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The downside to this warm, dry weather? Increased wildfire risk across much of Massachusetts.
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The downside to this warm, dry weather? Increased wildfire risk across much of Massachusetts.

Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from WBUR’s daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.


If you were one of the many television viewers who missed the raising of the Celtics banner due to that inexplicable commercial break, you can watch the full video here and catch up on the evening of celebration at TD Garden.

Now before you enjoy another day of warm weather like Wyc Grousbeck on the Common, let’s get to the news:

The downside of this beautiful weather: The National Weather Service warns that the risk of wildfires is increasing across much of Massachusetts today. WBUR’s John Bender reports that state firefighters say drought conditions, falling leaves and unseasonably warm temperatures have led to a higher risk of wildfires.

  • Enlarge: Crews have largely contained a two-acre fire that broke out Sunday at the popular Blue Hills Reservation in Milton. Although no trails have been closed, the fire is expected to continue to smolder until heavy rain arrives. “There will be some light smoke up there,” said Dave Celino, the state’s chief fire marshal. “No need to worry. But these are the conditions we can expect going forward until we see something like an end-of-season event, be it snow or heavy rain.”
  • Zooming out: This means the risk is unlikely to change anytime soon, according to Celino. “It’s fall foliage season,” he said. “And that’s why we want people to really have fun out there. However, you just have to be aware of the super dry conditions.” Celino noted that more than 95% of all wildfires are caused by human activities.

The last laugh? Even if voters approve the ballot question to eliminate MCAS as a graduation requirement, leaders on Beacon Hill suggested yesterday that they could have the final say. State law allows lawmakers to change or even eliminate measures approved by voters on ballots. House Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka and Gov. Maura Healey have all expressed public opposition to Question 2, which is ahead in the polls.

  • What they’re saying: Mariano told reporters it was “premature” to “abandon” the standardized test. Spilka also said: “We will have some discussions if it comes through.” They also did not rule out tweaking other issues as well.
  • Flashback: It wouldn’t be the first time Beacon Hill intervened to enforce an election law. In 2003, lawmakers repealed a 1998 voter-approved law that provided for public financing of elections.

Now on Beacon Hill: Spilka said negotiators are “close” to agreement on an economic development bond bill that would invest more money in the life sciences and climate technology sectors – and Perhaps even paving the way for a New England Revolution stadium in Everett.

  • The bond bill — a top Healey priority — was among the bills the House failed to pass before the end of formal sessions this summer. Beacon Hill leaders would now have to hold a formal special session to pass the bill. According to the State House News Service, Mariano said he hopes this will happen before the election – which is just 13 days away.

Election update: About one in seven registered voters in Massachusetts have cast a ballot in the fall general election so far. That includes over 116,000 who voted early in person and over 602,000 who returned their ballots by mail at 4 p.m. yesterday.

  • PSA: That leaves more than 755,000 Bay Staters who have requested and received mail-in ballots but have not yet returned them. If that’s you, Sec. of State Bill Galvin recommends returning your ballot no later than next Tuesday to ensure it is counted. If you wait longer, Galvin recommends dropping off your ballot at a drop box or your city clerk’s office or voting in person. “The Postal Service itself has said that if it’s within the seven days, they can’t guarantee it,” Galvin told WBUR’s Dan Guzman.

Head up: The B Branch of the Green Line between Kenmore and Blandford Street is closed this morning due to what the T is calling a “switch issue.” Commuters are asked to use bus route 57 or Green Line Junction C or D as an alternative service.

PS: Massachusetts may not have fun “I Voted” sticker contests like New Hampshire or Michigan, but some local communities are taking the initiative, including Brookline, which is offering voters these very on-brand turkey stickers. Does your city or town distribute unique “I Voted” stickers? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected].

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