WBUR TODAY: Beep beep: Your July Fourth traffic report

                                               

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❤️ Donate Monday, June 29, 2026

☀️ Sunny, with a high near 82. Good Morning Boston, We're in the next phase of the World Cup: the round of 32 games. And there's one at Gillette Stadium today: Germany will face off against Paraguay at 4:30 p.m. (We'll have more details on what to expect from these knockout rounds in a special newsletter coming this afternoon.) At this point, you know the drill: Summer Street will be fully closed in both directions for eight hours between Purchase Street at Dewey Square and Dorchester Avenue for fans in line for the MBTA's trains to the stadium. (A plea from the T, don't show up early to South Station; come at your designated boarding time!) The southbound HOV lane on I-93 will open early at 1 p.m., but still expect traffic delays in Boston, Foxborough and around Gillette Stadium before the match. Speaking of bumpah-to-bumpah traffic ... Not another holiday record travel weekend: Happy 250th birthday America! To celebrate, we're gifting you advice from traffic experts to avoid holiday backups, whether you're heading north or down the Cape. AAA expects record travel for the Fourth of July, with more than 1.7 million people in Massachusetts venturing at least 50 miles from their homes — most by car. (That's just ever-so-slightly higher than last year's record.) When to leave? AAA spokesman Mark Schieldrop told WBUR's Fausto Menard drivers should consider hitting the road early, like Monday or Tuesday. But if you're working like the rest of us saddies, aim for early Thursday. "Anytime before lunch time should get you pretty smooth sailing," he said. "The worst of the travel and the impacts that you'll see are going to be occurring right in that afternoon commuting time. So the early bird certainly gets the worm and also beats the traffic just a little bit." When to head home? Early is, again, the name of the game Sunday. Return travel is expected to worsen between noon and 6 p.m. Filling up: While the recent dip in gas prices could give folks "a little bit of a boost and encouragement" to travel this weekend, they're still pretty darn high, according to Schieldrop. "Big picture, we're still looking at prices more than a dollar higher than they were last year," he said. "And last year, prices were relatively low in the grand scheme of things. Prices were barely above $3 a gallon over the holiday last year in Massachusetts." In the loop: Boston's new "Harbor Loop" ferry route begins today with year-round weekday service. Stops are at Lovejoy Wharf, Central Wharf, the Seaport and Logan Airport, which will allow "people to be able to embrace water transportation and other ways to get to the airport," MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said during a board meeting. The deets: The ferry will run clockwise in the mornings and counter-clockwise in the evenings. Fares cost the same as a subway trip: $2.40. In other ferry news: You can take a boat to see the Tall Ships, which is quite fitting. Tickets to take the MBTA ferry to Spectacle Island to watch the massive sail boats come in on July 11 go on sale tomorrow. Cutting contracts: Now that the city of Boston has finalized its FY27 budget, Boston Public Schools is officially notifying teachers and aides that layoffs are coming in the face of budget cuts. WBUR's Rachell Sanchez-Smith reports BPS and the Boston Teachers Union say the final number of eliminated positions won't be known until September. But so far, more than 500 teachers have been told their contracts won't be renewed for the upcoming school year, and according to The Boston Globe, over 100 paraprofessionals are also reportedly slated to be cut. Zoom in: Losing classroom aides essential to special education, in addition to the other layoffs, will make it "more difficult to meet the needs of all students," Boston Teachers Union president Erik Berg told the Globe. P.S.— You may have just wrapped breakfast, but tonight's Michelin-inspired Curated Cuisine at CitySpace will have you drooling. Join WBUR's Tania Ralli and chefs from Michelin-rated restaurants at 7 p.m. for a conversation about what this long-awaited recognition means for the city’s dining scene and what's next for Boston as a rising food destination. Plus, you'll see a live Mahaniyom martini mixing demo, and get to try bites of the restaurant's Nan Kai Todd (fried chicken skin) and eggplant caponata with pine nut dressing from Giulia. Buy tickets here. Meagan McGinnes-Bessey Managing Editor, Digital Audience & Community Engagement The Rundown Experts bet World Cup wagers will bring Mass. big tax revenue — and public health worries Experts say the tournament is on pace to be the biggest sports betting event in history, bringing new revenue to the state. But some fear it carries public health costs, too. Read more. For the first time Mass. colleges will offer three-year degrees At Suffolk University and Merrimack College students can get a compressed college experience in a handful of majors in just three years Read more. Haitians are hoping for some way to keep legal status in the U.S. Lawyers who argued case before the Supreme Court say the new ruling takes effect in roughly 32 days, and then a lower federal court will have to implement it. In the meantime, immigration advocates across the country say they’re weighing next steps. Read more. U.S. and Iran exchange strikes, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire President Trump accused Iran of violating their framework agreement, and Tehran threatened to halt negotiations with the U.S. entirely. Meanwhile, violence continued between Israel and Hezbollah. Read more. Mass. latest state to enact law on teaching kids to read The legislation, which emphasizes “evidence-based” literacy instruction, follows decreasing proficiency rates among third graders based on reading and writing state test results. Read more. Anything Else? Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is backing Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey for reelection, calling Markey "one of the strongest progressive voices in the United States Senate.” This week's forecast is looking hot and a "heat dome" is expected to bring dangerously high temperatures across the U.S. into the holiday weekend. If you do decide to venture out of the A.C. and want another way to stay cool, we've rounded up three ways to get on the water around Boston (that don't require a beach bag). The Trump administration is promising to launch "the largest fireworks show in history" in honor of America's 250th birthday this Saturday in D.C. Here's a glimpse at the work going into the display. "I’m not sure whether I’ll make it to the Berkshires this season, but sitting on a lawn somewhere, eating good food and listening to good music is high on my summer bucket list," writes Cognoscenti editor Cloe Axelson in this essay. What We're Reading 📚 The Disgrace of Kansas City? A crazy game nobody saw coming, with the outcome they did (The Athletic) Venezuelans from Mass. respond with assistance after earthquakes rock their homeland (GBH) Boston Harbor has become a fishing mecca after cleanup efforts: ‘There are fish everywhere’ (The Boston Globe) Life Advice Tips for taking care of your pets when fireworks are booming Communities around the U.S. are putting on epic fireworks shows for America's 250th birthday — but that spells trouble for dogs and cats. Here's a guide to help the animals in your life. Read more. Play: WBUR's daily mini crossword. Can you keep your streak going? Before you go: No cupcakes for you! WBUR's Hanna Ali helped write this morning's newsletter. 😎 Forward to a friend. They can sign up here. 🔎 Explore WBUR's Field Guide stories, events and more. 📣 Give us your feedback: newsletters@wbur.org 📧 Get more WBUR stories sent to your inbox. Check out all of our newsletter offerings. 📱 Download the WBUR App for iPhones and iPads or Android devices.

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Throughout the history of our country, when Americans have stood up and fought for justice, they have prevailed.

                                              

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      SHARED FOR INFORMATION AND EDUCATION! 

      THE U.S. IS THE ONLY INDUSTRIALIZED NATION THAT FAILS TO PROVIDE 

                       UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE AND MUCH ELSE. 

       INSTEAD, REPUBLICANS ARE SLASHING HEALTHCARE TO FUND TAX CUTS 

       FOR THE WEALTHY, EXPLODING THE DEBT AND DEFICIT AND FUNDING 

       THE BLOATED PENTAGON BUDGET FOR WAR MONGERS AND PROFITEERS.

       SLASHING FOOD PROGRAMS THAT FEED HUNGRY AMERICANS AND 

        DENYING FOOD TO HUNGRY KIDS? 

It’s Bernie Sanders. Let me give you the good news and the bad news. The bad news: Donald Trump is rapidly moving this country into an oligarchic, authoritarian society and is continuing his attacks against the working class. The good news: The American people are catching on and fighting back. Not only are Trump’s approval ratings plummeting, but strong progressives are being elected all across the country. But the work doesn’t stop there. If you want to see a Congress with the courage to stand up to the insurance industry, the fossil fuel industry, big tech, and the oligarchs who control the political and economic life of our nation – we have to work together. That’s why I am reaching out to you today. The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC is dedicated to electing progressive leaders across the country and they need your support. Will you donate $27 (or anything you can afford) today? The political future of our country rests upon one very simple principle: the need for working people to stand together, fight back against corporate greed and create an economy that works for all of us, and not just billionaires and large corporations. We have to get involved in the political process — run for office, connect with our local, state and federal legislators, donate to candidates who will fight for the working class of this country. We have to create new channels for communication and information sharing. We have to volunteer not just politically, but to build community locally. We have to support progressive candidates running for office and push establishment Democrats to find the courage to take on the billionaire class of this country. And today, I am asking for your help to do that: Please donate $27 or anything you can. Your donation will directly support the Progressive Caucus and progressives who need our help to win in the next election. If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly: DONATE $27   DONATE OTHER The struggle we’re in will not be easy, but keep the faith. We will win. In solidarity, Bernie Sanders

Thousands of Progressives have signed up to receive our messages straight to their phone! This is the best and fastest way to support Progressives. Text 'CPC' to 20704 NOW to join! Text "HELP" for help or "STOP" to end. Message and Data rates may apply. Thank you for being a dedicated supporter of the Progressive Caucus! We elect bold Progressives to Congress who will: We’re proud to be 100% grassroots funded, meaning we never accept SuperPAC contributions or Special Interest Money. If you want to chip in to be a part of our movement, click here. Chip in now to elect Progressives → Make a monthly contribution to elect Progressives → We’re emailing you today -- because we need to elect a wave of Progressive leaders. Without the help of our grassroots supporters, we’d have nothing. And if we can’t fundraise, Progressives will lose and Republicans will win. While Republicans rely on corporate SuperPACs, we count on grassroots donors like you to do our work. Every penny goes towards electing bold Progressives across the country. Chip in now to elect Progressives → Make a monthly contribution to elect Progressives → If you'd like to connect with us on Facebook, click here. If you'd like to follow us on X, click here. PAID FOR BY CONGRESSIONAL PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS PAC, WEAREPROGRESSIVES.ORG. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE.

                                             

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Sunday Message from a MeidasTouch Co-Founder Ben Meiselas and MeidasTouch Network Jun 29 Hey everyone, it’s Ben Meiselas, MeidasTouch co-founder, with our Sunday message. I know this is a little later than our usual Sunday coffee post. I actually had my coffee earlier today because I had a family event this morning, and then I had to get all of the morning news coverage up before I could sit down with all of you. So whether you’re still on your first cup of coffee this late, you’ve switched over to iced coffee, or you’re enjoying something else entirely, thanks for spending part of your Sunday with me. I’ve always said these Sunday posts are my favorite because they give me a chance to reflect on the week, talk about what’s ahead, and spend some time with this incredible community. I also saw all of your messages asking where the Sunday post was, and don’t worry, I wasn’t going to skip it. Before we get into everything, I want to thank all of you for continuing to support our Substack. We’re growing incredibly fast, and that’s entirely because of this community. If you haven’t subscribed yet, please do, and if you’re able to become a paid subscriber, it really does help us continue building independent media. Now let’s get into what’s been on my mind this week. One of the biggest stories has been everything surrounding the memorandum of understanding involving the United States and Iran and how Trump keeps violating it. We’ve now seen Trump order multiple strikes against Iran since the markets closed on Friday because Iran was “administering” the Strait of Hormuz as provided for in the MOU. I’ve said this from the beginning, and nothing that’s happened since has changed my view: Donald Trump isn’t a dealmaker. He’s a deal breaker. He’s a deal breacher. He’s a fraud. One of the biggest myths that’s been built around Trump is that he’s some negotiator or dealmaker. No. He’s a criminal and a fraud. His pattern has always been to avoid durable agreements and instead rely on vague frameworks, broad understandings, or arrangements that leave him maximum flexibility for fraud later. The strategy isn’t to negotiate in good faith. It’s to encourage everyone else to negotiate in good faith while preserving every opportunity to walk away, change the terms, breach the agreement, and commit fraud. For Trump, a deal is about exploiting the other side’s “good faith” and being a predator. That’s the pattern we’ve seen over and over again. I’ve also been clear that I don’t believe the United States should have been involved in this catastrophic and unlawful war in Iran in the first place. Given where we are now, diplomacy is always preferable to continued escalation. But regardless of anyone’s politics, agreements should matter. If governments sign them, there ought to be an expectation that they’ll work to carry them out rather than immediately undercutting them, as Trump has done with the Iran MOU. From my perspective, we’ve watched the administration violate the MOU it signed and announced almost immediately and every day thereafter. At the same time, Marco Rubio traveled throughout the Middle East discussing these issues to encourage regional governments to conspire in breaching the MOU. Heck, the Arab nations have said they are not even aware of the $300 billion reconstruction obligation they owe to Iran under the MOU that Trump signed on their behalf. Rubio himself has been characterizing the memorandum as a framework for future negotiations rather than as something that was already in the process of being implemented. Then we saw the separate Lebanon MOU framework. What struck me was how the Lebanon MOU framework was in direct contradiction to the Iran MOU. The Iran MOU has Iran involved in the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon. The Lebanon MOU has Israel remaining in Southern Lebanon for the foreseeable future. Netanyahu describes the Lebanon framework as killing Iran’s regional position. Rubio’s efforts in the Middle East with Netanyahu seemed designed to bring the United States back into war with Iran. I’ve talked before about what I call these recurring cycles under Trump. Everything always seems to be just around the corner. There’s another framework, another negotiation, another promise that the real deal is coming soon. We’ve seen versions of this before with healthcare, with trade, and with so many other issues. Instead of certainty, we get perpetual ambiguity, perpetual lies, and perpetual losing. Meanwhile, ordinary Americans are suffering. People are worried about paying for groceries. They’re worried about rent. They’re worried about electricity, healthcare, gas, childcare, and simply making it through another month. Those are the conversations happening around kitchen tables every single day, and that’s where our attention should be. That brings me to something else I’ve been thinking about this week. I’ve watched a lot of political pundits spend their time debating what the Democratic Party should look like, what the branding should be, what messaging consultants recommend, or what ideological lane someone should occupy. To me, that’s not where leadership begins. Leadership begins by listening. Before you tell people what they should think, you should understand what they’re actually experiencing. You should understand why people feel psychologically tortured. The wealth gap continues to grow. Too many people feel like those at the very top keep getting richer while everyone else is left trying to keep up. Whether people are talking about housing, healthcare, wages, or simply trying to build a secure future for their families, they’re looking for leaders who understand those struggles instead of talking past them. That’s what our focus should be. As we move closer to the midterms, I also think it’s important to recognize what’s coming. You’re going to see more efforts to divide people. You’re going to see enormous sums of money poured into media and messaging designed to inflame, distract, and turn Americans against one another. That’s what the right-wing oligarchs who control corporate news demand. We don’t have to play that game. Our job is to stay grounded, stay empathetic, stay informed, and continue fighting for people. We should be listening to people, elevating their voices, and keeping our attention on the issues that actually affect their daily lives. That’s what good leadership looks like, regardless of political party, and it’s what good journalism should strive to do as well. That’s certainly what we’re going to keep doing here at the MeidasTouch Network. We’re going to continue fighting for people, continue bringing you the news, continue asking difficult questions, and continue building this community together. So thank you for spending part of your Sunday with me—even if our Sunday coffee turned into a Sunday afternoon coffee this week. Honestly, I kind of like that every once in a while. It reminds me that these posts aren’t about sticking to a clock; they’re about taking a moment to connect with all of you. Thank you for everything you do for this community. Thank you for reading, for sharing our work, and for supporting independent media. If you haven’t subscribed yet, please do, and if you’re able to become a paid subscriber, it truly helps us continue growing. I hope you have a great rest of your Sunday, enjoy whatever you’re drinking, and we’ll be right back at it together this week. Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

COMMENTS: 

Thank you, Ben. Totally agree. This is just me, but I'm a 78 year old white woman who, before Trump, identified as Independent. Since Trump my husband and I vote Democrat. But here's the thing. I am sick of centrist Dems. I'm sick of Schumer and Jeffries and every old Democrat who's scared of Progressives. I'm done with Israel and their genocidal government. I'm done with any Democrat telling me who I have to support. I think Zohran Mamdani is the most exciting politician of our age AND I love the fact younger people are speaking up and pushing back. Democrats need to be very careful in who their pushing back on. The enemy is Republicans not the Left

I am 73yrs old and couldn't have said any of this better myself. I agree 💯

Schumer and Jeffries are managed by AIPAC. That did not go well for them in the recent NYC elections or in our primaries back in March. AIPAC lost!

When their time comes, I hope they're primaried.

the democrats are genocidal and enable the status quo. that is why the social democrats are kicking ass!

Trump is no deal maker. He is transactional only and cannot formulate complex or coherent concepts that would also require something in the nature of a plan.

It’s a good thing that he loves the uneducated, being one himself.