Published March 17, 2011
A 110-pound light fixture crashed into the highway running through the “Tip” O’Neill Tunnel in early February, sparking a review of the more than 23,000 light fixtures that illuminate the tunnels built during the Big Dig.
State Transportation Secretary Jeffrey B. Mullan said that corrosion, most-likely caused by moisture and road salt, had eaten away at the aluminum rails that attach the lights to ceiling. After conducting a review, Mullan called the accident “a relatively isolated incident,” according to the Globe, and said that the tunnels were safe for travel.
Luckily, the dangerous light fixture dropped in the wee hours of the morning of Feb. 8 and didn’t impact any cars. The incident, however, brings to mind the 2006 tunnel ceiling collapse that killed a 38-year-old Jamaica Plain woman.
Overseas trying to bring economic development to the state, Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday reacted to the news that Massachusetts will lose over 1,000 Fidelity jobs. The firm gave the state no option to fight for the jobs being lost by the closure of Fidelity’s Marlborough campus, according to Patrick.
As Japan continues to struggle with a trifecta of disasters — the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear radiation fears that have wracked the country since Friday — many Massachusetts businesses with ties to the country are expecting dour economic news. As WBUR’s Monica Brady-Myerov reports, Japan is the state’s fourth largest destination for imports and Massachusetts companies will have to cope with a severely limited Japan for some time.
After winning the race to become Boston’s newest city councilor Tuesday, Tito Jackson walked the streets to thank his new constituents. He’ll take over for the scandal-plagued Chuck Turner.
Parents used to teenage angst and sarcasm might roll their eyes at this one: Every few months the Institute of Contemporary Art opens its doors and programs to a group not normally known for its passion for art — teenagers. Since 2005, the museum has hired teenagers to plan and market events designed to attract the younger set.
Fans who know him as a Pro Bowl safety currently playing with a $8.75 million contract might be surprised to learn that Patriots defensive back Brandon Meriweather grew up amidst guns, gangs, crime and drugs. On Feb. 28, Meriweather witnessed a shooting in his hometown of South Apopka, Fla., outside Orlando. The investigation is ongoing, and Meriweather has not been charged with any crime.
Millions of basketball fans around the world hope they have the Luck o’ the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament — “March Madness” — continues today, with a full slate of games.
WBUR has lots of St. Patty’s Day programming, including the Boston-based Irish rockers the Dropkick Murphys live in-studio on On Point at 11 am.
What we’re following: We’ll continue to follow the investigation into the faulty Big Dig tunnel lights, Newt Gingrich trolling the Presidential waters in New Hampshire and Gov. Patrick’s return to the state. Radio Boston will investigate the state of bus travel after a recent spate of deadly bus accidents.