AM Briefing: It's Another Hot One; 14-Year-Old's Murder Goes To Jury

Good morning. Top local stories and what we're watching this Thursday:

-- Yesterday was really hot. But today could be a few degrees hotter. Stay cool out there.

-- After a tentative deal was reached by negotiators, Pilgrim nuclear plant workers rejected a new contract offer, continuing the labor dispute.

-- Jurors may begin deliberations today in the trial of two men accused of fatally shooting a 14-year-old in 2010. [Boston Herald]

-- Citing the case's voluminous evidence, the lawyer for James "Whitey" Bulger is seeking a one-year delay in the trial's start.

-- Two key labor unions said they would no longer fight passage of compromise legislation that would revamp the state's teacher evaluation system. [Associated Press, via Boston Globe]

-- Later this morning, Brigham and Women’s Hospital will announce New England's first total artificial heart implant. (Update: See here.)

-- Taunton residents joined members of other Indian tribes at a hearing last night to largely oppose efforts by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe to take land into federal trust for a casino.

Sports:

-- The Sox crushed the Marlins with their biggest offensive attack of the season.