Published July 27, 2010

My take on stories in the news on this sunny and very warm Tuesday morning:

• A $4 million revitalization project makes me wonder, Should we rename Central Square? The one in Eastie, that is. Could be awfully confusing if the project has its intended effect.
• Sen. John Kerry is under fire from all sides — from anti-war people over the WikiLeaks (that reveal what we already know about Afghanistan, some observers say), and from the Herald over the non-payment of boat taxes. (If you buy a boat in Rhode Island, and you keep her in Rhode Island, why would you owe Massachusetts taxes? Can someone explain this?)
• The prospects of casinos in Massachusetts appear to be fading, since the House can’t get the Senate or the governor to agree to slots. Speaker Robert DeLeo, eager to make a deal before the legislative session closes on Saturday, said he’s giving it his “best shot” this week. Doesn’t sound promising. Meanwhile, people who care about other things feel like the Legislature is squandering valuable time when they could be working toward gun control, CORI reform, paid sick leave, sales tax reform and jobs.
• It seems a trooper a week is struck by an allegedly drunk driver while working on the side of the road. Actually, it IS a trooper a week. The sixth state police officer to be hit — a man ran over Trooper Paul Gifford’s foot — was on Sunday. What is going on?
• Gov. Deval Patrick, in a reputable poll, falls again to Republican challenger Charlie Baker. The difference is in the single digits. Meanwhile, the independent Tim Cahill, striving to stay relevant, makes gains. The GOP must now be desperate for Cahill to drop out, because their combined vote would send Patrick packing in November.

What stories are you reading this morning?