How Mass. May Use $ From Opioid Settlements

Also: 25 New England Olympians to watch in Tokyo; local COVID cases creep up ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  [Donate [WBUR]]( [View in Browser](  [WBUR]( July 20, 2021 Good Morning Boston, ⛅ Sunny, with a high near 87. Slight chance of showers after 5 p.m. We're back to talking about traffic, which means the "new Boston" [isn't so different]( from the old one. Here's what we've got for you today: - If you're driving on I-93 southbound this morning, expect a super slow commute. The highway is down to two lanes at Roosevelt Circle in Medford because a truck hit an overpass there yesterday. Traffic is already backed up miles to Woburn. And if this is your normal route, you'll want to plan accordingly for tomorrow because the repairs may take that long. - On Beacon Hill today: Gov. Charlie Baker is throwing one last "Hail Mary" to try to convince the state Legislature to start spending the state's roughly $5 billion in federal pandemic relief money sooner than later during a virtual testimony today. The funds, which were allocated last spring, have been sitting in a separate account for nearly two months while both the Legislature and the governor disagree over how fast and on which programs the money should be spent. Legislative leaders want a slow and deliberate plan to give out the money over several years. Baker wants $2.9 billion dollars to be spent right away on housing, job training, infrastructure and other key initiatives. - Another joint legislative hearing today is focused on a proposal to create a cyber security control and review commission to help set standards for state agencies and companies that the state does business with. The ultimate goal? Better protect your data from hackers and breaches. - COVID-19 [cases in Massachusetts]( are starting to creep back up. The seven-day positive test rate is 1.2% – nearly double what it was a week before and the highest it's been in two months. Right now, over 4.3 million residents are fully vaccinated. Here's your weekly reminder that the best way to keep yourself and others safe from COVID and its variants, according to health experts and the CDC, is to get your shots. - A proposal for a new state seal and motto is likely going to take longer than expected. The new commission reviewing it said they won't meet their October deadline. But their process will allow tribe members, representatives for the state Commission of Indian Affairs and others to recommend design changes. P.S.– Need to add a little pep to your step this morning? This ["Modern History of Boy Bands In Five Songs"]( did it for me. Fun fact: This month is the 20th anniversary of the release of *NSYNC's "Celebrity" album... and now I feel old and need to dance it out even more. — Meagan McGinnes [@meaganmcginnes]( newsletters@wbur.org The Rundown [1.](url)[How Mass. May Use Millions From Opioid Settlements]( “We’re ready to roll, just waiting for funding,” said Gina Armstrong with the Pittsfield Health Department. Overdose deaths rose 44% last year in Berkshire County. [Read more.](   #%23%23[Twitter](  #%23%23[Facebook](    2. [25 New England Olympians To Watch In Tokyo]( There are more than 600 members of the U.S. Olympic team heading across the Pacific amid the pandemic. That includes 25 athletes who call New England home. [Read more.]( 3. [Low Pay, No Benefits, Rude Customers: Restaurant Workers Quit At Record Rate]( Now "help wanted" signs are everywhere, with a staggering 1.2 million jobs unfilled in the industry, right when customers are crushing through the doors, ready to eat, drink and finally socialize. [Read more.]( 4. [Mass. Republican Party Contends With Scandal, Resignation And Division]( The Massachusetts Republican Party is in turmoil following the resignation of its vice chairman, Tom Mountain, who stepped down Sunday night amid allegations that he posted inappropriate comments on Facebook. It is just the latest challenge from the state GOP. [Read more.]( 5. [Ben & Jerry's Says It Will Stop Ice Cream Sales In Occupied Territories]( The Vermont-based ice cream maker said it would continue sales inside Israel but would not renew its license with the Israeli manufacturer that has produced the company's legendary flavors locally for more than three decades. [Read more.]( Support the news Anything Else? - Jeff Bezos is set to become the second billionaire this month to [reach the edge of space](. He'll do so today aboard a rocket built by Blue Origin, his own company. - Single and ready to mingle? You're not alone. In the U.S., [Google searches for "dating"]( have reached a five-year high. - If you're looking for some new music, hip-hop artist $hayBand$ comes into her own on her latest EP. [Read our review]( and give it a listen. - Stories help me cope with my cancer, writes psychiatrist Adam Stern [in this essay](. They can help us through the pandemic, too. [WBUR] Your Daily Must Listen [On Point | In Author Ian Manuel's 'My Time Will Come,' A Look At Life In Solitary Confinement]( [Listen]( TIPS & LIFE ADVICE [How To Heat-Proof Your Summer Workout]( Ticks Suck. Here's A Guide To Identifying Them And Avoiding Bites. [Read more.]( How To Help Your Garden And Plants After All This Rain. [Read more.]( With The Delta Variant Spreading Fast, Is It Time To Mask Up Again? [Read more.]( Want more tips to win at life, and your weekend? [Sign up for WBUR's Weekender newsletter.]( It will hit your inbox every Saturday morning. What We're Reading - Clearing up confusion about AAA and the Mass Pike ([The Boston Globe]( - Opinion: The Simplest Tool for Improving Cities Is Also Free ([The New York Times]( - I'm a Frito-Lay Factory Worker. I Work 12-Hour Days, 7 Days a Week ([Vice]( Tell Me Something Good [Simple, Rustic Dessert Recipes That Celebrate Summer Fruit]( "These three rustic fruit desserts all share several characteristics: They focus on showing off summer’s best fruit. None of them are fussy or difficult, nor do they take a whole lot of time. But they all have a big 'wow!' factor," Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst says. Before you go: "Loki" fans, [this one's for you.]( 😎 Forward to a friend. 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