Happening Today
STEM challenge, NTSB report, and more
— Gov. Charlie Baker attends Project Lead the Way STEM Design Challenge Showcase, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Education Secretary James Peyser, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy also attending, Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont St., Roxbury Crossing, 10:30 a.m.
— Joint Committee on Public Health along with the Rural Caucus holds an oversight hearing to review public health findings and recommendations to the Rural Policy Plan, John W. Olver Transit Center, 12 Olive Street, Greenfield, 11:30 a.m.
— Gov. Charlie Baker gives the keynote speech at the Aging 2.0 Boston ‘Revolutionize’ Conference, with Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders also scheduled to speak, Seaport Hotel, Plaza Room, One Seaport Ln., Boston, 1:30 p.m.
— U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan join National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt, Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera and Department of Public Utilities Chairman Matthew Nelson for community meeting to discuss the NTSB’s final report on the investigation of the Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster, Lawrence Public Library, Sargent Auditorium, 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence, 3 p.m.
— Boston Mayor Martin Walsh takes part in his regular ‘Ask the Mayor’ segment with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, WGBH-FM 89.7, 12 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
Healey sues Exxon Mobil over alleged climate-change deception
This is ought to make for some interesting pre-trial jousting. From Bruce Mohl at CommonWealth magazine: “Attorney General Maura Healey sued ExxonMobil Corp. on Thursday, accusing the company of misleading Massachusetts investors and consumers by withholding information linking its fossil fuel products to climate change.” As Mohl notes, the lawsuit says Exxon scientists predicted 37 years ago, with “astonishing accuracy,” the extent of carbon pollution by 2019.
The billionaire attacks on Elizabeth Warren? She’s loving every minute of it
Every time they whine, Elizabeth Warren wins. That’s Warren’s almost gleeful view of recent attacks by wealthy Americans who are freaked out by her proposed wealth tax. The Globe’s Victoria McGrane and Liz Goodwin have the details.
Btw: The Washington Post reports economists and others are scrambling to help Warren figure out how to pay for her Medicare for All program. Hint: Her wealth tax isn’t enough.
Two polls, two days, two widely varying results
Both the New York Times and the Washington Post have stories on two widely differing polls in the Dem presidential primary race – one showing Joe Biden regaining a commanding lead in the contest and the other showing Elizabeth Warren widening her lead over Biden. All we can say is: Remember 2016.
Legal limbo: Baker’s appeal of vaping decision rejected by judge
Yet another legal setback for the governor. From SHNS’s Matt Murphy: “Gov. Charlie Baker’s ban on the retail sale of vaping products in Massachusetts is hanging in limbo Thursday after an Appeals Court judge denied the administration’s request to stay a lower court order that Baker amend his ban and reissue it by Monday.”
Shira Schoenberg at MassLive has more on the somewhat surprising appeals rejection – and how the administration may or may not respond to the setback. At CommonWealth magazine, Margaret Monsell writes that the courts aren’t really asking too much from the “overreacting” administration.
SHNS (pay wall — free trial subscription available)
The Taxman Cometh: Harvard’s new tax bill to hit $50M
The Globe’s Deirdre Fernandes reports that Harvard University has announced that its tax payment, under the new federal endowment-tax law, is expected to hit $50 million this fiscal year – and other New England colleges with large endowment funds say they’re also looking at multimillion-dollar tax bills. It’s quite a bite, when you figure how many scholarships are paid for per every million dollars.
Does anyone teach Orwell at Harvard?
Speaking of Harvard, the Globe’s Kevin Cullen dives into the controversy over Harvard students protesting the Crimson’s recent coverage of an anti-ICE rally on campus: “Borrowing a page from Orwell’s anti-authoritarian fable ‘Animal Farm,’ in which innocuous barnyard animals turn into sneering, vindictive fascists drunk on power and self-importance, a group of students took it upon themselves to instruct reporters at the student newspaper, The Crimson, how to do journalism.”
Btw, more campus trouble is ahead on the south side of the Charles. From the Globe: “Ben Shapiro, right-wing pundit, to speak at BU, stirring controversy on campus.”
Top judges: ICE deportations interfering with criminal justice
In a letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants and Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey are urging ICE officials to cease and desist from deporting immigrants facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, saying the moves subvert justice in the commonwealth. Sarah Betancourt at CommonWealth magazine and SHNS’s Matt Murphy (pay wall) have more on the judicial rebuke of ICE’s actions.
Sanctuary debate goes west: Hodgson greeted with jeers in Greenfield
Speaking of immigration matters, ground zero in the sanctuary debate has shifted to Greenfield. Ahead of next month’s vote on whether to designate itself a ‘safe city,’ Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson warned the community will see “an influx of crime, drugs and cartels” if it adopts the measure. But Melina Bourdea reports at the Greenfield Reporter that Hodgon’s talk–organized by a community group–was met with protests and interrupted multiple times by outbursts calling him a fascist.
Where art thou, oh substantive legislative hearings?
At CommonWealth magazine, Jean Trounstine and David J. Harris are ripping into the way legislative hearings are conducted on Beacon Hill, particularly at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, saying they’ve become “just so much theater.” From the duo’s piece: “We think it is past time to reconsider a deliberative process shrouded by disrespect, mystery, and legislators’ blank stares.”
State trooper accused of exposing himself (and more) at Gillette Stadium
Yet another black eye for the Massachusetts State Police. The Herald’s Rick Sobey and MassLive’s Aviva Luttrel report that Massachusetts State Trooper Andrew Patterson is being accused of drunkenly masturbating in front of a woman and kids and then punching her boyfriend at a Luke Bryan concert at Gillette Stadium in June. State Police will decide his career status today. The Herald’s Howie Carr is all over the ‘Foxboro Flasher’ incident.
Lawrence police chief waits a month to disclose he totaled his city-owned car
Speaking of police, Bill Kirk at the Eagle Tribune reports that Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque is now acknowledging he totaled his city-owned Chevy Tahoe last month in a late-night crash in Reading, after swerving to avoid a dog or coyote that “suddenly ran across the road.” Check out the online crash photo posted by a former police officer and one-time mayoral candidate. The chief is: A.) lucky to be alive B.) that the car is insured.
Analytics guru Bill James leaving Sox, says he’s fallen ‘out of step’ with team
The Herald’s Jason Matrodonato reports that Bill James, the baseball statistics guru who has worked with the Sox for 17 years, is closing down his spreadsheet programs and setting aside the pencils at Fenway Park, as he bids adieu to the MLB franchise. It’s doesn’t sound like there’s a lot of statistical disagreement here. More like: Time takes its toll on players and statisticians alike.
Senate passes supplemental budget, setting up talks with House over thorny issues
The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a new $779 million supplemental budget containing potentially thorny differences with the House on a business tax credit and early primary voting, among other items, reports SHNS’s Chris Lisinski (pay wall) The measure now goes to conference committee. Meanwhile, the Globe’s Jon Chesto reports that state budget writers better not count too much on future online sales tax revenue. Those tax collections are coming in considerably lower than anticipated, he reports.
Are they all aboard? Three governors discuss faster train service and vaping at Providence summit
The governors of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut met yesterday in Providence – and it doesn’t sound like they made much headway on the issue of faster train service between Providence and Boston, as Edward Fitzpatrick reports at the Globe. The Associated Press at NECN reports that the governors – Charlie Baker, Gina Raimondo and Ned Lamont, respectively – did say they’re interested in taking a regional approach to regulating vaping in the future.
Suffolk Construction slaps Weiner with $100M suit over failed air-rights project
It’s getting ugly. The BBJ’s Catherine Carlock reports that Suffolk Construction is suing Weiner Ventures for $100 million over their failed air-rights tower project over the Massachusetts Turnpike, claiming Weiner engaged in “stunning and unsavory” tactics and attempted to extract “onerous concessions” before pulling out of the $1 billion deal.
It’s official (sort of): No gondola
We liked the idea. But it’s apparently not going to be, i.e. a giant $100 million gondola flying over the streets of Seaport. The BBJ’s Catherine Carlock reports Millennium Partners has all but shelved the idea.
The Non-Walking Dead: Bill targets ‘Zombie’ properties across the state
SHNS’s Katie Lannan reports on legislation on Beacon Hill that would make it easier for blighted and abandoned properties to return to the housing market. We especially liked Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera’s description of the problem: “They’re either zombie properties or in bureaucratic no-man’s land. … This creates a situation where these properties sit idle and dormant. They’re a threat to harbor vice, vagrants, most likely, and in cities they become a threat for arson.”
SHNS (pay wall — free trial subscription available)
Bellotti leaving Quincy College post for new job
Mary Whitfill at the Patriot Ledger reports that former Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti will step down at the end of this semester as interim president of Quincy College to become president of ARK Behavioral Health Centers. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Daniel Asquino, former president of Mount Wachusett Community College, as the college’s board continues its search for a permanent replacement.
Too much: Mountain of evidence likely to stall Correia’s trial start
They’re going to need more time. Indicted Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia’s trial on federal charges is unlikely to kick off in February as planned, in part because of a mountain of discovery material — including some 74,000 pages of documents — and the recent indictment of an alleged co-conspirator, Jo C. Goode reports at the Herald News.
Meanwhile, Tori Bedford of WGBH talks with Fall River residents who are eager to see the city put the twin Correia scandals in their rear-view mirror.
Getting personal: Accusations fly in Attleboro mayoral debate
Testy. That best describes the tenor of the first debate between the two candidates for mayor of Attleboro. Incumbent Paul Heroux accused challenger Heather Porreca of lying on the campaign trail and trying to interfere with his oversight of city operations, while Porreca claimed Heroux is standing in the way of potentially transformative development opportunities.
Sunday public affairs TV: Marty Walsh, Jon Santiago, Lonnie Bunch
Keller at Large, WBZ-TV Channel 4, 8:30 a.m. This week’s guest: Mayor Marty Walsh, who talks with host Jon Keller about proposed ban on masks at demonstrations, police body cameras, Michelle Wu’s call for housing policy reform, and the impact of the new Everett casino.
This Week in Business, NECN, 10 a.m. Ameresco CEO George Sakellaris on the business of energy efficiency and renewable energy; Mark Malinowski; Showcase Cinemas vice president, on the future of the movie theatre business; and Jon Chesto of the Boson Globe on the final fed report on the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, ride-sharing changes at Logan and other business issues.
CEO Corner, NECN, 10:30 a.m. Papa Gino’s president Tom Sterrett and CMO Deena McKinley talk about he firm emerging from bankruptcy and the industry in general.
On The Record, WCVB-TV Channel 5, 11 a.m. This week’s guest: State Rep. Jon Santiago, who talks with hosts Ed Harding and Janet Wu, followed by a roundtable political discussion with Democratic political analyst Mary Anne Marsh and Republican political analyst Rob Gray.
CityLine, WCVB-TV Channel 5, 12 p.m. With host Karen Holmes Ward, this week’s topic: A conversation with Lonnie Bunch, recently appointed the secretary of the Smithsonian and the first the first African American to head the prestigious museums and research system.
The Good Fight, ADL’s Forum on Confronting Anti-Semitism
Join the Boston community for an informative and hands-on day dedicating to combating anti-Semitism. This one-day forum will include presentations by leading experts on anti-Semitism and skill building workshops for adults, students, and families. Participants will leave with an actionable toolkit for confronting anti-Semitism.
Quincy Democratic City Committee Breakfast
Please join the Quincy Democratic City Committee for our 31st Annual Breakfast. The breakfast will be held Sunday October 27, 2019 at 10 AM at the Quincy Sons of Italy. U.S. Senator Ed Markey will be our keynote speaker. 2019 Dennis F. Ryan Community Award will be presented to State Senator John F. Keenan.
Quincy Democratic City Committee
Launch Your Clinical Program in Australia: The Many Upsides of Going Down Under
Nucleus Network to Highlight Benefits of Conducting Early-Stage Clinical Trials in Australia during MassBio Event
Open House: Boston Common Master Plan
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department & the Friends of the Public Garden invite you to the first Boston Common Master Plan Open House on Oct. 29th between 5:30 & 8pm at the Bordy Theater, 216 Tremont Street. A short speaking program will begin at 6:30pm. The public will have the opportunity to provide meaningful feedback, which is incredibly important in shaping the future of the Common.
Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Public Garden
WorldBoston 10th Annual Consuls Reception
The Consuls Reception convenes the 60-member local Consular Corps and some 200 leaders from business, government, academia, and the arts for a lively evening of networking, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks – all against the sparkling backdrop of Boston Harbor by night. Ambassador Susan E. Rice, the former National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, will provide remarks.
EdVestors’ 14th Annual School on the Move Prize Ceremony
EdVestors to present prestigious $100,000 School on the Move Prize. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, BPS Superintendent Cassellius to attend Oct. 31st ceremony that will recognize three finalist Boston schools for outstanding progress toward improving performance and announce the winner of the coveted award.
Today’s Headlines
Metro
Bayside developers to hold first ‘vision’ meeting on Saturday – Dorchester Reporter
Boston development moguls fighting over failed Back Bay condo project – Boston Globe
Massachusetts
Bid to circumvent Cape Cod Commission withdrawn – Cape Cod Times
Lawrence free of state fiscal oversight – Eagle-Tribune
Salem’s in-law apartment bylaw defeated – Salem News
Nation
Democrats see no need to hear from Ukraine whistleblower – Washington Post
Bernie Sanders released a plan to legalize marijuana (at 4:20 p.m.) – Vox.com
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