Josh Kraft is officially kicking off his bid for mayor of Boston today, making his campaign debut this morning in Dorchester. Kraft, a well-known figure in Boston and the broader Massachusetts area, is looking to bring his political experience and leadership to the mayor’s office. For a deeper dive into his career and political history, you can check out Walter Wuthmann’s full feature on WBUR, or if you’re looking for a quicker read, the TLDR version is available.
While Kraft’s announcement is a big event in the city, it’s not the only news impacting Massachusetts today. Across the state, businesses are grappling with the uncertainty brought on by shifting tariff policies from President Trump’s administration. The tariffs, which were set to officially take effect today, are causing significant challenges for businesses, especially those in industries heavily reliant on international trade.
Massachusetts’ three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—are directly affected by these tariffs. However, in a surprising turn of events, Trump announced that he is putting the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico on hold for a month.
This comes after reaching agreements with both countries over border security concerns. The 10% tariff on China, however, did take effect as scheduled, causing waves of retaliatory measures from the Chinese government. This news has created a lot of uncertainty, especially as businesses are trying to plan for the future.
Governor Maura Healey has expressed concern over the impact these sudden tariff changes are having on local businesses in Massachusetts. Speaking to reporters, Healey highlighted the problems caused by the unpredictability of the tariff situation.
She explained that businesses need stability and certainty in their supply chains, something that has been difficult to achieve due to the constant shifting of tariff policies. Some businesses have already started stockpiling shipments in anticipation of the tariffs, trying to get ahead of the changes. However, for certain sectors, such as restaurants, the unpredictability makes planning difficult.
Steve Clark, CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, noted how the uncertainty surrounding tariffs makes it hard for restaurants to source perishable food and plan their menus for the coming weeks and months. The biggest question hanging over many businesses is what will happen next week, next month, or even further down the line.
If the tariffs eventually go into full effect, Massachusetts residents are likely to see some price increases in key areas. According to Jim Brett, head of The New England Council, residents could expect higher prices on grocery items, car repairs, and energy bills. Governor Healey also pointed out specific imports to Massachusetts that would face increased costs.
These include seafood and car parts from Canada, fruits and TVs from Mexico, and clothing and electronics from China. Another concern is that tariffs on Canadian lumber could potentially slow down housing production in the state, adding to the already-high demand for housing.
The rising costs due to tariffs are also expected to impact consumers’ electricity bills. Some heating oil providers have already warned that prices for oil might rise, and these costs could ultimately be passed on to consumers. Governor Healey has voiced concerns about how these rising costs could affect Massachusetts residents, particularly those who rely on oil or other delivered fuels to heat their homes.
To gather more input from residents, WBUR’s Miriam Wasser is reaching out to hear from people who are worried about how the tariffs might affect their next heating oil delivery. If you use oil or another fuel source for your home, you can share your concerns with her by replying to her email or reaching out directly.
In other news, Massachusetts has officially created a poet laureate position, making history as the state’s first-ever poet laureate. Governor Healey signed an executive order yesterday to establish the role, which is aimed at promoting poetry and the written arts across the state.
Healey emphasized how important it is to cultivate a love of poetry and the many valuable skills that come with it, such as reading, writing, and creative thinking. Massachusetts has a rich literary history, with famous poets like Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson hailing from the state, and this new role reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to arts and culture.
The poet laureate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as organizing literary events across the state, writing poetry for ceremonial occasions, and advising the state on outreach programs that encourage young people to engage with poetry.
The position also comes with a stipend, although the exact amount has not yet been determined. Governor Healey’s office plans to release more information about the application process in the coming spring, opening the door for poets from across the state to apply for this prestigious position.
For those living in Beverly and part of Wenham, there’s an important election coming up this spring. The special election will fill the seat of former state Rep. Jerald Parisella, who decided to take a judgeship rather than seek an eighth term on Beacon Hill.
The election will take place on May 13, with the primaries scheduled for April 15. Residents will soon be able to see the list of candidates vying for the position and participate in the democratic process that shapes their state government.
In a much more personal story, a Lynn teen, Zeneyda Barrera, has been released from ICE custody after a highly publicized case. Barrera, 18, was taken into custody after allegedly pushing her brother during an argument, but state prosecutors announced last Friday that they would not pursue domestic assault charges. Barrera’s release has brought relief to her family, and her case has sparked conversations about immigration and the role of law enforcement in such matters.
Lastly, today marks the first-ever Rosa Parks Day in Massachusetts. This new commemoration was made possible by the efforts of a Unitarian Universalist minister from Fitchburg, who worked to convince state leaders to officially honor the day. Rosa Parks Day is an important day for recognizing the legacy of the civil rights movement and honoring the memory of Parks’ courageous act of defiance that sparked a nationwide movement for racial equality.
As Massachusetts faces new challenges with tariffs, rising prices, and shifting political landscapes, one thing is clear: the state is in a period of significant change. With new initiatives, elections, and ongoing struggles over trade policies, the next few months are sure to be filled with uncertainty and opportunities for growth.
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