Local News

Morning Updates: Hillary lauds Market Basket, Fung Wah might be gone for good

So long, old friend. The Boston Globe/David L Ryan

By Eric Levenson @ejleven

July 17, 2015

2 minutes to read

Good morning, Boston. Hillary Clinton praised Market Basket as the ideal of her economic plan, Fung Wah discount buses aren’t coming back, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Obama goes where no President has gone before – prison: “In becoming the first occupant of his high office to visit a federal correctional facility, Mr. Obama could not help reflecting on what might have been. After all, as a young man, he smoked marijuana and tried cocaine. But he did not end up with a prison term lasting decades like some of the men who have occupied Cell 123. As it turns out, Mr. Obama noted, there is a fine line between president and prisoner. ‘There but for the grace of God,’ he said somberly after his tour. ‘And that, I think, is something that we all have to think about.’’’ (The New York Times)

Hillary talks up Market Basket: “Speaking in New Hampshire Thursday, Hillary Clinton took a page out of just about every politician’s playbook from last summer: She paid homage to Market Basket. Clinton spoke about local companies that offer profit sharing with employees. ‘One you’re familiar with: Market Basket. Right?’ she said.’’ (Boston.com)

Farewell Fung Wah: “The discount Fung Wah bus line reportedly is off the road for good. The company’s founder has informed [New York City] that it won’t be able to return to business. Fung Wah also vacated a storefront it had been renting on Canal Street. The shutdown comes after Fung Wah was unable to find a new bus stop in Boston. It lost its stop at South Station two years ago after its license was revoked for failing to meet safety standards.’’ (NY1)

Report cites incompetence of Boston Redevelopment Authority: “The agency charged with overseeing the real estate boom coursing through Boston is a dysfunctional bureaucracy, its system for reviewing projects erratic, with just a few powerful staffers deciding how new buildings will look using ‘unwritten rules,’ according to a highly critical audit being released by City Hall Thursday.’’ (The Boston Globe)

Fun quotes from the 19th century debate over Boston’s first subway: “I regard the subway as a big humbug.’’ … “I understand that this subway is the latest public fad.’’ … “The subway [is] proposed to go under Tremont Street, where there is no congestion, unless it is caused by the anarchists and socialists who are allowed to gather crowds on the Common.’’ … “As [the law] was submitted to the people it was a double proposition, for an elevated road and a subway, a mongrel bill.’’ (Boston.com)