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What to expect at Monday's meeting of New England governors and Canadian premiers
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.
Red Sox nation likely isn't too pleased with John Henry this morning. Last night, the team traded 28-year-old Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, following a dispute over the three-time All-Star's refusal to play first base.
Now, to the news:
Premier party: As world leaders convene in Canada today for the annual G7 summit, Boston is hosting its own international meeting. Gov. Maura Healey will welcome fellow governors from Northeastern states and leaders from several Canadian provinces this afternoon at the State House to talk about ways they can work together and maintain cross-border economic partnerships. WBUR's Anthony Brooks reports the meeting is an effort to push back against the Trump administration's trade war, which has hit Canada particularly hard. Here's what to know:
- Who is going? On the American side, Healey will be joined by Maine Gov. Janet Mills, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott. On the Canadian side, it's Doug Ford, premier of Ontario; Tim Houston, premier of Nova Scotia; Rob Lantz, premier of Prince Edward Island; Susan Holt, premier of New Brunswick; and John Hogan, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Who's not going: Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte aren't planning to attend. They are, however, sending representatives, according to Healey's office. The same goes for the premier of Québec, François Legault.
- What to expect: Anthony says the group plans to talk about ways to strengthen cooperation on energy, trade, tourism and manufacturing amid Trump's tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, and his offensive remarks about making Canada the 51st state. In a statement, Healey said "Canada is Massachusetts’ number one trading partner," and that Trump’s tariffs are hurting businesses on both sides of the border, "increasing the cost of everything" New Englanders and Canadians rely on.
- Watch: The group's discussion will be streamed live on YouTube starting at noon.
- Meanwhile, at the G7 summit... British Prime Minister Kier Starmer expects "intense discussions" about Trump's trade war and the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Here's what else is on the agenda.
Unfinished business: The federal government and Harvard University are back in court this morning. Just 10 days ago, a federal judge blocked a proclamation by the Trump administration that would have barred Harvard's international students from entering the U.S. Today, lawyers will meet to discuss terms to extend that block, WBUR's Emily Piper-Vallillo reports, as the Trump administration continues trying to prevent international students from studying at the university.
- This isn't the first time the Trump administration has tried to stop international students from attending Harvard. Back in May, District Judge Allison Burroughs temporarily blocked a move by the administration that would have revoked Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students. (This new order would bar foreign students from entering the country to get to campus.)
- The impact: Some harm has already been done, according to Harvard. Court documents from the university reveal that some international students have already experienced disruptions, like visa rejections, while others have deferred or withdrawn their admission. And at least one student has transferred schools.
- What's next: The federal government argues Trump's June 4 proclamation only bars new Harvard international students from entering the country, and should not be included in the injunction. By that logic, Harvard would need to seek an order separate of what's on the docket today to pause it.
- Go deeper: Take a look at this timeline of the monthslong legal battle between the Trump administration and Harvard.
From the ballpark to the picket line: More than 700 concession stand workers, cooks, servers and souvenir vendors at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall voted Sunday to authorize a strike unless they receive a new contract from management.
- UNITE HERE Local 26 has been locked in contract negotiations since its members' contract expired on Dec. 31. The workers are demanding higher wages (concession stand workers at Fenway make $10 less than the standard for similar jobs in Boston, according to the union). Aramark, the company that supplies Fenway's concessions, says it plans to continue service even if there is a strike.
Change of plans: Blue Line service between Orient Heights and Government Center was meant to resume today after a nine-day closure for maintenance work, but, unfortunately, shuttle buses will remain through at least the morning rush hour. The change up is due to the late completion of overnight track and signal work, according to the T.
P.S. — Chef Andy Husbands, owner of The Smoke Shop BBQ, will be at CitySpace tonight at 6:30 p.m. to share tips on how to take your grilled burgers to the next level. Your ticket will also include some bites like pulled chicken sliders, cornbread and pickles following the conversation.
