The Beantown Beacon
Your indispensable guide to Boston.

Good day, Boston…it’s Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Let’s get to it.

METRO REPORT

Heat emergency in effect through tonight

City officials are keeping cooling centers, splash pads, and libraries open as the heat index pushes into the upper 90s.

The city also highlighted investments in neighborhood pools while reminding residents to check on vulnerable neighbors.

Source: City of Boston; Boston 25 News.

—

Investigation after body found near Revere Beach

State Police are probing a death on the North Shore after a body was discovered near Revere Beach this morning.

No immediate threat to the public was announced.

Source: Boston 25 News.

TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT

Late-night service is coming back on weekends

The MBTA announced extended late-night service on all subway lines and select bus routes, starting August 24. Expect trains and buses about every 30 minutes during the added hour, which should help close the “last call” gap.

Source: Boston.com

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Prices cool a touch, still up year over year

The Boston area CPI fell 0.3 percent over the last two months, but prices are up 3.2 percent over the year, led by shelter and child care. Translation, rent still hurts, groceries still annoy, energy gave a small break.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Harvard Square gets more global storefronts

International brands continue to move in, with recent openings including Miniso and Memory Shop, adding to at least eight internationally inspired shops now clustered in the Square. Retail may be changing, but foot traffic clearly is not.

Source: Boston.com.

SPORTS

Red Sox blast Astros 14–1
Alex Bregman homered against his former club and Boston rolled in Houston, 14–1. The series finale is tonight. Source: ESPN.

Celtics ownership shuffle detail
As the pending sale closes, Bill Chisholm is expected to assume the NBA “governor” title for the Celtics, with Wyc Grousbeck remaining CEO and alternate governor. It is a paperwork story with big-business implications.

Source: Sports Business Journal.

Patriots ramp up for Vikings joint practices
New England’s camp turns toward joint work with Minnesota after a series of roster tweaks, including the addition of DT Kyle Peko earlier this week. Source: Patriots.com.

ARTS & CULTURE

Tonight’s plans: look up
The Perseids peak continues after midnight. City lights are not your friend, so favor darker parks outside the core or a rooftop with minimal glare. Source: WBUR. (WBUR)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Rob Thomas at Leader Bank Pavilion (Fri, Aug 15)
A throwback singalong under the Seaport tent. Source: Live Nation. (Live Nation)

Boston Triathlon (Aug 16–17, South Boston)
Swim, bike, run, or spectate at Carson Beach. Source: Endurance Sportswire. (Facebook)

Dine Out Boston (through Aug 16)
Prix-fixe in every neighborhood. Source: Meet Boston. (Meet Boston)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Ballot mail snafu resurfaces at City Hall
Boston’s Elections Department says a small number of voters received duplicate vote-by-mail ballots due to a clerical error on one packaging day. The state says only one ballot per voter can be counted and duplicates are rejected. Source: (Boston.com)

POST OF THE DAY

“Boston police arrest 13 people in human trafficking bust near Mass and Cass corridor.”

A widely shared morning update that readers flagged first on social feeds.

Source: Boston 25 News on X. (X (formerly Twitter))

Fan Takeaway

Heat, late trains that will soon be later on purpose, and a baseball team that suddenly remembered how to score. Hydrate now, complain later, and set an alarm for the meteors.