.

AI tools not as popular on campus as the buzz suggests

A new report of nearly 19.5 million Canvas users finds no dedicated AI tool cracked the top 100 — even as commercial publishers and legacy tools still dominate.

AI may be getting a lot of buzz on campus, but AI tools remain largely absent from colleges&#x27; classroom software, according to Instructure&#x27;s first higher-ed EdTech top 40 report.Why it matters: Colleges are still working out how to formally fold AI into coursework, even as students and faculty experiment with it on their own.

Boston area braces for coastal storm; here's what's canceled

The storm could cause flooding, beach erosion and windy showers.

Things to Do

Forecasters have only grown more confident in the chances of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nor&#x27;easter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/04/03/noreaster-storm-coming-massachusetts-rain-weather" data-vars-content-id="7b6b3d0b-8382-4247-8b79-2df0f595f19a" data-vars-headline="Boston area braces for coastal storm; here&#x27;s what&#x27;s canceled" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/04/03/noreaster-storm-coming-massachusetts-rain-weather" target="_self">nor&#x27;easter</a> hitting eastern Massachusetts this weekend.Why it matters: The coastal storm could cause flooding, beach erosion and windy showers.

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New England Aquarium's oldest penguin gets acupuncture

At 29, Pip has outlived most African penguins by nearly double — and the New England Aquarium is using acupuncture to help him move more comfortably.

New England Aquarium veterinarians are turning to acupuncture to help out their oldest penguin.Why it matters: Pip, a 29-year-old African penguin, has lived about twice as long as his species typically survives in the wild.<ul><li>His care team is trying a new treatment as he ages.</li></ul>

Things to do in Boston this week: Oct. 5–9

Catch a concert, cheer on the Bruins or explore the MFA after dark. Here's what's on Boston's calendar for Oct. 5–9.

Monday, 10/5<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Rest Is Politics U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://thewilbur.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="41893bba-8a9f-4bba-8720-006916fc41a5" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Boston this week: Oct. 5–9" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thewilbur.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics U.S.</a> brings hosts Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay to The Wilbur for a live political discussion on their &quot;The Battle for America: Midterms Tour 2026,&quot; 7:30pm.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tdgarden.com/events?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="41893bba-8a9f-4bba-8720-006916fc41a5" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Boston this week: Oct. 5–9" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tdgarden.com/events?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators</a>: Monday-night hockey is back at TD Garden, 7:30pm.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Boston

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="c4f765dd-234c-4f41-8701-353ba6b6ca1d" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Boston&#x27;s South End neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

A "toddler rave" is coming to Boston

This show is turning songs like "The Wheels on the Bus" into EDM bangers.

Picture this: a concert venue filled with glow sticks, dance beats — and tiny hands in the air.<ul><li>That&#x27;s a &quot;Toddler Rave,&quot; and it&#x27;s Australian DJ Lenny Pearce&#x27;s show about to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tour the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="13a35e8c-f78b-4775-9032-7524e5d5c9c2" data-vars-headline="A &quot;toddler rave&quot; is coming to Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" target="_blank">tour the country</a>.</li></ul>

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Fluff Festival turns 21 with music, vendors and road closures

Somerville's sticky-sweet tradition returns Saturday with live music, 100+ vendors, games and a full slate of Union Square road closures to plan around.

It&#x27;s a special year for Somerville&#x27;s &quot;What the Fluff?&quot; Festival as it returns to Union Square on Saturday.Why it matters: If the annual celebration of the marshmallow topping were a person, the 21-year-old festival could legally drink.<ul><li>It&#x27;s this Saturday from 1-5pm.</li></ul>

How the Boston area is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates Latino and Hispanic history nationwide.

The Boston area is packed with events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The big picture: Hispanic Heritage Month, which started Tuesday and runs through Oct. 15, commemorates Latino and Hispanic history nationwide.<ul><li>The month coincides with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independence days" data-vars-click-url="https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month" data-vars-content-id="8b6e2775-845d-4572-ab0d-9c31b9254377" data-vars-headline="How the Boston area is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month" target="_blank">independence days</a> of eight countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and Belize.</li></ul>

Charlie's Kitchen sells off steins, menus and signs while in limbo

The owner started selling off pieces of the dive bar's history in hopes of saving it long term.

Charlie&#x27;s Kitchen was packed this weekend — not for its signature burgers and beers, but for an emergency sale.Why it matters: The 75-year-old dive bar&#x27;s best chances of survival, after suffering severe water damage in January, is to sell its historic decor, glasses and furniture, chef-owner David Oshima said.

Boston runs on iced coffee, data shows

Square data of 10 major U.S. cities suggests Boston is the ultimate iced coffee hub.

Boston is already known as an iced coffee city, but new sales data from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Square" data-vars-click-url="https://squareup.com/us/en/press/caffeinated-cities" data-vars-content-id="09a311bd-c440-49e2-b418-559d686fa566" data-vars-headline="Boston runs on iced coffee, data shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://squareup.com/us/en/press/caffeinated-cities" target="_blank">Square</a> confirms it.The intrigue: The Boston metro area is the only one in which the iced latte and iced coffee show up in its top five coffee products.

Eastie cowboy bar, Lao pop-up and more Boston restaurant news

After a months-long wait, The Spur Cowboy Bar in Maverick Square is preparing to open.

Darling, a Chinese-inspired cocktail bar in Cambridge, hosts Green Zone, a Middle Eastern cocktail bar in Washington, D.C., for Boston Rum Week.<ul><li>Darling will pair Green Zone&#x27;s drinks with the &quot;Filet O Fish&quot; bao, Hunanese pork ribs and other dishes. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reservations encouraged" data-vars-click-url="https://resy.com/cities/cambridge-ma/venues/darling-ma?seats=2&amp;date=2026-09-13" data-vars-content-id="1dec6989-538f-4658-a6f9-4a4a1d58e07f" data-vars-headline="Eastie cowboy bar, Lao pop-up and more Boston restaurant news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://resy.com/cities/cambridge-ma/venues/darling-ma?seats=2&amp;date=2026-09-13" target="_blank">Reservations encouraged</a>.</li></ul>

Hawksmoor comes to Fort Point with Boston spin on its menu

Hawksmoor's consciously sourced beef is the main event, but it's also serving seafood staples.

London steakhouse Hawksmoor is bringing new life to Necco Street with carefully sourced beef and Boston-inspired dishes.The intrigue: The Fort Point restaurant is aiming for an upscale ($$$), but not stuffy, vibe in its third U.S. location.

Cambridge Recipe Club shares accessible home cooking

The Cambridge Recipe Club is amassing subscribers interested in low-cost, accessible meals.

A Cambridge man is channeling his love of home cooking into a newsletter for neighbors and fellow foodies.The intrigue: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cambridge Recipe Club" data-vars-click-url="https://signup.cambridgerecipeclub.com/" data-vars-content-id="2e6e6e89-1afc-4efe-9b15-79ec2e9c75a2" data-vars-headline="Cambridge Recipe Club shares accessible home cooking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://signup.cambridgerecipeclub.com/" target="_blank">Cambridge Recipe Club</a> is amassing thousands of subscribers interested in low-cost, accessible ideas for meals.

Schneider Electric buying PTC for $22.6 billion

Software merga-mergers have been rare in 2026.

French conglomerate Schneider Electric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreed to buy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.webdisclosure.com/press-release/schneider-electric-epa-su-schneider-electric-to-acquire-ptc-creating-the-next-level-of-energy-and-industrial-intelligence-dGRqi6qds3p" data-vars-content-id="66820242-aa63-4a97-bb28-1029cbbc7083" data-vars-headline="Schneider Electric buying PTC for $22.6 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.webdisclosure.com/press-release/schneider-electric-epa-su-schneider-electric-to-acquire-ptc-creating-the-next-level-of-energy-and-industrial-intelligence-dGRqi6qds3p" target="_blank">agreed to buy</a> Boston-based industrial software maker PTC for $22.6 billion.Why it matters: Software mega-mergers are rare in 2026, as sector dealmaking has been trapped by AI-powered uncertainty.

Mass. wants to get flounder back on the menu. They enlisted Boston chefs

The flounder population has bounced back, but demand hasn't.

Sāsha Coleman&#x27;s cooking has filled tables at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comfort Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/06/10/james-beard-awards-boston-cambridge-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="f0bbb0e7-e8ca-4f6c-8896-81cd92359ebe" data-vars-headline="Mass. wants to get flounder back on the menu. They enlisted Boston chefs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/06/10/james-beard-awards-boston-cambridge-restaurants" target="_self">Comfort Kitchen</a> and earned her a James Beard Award <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/21/james-beard-boston-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="f0bbb0e7-e8ca-4f6c-8896-81cd92359ebe" data-vars-headline="Mass. wants to get flounder back on the menu. They enlisted Boston chefs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/21/james-beard-boston-semifinalists" target="_self">nomination</a>.<ul><li>Now the executive chef is using her talents to reintroduce locals to flounder, serving cassava flounder croquettes with shito aioli at the Pavilion Pier.</li></ul>

Boston Dynamics opens testing ground for humanoid robots 

The new facility in Georgia aims to train robots for Hyundai's factory floor.

Boston Dynamics opened a facility within a Hyundai Motor Group plant in Georgia to train its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="humanoid robots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/06/boston-dynamics-pledges-weaponize-robots" data-vars-content-id="45038cae-8bc2-4655-9aab-f2a5e7c2f6a1" data-vars-headline="Boston Dynamics opens testing ground for humanoid robots " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/06/boston-dynamics-pledges-weaponize-robots" target="_self">humanoid robots</a> to build cars.Why it matters: The move takes the Waltham company, which Hyundai now fully owns, one step closer to deploying its robotic workforce to the factory floor and, one day, production lines in other industries.

Converse apologizes, pulls ad that drew KKK comparisons

The Boston-based sneaker maker faced backlash for the ad.

Boston-based sneaker maker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Converse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/11/06/converse-archives-sam-smallidge" data-vars-content-id="1df94f5c-2f8a-4813-99a7-90032ea2ad30" data-vars-headline="Converse apologizes, pulls ad that drew KKK comparisons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/11/06/converse-archives-sam-smallidge" target="_self">Converse</a> sparked outrage last week after releasing a social media ad that critics say evokes the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.The big picture: Converse is the latest company under fire for racist imagery in ads at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent hanging deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://capitalbnews.org/black-hanging-deaths/" data-vars-content-id="1df94f5c-2f8a-4813-99a7-90032ea2ad30" data-vars-headline="Converse apologizes, pulls ad that drew KKK comparisons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capitalbnews.org/black-hanging-deaths/" target="_blank">recent hanging deaths</a> of Black people have made national headlines, most recently last week in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mississippi" data-vars-click-url="https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/cases-black-people-found-hanged-us-south-reminder-136524632" data-vars-content-id="1df94f5c-2f8a-4813-99a7-90032ea2ad30" data-vars-headline="Converse apologizes, pulls ad that drew KKK comparisons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/cases-black-people-found-hanged-us-south-reminder-136524632" target="_blank">Mississippi</a>.

Mass. tries to rein in data centers but leaves open questions

Massachusetts is steering away from the moratoriums other states are considering.

Gov. Maura Healey&#x27;s latest executive order will test what regulating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/data-centers-ai-electricity-water-politics" data-vars-content-id="cd41bc1d-f7c7-4c07-b87f-c65a7211cb7f" data-vars-headline="Mass. tries to rein in data centers but leaves open questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/data-centers-ai-electricity-water-politics" target="_self">data centers</a> could look like, in lieu of banning them altogether.The big picture: Massachusetts is steering away from the moratoriums <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eight states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncsl.org/fiscal/which-states-are-banning-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="cd41bc1d-f7c7-4c07-b87f-c65a7211cb7f" data-vars-headline="Mass. tries to rein in data centers but leaves open questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncsl.org/fiscal/which-states-are-banning-data-centers" target="_blank">eight states</a> are considering this year for a middle-of-the-road approach to data center infrastructure, specifically for data centers with peak electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts.<ul><li>Its success depends on whether the state will give the order&#x27;s restrictions some teeth, researchers and industry leaders say.</li></ul>

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