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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.

Things to Do

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.

Markey and Moulton clash in first high-stakes debate

Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton traded sharp attacks in their first Democratic primary debate.

News

In the first debate of their Democratic primary matchup, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sen. Ed Markey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/31/ed-markey-seth-moulton-massachusetts-senate-democratic-convention-endorsement-2026" data-vars-content-id="8a278e42-973d-4194-a28e-445ffe819cdb" data-vars-headline="Markey and Moulton clash in first high-stakes debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/31/ed-markey-seth-moulton-massachusetts-senate-democratic-convention-endorsement-2026" target="_self">Sen. Ed Markey</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Seth Moulton" 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="8a278e42-973d-4194-a28e-445ffe819cdb" data-vars-headline="Markey and Moulton clash in first high-stakes debate" 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">Rep. Seth Moulton</a> clashed over personal finances, health care, transgender athletes and age.Why it matters: The exchanges showed how each candidate plans to define the other as they battle over a significant number of undecided Democratic voters.

TPS holders at risk of losing work permits sue Trump administration

TPS holders from three countries could lose their work authorization as soon as July 22.

Immigration

While the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Temporary Protected Status" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/26/haiti-syria-tps-boston-next-steps" data-vars-content-id="a319b509-11b0-437d-b53e-daeb4fc6afa4" data-vars-headline="TPS holders at risk of losing work permits sue Trump administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/26/haiti-syria-tps-boston-next-steps" target="_self">Temporary Protected Status</a> remains in limbo, TPS recipients across Massachusetts could lose their jobs as soon as July 22.Why it matters: Delays in processing renewal applications are colliding with new restrictions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.<ul><li>The result: Tens of thousands of TPS holders could be without work authorization while they wait for work permits they applied to renew earlier this year.</li></ul>

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.

Why chaos gardening with native plants is taking over Massachusetts yards

Local experts say you need a little intention to help native plants thrive.

Climate

Chaos gardening — the viral TikTok trend of scattering seeds and &quot;letting nature decide&quot; — is surging across the country as demand for native plants reaches new heights.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Native" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/16/native-plants-michigan-yards-wildlife-experts" data-vars-content-id="f24ea706-ed8e-427b-a8d3-cb6ef9703542" data-vars-headline="Why chaos gardening with native plants is taking over Massachusetts yards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/16/native-plants-michigan-yards-wildlife-experts" target="_self">Native</a> chaos gardens appeal to New England homeowners seeking lower-maintenance yards that also help local wildlife thrive.

Anita, electric-solar boat prototype, makes appearance on Charles River

The prototype will give select rides this weekend as part of Community Boating Inc's 80th anniversary.

Sports

Sailing enthusiasts will get a preview this weekend of a solar-electric boat that&#x27;s due to launch later this year.Why it matters: James Worden, a solar industry leader and MIT alum, is pioneering solar design and manufacturing for the sea.

Harvard Book Store to open new shop in downtown Boston

The original Harvard Square store is staying put, while the new branch will open this fall.

Business

At last, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harvard Book Store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/02/06/bookstores-boston-cambridge-somerville?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDTq-DynfaT_G8R9M4xCGYHQ5&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwxb7RBhA5EiwAQ-AAdDPyNYlTewjFTBuKGcjKSnQEu3YmNZEccxH00pWCdeiW5ktEE4WnRxoC2wYQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="5337a86a-97df-4d74-9566-8704177c4a66" data-vars-headline="Harvard Book Store to open new shop in downtown Boston" 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?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDTq-DynfaT_G8R9M4xCGYHQ5&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwxb7RBhA5EiwAQ-AAdDPyNYlTewjFTBuKGcjKSnQEu3YmNZEccxH00pWCdeiW5ktEE4WnRxoC2wYQAvD_BwE" target="_self">Harvard Book Store</a> will expand into Boston. Why it matters: The 94-year-old bookstore tried to open a second location in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prudential Center," data-vars-click-url="https://www.wgbh.org/culture/books/2024-02-29/despite-cancelled-prudential-expansion-harvard-book-store-sees-bright-future-for-independent-book-sellers" data-vars-content-id="5337a86a-97df-4d74-9566-8704177c4a66" data-vars-headline="Harvard Book Store to open new shop in downtown Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wgbh.org/culture/books/2024-02-29/despite-cancelled-prudential-expansion-harvard-book-store-sees-bright-future-for-independent-book-sellers" target="_blank">Prudential Center,</a> but those plans fell through in 2024.

These are the 7 World Cup matches at Boston Stadium

Boston Stadium kicked off its leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Haiti playing Scotland Saturday.

Foxborough is hosting seven World Cup matches this summer at &quot;Boston Stadium.&quot; Why it matters: The tournament stands to give <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greater Boston&#x27;s economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/05/boston-restaurants-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="e14d3f0c-fa7e-4387-8dc5-e0251d8b8c05" data-vars-headline="These are the 7 World Cup matches at Boston Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/05/boston-restaurants-world-cup" target="_self">Greater Boston&#x27;s economy</a> a boost and exacerbate the region&#x27;s already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gnarly traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/02/commuter-rail-boston-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="e14d3f0c-fa7e-4387-8dc5-e0251d8b8c05" data-vars-headline="These are the 7 World Cup matches at Boston Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/02/commuter-rail-boston-world-cup" target="_self">gnarly traffic</a>.

Boston becomes "mini-Scotland," celebrating World Cup win over Haiti

Thousands packed Evans Way Sunday afternoon reveling  in Scotland's win over Haiti.

Thousands of Scotland fans in kilts sang, waved flags and nursed cans of beer on Evans Way Sunday afternoon.The big picture: The Tartan Army&#x27;s victory lap continued well after Scotland beat Haiti, 1-0, in a group stage <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="5c57ad1c-0ee9-4ce8-9e91-d95e82370cd5" data-vars-headline="Boston becomes &quot;mini-Scotland,&quot; celebrating World Cup win over Haiti" 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> match Saturday night at Boston Stadium.

Mass. player nearly scores for Haiti in World Cup game

Haiti lost to Scotland, 0-1, in the first World Cup match played at Boston Stadium.

Melrose&#x27;s Frantzdy Pierrot came close to scoring a goal in Haiti&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/10/world-cup-boston-chelsea-cambridge-somerville-alcohol" data-vars-content-id="25adf33d-0507-4d69-8044-f359da074cc4" data-vars-headline="Mass. player nearly scores for Haiti in World Cup game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/10/world-cup-boston-chelsea-cambridge-somerville-alcohol" target="_self">World Cup</a> game against Scotland Saturday night.The intrigue: While Scotland beat Haiti, 1-0, Pierrot&#x27;s kick after sliding to the ground became one of Haiti&#x27;s standout moments Saturday night in Foxborough.

Boston drag queen Jujubee makes big-screen debut in "Stop! That! Train!"

Between the film and a show on the Cape, Jujubee's summer is packed.

No matter how many times Jujubee leaves New England, the Boston-born drag queen keeps coming back.<ul><li>This summer, she&#x27;ll appear in a parody musical on the Cape and at theaters nationwide.</li></ul>

Culture

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

Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships' 4 million expected visitors

Dubliner's day off for workers and snub against England

Gardner Museum in Boston expands free admission to every Thursday

Why chaos gardening with native plants is taking over Massachusetts yards