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- Out-of-state drama on Beacon Hill, flying scooters downtown, and the ’90s rent fight nobody asked for
Out-of-state drama on Beacon Hill, flying scooters downtown, and the ’90s rent fight nobody asked for
The Beantown Beacon
Your indispensable guide to Boston, with that just-right edge.
Good day, Boston…it’s Thursday, August 7, 2025. Let’s get to it.
METRO REPORT
Texas Dems Hit Beacon Hill in Political Exile Tour
Turns out when democracy breaks in Texas, the layover is Boston. A group of Texas Democrats, dodging a redistricting vote back home, staged a full-on presser on the State House steps yesterday, because nothing says legislative gridlock like flying 2,000 miles to not vote. Governor Healey joined in for a solidarity selfie and some pointed barbs at “gerrymandering by jet fuel.”
Our take:
Look, we’ve seen political theater, but this is Broadway-caliber obstruction. Massachusetts gets to flex its progressive cred, Texas gets a PR break from barbecue headlines, and nobody in either state passes a bill.
Why it matters locally:
Expect more out-of-state causes making Beacon Hill their soapbox
Adds pressure on Healey to act bolder on voting rights or risk looking like a tour guide
And yes, the State Police are still on the hook for crowd control overtime, even if the crowd's from Austin
So if your commute felt slower near the State House, it wasn't your imagination; it was democracy with a suitcase.
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Back Bay Crash Rekindles the E-Bike Debate
A pedestrian was critically injured near Copley Square after getting struck by an electric bike. Yes, another one. Police taped off the scene, traffic snarled, and safety advocates dusted off their usual line: “How is this still legal?”
Source: NBC Boston (NBC Boston)
Our Take:
At this point, dodging e-bikes in Boston feels like a full-body sport. They're faster than bikes, quieter than scooters, and apparently above traffic rules. Welcome to modern urban planning, where regulation lags just behind your next trip to the ER.
Why it matters locally:
E-bikes are flooding the city, but good luck finding a rulebook
No license, no helmet, no liability, just vibes
City Hall keeps “studying” them while residents keep getting clipped
Until something changes, your best bet crossing Boylston? Look both ways, then look behind you for the guy in Lululemon flying 28 mph.
TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT
MBTA status: functional. Miracles do happen.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Rent control bill prompting déjà vu..and outrage
A new rent control proposal is circling the State House again, drawing ire from real estate groups who call it “a disaster for Massachusetts.” Sound familiar? Voters banned it in ’94.
Source: The Boston Globe (Fox News, BostonGlobe.com, Boston 25 News)
What it means for the market:
Property owners say it’ll stifle development and drive investment elsewhere
Advocates argue it’s the only way to slow runaway rents in cities like Boston
The bill includes localized caps, exemptions for small landlords, and... lots of lobbyists on speed dial
Our Take:
The return of rent control is kind of like cargo pants; you thought it was dead in the ’90s, but here we are, arguing about it again, and everyone’s just as uncomfortable.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“You can cap rent, but you can’t cap risk. That’s why capital walks.”
— Anonymous Boston real estate investor, when asked about the new rent control bill
SPORTS
Red Sox streak ends as Royals rally
Kansas City sends Boston’s momentum packing with a 7–3 comeback win. Jonathan India homered, and Michael Wacha quietly reminded us why he was once beloved in Beantown.
Source: Reuters / AP via WAMC (Reuters)
Boston’s future locked up
Roman Anthony’s pending eight-year, $130 million extension solidifies him as the Sox’ long-term corner-store-of-delivery. Boomers, brace for impact.
Source: ESPN via WAMC (wabcradio.com, WAMC)
Celtics cap-shaving rumors gaining steam
Boston may move a $45M vet to stay under luxury tax while pivoting around Tatum’s title hopes. Hint: Sam Hauser’s three-point whispers are getting louder.
Source: Times of India (The Times of India, Mass.gov)
ARTS & CULTURE
Nothing official to report today, but Fan Expo Boston kicks off tomorrow at the BCEC. Just saying.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2025 Cranberry Cup International (Aug 7–10, Norwood): Ice dancers glide into town.
Fan Expo Boston (Aug 8–10, BCEC): Cosplay galore and celeb panels on the way.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Nothing from yesterday needs repeating. You got the goods already.
WISDOM OF THE DAY
“Rent control bills keep showing up, and we keep sending them back like bad lobster rolls.”
Fan Takeaway:
From red-state stand-offs to red-hot talent contracts, today’s headlines are telling the same story: Boston’s still disruptin’.