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Scots drink Boston bars dry amid World Cup festivities

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

Business

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.

Mass. high court strikes tax cut from ballot

The court ruled that the official summary of the initiative was misleading.

The Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday blocked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a ballot initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/05/massachusetts-income-tax-cut-ballot-question-2026-sjc-ruling-andrea-campbell-finfer" data-vars-content-id="1d0eac44-8722-4c33-8a7b-d18df121db7d" data-vars-headline="Mass. high court strikes tax cut from ballot" 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/massachusetts-income-tax-cut-ballot-question-2026-sjc-ruling-andrea-campbell-finfer" target="_self">a ballot initiative</a> that would have slashed the state&#x27;s personal income tax rate from 5% to 4%.Why it matters: The high court ruling kills a business-backed ballot measure that opponents say could have created a $5 billion budget hole.<ul><li>It&#x27;s a major victory for labor unions and progressive groups against the Mass. business community.</li></ul>

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.

Mass. Senate primary care bill raises financial questions

State lawmakers want to increase primary care spending, but industry leaders raise questions over how.

Health

Massachusetts state senators plan to vote on a bill seeking to increase <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary care access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/01/25/massachusetts-doctos-family-drain" data-vars-content-id="1d8f22c4-8e24-4db7-9293-cd0755507bd3" data-vars-headline="Mass. Senate primary care bill raises financial questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/01/25/massachusetts-doctos-family-drain" target="_self">primary care access</a>, but questions remain about how it will be funded.Why it matters: 75% of Massachusetts residents surveyed last year reported having a preventive care appointment in the last 12 months, down from over 81% in 2023.

Saying goodbye to Scotland as World Cup fans head to South Florida

Delta is offering priority boarding for kilts and bagpipes as Scottish World Cup fans depart Boston.

News

They came. They partied. They put road cones on statues.<ul><li>And now, alas, Scotland&#x27;s Tartan Army is leaving Boston as their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup journey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/world-cup-tourists" data-vars-content-id="4e05a233-8ff2-4f7d-a1c0-20a21b2b220a" data-vars-headline="Saying goodbye to Scotland as World Cup fans head to South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/20/world-cup-tourists" target="_self">World Cup journey</a> takes the team to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/22/scotland-fans-miami-march-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="4e05a233-8ff2-4f7d-a1c0-20a21b2b220a" data-vars-headline="Saying goodbye to Scotland as World Cup fans head to South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/22/scotland-fans-miami-march-world-cup" target="_self">South Florida</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Scottish team plays Brazil Wednesday in Miami, and after what seems like a month of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="occupying Boston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/17/scotland-boston-running-out-of-beer-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="4e05a233-8ff2-4f7d-a1c0-20a21b2b220a" data-vars-headline="Saying goodbye to Scotland as World Cup fans head to South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/17/scotland-boston-running-out-of-beer-world-cup" target="_self">occupying Boston</a>, the Scots we&#x27;ve all grown to love will be gone.

Mass. House tries to shield school libraries from political book removals

The measure would codify students' right to access age-appropriate library materials.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Massachusetts House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/04/massachusetts-last-call-bill-alcohol-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="a1707cf7-a305-47c5-8689-d6448f2413c7" data-vars-headline="Mass. House tries to shield school libraries from political book removals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/04/massachusetts-last-call-bill-alcohol-world-cup" target="_self">Massachusetts House</a> will take up a bill Wednesday meant to keep partisan and religious considerations out of debates over school library materials and give librarians new legal protections for selecting books.Why it matters: The legislation would codify students&#x27; right to access school library materials deemed educational and age-appropriate.

Mass. schools are in session until almost July after a brutal winter

A series of severe winter storms chewed through contingency snow days.

Greater Boston <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/education" data-vars-content-id="1deced19-994d-4068-aa70-b7b010681483" data-vars-headline="Mass. schools are in session until almost July after a brutal winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/education" target="_self">students</a> are likely trudging through their remaining school days, staring down one of the latest summer dismissals in recent memory.<ul><li>Major districts are bumping right up against the state&#x27;s legal deadline to start summer vacation.</li></ul>

MBTA drops collectible summer CharlieCards

Grab a piece of Boston transit history. The MBTA just released special-edition CharlieCards celebrating major summer events and iconic local landmarks.

The MBTA launched three special-edition collectible CharlieCards on Tuesday to commemorate the series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major tourism events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/02/boston-biggest-events-2026-guide" data-vars-content-id="d384f933-3504-4b6b-a5d1-b488c3519d84" data-vars-headline="MBTA drops collectible summer CharlieCards" 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">major tourism events</a> coming to Boston this year.Why it matters: The transit agency is capitalizing on the massive influx of visitors expected to come to the Commonwealth for marquee summer celebrations like the country&#x27;s 250th birthday, SailBoston and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="d384f933-3504-4b6b-a5d1-b488c3519d84" data-vars-headline="MBTA drops collectible summer CharlieCards" 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">World Cup</a>.<ul><li>The initial designs feature the Boston Public Library, the USS Constitution and South Station.</li><li>Commemorative cards are currently stocked in fare vending machines at Park Street, Downtown Crossing and Forest Hills.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng framed the release as a unique way to engage with massive summer celebrations.<ul><li>&quot;The collectible cards are a fun way for both riders and visitors to explore the city, discover new destinations, and commemorate their travels,&quot; Eng said in a release.</li><li>What&#x27;s next: Officials will deploy the cards to more than a dozen additional subway stations later this week.</li></ul>

Healey: "No place for ICE at World Cup" as Trump threatens Logan flights

Gov. Healey fired back at DHS Secretary Mullin's threat to pull customs agents from Logan.

Gov. Maura Healey called the Trump administration&#x27;s threat to take customs agents out of Logan Airport &quot;pretty stupid&quot; and &quot;dumb&quot; — and said federal immigration enforcement has no role at next month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="23430ac3-1b04-4a29-a474-175456236a71" data-vars-headline="Healey: &quot;No place for ICE at World Cup&quot; as Trump threatens Logan flights" 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">FIFA World Cup</a>.Why it matters: About a quarter of Logan travelers are international visitors. Removing customs agents wouldn&#x27;t just restrict arrivals — it could also pull agents who screen for drugs, weapons and fugitives.

MBTA frets over Green Line safety, worker assaults

Worker assaults and Green Line safety incidents are the T's most persistent problems.

Assaults on MBTA workers and a surge in Green Line safety incidents are the transit authority&#x27;s most stubborn safety challenges heading into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a busy summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/21/mbta-spring-shutdowns-green-red-lines" data-vars-content-id="b8db7347-cc19-4f81-8217-848837d21e51" data-vars-headline="MBTA frets over Green Line safety, worker assaults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/21/mbta-spring-shutdowns-green-red-lines" target="_self">a busy summer</a>.Why it matters: The MBTA is failing to hit its own targets for the safety of its operators and on the Green Line.

Mass. could have among earliest alcohol cutoff times during World Cup

Boston area bars may have to close before some matches end.

Food and Drink

While other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/05/boston-restaurants-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="1a8e32ad-4d75-4caf-8f76-dc830c3ebeff" data-vars-headline="Mass. could have among earliest alcohol cutoff times during 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/2026/05/05/boston-restaurants-world-cup" target="_self">World Cup</a> destinations extend their hours for booze sales, Massachusetts&#x27; plans remain in limbo.Why it matters: The Boston area will likely have one of the earliest alcohol cutoff times among host cities during the international tournament, even as some games kick off as late as midnight Eastern time.

Mass. rideshare drivers unionize in U.S. first

Massachusetts just made labor history — 70,000 Uber and Lyft drivers won formal union certification, a first for gig workers anywhere in the U.S.

Massachusetts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rideshare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/uber-and-lyft-drivers-aren-t-going-away-future-of-mobility" data-vars-content-id="32b43204-f324-480d-8d2d-89da03ab294c" data-vars-headline="Mass. rideshare drivers unionize in U.S. first" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/uber-and-lyft-drivers-aren-t-going-away-future-of-mobility" target="_self">rideshare</a> drivers made U.S. labor history last week, becoming the first gig workers in the country to achieve formal union certification.Why it matters: The certification covers around 70,000 drivers who remain classified as independent contractors — a distinction that makes this union arrangement unprecedented in American labor law.

Boston's 30-year soccer blind spot

Boston ranks second-to-last in soccer knowledge among World Cup host cities.

Boston is a soccer city — it just doesn&#x27;t know it yet.<ul><li>A new analysis of five years of Google search data ranks Boston second-to-last in soccer knowledge among all 11 U.S. World Cup host cities.</li><li>That&#x27;s despite our pro soccer team, the New England Revolution, having played in the region for 30 years.</li></ul>

Harvard just identified over 1,600 people enslaved by its affiliates

New research identifies 259 enslavers among Harvard leadership and staff.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harvard University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/11/harvard-faculty-vote-grade-inflation-cap-a-grades-ivy-league" data-vars-content-id="577adbfe-5b30-492a-82da-e0f915e266ff" data-vars-headline="Harvard just identified over 1,600 people enslaved by its affiliates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/11/harvard-faculty-vote-grade-inflation-cap-a-grades-ivy-league" target="_self">Harvard University</a> named 1,613 people enslaved by university affiliates in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a sweeping new database" data-vars-click-url="https://legacyofslavery.harvard.edu/supporting-descendants/harvard-slavery-remembrance-program/" data-vars-content-id="577adbfe-5b30-492a-82da-e0f915e266ff" data-vars-headline="Harvard just identified over 1,600 people enslaved by its affiliates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://legacyofslavery.harvard.edu/supporting-descendants/harvard-slavery-remembrance-program/" target="_blank">a sweeping new database</a> released Tuesday.Why it matters: It marks the most significant documented expansion of Harvard&#x27;s ties to slavery since it identified roughly 70 enslaved individuals in a 2022 report.

News 🗞

Saying goodbye to Scotland as World Cup fans head to South Florida

South End restaurant Oishii is closing

Mass. House tries to shield school libraries from political book removals

Mass. schools are in session until almost July after a brutal winter

BTMU: ICE captures wrong-way crash suspect