Last call for the Mass. ice cream trail

Also: A ride-share showdown; Mass. Save reaches out to new communities [Donate ❤️]( [View in Browser](  May 13, 2024 ☀️ Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Good Morning Boston, The Red Line is back to full service and we have [five full days before the next partial closure](. But first, let's get to today's news: - On the docket: Nearly four years after then-Attorney General Maura Healey [first sued]( Uber and Lyft, the long-anticipated court showdown between the state and the ride-share companies [goes to trial today in Suffolk Superior Court](. As WBUR's Amy Sokolow reports, a judge will decide whether the drivers are independent contractors or employees under Massachusetts' labor law. - The case for being contractors: Uber and Lyft argue their drivers set their own hours and drive for competing companies so they are "contractors." (Separately, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart are working to get [a question on the November ballot]( to affirm their drivers are independent contractors.) - The case for being employees: The state points to a law that says workers can only be classified as contractors if the service they provide is "outside the usual course of business of the employer." The state's lawsuit argues drivers' on-demand availability to pick up passengers represents the core of both Uber and Lyft's businesses. - Why it matters: Uber and Lyft drivers are only paid for the rides they give passengers (not the time they spend waiting), so they don't get a minimum wage (nor unemployment insurance or sick time). But if the judge rules they're technically employees, Uber and Lyft would be required to offer them those things. The companies say that would lead to either a major reduction in service or an increase in costs for riders. - I scream, you scream, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is screaming for ice cream (businesses). As WBUR's Stevee Chapman reports, the department is working to establish an official "Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail." The initiative will create a map — online and in print — of dairy farms and ice cream shops where people can find locally made scoops, pints and more. - Zoom out: The project has been in the works for over a year, and aims to promote the local dairy industry. Katie Rozenas-Hanson, a coordinator for the state's dairy promotion board, says it was inspired by Massachusetts' old[wine and cheese trail]( as well as [New Hampshire's "great" ice cream trail](. "We have roughly 100 dairy farms here," she said. "And so we really want to make sure we're highlighting all of the hard work that they're doing." - Zoom in: Today is the final call for dairy farms and stands that want to be included on the ice cream trail. They can fill out [this form](. - What's next: The goal is to launch the ice cream trail in July, coinciding not only with ice cream weather, but also [National Ice Cream Month]( (as proclaimed by former president Ronald Reagan). - On campus: Several graduating Emerson College students briefly disrupted the school's commencement yesterday to show solidarity with Palestinians — and opposition to college leaders. WBUR's Eliana Marcu reports one student draped a Palestinian flag across the podium when she was called to accept her diploma, while other graduates took off their caps and gowns while on stage. (You can see footage of some of the demonstrations [here]( and [here]( - The demonstrations during the Agganis Arena commencement came after [the arrests of more than 100 Emerson students]( last month when police broke up their pro-Palestinian encampment. - Zoom out: [College commencements across the country saw varying protests this weekend]( including students booing Jerry Seinfeld at Duke and splashing red paint across the UNC, Chapel Hill campus. - Mass General Hospital says there is "no indication" the death of the first human to receive a genetically modified pig kidney was the result of the transplant. Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old Weymouth resident, [died this weekend]( almost two months after the procedure. He had end-stage kidney disease when he got the historic transplant. - Meanwhile: A 54-year-old New Jersey woman became [the second person ever to get pig kidney transplant]( last month. P.S.— If you weren’t among the few well-positioned people to[ squeeze onto Somerville’s Aberdeen Road]( to see Guster play at Porchfest, you can still [watch their brief, unique set online]( (and yes, they played "Amsterdam"). Nik DeCosta-Klipa Editor, Newsletters  The Rundown [¿Necesitas ayuda con las facturas? Bringing energy savings to all Mass. communities]( Mass Save offers free energy assessments and helps homeowners access rebates and incentives to improve their energy efficiency and lower their bills. But historically the program hasn't helped as many low-income residents and those whose first language isn't English. A new effort is trying to change that. [Read more.]( [¿Necesitas ayuda con las facturas? Bringing energy savings to all Mass. communities]( Mass Save offers free energy assessments and helps homeowners access rebates and incentives to improve their energy efficiency and lower their bills. But historically the program hasn't helped as many low-income residents and those whose first language isn't English. A new effort is trying to change that. [Read more.]( [Former Mass. lab exec gets 10-year prison term for 11 deaths from tainted steroids]( A Michigan judge has sentenced the former executive of a Massachusetts specialty pharmacy to at least 10 years in prison for the deaths of 11 people in 2012. Barry Cadden’s sentence for involuntary manslaughter will be served at the same time as his current federal sentence for other crimes tied to the outbreak. [Read more.]( [Former Mass. lab exec gets 10-year prison term for 11 deaths from tainted steroids]( A Michigan judge has sentenced the former executive of a Massachusetts specialty pharmacy to at least 10 years in prison for the deaths of 11 people in 2012. Barry Cadden’s sentence for involuntary manslaughter will be served at the same time as his current federal sentence for other crimes tied to the outbreak. 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Research shows that meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, and lead to better focus and concentration. [Read more.]( Listen: The Common [is joined by WBUR's Walt Wuthmann]( to discuss the reactions from Massachusetts lawmakers to his recent investigation into the state's handling of sexual assault and rape cases. Play: [WBUR's daily mini crossword.]( Can you keep your streak going? Before you go: [Life imitates beer can art.]( 😎 Forward to a friend. They can sign up [here](. 🔎 Explore [WBUR's Field Guide]( stories, events and more. 📣 Give us your feedback: newsletters@wbur.org 📧 Get more WBUR stories sent to your inbox. [Check out all of our newsletter offerings.](    Want to change how you receive these emails? Stop getting this newsletter by [updating your preferences.](  I don't want to hear from WBUR anymore. 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