MASSterList: ‘I forgot’ | Moving up? | Kennedy ambassadors: Today's sponsor - MA Dentists Alliance for Quality Care

 

Today  Articles  Headlines  Jobs

Advertise  Subscribe  Archives  Twitter  Facebook  Instagram

This email may be cut off by your email provider. To see today's full MASSterList, click "View entire message" at the bottom, or view the online version here. By Jay Fitzgerald and Keith Regan 06/01/2021 ‘I forgot’ | Moving up? | Kennedy ambassadors   Keller at Large     Jaylen Brown’s slam dunk analysis   In his latest Keller at Large on MassterList, Jon Keller praises Celtics star Jaylen Brown’s analysis of Kyrie Irving’s recent race baiting of Boston fans and the “trivialization of racism” that distracts from genuinely profound problems. Keller at Large     Advertisement     Happening Today   PFAS Task Force, Extending COVID-19 policies, and more   -- Attorneys representing three groups are scheduled to appear before the Supreme Judicial Court to press for regular COVID-19 testing of non-symptomatic people at Massachusetts county jails, 9 a.m. -- PFAS Interagency Task Force will hear informational briefings from the Department of Environmental Protection at its first meeting to investigate water and ground contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, 10 a.m. -- U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern is among the speakers at a Pioneer Valley Workers Center news conference about a U.S. Supreme Court decision that organizers say could overturn millions of existing deportation cases, 10 a.m. -- Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy holds public hearing on three bills dealing with hemp products, 11 a.m. -- Senate Ways and Means Committee is accepting testimony through 5 p.m. on a pair of bills extending COVID-19 policies beyond the June 15 end of the state of emergency, 5 p.m. For the most comprehensive list of calendar items, check out State House News Service’s Daily Advances (pay wall – free trial subscriptions available), as well as MassterList’s Beacon Hill Town Square below.     Sponsored Attention Legislators Please become a co-sponsor of HB1171, SB714, HB1173 and SB236 to show your support for Assignment of Benefits and the Patients Bill of Rights! Learn more.     Today's News   Reminder to readers: SHNS Coronavirus Tracker available for free   A reminder to our readers as the coronavirus crisis unfolds: The paywalled State House News Service, which produces MASSterList, is making its full Coronavirus Tracker available to the community for free on a daily basis each morning via ML. SHNS Coronavirus Tracker.     ‘I forgot’: Baker acknowledges he met with center chief before Holyoke tragedy   He says he forgot. And the media is all over Gov. Charlie Baker for forgetting, or for not telling the truth in the first place, about his meeting with Bennett Walsh before he was appointed director of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home – and before last year’s COVID-19 deaths of scores of veterans at the home. A three-reporter team at the Globe haw more on the governor’s apparent recall problems. The SHNS’s Katie Lannan and the Herald’s Erin Tiernan also have more.     They weren’t quite singing in the rain but …   The weather didn’t cooperate. But no matter. It was a glorious Memorial Day weekend for many who finally got to shed their protective masks, open their businesses to full capacity and/or do most other things as a result of Saturday’s lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Massachusetts. A sampling of some headlines from around the state, starting with Matt Reed at WCVB: “Fans flock to Garden-area bars, restaurants as restrictions lifted.” From MassLive: “Encore Boston Harbor celebrates Massachusetts lifting COVID restrictions with mask-tossing countdown.” Also from MassLive: “’This does us good’: Veterans take satisfaction as big crowds gather for renewed Memorial Day traditions.” There was some hesitancy out there, but not much. From Quincy Walters at WBUR: “As Mass. Loosens Pandemic Restrictions, People 'Get Back Out There,' But Caution Remains.” And SHNS’s Colin Young reports that Gov. Charlie Baker says the coronavirus is definitely “on the run.”         Sitting it out: Venus de Milo postpones opening due to lack of workers   Not all was well on the reopening front – and this also doesn’t bode well for economic recovery in general. The iconic Venus de Milo restaurant and banquet facility in Swansea was unable to open its doors this weekend to join in the reopening fracas, with owner Monte Ferris saying the venue has been unable to find enough experienced food-service workers. Linda Murphy at the Herald-News has the details.  Herald News     Sale: Discounted face masks! Hurry while they last!   Stores stocked up on protective masks – and now they’re stuck with them. Universal Hub has the photographic proof. And Lysol wipes? Have fun selling those too, as one commenter notes. Universal Hub     Teachers union head: It’s ‘premature’ to remove school restrictions this fall   The head of the Massachusetts Teachers Association is criticizing the state’s move to eliminate COVID-19 restrictions when all schools return to in-person learning this fall, calling it “premature,” reports Melissa Hanson at MassLive. But a four-reporter team at the Globe reports that some superintendents are hailing the return to in-person classes and the guidance given to schools by the state. MassLive     Prefer to enjoy Keller at Large in print rather than audio? You can access Jon’s most recent columns here: 5/25/21 - What to Keep from Our Year in Hell 5/18/21 - Why Boston Needs To Remember Its Miracle 5/11/21 - Geoff Diehl's Bronco Ride To Nowhere     Going down fighting: White battles to save his job via family testimonials   Suspended BPD commissioner Dennis White isn’t going quietly – and he’s enlisted his oldest daughter and sister-in-law to help via videos of them saying White’s former wife was the violent one in their stormy relationship.  The Herald’s Joe Dwinell and Rick Sobey and the Globe’s John Hilliard have more on the video affidavits from family members. From the Globe’s Kevin Cullen: “In the Dennis White case, the city may be about to fire the wrong cop.” But Acting Mayor Kim Janey isn’t budging from her decision to can White.      Back to the future? Biden eyes ambassadorship for Vicki Kennedy   He’s going old school.  President Biden is considering naming two members of the Kennedy political dynasty as ambassadors as he begins to roll out his team of overseas diplomats this week, Hans Nicols at Axios reports. Vicki Kennedy, widow of late U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, is being considered for a western Europe post while JFK daughter Caroline Kennedy, as previously reported, could be headed to the Pacific region. Separately, Nicols reports that Biden is tapping the Bay State’s own Rufus Gifford, a former local congressional candidate and ambassador himself, as chief of protocol at the State Department. Axios     Moving up? Legislators eye ‘changing of the guard’ at the political top   The Globe’s Matt Stout reports on the potential “changing of the guard” next year in Massachusetts – if certain constitutional officers opt to not run for re-election or run for another office. We’ll leave you in suspense about which statewide pols might do what. The fun part is all the names Stout drops when it comes to state senators eyeing higher office: Lesser, Eldridge, Rausch, Chang-Diaz, Hinds, DiZoglio, not to mention non-senator names like Edwards, Ryan, Curtatone, etc. Meanwhile, from SHNS’s Katie Lannan: “Baker, Polito Families to Discuss 2022 Re-Election.” And the Herald’s Joe Battenfeld has more on those Markeyverse young ones threatening to target AG Maura Healey for her political impurities. Boston Globe     ‘Weaponizing party bylaws in a bid to oust the governor’   The Globe’s Emma Platoff reports on the ongoing battle for control of the state GOP between chairman Jim Lyons, a conservative, and Gov. Charlie Baker, a moderate, and how the former who couldn’t hang on to a legislative seat thinks he knows more about electability than the latter who’s won two statewide elections and maintains sky-high approval ratings.     Advertisement     Governor signs UI rate relief and COVID leave bill   SHNS’s Matt Murphy reports that Gov. Charlie Baker last Friday signed legislation that provides some relief for employers facing huge unemployment insurance rate hikes and that calls for creation of a $75 million emergency COVID-19 sick leave program, portions of which Baker previously tried (and failed) to amend. SHNS (pay wall -- free trial subscription available)     Take your pick: Eastern equine encephalitis or contaminated drinking water   The Globe David Abel reports that some communities are opting to forgo state aerial spraying to reduce the spread of eastern equine encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases. The reason: A pesticide used for years by the state has been found to contain a significant amount of PFAS – the same “forever chemical” that’s been contaminating drinking water supplies across the state. Talk about an awful choice. Boston Globe     Not home alone: Homeschooling more than doubles during pandemic   A lot of parents were home during the pandemic shutdowns and leery of remote learning for their children. So many took matters into their own hands. CommonWealth’s Shira Schoenberg reports on the rise of homeschooling during the coronavirus crisis. CommonWealth     Epidemic plus pandemic equals … spike in HIV cases among homeless   When the opioid epidemic meets the coronavirus pandemic, this is what you get. Also from Shira Schoenberg at CommonWealth: “Health office have identified a growing cluster of 134 HIV cases primarily among homeless people who inject drugs in the Boston area, a worrying sign for health officials who several years ago were talking about a goal of eradicating new HIV cases in the state.”   CommonWealth     Sponsored Born and raised in Massachusetts Thoroughbred breeders are raising a record number of thoroughbred foals on local farms as part of a $100 million equine industry in Massachusetts that is creating jobs and preserving our farmlands and open spaces. Support thoroughbred breeding and our rural economy. Support House 329 and Senate 205.  Massachusetts Breeders Association     Tarr: Time for patrols to protect whales   Christian Wade at the Newburyport Daily News reports that Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr wants to step up marine patrols for endangered North Atlantic right whales to “reduce collisions with boats, entanglements with fishing gear and prevent shutdowns of the state's lobster fishery.” Newburyport Daily News     Just in case: Brookline exploring gun shop restrictions as Newton wrestles with application   They’re hoping to avoid Newton’s fate. Brookline officials say they are exploring possible zoning amendments that would limit where gun shops could open in the community, a move that comes as neighboring Newton finds itself in a heated debate over a proposed gun store in that community, Abby Patkin at the MetroWest Daily News reports.  MetroWest Daily News     Portions of Green Line’s D Branch to close this month for ‘fast-track’ work   From CBS Boston: “The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is fast-tracking work on the Green Line’s D branch in June that will require a full closure of the track for a total of 18 days, officials said. The MBTA’s Green Line D Track and Signal Replacement Project includes replacing 25,000 feet of track and 6.5 miles of signals — some elements of which date to the 1950s.” CBS Boston     Watertown cop who took down marathon bomber to retire after 41 years   He earned it. Lisa Hughes at CBS Boston reports on the retirement of Watertown police sergeant Jeff Pugliese, who will forever be linked to tackling accused Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev after a dramatic shootout in Watertown in 2013. CBS Boston         Today's Headlines   Metro   As Harvard Case Looms at Supreme Court, Study Tests Value of Diversity - New York Times Uber, Lyft shortages make getting a ride in Boston an ‘extreme sport’ - Boston Globe   Massachusetts   Going to pot? Legal weed sales in other states could affect industry in Berkshires, though not right away - Berkshire Eagle Taunton’s Freshly Baked becomes first cannabis company in Massachusetts to get approval to start home delivery - MassLive   Nation   Texas Democrats Walk Out, Stop Republican's Sweeping Voting Restrictions - NPR An Arms Race in America: Gun Buying Spiked During the Pandemic. It’s Still Up. - New York Times   Jobs   Reach MASSterList's 22,000 Beacon Hill connected and policy-minded subscribers with your job postings. Have friends interested in one of these positions? Forward the newsletter to them! Contact David Art at dart@massterlist.com or call 860-576-1886 for more information.   Recent postings to the MASSterList Job Board:   Procurement and Contract Coordinator - new!, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Senior Contract Specialist - new!, Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) General Counsel - new!, Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) Director of Communications and Marketing - new!, Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC) Vice President (Media Advocacy & Campaign Communications - Environmental Justice), 617MediaGroup Executive Vice President (Media Advocacy & Campaign Communications - Environmental Justice), 617MediaGroup Deputy Director - new!, Building Pathways Program Associate: Our Common Purpose, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Program Associate: American Political Economy and the Public Good, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Editor/Writer, Massachusetts Teachers Association Member Relations Specialist, Associated Industries of Massachusetts Constituent Services Liaison, City of Brockton Vice President (Labor Communications), 617MediaGroup Research Associate, Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Inc. Director of Planning and Economic Development, City of Everett Affordable Housing Program Manager, City of Everett Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, City of Everett Development Director, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay City Clerk/Clerk of the Council, City of Newton Legislative Director, Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Director of Maintenance, Brookline Housing Authority   To view more events or post an event listing on Beacon Hill Town Square, please visit events.massterlist.com. Beacon Hill Town Square   June 1, 2 p.m. Navigating the Culture Wars with Douglas Murray and Ayaan Hirsi Ali Hosted by: Spectator Events   Join Douglas Murray, author of The Madness of Crowds, and feminist activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali as the pair discuss her new book: Prey: Immigration, Islam, and the Erosion of Women’s Rights. More Information     June 2, 12 p.m. Multilateral Cultural Diplomacy: A Conversation with UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay Hosted by: Harvard Kennedy School   In the third installment of the Future of Cultural Diplomacy Series, UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay will offer her unique perspective on cultural diplomacy as the leader of one of the world’s largest multilateral agencies focused on education, scientific, and cultural issues. More Information     June 2, 12:30 p.m. Biodiversity and Climate Crisis Summit - On the Road to COP26 Hosted by: United Nations Association Climate and Oceans   UN COP 26 will take place in Glasgow in 2021, hosted by the United Nations and the UK Government. This International online event will take us closer to the UN Summit, and it's about generating a wider dialogue on Climate Action. Net Zero by 2030? Can we make it happen? More Information     June 2, 7 p.m. Dr. James R. Givens in conversation with Dr. Kim Parker - Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching Hosted by: Boston Public Library   Join us, the State Library of Massachusetts, the Museum of African American History, and the Black Educators' Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM) for an online discussion with Dr. Jarvis R. Givens, author of Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching, and BEAM President Dr. Kim Parker. This conversation is part of the Boston Public Library's Repairing America Series. More Information     June 4, 10 a.m. Climate Adaptation Forum — Climate Migration: International Pressures, Local Realities Hosted by: Environmental Business Council of New England & the Sustainable Solutions Lab   Join the Climate Adaptation Forum for a conversation about migration — both international and internal. Hear from municipalities that are building infrastructure to welcome new residents and from experts at the international scale who are grappling with broad issues of displacement and migration. More Information     June 8, 12 p.m. Crypto Connection 2021 Hosted by: TABB Forum & Global DCA   2021 will be known as the year Crypto went mainstream. The flood of institutional investors entering the asset class, the decision by traditional payment companies to offer crypto access and payment options, and the dynamism of listed (public) digital asset companies, futures contracts, and ETFs - all point to a sea change in our understanding and perceived value of cryptocurrency. More Information     June 8, 7 p.m. President Bill Clinton and James Patterson Discuss The President's Daughter Hosted by: Barnes & Noble   President Bill Clinton and author James Patterson's new thriller, THE PRESIDENT'S DAUGHTER, is a fast-action adventure, a certified nail-biter from the very first page, with details only a former president could write and action only Patterson could dream up. Just imagine the president as a superhero — all the fun without the cape! More Information     June 9, 10:30 a.m. Corporate Welcome Reception Hosted by: MassEcon   MassEcon is proud to welcome new businesses to Massachusetts at our Corporate Welcome Brunch, part of the Annual Corporate Welcome Reception Series! As we were unable to host this event in 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic, we look forward to this event as an opportunity to thank these new companies to Massachusetts for their investments in the Commonwealth in 2019 and later. More Information     June 9, 2:30 p.m. Reflections of Alan Turing Hosted by: The National Archives   Dermot Turing is the author of the acclaimed biography Prof, about the life of his uncle, Alan Turing and X, Y & Z: the Real Story of How Enigma Was Broken. He spent his career in the legal profession after graduating from Cambridge and Oxford, and is a trustee of Bletchley Park. He has extensive knowledge of World War II code-breaking and is a regular presenter at major cryptology events. More Information     June 9, 5 p.m. Deborah Lipstadt and Rabbi Ed Feinstein: Anti-Semitism Today - What's Really Going On? Hosted by: Jews United for Democracy and Justice and Community Advocates   Deborah Lipstadt, Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, is one of the nation's foremost experts on Holocaust denial and modern anti-Semitism. Rabbi Ed Feinstein is the beloved senior rabbi at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California, one of the largest Conservative congregations in the United States. More Information     June 12, 11 a.m. Anne Frank's Europe: Before, During & After Her Diary - Livestream Tour Hosted by: Washington DC HIstory & Culture   Join us for an online/virtual tour of the places throughout Europe associated with Anne Frank. While the basics of Anne's life as depicted in her diary are known to many, some of the most noteworthy aspects of this time are not well known. More Information   How to Contact MASSterList     For advertising questions and Beacon Hill Town Square submissions, please email: dart@massterlist.com. For Happening Today calendar and press release submissions, please email: news@statehousenews.com. For editorial matters, please email: editorial@massterlist.com.   MASSterList, 568 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482