Medford is now accepting applications for the “2024 Outdoor Dining” program for eligible restaurants. Cost is not listed in Medford’s press release and rules, but dogs are.

Any eatery with a license that includes dog seating say pups can partake in outdoor seating as long as:
A. Every dog must be leashed and licensed.
B. Licensee shall provide bowls of water for the sole use of dogs.
C. Employees are not allowed to touch, pet, or handle dogs.
D. Dogs are not allowed on furniture.
E. Dogs are not allowed to eat from plates.
F. Post a conspicuous sign to designate the outdoor dog area.

That is sure to give Medford a leg up when it comes to al fresco customers.

Wall Street closes its best week

U.S. stocks closed their best of the year so far with a quiet finish on Friday, remaining near their records.

The S&P 500 slipped 7.35 points, or 0.1%, from its all-time high to close at 5,234.18. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 305.47, or 0.8%, to 39,475.90, and the Nasdaq composite rose 26.98, or 0.2%, to 16,428.82 to add to its record.

Nike dragged on the market after falling 6.9%. It reported stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it’s in the midst of several fundamental changes to inject more newness into its shoes and other products to make them more popular.

Shares of Lululemon Athletica also dropped despite a better-than-expected profit report.  Reddit fell 8.8% to give back some of the big gain from its dynamic debut on the U.S. stock market.