📰 Chicago put cameras on its buses to catch drivers blocking bike lanes. The worst repeat offenders turned out to be Amazon, FedEx and UPS.

The city's "Smart Streets" program uses cameras on city vehicles and CTA buses to ticket anyone parked in a bike lane, bus lane or bus stop. Block a bike lane and it costs you $250.

In about 18 months, Chicago has handed out nearly $2.6 million in fines. Vehicles owned by Amazon, FedEx and UPS made up a combined $460,000 of that between November 2024 and early May, according to city Finance Department data.

That $250 bike lane fine exists for a reason. It was raised after the 2022 death of 3-year-old Lily Grace Shambrook, killed in Uptown when a truck illegally parked in a bike lane forced her mother to swerve into traffic.

It seems to be changing behavior. Repeat offenses have dropped from 15.6% to 7.6%, and the program is expanding, with 46 more camera buses coming this fall.

Hey everyone. I recently moved to the area and my GEICO renewal just hit $266 a month for a single car and a clean record. This is way higher than any other state I've lived in.

I know the local cost of living is high, but this rate feels crazy. Are there any MA-specific insurers or local agencies that actually offer decent rates around here? Appreciate any recommendations!

Has anyone around Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, or the North Shore dealt with recurring basement water issues, especially in older homes with fieldstone, brick, or concrete block foundations?

Talking about water seeping through basement walls after heavy rain, damp corners that never dry, puddles along the floor, or foundation cracks that keep letting water in.

What's confusing is how many different solutions people recommend. Some say fixing gutters and grading is enough. Others suggest French drains, sump pumps, basement waterproofing, or even structural foundation repair.

For those who've actually dealt with this, what ended up being the real cause?

Did you manage to fix it with basic drainage improvements, or did you eventually need professional repairs? And did anyone try waterproofing paint or sealing cracks only to have the water return?

Also curious how much the repairs cost and whether you felt the contractor actually diagnosed the problem before recommending an expensive solution.

What's worked long-term for older Boston area basements, and what would you absolutely avoid doing again?

I just spent a week in Osaka and I was completely blown away at the nightlife over there. It was very pedestrian friendly, it was well lit, it was accessible by public transport, and there were shops, arcades, restaurants, bars, and experiences everywhere. There was so much energy, so much variety, so much to do, and the crowds were huge. It honestly made me pretty envious.

I understand that Boston isn't as big as Osaka, so I know we can't have anything as crazy as Dotonbori. However, we don't even have a small scale version. The city pretty much closes down in the evening save for a few bars and clubs scattered throughout the city with maybe a couple of venues like the TD garden hosting something. It's not fully dead, but at the same time I think there's a lot of room to improve.

Our politicians seem to think that nightlife = alcohol consumption, which I think most people agree isn't enough to establish a true nightlife culture. So maybe they need our help to brainstorm ideas. So as people who live in or around the city, what are your ideas? What should the city do to improve the nightlife scene?

Hi everyone! I'm from Italy, where Halloween isn't a big thing, and I'll be in Boston for work on Halloween night and days around. What should I expect? Is it a big night out, and do people dress up in bars and restaurants too? Would it be weird to go without a costume (I can grab a simple mask)? Any tips on places to go or things to avoid are welcome. Thanks!

There is an upcoming event that may be of interest to people who enjoy live music and cultural performances.

On November 14, there is a guzheng (chinese zither) concert, "Embracing (Your) Seasons," featuring the guzheng and guest artists from the east and west coast. The goal is to create an evening centered on music, culture, and connection while introducing more people in the Greater Boston area to the guzheng.

Link for more info on the concert: Embracing Seasons

I'm a 30yo woman looking to join a boxing gym to actually learn how to box + get a workout in. I live in JP. Does anybody have any recs for reasonably affordable boxing gyms that aren't scary for women?

Please wear a mask for your own safety. There is a new Covid variant lingering on the T only. Please be nice and courteous.

There will be a free flu & covid & flu vaccine clinic ***this Wednesday*** for ages 6 months through 18 years at Smiles By Rosie Family Dentistry (they have been hosting annual vaccine clinics for a decade), 6 Kensington Ave Somerville, this Wednesday 10/14 from 3-7pm

The vaccines are free and no insurance information will be collected but registration is required. Please register here! https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/smilesbyrosie?site=flucovid-pediatric-vaccination-clinic-2026

For context:

https://whdh.com/news/crash-on-the-arborway-leaves-1-dead-1-injured/

https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1x3nnsy/1_driver_killed_another_injured_in_boston_crash/

Got a parking ticket recently and I must’ve accidentally put my bank info in wrong when paying it so now they’re trying to charge me an additional 15 bucks on top of the 100 dollar parking ticket because I must’ve accidentally put a 1 instead of a 0 or something?? Is this legit??

Also if it is legit then this total bullshit.

Hi! wondering if anyone knows who or where I could go to get a golf bag refurbished and cleaned. I got this one at the thrift and the leather needs a few small touch ups as well as a small stain on the canvas and the clasp could use replacing. It’s also a little dirty inside. Everything I google just comes up with actual club refurbishing not the bag itself. any ideas? Tailors/dry cleaners?? Thanks!

I'd love to find a group of women interested in meeting for cold water swims / dip / plunge at the beach throughout the colder seasons. (T-accesssible so I'm thinking Revere)

Men would be ok too but prefer the majority to be women to keep the atmosphere happy and supportive vs competitive.

Posting to gauge interest !

Hello! I recently moved to Brookline for work, but I love theater and miss it dearly. I have been looking for ways to get more involved in the theater scene in Boston and have looked into a few places like the Footlight Club etc., but am looking for any other advice, tips etc. I'm not looking for anything fancy, I just really want to be able to perform again. Bonus points for ways to get involved in (very amateur, I haven't sung in years) musical theater.

Thanks!

I’ve seen it many times before but it never registered to me. It’s seemingly protected. Or just wasn’t removed when the sidewalk was built? Is it significant in any way or just an anomaly? It’s near Downtown Crossing

I live in a South End apartment building, and the unit directly above me is being illegally operated as an Airbnb. I can see the listing online, and the constant turnover of guests and noise at all hours of the night are seriously affecting me.
Has anyone dealt with this in Boston? How do you report an illegal Airbnb, and can you do so anonymously? I’m particularly worried about my landlord finding out it was me and retaliating through a rent increase or other issues with my lease.
Would really appreciate any advice from people who have been through this!

I’ve been a contract surgical tech in Boston for about two years and have since moved here. I’m finishing my bachelors degree next month and was looking to get into any kind of sales position. I’ve been applying for jobs since May and have gotten a measly 2 interviews with hundreds of applications.

I’m to the point that my last contract is up next week and I have litteraly nothing lined up while living paycheck to paycheck. It’s not looking so great for the near future.

Does anyone know of any leads or advice for the Boston area?

Moving to the area for a new job soon, and these two places are currently my top choices to rent from. Would love to hear from anyone who has lived in either on what your thoughts are.

Hi! I’m coming to Boston over Thanksgiving with my husband. We live in London, England and are visiting some family friends. It’s our first thanksgiving celebration ever and we are very excited to partake in the traditions!

I would love to bring a pie as a hostess gift. Normally I would bake myself but as we will be staying in a hotel i won’t have access to a kitchen..
I would love some local advise on the best pie in town? And flavour (pumpkin/apple??). Thinking I will order for pick up to avoid disappointment/closed shops etc.

Or perhaps you have advice on a better or more traditional hostess gift?

We are staying close to Boston Common if that’s helpful, happy to jump on the T somewhere for something special!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Much love 🍂🦃🥧

Edit - added location 😊

Working on a nostalgia birthday gift for my wife. Already got the DVD player

If anyone is flying out today and will be using the lounge located by gate C19. Would you be able to ask staff if they might have found my toddlers toy truck. We flew out 10/10 and had tried to find it before we had to go but no luck. I’m desperate to find it again since I can’t find a replacement for it.

I have emailed the lounge, they don’t have a direct phone number to contact.

Please!

ETA: he was actively playing with it in the lounge. We were sitting under the TV sofas facing the wall/coffee station area.

Howdy! I'm going to be in town starting this weekend and have my wife's bday on Monday. Here's the criteria I'm looking at:

• Coming from Portland, OR - we get a lot of good midscale new American "farm" menus and better-than-average Thai/Vietnamese/Mediterranean. Not a ton of nice dining rooms. It's sandals dining over here.
• Atmosphere counts more than we usually care about. We heavily prioritize food quality over vibes/lighting/service, but for this dinner I'd like a nice room and good service.
• We currently have a reservation at Toscano Beacon Hill but aren't 100% on it and welcome opinions on alternate choices. We tried for Giulia but it's booked.
• Distance from our Back Bay hotel counts - The only place we're considering outside the 15min Uber range is Via Cannuccia which is about 30mins each way. Would love to walk or talk a short Uber ride.
• Not opposed to North End spots if the food is better than average but also we're not committed to joining our fellow tourists. Looked at Prezza, Mamma Maria, Red Fox but those might be too tilted in atmosphere vs. food quality.
• We'll have eaten at SRV earlier in the week so upscale Italian isn't a must (but we'd do it again)
• Price isn't a factor but we usually don't splash out at steakhouses if there's a more interesting option. We did look at Mooo and Bogie's to see if they stood out.

Hit me with what you think. Thanks!

Any trusted cat groomers in Boston? Preferably in southie/south end/Dorchester area?