☕️ The Beantown Beacon

Your indispensable guide to Boston.

Good morning, Boston. It’s Thursday, July 31, 2025. A deep dive into trash, transit, baseball, and the latest openings.

Let’s run through it.

📰 METRO REPORT

🚨 Trash strike enters fifth week, judge denies injunction

A judge on July 30 rejected local communities’ bid to force Republic Services to pick up piled-up waste as the strike nears one month in duration. Negotiations remain stalled, with public health concerns escalating and rodent control services rising sharply.

Source: WHDH / Boston.com

🛑 Summer of strikes sweeps Boston

Boston is facing multiple labor actions: a waste services strike, pickets at Fenway Park by vendors, and a walkout by bar advocates demanding higher state compensation, disrupting legal proceedings across the region.

Source: Axios Boston

🍽️ Allston speakeasy concept in development

Owners of Dorchester’s The Mix are planning “The Mix Vault,” a two-floor, hidden-door bar and restaurant in Roxbury serving seafood-Southern fusion fare. Licensing details filed July 29 show seating for roughly 25 in speakeasy style.

Source: What Now Boston

🚈 TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT

🚦 Ongoing weekend Red Line closures have ended

The partial Red Line shutdown between Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass concluded two weeks ago. No major service interruptions remain in effect, though riders should note recent weekend reroutes ended July 20.

Source: Cambridge.gov and Boston.com

💼 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

🍺 Democracy Brewing expands in East Boston

The worker-owned brewery launched a second location in East Boston in July, adding tacos and cocktails to its menu—a notable addition to the neighborhood’s growing food scene.

Source: Here Boston

🍰 New bakery set to open in Charlestown

Pixlcat Coffee, a vibrant West Coast café brand, is opening a new location in Charlestown, bringing specialty coffee and community vibes close to downtown.

Source: Boston Restaurant Talk

🏀 SPORTS

⚾ Red Sox crush Twins 13–1 to wrap series

Boston capped a dominant trip to Minneapolis with a blowout win on July 30. Jarren Duran delivered 4 RBIs, Trevor Story homered for the second consecutive game, and Brayan Bello tossed seven solid innings. The win puts Boston's recent form on full display.

Source: Reuters

🏆 Prospects spotlight: “Password” Garcia rises up

In Triple-A Worcester, Jhostynxon “Password” Garcia has slugged 12 homers in 49 games, prompting speculation of a September call-up. Meanwhile, catcher Ronaldo Hernandez is returning to the lineup.

Source: OverTheMonster

🎭 ARTS & CULTURE

Tonight’s Plans: Martini Tuesdays at Sogno

If you're winding down tonight, Sogno in Woburn is hosting one last Martini Tuesday of the month—cocktails and relaxed vibes before August arrives.

Source: Boston Chefs event listing

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

Lou’s in Harvard Square (Now Open): A new 289-seat live‑music restaurant and cocktail bar is now open at 13A Brattle Street, Cambridge—perfect for weekend nights.

Source: Boston Restaurants Talk

Pixlcat Coffee (Opening Soon): Charlestown welcomes this West Coast-style café in early August—watch for community teas and art on tap.

Source: Boston Restaurant Talk

🔄 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Boston commuters got a fiery wake-up call on July 11 when an electric vehicle fire on the Mass Pike snarled traffic back to Logan Airport, delaying both road and subway shuttle services for over two hours. No injuries reported.

Source: CBS Boston