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Boston's Morning Newsletter
Mass. invests nearly $1.4 million to plant trees in 14 communities
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It may just be a plain old Monday to you, but for fans of Nintendo, it’s Mario Day. (Seriously!)
Now, let’s get to the news:
Finding a shady spot: Massachusetts’ Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs wants to help residents stay cool this summer. That’s why the department is investing nearly $1.4 million in an initiative to plant trees in 14 communities across the commonwealth, as WBUR’s Josie Guarino reports. The effort to mitigate the effects of extreme heat is called the “Cool Corridor Grant Program.” Here’s what to know:
- The selection process: Of the 17 proposals received from municipalities across Massachusetts, 14 were selected for funding, including Watertown, Swansea and East Boston. “The criteria had to do with things like lack of existing tree cover, lots of impervious surface in the community, meaning pavement [and] things that would contribute to the urban heat island effect,” Kurt Gaertner, assistant secretary of environmental policy, told Josie.
- How many trees? Well that’s relative to that specific area’s need. Chelmsford, for example, will plant 25 new trees in its local dog park, said Gaertner. Everett will get 75 new trees across the city, while the town of Sandwich has planned for around 60 along its Town Neck road.
- Long term: The grant will also cover upkeep and watering for the trees for up to two years after they’ve been planted. Gaertner expects most grantees will begin planting their trees now with the start of spring, though others may wait until the fall.
Hitting home: The Federal Communications Commission is looking into on-air sponsorships — also known as underwriting — at 13 public media organizations across the country. WBUR is one of them.
- What to know: The FCC is requesting information about the stations’ underwriting practices by March 31. The letter request comes amid an ongoing investigation into NPR and PBS, led by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. He’s suggested some public media organizations are violating federal guidelines by running what he deems to be commercials. In an email to WBUR staff last month, Chief Executive Margaret Low said, “WBUR is highly attentive to FCC and NPR guidelines. Every spot we air — local or national — is reviewed to ensure that we’re adhering to those guidelines.” WBUR’s Miriam Wasser has the full story here.
Eyes on City Hall: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office is expected to make a “major housing announcement” today. (Listen or head to wbur.org later for more updates.) It comes as the city’s affordable housing supply remains a major issue in this upcoming mayoral race.
- Wu’s opponent, Josh Kraft, went on WCVB’s “On The Record” Sunday to outline his plans for rent control, which would be voluntary and focused on landlords. “[It’s a] 10 year commitment, keep rents at a sustainable level for the citizens of Boston, and in return, they’ll get a 20% tax rebate at the end of the year.” A version of rent control has also been on Wu’s wish list, but an attempt early in her term failed in the legislature.
Job hunt: The state’s department of Labor and Workforce Development unveiled a new tool Friday meant to help laid off federal workers from Massachusetts find jobs. The website, which can be found at mass.gov/fedup (quite punny), lists resources for veterans, training opportunities and methods to search for careers in both the public and private sectors. More than 46,000 residents work for the federal government, according to Gov. Maura Healey’s office.
ICYMI: Longtime Bruins player Brad Marchand is going south. Bruins fans received a surprise Friday when news broke that Marchand, the team’s captain, was traded to the 2024 Stanley Cup winner the Florida Panthers in a major roster shakeup. Bruins forward Charlie Coyle and defenseman Brandon Carlo were also traded the same day.
P.S. — Having a little trouble adjusting to daylight saving time? You’re not alone. Here are a few tips to make the transition easier.
