 | By Kelly Garrity | MARKEY CHALLENGER ENTERS THE CHAT — Alex Rikleen — a father, former teacher and fantasy sports writer — is running for the U.S. Senate “because Democrats have shown us that they’re not going to change on their own.” Rikleen, a first-time candidate, launched his primary campaign against Sen. Ed Markey earlier this week with a call for Democrats to do more to fight the “existential threat” they warned of from a second Trump term. “Democrats the whole last campaign, the overwhelming message was ‘existential threat, existential threat,’” Rikleen told Playbook. “And Ed Markey has been around for — this is his seventh new Republican administration — and I don't see any difference in how he is responding to this new Republican administration versus any of the previous six.” Out of power in D.C., Democrats have unleashed a steady drumbeat of criticism against Republicans. Markey has crossed the state to attend protests and rallies , and he t raveled to Louisiana in April to urge the White House to release Tufts student Rumeysa Öztürk who was detained there. But beyond messaging, there’s little Democrats can do to block President Donald Trump’s agenda without control of either the House or the Senate. Republicans will likely be able to push their policy agenda through Washington, Rikleen acknowledged. “A unified Republican majority can overcome people who are objecting to unanimous consent, and they can overcome quorum calls, but it slows them down,” he said. Rikleen isn’t alone in launching a frustration-fueled primary challenge against a longtime Democratic member of Congress. Candidates are running similar campaigns in California, Illinois and Virginia . But Rikleen, a millennial, didn’t specifically mention Markey’s age (he’ll be 80 when he’s on the ballot next year). Taking on Markey will likely be an uphill battle for a political newcomer like Rikleen — especially considering he notched a decisive victory last cycle over high-profile congressman from one of the country’s most storied political families. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Happy Friday! TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announce the state’s new Poet Laureate at 12:45 p.m. in Salem. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosts a Chinatown and Bay Village coffee hour at 10 a.m. in Chinatown, speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Flour Bakery location in Boston Common at noon and talks about “governing in the age of Trump” at the WBUR Festival at 2 p.m. THIS WEEKEND — Auditor Diana DiZoglio is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Rep. Jake Auchincloss is on NBC10 Boston Weekend Today at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@politico.com .
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| | Did you know Playbook goes beyond the newsletter—with powerhouse new co-hosts at the mic? Tune in to The Playbook Podcast every weekday for exclusive intel and sharp analysis on Trump’s Washington, straight from Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns. Start listening now . | | | | | |  | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| EYEBROW RAISER — Massachusetts’ Healey seeks meeting with Trump border czar Homan by Barry Richard, 1420 WBSM: “Days after Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised ‘some’ of President Donald Trump's border policies, Healey is now looking to score a meeting with Trump border czar Tom Homan. … [F]ormer Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson, the Massachusetts chairman of the 2024 Trump campaign, told WBSM's Chris McCarthy he was approached by a Healey contact who asked if he might mention Hodgson to Healey as someone who might be able to put her in touch with Homan. Hodgson agreed. ‘I will wait for his response,’ Hodgson said. ‘He (the contact) did not say she asked him to reach out to me, but he prefaced his conversation by saying he was 'having dinner with Maura Healey.'’” Healey has previously said she would be willing to meet with Homan , but an aide didn’t clarify Thursday night whether she was actively seeking a meeting with Trump’s border czar. — Lawmakers urged to block library book bans by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “Lawmakers are being urged to restrict efforts to ban books from public libraries and schools in response to a rise in challenges from parents and conservative groups. The bipartisan proposal, which is being considered by the Legislature’s Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, would, if approved, make Massachusetts one of only two states to effectively outlaw book bans because of ‘partisan or doctrinal’ reasons by setting new restrictions on receiving state funding.”
PAY WALL INCLUDES LEGISLATION ACROSS THE NATION: We’re now in the thick of legislative sessions for most states across the country. While there has been an astronomical rise in legislation targeting public institutions and targeting books held within them, there’s some good news. Several states have anti-book ban bills on deck as well. Some of these states pre-filed such bills, so they might sound familiar. Others are newcomers, either expanding existing legislation or building new protections for libraries with their fresh bills. It is important to remember there are a couple of crucial pieces to these anti-book ban bills, which began in Illinois in 2023 and expanded to several other states in 2024. Some of the bills protect only public libraries, while some protect both public school libraries and public libraries. Some tie a financial incentive to freedom to read/anti-book ban policies while others increase protections of library workers against criminalization for not banning books. Other bills do both or all of the above. We’ve seen, too, how legislators have been seeking to undermine existing anti-book ban legislation this session. Both Maryland and Minnesota do not allow books in public schools or public libraries to be pulled for political, ideological, or partisan reasons, but both states have bills this year that seek to allow bans of “sexually explicit” and “sexually inappropriate” materials. What those terms mean is left purposefully vague, hinting that this is yet another method to ban LGBTQ+ books. If you live in any of the states with anti-book ban bills in the legislature this year, it’s crucial to have your voice heard. Make the phone calls, send the emails, and show up in person to talk to your state-level representatives about these bills and why they are crucial for protecting not only the freedom to read and institutions like public schools and libraries but also for protecting the rights, voices, and lives of marginalized people. Arkansas has introduced legislation that mirrors Illinois’s anti-book ban bill in that it ties a small pool of money to anti-book ban policies in libraries state wide. It applies both to public school libraries and public libraries statewide. HB1028 repeals Arkansas Code § 5-27-212, then provides criminal protections for library workers and school employees when claims are made that they have provided “obscene material.” Massachusetts – SD 141 and HD 625 (simultaneously filed bills in both legislative bodies), HD 2779 SD 141 filed by Julian Cyr HD 625 filed by John Francis Moran and Adam J. Scanlon HD 2779 filed by Aaron L. Saunders Last year, Massachusetts attempted to pass their own anti-book ban bill, but it did not progress during the legislative session. The first two bills, SD 141 and HD 625, each referred to as “An Act Regarding Free Expression” seek the same outcome as last year’s bill: books cannot be banned in public schools or public libraries over political ideology or partisanship. Librarians would find expanded protections when put in the position to defend the position of books in their collection. HD 2779’s language and intent is similar to the above. It’s not uncommon for more than one bill with a similar theme or idea to be filed for a session—and in cases like this, it will likely help support passage of such a bill. BOOK RIOT
| | WHAT'S ON CAMPBELL'S DOCKET |
| ***ADDRESSING ICE GESTAPO ABUSE!****
— AG Campbell releases 'Know Your Rights' guide as ICE arrests surge by Vivian La, WBUR: “In response to an increase in immigration arrests, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell issued a guide that outlines what immigrants, families and communities should know about their rights if they are approached by ICE or witness detentions in their neighborhoods. Over the last few months, some arrests have shocked communities. Five federal agents tackled a man in Watertown; a chaotic arrest in Worcester led to an hours-long standoff between bystanders, local police and federal agents; agents smashed a car window to access a man in New Bedford; and a Tufts student who didn’t know her visa was revoked was arrested by plainclothes agents.”
| | FROM THE HUB |
| — Opioid-related deaths decline in Boston in 2024 by Craig LeMoult, GBH News: “Opioid-related deaths dropped sharply in Boston last year, hitting a nine-year low, according to a new analysis by the Boston Public Health Commission. Public health leaders believe some interventions, like distribution of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, are helping — but they say the biggest contributing factor may be what’s in the illicit drugs themselves.”
| | THE RACE FOR CITY HALL |
| — District 7 candidates debate land use, White Stadium at Boston forum by Tréa Lavery, MassLive: “Nine candidates seeking to replace Boston District 7 City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson discussed a number of community issues during a virtual forum Thursday night. But the one issue that remained unsaid during the nearly three-hour forum was the reason Fernandes Anderson’s seat is open — her conviction on federal corruption charges.”
| | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES |
| — MBTA employees busted for allegedly falsifying Red Line track inspection reports in Boston by Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald: “Four former MBTA employees who clocked in overtime well north of $50,000 last year and a current staffer could face up to 20 years in prison for allegedly falsifying Red Line track inspection reports. The four former employees are accused in federal court of working on private vehicles, playing on their phones, and chatting with other employees instead of performing track inspections, which they stated they completed.”
BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG PAY WALL | | DAY IN COURT |
| — Grand jury investigating State Police recruit death by Sean Cotter, The Boston Globe: “A state Superior Court grand jury has been hearing sworn testimony over at least several weeks from State Police troopers and others close to the investigation of a police recruit’s death during a training exercise in September, according to three people with direct knowledge of the secret court proceedings. The grand jury appears to be an escalation in the months-long investigation by special prosecutor David Meier. The veteran defense attorney and former prosecutor was tapped by state officials to lead an independent probe into the death of 25-year-old Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who suffered serious injuries in a boxing ring during an academy training exercise in New Braintree. He died a day later."
| | WARREN REPORT |
| ****TRUMP PARDONING WEALTHY CONVICTED FELONS!****
— Savannah Chrisley clashes with Elizabeth Warren over Trump’s pardon of her parents’ fraud convictions by Tal Kopan, The Boston Globe: “Senator Elizabeth Warren drew the ire of a conservative reality television star Thursday morning over a pardon from President Trump that wiped away her parents’ fraud convictions. Savannah Chrisley, daughter of ‘Chrisley Knows Best’ TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, took issue with a Warren post on the social media platform X that called Trump’s pardon of her parents ‘a get-out-of-jail-free card for the rich & famous who cozy up to Trump.’ The younger Chrisley campaigned for Trump last year.” ****BLANKET BARRING THE BEST & BRIGHTEST FROM OTHER NATIONS BETRAYS EDUCATION!*** — Led by Senator Warren, Mass. lawmakers demand answers about Trump’s ongoing attack on international students by Tonya Alanez, The Boston Globe: “Senator Elizabeth Warren led a delegation of Massachusetts lawmakers in demanding answers from the Trump administration about its revocation of international students’ visas, what they called the latest in a string of hostile actions aimed at students from abroad, according to a copy of a letter sent Wednesday.”
| | FROM THE DELEGATION |
| OVERSIGHT OFFICIAL — Rep. Stephen Lynch made his bid for the for the top Democratic spot on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee official Thursday, touting his decades of experience on the committee, and the support of the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, who previously held the post. “As we all know, Gerry Connolly was all about the work, and I am honored to have earned his trust and endorsement to continue this important work and lead Oversight Democrats at a moment when our decisions and our actions over the coming months may determine the course of our American experiment,” Lynch, who has been serving as the party’s temporary head of the panel, wrote in a letter to Democratic colleagues. “I am well-prepared to manage an extremely talented group of Oversight Democrats as we fight like hell against every action taken by the Trump Administration to curtail individual rights, dismantle our democratic institutions and unload the costs of reckless economic plans onto the backs of America’s workers and vulnerable communities,” Lynch added. So far, Lynch is up against Rep. Robert Garcia of California and Rep. Kweisi Mfume of Maryland. Others, like Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, have also expressed interest in running.
| | MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS |
| ***CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION!**** — Small marijuana businesses call reform bill a 'Trojan horse' for big companies by Walter Wuthmann, WBUR: “Massachusetts House lawmakers this week released their long-awaited plan to restructure the state's embattled Cannabis Control Commission, but some marijuana retailers say it contains provisions that would be a "death blow" to the industry. The agency tasked with regulating the state's $8 billion marijuana industry has faced calls for reform following allegations of workplace toxicity, infighting and perceived regulatory delays. The House proposal would reduce the five-member commission to three, and give more governing power to its chair.” — With cannabis industry struggling, Western Mass. sellers and growers seek relief from high court by Jim Kinney, The Springfield Republican: “Plaintiffs growing, selling and delivering legal marijuana in Massachusetts now have two court decisions against them, but aren’t giving up. They seek to overturn a federal law they say strangles their business. They were turned back last week by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. But plaintiffs say their fight against the Richard Nixon-era Controlled Substances Act of 1970 is not over.”
| | FROM THE 413 |
| — ICE takes two into custody Wednesday morning in Amherst by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Amherst officials are notifying the community about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in which two individuals were taken into custody, in separate incidents, Wednesday between 7 and 8 a.m.” — Pittsfield City Council gives initial OK to 10 city budgets by Maryjane Williams, The Berkshire Eagle.
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| | Policy moves fast—stay ahead with POLITICO’s Policy Intelligence Assistant. Effortlessly search POLITICO's archive of 1M+ news articles, analysis documents, and legislative text. Track legislation, showcase your impact, and generate custom reports in seconds. Designed for POLITICO Pro subscribers, this tool helps you make faster, smarter decisions. Start exploring now . | | | | | | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| — Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill cuts overnight care, pursues 'satellite emergency' status by Jill Harmacinski, The Eagle-Tribune: “Plans are underway for Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill to become a ‘satellite emergency facility’ with 59 beds for overnight admissions now being phased out, officials said. Surgical services ended in March at HFH Haverhill and intensive care unit services have been unavailable there since 2024 before Lawrence General Hospital assumed ownership after the Steward health care system collapse.” excerpt: LAWRENCE — Plans are underway for Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill to become a “satellite emergency facility” with 59 beds for overnight admissions now being phased out, officials said. Surgical services ended in March at HFH Haverhill and intensive care unit services have been unavailable there since 2024 before Lawrence General Hospital assumed ownership after the Steward health care system collapse. HFH Haverhill’s satellite status underscores it’s commitment to community emergency medicine and continues “a path to establish a regional health care system,” said Lori Howley, an LGH and HFH spokesperson. “This work includes evaluating services and redeploying resources to where and when they are most needed to best meet patients’ needs as a comprehensive network of care,” Howley said Thursday. A notice about the change must be provided to the state’s Department of Public Health. About 35 employees are impacted and no layoffs are planned. Employees will be “offered new opportunities within the organization,” according to the announcement. “Changes requested in the filing will allow HFH Haverhill to refocus its services on emergency care and inpatient behavioral health, critically needed services for the region, along with outpatient care,” according to a press release. Howley stressed the important point in the DPH filing “is our commitment to continue to provide emergency services at Haverhill for the community and surrounding region,” she said. ***GREAT INFORMATION & DETAIL!*** — $70 million in bonds in pipeline for New Bedford’s water systems by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford Light: “A new bond order advanced in City Council last Thursday will kick off the latest round of work — $70 million in total — for the Whaling City to repair, replace, and improve its water systems: stormwater, wastewater, and lead pipes alike.” excerpts: NEW BEDFORD — It’s the nation’s most valuable fishing port, but the fish in the harbor aren’t safe to eat. It’s a home for world-class sailing and boating, but not known for its water quality. Its miles of beaches are on the same coastline as burning hot tourist destinations, but frequently closed for swimming because of bacteria and sewage overflow. New Bedford is a city built by the sea — in more ways than one — but historically the city’s success came at the expense of its waterways. A new bond order advanced in City Council last Thursday will kick off the latest round of work — $70 million in total — for the Whaling City to repair, replace, and improve its water systems: stormwater, wastewater, and lead pipes alike. — In Nantucket, fears of an economic chilling effect after ICE sting by Danny McDonald, The Boston Globe.
— — Renters find relief at Worcester legal clinic to clear their eviction records by Sam Turken, GBH News.
| | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to CNN’s Eric Levenson, Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Bill Fonda, Natasha Sarin, Ayanna Pressley alum Luisa Peña Lyons and Wes Ritchie. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to WPRI’s Ted Nesi, Katie Sagarin and Gena Mangiaratti, who celebrate Saturday. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com . | |
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