Josh Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and a well-known community leader in his own right, is reportedly launching his campaign next month to unseat Mayor Michelle Wu.

Why it matters: Kraft is a political neophyte but could become a force in Boston politics for three reasons: his connections in the philanthropic world, his legitimate community ties — and the deep pockets of his family and friends.

Zoom in: Kraft, 57, led Boston Boys & Girls Clubs for 12 years. He expanded its operations and raised $132 million during his time at the helm.

• He now heads up his family's philanthropic arm, the New England Patriots Foundation.
• He's the board chairman of the Eastern Massachusetts Urban League, helped establish the Chelsea Boys & Girls Club in the 1990s and has a reputation for hands-on work beyond the boardroom.

While Kraft's brothers stayed close to their billionaire father's paper goods and sports empires, Josh has spent his career in the public service sphere.

• He's the only one of Robert and the late Myra Kraft's four sons not working directly in the family's business operations.
• A longtime Newton resident, he recently made the North End his permanent home.

Kraft went to Williams College and earned a master's in social policy from Harvard.

• He was a public school teacher before joining the South Boston Boys & Girls Club.

Between the lines: Kraft's campaign launch comes as tensions grow between Wu's progressive administration and business-minded constituencies like the real estate and development sectors.

Reality check: An incumbent Boston mayor hasn't lost reelection since 1949. Even with his fortune and name recognition, the headwinds against his candidacy are strong.

Share this with a sportsball or political bloodsport fan

🎨 Police are seeking a masked suspect who vandalized an international art installation in downtown Boston. (Boston 25 News)

• The suspect damaged the satellite replica mounted on a Nissan Altima display in front of Macy's.

👨‍⚕️ Medical residents at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center voted to unionize, following their December announcement to organize. (Boston Business Journal)

🦅 D.W. Field Park in Brockton is closed after a suspected bird flu outbreak killed swans and geese. (Boston Globe)

• This follows the deaths of over 60 birds at Plymouth's Billington Sea last week.

🥚 Massachusetts farmers are facing mounting pressures as egg prices continue climbing. (WCVB)

• The USDA projects a 20% increase in egg prices for 2025.
• The current average price is $4.15 per dozen, up 36% from last year.

Bad news: Air quality in Boston is worsening, according to year-over-year data.

Why it matters: Long-term exposure to poor air quality is harmful to your health.

By the numbers: The average percentage of fine particle pollution in Boston increased 1.3% from 2021-23, compared to 2014-16.

• Things got really bad in Worcester, where partials are up 33.3%.
• Springfield, though, saw a 5.6% improvement.

Knowledge is power, and we believe in empowering our community through reliable, local journalism.

Join our membership program for just $50+ a year, and you can support our efforts to keep you in the know of what's happening around town.

• You'll get insider notes and other perks as a thanks.

Together, we can ensure our neighbors stay informed.

Tuesday, January 28

🎥 Victorian Chocolate from the Gilded Age

• Food historian Becky Libourel Diamond explores historic chocolate treats at 6pm. $5.

Wednesday, January 29

🎬 I Saw the TV Glow at The Brattle Theatre

• Director Jane Schoenbrun's surreal teen drama at 4:45pm & 9pm.

🏀 Celtics vs. Bulls at TD Garden

• Tipoff: 7:30pm.

Thursday, January 31

🎸 Frank Black - Teenager of The Year Tour at the House of Blues

• It's the 30th anniversary of the Pixie's main man's classic solo album.
• Doors: 7pm, Show: 8pm. Tickets: $37.50-$59.50.

📚 Emily Austin at Cambridge Public Library

• Presenting her novel "We Could Be Rats" in conversation with Kimm Topping at 6pm.
• Free with RSVP or $29.74 with book included.

Friday, January 31

🎤 Chris Hayes at First Parish Church

• MSNBC host discusses "The Sirens' Call," his new book about our dwindling attention spans in the online age, with Professor Lawrence Lessig at 7pm.
• Tickets: $42 (includes book copy).

Saturday and Sunday, February 1-2

🎵 We Black Folk Fest: Griot Gatherings at Club Passim

• Celebrating Black artistry in folk music, 7pm both nights.
• Featuring Kemp Harris, Grace Givertz and more.

Do you think Josh Kraft should throw his hat into the ring against Mayor Michelle Wu this fall?

• Let us know by voting in our reader poll.