The Beantown Beacon
Your indispensable guide to Boston.

Good day, Boston…it’s Friday, August 15, 2025. Let’s get to it.

METRO REPORT

Beacon Hill stays quiet on Sheriff Tompkins

Top Democrats are declining to call for Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins to resign after he was indicted on federal extortion charges tied to a Boston cannabis business.

They say they are waiting for more facts as details about the alleged victim and pressure campaign emerge. (WBUR, BostonGlobe.com)

Baylor sues Boston University over the “BU” logo

Baylor filed a trademark suit claiming BU’s interlocked athletics mark infringes on its protected design. The fight will hinge on confusion, context, and how each school uses the letters. (CBS News, WBUR)

TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT

• Blue Line
  Shuttle buses replace trains Airport to Wonderland through Sunday, Aug 17. Budget 20 to 30 extra minutes and watch stop signage at Logan.

• Commuter Rail, Lowell Line
  Shuttles from North Station to Lowell start around 10 p.m. tonight through Sunday, Aug 17. No shuttle at Winchester Center, use Wedgemere instead.

• Downtown road closure
  Tremont Street closed from Beacon and School to Park Street starting 10 p.m. tonight for tower crane work on the new Holocaust Museum. Detour uses a temporary reverse on Beacon. Work may run into Sunday.

• North End feasts = lane and parking restrictions
  Fisherman’s Feast runs Aug 13–17 with posted restrictions on Lewis, Fleet, North, Fulton and nearby streets. Expect delays and limited parking.

• DCR River Road Notes
  Memorial Drive and other DCR-managed corridors have periodic closures this week for events and maintenance. Check the latest advisories before you head out.

Pro move: If you must drive into town tonight, skip surface streets near the Common and the North End. If you must take the T, pad your timeline like it is a job interview.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Ballot frenzy could reshape 2026
More than forty initiative petitions were filed for the 2026 ballot, including proposals on rent control, voter ID, and government transparency. The Attorney General reviews petitions for certification by September 3. (Axios, Mass.gov)

Beacon Hill’s new fine dining bet
A new restaurant called Nine opens today in the former No. 9 Park space, aiming to blend nostalgia with a three-track menu and a refreshed room. Translation, high-end hospitality is still hiring and still charging. (Eater Boston)

Biotech belt-tightening widens
Generation Bio is cutting roughly 90 percent of its workforce, and Vedanta Biosciences is trimming 20 percent after a trial miss. Cambridge and Boston labs are still world-class, but capital is insisting on receipts. (Fierce Biotech)

$2.4 billion bridge plan, real-world costs
The state’s Sagamore Bridge replacement is moving forward at a projected $2.4 billion, with eminent-domain takings set to seize homes and commercial parcels in Bourne. Big infrastructure is back, and so are the legal bills. (The Wall Street Journal)

SPORTS

Red Sox vs Marlins tonight, Giolito vs Alcantara
Boston opens a three game set at Fenway, first pitch 7:10 p.m., with Lucas Giolito facing Sandy Alcantara. Boston just took one of three in Houston, and returns home with 66 wins. (ESPN.com, Baseball-Reference.com)

Patriots at Vikings on Saturday, joint practices got chippy
After two days of joint work in Eagan, kickoff is set for Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern at U.S. Bank Stadium. Team reports say the Pats defense flashed early this week, then the Vikings answered on Day 2. (Patriots, usbankstadium.com)

Celtics sale cleared at a record valuation
The NBA approved the Celtics sale at about 6.1 billion dollars, Wyc Grousbeck stays on as CEO and alternate governor during the transition. (NBA, The Guardian)

Revs, quick look ahead
MLS returns to Foxborough on Saturday, New England hosts LAFC at 7:30 p.m., MLS Season Pass has the stream. Revs II also play tonight, hosting Red Bulls II at 5:00 p.m. ( newyorkredbulls.com)

Astros 4, Red Sox 1
Houston took the rubber game behind Hunter Brown’s 6⅔ strong innings and homers from Jeremy Peña and Yainer Díaz. Boston dropped the series 2 to 1. (ESPN.com)

ARTS & CULTURE

Tonight’s plans: Rob Thomas at Leader Bank Pavilion
A Seaport singalong under the tent. Doors early, show at 7:30 p.m. If “Smooth” gets stuck in your head until Monday, that is between you and your playlist. Source: Ticketmaster, Live Nation. (Ticketmaster, Live Nation)

Fisherman’s Feast takes over the North End
Food, processions, and nightly entertainment run through Sunday. This is the summer feast that treats carbs as a love language. Source: Fisherman’s Feast schedule. (Fisherman's Feast)

ICA Boston: Vinyl Nights on the waterfront
Free outdoor DJ set from 5 to 9 p.m. at the ICA. It is the rare dance floor where the breeze does most of the work. Source: ICA event calendar. (ICA Boston)

Dine Out Boston, last call weekend
Prix fixe runs through Aug 16. Lock a reservation now or spend Saturday night debating “where to go” like it is a group project. Source: Meet Boston. (Meet Boston)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Boston Triathlon, South Boston (Aug 16–17)
Swim, bike, run at Carson Beach or cheer from the sand. (Boston.gov)

Dine Out Boston, citywide (through Aug 16)
Prix fixe deals wrap this week. Book now if you like choices. (Meet Boston)

CX Summer Nights, Cambridge Crossing (Aug 21)
Free outdoor concert series finale from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Common at CX. (Cambridge Crossing, Eventbrite)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Human trafficking operation at Mass and Cass
A joint BPD, MSP, and FBI action led to thirteen arrests near Newmarket Square. Arraignments are in Roxbury District Court. (Boston Police Department, WCVB)

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