Happening Today
Warren ‘anti-corruption’ initiative, Question 1 battle, ‘She Geeks Out’
— U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern starts his 8th annual cross-district farm tour that starts in Belchertown and makes stops in Amherst, Hartfield and Deerfield throughout the day, Austin Brothers Valley Farm, 270 West Street, Belchertown, early this morning
— U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren plans to unveil major ‘anti-corruption’ legislation in Washington, D.C., National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, D.C., 10 a.m.
— Judges search for lycopersicum perfection – tomatoes with exemplary flavor, slicing quality, exterior color, and shape – at the 34th annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest, Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston, 11 a.m.
— The Association for Behavioral Health Care holds an event to recognize House Ways and Means Chairman Jeffrey Sanchez for his role in this year’s budget, Longwood Community Crisis Stabilization Unit, 20 Vining St., Boston, 11 a.m.
— Nurses and patient safety advocates supporting Question 1 hold a press conference ‘exposing multi-millionaire hospital executives,’ in front of Partners HealthCare headquarters, Assembly Row, 5 Middlesex Ave., Somerville, 1:30 p.m.
— Congressional candidates Ayanna Pressley and Brianna Wu and state Senate hopeful Sam Hammar, all Democrats mounting primary challenges against male incumbents, participate in a panel discussion on politics, business, tech and gender, hosted by the networking group She Geeks Out, Brightcove, 290 Congress St., Boston, 6 p.m.
— Patients, doctors, researchers, and nurses from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute join athletes and local celebrities during two Red Sox games for a 36-hour live broadcast on WEEI Sports Radio Network and New England Sports Network, beginning today, to raise money for cancer research, WEEI 93.7FM & NESN.
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
Hefner pleads guilty to making hundreds of prank phone calls while at psychiatric hospital
What else can you say? The guy is troubled. Period. From the Globe’s Matt Stout and Andrea Estes: “Bryon Hefner, who’s already facing charges of sexually assaulting multiple men, made hundreds of harassing phone calls to a Lincoln treatment facility over several weeks when he was a patient there, in some instances purporting to be calling from an adult video store and, in another, ‘requesting sexual favors,’ according to police.”
The Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter and MassLive’s Gintautas Dumcius have more on Hefner, the estranged husband of former state Senate President Stan Rosenberg, pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges tied to the bizarre harassment calls.
At least Worcester gets to keep the keys to the new baseball stadium …
Bruce Mohl at CommonWealth magazine takes a closer look at the financial details of the tentative deal that would bring the Pawtucket Red Sox to Worcester. The minor league team will indeed be paying $36 million to Worcester over 30 years. But that only covers just over one-third the cost of building a new stadium. Check out this graf from Bruce:
“The city will own the stadium, but the ball club will operate it and retain all the revenues, including ticket fees, concessions, liquor sales, branding rights, premium seat sales, broadcast rights, merchandise sales, and naming rights. Advertising revenues at the stadium will go to the club, while off-site advertising will be split 50-50 with the city. The club has already negotiated a naming rights deal with Polar Beverages of Worcester for an undisclosed sum.”
Btw: Economists are divided on the potential impact of the stadium deal on Worcester, according to a report at the Telegram.
As MGM opens, Connecticut tribes prepare to start construction on nearby casino
Enjoy it while it lasts. That seems to be the message coming from Connecticut casino operators to MGM Springfield about the brief competition-free environment the casino will enjoy when it opens later this week. Jim Kinney of MassLive reports the tribes that operate Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun plan to break ground on a joint venture casino in East Windsor—just a short drive down the highway from Springfield—sometime this fall.
Pouncing on anything nice Warren may say about them …
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is so popular among Democratic voters that Secretary of State Bill Galvin and City Councilor Josh Zakim, battling it out in the Dem primary for secretary of state, seem to be bending the truth a bit when it comes to suggesting that Warren has endorsed their respective candidacies. In fact, Warren has issued no endorsements in the race. The Globe’s Milton Valencia has the details.
Fyi: Valencia also has two other stories – one on Galvin and the other on Zakim – as they politically duel for the party’s nomination.
‘Cleary the winner in the best television ad contest’: John Kingston’s Warren look-alike spoof
Speaking of Elizabeth Warren: Peter Lucas, in a Lowell Sun column assessing the GOP candidates for U.S. Senate, thinks Republican John Kingston’s TV ad, featuring a look-alike Elizabeth Warren packing her bags for another out-of-state political trip, is “clearly the winner in the best television ad contest of the 2018 Massachusetts primary election.’” We got to admit: It’s pretty damn funny. Whether it does Kingston any good in the primary is another matter. Here’s the ad on YouTube.
Golf victim as his finger was bitten off: It sounded ‘like someone chewing on a Dorito’
We interrupt our political newsletter to bring you this breaking non-political news out of Plymouth, i.e. more on that golf-course incident in which an angry duffer is accused of biting off the finger of a rival golfer while at the bottom of a fairway pig pile. Take it away, Mary Whitfill at Wicked Local:
“When police interviewed the victim Saturday, he told police the bite sounded ‘like someone chewing on a Dorito,’ and that he yelled ‘he bit my finger off!’ The victim was able to get away, then pulled off his golf glove. When he did, the tip of his left index finger was still in the glove, the report says. He then put the top of his finger in a cup of ice and drove his golf cart back to the course’s parking lot.”
Now back to all things politics and government …
Falchuk and Harshbarger, once lapsed Dems, are now going all out to get Democrats elected
Former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger and former gubernatorial candidate Evan Falchuk, once members of Falchuck’s failed United Independent Party, are launching a new national effort to flip Congress into Democratic hands in 2018, via a ‘FlipCongress.org’ web site. Shira Schoenberg at MassLIve has the details.
Beth Israel and Lahey blast commission’s cost estimates as ‘misleading and inflammatory’
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Health aren’t going down without a fight, harshly criticizing a state commission’s contention that their proposed hospital merger could cost patients tens of millions of dollars. In a filing, BI and Lahey argue that the state Health Policy Commission’s cost merger estimates are “misleading and inflammatory.’’ The BBJ’s Jessica Bartlett (pay wall) and the Globe’s Priyanka Dayal McCluskey have more.
For those hoping for a blue tsunami this fall: It’s still the economy, stupid
The Globe’s Evan Horowitz notes that, sure, Democrats are all pumped about a blue wave sweeping aside Republicans in this fall’s Congressional midterm elections. But he takes a look at the historical data and concludes that it’s going to be mighty hard to dislodge large numbers of Republicans with the economy as strong as it is right now.
So how the heck might a federal judge rule in a big ICE case?
This is an odd one: A print version of a Globe story this morning on a major ICE case sure makes it sound like U.S. Judge Mark Wolf is poised to crack down on the feds for arresting immigrants showing up for scheduled visits at government offices. But in the online version of the story, also by Maria Cramer, Wolf sure sounds like he’s ready to rule in favor of ICE.
Anyway, here’s coverage of the same court hearing in Boston on Monday, via the Herald’s Marie Szaniszlo: “A federal judge in Boston yesterday suggested Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents seeking to deport undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens may have a duty to take into account whether they have begun the process of applying for a green card.”
Maybe we should flip a coin on how Wolf might rule – or perhaps wait until he makes an actual ruling?
As Hodgson honors ICE, protestors take aim at his jail
Speaking of ICE: While Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson was in Washington helping President Trump honor ICE officials and agents, a small group of protestors chained and cemented themselves to fences outside the Dartmouth House of Corrections. Michael Bonner of the Standard-Times reports that four of the protestors—who carried signs calling for ICE to be abolished—were arrested.
DeLeo starts dishing out PAC dough to incumbent Democrats
From SHNS’s Matt Murphy at the Sentinel & Enterprise: “In a sign of which House primary races may be worth watching over the next two weeks, the political action committee controlled by House Speaker Robert DeLeo made its first round of donations earlier this month to eight of the 16 incumbents facing party challenges in two weeks. The Committee for a Democratic House, whose stated purpose is to support Democratic members, doled out $4,000 in campaign contributions in early August.”
Towns looking more closely at what’s in your curbside recycling bins
With China refusing to accept recycling materials that it says are too contaminated with things like food waste and plastic grocery bags, the pressure is now on local towns and cities to literally clean up their recycling act – and they’re looking more closely at what’s under the lids of residents’ curbside recycling containers, reports Yasmin Amer and Bob Oakes at WBUR.
Shirley Leung tapped to serve as Globe’s interim editorial-page editor
Globe columnist Shirley Leung has been tapped as the interim editorial-page editor at the paper, replacing Ellen Clegg, who officially retired last week, reports the Globe’s Michael Levenson. Leung will serve as interim editor for the next six months as the Globe searches for a permanent editorial-page chief, announced Globe managing director Linda Pizzuti Henry. We’re betting Leung ultimately lands that permanent post. Just a hunch.
Herald editorial page continues its march to the right, endorses Diehl in GOP Senate primary
Speaking of editorial pages, we’re not sure who the Herald, in its pre-Digital First ownership days, would have endorsed in the GOP U.S. Senate primary contest. But due to its regularly harsh criticism of Donald Trump, we think it’s safe to say it wouldn’t have been Trump enthusiast Geoff Diehl. But that was then and this is now, and the post-Digital First Herald has indeed endorsed Diehl, in the latest sign of the Herald’s shift to the hard ideological right under Digital First and new editorial-page editor Tom Shattuck.
Will Gaming Commission history repeat itself with Wynn Resorts?
If history is any guide, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission may well come down hard on Wynn Resorts next month when it releases its much-anticipated report on its investigation into what the company knew about former CEO Steve Wynn’s sexual shenanigans, writes Walter Palvo at Forbes magazine. It comes down to two words: Ourway Realty. He explains.
‘Fenway 3.0’: Sox owners eye more Fenway development, possibly over Turnpike
John Henry may soon be adding “real estate developer” to his resume, in addition to financier, baseball team owner and newspaper publisher, etc.. From Catherine Carlock at the BBJ: “The Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group are in the early stages of exploring real estate development opportunities for property the team controls in the neighborhood surrounding Fenway Park — potentially including air-rights development over the Massachusetts Turnpike.”
Healey walks the walk for Pressley …
From the Herald’s Brooks Sutherland: “Attorney General Maura Healey went all in for City Councilor Ayanna Pressley in the primary for Massachusetts’ 7th congressional seat — going against other Democratic leaders’ endorsement of incumbent U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano. ‘I pay attention to the people, not the party,’ Healey insisted yesterday.” Though Healey did add: “I think that they’re both good candidates.”
New Bedford’s post-Question 2 charter school battle heats up
The statewide battle over expanding charter schools in Massachusetts may have been settled by the defeat of Question 2 in 2016. But in New Bedford, they haven’t reached their local charter-school cap yet – and a major battle has broken out over the issue, reports Michael Jonas at CommonWealth magazine.
Pundit: Warren’s economic plan nothing more than a socialist ‘pipe dream’
Writing at the Herald, Evan Slavitt says U.S. Sen. Elizabeth’s Warren’s proposed ‘Accountable Capitalism Act’ (WBUR) is nice in theory, but it’s also an old-fashioned “socialist program” from a bygone era and nothing more than an ideological “pipe dream.”
MASSterList Campaign Ca$h
In MASSterList’s new feature, Campaign Ca$h, our research team this week takes a look at the finances in the gubernatorial election. This edition has information on Bob Massie. Click the banner to view a mobile-friendly, complete PDF list of his expenditures and donors since 1/1/2018. All information is from the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (ocpf.us).
Stay tuned for more races throughout the election cycle. If there’s a particular race that you’d like us to consider for upcoming coverage, email dart@massterlist.com.
Download the report here (desktop – XLSX format)
Oxford laser maker’s CEO lands on Russia sanctions list
The founder and CEO of an Oxford laser manufacturer has landed on a list of Russian oligarchs being targeted for financial sanctions, Zachary Comeau reports in the Worcester Business Journal. IPG Photonics CEO Valentin Gapontsev, who lives in Worcester and who is believed to be worth about $2.2 billion, says he was placed on a Treasury Department sanctions list in error. Comeau has the names of Massachusetts Congressional members going to bat for him.
Stern-led investigation finds no wrongdoing in Suffolk presidential search
Suffolk University says an investigation led by former US Attorney Donald Stern into its recent presidential hiring process has found the school’s search committee did not engage in illegal behavior, but could have probably done a better job, Laura Krantz reports in the Globe. The report, commissioned by the university, found no “illegal, dishonest, unethical or fraudulent” behavior, and no doubt Suffolk is eager to put the controversy in its rear-view mirror.
Framingham Dems spar over who’s best to fill vacant House seat
Three of the four Democrats running to fill the 6th Middlesex House seat left vacant by the death of Christopher Walsh in May debated in Framingham Monday, with one candidate backing the off-peak tolling proposal rejected by Gov. Baker and another calling for Keolis to be fired as the T’s commuter rail operator. As Zane Razzaq of the MetroWest Daily News reports, all four Democrats are waging write-in campaigns because of the timing of Walsh’s death.
Elsewhere on the debate front, the Berkshire Eagle reports that the Wednesday debate between U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and his challenger in next month’s primary, Tahira Amatul-Wadud, will now be televised. It is still scheduled for 12:30 in the afternoon, so it’s unlikely to be a ratings blockbuster.
School and police officials laud Baker’s $72M school-safety proposal
From the Herald’s Kathleen McKiernan: “Bay State superintendents and local police chiefs rallied yesterday behind a proposal from Gov. Charlie Baker’s office to dedicate $72 million in new school safety spending ahead of the upcoming academic year. As part of a roundtable talk led by the Baker administration on school shootings and security, school and police leaders across the state praised the proposal.”
Parks for All: How City Parks Address Inequity
The Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center invites a panel of experts to address the question of how cities can achieve equitable access to open spaces.
Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library
Former Governor Michael Dukakis kicks off Canvass for Katie McBrine for State Senate
Join Michael and Kitty Dukakis for coffee and breakfast pastries before heading out to canvass for Dr. Katie McBrine. Please arrive by 11AM to hear the Duke introduce Katie. Canvassing will begin about 12PM. Bring the kids!
Committee to Elect Katie McBrine
International Conference on Planetary Science and Particle Physics (CSE)
Conference Series LLC Ltd cordially invite all the participants from all over the world to share their latest research in the field of Planetary Science and Particle Physics at International conference on Planetary Science and Particle Physics which is going to be held on August 27-28, 2018 at Boston, USA.
21st International Conference on Past and Present Research Systems on Green Chemistry
Conference Series is glad to announce 21st International Conference on Past and Present Research Systems on Green Chemistry, August 27-28, 2018 at Boston, USA. Green Chemistry 2018 will be organized around the theme “Encouraging World Towards Pure Techniques”.
International Conference on Clinical Pediatrics and Medicine (CSE) A
ConferenceSeries LLC Ltd is privileged to announce its “International Conference on Pediatric Hospital Medicine” with the innovative theme “Dynamic and Collegial approach of Pediatric Hospitalists” which will be held during August 29-30, 2018 inBoston, USA.
4th Annual Congress on Infectious Diseases (CSE) A
Conference Series LLC LTD Conferences invites all the participants from all over the world to attend “4th Annual Congress on Infectious Diseases” during August 29-30, 2018 Boston, USA which includes prompt keynote presentations, special sessions, workshops, symposiums, oral talks, poster presentations and exhibitions.
John Angus & Harvard RTC hosting: Meet & Greet for Candidate Rick Green
John Angus and the Harvard Republican Town Committee invite you to Meet Congressional Candidate Rick Green at the Hildreth House (15 Elm Street Harvard, MA) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Wednesday, August 29th. This is your opportunity to speak with Rick about any issues or concerns you might have about Massachusetts’ 3rd Congressional district. We hope to see you there!
Today’s Headlines
Metro
How the Suffolk County DA candidates would reform the office – WBUR
Massachusetts
Stormy Daniels to appear at Salisbury club – Gloucester Times
Pot businesses line up to open in Worcester – Worcester Business Journal
Failed PawSox bid draws some publicity for Weymouth – Patriot Ledger
Nation
Russian hackers now targeting conservative think tanks – New York Times
Amazon pushes for government contracts worth billions after shortlisting Toronto for HQ2 – The Logic
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