Musk Downfall Watch: The co-president dared to outshine Trump 

Lawmakers face a Friday night deadline to avert a federal government shutdown – and they can thank Elon Musk for their predicament. And that’s prompted the Globe’s James Pindell and the Washington Post to wonder if Musk’s days are numbered as a result. … Fyi: Hub Blog launched the Musk Downfall Watch last month.

Mitt’s long farewell — Washington Post

The Washington Post’s editorial board is the latest to praise and bid farewell to the Utah senator and former Massachusetts governor – and other bi-partisan lawmakers who are leaving Congress. …  As to why so many lawmakers are departing these days, the mind wanders to the unrelated but aptly titled ‘Barbarians at the Gate.’

Did the state blow a chance to host the world’s first fusion power plant? 

Contrarian Boston’s Scott Van Voorhis wonders why Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a Devens-based MIT spinoff, opted to build the world’s first nuclear fusion power plant in Virginia rather than Massachusetts. … Here’s a real ouch line from a CFS spokeswoman: “This is a state (Virginia) and county that knows how to move at the speed of business.” … As Scott notes: “You can say a lot of things about state and local government in Massachusetts, but moving at the speed of business is not one of them.”

‘How did unclaimed bodies end up in the hands of a major biotech company?’ – NBC Boston

File this one under: WTF? … The 25 unclaimed bodies include that of a “murdered 21-year-old woman whose family was fighting to bring her home,” as NBC Boston reports.

‘Biogen in talks to move to MIT’s Volpe development, sources say’ — BBJ

MIT may already have a major tenant before it even breaks ground on the project. … The life-science sector may be pulling back most everywhere else, but obviously not in Kendall Square.

‘America’s Bird-Flu Luck Has Officially Run Out’ — The Atlantic

One has to wonder if California overreacted by recently declaring a state emergency over the bird flu. …. The Atlantic’s Yasim Tayag writes that many experts still believe the public health risk to humans is low. But that could change. 

The T’s commuter-rail system: Is a radical revamp coming? 

The Globe’s Jon Chesto reports that the transit agency is looking at potentially radical changes to its operations contract and services. … The “regional rail” concept sounds awfully enticing, but it’s also awfully expensive. 

Celebrating the T’s performance improvements …

GBH has the latest piece on happy T riders celebrating faster and more reliable subway service. … The Herald puts the improvements into perspective: “MBTA returns 2.4 million minutes to riders daily after 14 months of slow-zone work.”

‘With right-wing backing, New England offshore wind opponents gain strength’  – WBUR

When I saw the headline, I rolled my eyes and thought, ‘Here we go. Right-wing, bad. Left-wing, good.’ But the story goes out of its way to be fair to the Maine fishermen who helped found a non-profit group to fight federal fishery regulations and offshore wind development. The group has recently received big bucks from Leonard Leo, a Maine resident and a “conservative powerhouse and co-chairman of the Federalist Society.” … Leo has a track record of winning political fights, so supporters of offshore wind are nervous.

The latest addicts seeking help: Stock traders — WSJ

The WSJ reports that Gamblers Anonymous meetings are filling up with stock traders seeking help for their trading addictions. … From the WSJ: “Apps make (trading) as easy as ordering takeout.” … Or as easy as making sports bets. 

‘My father, David Gergen, has dementia. Here are his reflections on the path forward for our country’ — Globe

A moving piece by the daughter of David Gergen, the political commentator and adviser to four presidents now suffering from dementia. … He’s a man from a different and more decent political era …