• Mayor Walsh uneasy with office reopening plan; Congresswoman Pressley asks Governor to reevaluate timeline
  • Group of North End restaurateurs weigh their legal options
  • Boston Federal Reserve chief predicts double-digit unemployment through 2020
  • Parents and daycare providers grapple with uncertainty
  • Boston College will hold class on campus this fall
  • Wednesday’s Silver Lining: Somerville’s shared street initiative

 

  1. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley doesn’t think the state’s ready to reopen and has called on Governor Baker to reevaluate his announced timeline. Pressley believes reopening now creates a false choice between public health and economic recovery that will hurt our communities.

 

  1. While saying he is supportive of the Governor’s reopening plan, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is uncomfortable allowing Boston businesses to have 25 percent of their workforce in office buildings starting on June 1. Walsh anticipates reducing the number while asking employers to continue to allow their employees to work remotely if possible.

 

  1. North End restaurant owners are weighing their legal options over the Governor’s decision to leave in-person dining out of phase one of the reopening plan. Currently, restaurants will be able to offer dine-in service during phase two of the reopening plan if public health data continues to move in a positive direction. There is no defined time table for phase two to begin.

 

  1. President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Eric Rosengren expects the nation’s unemployment rate will remain at double-digit levels though the end of the year after peaking at 20 percent. Massachusetts unemployment rate has been higher than the national average.

 

  1. No sign of relief coming for families trying to juggle work and child care as the state’s Department of Early Education and Care is still working on guidelines for when and how daycares can reopen leaving parents feeling anxious.

 

  1. Boston College intends to resume classes on campus this fall. Steps required to resume in-class instruction will take place over the summer in accordance to state guidelines. Many colleges and universities including UMass, have yet to decide the fate of their fall semester.

 

  1. MOVE OVER CARS: Somerville officials announced a shared street initiative to make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around while maintaining social distancing protocols. The pilot will encompass about seven miles of mostly interconnected routes and will allow people to take over the middle of roadways as they venture out.