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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.

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News

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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>.

NFL season preview: What to know about the 2026 Patriots

The Pats kick off the 2026 season Wednesday night.

Sports

Last season, the Patriots shocked the NFL with their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="run to the Super Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/09/super-bowl-patriots-loss" data-vars-content-id="376f414e-2e18-4d18-af28-1f581e5cb9b1" data-vars-headline="NFL season preview: What to know about the 2026 Patriots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/09/super-bowl-patriots-loss" target="_self">run to the Super Bowl</a>. This season, they won&#x27;t catch anyone by surprise.Why it matters: The Pats kick off the 2026 season Wednesday night with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rematch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401872656/patriots-seahawks" data-vars-content-id="376f414e-2e18-4d18-af28-1f581e5cb9b1" data-vars-headline="NFL season preview: What to know about the 2026 Patriots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401872656/patriots-seahawks" target="_blank">rematch</a> of that title game, traveling to Seattle to face the reigning champions and their formidable defense.

Bill Simmons under investigation in Mass. over proxy bets

Simmons said this week that he didn't know proxy sports bets were illegal in Mass.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is investigating sports podcaster Bill Simmons over proxy sports betting allegations, a spokesperson confirmed.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sports betting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/01/massachusetts-sports-betting-economy" data-vars-content-id="d0047a3d-b302-453d-bf8f-9e7fd6528efa" data-vars-headline="Bill Simmons under investigation in Mass. over proxy bets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/01/massachusetts-sports-betting-economy" target="_self">Sports betting</a> by proxy is illegal in Massachusetts.

Jaylen Brown throws a Boston farewell party for the ages 

Jaylen Brown's 741 Frequency Fest brought out Lil' Jon, FERG and thousands of Celtics fans.

Culture

Boston Celtics fans set aside their heartbreak Sunday afternoon and celebrated Jaylen Brown before he sets off to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.The intrigue: Brown&#x27;s farewell party, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="741 Frequency Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://741performance.com/pages/frequency-fest" data-vars-content-id="17a4ca68-4192-4c6f-8a63-d296db4e416f" data-vars-headline="Jaylen Brown throws a Boston farewell party for the ages " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://741performance.com/pages/frequency-fest" target="_blank">741 Frequency Fest</a>, took over the Boston Common with games, local artists and celebrities in what emcees say they hope will become an annual tradition.

Bare-knuckle fighting makes its (legal) Boston debut

Fenway Park will host the city's first legal bare-knuckle fighting tournament.

Fenway Park will host the state&#x27;s first legal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bare-knuckle fighting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/07/25/bare-knuckle-fighting-florida-bybextreme-dada5000" data-vars-content-id="d79d3418-234c-4ba9-bd1c-a9adc08f4378" data-vars-headline="Bare-knuckle fighting makes its (legal) Boston debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/07/25/bare-knuckle-fighting-florida-bybextreme-dada5000" target="_self">bare-knuckle fighting</a> tournament this weekend.Why it matters: The bloody combat sport, which was illegal nationwide until 2018, has spread across over 30 states in the years since.

Boston can build White Stadium in Franklin Park, SJC rules

It's a major victory for Mayor Michelle Wu, who has pursued the public-private redevelopment.

Politics

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled Boston can continue building <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/17/bostons-white-stadium-lawsuit-soccer-michelle-wu-josh-kraft" data-vars-content-id="875f9b00-2477-43bc-b99e-d14966c9fdd0" data-vars-headline="Boston can build White Stadium in Franklin Park, SJC rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/17/bostons-white-stadium-lawsuit-soccer-michelle-wu-josh-kraft" target="_self">White Stadium</a> in Franklin Park.Why it matters: It’s a major victory for Mayor Michelle Wu, who has pursued the public-private redevelopment project despite some residents&#x27; criticisms about potential traffic impacts and displacement of fall student athletes.

Was this Boston's "best summer ever"? It depends on who you ask

Many in Boston profited off of this summer's major events, but it wasn't a win for everyone.

Business

Seven miles south of City Hall, Mayor Michelle Wu convened 17 city officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs in a brewery for a victory lap.<ul><li>A blue sign hanging at the center of the U-shaped table summed it up: &quot;Celebrating Boston&#x27;s best summer ever.&quot;</li></ul>

Scottish keepsake: Glasgow influencer brings cone to Boston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to know about Boston and Cambridge public drinking zones

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

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

Sports 🏅

NFL season preview: What to know about the 2026 Patriots

Bill Simmons under investigation in Mass. over proxy bets

Jaylen Brown throws a Boston farewell party for the ages

Bare-knuckle fighting makes its (legal) Boston debut

Boston can build White Stadium in Franklin Park, SJC rules