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Converse apologizes, pulls ad that drew KKK comparisons

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

Business

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>.

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.

News

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>

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.

Boston flight delays, cancellations due to cut line in NJ

A construction crew "accidentally cut into a fiber line," the transportation secretary said.

Travel

Thousands of travelers at Boston Logan Airport had planes delayed or canceled Monday, all thanks to a telecom blunder in New Jersey. Why it matters: The mistake threw Northeast air travel schedules into chaos.

MIT dethrones Princeton as No. 1 school in U.S. News rankings

Princeton University had held the No. 1 spot since 2012.

Education

MIT rose to the top of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News&#x27; rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="c75b95a4-17da-43c7-b995-7f6983431ec4" data-vars-headline="MIT dethrones Princeton as No. 1 school in U.S. News rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">U.S. News&#x27; rankings</a> for best universities in the country, unseating Princeton University.Why it matters: Princeton had held the ranking since 2012.

Massachusetts colleges still fail FIRE's 2027 free speech rankings

Clark University leads the state, Northeastern scores lowest, and Harvard posted the region's biggest jump in this year's FIRE report.

American colleges are largely failing to create a healthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" data-vars-content-id="53ecf7c3-4c52-4b38-b360-13bf203f9f41" data-vars-headline="Massachusetts colleges still fail FIRE&#x27;s 2027 free speech rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" target="_self">free speech</a> climate on campus, according to a new national ranking.Why it matters: Students are self-censoring at high rates amid intense <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" data-vars-content-id="53ecf7c3-4c52-4b38-b360-13bf203f9f41" data-vars-headline="Massachusetts colleges still fail FIRE&#x27;s 2027 free speech rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" target="_self">political pressure</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="53ecf7c3-4c52-4b38-b360-13bf203f9f41" data-vars-headline="Massachusetts colleges still fail FIRE&#x27;s 2027 free speech rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration and efforts by some universities to change policies in response.

Camp Harbor View grows beyond summer camp into a year-round social equity organization

The nonprofit is using guaranteed income and services aimed at breaking cycles of poverty.

Camp Harbor View entered a new chapter in 2026, moving beyond its roots as a summer program to become what leaders are calling a full &quot;social equity organization&quot; serving Boston families year-round.Why it matters: The Dorchester-based nonprofit now pairs its signature Long Island summer camp with wraparound services aimed at breaking cycles of poverty.

Mass. puts "freedom to read" law on the books

The law would prevent book bans led by out-of-town activists in school and public libraries.

Politics

Massachusetts is the latest state to pass laws that aim to curb book bans based on identity.Why it matters: The so-called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;freedom to read&quot; laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/states-are-banning-book-bans-will-it-work/2026/01" data-vars-content-id="76cc113f-e9f8-4f41-abc6-4cf52fec5f05" data-vars-headline="Mass. puts &quot;freedom to read&quot; law on the books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/states-are-banning-book-bans-will-it-work/2026/01" target="_blank">&quot;freedom to read&quot; laws</a> are blue states&#x27; answer to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="book banning movement," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/23/book-bans-2024-censorship-libraries-schools" data-vars-content-id="76cc113f-e9f8-4f41-abc6-4cf52fec5f05" data-vars-headline="Mass. puts &quot;freedom to read&quot; law on the books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/23/book-bans-2024-censorship-libraries-schools" target="_self">book banning movement,</a> which has revolved around books that focus on race, gender and sexuality.

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

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

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

Boston sues Meta, Snap, ByteDance over youth mental health

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

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.

A founding-era university for America's next builders

William & Mary helped shape America's past — and continues preparing its future leaders.

Partners

As America reflects on its 250th anniversary, the milestone has special resonance in Boston, where revolutionary history is part of daily life.<ul><li>But the moment is more than a commemoration of the past. It&#x27;s a chance to ask what kind of nation we hope to become — and who will help build it.</li></ul>The story: Before a new nation took shape in cities like Boston, William &amp; Mary, the Alma Mater of the Nation, was helping prepare the builders who would carry America&#x27;s founding ideas forward.<ul><li>That gives the university a singular place in America&#x27;s founding story. Its history provides credibility, but its mission remains focused on tomorrow.</li></ul>

Take a free Harvard course on the Constitution

Brush up on your civics ahead of July 4 with a free, six-part Harvard online course.

Any Americans looking for a nonpartisan civics refresher can take a free Harvard course on the U.S. Constitution this July 4.Why it matters: Harvard Kennedy School professor Thomas E. Patterson is offering access to a free, nonpartisan online course to mark <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the nation&#x27;s 250th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/americans-founders-disappointed-250th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="007d9071-e216-4fa1-b28d-b10509827139" data-vars-headline="Take a free Harvard course on the Constitution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/americans-founders-disappointed-250th-anniversary" target="_self">the nation&#x27;s 250th anniversary</a> this July 4.

Mass. could pitch in $500K to GBH as federal funding dries up

State lawmakers are stepping in with a boost for the PBS powerhouse.

Massachusetts taxpayers could help foot part of the bill for funding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GBH" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/10/01/gbh-fundraising-campaign-post-cpb" data-vars-content-id="6bfeee4e-c7fc-4476-88cf-a951850554d8" data-vars-headline="Mass. could pitch in $500K to GBH as federal funding dries up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/10/01/gbh-fundraising-campaign-post-cpb" target="_self">GBH</a>, the Brighton-based public media giant that has produced everything from PBS history documentaries and the &quot;Arthur&quot; cartoon to local news coverage.Why it matters: After federal funding for public media was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pulled back last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/01/cpb-npr-pbs-corporation-public-broadcasting" data-vars-content-id="6bfeee4e-c7fc-4476-88cf-a951850554d8" data-vars-headline="Mass. could pitch in $500K to GBH as federal funding dries up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/01/cpb-npr-pbs-corporation-public-broadcasting" target="_self">pulled back last year</a>, state lawmakers want to contribute $500,000 to help out the public broadcasting heavyweight.

Mass. economy could shrink by 2030 without more immigration

Massachusetts already risks losing its lead in life sciences, health care and other industries.

Massachusetts needs at least another 60,000 new immigrants by 2030 to prevent the economy from shrinking, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bostonindicators.org/reports/report-detail-pages/2026/June/immigration-workforce" data-vars-content-id="3c41135b-1c40-4501-8b26-1c0d2badadb2" data-vars-headline="Mass. economy could shrink by 2030 without more immigration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bostonindicators.org/reports/report-detail-pages/2026/June/immigration-workforce" target="_blank">new report</a> says.Why it matters: Massachusetts already risks losing its lead in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="life sciences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/01/09/massachusetts-biotech-pharma-outlook" data-vars-content-id="3c41135b-1c40-4501-8b26-1c0d2badadb2" data-vars-headline="Mass. economy could shrink by 2030 without more immigration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/01/09/massachusetts-biotech-pharma-outlook" target="_self">life sciences</a>, health care and other industries amid rising costs, an immigration crackdown and competition from other U.S. tech hubs and China.

Education 📚

MIT dethrones Princeton as No. 1 school in U.S. News rankings

Massachusetts colleges still fail FIRE's 2027 free speech rankings

Camp Harbor View grows beyond summer camp into a year-round social equity organization

Mass. puts "freedom to read" law on the books

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