Happening Today
Economic development bill, Senate session, and more
— Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack and MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez were scheduled this morning to join advocates to unveil raised platforms the same height as bus doors at bus stops to help passengers board the bus faster, 405 Broadway, Everett, 8:30 a.m.
— The Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets holds a hearing on the roughly $666 million economic development bill that passed the House on Tuesday, Hearing Room B-1, 10 a.m.
— Suffolk Law will host FBI special agents and security experts for an intellectual property cyber theft prevention program, Suffolk University, Sargent Hall, 120 Tremont Street, 10 a.m.
— The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development in conjunction with the Commonwealth’s Regional Tourism Councils will hold a briefing on a new report that looks at the state’s leisure, hospitality and tourism industry, House Members’ Lounge, 10:30 a.m.
— The Massachusetts Senate meets in a formal session with plans to consider legislation dealing with auto damage appraisers, community benefit districts and establishment of a registry of caretakers found to have abused people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Gardner Auditorium, 11 a.m.
— The board of the Citizens’ Initiative Review, a pilot program designed to produce pro and con statements about a ballot question that could be easily digested by average voters, will meet to determine which ballot question the group will dive into this year, House Members’ Lounge, 11:30 a.m.
— Parents, educators, teens and advocates hold a lobby day to urge lawmakers to approve the Healthy Youth Act, Room 437, 12 p.m.
— Dan Shores and Jay McMahon, Republican candidates for attorney general, participate in a debate on Boston Herald Radio, Boston Herald, 70 Fargo Street, 12 p.m.
— U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Tom Carper of Delaware hold a press conference with climate and environmental leaders to address Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., 12:30 p.m.
— Treasurer Deborah Goldberg joins local officials for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Saugus Middle School-High School, Saugus Middle School, 1 Pearce Memorial Drive, Saugus, 1 p.m.
— Boston Mayor Martin Walsh provides remarks as a part of an announcement being made by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc., 47 West St., Boston, 4 p.m.
— MassDOT will host a public meeting about upcoming construction to replace the westbound side of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge between July 26 and August 11, Boston University College of General Studies, Jacob Sleep Auditorium, 871 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, 6:30 p.m.
For more calendar listings, check out State House News Service’s Daily Advances (pay wall – free trial subscriptions available) and MassterList’s Beacon Hill Town Square below.
Today’s Stories
So who is Emanuel A. Lopes?
They’re still in mourning and holding vigils in Weymouth following the execution-style murder of a police officer and the wanton killing of 77-year-old widow by a stray bullet fired into her home, according to reports by Jessica Trufant at Wicked Local and J.D. Capelouto at the Globe.
Inevitably, one of the many questions being asked is: What is the background of accused killer Emanuel A. Lopes? After the recent fatal shootings of other police officers in New England, the public, as they say, has a right to know.
The Herald’s Laurel Sweet reports: “The 6-foot, 3-inch Emanuel A. Lopes, 20, has been free on $500 bail since November. Lopes was arrested in Weymouth Oct. 3 on charges of dealing cocaine at a beach party for minors and resisting arrest. He was due to return to Quincy District Court July 30 for a discovery hearing.” OK, here we go. Another instance of the criminal justice system failing.
But as a seven-reporter Globe team reports: “Friends and court records described Lopes as a troubled man who attempted suicide when he was a sophomore at Weymouth High School, according to a childhood friend. Nick Donovan, who has remained close with the suspect, said that Lopes was in the waiting room of the guidance counselor’s office when he grabbed a pair of dull scissors and repeatedly stabbed himself in the neck.”
Blame the criminal justice system and/or blame the mental health system. Either way, this is a sad, sick tragedy in so many ways.
Race and high-quality schools in Boston: Care to guess who wins?
The more things change, the more they stay the same, four decades after court-ordered busing was instituted to close the gap in educational opportunities in Boston, i.e. the city’s historically white neighborhoods still have a disproportionate share of high-quality schools, while historically black neighborhoods don’t. The Globe’s James Vaznis has the details on the findings from the Boston Area Research Initiative at Northeastern University. The question is: Do you keep pursuing the same decades-old policies that have produced “negligible progress” or do you try something different?
One million ways to embarrass yourself: Harvard employee, video recorder, cringe-worthy question
Speaking of racial issues, take it away, Steve Annear: “An employee from a Harvard University-affiliated research center issued an apology Monday after a video of her asking a neighbor with a biracial daughter if she lived in the ‘affordable apartments’ went viral on Facebook, leading to widespread public outrage.”
As Steve notes: “By Monday, the video had been viewed more than 1 million times, and the post had been shared by more than 15,000 people.”
DeLeo and Chandler: Budget deal is near … they hope
Just for the record, via the AP at the Herald: “Democratic leaders in the Massachusetts House and Senate said Monday that they’re hopeful a budget deal is near. House and Senate negotiators have been holding closed-door talks on the $41 billion spending plan that was supposed to be in place by July 1. No deal has been reached and Massachusetts remains the only state without a permanent budget in place.”
SJC: No, it’s not unconstitutional for a judge to order someone to stay drug free during probation
This case could have had huge ramifications if the ruling had gone the other way, but it didn’t. As Deborah Becker at WBUR reports, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled yesterday that a judge can indeed require a drug user to remain drug-free as a condition of probation, rejecting the argument of 30-year-old Julie Eldred that she was chemically addicted to drugs and therefore the drug-free terms of her probation were unfair and unconstitutional.
The New York Times this morning has its own take on a case that was closely watched around the country.
Warren hauls in another $3M – or 1,000 percent more than her GOP rivals
This brings her total kitty to $15.6 million, btw. From the Globe’s Matt Stout: “As she readies for a reelection run — and potentially a bid for the White House — Senator Elizabeth Warren raised nearly $3 million in a three-month span, according to her campaign, padding her already enormous cash advantage over her prospective GOP opponents this fall. The $2.93 million that Warren aides said the Cambridge Democrat raked in between April and June was nearly 10 times the amount any of the three Republicans running in the Sept 4 primary raised in the same time frame.”
Warren’s two-part theory on ‘fighting’ Trump
Speaking of Elizabeth Warren, the Washington Post’s Michael Scherer reports how “no other Democrat seems to get under the president’s skin quite like Warren.” And it appears there’s a political theory behind her biting criticisms of President Trump, as Scherer writes: “In private conversations, Warren has described her theory of defeating Trump by describing a two-part test voters will pose to candidates: Are you on my side? And are you willing to fight for me?”
Patrick tests out his lines – and stamina – in swing through the Lone Star State
Still on the subject of presidential politics, the Globe’s Annie Linskey covered former Gov. Deval Patrick’s recent visit to Texas and concludes: “This swing through Texas gives Patrick a chance to try out his message of hope and unity and to see if it strikes a chord amid a rancorous political moment in which partisan attacks and arguments reign. It is also to determine whether he’s got the stamina and the desire to spend the next two-plus years traveling the byways of the nation and traversing airports, contending with security hold-ups and flight delays on the path to a Democratic nomination for president.”
No double-dipping for him: Ex-Springfield mayor gives up $57K city pension after nabbing state job
This is highly unusual. From Peter Goonan at MassLive: “Former Springfield Mayor Michael J. Albano, who took a $101,000-a-year state job in May, has given up his annual city pension of $57,378.60, according to city records. … ‘This is the right way to do it so there is no double dipping,’ Albano said Friday. ‘In fact, if you do the math, I’m essentially working for $44,000 a year.’” We wouldn’t go that far, but we know what he means.
Breaking T news: ‘We do not need more money’
Mike Abramo, the T’s chief administrator, made a major announcement that you usually don’t hear from government officials: “In the current fiscal year, on the operating side and the five-year capital investment program, we do not need more money. We’re fully funded.” As a result, CommonWealth magazine’s Bruce Mohl wonders aloud whether the Baker administration may have finally achieved that seemingly magical goal for the T: The MBTA having its fiscal house in order.
Fyi: The T yesterday, as expected, pared back its proposed parking-fee hikes at the heavily used Braintree and Quincy-Adams garages, after massive pushback from local officials, Mohl reports in a separate story.
DPH: Don’t eat the fish from the Lower Mystic River
Frankly, we’re surprised anyone was eating the fish even before the recommendation. From Anne-Gerard Flynn at MassLive: “The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is recommending that certain individuals not eat any fish caught from the Lower Mystic River Area in Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Revere, and Somerville and that everyone else should eat only two types of fish – bluefish and striped bass – caught from this water body. According to the DPH, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, arsenic, and lead are among the chemicals measured in fish caught in this area.”
Will Beth Israel-Lahey merger only exacerbate Medicaid imbalance?
The Globe’s Priyanka Dayal McCluskey has a good story this morning on how Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Health, which hope to merge to become the second largest health provider in the state, have something in common: A relatively small portion of their patients are on Medicaid. Partners Health, the state’s largest provider network, also has a relatively small portion of Medicaid patients. It’s something regulators, we’re pretty sure, will mull as they review the proposed BI-Lahey merger.
Harvard study: Obamacare caused thousands to lose their employer insurance
Speaking of health care, from the BBJ’s Jessica Bartlett: “Massachusetts employers have stopped offering health insurance to 130,000 people in the state since the launch of the Affordable Care Act, according to Harvard research that sheds light on the implications of state health care reform — and on the ACA’s possible repeal.” The loss stems from the state opting to go with ACA’s higher employer insurance mandates.
Captain in Sheriff Hodgson’s office convicted of aiding Codfather’s money-smuggling efforts
A federal jury found Bristol County Sheriff’s Office Captain Jamie Melo guilty of conspiracy and money laundering-related charges for helping Carlos ‘The Codfather’ Rafael smuggle his ill-gotten profits back to Portugal, the Standard-Times reports. Melo—who authorities say handed out envelopes full of cash to travel companions in a Logan Airport bathroom—faces up to 15 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
Oops: Progressive candidate Bob Massie neglected to get workers’ comp for campaign employees
From the Globe’s Joshua Miller: “Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bob Massie, who is campaigning to oversee a sprawling 43,000-employee bureaucracy, appears not to have gotten workers’ compensation insurance for his gubernatorial campaign.That means the Friends of Bob Massie committee could be violating state law, which requires such employers to have a workers’ compensation policy in place.” Later in the day, Massie’s campaign, after some all-hands-on-deck scrambling, had apparently lined up an insurer.
Massachusetts firms say, ah, what the heck, and ban salary-history questions everywhere
The old ‘how much do you make?’ job-interview question is now banned in Massachusetts under the state’s new equal-pay law. But Greg Ryan at the BBJ reports that some Bay State firms have decided to ban such questions at all their offices around the country, not just those in Massachusetts. He explains why.
Regional Transit Authorities nervously await outcome of budget talks
Bob Seay at WGBH reports that financially struggling Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) are crossing their fingers that senators prevail in budget talks on Beacon Hill. There’s a lot at stake for the authorities: An $8 million increase in funding under a Senate plan, compared to a $2 million hike favored by the House and no increase at all, as proposed by the Baker administration.
Baker proposes measurers to avert future Mount Ida debacles
From Laura Krantz at the Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker is proposing new regulations that aim to protect students from the chaos caused earlier this year by the abrupt closure of Mount Ida College. The governor included language in a larger spending bill that would require at-risk schools to submit contingency closure plans to the state, and also to notify students when they are accepted if a school is at significant risk of closing.”
Union-backed group says Mass Fiscal tied to hate group
From SHNS’s Matt Murphy at the Gloucester Times: “A union-backed group organized to be a counterpoint to the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance has dropped a massive mailing on the doorsteps of more than 100,000 households across the state accusing the conservative non-profit of spreading research done by a hate group.”
If the alliance is bothered by the broadside, it isn’t showing it, with a spokesman describing MassFiscal Exposed’s mailers as “dull and boring.”
DeLeo: Preserve transgender rights
In a Globe op-ed, House Speaker Robert DeLeo is urging Massachusetts voters to reject a state ballot question that seeks to repeal the state’s new transgender-rights law. DeLeo: “Make no mistake: If we fail to uphold this law, we — as a Commonwealth — will have failed to live up to our basic principles.”
Warren: Herald bankruptcy shows the need for reforms
Saying employers are unfairly allowed to pick and choose where they can file for bankruptcy, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren yesterday said the nation’s bankruptcy laws need reforms in order to help employees and other stakeholders, reports SHNS’s Katie Lannan at the BBJ. The problem, she said, is employers engaging in “forum shopping” to find more business-friendly laws and judges. “Why did the Boston Herald file bankruptcy in Delaware?” Warren said at a New England Council breakfast. “Its workers are here, its reporters are here, its retirees are here, its suppliers are here and the last time I looked, we have a bankruptcy court right here in Boston.”
DOT vows closer scrutiny of State Police overtime payments
From Gintautas Dumcius at MassLive: “The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will now audit payments to the State Police twice a year after an overtime abuse scandal hit the public law enforcement agency. MassLive reported in June that the department never exercised its right to audit tens of millions of dollars in funding sent to the State Police for overtime programs.”
Technically, legal pot use means no buying guns
Alden Bourne of New England Public Radio has the latest reminder that even though it’s now legal in Massachusetts, recreational marijuana remains illegal under federal law — and that in turns means users aren’t eligible to buy firearms.
In Worcester, DA challenger clamors for debate with Early
Blake Rubin, who is running as an independent against Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early Jr., is using every chance he gets to call out his opponent for not agreeing to debate him ahead of the Nov. 8 election, Walter Bird Jr. reports in Worcester Magazine. Early, who has heretofore had his hands more than full dealing with fallout from the Troopergate scandal, has not ruled out debates. But Rubin notes that there have already been a half-dozen debates and forums in the Suffolk DA’s race.
Another pot grower makes case in Charlton
Amid legal actions and an upcoming Town Meeting on whether to roll back pot-friendly zoning, a second marijuana cultivation operation is unveiling plans to open in Charlton, Debbie LaPlaca reports in the Telegram. Four Score Holdings LLC says it will invest up to $6 million to repurpose a vacant industrial building for indoor marijuana cultivation.
South End By Foot: A NAIOP Summer Walking Tour
Visit some of the South End’s most exciting commercial & residential projects, including completed developments & those to come. Following a presentation by Jonathan Greeley of Boston Planning & Development Agency, attendees will be guided on a walking tour to hear from developers of the Flower Exchange, Harrison /Albany Block Developments & AC Hotel / 7INK by Ollie at Ink Block.
Suffolk County Candidate’s Forum: District Attorney & Registry of Deeds
Please join Boston’s Ward 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 19 Democratic Committees for a joint forum with the candidates running for Suffolk County District Attorney and Suffolk County Registry of Deeds.
Boston’s Ward Committees (Wards 8,9,10,11,12, and 19)
CFO of the Year Awards 2018
Don’t miss your chance to meet & learn from Boston’s top CFOs at the 10th annual CFO of the Year Awards!
DCI Campaign Bootcamp – Brockton
Are you looking to build on your skills as a Democratic campaigner? Do you want to learn from local campaign experts skilled in the Massachusetts political arena? Are you eager to take the first steps to join our efforts to get Democrats elected up in all corners of the Commonwealth? Then you need to sign up for on of our Massachusetts Democratic Party Campaign Bootcamps this summer!!
Massachusetts Democratic Party
Afternoon Cocktails & a BBQ Reception With Governor Charlie Baker
Forum with Candidates for Middlesex County DA and Governor’s Council
Participating candidates: District Attorney: Donna Patalano and Marian Ryan (incumbent); Governor’s Council: Nick Carter and Marilyn Petitto Devaney (incumbent). Co-Moderators: Patti Muldoon and James Milan
Massachusetts Democratic Party
A Job Fair & CORI Sealing Clinic for a New Economy
The Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association, the Commonwealth Dispensary Association, the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council, the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance, Equitable Opportunities Now, and ELEVATE NE are pleased to collaborate and co-host a special event connecting prospective employees to one of Massachusetts’s fastest growing sectors.
Coffee with the BBJ Editor & Publisher
Join Boston Business Journal Editor Doug Banks and Publisher Carolyn M. Jones for coffee at our office. You’ll get the chance to network with business professionals from various industries & introduce yourself and/or your business to our team.
2018 Summer Institute in Global Leadership: Advanced Public Speaking
Advanced Institutes bring together older students who are passionate about global issues and are in, or aspire to be in, leadership roles that demand advance communication skills. This week, students will work together to develop public speaking skills through the format of Model UN crisis simulations. There will be a particular focus on presentation tips and tricks and extemporaneous speaking.
United Nations Association of Greater Boston
NAIOP 8th Annual Harbor Cruise
Mix business with pleasure on the decks of the NAIOP Harbor Cruise, featuring networking, an 80’s theme party, and cocktails. Connect with friends and colleagues while enjoying a 360-degree view of Boston’s ever-changing waterfront.
2018 #FlipMyFunnel B2B Marketing and Sales Conference
Each year, more than 1,000 B2B marketing and sales professionals gather together to learn about the latest in B2B marketing and sales, network with one another and explore the latest technologies to power their programs.
Malden Democratic City Committee Annual Summer BBQ
We hope you’ll join us for our summer BBQ! This annual event is always a lot of fun and a great chance to catch up with old friends while supporting MDCC.
Malden Democratic City Committee
Today’s Headlines
Metro
Rate hike at Quincy Adams, Braintree garages delayed – Patriot Ledger
Massachusetts
Worcester to sell ad space at parking lots, garages – Telegram & Gazette
Regional transit authorities anxiously await budget deal – WGBH
Plainridge revenue was up in June – Sun Chronicle
Nation
Fox News’s Chris Wallace gives Putin the grilling Trump won’t – Washington Post
7 Texas Republicans in Congress were out-raised by their Democratic rivals – Texas Tribune
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