The Red Sox are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021! They secured their spot in style over the weekend and will face the New York Yankees in the Wild Card Series starting tomorrow night.
Now, let’s dive into the local news:
Starbucks Closures: This week, coffee lovers are feeling the heat as over 20 Starbucks locations in the Boston area have closed their doors for good. This move is part of a larger strategy by the chain, which announced closures last Thursday. The affected locations included popular spots like the Steaming Kettle in downtown Boston, Brookline’s Coolidge Corner, and the Harvard Square store in Cambridge.
- Across the U.S. and Canada, about 200 Starbucks are set to close. The company is also cutting 900 corporate jobs, adding to the 1,100 layoffs earlier this year.
- CEO Brian Nichols, who has been at the helm for a year now, stated these cuts are necessary to improve service and store ambiance. According to NPR, this move is part of a broader plan to turn around declining sales.
- However, Starbucks Workers United, the union representing many employees, criticized this approach. They argue that workers should have been consulted about these closures, especially as CEO Nichols earned $98 million last year.
Federal Government Shutdown Looming: The potential federal government shutdown is causing concern among local workers. During the last shutdown in 2019, around 8,000 federal workers in Massachusetts were furloughed or worked without pay. State officials are preparing for possible disruption to federally funded programs like MassHealth, and they’ve instructed agencies to develop plans to protect residents.
Bowker Overpass Renovation: Boston’s Bowker Overpass, built 60 years ago, is set for an upgrade. MassDOT will start restoring the bridge, which is crucial for connecting traffic over the Mass Pike. Critics have long said the old structure limits access to green spaces. The first phase of this project will run until 2029, aiming to connect parks and add sidewalks and bike lanes. “It’s going to be wonderful when people will be able to walk safely,” said Karen Mauney-Brodek, president of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy.
In summary, there’s a lot happening in the Boston area, from coffee shop closures to potential government disruptions and exciting renovations. Staying informed is key as these changes unfold.
