Also: 15 communities rollback state's economic reopening plan; what Lelling is most concerned about for Election Day
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 November 2, 2020
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| Good Morning Boston,
⛅ Mostly cloudy, then becoming sunny during the afternoon, with a high near 41.
We're one day away from Election Day. Tomorrow morning, we'll give you a complete rundown on how to get results for local elections and the presidential race. But since the election will take up a lot of your newsfeed this week, this morning I want to give you a snapshot of what's going on with the coronavirus locally:
- More than a dozen high risk communities are taking a step back in the state's economic reopening plan starting today. The 15 cities and towns include Canton, Fall River and Milford. What changes can you expect to see? Indoor performance venues must close and capacities at gyms, libraries and museums will be reduced.
- A look at the numbers: The seven-day positive test rate in Massachusetts is down slightly, now at 1.8%. That's the lowest rate reported in about a week. But as we know from this year so far, one data point reflecting one week does not make a trend.
- Some communities are seeing expanded testing options starting this week. The city of Brookline will begin testing its residents, as well as students and teachers of Brookline schools. Tests are available Tuesdays through Saturdays outside of Brookline's public health building. And Cambridge is now offerings its residents drive-through tests at the Cambridge Side Galleria parking garage on Thursdays and Sundays.
- Attention commuter rail riders: The MBTA has made some changes to the schedule to reflect new pandemic ridership patterns. Of note: Midday service is increasing to Fairmont, Brockton and Lynn, and the express service is being restored between Boston and Worcester.
- Our neighboring states are making some changes to their coronavirus restrictions as cases climb there. In Maine, bars and tasting rooms will not reopen today for indoor service as originally scheduled. Indoor gathering limits are also now back down to 50 people. And in Rhode Island, ice rinks and indoor sports facilities are being closed for at least one week, starting today. No spectators will be allowed at youth sporting events for the next two weeks. And when it comes to both indoor and outdoor gatherings, Rhode Island's cap has been lowered to 10 people.
P.S.– A historic number of Massachusetts residents have opted for mail-in or early voting this election. But if you're a traditionalist waiting to cast your ballot on Election Day, I think you'll find this quick cheat sheet very helpful. It includes all the links you'll need on how to vote and what's on the ballot. — Meagan McGinnes
@meaganmcginnes
newsletters@wbur.org
The Rundown 1. 'I Moved Because Of The Election': Mass. Expats Relish Chance To Vote In Swing States
For voters in Massachusetts, it can be hard to escape the feeling that their ballots are part of a foregone conclusion. But some, like Rohan Vahalia, have found a way: They've moved. Read more. | 
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2. U.S. Attorney For Mass. Andrew Lelling On Overseeing The 2020 Election
"I think in this cycle, what we are most concerned about — and we've taken certain steps preemptively to deal with this — is spontaneous unrest following a closely-contested vote. I think that's where most of our focus is." Read more.
3. The Most Consequential Election In A Lifetime (And This Time They Mean It)
In every election, candidates stress just how crucial the race is for the country. In 2020, voters seem to be keenly aware that the outcome could affect social policy and politics for years to come. Read more.
4. Despite Strains, Small Colleges Find Advantages In Dealing With COVID-19 On Campus
The pandemic is straining many small American colleges, which have been scraping by for years with declining enrollment and faltering resources. But some — especially those with an ovearching mission, be it secular or religious — enjoy distinct advantages over their bigger rivals in fighting the spread of the coronavirus on campus. Read more.
5. Medicaid's Future Hinges On Who Wins The White House
Medicaid provides health care for millions of low-income Americans. But its future depends very much on politics. Over the past four years, the Trump administration has tried to impose conservative principles on the program and shrink it. A Joe Biden presidency would attempt to go the other way. Read more.
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- The U.S. generated 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016 – more than any other country in the world, according to a new study.
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- When Shirley Hunt set out to record J.S. Bach's "Suite for Solo Cello in D Major," she wasn't sure where she'd find a five-string cello. It just so happens the MFA has one — from the 18th century — in its collection.
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- If Democrats win, writes Wilnelia Rivera in this commentary, they must open a structural pathway that permanently shifts power to Black people and other people of color. They must reconcile America's original sin.
| | | | | | ELECTION 2020
A Quick Cheat Sheet For Massachusetts Voters In 2020 | | How To Deep-Six The Deep Fakes: Spotting Election Disinformation Online. Read more. 'We Don't Speculate': How AP Counts Votes And Calls Races. Read more. Your Election Day Care Package. Read more. | | | | | | | | What We're Reading |
- Ruth Shalit just wrote for the Atlantic. Would readers know it from the byline? (The Washington Post)
| | | | Tell Me Something Good
How Lower Mills, Dorchester, Kept Halloween Spooktacular This Year
At dusk, awaiting the cadre of characters to descend on his home, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh stood on his porch covered in cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns, ready. |  | | | | Before you go: Proof that in the past, Boston has taken some hardline stances against fun. | | | 😎 Forward to a friend. They can sign up here.
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