Keller on the best slogan for Boston

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Keller at Large

Local headline writers are calling this Boston’s “Mega-Summer” due to the confluence of the Tall Ships coming to the harbor, all the American 250 hoo-ha, and the World Cup flop fest kicking off nearby.

Considering the wretched traffic, tourist mobs and price-gouging coming to a boil during the swelter-fest promised by El Nino, maybe “Mega-Bummer” would be more apt.

But our trademark negativity must compete with the city’s new marketing catchphrase rolled out last month by a gaggle of well-meaning politicians and businesspeople: “You Can’t Beat Boston.”

The “YCBB” campaign comes complete with a beer, which we haven’t sampled, and a song, which we have. (We wanted to analyze the lyrics but they’re virtually unintelligible.) It’s all supposed to help persuade young talent and investors to do their business here and quit bolting for greener pastures.

But it’s unclear what you can’t beat Boston at. Certainly not basketball, hockey, football, baseball, affordable housing development and capitalizing on the AI revolution. Of the latter, Babson College management expert Peter Cohan notes “our problem is talent being drawn magnetically to the place where it's all happening. That's California, not here.”

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Ask your Senator to support S. 1114 and S. 1124 for Clean Slate legislation because an old CORI should not mean a lifetime of blocked opportunities.

HAPPENING TODAY

10:00 | A memorial gathering is scheduled to celebrate the life and work of Barney Frank, who represented parts of Massachusetts for 32 years in the U.S. House and before that, served in the Massachusetts House. Boston Mayor Wu and Gov. Maura Healey deliver remarks | Faneuil Hall, Boston

10:00 | Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on proposed changes to regulations governing transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft, including new driver suitability standards, deactivation review procedures, annual safety training requirements and vehicle electrification mandates | One South Station, 3rd floor, Large hearing room, Boston

11:30 | Education Secretary Zrike and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Martinez are among the featured speakers as Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education hosts its annual Leadership in Education Awards luncheon | UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., Boston

1:00 | Division of Insurance holds an information session on finalized regulations for pharmacy benefit managers, which under a 2024 law must be licensed to operate in Massachusetts | Register

2:30 | Gov. Maura Healey participates in press conference on the state’s preparedness for the 2026 World Cup matches. Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Public Safety Secretary Kwon and Interim Transportation Secretary Eng also join | MassDOT Operations Center, 2nd Floor Operations Room, 50 Massport Haul Rd, Boston

2:30 | Registered nurses and health professionals at BMC South, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, hold an informational picket as they press Boston Medical Center management to resume contract negotiations | Outside BMC South, 235 North Pearl St., Brockton

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FROM BEACON HILL

THANKS TO THE EMPLOYEES: The employees of several incumbent Democrats have pitched in to help out with their bosses’ reelection campaigns. The work is all within the legal confines of the job, their offices said, though some political experts say there can be a tricky balance when public employees decide to do so. — Boston Globe

NGUYEN LABOR ENDORSEMENT: SEIU State Council has endorsed Rep. Tram Nguyen in her campaign for the 6th Congressional District, calling her the “clear choice” in the packed Democratic primary race. SEIU Local 509 and 1199SEIU are among labor organizations within the Council, which encapsulates more than 120,000 union members.

—Sponsored—

As Summer Power Demand Builds, National Grid’s Work to Keep Massachusetts Running Is Already Underway

As electricity demand rises heading into the summer cooling season, National Grid is already taking steps to reduce risk, improve the customer experience, and support businesses and economic activity across the Commonwealth, helping bring energy to power possibilities for customers and communities. Investments in system reliability, coupled with proactive planning and newer technologies, help minimize disruptions and avoid costs that ultimately impact customers. — LEARN MORE

NEWS NEXT DOOR

OPIOID DEATHS FALL: In 2025, the number of opioid-related overdose fatalities fell below 1,000 for the first time since 2013. That decline mirrors national data, according to the Department of Public Health. — State House News Service via WBUR

NEW CONTRACT IN AMHERST: The Amherst Department of Public Works Associations have a new three-year contract after almost 18 months of negotiations and nearly a year spent working under an expired contract. — Daily Hampshire Gazette

KIDS LEFT OUT: As Boston Public Schools transforms its special education approach, some parents and educators are concerned that the district might not be able to meet the needs of all kids, especially those with more severe disabilities. — Boston Globe

A NEW PUSH FOR CAPE-BOSTON RAIL? There are initial talks amongst lawmakers and Cape Cod officials about expanding commuter rail service for the first time between Boston and Buzzards Bay. — Cape Cod Times

LOSING WETLAND PROTECTIONS: Isolated wetlands areas across the Massachusetts and the country could soon lose federal protection under the Clean Water Act of 1972. — MassLive

GILL RESTAURATEUR FOR GOVERNOR? Shady Glen Diner owner and Gill Selectboard member Charles Gabriel II is throwing his hat in the ring for governor as an independent candidate, inspired by the handling of the 2024 legislative audit ballot question. — The Recorder

REMOVALS AT BUNKER HILL: The National Park Service is poised to remove informational panels from Boston’s Bunker Hill Monument with quotes about immigration, suffrage and abolitionist movements, a move Gov. Maura Healey called “a disgrace.” — WBUR

How will Boston navigate federal policy challenges and economic woes in a time of political uncertainty? What are the challenges and opportunities facing Boston in 2026? Kicking off a blockbuster summer featuring the World Cup and America 250, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins MASSterList columnist Jon Keller for an in-person fireside chat at the MCLE Conference Center in Downtown Crossing. Register here.

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