Happening Today
Cannabis Commission, anti-sex trafficking initiative, candidate signature and nomination filings
— Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins touts his department’s new opioid and substance abuse treatment unit, with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley and Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey expected to attend press conference, Suffolk County House of Correction, 20 Bradston Street, Boston, 9:30 a.m.
— Massachusetts Lottery Commission meets with Treasurer Deb Goldberg chairing, One Ashburton Place, 12th floor, Crane Conference Room, Boston, 10:30 a.m.
— Cannabis Control Commission meets for a policy discussion about background checks and suitability and to get an update on the agency’s staffing and the license application process, Health Policy Commission Conference Room, 50 Milk St., 8th Floor, Boston, 10:30 a.m.
— Graduating high school seniors will receive scholarships from Keolis Commuter Services, the commuter rail vendor for the MBTA. UMass Club, One Beacon Street, Boston, 11:15 a.m.
— The Governor’s Commission on the Future of Transportation will hold the first of several public listening sessions in partnership with the UMass Transportation Center to solicit ideas and receive questions and comments, UMass/Amherst, Student Union Building, Cape Cod Room, Amherst, 1 p.m.
— Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O’Brien and Local 89 President Fred Zuckerman hold a press conference to make an ‘important announcement regarding the future of the Teamsters Union,’ Teamsters Memorial Park, 544 Main Street, Boston, 2 p.m.
— Poor People’s Campaign activists will once again take to Beacon Hill to continue agitating for ‘immediate action to challenge the war economy, militarism, and gun violence,’ corner of Beacon and Park streets, Boston, 2 p.m.
— Attorney General Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and leaders in the business community announce a new initiative to combat sex trafficking, Attorney General’s office, One Ashburton Place, 20th Floor, Boston, 3 p.m.
— Gov. Charlie Baker participates in a MassDOT dedication of the Kendrick Street Bridge in Needham as the USMC Veterans Memorial Bridge, Garage roof top at the offices of PTC located at 140 Kendrick St., Needham, 3:30 p.m.
— Local election officials have until Tuesday to complete certification of signatures submitted by party candidates for federal and statewide offices, including U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, auditor, secretary of state, treasurer and attorney general, 5 p.m.
— Today is the last day for prospective candidates to file nomination papers — including enrollment or voter registration certificate and Ethics Commission receipt — with the secretary of the commonwealth’s office, 5 p.m.
— U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III is a guest on ‘Greater Boston,’ WGBH-TV Ch. 2, 7 p.m.
For more calendar listings, check out State House News Service’s Daily Advances (pay wall) and MassterList’s Beacon Hill Town Square below.
Today’s Stories
There’s always a catch: Baker adviser helped energy firms land big clean-energy contracts
From the Globe’s Joshua Miller and Jon Chesto: “The top political adviser to Governor Charlie Baker also provided strategic and communications advice as a paid consultant to two companies that recently landed massive clean energy contracts in Massachusetts. Jim Conroy, an experienced political strategist who managed Baker’s 2014 campaign and is a key adviser on his reelection bid, is also a paid adviser to Vineyard Wind LLC and Central Maine Power Co., helping the companies beat out competitors for what will be two of New England’s biggest energy projects.”
As Miller and Chesto write, the Baker administration officials insist “Conroy did not — and could not — influence the procurement decisions.” So what Conroy offered to the firms was complete BS?
Love that dirty water: Raw sewage spilling into Merrimack River despite fed order
Cue in the Standells if you desire. From Christian Wade at the Newburyport Daily News: “Nearly 400 million gallons of raw or partially treated sewage spewed into the Merrimack River last year from aging pipes that were supposed to be sealed up years ago under a federal order. The sewage came from about 50 overflow pipes from combined sewer systems along the river.”
RFK Jr. believes second gunman involved in father’s assassination, visits Sirhan Sirhan in prison
With the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy around the corner, his son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., says he now believes a second gunman took part in the murder of his father in 1968 and is calling for a new investigation, reports the Washington Post. RFK Jr. also says he paid a recent visit to convicted killer Sirhan Sirhan in prison because he was “disturbed that the wrong person might have been convicted of killing my father.”
Are Democrats blowing it nationwide?
File this one under: “Never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” The Globe’s Liz Goodwin reports that national Democrats are struggling to find a unified message heading into the fall mid-term elections.
Meanwhile, the New York Times reports House Democrats are scrambling to avoid disaster in California, where too many Dems are running in the state’s “top two” open primary system and the crowded field may allow Republicans to win both spots on general election ballots. Last but not least, Joe Scarborough at the Washington Post is warning that a re-energized Republican base is rallying around President Trump.
Fear not: Seth to the rescue … or perhaps someone else
Michael Tackett of the New York Times singles out U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton as one of three young Democrats with military combat experience who may be on the front lines to determine the future of the Democratic party. Moulton, Jason Kander of Missouri and South Bend, Ind. Mayor Mayor Pete Buttigieg—all still in their 30s— offer a stark contrast to the dominant faces in the party, many of whom are in their 60s and 70s, the NYT notes, and some pundits think one of the three may be destined to “light a spark” under younger voters in 2020.
The T’s outmoded commuter-rail fare system
Ari Ofsevit, a graduate student at MIT and member of TransitMatters, and Michelle Wu, a Boston city councilor, write at CommonWealth magazine that the T needs to revamp its outdated commuter-rail fare system that they say discriminates against inner-city riders.
The Globe goes there: Newspaper files suit against McGrory’s accuser
From CommonWealth magazine’s Jack Sullivan: “The Boston Globe filed suit Friday against a former reporter and editor to compel her to release the full text she said the paper’s editor, Brian McGrory, sent to her that included an unwanted, sexually suggestive message. In the suit filed in Suffolk Superior Court, the Globe’s lawyers say Hilary Sargent is in violation of the separation agreement she signed in 2016 that requires her to cooperate with the paper in investigations of matters that occurred when she was employed there.” The Globe’s Michael Levenson and Travis Andersen and the Herald’s Jordan Graham have more.
The NYT piles on …
The Globe’s Brian McGrory, Jim O’Sullivan and Kevin Cullen controversies are now getting national coverage, via the New York Times. Never a dull moment at the Globe these days.
‘As the Globe turns …’ and the Herald, too
As if things aren’t bad enough at the Globe, Dan Kennedy at Media Nation and Don Seiffert at the BBJ report on the latest cutbacks at the Boston Globe due to falling revenues. Meanwhile, the BBJ’s Greg Ryan reports on Digital First Media’s latest cuts in non-newsroom personnel at the Herald. Fyi: We borrowed the ‘As the Globe turns’ headline from UH’s Adam Gaffin. It was too good to pass up.
‘Subscribe to a newspaper, for goodness sake’
No, Hillary Clinton wasn’t making a personal appeal on behalf of the Globe and Herald when she appeared at Harvard University on Friday. But she did warn about the nation’s “dangerously polarized” politics and leaders who traffic in misinformation, disparage the news media and use divisive rhetoric to score political victories at the expense of civil debate, reports SHNSs Matt Murphy at Wicked Local. “Subscribe to a newspaper, for goodness sake,” Clinton said.
Steamship Authority blames repair company for ferry breakdowns — and sewage stench
The quasi-public Steamship Authority is fingering a Rhode Island company for the rash of mechanical failures that have contributed to its poor ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, reports Matt Rocheleau at the Globe. And, oh, the authority is blaming Senesco Marine for the “pervasive stench of sewage” on ferries, too.
‘People are running away from him like that street scene in Borat’
Voters weren’t exactly responding as desired when U.S. Senate candidate Shiva Ayyadurai showed up at Dedham Whole Foods to collect signatures, according to Shamus Moynihan, via Universal Hub. Btw: Here’s the Borat video.
Legally speaking, Third District’s Matias is not quite what she claims
It seems Juana B. Matias, a Lawrence Democrat trying to stand out in the crowded Third Congressional primary field, is standing out for all the wrong reasons these days. The Globe’s Matt Stout reports she’s not an immigration “attorney,” as she has claimed, and she may be in ethical hot water as a result.
Candidates: Do as we say, not as we do, when it comes to voting
Speaking of the Third District race, the Herald’s Hillary Chabot reports that congressional candidates are urging supporters to make sure to vote in the crowded Democratic primary this September. But Chabot notes that some of the candidates, including Rufus Gifford and Dan Koh, haven’t always practiced what they preach when it comes to voting on election days.
Italian-Americans seek restoration of ‘Columbus Day’ over ‘Indigenous Peoples Day’
Sure he was a flawed hero. But he was their flawed hero – and they want him back. Mary Serreze at MassLive reports how some Pittsfield Italian-Americans want the restoration of ‘Columbus Day’ over ‘Indigenous Peoples Day.’
Marty’s UMass mess
The Globe’s Laura Krantz takes a look at UMass president Marty Meehan’s “fraught relationship” with UMass Boston and the seemingly non-stop controversies swirling around Meehan and the university.
About that $41.5B Senate budget …
Before adjourning for the Memorial Day weekend, the Massachusetts Senate finally passed a $41.5 billion state budget, after wading through nearly 1,200 budget amendments and adding $75.5 million in new spending, reports Katelyn Fint at NECN. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has a preliminary analysis of the Senate budget and concludes: “The Senate is to be commended for minimizing use of unsustainable or non-recurring revenues; however its significant underfunding of several program areas is cause for concern.” MTF has posted the full report at its site.
National group sanctions Berkshire Museum for sale of artworks
The Trustees of the Association of Art Museum Directors is determined to make the Berkshire Museum pay for its controversial sale of artwork, including two Norman Rockwell pieces. The organization said the museum violated the group’s policy on art sales and will urge its members not to share art for future exhibits at the museum, reports Larry Parnass at the Berkshire Eagle.
Former SJC Justice Ireland to review the review of Harvard student’s arrest
Former SJC Chief Justice Roderick Ireland will review the Cambridge Police’s Department’s own internal review of the controversial arrest last month of a black Harvard student who was running around naked and allegedly hallucinating on drugs when he was tackled by police on Massachusetts Avenue. Marc Levy at Cambridge Day has the details.
From courtroom tryst to courtroom exit …
Judge Thomas Estates, who the state’s highest court suspended for sexual misconduct that included having sex with a court clinician in his chamber, indeed announced he was resigning, effective June 15. Bob Dunn at the Berkshire Eagle has the details.
Gov. Baker’s own Willie Horton moment?
The controversial release of child rapist Wayne Chapman is apparently on hold until the Supreme Judicial Court can review the prisoner-release case,reports Fox 25. Just as well for Gov. Charlie Baker, writes the Herald’s Joe Battenfeld, who says Chapman could become Baker’s very own Willie Horton.
Taunton searching for options as recycling woes spread across state
Taunton is the latest community to have a recycling mess on its hands. The city was informed recently that the operator of in drop-off recycling facility has terminated its contract, leaving it searching for alternatives in an increasingly difficult market, Jordan Deschenesreports in the Taunton Gazette. A number of cities are facing pushback from recycling contractors who say new rules in China are making existing agreements unsustainable.
Over at WBGH, Stephanie Leydon offers some perspective and explanation on what is poised to become a statewide problem.
Count ’em: Nine hats already in the ring in 19th
Nine candidates, including six Democrats, have qualified for the ballot in the race to succeed the late Jim Miceli in representing the 19th Middlesex District in the state house of representatives, and more may be on the way, Kori Tuitt reports in the Lowell Sun. Two Republicans and one unenrolled candidate are also in the mix, promising a busy election season for those hoping to replace MIceli, who represented the district for more than 40 years before his sudden death last month.
AG to Greyhound Friends: Not so fast
As the controversial Greyhound Friends Inc. prepares to reopen its kennel operations, the office of Attorney General Maura Healey says it has expanded its inquiry into the Hopkinton nonprofit and has won approval from a judge to examine financial transactions dating back to 2013, Jonathan Phelps reports in the MetroWest Daily News. In December, the kennel’s former director Louise Coleman was found not guilty of animal cruelty.
Laid to rest, at last: Marine Pfc. Francis Drake
U.S. Marine Pfc. Francis E. Marine was laid to rest on Friday at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, more than seven decades after dying during the battle for Guadalcanal in World War II. MassLive has the story, photos and video.
Community Servings Food Campus Groundbreaking
Community Choice Energy – Boston City Council Hearing
Getting to the Point with Eric H. Holder Jr., 82nd Attorney General of the United States
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
Today’s Headlines
Metro
Marty Walsh opposes year-round Airbnb rentals in owner-occupied buildings – Boston Herald
Executive exodus at Boston Globe continues – Boston Business Journal
Massachusetts
Abutters oppose Hamilton affordable housing plan – Salem News
Judge OKs acquisition of Danforth Art by Framingham State – MetroWest Daily News
Nearly 400 birds seized in alleged Florence cockfighting ring – Daily Hampshire Gazette
Despite challenges, summer travelers expected to boost Mass. economy – Patriot Ledger
Nation
Millennials take on Trump in the midterms – Politico
Getting the CA, NJ perspective on the millionaire tax – CommonWealth Magazine
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