After more than 100 matches across North America, Spain came out on top as the champion of the 2026 men's World Cup. Yesterday's final also included a splash of American culture — the tournament's first-ever halftime show, featuring heaps of global talent and even an appearance by the Muppets. Now, let's get to the news: Security concerns: Transportation Security Administration workers are carefully watching the confirmation hearings for their potential new boss, worried that he might allow more private companies to take over airport screening — something the Trump administration has advocated for. TSA head nominee David Cummins comes from the private sector and is a former senior vice president at government contractor Serco. Mike Gayzagian, president of AFGE Local 2617, which represents TSA workers in New England, told WBUR's Rob Lane he wants more clarity from Cummins on how the plan to expand private security screening at airports will affect TSA employees. - What they're saying: Cummins told a Senate committee on Thursday that the existing program is "pro-worker" and would not threaten the current workforce. But Gayzagian is doubtful. "My suspicion is that they'll do everything they can do to implement it, and he's coming in as a new administrator," Gayzagian said. "He has his bosses. His bosses' agenda is to push that program, and he's going to do whatever they tell him to do."
- Why privatization? The little-used federal program that allows airports to outsource security screenings — with TSA oversight — has been in place since 2004. Recent government shutdowns have led to TSA workers not getting paid (and long airport lines) and some think privatizing more of the workforce could insulate against that.
- In other air travel news: Logan Airport welcomed more than 1 million international travelers last month — a new record for the month of June. WBUR's Dan Guzman reports that soccer fans pouring into the state for World Cup matches in Foxborough were largely responsible for the spike. Sharon Williams, Massport's executive director for aviation, told Dan that Logan spent two years preparing for the influx of visitors (including $30 million in upgrades to the bathrooms). But despite the World Cup bump, the total number of passengers traveling through Logan this fiscal year was nearly 2% less than the year before
Heads up, Red Line riders: Starting tomorrow, shuttle buses will replace train service between Alewife and Park Street for ten consecutive days. The MBTA says the suspension is necessary so crews can complete infrastructure upgrades and revitalization work, including the replacement of floating slabs. Shuttle buses will make stops between all affected stations, and there will be an express shuttle running between Harvard and South Station if you need a faster ride. Here are other ways to get around during the closure: - MBTA alternatives: You can use bus routes 69 (from Cambridge), 87 (from Arlington), 91 (from Charlestown) and 88, 89 and 109 (from Somerville) to connect with the Green Line's Medford/Tufts and Union Square lines. The commuter rail will also be fare-free between Porter Square and North Station until July 30, but you'll need to purchase a ticket if you plan to go beyond Porter.
- Taking the shuttle? Budget ample time for travel. The MBTA says that the average rider going between Alewife and Park Street on the shuttle should carve out at least 70 minutes for their trip.
Better practices: The head of the Massachusetts State Police, Colonel Geoffrey Noble, says the department's training academy will reopen once new safeguards are established following the 2024 death of a recruit. Noble, speaking to WCVB, didn't say when a new class would start. - An independent review of the academy, commissioned after 25-year-old Enrique Delgado Garcia died following a boxing exercise, recommended more than 100 changes. Those recommendations ranged from stronger leadership to more wellness supports for recruits.
- Among the planned changes: Noble said there will be new leadership and oversight of the academy. "A recruit who shows up at our academy can expect that they will be trained in line with national best practices and they will be trained in a spirit of safety and wellness for them," Noble said.
- Four troopers with the State Police tactical unit are facing charges connected to Delgado Garcia's death. All have pleaded not guilty.
P.S. — Hungry? You can still snag tickets for CitySpace's Curated Cuisine session happening tonight at 7 p.m. WBUR's Solon Kelleher will moderate a panel featuring four artisan cheesemakers, and guests will get to sample cheese and wine following the conversation. Sound like your kind of night? Click here for more information. |
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