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Axios Boston
Monica's Trattoria's liquor license is in jeopardy after owner's North End shooting
The North End restaurant managed by Patrick Mendoza, who allegedly fled after shooting at a man outside Modern Pastry, is in jeopardy of losing its liquor license.Driving the news: Boston licensing officials could vote as early as Tuesday morning on whether Monica's Trattoria can keep its license, per a public notice on the city website.Mendoza was arrested Friday at a substance abuse treatment facility in Falmouth.Catch up fast: While Mendoza was on the lam last week, licensing officials called a hearing about the restaurant's liquor license.They expressed concerns about his "character and fitness" as manager to hold a liquor license.William...
Governor Healey's record on transparency
Gov. Maura Healey entered office this year vowing to break with tradition and refuse to claim exceptions from the state public records law — a stance that thrilled transparency advocates.Why it matters: It seemed to signal that, for the first time in decades, the governor's office would make most documents about the administration available to the public.Yes, but: Six months in, that's not quite what's happened.Zoom in: Instead of claiming a blanket exemption like previous governors, Healey instituted a new policy.It says she'll evaluate requests based on the law, the "established exemptions" previous governors relied on and what her office...
Governor Healey's record on transparency
Gov. Maura Healey entered office this year vowing to break with tradition and refuse to claim exceptions from the state public records law — a stance that thrilled transparency advocates.Why it matters: It seemed to signal that, for the first time in decades, the governor's office would make most documents about the administration available to the public.Yes, but: Six months in, that's not quite what's happened.Zoom in: Instead of claiming a blanket exemption like previous governors, Healey instituted a new policy.It says she'll evaluate requests based on the law, the "established exemptions" previous governors relied on and what her office...
Alamo Drafthouse opening at Seaport in flux
If there's a clear takeaway from the unlikely double-feature success of Barbenheimer, perhaps it's this: People really want to make an event out of going to the movies.Alamo Drafthouse has been doing that for a long time, writes Axios Boston editor Emma Hurt.Yes, but: Alamo's new outpost in Boston's Seaport isn't hosting any Barbenheimer screenings because it hasn't opened yet.The company hopes to have an opening date to announce soon, spokesperson Brad Johnson tells Axios. The theater was originally slated to open in early 2023.State of play: The industry was hit hard by the pandemic. The U.S. lost more than...
Cape Cod bridges eyed for millions in congressional aid
Massachusetts leaders hailed the U.S. Senate’s move to earmark $350 million for new Cape Cod bridges.Why it matters: Congressional aid could be a game changer in the decades-long efforts to replace the deteriorating bridges.Yes, but: The proposed funding needs to survive votes in the Senate and the House, and get Biden’s approval — all while lawmakers haggle over how to keep the government funded past this September.Catch up fast: The state needs an estimated $4 billion to replace the nearly 90-year-old bridges.The Bourne Bridge was rated structurally deficient in 2021, per the Cape Cod Times.The Sagamore's condition was rated fair but in need of repair.Zoom in: If the money from Washington falls through, it won’t be the first time this year.The federal government in January rejected the state’s funding request to replace the bridges, the second time they were denied aid under Biden’s infrastructure law.The state did get $1.6 million for project planning this year, though.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Boston.
Cape Cod bridges eyed for millions in congressional aid
Massachusetts leaders hailed the U.S. Senate’s move to earmark $350 million for new Cape Cod bridges.Why it matters: Congressional aid could be a game changer in the decades-long efforts to replace the deteriorating bridges.Yes, but: The proposed funding needs to survive votes in the Senate and the House, and get Biden’s approval — all while lawmakers haggle over how to keep the government funded past this September.Catch up fast: The state needs an estimated $4 billion to replace the nearly 90-year-old bridges.The Bourne Bridge was rated structurally deficient in 2021, per the Cape Cod Times.The Sagamore's condition was rated fair but in need of repair.Zoom in: If the money from Washington falls through, it won’t be the first time this year.The federal government in January rejected the state’s funding request to replace the bridges, the second time they were denied aid under Biden’s infrastructure law.The state did get $1.6 million for project planning this year, though.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Boston.
This Boston startup is taking on scalpers
A Boston-based software startup is taking on ticket brokers that jack up prices to profit off of desperate fans.Why it matters: True Tickets says its blockchain technology has the potential to rein in abusive ticketing practices on a larger scale.What’s happening: Smaller venues across the country are using True Tickets’ software to track their customers and limit resale activity, the startup's co-founder and CEO Matt Zarracina tells Axios.Some venues have already used it to block scalpers from ticket resales for "Hamilton" and Neil deGrasse Tyson, he says.How it works: The technology plugs into venues’ existing ticketing systems and sets rules...
ICA's Vinyl Nights brings back old-school DJing
The Institute of Contemporary Art continues its Vinyl Nights series Friday with Select Chemka + Tyler Kpakpo.Details: The series started earlier this month and runs through late August, featuring some of the city's best all-vinyl DJs.Zoom in: Kpakpo, who started DJing in Boston, began experimenting with vinyl records after moving to New York City in 2021. He likes to mix gospel, disco and rap with various genres and combine tracks with different tempos.What they're saying: "It's really about finding the soul in it and letting that soul speak through," Kpakpo tells Axios.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Boston.
Boston trails the nation in home construction
Data: U.S. Census; Note: Unadjusted estimate of privately owned units of any size; Chart: Axios VisualsBoston significantly trails the national average for building new homes, showing that Massachusetts has a long way to go to increase stock and confront its housing crisis.Driving the news: 26.5 new homebuilding permits per 100,000 residents were issued in Boston in May 2023 — roughly half the nationwide rate of 42.3 permits per 100,000 residents.That's according to a new analysis of Census Bureau data from Axios' Kavya Beheraj and Alex Fitzpatrick.Why it matters: A post-pandemic nationwide housing shortage is keeping prices high and few...
Massachusetts lawmakers consider cutting religious vaccine exemption for students
Beacon Hill is wading into the tumultuous territory of school vaccine requirements as lawmakers vet proposals to tighten school precautions against future outbreaks.Driving the news: The Public Health Committee meets Wednesday to consider a handful of vaccine bills, including legislation to completely eliminate the state's religious exemption option and to standardize the student vaccine exemption system.Why it matters: Vaccine mandates for children have always been a political minefield. Even Democrats in favor of the bills know they will be bombarded by comments from vaccine opponents if they come up for votes.Zoom in: Rep. Andy Vargas (D-Haverhill), the sponsor of a...
Boston metro's new business activity among lowest in U.S.
Data: U.S. Census; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosBoston ranks 86th among large metro areas for new business applications, even though it has the country's 11th-largest population.Driving the news: Boston saw 11 new business applications per 1,000 residents in 2022, falling below the national average and well below Miami, Orlando, Charleston and other cities that have seen recent population growth.That's down from 11.8 new business applications per 1,000 residents in 2021, per new Census Bureau and IRS data, Kavya Beheraj and Alex Fitzpatrick report.Why it matters: New business applications are an important measure of an area's perceived economic health.The big picture: Just over 5...
Boston could get its first LGBTQ+ library in 2024
Boston could soon get its first nonprofit library created by and for LGBTQ+ locals, according to plans first shared with Axios.Driving the news: The few spaces in Boston that cater to LGBTQ+ people tend to prioritize drinking and dancing. QT Library aims to create a free, sober haven for all ages to enjoy books, art and LGBTQ+ culture, QT's board president Jake Stepansky tells Axios.The space, which plans to launch by June 2024, would include zines, poetry, children and young adult sections and more, says Emily Talley, the library’s executive director.Why it matters: The community effort comes as the nation...
North End shooting suspect, restaurant owner remains at large
A North End restaurant owner who allegedly shot at a man outside Modern Pastry and missed — hitting the bakery’s window instead — remains at large, per police and multiple reports.Catch up fast: Patrick Mendoza, listed as an owner of Prince Street Italian restaurant Monica’s Trattoria, is accused of shooting at Rocco Giovanello last Wednesday, the Boston Globe reported.In December 2022, Mendoza was convicted of assault and battery, the Globe also reported.Prosecutors identified Giovanello as the assault victim back then, too.The latest: Police say they have an arrest warrant out for Mendoza on several assault charges. He remains at large.Details:...
Check out these Boston homes and apartments for sale with backyard pickleball courts
We know it's not square footage, central air or location that drives people to spend ungodly amounts of money on condos or houses — it's the trendiest amenities.And nothing's hotter than pickleball right now, so let's take a look at Zillow units that feature courts.Starting at the top, EchelonSeaport's "5 star hotel inspired living" provides 50,000 square feet of amenities including three pools, a spa, yoga studio, virtual golf and of course a pickleball court.A two-bedroom unit is just $2.5 million. A one-bedroom can run you $1.3 million.For those game to DIY your own courts, you can pick up this 1886, four-bedroom colonial in Hingham for $1.1 million.The realtor highlights "lots of open lawn for possible in-ground pool, gardens, or pickleball court."Wouldn't your new neighbors love to hear that delightful pop-pop-pop of pickleball each morning?For downsizers, here's a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Hull.At $350,000, the Damon Place unit is a steal these days.Plus, the complex's court is blue, a lovely change from those drab green ones.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Boston.
Why Massachusetts' housing supply is locked up
Data: Redfin; Chart: Alice Feng/Axios VisualsMore than two-thirds of homeowners with mortgages in Massachusetts have a rate below 4%, per Redfin data shared with Axios.That's locking homeowners in place and leaving buyers with few homes to choose from.Why it matters: Mortgage holders across the country are experiencing the "golden handcuffs" phenomenon: they might have a great rate now, but likely can't move without spending a lot more cash, explains Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather.By the numbers: 40.6% of Massachusetts homeowners have a rate between 3% and 4%.26.3% have a rate below 3%.Only 6.7% of homeowners pay a mortgage rate over...
Macbeth brings blood and betrayal to Boston Common
Inverness Castle is taking shape on the Parkman Bandstand as the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company prepares its open-air production of "Macbeth."This year's free Shakespeare on the Common premieres Wednesday. Performances run Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 6pm through Aug. 6.Details: Registration isn't required, but remember to bring blankets or chairs. Renting a chair costs around $10.You can bring food, but alcohol is not permitted.Zoom in: Harvard MFA graduate Faran Tahir will play Macbeth. Shakespeare on the Common regulars might remember Tahir as Richard III in 2018.In an interview with GBH News this week, Tahir said there's a delicate balance between...
Police say Kendra Lara was going double the speed limit before crash
City Councilor Kendra Lara was driving more than twice the speed limit when she collided with a house on Centre Street in JP last month, according to a newly-released police report.Why it matters: The new revelation joins the already-public violations of driving a car that was unregistered and uninsured with an expired sticker — without a valid license.Driving the news: Police are considering citing Lara with reckless operation, speeding and another seat belt violation, on top of the existing charges of operating a vehicle with a suspended license.A police report covered by multiple news outlets determined Lara was going at...
Maternal mortality is increasing in Massachusetts
Data: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation; Map: Tory Lysik /Axios VisualsThe rate of complications from pregnancy or delivery in Massachusetts nearly doubled between 2011 and 2020, according to the state.Driving the news: A report from the Department of Public Health found cases of severe maternal morbidity — where birthing people experience severe long- or short-term health problems after pregnancy — rose over 92% in a decade.52.3 deliveries per 10,000 were complicated in 2011. That number jumped to 100.4 per 10,000 in 2020.DPH officials reported that non-Hispanic Black residents suffer the highest rates of maternal morbidity at 2.3 times that...
Who's on Threads in Boston
👋 Steph here. I downloaded Threads last week hoping to find something to put the final nail in Twitter’s coffin.So far, it’s just another app taking up space on my phone.What’s happening: Mayor Wu, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and some chronically online #mapoli politics nerds have joined Threads since it launched last Thursday.Yes, but: I can’t find many of them, much less any newsworthy posts, because Threads doesn’t let you search for hashtags or keywords.Some other downsides: It automatically integrates with Instagram, which sucks if you have used that account for personal, not professional, reasons.It also solely operates on mobile, alienating users who mainly check social media on desktop (sorry, Deehan).So far, the most interesting thing I’ve seen is former M@sshole Tom Brady getting meta in his most recent post — five days ago."All of us clocking back in for day 3 on threads," he wrote, sharing a video of him from 2019 yelling, "We’re still here!"Same, Brady. Same.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Boston.
Massachusetts ranks 15th for business-friendliness
Massachusetts ranked 15th out of 50 for top business friendly states, according to a new CNBC report.Why it matters: State leaders are trying to maintain Massachusetts' business profile while our high cost of living gives employers pause."Competitiveness" is the buzzword on Beacon Hill, where Gov. Maura Healey and lawmakers are trying to pass a tax relief package. They also say they have plans for tackling housing costs.What they found: The cable business news network evaluated 86 metrics in 10 broad categories like workforce, economy and infrastructure.Massachusetts did best in the education, "tech and innovation," "access to capital" and "lifestyle and inclusion" categories.Reality check: The Bay State's mark for cost of living was 47 out of 50, and in "cost of doing business" we landed second to last next to Hawaii.Between the lines: The rankings are weighted based on how much the state uses a certain category to promote their own economic development. So, since Massachusetts pushes its educated and inclusive way of life, the state ranked well there.The bottom line: The pretty-good ranking relies on the attributes Massachusetts excels at to attract workers, like education and lifestyle, and shows that the burgeoning tech industry is still a powerhouse.
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