As part of diversity, equity, and inclusion walk-backs, many companies said they would no longer participate in "external events" or pledges, namely Pride parades that will take place across the country next month.

Why it matters: This is a major pivot for the once proud corporate America.

Zoom in: In Boston, organizers last week announced "Here to Stay" as the theme behind this year's Pride parade and celebration. Organizers say no major sponsors dropped out this year.

What they're saying: "There are those who wish we would disappear—go back in the closet, quiet our voices, and surrender the rights we've fought so hard to claim," Boston Pride for the People president Adrianna Boulin said in a press release.

State of play: Mastercard, Citi, Pepsi, Nissan and PwC pulled sponsorship of NYC Pride. Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte pulled out of WorldPride Washington, D.C., and Anheuser-Busch, Comcast and Diageo stopped sponsoring San Francisco Pride.

• Meanwhile, Minneapolis' Twin Cities Pride rejected Target's sponsorship dollars, citing wishy-washy support of the LGBTQ+ community and its DEI rollbacks.

Between the lines: Boston Pride for the People, the group that's been running Boston's Pride celebration since 2023, told Axios that this year's parade is getting back almost all the sponsors that contributed last year.

• Some nonprofit groups are sitting out this year, not because of politics, but for budgetary reasons.
• The group was hoping for more interest from first-time sponsors, but that didn't materialize.

Go deeper

The Celtics' season is over, but the fallout of Jayson Tatum's brutal injury against the Knicks will be felt for years to come.

Why it matters: As they celebrated a dominant run to an 18th NBA title last season, the Celtics seemed to be beginning a dynasty. Now they may have to press reset.

• With its roster cost set to skyrocket, Boston already was due for a reckoning this offseason. Losing Tatum further complicates things.

Catch up quick: In the waning moments of last Monday night's game, Tatum crumpled to the TD Garden court in clear agony, clutching his right ankle.

• He has since had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Recovery can take a year or more, leaving Tatum's availability for next season in doubt.

Friction point: This comes as the Celtics' roster is about to become very expensive, amid a transition to new owners.

• Because of new provisions in the NBA's luxury tax, which penalizes big-spending teams, they could have the first $500-million roster in league history.

What we're watching: The Celtics will look to cut salary — but how deeply?

• League observers are speculating that the Celtics could even seek to trade fellow superstar Jaylen Brown.

The bottom line: Tatum may not recognize the team around him the next time he takes the court.

Share this story

🎓 More than 100 Harvard researchers received termination notices for federally funded projects after the Trump administration cut the majority of federal grants to Harvard. (The Harvard Crimson)

• Harvard announced a research continuity funding program to cover 80% of operating expenses previously funded by terminated grants.

📈 Boston Scientific emerged as Massachusetts' most valuable public company, dethroning longtime leader Thermo Fisher. (Boston Business Journal)

🚗 Police searched for a suspect who assaulted a driver and vandalized a car with a hatchet during a road rage incident in Brighton. (WCVB)

All week

🖌️ Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon – Institute of Contemporary Art

• Explore over 100 works spanning 50 years in Whitney's first major retrospective.

Wednesday, May 21

🎤 Malcolm Todd – Roadrunner – 8pm

• Rising R&B artist Malcolm Todd brings his smooth vocals to the stage.

🎶 Samia – The Bloodless Tour – House of Blues – 8pm

• Indie-pop sensation Samia is in town.

Thursday, May 22 📚 Alison Bechdel: Spent – Brattle Theatre – 6pm

• The acclaimed author of Fun Home presents her new comic novel Spent.

Friday, May 23 🎥 Jaws – Brattle Theatre – 6:30pm

• See Spielberg's classic thriller, now 50 years old, in glorious 35mm.

The group behind the reinvention of the former Edison power plant in South Boston is recalibrating the project to open housing units sooner.

Why it matters: Changing market conditions since planning began in 2016 forced the developers into a strategic pivot on the 1.7-million-square-foot project at Summer and East 1st Streets.

Driving the news: HRP Group says they're prioritizing more than 600 housing units amid a challenging market, the Boston Business Journal first reported.

• The initial plan had been to bring commercial space online first.

What they're saying: "Clearly the commercial real estate industry ... is very challenged to get off the ground right now," HRP Group executive VP for mixed-use development Melissa Schrock told the BBJ.

By the numbers: Six buildings are planned for the 776 Summer St. site.

• 860,000 square feet of office and R&D space is now being delayed to make way for housing.
• Nearly 6 acres of open space are included in the development.

Catch up quick: The project includes preservation of the Edison building's historic brick turbine halls from the late 19th century and will connect segments of the Boston Harborwalk.

What's next: Construction on housing units could begin as early as 2026.

Go deeper

Be part of a community committed to staying informed and making a difference.

With an Axios Boston membership, you're not just a reader — you're a vital supporter of our local journalism.

Why it's important: We couldn't do this without you. By joining our membership program, you'll get exclusive notes from the reporting team and more.

Thank you for your trust and continued readership.

Townie, our Axios Boston mascot, was once again lurking near the water.

Reply to this email if you can tell us where she was.

• We'll send you a Townie tote bag if you're the first to answer correctly!