TL/DR –
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has chosen Nicole Shanahan, ex-spouse of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, as his vice presidential pick for his third-party White House bid. There is controversy surrounding the proposed sale of the Stewardship Health physician group to OptumCare, as it could negatively impact patient care and potentially devalue the remaining parts of the Steward Healthcare system. North End restaurant owners in Boston are protesting restrictions against outdoor dining in their neighborhood, with opponents citing issues such as limited parking and already crowded streets.
Insights from NBC10 Boston’s @ Issue: Political Analyses and More
In NBC10 Boston’s weekly show, @Issue, Cory Smith, Sue O’Connell, and Matt Prichard offer in-depth coverage and commentary on political events from local to national level. Their accompanying show, “Taking@Issue,” provides additional behind-the-scenes insights on issues affecting Massachusetts.
This week’s discussions revolve around third-party candidates, health care business deals, and street dining debates. The highlight is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s choice of Nicole Shanahan, a key figure in Silicon Valley, for his third-party vice presidential pick, as well as Steward Healthcare’s controversial plan to sell its physician group to Optum.
RFK Jr.’s Vice Presidential Pick
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential selection. Despite having no political experience, Shanahan possesses substantial business acumen from her time in Silicon Valley and previous marriage to Google’s co-founder, Sergey Brin. However, her unconventional medical views have raised some eyebrows.
According to Sue, RFK Jr.’s campaign is built on skepticism, a characteristic that Shanahan appears to share. This could potentially lead to a compatible partnership.
Impact of Steward Health Care Deal on Patients
The proposed sale of Stewardship Health’s physician group to OptumCare sparks concerns about potential care shortages and difficulty in securing primary care doctors, says Matt. There are fears that this deal might devalue the rest of Steward’s assets, making it harder for the company to sell off the rest and leave Massachusetts.
Debate on Outdoor Dining in North End
Regulations preventing outdoor dining in the North End have sparked protests among local restaurant owners. According to Matt, the situation was aggravated by a recent community protest aimed at convincing Mayor Michelle Wu to reconsider these restrictions. Balancing business and resident needs in this historic neighborhood with narrow streets and limited parking remains a challenge.
For the full conversation, watch the video embedded above or subscribe to hear more from @Issue’s podcasts.
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