What Bostonians need to know this week
The Fourth of July is this week, which means you can expect an abundance of fireworks. The Celtics are hoping to create some of their own as the NBA offseason continues. Here’s a glance at what took place over the weekend, as well as a look at the coming week.
What happened over the weekend
Trump v. CNN, again:
President Donald Trump tweeted a bizarre mock video on Sunday morning depicting him beating up a man whose face is covered by the CNN logo. The edited video clip apparently dates back to a 2007 Trump appearance on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. In its response to the tweet, CNN said it was “a sad day when the president of the United States encourages violence against reporters.”
Mookie at the bat: Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts showed why he’s one of the most exciting players in baseball on Sunday, helping Boston to a 15-1 win over Toronto. Betts went 4-6 with two home runs and an astounding eight RBIs:
4-for-6, 3 R, 2 HR, 8 RBIs, SB.
Have a day, @mookiebetts: https://t.co/iUi619TUEr pic.twitter.com/qlASYl8TsO
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2017
The Celtics try to make a splash: Free agency kicked off at midnight on Saturday. While the Celtics were in the running for Paul George, he was traded to Oklahoma City, not Boston. However, Gordon Hayward (and potentially a few other names) remains a target, and the 27-year-old forward was in Boston on Sunday for a recruiting visit that included a stop at Fenway Park. The NBA “moratorium period“—during which free agents can negotiate with new teams but can’t sign deals—ends on Friday. After that, those free agents can officially sign with new teams.
What to know this week
Don’t expect a ‘boom’ in sharks off Cape Cod this summer:
Over the weekend, a leading shark researcher debunked a handful of media reports that predicted an increase, or “boom,” in great white sharks arriving in Cape Cod waters this summer. If you’re heading to the beach this week, brush up on shark safety tips.
Celtics summer league begins: Itching to see Jayson Tatum or international prospect Ante Zizic in a Celtics jersey? Here’s your first chance. The team kicks off its 2017 NBA Summer League in Utah on Monday with a game against the Philadelphia Sixers and their No. 1 draft pick, almost-Celtics guard Markelle Fultz.
The games will be broadcast on NBATV and CSN:
Monday, July 3: 7 p.m. vs. the Philadelphia 76ers
Wednesday, July 5: 7 p.m. vs. the San Antonio Spurs
Thursday, July 6: 9 p.m. vs. the Utah Jazz
The team will then travel to Las Vegas for an ESPN-televised game on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. against the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as an ESPN2-televised game on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. against the Portland Blazers. Check out the Celtics’ full Summer League roster here.
What’s happening in Boston
Have a Declaration of Independence-filled Independence Day:
On Tuesday, you can check out one of the 14 original copies of the Declaration of Independence at the Commonwealth Museum, next to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. It will be on display between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and both parking and admission are free.
Then celebrate July 4 in classic Boston fashion: The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and concert will return to the Hatch Shell for one of the nation’s most prestigious Fourth of July celebrations. The Boston Pops will be joined by Melissa Etheridge, Andy Grammer, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Leslie Odom Jr., and Odom Jr. promised Hamilton fans that they would not be disappointed by the show. The main show takes place Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. For those who want to avoid the crowds, the Pops will also play a rehearsal show Monday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Harborfest continues: In case you missed this past weekend’s events, Boston’s 36th annual Harborfest will continue through Tuesday. The historic celebration’s Monday and Tuesday schedule includes cruises and tours through the oldest parts of the city.
Get a taste of New York: Wait, hear us out. Katz, the iconic Manhattan deli known around the world, is touring the East Coast and supplying local restaurants with its famous pastrami. The tour hits Cambridge this weekend. According to Boston magazine, Central Square’s Little Donkey will feature Katz’s famous brined meat in a tostada-like sope, along with habanero salsa, crumbled cotija cheese, and pepitas for just $13 — which is a lot cheaper than a trip to the Big Apple.
…And a taste of Boston: Once you’ve finished your pastrami sope, head over to Boston’s first-ever pizza festival this coming weekend. The two-day event will have a diverse sampling of Boston’s pizza scene on-hand. General admission costs $15, while VIP tickets — which include an hour of free samples and access to a private bar — are $50.
Red Sox schedule (home games in bold):
Monday, July 3: 8:05 p.m. at the Texas Rangers on ESPN and NESN
Tuesday, July 4: 8:08 p.m. at the Texas Rangers on ESPN and NESN
Wednesday, July 5: 8:05 p.m. at the Texas Rangers on ESPN and NESN
Thursday, July 6: 7:10 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Rays on NESN
Friday, July 7: 7:10 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Rays on NESN
Saturday, July 8: 4:10 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Rays on NESN
Sunday, July 9: 1:10 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Rays on NESN
