WBUR News

Closures due to the coronavirus have been extraordinarily difficult for small businesses in Massachusetts, but now, the state is readying to reopen many of them.

With less than five months until Election Day, WBUR's Morning Edition checked in with senior political reporter Anthony Brooks.

As colleges face increasing financial uncertainty during the pandemic, hundreds of faculty members in Boston could lose their jobs. Students are coming to their defense.

The governor's move to further reopen the Massachusetts economy comes amid a decline in average daily new COVID-19 cases of more than 80% since mid April. Yet the state is still averaging hundreds of new cases every day.

To help explain, WBUR's Morning Editon turned to reporter Callum Borchers.

Restaurants can serve sit-down meals again, starting Monday, but all seating must be outdoors. There's no mingling at the bar. Fancy silver- and stemware may be replaced by disposable plastic, in the name of cleanliness. And diners have to wear masks, except when seated for meals.

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in Bangor on Friday that removes most of the fishing restrictions former President Barack Obama ordered off the Atlantic coast.

Dan Gutekanst, Superintendent of Needham Public Schools, joined WBUR's All Things Considered to talk about how he and other superintendents are addressing race issues with their teachers and students following the death of George Floyd.

It takes time for COVID-19 symptoms to show up. So, if more people are getting sick now because of loosened restrictions during phase one of the plan, they won’t know or get tested for several days. Health experts say it’s possible that some transmission of the coronavirus has risen already.

The National Basketball Association will restart its season in late July, after the league shut down nearly three months ago in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.