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Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships' 4 million expected visitors

Crowds will gather to watch 60 ships from Argentina, Colombia, India and other nations.

Things to Do

Sixty ships from around the world will dock along Boston Harbor next month for <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="605f19d8-061f-4e0e-b7ef-f9df91c21056" data-vars-headline="Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships&#x27; 4 million expected visitors" 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>.The intrigue: The international gathering of military ships could bring an estimated 4 million people to Boston&#x27;s waterfront as the U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrates 250 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" data-vars-content-id="605f19d8-061f-4e0e-b7ef-f9df91c21056" data-vars-headline="Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships&#x27; 4 million expected visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/america-250-birthday-polling" target="_self">celebrates 250 years</a> — all while the city hosts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/22/scotland-tartan-army-leaves-boston-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="605f19d8-061f-4e0e-b7ef-f9df91c21056" data-vars-headline="Boston Harbor braces for Tall Ships&#x27; 4 million expected visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/06/22/scotland-tartan-army-leaves-boston-world-cup" target="_self">the World Cup</a>.

Local pols split on Platner as Massachusetts eyes Maine race

Mass. delegation splits over insurgent Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner — with Warren and Markey in his corner and Auchincloss leading the opposition.

Politics

Massachusetts Democrats have staked out sharply different positions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Graham Platner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/22/democrats-maine-dunlap-platner-2026-elections" data-vars-content-id="b04af9e0-0f3d-43b2-af74-5bb5a8f6f5c9" data-vars-headline="Local pols split on Platner as Massachusetts eyes Maine race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/22/democrats-maine-dunlap-platner-2026-elections" target="_self">Graham Platner</a>, the insurgent populist who won a highly contested Democratic primary to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.Why it matters: Platner&#x27;s radical candidacy is drawing enthusiastic backers and fierce critics from the capital of New England.

A dangerous heat wave rolls into Mass. this week

Temperatures could reach as high as 103 on Thursday.

Climate

A &quot;heat dome&quot; is forecast to bring dangerously high temperatures to much of the eastern half of the U.S. this week.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" data-vars-content-id="82942e1f-9e39-4dbf-965c-27750c5bb37d" data-vars-headline="A dangerous heat wave rolls into Mass. this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" target="_self">extreme heat</a> could last through July 4 celebrations.</li></ul>

SCOTUS lets Trump end protected status for Haitians, Syrians

Massachusetts is home to more than 22,000 TPS holders from Haiti

The Supreme Court&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thursday ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-temporary-protected-status.html" data-vars-content-id="8c12ecf0-7c87-47f3-9f98-0a2bab772277" data-vars-headline="SCOTUS lets Trump end protected status for Haitians, Syrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-temporary-protected-status.html" target="_blank">Thursday ruling</a> allowing the Trump administration to strip immigrants&#x27; Temporary Protected Status throws the future of thousands of families in Massachusetts into doubt.The big picture: Massachusetts is home to nearly 37,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TPS holders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/20/nearly-5000-mass-haitians-at-risk-as-protections-expire" data-vars-content-id="8c12ecf0-7c87-47f3-9f98-0a2bab772277" data-vars-headline="SCOTUS lets Trump end protected status for Haitians, Syrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/20/nearly-5000-mass-haitians-at-risk-as-protections-expire" target="_self">TPS holders</a>, including 22,000 Haitians and others who fled violence and instability in their home countries.<ul><li>Business leaders and immigration advocates have said such a ruling could not only upend the lives of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="thousands of families statewide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2022/10/25/tps-boston-rally-immigration" data-vars-content-id="8c12ecf0-7c87-47f3-9f98-0a2bab772277" data-vars-headline="SCOTUS lets Trump end protected status for Haitians, Syrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2022/10/25/tps-boston-rally-immigration" target="_self">thousands of families statewide</a>, but exacerbate job shortages in health care, construction and other high-demand roles.</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.

News

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>

Some Boston commuters brace for "disaster" during World Cup

Commuter Rail riders will face closures, delayed trains, reduced service or all of the above.

Transit

Massachusetts&#x27; transit plans for 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="0bf88383-2f21-4c6c-b116-ef8fd693ee1d" data-vars-headline="Some Boston commuters brace for &quot;disaster&quot; 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/2026/05/27/boston-world-cup-watch-parties-fan-fest" target="_self">World Cup</a> are derailing commuters&#x27; plans to get to work in Boston at a time when most employers are retreating from hybrid work.Why it matters: The biggest losers of the World Cup matches at Foxborough&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/13/boston-stadium-gillette-foxborough-world-cup-tickets" data-vars-content-id="0bf88383-2f21-4c6c-b116-ef8fd693ee1d" data-vars-headline="Some Boston commuters brace for &quot;disaster&quot; 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/2026/05/13/boston-stadium-gillette-foxborough-world-cup-tickets" target="_self">Boston Stadium</a>&quot; just might be regular Commuter Rail passengers if they can&#x27;t work remotely and avoid the traffic jams and train disruptions.

Boston sends Sullivan Square plan to MassDOT, again

The dream of a redeveloped Rutherford Avenue, conceived in the '90s, is old enough to rent a car.

Development

The Sullivan Square of the 21st century is turning into a playground for young families and professionals, between the new pickleball club, Hood Park&#x27;s new gym and plans for a grocery store.<ul><li>All that&#x27;s missing is a facelift of the square&#x27;s infamous rotary.</li></ul>

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.

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>

Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters

Complaints are piling up against e-bikes, scooters and mopeds, and one scooter rider died.

Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation Monday that, if approved, would make Massachusetts the first state to regulate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="e-bikes, scooters and mopeds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/13/massachusetts-micromobility-ebike-laws-regulations" data-vars-content-id="d0412109-982f-41df-bbec-a972c0fa09c8" data-vars-headline="Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/13/massachusetts-micromobility-ebike-laws-regulations" target="_self">e-bikes, scooters and mopeds</a>.Why it matters: Healey&#x27;s bill is a response to an uptick in complaints about the electric vehicles — including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deadly scooter and car crash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsa8Iat_0Wc" data-vars-content-id="d0412109-982f-41df-bbec-a972c0fa09c8" data-vars-headline="Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsa8Iat_0Wc" target="_blank">deadly scooter and car crash</a> in February — as they&#x27;re not beholden to local or state regulations like cars.

Mass. lawmakers could extend rideshare fee into 2027

The 20-cent fee is set to expire Jan. 1, 2027.

The Massachusetts Senate voted to extend the state&#x27;s 20-cent fee on <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="f7a105a2-afc1-481d-bee5-333d07f4a1b9" data-vars-headline="Mass. lawmakers could extend rideshare fee into 2027" 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> trips past Jan. 1, when it&#x27;s due to sunset.Why it matters: Riders will ultimately pay millions of dollars annually to the state, which faces a deficit amid federal funding cuts and rising costs.

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.

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.

What's next for MBTA's new Red Line cars held by Trump administration

Detained Red Line train shells cleared — but with 190 cars still unbuilt and no updated timeline from CRRC MA, the end-of-2027 delivery target isn't looking so good.

The end of an international logjam involving the Trump administration could soon mean more new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/11/25/mbta-red-line-boston-phillip-eng" data-vars-content-id="51ef8b4e-fcf7-4796-be42-ead0835a9f79" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for MBTA&#x27;s new Red Line cars held by Trump administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/11/25/mbta-red-line-boston-phillip-eng" target="_self">Red Line</a> subway cars in the tunnels beneath Boston.Why it matters: The clock is now ticking on a long-promised project already years behind schedule.

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.

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.

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.

Sports

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.

Transit 🚗

MBTA drops collectible summer CharlieCards

Some Boston commuters brace for "disaster" during World Cup

Boston sends Sullivan Square plan to MassDOT, again

Prepare for a brutal summer of MBTA shutdowns and shuttle buses

Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters