Baker Approves Cocktails To Go, Extends Eviction Ban: Patch PM

Today is Tuesday, July 21. Here are some of the stories we are covering across Massachusetts.

State officials continue to adjust in the wake of the crippling effect the coronavirus pandemic has had on the finances of so many.

On Monday, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill that will allow restaurants to sell mixed drinks with takeout and delivery food orders during the pandemic.

The new law means customers can now order beer, wine or cocktails when they grab something to go. The mixed drinks must be in a sealed container, and there cannot be more than 64 ounces of mixed drinks in one transaction or more than two mixed drinks per entree. Cocktails must be ordered in the same transaction as food, and they cannot be ordered after midnight.

On Tuesday, Baker extended the state ban on evictions and foreclosures until Oct. 17. The moratorium, which has been in effect since April 20, was set to expire Aug. 18. It bans non-emergency evictions and foreclosures while the state struggles to find its footing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The move comes amid the building pressure to help renters and homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Massachusetts has the highest unemployment rate in the country, adding to fears that a flood of evictions and foreclosures would follow the moratorium's expiration.

Also Across Massachusetts

Delay Of Game: Fall High School Sports Pushed Back

The fall high school sports season has been delayed — with fingers crossed it will happen at all — after the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Directors on Tuesday voted to unanimously to push the start of the season to Sept. 14.

While the delay is only a couple of weeks from when fall high school sports would typically ramp up in the year, the recommendation is subject to the state allowing contact sports like football in phase 3 of the state's reopening, and whether socially distanced sports like cross country and golf can take place amid the uncertain status of in-person classes. Girls volleyball and some girls swimming and diving programs are the two indoor sports that traditionally take place in the fall.

Diverse School Districts Weigh Challenges As They Discuss Fall Learning Plans

Many large school districts are weighing the pros and cons of reopening in the fall and finding that all plans have their challenges.

On Monday evening, the Superintendent of Manchester, N.H. schools will discuss three options for fall including returning to in classroom learning, all remote learning, and a hybrid plan.

Sue Hannan, the President of the Manchester Education Association says the district, which serves roughly 13,000 students, quickly learned that there are hurdles to virtual learning.

MBTA Collecting Fares Again On Green Line, Buses, Commuter Rail

For the past four months MBTA bus and Green Line riders didn't have to pay when they hopped on to head around town. Monday that ended as the MBTA began collecting fares at all above ground Green Line stops as well as on buses and the commuter rail.

The MBTA had previously asked passengers to use the back doors on trollies and buses in an effort to help keep distance between drivers and riders amid the pandemic. Because the payment method is up near the driver, that was out of bounds. But this week, the MBTA installed separators between the driver and passengers, so that riders can swipe and pay and still keep drivers separate from the general public.

Also

Former Red Sox Champion Kneels During National Anthem

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler knelt alongside another coach and three players during the national anthem ahead of Monday's exhibition in Oakland.

Opponent: Moulton Still Has Money From Donor Linked To Epstein

Angus McQuilken says Seth Moulton has kept most of the money he received from hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin.

Petition Urges Woburn Rainbow Crosswalk After Flag Was Cut Down

Resident Samantha Drinkwater brought her proposal for a rainbow crosswalk to the city Traffic Commission, July 16.

NAACP Calls On Arlington To Change High School Mascot

The organization says the Arlington Spy Ponders and the Winchester Sachems should "get ahead of pending state level legislation on mascots."

MA Attorney General Strikes Down Brookline Ban On Fossil Fuels

The decision impacts Brookline and a number of other communities across Massachusetts that were eying similar policies.