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Boston's Morning Newsletter
How the T is making 14 Green Line stops more accessible with a new $67 million federal grant
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For the first time in American history, we’re waking up with a former president convicted of a crime. A New York jury found Donald Trump guilty yesterday on all 34 counts related to his 2016 Stormy Daniels hush money case. It’s a historic moment, but the legal and political saga is far from over.
Trump remains eligible to run for president as the presumptive Republican nominee. His legal team has signaled it will appeal the decision. And experts say Trump is unlikely to face prison time (sentencing is scheduled for July 11).
In Massachusetts, members of the all-Democratic congressional delegation said the conviction shows “no person is above the law,” while the MassGOP argued the case was “driven by political ambition” and “never should have been prosecuted.” Sen. Ed Markey simply posted a photo of David Ortiz celebrating. (No.34, get it?)
Read more here about the conviction and what it means for the 2024 election. But first, let’s switch tracks:
One small step for man, a giant leap for accessibility: Fourteen above-ground stops on the MBTA’s Green Line (the B and C branches) are getting accessibility upgrades, thanks to a $67 million federal grant. The upgrades aim to accommodate people with disabilities or mobility issues. “As a wheelchair user who has never been able to access these 14 stations independently before, this is essentially equivalent to constructing 14 new stations that never existed to me,” Brighton resident Olivia Richard said at a press conference yesterday. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng says construction will begin next year.
- Zoom in: Currently, riders at the 14 stops must take a big step up to get onto trolleys, making boarding difficult — and in some cases, impossible — for people with mobility challenges. The money will allow the MBTA to build raised platforms to close that 14-inch gap. The project also includes installing benches and lighting. Click here for the full list of stations slated for work.
- Zoom out: According to the T, 40 of its 70 Green Line stops (most of which were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) are considered accessible. So, the upgrades to these stops, plus the upcoming Symphony station accessibility project, addresses half of the remaining inaccessible stations.
On Beacon Hill: House lawmakers passed a bill yesterday to let Boston offer over 200 new liquor licenses in certain neighborhoods. The legislation would require most of the licenses to go to restaurants in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, East Boston, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Charlestown and Jamaica Plain over three years. It’s intended to revitalize neighborhoods and communities of color.
- Why is it necessary? Brahmin-era state laws cap the number of liquor licenses that Boston (and only Boston) can offer, which makes the coveted permits worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and drives many entrepreneurs and chefs out of the city. Listen to this Radio Boston segment for more on the system’s stifling impacts.
- What’s next: The bill still needs approval from the Senate and Gov. Maura Healey (who previously expressed support for giving municipalities more control over liquor licenses).
Early release: Cambridge Public Schools Superintendent Victoria Greer will step down on June 30, after the city’s school committee voted to force her resignation over a year before her contract ends. Greer said in a statement she was “saddened to leave” but has “no regrets.” While she touted several notable accomplishments during her three-year tenure, Greer faced criticism from parents and officials over hiring decisions and management.
- What’s next: Cambridge officials plan to find an interim superintendent while they look for a permanent replacement.
Coming in 2025: The IRS says it will make its free online tax filing system permanent, after a “highly successful” test run this year in 12 states, including Massachusetts. About 140,000 people took part in the Direct File pilot, according to the IRS. The agency is asking all 50 states to start participating in the program next year.
Heads up: Sumner Tunnel weekend closures are returning ahead of the full, month-long shutdown coming in July. Starting tonight, the harbor tunnel will close from 11 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday for four straight weekends. Click here for the schedule and detour details.
P.S.— According to a recent study, Massachusetts communities along the ___ are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illnesses. Take our Boston News Quiz and see if you know the answer.
