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Where in Greater Boston to get your pet's photo with Santa
It's not too late to get your pets in line to see Santa. Here's where to find pet photo events with Santa in Greater Bostonπ πΌ Santa returns to the Burlington Mall for pet photos Dec. 17 7pm-8:30pm. πβπ¦Ί JB's Indoor Park in Norwell is hosting an ugly sweater doodle party featuring pet photos with Santa Dec. 16 at 3pm.Cost: $15 per dog. Be smart: Bring proof of the dog's vaccines.πΈ The Pru is hosting a pet photo day with Santa Dec. 17 3pm-6pm.Cost: $15+.πΆ Petmedic Urgent Care, which opens next week in Cambridge, is hosting pet photos with Santa Dec. 14 5pm-7pm.Sign up for Axios Atlanta for free.
Mass. at center of U.S. Israel-Palestinian protests
Credit: Data: ACLED; Graphic: Rahul Mukherjee and Shoshana Gordon/AxiosMassachusetts has become one of the nation's hotbeds for Israel-Palestinian protests since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, according to a tracker from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).Why it matters: The fighting has raised tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian factions, especially on college campuses in Greater Boston, leading to a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia.Driving the news: Massachusetts has seen at least 82 demonstrations between Oct. 7 and Dec. 1, per ACLED.56 of those were pro-Palestine protests, 22 were pro-Israel and four were neutral.Zoom out: Massachusetts...
The Boston-area Christmas displays to visit in 2023
The Christmas trees are lit and parks are glistening with decorations across Boston and the surrounding cities. Want to get in the Christmas spirit? Check out one of these displays.Boston CommonSinger-actress Jennifer Hudson helped light the Christmas tree on Boston Common in late November. The 45-foot-tall tree came from Nova Scotia, an annual gift to show gratitude for the aid Boston provided after the Halifax explosion of 1917. Where: 139 Tremont St., Boston.Meanwhile, Macy's isn't putting up its Christmas tree in nearby Downtown Crossing this year, but other Christmas displays aren't far.Faneuil Hall Faneuil Hall's tree lighting in 2022....
Massachusetts diners are above-average restaurant tippers
The average extra tip given by Massachusetts restaurant patrons is just below the industry standard of 20%, but higher than the national average.The intrigue: Bay Staters tipped 19.2% on average across all restaurants that use the Toast payment system for credit or debit transactions in the third quarter of 2023, according to an analysis conducted by the Boston-based company.Toast found the average Massachusetts tip is slightly higher, 20.1%, at full-service restaurants.The big picture: Nationally, Toast tippers averaged 18.9% for both full-service and quick-service restaurants.Why it matters: That rate held steady throughout the second half of the year, meaning restaurant workers...
Caroling, winter solstice show and more things to do in Boston this week
π Mount Auburn Cemetery celebrates the winter solstice Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 5:30pm to 8:30pm.The annual commemoration of the longest night of the year (and the start of longer days) is meant to bring light into the dark winter and remember lost loved ones.$30 tickets are for specific time slots.πΆ Go caroling on the Rose Kennedy Greenway Thursday at 5pm.Students and faculty singers from the North End Music & Performing Arts Center will lead the way between the Carolyn Lynch Gardens and Faneuil Hall.π Author Neil King Jr. discusses his memoir "American Ramble" free online Tuesday at 6pm in collaboration with the Boston Public Library.King reflects on his 330-mile walk from Washington, D.C., to New York City and what he experienced along the way.Sign up for Axios Boston for free.
Your Boston holiday market guide
Instead of hitting up a big box store or what's left of the area's shopping malls, some shoppers are seeking out small vendors at local holiday markets. Here are some of the most popular pop-ups around Boston:Vintage dealers, craft makers and more take over the Crystal Ballroom in Davis Square for Small Mart.More than 40 sellers will pack the music venue from 11am to 4pm Dec. 23.Another pop-up Small Mart will be at Deep Cuts in Medford Square Dec. 16 noon to 5pm.Trillium in Canton turns itself into a winter market each year with over 20 local vendors, live music...
Axios Boston's Weekender: Jewish art, ugly sweaters and more
The MFA opens its first exhibit on Judaica today."Intentional Beauty: Jewish Ritual Art from the Collection" features nearly 30 pieces, many on display for the first time, including contemporary works from the U.S., Israel and around the world.Older artifacts like a wood and silver Torah case will also be on display.Later today, Park-9 β the dog bar in Everett β welcomes pooches and people for an ugly sweater party.If you're tired from all that partying, in a bar, wearing a heavy sweater, City Tap House has just the thing: The Grinch Slumps into Brunch Saturday from 11am to 3pm.Christmas music and holiday food specials like Cindy Lou's green eggs and bacon are on the menu.The Bruins host the Arizona Coyotes Saturday at the TD Garden for an afternoon game.Faceoff is at 1pm.On Sunday, The Beacon Hill Holiday House Tour kicks off, a rare opportunity to get inside some of the fanciest, most decorated private homes in Boston's most historic neighborhood.Grand Ten Distillery in Southie is also getting into the ugly sweater game, with a party Friday at 6pm for the Boston Young Professional Association.Sign up for Axios Boston for free.
Physician-assisted suicide gains traction on Beacon Hill
A push to legalize medically assisted suicide in Massachusetts is gaining traction 12 years after voters said no to letting terminally ill patients access lethal drugs.What's happening: A bill before lawmakers would allow patients who are expected to die within six months to be given life-ending drugs.The bill would set up mental health evaluations and safeguards meant to prevent patients from being pressured into ending their lives prematurely.Flashback: Voters rejected legalizing physician-assisted suicide at the ballot in 2012 by a very thin margin β just 51%.Aid in dying hasn't become a priority for the Democratic leaders of the Legislature over...
Mariah Carey, Big Freedia, SZA, OneRepublic, Flo Rida and more are in town
Ancient scrolls tell of the fabled Mariah that awakens but once a year to bring holiday joy and infectious pop hooks to all in her path.That's right, Mariah Carey's holiday tour comes through town Monday.Before that, the Kiss108 Jingle Ball hosts SZA, OneRepublic, Flo Rida and more.Plus: Concerts by Meshuggah, Jelly Roll, Big Freedia and the Bouncing Souls.FridayTempe electro-indy group The Maine will be remembered at the House of BluesBlues/funk/R&B/soul jam band Tauk is at Brighton Music Hall.SaturdayMeshuggah, In Flames and Whitechapel bring a big metal party to MGM Music Hall at Fenway.Ashley Mcbryde plays at Orpheum Theatre.The Deck The...
Mariah Carey, Big Freedia, SZA, OneRepublic, Flo Rida and more are in town
Ancient scrolls tell of the fabled Mariah that awakens but once a year to bring holiday joy and infectious pop hooks to all in her path.That's right, Mariah Carey's holiday tour comes through town Monday.Before that, the Kiss108 Jingle Ball hosts SZA, OneRepublic, Flo Rida and more.Plus: Concerts by Meshuggah, Jelly Roll, Big Freedia and the Bouncing Souls.FridayTempe electro-indy group The Maine will be remembered at the House of BluesBlues/funk/R&B/soul jam band Tauk is at Brighton Music Hall.SaturdayMeshuggah, In Flames and Whitechapel bring a big metal party to MGM Music Hall at Fenway.Ashley Mcbryde plays at Orpheum Theatre.The Deck The...
Rowing coaches meet in Boston to discuss sport's gender gap
For the first time, dozens of women and nonbinary rowing coaches from across the country gathered in a room in Boston and shared concerns about pay disparities, work-life balance and professional development.Why it matters: Division 1 college rowing lost 11 women head coaches over the past year, including Boston University's director of women's rowing, Maddie Davis Tully. Nearly half were replaced by men.The series of resignations and retirements shook women in the sport, but it also sparked a broader conversation about persistent gender disparitiesWhat's happening: Some 54 rowing coaches across all levels met for the first Women's Coaching Conference for...
Rowing coaches meet in Boston to discuss sport's gender gap
For the first time, dozens of women and nonbinary rowing coaches from across the country gathered in a room in Boston and shared concerns about pay disparities, work-life balance and professional development.Why it matters: Division 1 college rowing lost 11 women head coaches over the past year, including Boston University's director of women's rowing, Maddie Davis Tully. Nearly half were replaced by men.The series of resignations and retirements shook women in the sport, but it also sparked a broader conversation about persistent gender disparitiesWhat's happening: Some 54 rowing coaches across all levels met for the first Women's Coaching Conference for...
New England Aquarium names new group of North Atlantic right whales
Just in time for the holidays, 19 new whales just dropped.What's happening: New England Aquarium scientists announced this year's new group of North Atlantic right whales.Here are some of the newly named whales:Jagger β a 3-year-old male with callouses that make his lips look huge.Kermit β a male with callouses that make him look Muppety.Marilyn Monroe β a female with a scar resembling the actress's beauty mark.Waldo β a male with a pattern across his head that looks like the children's book character.Details: Each whale in the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog gets a number and many also receive a name to help scientists track them.Research organizations vote on the names for each whale.Sign up for Axios Boston for free.
Ridesharing drivers in Mass push for terms similar to NY settlement
A landmark labor settlement between the New York attorney general's office and ride-sharing companies has inspired a push for a similar agreement in Massachusetts.Why it matters: Other states are watching Massachusetts closely as a ballot measure fight heats up between union-backed drivers who want the protections of employees and ride-sharing companies who say it would cost drivers' flexibility.Catch up fast: Uber and Lyft agreed to pay a combined $328 million to New York last month to settle allegations that the ride-sharing companies illegally withheld wages from drivers and failed to provide mandatory paid sick leave.Uber and Lyft must pay drivers...
Harvard, MIT presidents grilled on responses to antisemitism
Harvard University President Claudine Gay, facing scrutiny from a congressional panel yesterday, defended the administration's response to the Oct. 7 attack in Israel and antisemitism on campus.Why it matters: University leaders have come under fire for their statements following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and responses to protests on campus.Harvard now faces a federal investigation over allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus.Catch up fast: Lawmakers asked Gay, MIT President Sally Kornbluth and University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill to appear before the education and workforce committee to discuss antisemitism on campus.Many of the questions focused on Harvard.Driving the...
Harvard, MIT presidents grilled on responses to antisemitism
Harvard University President Claudine Gay, facing scrutiny from a congressional panel yesterday, defended the administration's response to the Oct. 7 attack in Israel and antisemitism on campus.Why it matters: University leaders have come under fire for their statements following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and responses to protests on campus.Harvard now faces a federal investigation over allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus.Catch up fast: Lawmakers asked Gay, MIT President Sally Kornbluth and University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill to appear before the education and workforce committee to discuss antisemitism on campus.Many of the questions focused on Harvard.Driving the...
Electric vehicles were most active in these Massachusetts counties
Data: Replica; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosMassachusetts electric vehicle users were most active in Middlesex County this year, but nowhere in the state can compete with the nation's top counties for EV use.Why it matters: Massachusetts is pushing for residents to buy electric vehicles to reduce the state's carbon footprint, yet remains far from its target of having 200,000 EVs on the road by 2025.What's happening: Middlesex County saw an estimated 331 electric vehicle miles driven per 1,000 residents on a typical weekday in the second quarter of 2023, Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report from data shared with Axios.That's far higher...
Massachusetts migrant funding bill advances after failed attempts
After multiple failed attempts, Massachusetts lawmakers passed a $3.1 billion spending bill with emergency family shelter funding.Gov. Maura Healey signed the budget just hours after the House and Senate passed it.Why it matters: Funding for union contracts, disaster relief and emergency family shelter, including shelter for migrants, hung in the balance.One of those provisions requires the state to set up an overflow shelter by Dec. 31.Driving the news: The House voted in an informal session to send the budget bill to the Senate, 105-14, per the State House News Service.The Senate swiftly passed the spending bill with no objections to...
Race, gender gaps persist across Boston-area biotech industry
Three years after 164 life sciences companies signed a pledge to make the biotech sector more inclusive and equitable, fewer than half responded to a survey about their progress, prompting a forceful rebuke from industry leaders.Why it matters: Despite pledges in 2020 to make the sector more inclusive, Massachusetts' multibillion-dollar life sciences industry remains white- and male-dominated, especially in the boardroom, and the full scope of the racial and gender gaps remain unknown because companies aren't sharing demographic details.Driving the news: The 81 companies that did respond to MassBio's second DEI survey reported 14% of their workers were people of...
Boston Symphony Orchestra's holiday concerts return
It's going to sound a lot like Christmas soon as the Boston Symphony Orchestra kicks off its holiday schedule.Driving the news: The BSO's holiday festivities started Friday with the first Holiday Pops performance at Symphony Hall.Shows run most nights until Christmas Eve.The symphony orchestra will feature daytime "sensory-friendly" concerts, kids' matinees and the traditional evening shows..What's happening: The famous Pops program covers holiday classics.Tickets go for $55-$179.Baritone Andrew Garland and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus are featured.Plus: Comedian Ana Gasteyer joined conductor Keith Lockhart and the rest of the Pops for a special gala and concert celebrating the partnership between the BSO and the Boston corporate community.The $50-103 tickets will raise money for the BSO and Pops.Go deeper: Check out the full schedule here.Of note: The Handel and Haydn Society's annual holiday concert, featuring music by Bach, Scarlatti and Telemann, is Dec. 14. The Dec. 17 concert is sold out.Sign up for Axios Boston for free.
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