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Boston's Morning Newsletter
A look at Elizabeth Warren's re-election bid — and other 2024 Senate races
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
It wasn’t a bad weekend to be a hockey fan in Boston. The Bruins won both their games to tie the franchise wins record, and the Boston University men’s hockey team is headed to the Frozen Four. They’ll play against Minnesota next Thursday. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s start with what’s ahead this week:
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is making it official: She’s running for re-election in 2024. The 73-year-old Massachusetts senator announced her campaign for a third term this morning with a slightly salty video on social media, pledging to continue to push for a wealth tax, affordable child care, climate change mitigation and stricter rules on banks. (Topical!)
- The local angle: While those aforementioned agenda items (wealth tax, childcare, etc.) may sound familiar to those who followed Warren’s 2020 presidential campaign, her announcement also included a local subject of increasing relevance as states compete for federal infrastructure dollars: “Build a 21st century transportation system across all of Massachusetts.”
- The backdrop: Warren has been saying publicly for months — 22, to be exact — that she intends to run for a third Senate term. But that hasn’t quashed persistent rumblings that she might change her mind, opening up the seat in a state full of ambitious young Democrats. This morning’s news appears to put an end to those rumors. The video also features support from longtime allies like Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
- Zoom out: Democrats functionally hold a one-seat majority in the Senate, but they’ll be playing defense in 2024. A total of 34 Senate seats will be up for grabs, 23 of which are currently held by Democrats and independents. Here’s a look at some of the early jockeying.
The MBTA’s East Boston ferry has returned to the water. After a winter hiatus, the seasonal pilot ferry service — first launched last September — resumed daily service this morning, offering 10-minute trips back and forth between Eastie’s Lewis Mall and Long Wharf.
- One difference: With the T’s subway system beset by slow zones, the MBTA tweeted Sunday that riders will be allowed to board the ferry by just flashing their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket. (Otherwise, it costs $2.40 each way on the mTicket app.)
- The ferry will run from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. on weekdays (and between 9 a.m. and 8:45 p.m. on weekends). You can view the full schedule here.
- The pilot is currently funded to run through September. After that, it’s up to lawmakers to decide whether to keep it going. WBUR’s Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez has more here on the effort to make the service permanent.
Elsewhere on the T: Beginning today, the MBTA is making the Worcester/Framingham commuter rail line available as an alternative for Green Line riders while they work to address lingering slow zones. (Just show your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.)
- Orange Line service is also shutting down early between North Station and Wellington at 8:45 p.m. each night today through Thursday for track work. Your alternatives are shuttle buses (which are free for everyone) or the commuter rail.
Meanwhile, a name has emerged in Gov. Maura Healey’s search for a new MBTA general manager. The Boston Globe reports that Philip Eng, the former head of the Long Island commuter rail system, is atop the governor’s shortlist of GM candidates.
- What’s next: After the months-long search, the Globe reports that Eng could be formally announced as the new GM as soon as today.
Start preparing for a new name on the banners at the Boston Marathon: After 37 years, next month will be the last marathon with Boston-based insurance company John Hancock as the principal sponsor. The BAA is set to reveal its new partner for 2024 and beyond this morning.
- Psst: There are some hints that the new sponsor’s name rhymes with Ank of Bamerica.
P.S.— Wu will be back in the WBUR studios today at 11 a.m. for her monthly appearance on Radio Boston. If you have questions for the mayor, don’t hesitate to send them in by tweeting @RadioBoston or joining our text club by texting BOSTON to 617-766-0382.
