Thursday, July 31, 2025

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Beacon Hill's big stick

Beacon Hill's big stick

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— Senate poised to approve school cellphone ban by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “The state Senate is poised to approve a statewide ban on the use of cellphones and other electronic gadgets in public schools in response to rising concerns about classroom distractions and teen mental health issues. The legislation, teed up for a Thursday vote, would require the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop guidance to school districts on how to implement a ‘bell-to-bell’ ban. Those bans would be required to be approved before the 2026-27 school year.”

— Despite widespread support, ‘menstrual equity’ bill has stalled for two sessions in the House by Bhaamati Borkhetaria, CommonWealth Beacon: “Two years ago, Senate President Karen Spilka called it a 'simple' proposition to make menstrual products available in public spaces like schools, prisons, and homeless shelters. At a 2023 hearing on a bill that would do that, Sen. Julian Cyr, the vice chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, called it ‘absurd that menstrual products aren’t readily available in every and all public locations.’ But getting a 'menstrual equity' bill across the finish line has been anything but simple.”

FROM THE HUB

— Boston City Hall staffer embroiled in alleged North End shoe fight by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “A Boston City Hall employee allegedly struck a woman in the face repeatedly with her high-heel shoe, as part of an attack that also reportedly involved the Wu administration official’s father and two of her sisters last Friday in the North End. Ciara D’Amico, the city’s deputy director of neighborhoods, allegedly joined an attack that began with her father, John D’Amico, punching a woman in the face multiple times, and continued with three of his daughters jumping into the fray, according to a Boston Police report obtained by the Herald. No arrests have been made in the incident, the Herald has learned.”

BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG PAY WALL - ALWAYS GOSSIP, NEVER ANYTHING OF SUBSTANCE!

— Boston doesn’t have an employee dating policy, but neither do many other cities by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News.

MIGRANT MOVES

***ICE IS DEPORTING INNOCENT VICTIMS - NO DUE PROCESS! - NOT CRIMINALS! DEPORTATION LUNACY IS NOT A SOLUTION! TRUMP & MAGA MAGGOTS OPPOSED REASONABLE SOLUTIONS JUST AS THEY ALWAYS DO!
TRUMP IS FIRING IMMIGRATION JUDGES!
ICE ZEALOTS ARE ARRESTING THOSE WHO POSE NO THREAT! IT'S ALSO COSTING TAXPAYERS LOTS OF $$$ FOR CONCENTRATION CAMPS & THE GLOBAL GULAGS!****

— The vast majority of men in ICE custody in Mass. are classified as 'no threat' by Simón Rios, WBUR: “About 85% of federal detainees held in U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement custody at the Plymouth County detention center this year have been classified as ‘no ICE threat’ by the agency, according to federal data analyzed by WBUR. The numbers call into question an oft-repeated talking point for President Trump, that immigration agents are pursuing ‘dangerous criminals’ and ‘the worst of the worst.’”

— Old Orchard Beach police say DHS ‘shifting blame’ to them in ICE arrest of summer officer from Jamaica by Nick Stoico, The Boston Globe: “Officials in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, issued a forceful defense of their hiring practices Wednesday in response to claims by federal authorities that the town failed to verify the work authorization of a seasonal police officer who was arrested by immigration agents last week. The town’s police chief, Elise Chard, said recent public remarks Homeland Security officials criticizing her department ‘appears to be an attempt to shift the blame onto a hard-working local law enforcement agency that has done its job.’”

FROM THE 413

***MASSIVE HEALTH CARE COSTS TO FUND TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY & ENDLESS DEFICITS!****

— Massive health rate hike to hit local towns this fall by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “All 73 members of the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust will see health insurance rates increase by an additional 20% on Oct. 1, ensuring that the trust remains intact, even in the face of significant medical and pharmaceutical claims and the growing popularity of weight-loss drugs.”

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— Most districts in Worcester County see declines in enrollment by Jesse Collings, Telegram & Gazette: “Over the last decade, Wachusett Regional School District has lost nearly 800 students. That decline, which is mirrored by districts across the county, has put an enhanced strain on school officials trying to keep a balanced budget without cutting any key programming or staff.”

— Lawrence pays $40K to settle suit alleging 'dirty politics' by Jill Harmacinski, The Eagle-Tribune: “The city reached a $40,000 settlement with Scott Wood of Haverhill who wanted to transfer to the Lawrence Police Department but the mayor terminated him before he could start. Wood, who was described in court papers as a 'tenured Haverhill police officer,' sued the city, filing a civil lawsuit in Essex Superior Court, and appealed to the Civil Service Commission. The lawsuit cited, in part, ‘dirty politics and unethical and false accusations’ after Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena notified him of his termination.”

MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND

LOCAL ANGLE — North Adams native Eric Hyers has signed on to assist expected Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes’ campaign team, The Public’s Radio's Ian Donnis reports.

— Brown University reaches agreement with Trump administration to restore federal research funding by Alexa Gagosz, The Boston Globe: “Brown University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to restore the university’s federal research funding and address allegations that it failed to do enough to stop the harassment of Jewish students, according to a copy of the agreement viewed by the Globe. In exchange for the restoration of nearly $50 million in research grants, Brown will pledge $50 million over the next 10 years to state workforce development organizations in Rhode Island. The deal, which was finalized Wednesday, settles three open investigations into the university, and does not require the Ivy League institution to admit any wrongdoing or make a payment to the federal government.”

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

TRANSITIONS — Miriam Ortiz is the new chief impact officer with the Eastern Bank Foundation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Gabe Adams-Keane, chief of staff for state Sen. John Velis; former Gov. Bill Weld, who turns 80; former Gov. Deval Patrick, who turns 69; former Boston state Rep. Nika Elugardo, former Westfield Mayor Donald Humason Jr., Dan Kimmel, author Dave Wedge, Amy Inglis and Robert C. Merton.

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.

Curious how policy pros are staying ahead? Meet our Policy Intelligence Assistant—only available with a POLITICO Pro subscription. It combines POLITICO’s trusted reporting with advanced AI to deliver sharper insights, faster answers, and two powerful new report builders that help you turn intelligence into action. Ready to experience it for yourself? Sign up for a demo and get 30 days free—no strings attached.

TO SUBSCRIBE: