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The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University

The Daily Free Press

The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University.

The Daily Free Press

The Daily Free Press

Dan Lavoie, a busker also known as the Salem Satan, gives out free hugs for people in Derby Square.

GALLERY: Salem and the Halloween Industry

Kate Kotlyar October 22, 2023
Every fall, Salem transforms from a sleepy city on the North Shore to a bustling tourist destination faster than the leaves can change color. People come from all around the globe to soak in the spooky atmosphere and learn about the city’s ties to the Salem Witch Trials. Small businesses line the streets, selling everything from $80 palm readings to hand-made witch hats. 
Mei Mei Dumplings storefront

Mei Mei relocates from Fenway location

Sara Creato February 15, 2023
Mei Mei, a Chinese-American dumpling restaurant, relocated to a new location in South Boston on Jan. 21. The restaurant operates a cafe, cooking classes and, recently, wholesale production in their new dumpling factory.
$75 million to minority businesses

Gov. Charlie Baker grants $75 million in aid for small businesses

Casey Choung March 2, 2022
Governor Charlie Baker announced the allocation of $75 million to support small businesses on Feb. 23.
A “Proof of Vaccination Required for Dine-In” sign on the door of Dok Bua Thai Kitchen. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged Mayor Michelle Wu to reconsider the vaccine mandate for indoor dining in a letter Jan. 27. DAVID YEUNG/DFP STAFF

Massachusetts Restaurant Association petitions Mayor’s office to end indoor vaccine mandate

Olga Benacerraf February 8, 2022
The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged Mayor Michelle Wu to reevaluate the vaccine mandate for indoor dining.
East to West: Dec. 6, 2021

East to West: Dec. 6, 2021

Veronica Thompson December 6, 2021

Last episode of the semester! Today on East to West, we cover a BU event on using data science for racial equity, the jewelry brand Tchidite, and the 80th annual Boston Holiday Tree Lighting. Click...

construction worker walks across a steel beam

Janey announces programs aimed at tackling city contract inequity

Sam Trottenberg April 12, 2021
The new Boston Contracting Opportunity Fund will grant up to $15,000 to companies looking to bid.
osaka sushi and steakhouse in brookline

Andrea Campbell releases Restaurant Recovery plan

Greye Dunn April 5, 2021
Boston’s restaurants hopes to return to their feet following a year of public health restrictions.
newbury street stores in boston

White Massachusetts residents more than twice as likely to own a business than Black, Latinx residents

Anna Stjernquist March 31, 2021
Less than half a percent of Boston’s 2014-2019 contract spending went to Black-owned business.
boston university women in law

BU students find confidence, connection through women’s networks

Emily Pauls March 12, 2021
Boston University Clubs and organizations in the surrounding city have demonstrated a commitment to supporting women in a variety of fields, curating connections and confidence in aspiring professionals.
Cannabis plant growing in a greenhouse

Recreational dispensary proposed for Newbury Street

Sam Trottenberg February 25, 2021
The proposal comes from Rooted in Roxbury, a local minority-owned cannabis company. Although Newbury Street hosts tobacco and pipe retailers, there are currently no dispensaries on the strip.
Street in Jamaica Plain neighborhood

Boston remains highly gentrified despite housing efforts

Madison Mercado February 18, 2021
Boston was ranked third most intensely gentrified city in the United States between 2013-2017. Neighborhoods like East Boston, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park and South Boston were most affected.
Black Money Movement Instagram

BU Black female alumni discuss entrepreneurship in various industries

Ashley Soebroto February 18, 2021
Black female alumnae from Boston University stand as leaders in their post-graduation business endeavors.
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