Week In Review: Esplanade Security, Whitey Tapes, Budget Debacle

We discuss this week's top stories, including the increase in security at Boston's Fourth of July celebration, the use of jailhouse recordings in the trial of James 'Whitey' Bulger, and the ongoing debate over transportation funding in the state's budget.

Callum Borchers, business reporter for The Boston Globe.

John Carroll, communications professor at Boston University and the blogger behind campaignoutsider.com and itsgoodtoliveinatwodailytown.com.

Radio Boston, "It’s been 4 weeks to the day since the racketeering and murder trial of admitted mobster James “Whitey” Bulger began, and in that time, we’ve heard testimony alleging Bulger’s involvement in everything from money laundering to drug dealing to murder. We dive into Bulger’s connection to the drug trade — something Bulger has long denied."

Radio Boston, "The legislature has approved a three-cent per gallon hike in the state’s gas tax. But Governor Patrick says that’s not enough to close a massive transportation funding gap, so he’d like to raise the gas tax by up to five more cents."

Radio Boston, "It might be a sad irony about the times we live in, but the news about this year’s Independence Day festivities in Boston has a lot to do with what you can’t do.  The upcoming 4th of July celebration on the Esplanade is the city’s largest event since the Marathon bombings, and safety, understandably, is on just about everyone’s mind. "

Radio Boston, "One trillion dollars and growing. That’s how much Americans owe in outstanding student loans. The heavy debt burden is a drag on the economy, and tough on young people starting out in life. And as of today, that burden is about to get even heavier for many current and future students."