Happening Today
Cannabis Commission, McAuliffe at Tufts, Baker-Gonzalez debate
— Cannabis Control Commission meets and is expected to discuss a staff report on social-gathering consumption of marijuana, such as at marijuana cafes, and may review plans for a new headquarters in Worcester, Gaming Commission office, 12th floor, 101 Federal St., Boston, 9 a.m.
— Joint Committee on Public Service holds a hearing on a bill directing the Weymouth retirement board to pay the line of duty death benefit for Weymouth Police Sgt. Michael Chesna, who was fatally shot on July 15, to his widow, Cynthia Chesna, Room A-1, 1 p.m.
— Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash participate in a discussion moderated by Boston Properties’ Bryan Koop as part of the four-day Urban Land Institute fall meeting, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St, Boston, 4:30 p.m.
— University of Massachusetts president Marty Meehan hosts a faculty speaker series event focused on issues affecting women in the workplace, with UMass Amherst professor Michelle Budig addressing the gender pay gap and UMass Lowell professor Meg Bond discussing workplace sexual harassment, UMass Club, One Beacon St., 32nd floor, Boston, 4:30 p.m.
— Former Virginia governor and Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe speaks at Tufts University, ASEAJ Auditorium, Cabot Center, Tufts Medford/Somerville, 419 Boston Ave, Medford, 6 p.m.
— U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III is a guest on ‘Greater Boston,’ WGBH-TV Ch. 2, 7 p.m.
— Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic challenger Jay Gonzalez meet in their first hour-long televised debate, with political analyst Jon Keller moderating, WBZ-TV, 8 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
In case you missed it …
MassterList didn’t take Columbus Day off yesterday, so, if you were busy over the holiday, check out what we covered, including the Kavanaugh aftermath, an update on James McGinn’s suspension, Elizabeth Warren’s spending on national Facebook ads, Beacon Hill lawmakers heading off to Portugal and more.
DPU slaps moratorium on National Grid work after Woburn gas scare
This should help locked out workers in their contract battle with National Grid: The state Department of Public Utilities, only weeks after the gas-line disaster in the Merrimack Valley, has imposed a moratorium on most pipeline work by National Grid after a natural-gas scare yesterday forced officials to cut off service to about 300 homes in Woburn, reports Adam Vaccaro and Dugan Arnett at the Globe and SHNS’s Michael Norton at CommonWealth magazine.
The Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter has a good explainer piece on why a surge in natural-gas pressure, as was the case in the Merrimack Valley and in Woburn yesterday, is considered cause for alarm. Basically, DPU pronounced yesterday: Enough is enough.
Baker and Gonzalez to square off tonight in their first of three gubernatorial debates
After making a brief trip yesterday to Vermont to attend a fundraiser for Republican Gov. Phil Scott, as SHNS’s Sam Doran reports (pay wall), Gov. Charlie Baker is back in Massachusetts and, we presume, preparing for tonight’s first televised gubernatorial debate between Baker and Democratic rival Jay Gonzalez. The WBZ-TV debate, hosted by Jon Keller, starts at 8 p.m.
Hmm. What are they up to? Hillary and Bill Clinton to launch national speaking tour – with a stop in Boston
From the AP at WBUR: “Now that Beyonce and Jay-Z are off the road, another power couple is taking their place: Hillary and Bill Clinton — and they’re making a stop in Boston. The Clintons announced Monday they will visit four cities in 2018 and nine in 2019 across North America in a series of conversations dubbed ‘An Evening with President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.’ It is being produced by tour promoter Live Nation, the company behind Michelle Obama’s massive tour to promote her new book.”
The Clinton road show hits Boston’s Opera House on April 30. Tickets range from $59.50 to $375.
Rice mulls race against Collins in Maine
Now this would be a fascinating race. From the Washington Post: “Susan E. Rice, a former national security adviser to President Barack Obama, says that she will decide after the November elections whether to launch a bid to unseat Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), claiming the lawmaker has ‘betrayed women across this country.’” Collins will be paying for her pro-Kavanaugh vote for a long time, it appears.
Enough with the Hamlet shtick, governor. Time to get more involved in thorny health-care issues
John McDonough writes at CommonWealth magazine that it’s time for a certain former undersecretary of health and human services and former chief executive of Harvard Pilgrim Health, i.e. Gov. Charlie Baker, to “cast aside the Hamlet role” and play a more active role in key health-care issues, such as the proposed Beth Israel-Lahey Health merger.
The Baker-Warren truce: Is it based on the fear of mutually assured political destruction?
Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, and U.S. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, are the two titans of Massachusetts politics, as measured by their high poll numbers, and yet they seem to have an unspoken agreement not to criticize each other in public, or least not criticize each other too much. The Globe’s Victoria McGrane explores the political dynamics that may be at work. Personally, we think the unofficial truce, so to speak, is based partly on the lose-lose fear of mutually assured political destruction (MAPD) if they were to go at it. So why go at it?
Jocks for Geoff: Curt Schilling, Matt Light and Fred Smerlas to headline fundraiser for Diehl
Speaking of Elizabeth Warren: Former Red Sox star Curt Schilling, who once contemplated running for U.S. Senate against the incumbent Warren, and Matt Light and Fred Smerlas, both former New England Patriots, will headline a “Super Star fundraiser” for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Geoff Diehl in Norwood on October 18, reports Shannon Young at MassLive.
Separately, Sean Philip Cotter at the Herald reports that Diehl believes he’s benefiting from a “Kavanaugh bump” as a result of the contentious U.S. Supreme Court nomination battle. We doubt if there’s much of a bump, if there’s a bump at all. But we could be wrong.
The last gasp of ‘Columbus Day’ in Massachusetts?
A meager turnout at the Worcester Columbus Day parade—where flesh-pressing pols nearly outnumbered spectators—has at least one city councilor suggesting it is time to broaden the appeal of the holiday, Brad Petrishen at the Telegram reports, though the head of the parade organizing committee says it’s not going to change its focus anytime soon.
Meanwhile, in the Pioneer Valley, where Amherst and Northampton were the first two Mass. communities to start celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead of Columbus Day, the Daily Hampshire Gazette found strong support for moving the state even further away from the traditional holiday.
Next up for Amherst: Changing the name of the college and even the town?
Speaking of name changes: Amherst College dropped its school mascot, “Lord Jeff,’ due to Lord Jeffrey Amherst’s 18th Century suggestion that small pox might be deployed against Native Americans. An inn in town also changed its name. Now the question is: Should Amherst College and perhaps even the town of Amherst take the next logical name-change step? It’s unlikely to happen. But it’s being talked about, reports George Graham at MassLive.
Refighting King Philip’s War: Native Americans want dark chapter in Long Island history commemorated
And speaking of past mistreatment of Native Americans, some tribes are hoping to use the battle between Boston and Quincy over whether to rebuild the Long Island Bridge to bring attention to their efforts to mark the island’s use as an internment camp and burial ground during King Philip’s War in the 1670s. Erin Tiernan has the details in the Patriot Ledger.
Bottom line: The state’s ‘rainy day fund’ can barely cover a brief drizzle
The Globe’s Evan Horowitz goes over the numbers and concludes that, despite a recent infusion of $475 million into the state’s rainy day fund, the state still doesn’t have enough reserve funds to withstand a recession – and credit agencies are still nervous as a result.
Dershowitz: Harvard’s ‘new McCarthyism’ treatment of Kavanaugh
He’s at it again. Alan Dershowitz, a professor emeritus at Harvard Law School, writes at the Globe that newly sworn-in U.S. Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh should be allowed to teach again at Harvard Law School, if he so wishes, despite the “new form of McCarthyism that is quickly descending on university campuses and spreading throughout the country.”
Here we go again: Lawsuit claims Harvard Law Review discriminates against white men
Speaking of Harvard: First, Harvard University’s admissions policies were legally challenged by Asian Americans, in a suit many view as a barely disguised conservative assault on affirmative action policies in general. Now a Texas-based group, called Faculty, Alumni, and Students Opposed to Racial Preferences, has filed suit against the Harvard Law Review and the New York Law Review, claiming discrimination against white males, reports Max Stendahl at the BBJ.
Meanwhile, as Harvard prepares for the start next week of its separate admissions-discrimination trial, the Globe’s Deirdre Fernandes takes a look at how other universities are wrestling with race-based admissions policies, or lack thereof.
It’s personal: Transgender activists hit the campaign trail to preserve their own rights
The Globe’s Stephanie Ebbert reports how transgender activists are personally lobbying, canvassing and campaigning door-to-door to make sure the state’s new transgender-rights law is preserved via the Question 3 ballot question. To them, the battle is quite personal.
No contest: Walsh’s salary dwarfed by San Francisco mayor’s annual pay
Boston and San Francisco are often compared to one other – you know, two blue-state coastal cities, roughly the same size, Silicon Valley vs Boston, etc. etc. But they’re not even comparable when it comes to mayoral salaries – with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh netting $171,000 versus San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s $301,000. Jeff Jeffrey at the BBJ takes a look at all the big-city (and not-so-big-city) mayoral salaries across the country.
What next for the Catholic Church? Healey and others have some suggestions
The Globe has a special editorial section on what can, and should, come next for the Catholic Church, amidst repeated and widespread allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members. Among others, Attorney General Maura Healey and former John Hancock CEO David D’Alessandro have pieces on what they think needs to be done, externally and internally.
It’s official: Maura Healey is a ‘badass’
Speaking of the attorney general: Instyle magazine has named Attorney General Maura Healey as one of its 50 “badass” women making a difference in the country. Healey also stars in an Instyle video, calling for more females in politics and government.
Democrat Kearney holds huge fundraising lead in race for former Rep.’s Cantwell’s seat
Democratic candidate Patrick Kearney, who is vying to fill former state Rep. James Cantwell’s seat in the 4th Plymouth district, has raised four times more money than his Republican and Independent opponents combined – with the majority of Kearney’s funds coming from donors living outside the district, reports Mary Whitfill at Wicked Local. She has all the numbers.
Orsted acquires Deepwater Wind for $510M as it eyes windmills from Massachusetts to Virginia
In the world of offshore-wind companies, this is a blockbuster deal: Danish energy giant Orsted announced yesterday that it’s buying DeepWater Wind for $510 million. Both companies have lease rights for offshore wind projects in Massachusetts – and, if the state ever expands its wind-power mandates, the new combined company would be in a good position to bid for a future project here. Bruce Mohl at CommonWealth magazine and Mary Serreze at MassLive have more.
Proctor & Gamble puts large chunk of its Gillette properties up for sale
Speaking of noteworthy business news, the Globe’s Jon Chesto reports that Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Gillette, plans to cash in on the red-hot real estate market by selling off 6.5 acres of land near its razor factory in Fort Point.
They can’t close it soon enough: Pilgrim’s latest shutdowns have cost plant owner $63M
More business news: A series of shutdowns at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth—including a valve mishap that halted operations on Friday—have cost the plant’s owners at least $63 million in gross revenue, as Pilgrim continues to limp toward its planned permanent shutdown and decommissioning next year, Christine Legere reports at the Cape Cod Times.
Officials: Holyoke’s Providence Behavioral Health might have to close if Question 1 passes
Providence Behavioral Health in Holyoke – which earlier this year implemented deep cuts to cover millions in losses — may have to close if the nurse-staffing Question 1 passes in November, Trinity Health of New is warning, as Jim Kinney at MassLive reports.
Separately, Judy Beal, a registered nurse, dean at Simmons University and chair-elect elect of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, writes at CommonWealth magazine that Question 1 is a “lose-lose proposition” for patients, hospitals and nurses at all levels.
As 2016 showed, early voting is popular in Mass. But can all towns afford it?
Early voting numbers two years ago exceeded just about everyone’s expectations in Massachusetts. Can it happen again this November? No one is really sure. But one thing is certain: Election clerks are once again nervous about the costs involved, as Eli Sherman at Wicked Local reports.
Event will help those with marijuana convictions get records expunged
The Equity Alliance is hosting an event later this month for Massachusetts residents who want to take advantage of the provision in the recreational marijuana law that allows for expungement of old pot-related convictions, Mike Plaisance reports at MassLive.
Remembering the ‘Lost Battalion,’ 100 years later
The Washington Post is on a roll with its excellent coverage of the coming 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Its latest story is by Shoshana Akabas, who used her great-great uncle’s war diary to trace what he went through as a member of the ‘Lost Battalion,’ made up mostly of New York City residents, who went into the France’s Argonne Forest in 1918 with 554 soldiers and came out with less than 200. It’s a sad story made sadder by the fact that Samuel Marcus, apparently like other WW I soldiers who survived repeated gas attacks, could never have children when he came home.
Demystifying Lobbying
Join Civic Series for this special HUBWeek event to better understand lobbying and how you can be more effective communicating to your elected officials. You’ll hear what it’s like to be on the other side of the lobbying and learn how to effectively communicate to elected officials and become a reliable advocate for your issues. This session includes plenty of time for your questions.
A Reception in Support of Jay Gonzalez for Governor
Please join Former Treasurer Steve Grossman; Former Mayor Setti Warren; Senator Cindy Creem; Representatives Ruth Balser, Kay Khan; Councilors Vicki Danberg, Josh Krintzman, Rick Lipof; Newton DCC Chair Shawn Fitzgibbons, DSC Member Martina Jackson; Hosts Dennis Kanin, Mike Offner for a reception in support of Jay Gonzalez for Governor.
Jay Gonzalez: Democrat for Governor
Coffee With Colleagues
Jump start your day with this popular, fun and informal networking event at the offices of TIAA. Welcome remarks will be made by Sam Flood, Director of Corporate Real Estate at TIAA. This is an ideal opportunity to develop or rekindle business relationships while enjoying a continental breakfast. Move past business cards and make real connections at Coffee with Colleagues!
Get in the Know
Boston School Finder’s “Get in the Know” event will break down recent education data from a variety of sources, taking these insights from ideation to action by enlisting the help of parents and families. The goal is to equip parents and families with the information necessary to advocate for changes within schools and to work toward equitable opportunities for all students in Boston.
Book Release: “The Fight for the Best Charter Public Schools in the Nation”
Join us for a lively discussion of Pioneer Institute’s new book, “The Fight for the Best Charter Public Schools in the Nation.”
11th Annual Public Performance Conference
Please join us for the 11th Annual Public Performance Conference. The goal of the conference is to examine and discuss performance management research and models for the adoption and implementation of compelling practices in the public sector.
Divest to Invest: Divesting from the Prison Industry to Invest in Our Communities
Please join New Leaders Council Boston and community organizers, including the Corrections Accountability Project and College Bound Dorchester, on Thursday, October 18th to discuss a Boston-wide campaign to divest public and private funds from the prison industrial complex.
Negotiating Skills: Art, Science or Luck?
Learn how to identify the appropriate tactics and counter tactics employed for any type of negotiators to reach a more leveraged position (even when you think you’re at a disadvantage).
Fight Night Boston: Demetrius Andrade vs Billy-Joe Saunders
Matchroom Boxing USA and Murphys Boxing Promotions announce a major world championship boxing event to be held at Boston’s TD Garden on October 20, 2018.
Matchroom Boxing USA and Murphys Boxing Promotions
Boston Trade Compliance and Policy Seminar
International trade regulations change constantly—old rules are updated and new regulations are added every day. Attend one of the full-day seminars in a location close to you to stay up to date on the latest information. Learn about changing international trade regulations with industry experts—C.H. Robinson’s Kevin Doucette —who is passionate about this subject.
We The People’s For Creators, By Creators
We The People, the world’s only multi-channel crowdfunding retail chain and community, is hosting a kick-off crowdfunding event where local entrepreneurs from companies such as Rocketbook, Think Board and allocacoc will provide tips on how to leverage crowdfunding to launch products. They will also discuss how to create crowdfunding campaigns and some lessons learned.
Real Estate Finance Fundamentals Onsite Course
This is a two part course that will be held on October 26, 2018 and November 2, 2018. This 2-day course will focus on debt and equity financing of income-producing real property. The course will look at both the private debt and equity markets for real estate finance, and the commercial mortgage-backed securities market for debt financing.
Back from the Brink: A Call to Prevent Nuclear War (Gonson Lecture)
Experts say we are closer to accidental or intentional nuclear war than at any time since the 1950s – and yet, at the same time, also closer than ever to an international ban to dismantle all of these immoral weapons. Come hear about the race for human survival, and what citizens can do to help.
Cambridge Center for Adult Education
Today’s Headlines
Metro
It’s time to have your say on the Citgo sign’s future – Boston Globe
Public paychecks: See how Walsh’s salary compares to other big-city mayors – Boston Business Journal
Massachusetts
Healey: No letup in opioid battle – Lowell Sun
Sudbury reaches deal to buy Broadacres farm – MetroWest Daily News
Healey’s GOP rival focuses on gun-control issues – Eagle-Tribune
Nation
After his father’s death, Trump took an unorthodox approach to growing his empire – Washington Post
Treasure hunters challenge FBI over dig for legendary gold – Associated Press
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