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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.
These Boston-area restaurants may soon accept SNAP
Come September, Massachusetts will let people receiving food assistance use their benefits at restaurants for the first time.What’s happening: Fourteen Boston-area restaurants were selected by the state to participate in a pilot program with the federal government, called the Restaurant Meals Program. There were 27 total restaurants selected statewide.They range from La Parada Dominican Kitchen in Roxbury to Caribbean Classic on Wheels, a food truck based in Mattapan.The restaurants must get the final OK from the federal government before they start taking payment.Why it matters: The program targets some of the most vulnerable residents in Massachusetts — those who not...
Democrats' state budget is late again, but voters don't seem to care
It's mid-July and once again, the Massachusetts state budget is late.What's (not) happening: For the 13th year in a row, the Legislature missed the July 1 opening of the 2024 fiscal year without a budget in place.So many political priorities are packed into the annual spending plan that negotiating a final compromise takes weeks or months.Three House leaders and three from the Senate are meeting behind closed doors to finalize the deal, which could come at any time.Why it matters: The annual state budget and regular supplemental budgets are the most powerful tool the General Court has and the main...
Spill of the Hill: The budget is late and voters don't care
It's mid-July and once again, the Massachusetts state budget is late. What's (not) happening: For the 13th year in a row, the Legislature missed the July 1 opening of the 2024 fiscal year without a budget in place. So many political priorities are packed into the annual spending plan that...
Harpoon Brewery launches pickleball club
Harpoon Brewery has hopped on the pickleball train.What’s happening: The Pickleball Social Club is open daily from noon to 9pm with room for some 400 people next to Harpoon in the Seaport.It has four pickleball courts, two shuffleboard courts and cornhole.The intrigue: We know Boston loves pickleball. We were one of two places where pickleball showed up as a top trending "near me" Google search last year.Yes, but: Like most fun things in Boston, this costs money. An hour of pickleball can set you back $50-$100.Be smart: The city also has courts — and you can sign up for free, citizen-organized games here.The bottom line: Harpoon’s new courts, launched with Hub Sports Boston, offer a place for people to join a league, or reserve a court and try it out.Or, you know, just have a beer and watch your friends duke it out.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Boston.
Harpoon Brewery launches pickleball club
Harpoon Brewery has hopped on the pickleball train. What’s happening: The Pickleball Social Club is open daily from noon to 9pm with room for some 400 people next to Harpoon in the Seaport. It has four pickleball courts, two shuffleboard courts and cornhole. The intrigue: We know Boston loves...
People are leaving Massachusetts and the Northeast
Six fast-growing states in the South — Florida, Texas, Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee — now add more to the national GDP than the Northeast, the perennial powerhouse, writes Axios' Mike Allen.Why it matters: The pattern is evidence of the growing influence of parts of the country far from New England and New York. It's not just about the coasts and the bubbles anymore: Americans are spreading out, physically and economically.Those six southern states' new muscle is part of a "$100 billion wealth migration" as the U.S. economic center of gravity tilts south, Bloomberg reports.The switch happened during peak pandemic....
It's a Barbie world. Boston's just living in it
Life-size Barbie doll boxes. Custom-made dresses, earrings and T-shirts. Sold-out cruises and movie screenings.What’s happening: It’s Barbie mania. The movie of the season is bringing out the self-proclaimed bimbos, himbos and thembos of Greater Boston for a hot pink summer.Why it matters: Boston-area fans say the upcoming Barbie movie gives them a chance to rally around an unapologetically pink and bubbly icon at a time when the fight over abortion and LGBTQ+ rights are at the political forefront.The big picture: The nationwide hype isn't just about nostalgia for Barbie, which has garnered a reputation for toxic femininity over the years....
Revolving sushi bar underway in Boston
👀 Steph here with our first installment of "I Spy," a series about what's popping up around town.What's happening: I spotted Kura Revolving Sushi Bar under construction at the South Bay Shopping Center in Dorchester, and it can't open soon enough.This one comes months after Kura opened in Watertown's Arsenal Yards.The intrigue: Kura is the gold standard of conveyor belt sushi, or at least that’s how I felt after downing five plates of it at the Edison, New Jersey, location earlier this year.But but but: Kura hasn't responded to questions about when the Dorchester outpost will open. The website just says "coming soon."Spy an interesting new business? Hit us up anytime with your own suggestions.
You're missing out on Massachusetts' best park
Boston is blessed with a collection of islands most locals know about but haven't visited.Situated all around Boston Harbor, the islands make up one of the most spectacular public parks in the state and offer activities, sights, education and relaxation without the hassle of travel.Why it matters: The thirteen large, mostly isolated islands right off the coast offer a respite from the always-on modern world through hiking, camping and beaches.Many of the islands were used for military sites, hospitals or private homes until the 20th century. Exploring the ruins is half the fun.How it works: The gateway to the islands...
These are Boston's dog-friendly patios
Hover over the dot to see who has a dog-friendly patio. Data: City of Boston; Map: Thomas Oide/AxiosBoston is finally letting man’s best friend join the outdoor dining scene.Driving the news: At least 31 restaurants and breweries have received the OK from the city to let dogs onto their outdoor patios as of June 25, according to public records obtained by Axios.Several more restaurants, including Tavern of Tales in Mission Hill and Yellow Door Taqueria in the South End, have applied for permission.Why it matters: Mayor Michelle Wu's new dog patio variance, which was created in May, cuts through red...
Boston's dog-friendly patios: Dozens of restaurants are now open to pooches
Boston is finally letting man’s best friend join the outdoor dining scene. Driving the news: At least 31 restaurants and breweries have received the OK from the city to let dogs onto their outdoor patios as of June 25, according to public records obtained by Axios. Several more restaurants,...
Undocumented Massachusetts immigrants can now get a drivers license
The Registry of Motor Vehicles expects more than 100,000 new applicants for road tests over the next six months, thanks to a new state law.Driving the news: The law that lets people apply for a state-issued driver's license regardless of immigration status took effect last Saturday.Why it matters: It stands to benefit thousands of undocumented immigrants who need to drive to work, doctor's appointments and their children's schools.Zoom out: 18 other states have similar laws on the books.Of note: Applicants in these states are only eligible to apply for state-issued driver's licenses. They cannot get federally standardized REAL ID licenses,...
Massacusetts sex ed standards debate
The commonwealth is reworking guidance for local school districts teaching K-12 sexual education and giving parents and the public the chance to weigh.What's happening: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is accepting public comment until Aug. 28 on Gov. Healey's plan to update the state's sex ed framework for the first time since 1999.The plan lays out standards that local school districts could select to build a custom sex ed curriculum.Be smart: Parents could still opt students out from sex ed classes.Zoom in: The state guidelines would expand to include lessons on LGBTQ+ health, consent, personal safety, violence and...
A legal battle over the Cape Cod dune shacks is brewing
Cape Cod residents are preparing for a fight with federal officials over evictions from the coastal dune shacks that artists, writers and families have occupied for generations.Driving the news: Proposals to lease the first eight of the historic shacks are due to the National Park Service by 5pm Monday, but some families who have lost access are considering legal action. Why it matters: Locals fear allowing the sites to go to wealthy out-of-towners could harm the area's artistic tradition.Catch up quick: The National Park Service has ordered out existing users as it prepares for the first time to lease 19...
Photos: Barbie boat cruise draws hundreds to Boston Harbor
Hundreds of people wearing pink, neon green and sparkles packed into a boat this weekend, organized by Boston event company Fangirl Fantasy and Warner Bros.What they’re saying: "This is the movie of the summer," says Julie Russell, owner of Fangirl Fantasy."The fact that I got to bring this to life in Boston, it really means a lot."Steph here with a confession: I grew up hating Barbie. So much that my mom chortled when I told her I was going on a Barbie boat cruise.Yes, but: Even I couldn’t deny the sheer creativity of these passengers was on another level.What's next:...
Your last-minute Boston Fourth of July guide
It's almost the Fourth of July, and you've waited until now to make plans.Don't worry, we've got you covered.What's happening: Boston's main event for Independence Day is always the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Shell at 8pm.Beside the traditional show by the Pops, R&B group En Vogue and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez will perform.It's free to the public and first come, first served.Gates open at the Hatch Shell at noon tomorrow, but expect lines to form long before that.🎆 Look up: The fireworks start at 10:30pm from the ballfields on the Common.Bloomberg TV and WHDH (Channel 7) will...
Things to do in Boston this weekend
Fourth of July weekend in Boston means Harborfest, the annual celebration of the city's maritime heritage.Driving the news: This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.What's happening: Downtown Crossing hosts an arts and crafts market today at 11am, and at noon there's a kickoff event at the corner of Franklin and Washington streets.Fireworks launch at 9:15pm tomorrow from a barge visible from most spots in the inner harbor.See the rest of the festival schedule.🐶 Most importantly: Harborfest's Patriotic Poochapolooza parade happens tomorrow at noon, where dogs and their humans compete for the title of the most star-spangled pet. Doin' King George a bamboozle. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/Getty Images⚓️ For more nautical vibes, head over to the Anchor in the Charlestown Naval Yard, just a short walk from the U.S.S. Constitution.The outdoor bar hosts Dockfest starting tomorrow and running nightly through next Friday, featuring live music, a paint party, comedy and great views of the fireworks on Saturday and Tuesday.Plus: Don't sleep on Axios Boston's exhaustive list of concerts coming up.
How to survive the Sumner Tunnel's 2-month closure
The two-month closure of the Sumner Tunnel we’ve been dreading is around the corner.Why it matters: The shutdown stands to take Boston's traffic nightmares to new extremes.Yes, but: It doesn’t have to be this way — at least if we heed the advice of state officials and take public transportation in and out of East Boston.Driving the news: The Sumner Tunnel will be closed seven days a week starting July 5, next Wednesday, as crews begin a $160 million overhaul.The tunnel will remain closed through Aug. 31.Flashback: Sumner, the first traffic tunnel in Massachusetts, opened in 1934. Nearly a century...
How to survive the Sumner Tunnel's 2-month closure
The two-month closure of the Sumner Tunnel we’ve been dreading is around the corner.Why it matters: The shutdown stands to take Boston's traffic nightmares to new extremes.Yes, but: It doesn’t have to be this way — at least if we heed the advice of state officials and take public transportation in and out of East Boston.Driving the news: The Sumner Tunnel will be closed seven days a week starting July 5, next Wednesday, as crews begin a $160 million overhaul.The tunnel will remain closed through Aug. 31.Flashback: Sumner, the first traffic tunnel in Massachusetts, opened in 1934. Nearly a century...
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