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Boston's Morning Newsletter
Here's why you can't bet on the Boston Marathon — at least not this year
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 the ending we wanted last night for Boston University’s hockey team, but there’s still some good news: it’s Friday. Just remember there’s two more weekend MBTA closures on the way (on part of the Orange/Green Line and the Fairmount commuter rail).
First, here’s what you need to navigate today’s news:
Don’t bet on it — and by it, we mean this year’s Boston Marathon. Even though Massachusetts recently legalized sports betting, the state’s Gaming Commission voted unanimously yesterday to reject a request by Boston-based DraftKings to add this month’s marathon to the broad catalog of sports Bay Staters can bet on. (While you can wager on car, horse and bike racing, road races and other non-Olympics running events currently aren’t included in the catalog.)
- Why? Commissioner Brad Hill said DraftKings’ request was “not ready for primetime.” The company wanted to allow bets on the top 20 men and women elite winners, plus over/under bets on each field’s winning time. But commissioners said the abrupt ask came in way too late to fully vet before the April 17 race.
- A word from the BAA: Marathon organizers worried there wasn’t enough time to put safeguards in place. “Until we can complete due diligence, our concerns include, but are not limited to, ensuring event security and potential influence on the outcome of the race,” wrote Scott Stover, the Boston Athletic Association’s chief marketing officer, in an email to the commission.
- Not happy about it: Commissioner Eileen O’Brien said she was “disappointed to say the least” that DraftKings didn’t reach out to the BAA earlier, especially as they prepare for the 10th anniversary of the 2013 marathon bombing. “Even needing to respond to this is a distraction for them,” she said.
- What’s next: Some commissioners did express openness to allow betting on the Boston Marathon in the future — so DraftKings could ask again (preferably a little earlier) before next year’s race. A company spokesperson said Thursday they respect the commission’s decision “and look forward to our continued work with them.”
A trend to watch: The number of Boston police officers who have voluntarily resigned has ballooned over the past three years, but nearly half still work for the city — now, as firefighters. The Boston Globe reports that it’s an unprecedented interagency transfer rate.
- What’s behind it? Per the Globe, “criminal justice observers point to a more comfortable lifestyle and the prevailing view of firefighters as local heroes in an era when many continue to demand greater accountability and transparency from police.”
More than 650,000 households in Massachusetts will get state-boosted SNAP payments today, thanks to a bill signed last week by Gov. Maura Healey. It’s the first of three monthly payments aimed at softening the blow of the program’s return to normal levels.
- The additional money won’t be as much as the $150 boost the average household got from a federal pandemic-era program that expired last month, but state officials say the average recipient will get still an extra $60 on top of their $323 monthly SNAP benefit.
Not content with solely terrorizing denizens of Brookline and Cambridge, wild turkeys are taking new territory: Dedham. WBUR’s Josie Guarino reports that town officials have been inundated by tales of aggressive turkeys, like birds jumping on trucks or harassing mail men. “Some [are] trying to walk into houses and others surrounding vehicles,” said Dedham Animal Control Officer Deni Goldman.
- What’s going on? Well, it’s the start of turkey breeding season in Eastern Massachusetts. State officials say that means some male turkey may aggressively “strut their stuff” by pecking, following or exhibiting other intimidating behavior at people.
- They’re no joke: A mail carrier in Cambridge had to get his hip replaced after getting attacked by a turkey last month.
- What should you do if one comes at you? Goldman suggests making loud noises or throwing water at the bird to shoo it away. Most importantly, do not feed the turkeys; you don’t want them to get comfortable around us. We can’t let the turkeys win!
P.S.— One state agency is offering new hires a sign-on bonus of up to $7,500 due to a labor shortage. Do you know which one? Then take our Boston News Quiz and test your knowledge of this week’s stories.
