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Prepare for a brutal summer of MBTA shutdowns and shuttle buses

The T is moving fast on infrastructure upgrades, but overlapping suspensions on the Green and Red lines will snarl spring commuting.

Transit

A cascade of overlapping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MBTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/transit" data-vars-content-id="23f56185-7cdc-4b3d-947c-69b396adad2f" data-vars-headline="Prepare for a brutal summer of MBTA shutdowns and shuttle buses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/transit" target="_self">MBTA</a> service suspensions will make this spring a hard one for subway riders as the T accelerates a push to modernize aging infrastructure.Why it matters: The disruptions are meant to correct years of deferred maintenance.<ul><li>The T under General Manager Phil Eng is moving fast on safety and accessibility upgrades — but that means some near-term commuter pain in the busy summer months.</li></ul>

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Cape Cod's hottest new spots this summer

From Brazilian comfort food to tarot-themed cocktails, here's what's new on the Cape this season.

Every year, the dining scene on Cape Cod rearranges itself with openings, new concepts and fresh starts in familiar locations.<ul><li>Prepare to dig in at some of the spots we&#x27;re most excited to try this season.</li></ul>

Healey taps executive branch veteran to lead Cannabis Control Commission

The governor named three new commissioners to lead the reformed cannabis agency.

Business

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey appointed Christopher Harding, Xiomara DeLobato and Anthony Wilson to lead the Cannabis Control Commission through a series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited reforms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/06/massachusetts-cannabis-reform-deal" data-vars-content-id="e60bda66-745a-4178-a09d-d9e47656f69e" data-vars-headline="Healey taps executive branch veteran to lead Cannabis Control Commission" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/06/massachusetts-cannabis-reform-deal" target="_self">long-awaited reforms</a>.Why it matters: All eyes are on the new commissioners to see if they can usher in a new era for an agency beleaguered by infighting, red tape and oversight failures.

Card Vault by Tom Brady offers World Cup boxes for $2,600

Panini is selling World Cup-themed boxes ahead of the tournament.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Card Vault by Tom Brady" data-vars-click-url="https://cardvaultbytombrady.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqsPkkQOQqIjPOdAqidO_uxJSd5_NsfHmAjc61rfvVsfjHpp4Ht" data-vars-content-id="23e95545-d4ad-43f3-a0aa-b94072ac7d47" data-vars-headline="Card Vault by Tom Brady offers World Cup boxes for $2,600" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cardvaultbytombrady.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqsPkkQOQqIjPOdAqidO_uxJSd5_NsfHmAjc61rfvVsfjHpp4Ht" target="_blank">Card Vault by Tom Brady</a> is a rare nexus, drawing nerds who love football, fútbol, Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering.<ul><li>Its appeal? Trading cards.</li></ul>Zoom in: Panini, the trading cards and collectibles maker, is selling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/13/boston-stadium-gillette-foxborough-world-cup-tickets" data-vars-content-id="23e95545-d4ad-43f3-a0aa-b94072ac7d47" data-vars-headline="Card Vault by Tom Brady offers World Cup boxes for $2,600" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/13/boston-stadium-gillette-foxborough-world-cup-tickets" target="_self">World Cup</a>-themed boxes ahead of the tournament.

Ahead of World Cup, Boston-area hotel bookings trending up

Boston tourism leaders say the pace of hotel bookings is above what they saw last summer.

Boston-area hotels are seeing more bookings in June and July than they did last summer, despite FIFA&#x27;s decision to release hotel blocks, according to the city&#x27;s regional tourism bureau.Why it matters: The booking estimates suggest that hotels and other businesses do stand to benefit from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/11/world-cup-boston-foxborough-funding-dispute" data-vars-content-id="0389db0e-f72b-4279-bb88-d7f3f7b07903" data-vars-headline="Ahead of World Cup, Boston-area hotel bookings trending up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/11/world-cup-boston-foxborough-funding-dispute" target="_self">World Cup</a>, even though FIFA initially failed to book all the rooms it had set aside, Meet Boston officials said.

No ticket? No entry to "Boston Stadium" lot during World Cup

Tailgating will be limited to ticket holders during the World Cup matches in Foxborough.

FIFA&#x27;s takeover of Gillette Stadium starts Thursday with the venue&#x27;s rebranding as &quot;Boston Stadium.&quot;Why it matters: The first <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="8432682a-9ef6-4a16-8a5c-ef4451a7178c" data-vars-headline="No ticket? No entry to &quot;Boston Stadium&quot; lot 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> game in Foxborough kicks off in 30 days, which stands to bring tourism dollars and traffic jams to the region.

Chelsea bets big on World Cup games despite ICE fears

Chelsea officials hope public watch parties will boost the city's spirits and economy.

Chelsea officials say they won&#x27;t let fears of immigration enforcement stop them from celebrating the <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="1e1ccb16-4139-4af7-b494-d36e1e53e356" data-vars-headline="Chelsea bets big on World Cup games despite ICE fears" 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>.Why it matters: City manager Fidel Maltez is betting on the FIFA tournament to raise Chelsea&#x27;s spirits and economy after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="majority-Latino city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.neilsberg.com/insights/chelsea-ma-population-by-race/" data-vars-content-id="1e1ccb16-4139-4af7-b494-d36e1e53e356" data-vars-headline="Chelsea bets big on World Cup games despite ICE fears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neilsberg.com/insights/chelsea-ma-population-by-race/" target="_blank">majority-Latino city</a> became a target for federal immigration agents.

How Boston restaurants are preparing for the World Cup

Restaurants are trying to capitalize on World Cup matches amid economic uncertainty.

When Haiti faces Scotland next month, Roundhead Brewing will welcome fans with three screens, light-blocking curtains and a multilingual emcee.Why it matters: Boston-area restaurants are pulling out all the stops for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/25/massachusetts-world-cup-prep" data-vars-content-id="17ab4a2e-90c2-43f0-a519-6bd921c79b90" data-vars-headline="How Boston restaurants are preparing for the 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/2026/03/25/massachusetts-world-cup-prep" target="_self">World Cup</a> that they hope will bring a boost in business amid economic uncertainty.

These Boston restaurants are streaming the World Cup

Boston-area restaurants are extending their hours and promoting World Cup watch parties.

Boston-area restaurants are extending their business hours and planning watch parties for World Cup games.<ul><li>Here is where to go for June matches so far, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City of Boston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boston.gov/departments/small-business-development/neighborhood-business-guide" data-vars-content-id="f45ccf23-9fcf-4d9a-ad47-f459ba5685a9" data-vars-headline="These Boston restaurants are streaming the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boston.gov/departments/small-business-development/neighborhood-business-guide" target="_blank">City of Boston</a>.</li></ul>

Vrabel, Russini face scrutiny over Page Six photos that appear to show kiss

The story dropped hours after Vrabel said he plans to skip Day 3 of the NFL draft for counseling.

Photos published by Page Six appear to show Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and journalist Dianna Russini kiss in 2020.Why it matters: The scandal raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and professional boundaries in NFL coverage.

What we know (and don't) about Boston's World Cup fan festivities

Organizers are planning a cultural showcase as part of the FanFest, but little else is known so far.

Small businesses looking to host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/11/world-cup-boston-foxborough-funding-dispute" data-vars-content-id="3b10a0c0-c3ef-4e07-91b5-3041da31b94f" data-vars-headline="What we know (and don&#x27;t) about Boston&#x27;s World Cup fan festivities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/11/world-cup-boston-foxborough-funding-dispute" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> watch parties and other events are still awaiting clarity on what they can do this summer.Why it matters: Boston-area businesses want a piece of the economic boon that FIFA organizers predict the tournament will bring.

A casual Pats fan's guide to the 2026 NFL draft

The Pats enter the draft with a roster already built to contend for championships.

Coming off <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a Super Bowl appearance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/25/patriots-broncos-afc-championship-nfl-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="4b4ed19f-01de-4699-88e2-544df4d9b17a" data-vars-headline="A casual Pats fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 NFL draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/25/patriots-broncos-afc-championship-nfl-playoffs" target="_self">a Super Bowl appearance</a>, the Patriots enter this week&#x27;s NFL Draft seeking upgrades for a roster already built to contend for championships.Why it matters: The Patriots defied expectations to reach the big game, only to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="face a drubbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/09/super-bowl-patriots-loss" data-vars-content-id="4b4ed19f-01de-4699-88e2-544df4d9b17a" data-vars-headline="A casual Pats fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 NFL draft" 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">face a drubbing</a> by the champion Seattle Seahawks.<ul><li>The Pats won&#x27;t catch anyone by surprise this season and will face sky-high expectations after last year&#x27;s success. </li></ul>

What to know about the Celtics' playoff series against the 76ers

After a strong regular season, the Celtics are now a trendy pick to return to the NBA Finals.

The Celtics will begin their postseason this weekend with a winnable series against one of their most frequent playoff rivals: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Philadelphia 76ers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/16/sixers-play-in-win-sets-up-showdown-with-rival-celtics" data-vars-content-id="eaa56e26-5fc6-4109-bf14-623260d7a83b" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Celtics&#x27; playoff series against the 76ers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/16/sixers-play-in-win-sets-up-showdown-with-rival-celtics" target="_self">the Philadelphia 76ers</a>.Why it matters: Many expected Boston to take a step back from contention this year. But after a strong regular season, the Celtics are now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a trendy pick" data-vars-click-url="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-playoffs-expert-predictions-picks-232626883.html" data-vars-content-id="eaa56e26-5fc6-4109-bf14-623260d7a83b" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Celtics&#x27; playoff series against the 76ers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-playoffs-expert-predictions-picks-232626883.html" target="_blank">a trendy pick</a> to return to the NBA Finals.

Sports 🏅

Card Vault by Tom Brady offers World Cup boxes for $2,600

Ahead of World Cup, Boston-area hotel bookings trending up

No ticket? No entry to "Boston Stadium" lot during World Cup

Chelsea bets big on World Cup games despite ICE fears

How Boston restaurants are preparing for the World Cup