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Haymarket station in limbo as Bulfinch Crossing project drags on

The transit hub has been torn apart for over four years and there's no word on when the project will be done.

News

One of downtown Boston&#x27;s busiest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/transit" data-vars-content-id="5d2b4d09-6b81-4786-ae5a-daf754b3d9a5" data-vars-headline="Haymarket station in limbo as Bulfinch Crossing project drags on" 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">transit</a> hubs has been torn apart for over four years and there&#x27;s no word on when the project will be finished.Why it matters: The demolition of the former Government Center Garage has repeatedly disrupted Orange and Green Line service at the Haymarket station and shuttered the bus terminal indefinitely, forcing riders onto a makeshift busway for years.

Mass. lawmakers reach deal on cannabis reform bill

Lawmakers agreed to increase cannabis purchase limits, add a tip portal and other changes.

Politics

Massachusetts lawmakers plan to send a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cannabis reform" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/06/04/massachusetts-cannabis-overhaul-bill" data-vars-content-id="e3ef788c-e51a-4ed2-a093-f75a356570e3" data-vars-headline="Mass. lawmakers reach deal on cannabis reform bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/06/04/massachusetts-cannabis-overhaul-bill" target="_self">cannabis reform</a> bill Monday and plan to vote on the proposal later this week.Why it matters: The proposal makes several long-awaited changes to medical cannabis dispensaries, purchase limits and the beleaguered Cannabis Control Commission as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wholesale flower prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/13/massachusetts-cannabis-cultivation-sites" data-vars-content-id="e3ef788c-e51a-4ed2-a093-f75a356570e3" data-vars-headline="Mass. lawmakers reach deal on cannabis reform bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/13/massachusetts-cannabis-cultivation-sites" target="_self">wholesale flower prices</a> hit an all-time low.

Mass. House pushes nation's toughest youth social media ban

Mass. House pushes nation's toughest youth social media ban — while the Senate version stops at the schoolhouse door. Here's where the two chambers and Gov. Healey agree, and where they don't.

Beacon Hill is moving toward some of the nation&#x27;s toughest restrictions on young people using technology, but the &quot;Big 3&quot; Democrats in charge aren&#x27;t entirely on the same page.Why it matters: Unless Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Gov. Maura Healey align, there won&#x27;t be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="youth tech law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/28/cell-phones-in-schools-ban-social-media-healey-massachusetts" data-vars-content-id="74b09ffb-06e7-41a3-aeca-0ed8a33edda5" data-vars-headline="Mass. House pushes nation&#x27;s toughest youth social media ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/28/cell-phones-in-schools-ban-social-media-healey-massachusetts" target="_self">youth tech law</a> passed before the start of the next school year.

Critics warn social media ban goes too far, could ban YouTube, Wikipedia

A sweeping definition of "social media" has critics warning it could rope in nearly the entire internet — including sites children rely on every day.

The Massachusetts House wants the Commonwealth to become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the most restrictive state in the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/08/massachusetts-house-senate-cellphone-ban-social-media-youth-children-schools-healey-bill" data-vars-content-id="ca294bc7-c03c-477f-9644-fa6f102fbbb7" data-vars-headline="Critics warn social media ban goes too far, could ban YouTube, Wikipedia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/08/massachusetts-house-senate-cellphone-ban-social-media-youth-children-schools-healey-bill" target="_self">the most restrictive state in the country</a> for young people on the Internet, but some worry the bill goes much too far.Why it matters: Critics argue the House&#x27;s bill trades child safety for a surveillance state and may accidentally ban platforms children use every day.

Boston's World Cup organizers acknowledge fundraising woes

Boston trails behind other cities in corporate sponsorships and grant funding.

Business

Boston&#x27;s World Cup organizers anticipate a smaller series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fan celebrations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/world-cup-fanfest-boston-city-hall-plaza-2026" data-vars-content-id="9fa65038-9870-4648-9653-161028849f7b" data-vars-headline="Boston&#x27;s World Cup organizers acknowledge fundraising woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/world-cup-fanfest-boston-city-hall-plaza-2026" target="_self">fan celebrations</a> this summer than they originally envisioned.Why it matters: They promised an international tournament that would boost Greater Boston&#x27;s economy, but so far, FIFA has been the biggest winner.

World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail

Acting Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said the prices aren't finalized, but they'll be higher.

Transit

The Commuter Rail will likely charge people far more for train tickets to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" data-vars-content-id="d6e1f315-e43e-4dfe-a3f1-2194cb3013fe" data-vars-headline="World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> in Foxborough this summer, acting transportation secretary Phil Eng confirmed.Why it matters: Transportation officials want World Cup attendees to use public transit to minimize car traffic, but it will cost them.

A casual fan's guide to the 2026 Red Sox season

The Sox have finished 3rd in the AL East two years in a row.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Sox" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/26/a-casual-fans-guide-to-the-2025-red-sox" data-vars-content-id="e135207b-a071-4288-a4c2-574526f8b911" data-vars-headline="A casual fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 Red Sox season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/26/a-casual-fans-guide-to-the-2025-red-sox" target="_self">Red Sox</a> kick off their 2026 season Thursday with an emerging superstar and strong pitching they hope will lead to title contention.Why it matters: The Sox have finished third in the AL East two years in a row, and the division again looks to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the best in baseball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48287373/opening-day-2026-mlb-season-preview-rankings-every-team-playoff-odds-world-series-chances#bos" data-vars-content-id="e135207b-a071-4288-a4c2-574526f8b911" data-vars-headline="A casual fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 Red Sox season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48287373/opening-day-2026-mlb-season-preview-rankings-every-team-playoff-odds-world-series-chances#bos" target="_blank">one of the best in baseball</a>.<ul><li>Outdueling the Yankees and American League champion Blue Jays will require big contributions from Boston&#x27;s offseason acquisitions.</li></ul>

Massachusetts pours nearly $86 million into World Cup prep

The state is using a mix of federal grants and state funding for World Cup preparations.

Massachusetts officials and organizers are pouring nearly $86 million into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup preparations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/11/world-cup-boston-foxborough-funding-dispute" data-vars-content-id="09150db7-d7a8-4e7d-a014-802f19436ad5" data-vars-headline="Massachusetts pours nearly $86 million into World Cup prep" 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 preparations</a>.Why it matters: Public safety officials and event organizers are bolstering safety and health resources to manage the crowds coming in for the seven matches set for Gillette Stadium.

Brazil vs. France: What to know about the friendly match in Mass.

The commuter rail will run four trains from South Station to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Tens of thousands of fans will flock to Gillette Stadium on Thursday for an exhibition game between Brazil and France ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" data-vars-content-id="a158d7cc-637f-457c-8d92-15e0d2085fde" data-vars-headline="Brazil vs. France: What to know about the friendly match in Mass." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: It gives transportation officials a glimpse at the traffic impact and how prepared they are to deal with potential transit issues come June.

Boston gets $46.6 million for FIFA World Cup preparations

The funds help shore up World Cup preparations in Boston and Foxborough.

Boston has secured nearly $47 million in federal funds for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/team-usa-world-cup-kits-unveiled" data-vars-content-id="777fdb45-cebd-4384-bf30-f56222e0cb79" data-vars-headline="Boston gets $46.6 million for FIFA World Cup preparations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/team-usa-world-cup-kits-unveiled" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>.The big picture: Boston is among 11 U.S. cities that received $625 million in federal funding to support public safety and operational investments for the international tournament.

How Boston became the "most fraught" World Cup host city

Troubles include a bitter funding fight in Foxborough and teams opting for Rhode Island instead.

It wasn&#x27;t supposed to be this way, but Massachusetts seems to be among the most troubled host regions in the country&#x27;s 2026 FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" data-vars-content-id="4e6b62c0-16ea-40bc-850b-9639074fb8a4" data-vars-headline="How Boston became the &quot;most fraught&quot; World Cup host city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/2026-world-cup-parking-transit-road-trips" target="_self">World Cup</a> effort.Why it matters: With less than 100 days until the first match kicks off, the Boston region lags behind most comparable U.S. host cities on some of the fundamentals.

FIFA, Kraft Group agree to cover World Cup security costs at Gillette Stadium

Foxborough has refused to issue World Cup organizers an event license without a funding commitment.

FIFA and the Kraft Group have reached a deal to cover security costs for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/18/world-cup-foxborough-funding-security" data-vars-content-id="e4b67d5c-2057-498c-a0c6-d71250c73d36" data-vars-headline="FIFA, Kraft Group agree to cover World Cup security costs at Gillette Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/18/world-cup-foxborough-funding-security" target="_self">2026 World Cup matches</a> at Gillette Stadium.Why it matters: Foxborough officials refused to issue World Cup organizers the license to host the seven soccer matches without an assurance that the town wouldn&#x27;t be stuck footing the $7.8 million bill, threatening the future of the Massachusetts games.

What a Jayson Tatum comeback could mean for the Celtics

It appears increasingly likely he'll be back for the Celts' postseason push.

The Celtics look like a contender as the NBA playoffs near, but speculation is rampant about a player who has yet to lace up: six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum.Why it matters: Many thought Tatum would miss this entire season after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tearing his Achilles tendon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nba.com/news/celtics-jayson-tatum-surgery-ruptured-right-achilles" data-vars-content-id="2945b821-e4d2-424d-bd76-bba2a62d5be5" data-vars-headline="What a Jayson Tatum comeback could mean for the Celtics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nba.com/news/celtics-jayson-tatum-surgery-ruptured-right-achilles" target="_blank">tearing his Achilles tendon</a> in the playoffs last May. Instead, it appears increasingly likely he&#x27;ll be back for the Celts&#x27; 2026 postseason push.<ul><li>Meanwhile, the team has flourished in his absence, led by fellow superstar Jaylen Brown, who&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a contender for league MVP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7081712/2026/03/03/nba-mvp-odds-sga-jokic-wemby/" data-vars-content-id="2945b821-e4d2-424d-bd76-bba2a62d5be5" data-vars-headline="What a Jayson Tatum comeback could mean for the Celtics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7081712/2026/03/03/nba-mvp-odds-sga-jokic-wemby/" target="_blank">a contender for league MVP</a>.</li></ul>

Restaurant under scrutiny after Patriots players' late-night party

Estella's owner may now face penalties from licensing officials.

A downtown Boston restaurant may face penalties for hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Patriots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/09/super-bowl-patriots-loss" data-vars-content-id="41b46e05-61c3-4fdb-95b1-8d6ac172243a" data-vars-headline="Restaurant under scrutiny after Patriots players&#x27; late-night party" 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">Patriots</a> players after hours in a pot- and hookah-filled celebration in January.Why it matters: Helder George Brandao, the owner of Estella on Temple Place, said the celebration caught him by surprise and broke several local laws and regulations.<ul><li>Brandao described the evening to the Boston Licensing Board on Tuesday morning, per reporting by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UniversalHub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universalhub.com/2026/downtown-bar-owner-says-patriots-came-celebrate-his-place-after-they" data-vars-content-id="41b46e05-61c3-4fdb-95b1-8d6ac172243a" data-vars-headline="Restaurant under scrutiny after Patriots players&#x27; late-night party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universalhub.com/2026/downtown-bar-owner-says-patriots-came-celebrate-his-place-after-they" target="_blank">UniversalHub</a>.</li></ul>

Sports 🏅

Boston's World Cup organizers acknowledge fundraising woes

World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail

A casual fan's guide to the 2026 Red Sox season

Massachusetts pours nearly $86 million into World Cup prep

Brazil vs. France: What to know about the friendly match in Mass.