The Beantown Beacon

Your indispensable guide to Boston.

Good day, Boston…it’s Friday, August 22, 2025. Porch season’s packing up, but the headlines are turning up.

METRO REPORT

Carnage in the O’Neill Tunnel (on two wheels)
A swarm of over 100 bike riders, NASCAR-tier ebikes, and dirt bikes took over the O’Neill Tunnel yesterday, weaving through traffic lights, stopping cars, and even clipping a State Police cruiser. Only one arrest. No official comment from Mayor Wu so far.

_{Source: (New York Post, Boston 25 News)}

TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT

Blue Line back on track
Shuffle boards (I mean shuttles) are history. The Blue Line is back in business from Airport to Wonderland starting today, three days early. Glad we memorized the shuttles once, not the second time.

_{Source: Boston.com / (Boston.gov)}

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

$40M Affordable Housing RFP Closes Today

Boston just dropped its annual request-for-proposals offering $40 million aimed at creating or preserving rental, cooperative, and supportive housing. Four million of that is earmarked specifically for supportive units serving seniors or people experiencing homelessness. Developers have until 4 p.m.—no pressure. Preferences go to projects using city-owned land, offering a mix of income tiers, and targeting collaborations with MBEs or accessible design.

Why it matters: 

This is not a parking-lot housing handout. It’s targeted, equity-minded, city-controlled real estate. For every developer who slides in on time, it’s not just funds; it’s a long-term community commitment.

CEDAC closes a $12.6M early-stage housing push

Meanwhile, CEDAC (Community Economic Development Assistance Corp) announced $12.6 million in early-stage financing for nine affordable housing projects across Massachusetts, many with supportive components. These funds often fill gaps when big grants are still months from arrival.

Why it matters: 

Think of it as a bridge loan for affordable housing. Without CEDAC’s quick-turn funding, groundbreaking weekends get pushed, and community momentum fades.

_{Source: Boston.gov (Boston.gov)}

SPORTS

Lowe Lights It Up in Debut, Sox Snap Streak with 6–3 Win
Fresh off being released by the Nationals, Nathaniel Lowe is already proving he deserves this jersey. He delivered a clutch game-tying sacrifice fly, then ripped a tiebreaking double in the seventh to power Boston past the Yankees, 6–3. He’s rated 6‑for‑26 in six Boston games, crashing leaderboards in homers and RBIs.

Roman Anthony steps in with flair, his game-tying sixth-inning single and a jaw-dropping ninth-inning homer (bat flip included) capped a comeback and pulled Boston within half a game of the top Wild Card spot.

Why it matters: Boston’s AL East outlook changed on Thursday. Lowe gives the lineup stability, Anthony brings ice-cold maturity, and the Yankees’ unraveling defense snapped their five-game streak. Keep chasing the playoff picture.

_{Source: Reuters (Reuters)}

ARTS & CULTURE

Marine flyover today

Expect early-morning noise; military helicopters will fly from Logan to Boston Common as part of the USMC’s 250th celebration. Air show vibes before breakfast, under the sun.
_{Source: CBS Boston (CBS News)}

Weekend plans

• Dance Party: Old School Night — Friday, City Hall Plaza, 5–9 p.m. All ages.

• Watercolor by the Water — Friday, Harbor Grandstand, 1–3 p.m. Free, supplies on deck.

• Sabor Boricua (Puerto Rican Festival) — Saturday, Carson Beach, all day.

• Ukrainian Independence Day Festival — Saturday, City Hall Plaza, noon–5 p.m.
  

  _{Source: (ROCK 92.9, Meet Boston)}

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Morgan Wallen + Miranda Lambert @ Gillette (Aug 22–23) — Country fireworks.

• Dog Days of Summer Pawty @ Harvard Square (Aug 24, 6–8 p.m.) — Bring treats—for you or your pup.

• City Council prelims Sept 9; general election Nov 4 — See who’s running, including at-large candidates and seat matchups.
  Source: Wikipedia Boston City Council Election (Wikipedia, Meet Boston, Wikipedia)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Rip current advisories remain in effect through today
Governor Healey urges extreme caution along the coast amid Hurricane Erin-linked swells. Double red flags mean no wading. Stay on sand, not in the surf.

_{Source: (Mass.gov)}

THE WEEK IN MEMEs

1) Surprise, surprise…

2) Make the office feel like home again..

Fan Takeaway

Chaos in the tunnel, helicopters at dawn, housing grants, Sox drama, and weekend plans that’ll keep you moving. If summer is slowing down, you’re doing it wrong.

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