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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.

Wu, ICE clash over most Boston issue ever: parking

Boston plans to identify and dissuade property owners looking to lease parking spaces to ICE.

News

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu wants to identify and dissuade private property owners who responded to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/ice-electric-shock-gloves-millions" data-vars-content-id="44bae5f5-dcd5-43d1-b35a-ebe6552399cf" data-vars-headline="Wu, ICE clash over most Boston issue ever: parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/12/ice-electric-shock-gloves-millions" target="_self">ICE</a> request to lease 249 parking spaces in the city.Why it matters: Wu&#x27;s goal is to stop federal immigration authorities from expanding operations in Boston.

Trump deportations cost Mass. taxpayers $3,200 each on average

Deportations cost one town's taxpayers ten times as much, projections suggest.

Immigration

Massachusetts taxpayers will end up paying over $3,200 each on average for President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="0ee992a2-ce20-4b73-89d7-fd9db211cb71" data-vars-headline="Trump deportations cost Mass. taxpayers $3,200 each on average" 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&#x27;s</a> mass deportation push, according to a new calculator tool from the Economic Policy Institute.<ul><li>And taxpayers in one town will pay tenfold. </li></ul>Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="0ee992a2-ce20-4b73-89d7-fd9db211cb71" data-vars-headline="Trump deportations cost Mass. taxpayers $3,200 each on average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">deportations</a> should instead fund other public priorities such as food assistance, health care or housing.

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.

Celtics' relationship with Jaylen Brown just got more awkward

The Celts reportedly offered Brown in a trade but ultimately were spurned.

Sports

The Celtics may need to mend fences with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jaylen Brown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/30/jaylen-brown-7uice-foundation-massachusetts-house-budget-earmark" data-vars-content-id="56b98b29-c27c-4dec-ae2f-50788869789e" data-vars-headline="Celtics&#x27; relationship with Jaylen Brown just got more awkward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/30/jaylen-brown-7uice-foundation-massachusetts-house-budget-earmark" target="_self">Jaylen Brown</a> after reportedly including him in a blockbuster trade offer this week.Why it matters: The Celtics&#x27; willingness to part with Brown is just the latest sign that his standing with the franchise has dipped after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a first-round playoff collapse" data-vars-click-url="https://nesn.com/boston-celtics/news/why-celtics-nba-playoff-run-ended-early-poor-shooting-missed-chances-round-1/ccd36c96ef8e859e12df1504" data-vars-content-id="56b98b29-c27c-4dec-ae2f-50788869789e" data-vars-headline="Celtics&#x27; relationship with Jaylen Brown just got more awkward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nesn.com/boston-celtics/news/why-celtics-nba-playoff-run-ended-early-poor-shooting-missed-chances-round-1/ccd36c96ef8e859e12df1504" target="_blank">a first-round playoff collapse</a> and rumors of dysfunction.

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.

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.

Scots drink Boston bars dry amid World Cup festivities

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

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.

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>.

Sports 🏅

Boston can build White Stadium in Franklin Park, SJC rules

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

Scottish keepsake: Glasgow influencer brings cone to Boston

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

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