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Look out, Brookline: A 12-day partial closure of the Green Line begins today
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Pack an umbrella or jacket for when the rain arrives this afternoon. But first, let's get to the news, including a new 12-day MBTA line closure:
A dozen days of shuttles: The MBTA wrapped up its suspension of the Green Line's B branch last week. Now, it's the C branch's turn. Starting today, shuttles are replacing Green Line trolleys on the C branch through Brookline between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle. The shutdown will last for 12 days, through next Sunday, May 17.
- The reason: More work on the Green Line Train Protection System project. Specifically, crews are installing new infrastructure along the tracks. When the project is fully completed (current ETA: 2028), the track-side tech will combine with onboard tech to prevent trolley collisions and enforce speed limits.
- The damage: T officials recommend riders on the C branch budget for "at least an additional 15 minutes" of extra travel time, if you're commuting to downtown Boston from Cleveland Circle.
- Shuttle details: The buses are free, per usual. And they'll stop at every closed C branch station, except Saint Mary’s Street, Kent Street and Brandon Hall. During rush hour, there'll also be a fast-track shuttle bus that only stops at Cleveland Circle, Washington Square, Coolidge Corner and Kenmore. Click here for more information about the shuttle stops.
- Pro tip: If you live near Cleveland Circle, walk over to the D branch. The D branch's Reservoir and Beaconsfield stops are about a four-minute walk from the Cleveland Circle and Dean Road stops, respectively. And the T is running additional trolleys on the D branch to help.
- What's next: Green Line's E branch (Government Center to Heath Street) is in store for a seven-day shutdown starting at the end of the month.
In court: Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been found not guilty on charges of assaulting his private chef. A Dedham jury issued the verdict yesterday following a two-day trial. Jamila Adams, a former live-in personal chef, testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument on Dec. 2. However, Diggs denied the incident happened and his defense team argued prosecutors hadn't presented “a single shred of credible evidence.”
- Go deeper: The Associated Press has more here on how Diggs' lawyers worked to undermine Adams' account in the eyes of the jury.
On the docket: Massachusetts' top court will hear arguments today in an unordinary case: state Auditor Diana DiZoglio's lawsuit against the state Legislature. DiZoglio filed the lawsuit in February, after Beacon Hill leaders refused to cooperate with her audit into some of the Legislature's inner workings in the wake of a 2024 ballot initiative. Beacon Hill leaders say the audit violates the state's constitution.
- What's at stake? DiZoglio wants to look into the Legislature's use of non-disclosure agreements (a longtime priority for her), as well as its spending and procurement processes to ensure that, as she has said in the past, legislators aren't "giving out state contracts to their friends."
Meanwhile on Beacon Hill: The state Senate unveiled its annual budget proposal yesterday. Just like the House version, the bill comes in at around $63 billion and doesn't include much in terms of splashy new policy proposals, as top lawmakers try to navigate uncertain financial waters ahead.
- Zoom in: The Senate budget includes Gov. Maura Healey's proposals (also in the House budget) to roll back GLP-1 weight loss drug coverage for MassHealth members and cut the state parks' operations budget. It also mirrors the House on overhauling how county sheriffs are funded, following criticism of the current process. State House News Service has the details here.
Heads up: MassDOT is ramping up its partial overnight closures of Storrow Drive from five nights a week to seven nights a week. Starting Monday, officials say the 8 p.m.-to-5 a.m. shutdown of the parkways's eastbound side from North Harvard Street to Mugar Way will take place every night through the summer for tunnel repairs. Cars will continue to be detoured from Soldier's Field Road onto Memorial Drive.
- The silver lining: A MassDOT spokesperson said they will try to minimize the disruption to those driving to events like Red Sox games and concerts at Fenway Park this summer by delaying the closures until an hour after the events end.
P.S.— Today is your last chance to save 10% on Winston Flowers from WBUR for Mother's Day. Check out the different arrangements (from hydrangeas to orchids to lavender roses) and place your order here.
