Covid and the immunocompromised

               
                tRUMP & FOX NEWS = FAKE NEWS FAILED TO PROTECT THE NATION 
                FROM UNNECESSARY COVID DEATHS....

                EVEN NOW, THERE ARE IRRATIONAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE VACCINE 
                FROM TOO MANY "R" VOTERS WHO LACK ANY SCIENCE EDUCATION & 
                EMBRACE PROPAGANDA.... 

                PRETTY PATHETIC TO RISK YOUR LIFE & THOSE OF YOUR FAMILY BASED 
                ON YOUR LACK OF EDUCATION.... 



               FEBRUARY 18, 2022 
               FROM THE BOSTON GLOBE:

Today's US coronavirus / COVID-19 numbers in the US From the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University Confirmed US cases: 78,309,441 Confirmed US deaths: 932,602 From The New York Times COVID-19 map and case count: VACCINATIONS Fully vaccinated: 64 percent of all Americans Boosted: 28 percent of all Americans Partially vaccinated: 12 percent of all Americans No shots: 24 percent of all Americans INFECTIONS New cases yesterday: 103,866 A month ago: 712,051 HOSPITALIZATIONS Yesterday: 78,213 people infected with COVID-19 were in the hospital A month ago: 157,770 people DEATHS Yesterday: 3,187 Americans died from COVID-19 A month ago: 2,672 Americans died in one day At some point this year, the US will hit 1 million deaths from COVID-19, while the world will reach 6 million deaths. Yes, you read those numbers correctly: The US accounts for 1/6th of all COVID deaths on Earth (more than 16 percent) even though it has just 4 percent of the world's population. Even worse are the case numbers: Our 78 million cases make up more than 18 percent of the world's 420.5 million cases. What a disgrace and an international embarrassment for a country that brags it's the greatest in the world. And with 24 percent of Americans walking around without even one vaccine shot -- with most of them refusing -- COVID is probably here to stay in a much more virulent form than it had to be. And that's very bad news for the 7 million Americans with weak immune systems. If they get hospitalized with COVID, they are 5 times more likely to die than those without compromised immune systems. These aren't outliers. Know somebody undergoing cancer treatment, with heart issues, with Down Syndrome, with autism, with rheumatoid arthritis? They're all in increased danger. And as writer Ed Yong noted in The Atlantic, that 7 million number doesn't even include millions of other Americans who have diseases that also hinder immunity, such as AIDS and at least 450 genetic disorders. These are our relatives, our friends, our neighbors. Even if they are all strangers to us, they are fellow human beings. But if the willfully unvaccinated don't care about themselves -- they are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized and 20 times more likely to die -- they certainly don't care about strangers, or neighbors, or friends, or relatives, or even their own children. I suspect that's why the overwhelming majority of you -- smart, compassionate people -- are getting boosted, keeping on your masks, and avoiding crowds. Because if you inadvertently infected somebody undergoing chemotherapy, or a child who had had a heart transplant, you'd be devastated. That's called humanity. Here are more of your comments about masks and mandates: Virginia McVarish of Cambridge, Mass.: I still wear a mask. And I am frustrated when other people don't. Covid is NOT gone. Masks are another layer of safety and are so easy to wear. Why not just wear them?   (Note, my husband and I are high-risk and have been super-careful since 3/2020. I don't want to get Covid now!) Michael of Oklahoma City: I generally wear a mask in public places and crowded stores. Go into a restaurant or bar masked and unmask most of time at the table. We voted in a local election and I was glad to see about 65 percent of the people masked (probably the vaccinated and boosted ones). I am fully vaccinated and boosted and don't hesitate to travel. Have been to NYC twice and Puerto Rico once in the past four months. Pamela Dintaman of Tucson, Ariz.: I am in no hurry to get rid of masks until hospitals recover and more people take precautions, vaccines/masks. I am more concerned for the safety of the whole community than about my minor inconveniences. I feel dismayed for the teachers now at the mercy of parents who don't want masks, and concerned for school administrators who will bear the brunt of angry demands of parents. This pandemic is an opportunity to teach our children about how we take care of the whole community, how we go beyond ourselves. I wear a mask when out in public. I eat outdoors with friends. I am living fully; I am not living in fear. (I do not believe that if we choose precautions we are living in fear; there is some major BS going on these days with that cliché.) Linda Littlefield Grenfell of Wells, Maine: I am an elder, age 72. I wear a mask in all public places, avoid such places as much as possible, and am comfortable continuing to wear a mask for the rest of my life. People who visit our home are asked to wear a mask. I wish mandates would continue or be realized, but it looks like the culture is retreating from protections. Are we giving up? Or giving in? The protests will influence public policy, as they intend. It continues to amaze many of us that we live with neighbors and relatives and friends who defend their freedom to not wear a mask, as if this is noble. It is shocking how impatient, rude, and selfish our society is. And so very sad. Long-haul Covid is devastating. I have an adult daughter who has been sick since March of 2020, with brain fog, exhaustion, nerve irritation, and aches and pains. It appears that many people suffer with this, and probably will for a long time, if not for the rest of their lives. It destroys quality of life, and probably will shorten life. Between the climate crisis, the willful destruction of democracy, the pandemic, and the embrace of ignorance, I confess I am discouraged. This is hard. I guess the insight that we were made for times like this is helpful, and that there are others who share the goal of well-being for all life, is necessary to keep on keepin' on. Amanda Rychel of Somerville, Mass.: I have a vaccinated 9-year-old in public school. I do not have any other young children at home or anyone who is at high risk for COVID. I support making masks optional first to our vaccinated kids in school, before they are made optional in public spaces. RIght now, the school case counts are extremely low and they are being pool tested weekly. As a counterpoint, in my workplace, I am not at this time required to wear a mask (we are all vaccinated and boosted and work in a low-density office) and also we have testing weekly at work. Under these scenarios, it is pretty low risk to go without a mask and I think the kids deserve a break. They have been bearing the brunt of restrictions and closures since the beginning and it is unfair to them. I think we should probably have continued masking in public places until we get case counts and percent positivity down to a certain point (not sure what that should be). My feelings on unmasking the kids makes me feel a bit at odds with people with whom I normally align politically. I think for the most part the progressive left is ignoring data and science now as much as the anti-vaxxers. We need to be reasonable and data-driven when making these decisions. Ron Rosenstock of Holden, Mass.: When the government passes a law, like seat belts, or a mask mandate, we don't take it personally. We just do it because it's for the good of all. The difficulty I have is finding tolerance for those who don't obey the law. Dorothy Driscoll: As for masks, we saw what happened when our guard was let down too soon last year. I find it interesting that none of the kids I know really complain about the mask wearing. Rather it is the parents. I would think that the anti-mask parents would be more concerned with all the shootings in schools rather than their child wearing a mask to either protect his life or that of his teacher. How screwed up our values have become. Mary Miller of Colorado: As a 70-year-old who is pretty healthy but overweight, I wear a mask when I go out. We are not eating inside restaurants yet -- just doing takeout. Colorado is doing pretty well on vaccinations, except for some pockets, and I live in one of those low-vax pockets. Colorado Springs/El Paso County is at 64 percent while the rest of the state is at 72 percent. This is in spite of having numerous military bases that require vaccinations. To read our horrible newspaper, The Colorado Springs Gazette, it is all a plot to take away our FREEDOM by those Marxist Dems. Of course, nobody says that being dead is not very free. Paul Regan of Woodstock, Vt.: Mask mandates I believe should be kept in schools. Kids don't seem to have a problem with masks. I think it comes from their parents. If they are going to stop masking in schools, make it contingent on the child getting vaccinated. If not vaccinated, then the child should have to continue wearing a mask. Kids have the lowest vaccination rate -- this is a sure way to make vaccinations happen in that age group! Has anyone asked teachers how they feel about kids not wearing masks? If I were a teacher, the day kids stop wearing masks in schools would be the day I would quit. Nothing has really changed. We have the virus with variants and 900,000 people dead. I understand that people and parents want to move on, but give me a break; you're playing Russian roulette with death being the result. Vermont is highly vaccinated, I think the best in New England if not the whole country. I wear a mask wherever I go, and every rational person I know does the same. Sylvia Yelland of Crossville, Tenn.: The non-vaxxers are totally responsible for prolonging this problem, quite the same as the parents in Oregon and Washington are responsible (when they refused to have their children vaccinated for school) for the return of measles, mumps, chicken pox, and pneumonia. Why don't people educate themselves before flying off the deep end and causing irreparable damage to this country? Pseudo-intellects. Kay White Drew of Rockville, Md.: Fully vaxxed and boosted as I am, my policy has been to wear a mask whenever I go anywhere indoors that isn't my own or some vaxxed person's home; most businesses here have signs requiring masks for entry (though I have seen unmasked folks in the grocery store, not many). I haven't eaten with friends at a restaurant for the last couple months b/c omicron but will probably do so again soon (friends who are vaxxed and boosted), though I will be happier when we can gather outside again. One of my daughters is a schoolteacher in NJ, so I kind of wish they'd hold off on taking away the mask mandate for schools until (a lot) more kids are vaccinated -- that seems like a no-brainer to me, close as we are to having vaccines approved (or whatever) and available for kids of ALL ages. I have considered the possibility of wearing masks indoors forever during cold & flu season, even once COVID recedes into the distance. (Thanks to all the covidiots, it will never ride off into the sunset, unfortunately.) Emily Harting of Brooklyn, N.Y.: My rule is to wear a mask inside, if the staff are and/or there is a sign asking you to -- this is for places that do not ask to see a vax card (stores, for instance). I let the staff guide me and follow their lead. Also true for Uber or cabs. I think that's the least we can do! In restaurants in NYC, you have to show you are fully vaxxed to eat there, so I am comfortable not wearing a mask indoors when dining or at a bar. Finally, now that I wear a mask on the subway, I probably will do so for the rest of my life. For a LOT of reasons, not the least of which is it is a traveling box o' germs, even before Covid.

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Beacon Hill's blame game

BY KELLY GARRITY , MIA MCCARTHY AND LISA KASHINSKY SUPP-LICATIONS — Spotted on Beacon Hill on Monday: Community health center doctors terrified that they’ll have to turn a patient out into the cold because there’s no more room in the state’s overrun shelter system. Public employees imploring lawmakers to pass a bill containing their contracts so they can be paid the money they’re owed before the year is out. Housing advocates fearful of what will happen to migrant families who arrive in the state, only to be told there’s nowhere for them to go. The fallout from the Legislature’s failure to hash out a deal over a $2.8 billion supplemental budget that would close out the fiscal year, authorize raises for thousands of state workers and infuse the shelter system with $250 million was abundant in and around the State House. State workers rally outside the Massachusetts State House to urge lawmakers to pass a supplemental budget. | Kelly Garrity/POLITICO Hundreds of union workers gathered on the State House steps in the afternoon to jeer lawmakers for “playing politics” with their paychecks. In the evening, another group gathered for a candlelight vigil to call on Beacon Hill leaders to find more space for the dozens of families on the emergency shelter waitlist and for new arrivals after that. The blame game continued inside the building, too. And today, all of the finger-pointers are going to be in Massachusetts. President Joe Biden , who Gov. Maura Healey continues to press for more help managing the migrant crisis, touches down here today for his family's annual Thanksgiving pilgrimage to Nantucket. Biden has blamed the Republican-controlled House for not engaging with his attempts at immigration reform and not passing the extra funding he’s requested. Biden and Healey are not expected to have any meetings on migrant matters during the president’s five-day stay. State House Speaker Ron Mariano, meanwhile, took swipes at both Healey and the state Senate after the Boston Globe first reported that conference rooms at a state transportation building are being used as temporary overnight shelter for up to 25 wait-listed families. That situation is “emblematic of the need for funding that is specifically reserved for overflow shelter options with greater capacity,” Mariano said in a statement that alluded to his chamber’s plan to require Healey to spend $50 million of the $250 million she requested on overflow shelter. But the state Senate hasn't agreed to that plan. And senators have in turn jabbed at the state House for taking so long to bring the shelter money Healey asked for in September up for a vote. Mariano said the state House will keep pushing the Healey administration to find more overflow sites. There is some progress on that front, beyond the converted conference rooms. A spokesperson for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, which the state seeded with $5 million to help local organizations open temporary overnight shelters, said it’s received “several” applications so far, and expects to be able to begin funding at least one this week. Don’t forget about the Republicans who have unusual leverage during these informal sessions, where one lawmaker’s objection can derail a bill. The state House GOP caucus sent a letter to the conference committee tasked with negotiating the supplemental budget, urging them to pop state workers’ contracts out of the larger spending bill and move them forward so people can get their already-agreed-upon raises. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Massachusetts Playbook won’t publish Thursday and Friday. Have a happy Thanksgiving and we’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday! TODAY — Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Rep. Jake Auchincloss announce affordable housing decarbonization grants at 10:30 a.m. in Brookline. Healey speaks at the Firefighter of the Year Awards at 1 p.m. in Worcester and walks in the March for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at 4 p.m. in Deerfield. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends Thanksgiving-related events. Tips? Scoops? Birthdays? Email us: kgarrity@politico.com , mmccarthy@politico.com and lkashinsky@politico.com.   GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here.     PARTY POLITICS ‘A TITAN OF MASSACHUSETTS POLITICS’ — John Walsh , a force in Massachusetts Democratic politics who was a key architect of former Gov. Deval Patrick ’s historic win in 2006 and who helmed Sen. Ed Markey ’s 2020 reelection campaign, has died. He was 65. Tributes are pouring in for Walsh, a beloved mentor to countless young politicians and operatives, who chaired the state party from 2007 to 2013 and was most recently Markey’s chief of staff. The Boston Globe reported that Walsh, who had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, died in hospice care. “John Walsh was a political genius and a transformational figure in the history of Massachusetts movement building,” Markey said in a statement. “But more than his campaign work, more than Boston sports — both of which he enjoyed discussing immensely — John loved to talk about his family and how they made everything possible for him.” Patrick wrote on X that Walsh’s “memory lives forever in the legions of us he inspired, taught and cared about." Here are some of the other remembrances:  — Rep. Jim McGovern described Walsh as a “brilliant political strategist with a heart of gold.” — Gov. Maura Healey wrote on X that Walsh “was one of the truly good people. He was brilliant while staying relentlessly humble, optimistic, inclusive, and empathetic to all.” — Rep. Ayanna Pressley described Walsh on X as not just a "titan of Massachusetts politics" but also a “dear friend and partner-in-good.” — Alex Goldstein , who worked for Walsh on Patrick’s 2006 campaign and at the state party, wrote on X : “There are no words to describe the enormity of his loss to generations of leaders and activists that were transformed by the gifts of his kindness and wisdom.” — Doug Rubin, who worked alongside Walsh on Patrick’s 2006 campaign, described Walsh on X as “probably the most influential person in my professional life. And I’m not the only one who feels that way.” He later told Playbook: “There was no one like John, that’s for sure.” A note from Lisa: John was a great resource who was generous enough to share his years of wisdom with reporters. He always made time for me, even after he went to D.C. My condolences to his family and friends. DATELINE BEACON HILL — “ Mass. Gov. Maura Healey announces new push to combat rise in hate crimes ,” by Alvin Buyinza, MassLive: “A newly created unit of the Massachusetts State Police will work with local law enforcement and community leaders to better the commonwealth’s response to the growing number of hate crimes, officials announced on Monday. ‘One hate crime is too many and we’re seeing more than one a day,’ Gov. Maura Healey said during a Monday news conference at the State House." — “ State officials tout no bias in police stops. Looking closer reveals a different reality, ” by Jeannette Hinkle, Brad Petrishen, Dian Zhang, Dan Keemahill, Cape Cod Times/Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “When Massachusetts released its first taxpayer-funded report on racial profiling in two decades last year, the narrative was clear. Researchers found 'no support for patterns of racial disparity in traffic stops,' state public safety officials wrote in a press release. But a USA TODAY Network investigation by the Cape Cod Times, Worcester Telegram & Gazette and USA TODAY raises serious questions about how the study was procured, influenced and framed by staff at the state’s public safety agency.” — "With adult shelters in Mass. overflowing, advocates worry about winter," by Lynn Jolicoeur, WBUR: "Although the adult shelter population always swells as winter approaches, advocates and officials say in many places, the increase in individuals seeking shelter happened much earlier than normal and in larger numbers than expected. Facing what they says is a dire situation, several advocates and homeless service providers sent a letter to Healey calling for the state to open large overflow shelter facilities for the cold months. Anyone facing homelessness — from unaccompanied youth and adults to families — should have access to those emergency facilities, they said." MASK-ACHUSETTS — “Boston-area COVID wastewater rises ahead of Thanksgiving, free at-home test kits available,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “After a recent decline in the COVID wastewater data, the south-of-Boston and north-of-Boston virus wastewater levels have been climbing in the last week. The south-of-Boston weekly average is now up to 596 copies per milliliter, which is a 65% jump from 360 copies a week ago. Meanwhile, the north-of-Boston weekly average is up to 433 copies, also a 65% increase from 263 copies last week.” — “ Health care coalition demands hospitals bring back masks, take precautions amid fears of COVID surge, ” by Emilee Klein, Greenfield Recorder.   GET A BACKSTAGE PASS TO COP28 WITH GLOBAL PLAYBOOK : Get insider access to the conference that sets the tone of the global climate agenda with POLITICO's Global Playbook newsletter. Authored by Suzanne Lynch, Global Playbook delivers exclusive, daily insights and comprehensive coverage that will keep you informed about the most crucial climate summit of the year. Dive deep into the critical discussions and developments at COP28 from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     FROM THE HUB — “ Wu intrigued by universal basic income program, ” by Gintautas Dumcius, CommonWealth Beacon: “Boston Mayor Michelle Wu says she backs the concept of universal basic income. What she doesn’t want is another limited pilot like the ones that have spread across the country. The topic came up during a conference on philanthropy earlier this month that Wu attended, sharing the stage with singer-songwriter John Legend and talking about how philanthropic entities can work with city government. Prompted by a question from an audience member about universal basic income — or UBI as it’s sometimes called — Wu pointed to a pilot program in Chelsea and said it’s been an ‘ongoing topic of conversation’ in Boston.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “Lawmakers pushing for MBTA Commuter Rail electrification by 2035,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “State lawmakers are pushing new legislation that would finally set deadlines for electrifying the Commuter Rail, four years after the MBTA committed to the project. Much of the testimony at a roughly four-hour Joint Committee on Transportation hearing Monday focused on the proposed bill, which would require electrification of the entire Commuter Rail system by Dec. 31, 2035.” DATELINE D.C. NO FOWL PLAY — President Joe Biden pardoned two lucky Turkeys — Liberty and Bell — on Monday part of an annual pre-Thanksgiving tradition that dates back to the Truman administration. More from our colleague Myah Ward. THE LOWELL CONNECTOR — “ Councilors call for Corey Robinson to ‘step aside,’ ” by Melanie Gilbert, The Lowell Sun: “City Councilor Corey Robinson’s fellow councilors pushed back Monday on his statement that he had 'no intention' of stepping down from his District 2 seat representing the Centralville neighborhood following his arraignment last week in Lowell District Court on two charges of assault and battery on a family/household member.” MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW HAMPSHIRE’S MOST WANTED — Nearly six months after passing on his own presidential bid, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is hitting the campaign trail almost as much as the Republicans who are actually running. On Monday, he appeared at town halls with former Govs. Nikki Haley and Chris Christie . Today he's going to one with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis . Sununu is taking his sweet time endorsing. And there’s no rush, with nine weeks still to go until the first-in-the-nation primary. There’s not, as Sununu is looking for, a clear alternative to Donald Trump — though Haley is making a strong case for second place in recent New Hampshire polls. When someone yelled out “endorsement!” as Sununu was introducing Haley in Hooksett yesterday, the governor, who was in the middle of discussing the New Balance event he’d just come from, replied: “I endorse New Balance wholeheartedly.” FWIW, New Balance Chair Jim Davis is backing Haley in this primary after previously supporting Trump. Haley “did a great job in there, her message seems to resonate,” Sununu told reporters afterward. Later, in Nashua, Sununu told Christie he’s “almost a citizen” of New Hampshire with how much time he’s spending in the state, “and that’s exactly what we want with our candidates.” OK, no clear favorite there. Sununu did highlight one difference between the two former governors: A few hours after the South Carolinian Haley joked that yesterday's sunny and roughly 40-degree weather was an “unbelievable kinda cold,” Sununu noted that Christie “doesn’t complain about our cold weather, which I love.” HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Michael Gordon and Bodo Liesenfeld have joined the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association board. — Brenna Galvin is now press secretary at DCR . HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to state Rep. David Muradian , Matt Martinelli , Michael Lipson , Jim Daiute and Timothy Cronin. 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky Kelly Garrity @KellyGarrity3   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Covid’s curtain call

 

BY SOPHIE GARDNER , KELLY GARRITY AND LISA KASHINSKY

EMERGENCIES EXIT — The public health emergencies are ending, but Covid-19 challenges persist. Another new pandemic normal has dawned with the end of the state and federal pandemic public health emergencies. And many of the rules and waivers intended to stop the virus’ spread sunset with them. Now Gov. Maura Healey is dealing with the demise of policies that predate her tenure, some of which she's choosing to end. Here’s how her administration is navigating a few of them: THE GREAT MASKING DEBATE — Healey’s decision to end mask mandates in hospitals and other health care settings has drawn plenty of headlines . Hundreds of local medical workers signed onto an open letter to the Department of Public Health last month saying that letting the policy lapse was not only “dangerous” but “unethical.” Public health and disabilities advocates continue to argue that ditching masks puts immunocompromised people at further risk. But the state’s new public health commissioner is defending Healey’s mask move. “We made the decision in collaboration and in conversation with many experts across the state,” DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein told Playbook, noting that hospitals are encouraged to create their own masking mandates and “use local factors to help decide when and where masks may be necessary.” AXING THE VAX MANDATE — Healey is also rolling back the Baker administration’s order requiring executive branch employees to get vaccinated or get out. Some 1,000 workers quit or were fired under the Republican governor’s rule, though he eventually brought some of them back. Now his successor is figuring out what to do about the rest. The Healey administration said it remains in negotiations with state employee unions about rehiring workers, but neither side seems to want to get into the details. MASS. MIGRATION — The state is also bracing for another surge in migrants that could hit its overwhelmed shelter system with the end of Title 42 , the pandemic-era policy used to block people at the southern border. And Republican governors could make it worse. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has pledged to continue sending migrants to blue cities including Chicago, New York, D.C. and Philadelphia. And he's threatened that there could be “more [locations] to come.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is readying his state to resume the relocation program that made headlines last year when the potential presidential contender flew nearly 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard unannounced. “We would be extremely concerned” if governors were “repeating that kind of action,” Elizabeth Sweet, the executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Coalition, told Playbook. Healey is preparing for that possibility on top of the steps she’s already taken to expand the state’s overburdened shelter system. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas briefed Healey and other governors yesterday on the Biden administration’s preparations for Title 42’s expiration, with an emphasis on legal immigration pathways. “We have been in close contact with our local and federal partners to prepare for the end of Title 42, and we will need their help to ensure we can meet the already rising need in Massachusetts, as our Emergency Assistance shelter system is currently operating at capacity,” Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand said in a statement. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Tips? Scoops? Lingering Covid concerns? Email us: sgardner@politico.com , kgarrity@politico.com and lkashinsky@politico.com . TODAY — Healey speaks at the EMPath EMPower Celebration at 6:30 p.m. at the Boston Children’s Museum. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at a NAIOP Massachusetts meeting at 8 a.m. in Boston and visits Cambridge Behavioral Health Center at 10 a.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participates in a Disability Community Forum at 2:30 p.m. at Suffolk Law School and attends a STEM Lab unveiling at 4 p.m. AG Andrea Campbell is honored at the City Year Greater Boston Starry Night Gala at 6:45 p.m. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark hosts a press conference to “condemn MAGA GOP attacks on women and families” at 1:15 p.m. at the Capitol. Rep. Ayanna Pressley holds a press conference on over-the-counter birth control at 3:15 p.m. at the Capitol.

VAX-ACHUSETTS

— VIRTUAL REALITY: One other pandemic-era policy change your Playbook hosts are watching? Telehealth prescriptions. Doctors were set to lose the ability to prescribe controlled medications through telemedicine. And the renewed restrictions on accessing drugs like Adderall and oxycodone without a face-to-face visit with a doctor could have proved particularly challenging in Massachusetts, which is experiencing an increasing lack of primary care physicians . Barbra Rabson, the president of Massachusetts Health Quality Partners, a nonprofit which aims to improve the quality of patient care in the state, told Playbook that the prospect of losing the increased access to primary care through telehealth was “frightening.” But the feds offered a last-minute reprieve on Tuesday, pushing the telemedicine policy’s expiration date back until at least November.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— “Protesters disrupt joint session of Mass. Legislature with demands for fossil fuel cuts,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “Just after 11 a.m., as the House and Senate wrapped up the first session of this legislative cycle’s Constitutional Convention without engaging in any deliberation, about a dozen protesters from the groups Extinction Rebellion Boston and Scientist Rebellion rushed to unfurl a banner with the message ‘No new fossil fuel infrastructure’ in the front row of the gallery overlooking the House floor. … At 5 p.m., when the State House officially closed, nine of them were arrested on trespassing charges.” — “ACLU sues state auditor for access to redacted information in prisoner health reports,” by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “The ACLU of Massachusetts is demanding greater transparency from state Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office, alleging in a lawsuit that her staff won’t release complete reports on deaths and health care access at two state prisons. But DiZoglio insists that the information that was withheld had nothing to do with prisoner health care and says she could have explained that if the ACLU had just asked.” — “Mass. Black and Latino Caucus proposes new spending,” by Peter Roby, Bay State Banner: “Members of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus last month proposed an additional $419.3 million in spending to the House budget for next year. They secured $40.6 million. A 9.7% success rate at work would worry most professionals, but in political calculus, it amounts to a surplus of talking points, at least for a while.” — "Senator plans to push voc school admission changes through budget amendment," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine.

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FROM THE HUB

— “As Boston works to keep elections on schedule after court ruling, council tensions could risk delay,” by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: “[Boston Mayor Michelle] Wu wrote in a letter to the council Wednesday that she was moving to relax candidate filing deadlines, and told the body it had until May 30 to approve the new map for this fall’s contest. She will even present her own map proposal to the council, she said, a step that underscores the urgency of the process. … But if Wednesday’s council meeting was an early signal as to whether councilors will be able to meet that tight timeline, it was not a positive one. … Councilors could not agree even on which legislative committee should take up the agenda items related to redistricting, turning a typically noncontroversial procedural step into a drawn-out dispute that enflamed old tensions.” — ENDORSEMENT CORNER: Unite Here Local 26 is endorsing Sharon Durkan in the special election for Boston's District 8 city councilor. Durkan plans to join union members on the picket line outside the downtown Hyatt Centric Hotel this afternoon. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — ENTERING THE SLOW ZONE ON T SAFETY LEGISLATION: A key lawmaker wants the governor’s blessing up front when it comes to legislation that would move safety oversight of the MBTA out from under the Department of Public Utilities. “The governor is the one who, certainly in the area of transportation and safety , took on the responsibility. It was such a major campaign issue,” state Rep. William Straus , House chair of the joint Transportation Committee, told Playbook. “To me, it’s hard to reorganize such an important function of state government if the Legislature hasn’t made use of the governor’s insights.” The Transportation Committee is wrestling with how to proceed after members heard hours of at times emotional testimony Monday on bills that would shift safety oversight of the T to either a new, independent commission (S. 2199 from state Sen. Michael Barrett ) or to the state’s inspector general (H. 3452 from Straus). Monday’s speakers seemed to favor the former — even the inspector general, Jeffrey Shapiro, called for creating a new agency , though he said his office could oversee it. But any bill that emerges from the committee will likely be some combination of what’s currently on the table. It’s a complicated process with far more at stake than just MBTA safety — the DPU also regulates Uber and Lyft rates, for instance — and lawmakers are being noncommittal on their timeline. Healey issued the standard “I’ll review anything that comes to my desk” response when asked earlier this week whether she supports either bill. A spokesperson later said Healey “looks forward to working with” MassDOT and MBTA officials and “her legislative partners to evaluate safety across the entire system, including the role of oversight.” — “Harvard graduate student injured by falling utility box at MBTA station says she intends to sue transit agency,” by John R. Ellement and Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe. DAY IN COURT — “Former Mass. State Police union boss Dana Pullman sentenced to 2.5 years in prison over kickback schemes,” by Shelley Murphy, Boston Globe: “The former leader of the Massachusetts State Police union was sentenced Wednesday to 2.5 years in prison on a litany of charges for running the bargaining unit like a racketeering enterprise and taking kickbacks from a union lobbyist." — “Varsity Blues college admissions scam convictions of John Wilson, Gamal Abdelaziz reversed by US Appeals Court,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The First Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the admissions scam convictions for former Staples exec and Massachusetts resident John Wilson, and for former senior gaming and hospitality exec Gamal Abdelaziz, of Las Vegas.” — "New court filings indicate feds are investigating alleged retaliation at Mass. max security prison," by Deborah Becker, WBUR. — “Detention hearing for accused docs leaker Jack Teixeira canceled, court records show,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald. FROM THE 413 — “Holyoke Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota expected to consider RI plea offer,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “Holyoke Ward 2 City Councilor Wilmer E. Puello-Mota is expected to hear a Rhode Island plea offer. He’s scheduled to reappear in Kent County Superior Court in Warwick, Rhode Island June 12 for a disposition and another routine proceeding called a Frye hearing meant to ensure he’s receiving effective legal counsel.” — IN MEMORIAM: “Longtime former North Adams City Councilor and mayoral candidate Robert Moulton Jr. has died,” by Greta Jochem, Berkshire Eagle.   GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGISTER HERE .     THE LOCAL ANGLE — “City committee hesitant on pausing homeless encampment sweeps,” by Marco Cartolano, Telegram & Gazette: “As the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance reports a growing number of homeless people in Worcester County, some city councilors had reservations Tuesday on a request for a temporary moratorium on encampment sweeps, citing the conditions of the encampments.” — “School Bus Driver Strike Ends in Marlboro,” by Alysha Palumbo and Mike Pescaro, NBC10 Boston. MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — “Cable carnage: Trump turns CNN town hall into televised combat,” by Meridith McGraw, Kelly Garrity and Alex Isenstadt, POLITICO: “Former president Donald Trump refused to say he had lost the 2020 presidential election and defended his actions on Jan. 6 during a town hall event in New Hampshire on Wednesday night.” — RAPID RESPONSE: New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu , who's considering his own presidential bid, told CNN after the town hall that Trump looked "weak" and "defensive." Trump "had a chance to move on from 2020, he didn't do it. He had a chance to own some of the issues of Jan. 6 ... what his role there was, he didn't do it," Sununu said. "If you're an independent voter, if you're a suburban mom, all these voters that Republicans are trying to bring back into the mix, I don't see any of them being convinced by anything." — “Corey Lewandowski spoke with Vivek Ramaswamy Super PAC about role,” by Alex Isenstadt, POLITICO.     HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY —  to state Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Phil Sanzo, Bryan Barash, Greg Piatelli, Nicole Landset Blank  and Kasey Poulin. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: MASKS OFF — GBH's Katie Lannan walks hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky through the end of the state and federal Covid-19 public health emergencies. Plus, a breakdown of the Senate budget and the latest Boston redistricting drama. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud . 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US   POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA