POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: GIG ECONOMY fight REVS UP — TRAFFIC is BACK — Green Line Extension DELAYED

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY GIG ECONOMY FIGHT REVS UP — Gig-economy giants pumped more than $200 million into a campaign last year to persuade California voters to allow companies like Uber and Lyft to keep their drivers as independent contractors and exempt them from certain employee benefits. Now a new group of app-based Massachusetts drivers, labor unions and civil rights groups — the Coalition to Protect Workers’ Rights — is looking to get a jumpstart on fighting what they expect could be a similarly pricey ballot brawl here. At issue is whether drivers for apps like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash should be classified as employees or independent contractors — a designation that carries major differences for workers’ pay and benefits. Rideshare companies and other major gig-economy players associated with the Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work have been pushing a bill on Beacon Hill that would keep their drivers as independent contractors and provide a “portable benefits account” that companies would pay into and drivers would draw from to pay for things like retirement or independent health insurance. Workers’ rights advocates are confident they could defeat the bill , which they argue would remove employee protections and benefits, and particularly harm Black, brown and immigrant workers. But they’re also anticipating the big-tech companies will turn to a ballot initiative in 2022 similar to California’s — and are proactively gearing up to fight it ahead of the Bay State’s Aug. 4 petition-filing deadline. “We care about workers’ rights in Massachusetts — hard-earned, extremely important rights — and we’re not going to let these companies come in from elsewhere and just decide to buy the law here,” said labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan, who will be at the coalition's launch today. State Attorney General Maura Healey is already suing Uber and Lyft for allegedly denying workers certain benefits and protections by misclassifying them as independent contractors rather than employees, in violation of state law. The workers’ rights coalition also has a poll showing the majority of Massachusetts voters oppose the industry-backed legislation. But the industry coalition maintains drivers want flexibility — and has a poll of app-based drivers that shows 64% prefer to be independent contractors, compared to just 23% who want to be classified as employees, to back it up. “App-based drivers in Massachusetts have made it abundantly clear that they want to maintain the flexibility they value as independent contractors while gaining access to new benefits and protections,” the Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work said in a statement. “We hope that all Massachusetts leaders will stand with workers.” The two sides will fire their opening salvos today, as gig-workers themselves remain split on the issue. The Coalition to Protect Workers’ Rights — which includes ACLU Massachusetts, Massachusetts AFL-CIO and the NAACP, New England Area Conference and is being led by former Healey chief of staff Mike Firestone — will hold a 10 a.m. press conference at the State House. The Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work will hold a virtual press conference at 1 p.m. GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . The mass vaccination site at the Hynes Convention Center will administer its last Covid-19 shots today, after getting more than 330,000 shots into arms since March 22. It’s the second of seven mass vax sites to wind down operations as the Bay State inches closer to 4.1 million fully vaccinated people. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Boston mayoral candidate John Barros hosts a press conference on his affordable housing plan at 9:45 a.m. at the Dennis Street Park. Boston City Councilor and mayoral candidate Andrea Campbell hosts a press conference on the city budget at 10:30 a.m. in Nubian Square. Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey gives remarks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a West 2nd Park and community garden in South Boston at 11:30 a.m. The Downtown Neighborhoods Boston Mayoral Candidates Forum is at 6 p.m.   DON'T MISS THE MILKEN INSTITUTE FUTURE OF HEALTH SUMMIT: POLITICO will feature a special edition of our Future Pulse newsletter at the 2021 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit. The newsletter takes readers inside one of the most influential gatherings of global health industry leaders and innovators who are turning lessons learned from the past year into a healthier, more resilient and more equitable future. Covid-19 threatened our health and well-being, while simultaneously leading to extraordinary coordination to improve pandemic preparedness, disease prevention, diversity in clinical trials, mental health resources, food access and more. SUBSCRIBE TODAY to receive exclusive coverage from June 22-23.     THE LATEST NUMBERS – “There are now just 100 COVID patients in Massachusetts hospitals, as vaccination rates plateau,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “The number of active COVID-19 infections in Massachusetts continued to decrease on Monday, now down to 1,876 from the 1,898 reported the day before. Massachusetts health officials reported 48 new COVID-19 cases on Monday. Officials also reported another 5 COVID-related fatalities, bringing the death toll from the pandemic up to 17,612.” DATELINE BEACON HILL – “Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker proposes $5.4B temporary budget to keep state running into July,” by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: “Massachusetts likely won’t see a finalized state budget by the start of the fiscal year in 10 days. Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday filed a $5.4 billion interim budget to keep the state running until July 30. Unlike the federal government, the state cannot operate under a deficit and thus must be running under a new budget at the start of the fiscal year, July 1.” – “Buyouts for Massachusetts State troopers confirm police shedding ranks,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “A ‘tsunami’ of buyouts among State Police leaving the force amid an onslaught of criticism has union officials sounding the alarm as an overtime scandal and dishonorable discharges also hound the agency. ” – “Massachusetts has issued 53,638 hands-free driving citations since February 2020,” by Cassie McGrath, MassLive.com: “The Registry of Motor Vehicles has recorded 53,638 motor vehicle citations, including 40,181 warnings for distracted driving since February, 2020 when the Baker-Polito Administration’s ‘hands-free’ law took effect.” – “Business groups seek more teen workers,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Newburyport Daily News: “Businesses hope tweaking child labor laws can ease a post-pandemic hiring crunch. Under state law, children under 16 are only allowed to work from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Labor Day until July 1, when evening hours are extended to 9 p.m. Business leaders point out that the July 1 date is one the latest in the nation, and prevents employers from hiring teens who finish school in mid-June.” – “Battle of Massachusetts millionaires’ tax pits grassroots organizing against blitz of opposition reports,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “For the supporters of a so-called millionaires’ tax, the road to success is all about pitting grassroots passion against a blitz of ‘fear-mongering’ reports from right-leaning think tanks and lobbyists who oppose the measure.” CORONAVIRUS UPDATES – “Nearly 18,000 Mass. Residents Died Of COVID. Most Of Their Families Have Yet to Receive Help,” by Jenny Kornreich, WBUR: “In Massachusetts, nearly 18,000 people have died from COVID. But only about 4,500 have applied for aid. And of those, the government has approved just 757. That's an approval rate of 17%. In a statement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said most of the pending applications are incomplete.” FROM THE HUB – “MBTA police pension fund overpaid retirees by hundreds of thousands of dollars over more than a decade,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Officials at the MBTA Transit Police pension fund overpaid retirees by nearly $500,000 at the same time it was receiving millions in money from the transit agency, according to a state investigation, which found officials mishandled the benefits of dozens of former Transit Police staff.” – “How a Facebook group is working to help people living at Mass. and Cass and their worried loved ones,” by Dialynn Dwyer, Boston.com: “A year ago, James Bradley was looking for childhood friends he believed were living on the streets of Boston. It was a scorching day. Searching the area around Mass. Ave. and Melnea Cass Boulevard, which city officials call ‘Mass. & Cass,’ the 36-year-old from Braintree was struck by the conditions being experienced by individuals struggling with addiction and living unsheltered in the South End and Roxbury. … Bradley, who is in recovery from heroin addiction and now serves as operations director at the Greater Boston Addiction Centers, decided to act. He knew that if he put a call out for donations, the recovery community would respond.” – “Officials step up patrols on South Boston beaches after complaints about liquor deliveries to patrons,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “Last summer it was maskless crowds amid the pandemic. This summer, it’s alcohol deliveries. App-aided booze runs to popular South Boston beaches, including M Street and Carson, have prompted recent complaints from residents and a robust law enforcement response, in the latest brouhaha pitting younger transplants against neighborhood long-timers.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: At-large Boston City Council candidate Ruthzee Louijeune has been endorsed by state Rep. Liz Miranda, who represents parts of Dorchester and Roxbury. “We both know what it is like to be Black women in Boston, come from immigrant communities, and work our way through public schools. Ruthzee will use that experience to be a strong advocate for the people of Boston on the city council,” Miranda said in a statement through Louijeune’s campaign. – The main attraction is to the south today, as New York City voters head to the polls to choose their next mayor. The stakes are that high in the heavily Democratic city's primary — but the winner may not be known for weeks as the Big Apple navigates ranked-choice voting for the first time. Keep your eyes on the POLITICO homepage for results and check out the POLITICO New York team. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – Big sigh: “Traffic Back To 2019 Levels On Massachusetts Roads, Highway Administrator Says,” by CBSBoston.com. “This is one aspect of ‘normal’ that nobody around Boston missed: Traffic is back to pre-pandemic levels in Massachusetts, a MassDOT official confirmed Monday.” – “MBTA says opening of the Green Line Extension will be delayed by several months,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “The years-long wait for the Green Line Extension just got a bit longer. MBTA officials said Monday that full service on the 4.7-mile project extending the Green Line to Somerville and Medford won’t begin until next spring, five months after the extension’s previously scheduled opening, primarily due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” – “Members of T control board say goodbye,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The members of the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board bid a final farewell on Monday as lawmakers on Beacon Hill continued to trade proposals about what a successor board should look like and how it should operate.” DAY IN COURT – “Massachusetts woman accused of embezzling more than $1.4 million from nonprofits wrote to President Joe Biden requesting pardon,” by Scott Croteau, MassLive.com: “A Massachusetts woman accused of embezzling more than $1.4 million from two nonprofits sought a pardon from President Joe Biden, according to court records filed ahead of her sentencing in federal court. Nicole Lescarbeau, also known by her maiden name, Nicole Coulibaly, of Canton, is scheduled to be sentenced in a Boston federal court on Thursday on several counts of wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identify [sic] theft.” – “Witness intimidation trial of Blake Rubin, former DA candidate, underway in Worcester,” by Brad Petrishen, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “The criminal trial against Blake Rubin, the city defense attorney and former district attorney candidate, began Monday with a grant of immunity to the client with whom he allegedly conspired to intimidate a witness.” – “Brookfield residents sue Planning Board for allegedly illegally rigging vote in favor of fuel company,” by Craig S. Semon, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “A group of concerned citizens is suing the town’s Planning Board for giving a Southbridge oil and propane company the OK to install two large propane tanks within 400 feet of the Brookfield Elementary School and within 100 feet of residences occupied by elderly citizens. After failing twice, the suit alleges that the third vote was illegally rigged in favor of the fuel company. ” FROM THE DELEGATION – “‘Happy’ or ‘deeply disappointed’: Boston’s top elected officials are split on reinstating the death penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “Most of the Boston area’s top elected officials want to abolish the use of the death penalty as a punishment in the United States. However, fewer feel that way when it comes to the case of Dhzokhar Tsarnaev.” – “Child Tax Credit expected to raise 8,300 children out of poverty in US Rep. Richard Neal’s district,” by Elizabeth Román, Springfield Republican: “In [Rep. Richard Neal’s] 1st Congressional District, made up of 87 cities and towns, 85.8% of children will receive the tax credit, with the average benefit for qualifying households totaling $2,800 over six months. The credit is expected to lift 8,300 children in central and Western Massachusetts out of poverty. The monthly payments will begin arriving for eligible families in July, Neal said.” FROM THE 413 – “Western Mass. residents, officials weigh in on how to redraw district maps,” by Danny Jin, Berkshire Eagle: “Locals and elected officials widely agree that all of Berkshire County should be kept in the same congressional district, and they’re mostly asking that Statehouse districts change as little change as possible.” – “Attorneys say DA’s letter about judge was political strategy with reelection looming,” by Heather Bellow and Amanda Burke, Berkshire Eagle: “An editorial in a trade publication for attorneys across the state joined a chorus of rebuke against District Attorney Andrea Harrington for asking the Trial Court leadership last month to stop a district court judge from hearing criminal cases, saying Harrington’s attempt appears to have been politically motivated.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “Northeastern University begins formal talks to combine with Oakland’s Mills College,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “Northeastern University announced that it will begin formal talks to combine with Mills College, a liberal arts school of just under 1,000 students in Oakland, Calif.” – “Last-minute vote by councilor saves $475 million pension bond in Quincy,” by Mary Whitfill, Patriot Ledger: “A city councilor is accusing a colleague and the mayor's administration of ‘unscrupulous’ politics surrounding the council's decision to approve a $475 million, 30-year bond to pay down the city's pension obligation. … Councilors Monday night approved borrowing the money by a vote of 6 to 3 — exactly how many votes were needed for the measure to pass. At a meeting of the finance committee earlier this week, the vote on the measure was 5 to 3. Councilor Chuck Phelan did not participate in the discussion out of worry over a conflict of interest, and thus became the deciding vote Monday night. ” – “Environmental, social justice groups to hold rally Saturday against proposed Cape Cod gun range,” by Beth Treffeisen, Cape Cod Times: “A rally and press conference to try to stop the proposed multi-purpose gun range at Joint Base Cape Cod is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Sponsored by 350 Cape Cod and allied organizations, the rally will take place at the Forestdale Elementary School…” – “Two years after 7 die in New Hampshire motorcycle crash, ‘The Fallen Seven’ are remembered,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “‘The Fallen Seven’ motorcyclists killed in a horrific New Hampshire crash in 2019 are being remembered with a memorial two years after their deaths.” THE NATIONAL TAKE – “Bishops Move To 'Weaponize' Communion Against One Of America's Most Prominent Catholics: Joe Biden,” by Zoe Mathews, GBH News/Boston Public Radio: “The Roman Catholic bishops of the United States have voted in support of drafting new guidance on who can receive the Holy Communion, in a conservative push to exclude Catholics who support abortion rights — like President Joe Biden. Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III joined Boston Public Radio on Monday to discuss the move, which the bishops made despite an explicit warning from the Vatican and is seen as yet another example of American Catholicism diverging from Rome.” – “White House: Biden's Catholic faith is not 'political',” by Quint Forgey, POLITICO: “White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday that President Joe Biden did not interpret his Catholic faith ‘through a political prism,’ declining to comment on a recent decision by U.S. Catholic bishops that could result in a rebuke of the president for his views on abortion.” – “America is ready to return to normal. Biden’s CDC chief isn’t so sure,” by Erin Banco, POLITICO: “The newly installed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had one big request for agency employees at an all-hands meeting in March: Don’t talk to the press without permission. Rochelle Walensky’s remarks caught many CDC scientists and officials off guard. Her boss, President Joe Biden, had campaigned on a promise to take control of the pandemic by letting science lead — a pledge that hinged almost entirely on allowing the nation’s top health experts, including those at the CDC, to speak publicly.” MEDIA MATTERS – “When the Local Paper Shrank, These Journalists Started an Alternative,” by Katharine Q. Seelye, New York Times: “[New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell] wanted his administration to be held accountable. Beyond that, he said that a trusted news source could restore something vital that he felt New Bedford had lost: ‘a sense of place,’ by which he meant an ongoing narrative of daily life in this multicultural blue-collar city of 95,000 residents. … The mayor’s vision of a trusted news source was similar to what the group of journalists had in mind when they created The New Bedford Light. With its newsroom still under construction, in a refurbished textile mill, the publication went online June 7.” TRANSITIONS – Daniel S. Guenther joins Boston law firm Sherin and Lodgen LLP as an associate in the firm’s litigation department. Pranshu Verma joins the Boston Globe as a tech reporter. Tweet. Christina Gregg is now deputy campaign manager for former state Sen. Ben Downing’s gubernatorial bid. Tweet. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is 72, Matt Sheaff, senior communications adviser to Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, and Brendan Concannon. 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.   SUBSCRIBE TO WEST WING PLAYBOOK: Add West Wing Playbook to keep up with the power players, latest policy developments and intriguing whispers percolating inside the West Wing and across the highest levels of the Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.       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  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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Politico Massachusetts Playbook: Anti-gun PAC to boost KENNEDY — ’HIPSTURBIA’ spills out of Worcester — Bay State BERNIE backers

Anti-gun PAC to boost KENNEDY — ’HIPSTURBIA’ spills out of Worcester — Bay State BERNIE backers

By Stephanie Murray GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF! ANTI-GUN PAC BACKING KENNEDY — A progressive anti-gun group is preparing to raise tens of thousands of dollars to help Rep. Joe Kennedy III beat Sen. Ed Markey in September. It's an unusual move for an anti-gun group to get involved in a Democratic primary when Democrats are so focused on getting President Donald Trump out of the White House, and wrestling the Senate back from Republicans. And the move is even more unusual because the PAC says its research shows there's basically no daylight between where Markey and Kennedy stand on gun reform. But Brian Lemek, executive director of Brady PAC , told me that the national profile Kennedy could bring to the Senate seat — and to the gun reform cause — is worth investing in, even when competitive general election races are happening elsewhere in 2020. The Brady PAC aims to raise $50,000 for Kennedy's Democratic primary campaign against Markey. The PAC is also supporting Democrats running to flip House and Senate seats from Republican control. "We don't need one guy, one vote, we don't need, you know, just that good legislator, " Lemek said in an interview. "We need that person that's going to hit the streets, that's going to be carrying this gun violence prevention message." The Brady PAC expects to direct $4 million to candidates across the country this cycle. "We're not going to drop the million dollar [independent expenditure]. But we will sprinkle a lot of, you know, $10,000-pluses and we'll work our large donor network to secure some of that joint fundraising as well, through emails and other methods," Lemek said. He said there's plenty of money to go around to Democrats challenging Republicans, like Amy McGrath of Kentucky who is trying to oust Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, while still giving to Democratic primary candidates. "There's enough energy to get around and do both," Lemek said, in reference to the PAC's support of Kennedy. "This is additive, it's not going to take away anything else. We're freaking pumped. I don't know how else to say it." PRESSLEY TO BARR: RESIGN OR BE IMPEACHED — If Attorney General William Barr doesn't resign, Rep. Ayanna Pressley said Democrats should use the tools available and impeach him, during her appearance on a radio show on Thursday. At the moment, Barr is in a stand-off with President Donald Trump over his Twitter habit. Pressley called into WGBH's "Boston Public Radio," where host Jim Braude asked her if she agreed with Sen. Elizabeth Warren that Barr should be impeached if he does not resign. Pressley is a co-chair of Warren's campaign. "I do," Pressley said. "I think we can make this about the current cast of characters and I just want to acknowledge that I know people are fatigued by the state of things and as exhausting as that is what's more exhausting is injustice and inequities and living in the legislative hate and hurt from this administration. "So we have to employ every tool available to us because at the end of the day this is AG Barr and Donald Trump. This is about our democracy, the law of the land, the office of presidency," Pressley continued. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Rep. Lori Trahan visits Specialty Materials, Inc. in Lowell. Rep. Ayanna Pressley campaigns for Sen. Elizabeth Warren in North Carolina. Sen. Ed Markey attends a Local 26 rally at Logan Airport. Rep. Seth Moulton hosts Rep. Jim Banks for a visit to Boston-area defense installations. DATELINE BEACON HILL - "What you need to know about new hands-free driving law," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "IT'S TIME TO stop reading those emails while traffic is crawling on the Southeast Expressway. Massachusetts's ban on handheld cellphone use while driving goes into effect Sunday. Gov. Charlie Baker said at a press conference Thursday that the new law will save lives. "Distracted driving is a tremendous risk for the driver, for the passengers in the vehicle and for anyone who happens to be on the other end of an accident that involves a distracted driver," Baker said. Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said the goal of the policy is to change the culture around phone use while driving." - "Balser Senses 'Openness' This Year To ICE Enforcement Bill," by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service: "One of the lead sponsors of a bill to limit the ability of local police to participate in federal immigration enforcement is "optimistic" about its chances after a Beacon Hill committee gave itself more time to weigh the controversial topic. Rep. Ruth Balser, who co-filed the bill known as the Safe Communities Act, said Thursday that she believes the Public Safety Committee's decision to extend until May 1 its deadline to decide what to do with the legislation is a "good sign" that the idea is still in the running." - "My Lunch with the Hunger Striker Who Took on Charlie Baker," by Spencer Buell, Boston Magazine: "What's the best way to get Gov. Charlie Baker's attention? Depending on who you are, it might be by telling the state's head honcho that you're not eating until he calls you back. That, at least, was the strategy deployed by Nathan Phillips, the Boston University environmental science professor who made headlines by going on a hunger strike to protest a natural gas compressor station in Weymouth that will provide a link between major pipelines and the Atlantic Ocean. On January 29, the 53-year-old started a very public game of chicken with Baker and other backers of the controversial project, announcing he would consume only tea, vitamins, and salt until the state cleaned up its act at the site." - "GOP lawmakers demand overhaul of shaky MBTA pension fund," by Mary Markos, Boston Herald: "GOP lawmakers sick of taxpayers propping up the troubled MBTA pension — where one in every five pensioners retired before age 50 — are pushing to overhaul or eliminate the fund. State Sen. Bruce Tarr warned the $118.2 million diverted from the state's general fund last year to cover a T pension shortfall needs to come to a screeching halt. Tarr, the Senate minority leader, filed a bill Thursday to create a commission to analyze the sustainability and stability of the MBTA Retirement Fund. Tarr warned of "several layers of serious financial consequences ." FROM THE HUB - "State leader recommends probation for Roxbury charter school," by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: "Massachusetts education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley is recommending probation for a Roxbury charter school in the wake of shrinking enrollment, declining student achievement, and financial problems — a high stakes move that could eventually lead to the school's closure. City on a Hill Charter School, which serves about 400 students in grades 9-12 in two locations, will have two years to turn around its operations or it could be closed, under the recommendation. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is slated to vote on probation next Tuesday as part of renewing the school's five-year operating license." - "New visa rules set off 'panic wave' in immigrant communities," by Philip Marcelo and Sophia Tareen, Associated Press: "After nearly a dozen years moving through the U.S. visa system, Sai Kyaw's brother and sister and their families were at the finish line: a final interview before they could leave Myanmar to join him in Massachusetts and work at his restaurant. Then a dramatic turn in U.S. immigration policy halted their plans. The interview was postponed, and it's not clear when, or whether, it will be rescheduled. His is just one of many stories of confusion, sorrow and outrage spreading across some immigrant communities after the announcement of a Trump administration policy that is expected to all but shut down family-based immigration from Myanmar, also known as Burma, as well as Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan and Eritrea." - "Admiral William McRaven to deliver MIT commencement address," by Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe: "William McRaven, a retired four-star US Navy admiral, will deliver the undergraduate commencement address at Massachusetts Institute of Technology this spring, the school announced Thursday. The ceremony is scheduled for May 29. McRaven, who served for nearly four decades in the Navy, was a longtime special forces commander credited with the leadership of the mission that killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011." PRIMARY SOURCES - "Markey's 2013 GOP Rival Backing Kennedy in Senate Race," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: "It may come as little surprise that as one of the last two people to occupy the same ballot as U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, Gabriel Gomez is not the Democrat's biggest fan. But it would have been harder to predict seven years ago that the GOP's 2013 nominee for U.S. Senate would one day endorse Markey's Democratic rival for re-election, turning his back on two candidates from the party he once represented to back someone with one of the most famous last names in Democratic politics." - "The Massachusetts Case For Sanders Over Warren," The Scrum, WGBH: "Elizabeth Warren is getting plenty of local love as she seeks the Democratic presidential nomination, with big names like Ayanna Pressley, Maura Healey, and Michelle Wu endorsing and advocating for her campaign. (Also in Warren's camp: colleagues-turned-rivals Ed Markey and Joe Kennedy III, who probably won't be canvassing together any time soon.)" - "Republican Attorney Announces Campaign For Mass. U.S. Senate Seat," The Associated Press: "A Republican attorney from Dover said Wednesday that he is running for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. Kevin O'Connor released an online campaign video announcing his bid. In the video, O'Connor said it's time to clean house in Washington. "We've been sending the same people to Washington for generations, and they keep delivering the same results," O'Connor said." - "Marine veteran among 9 Democrats seeking Rep. Joe Kennedy III's House seat, WCVB: "Rep. Joe Kennedy III's decision to run for the Senate has opened up the competition for Democrats who want to succeed him in the House of Representatives. Nine Democrats have stepped into the ring, including three-term Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss, who spoke about his candidacy in an interview recorded for Sunday's episode of "On The Record ." DAY IN COURT - "16 inmates facing criminal charges linked to attack on correctional officers at Souza-Baranowski prison," by John R. Ellement and Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Prosecutors have filed 109 criminal charges against 16 inmates for their alleged roles in the Jan. 10 attack on four correctional officers inside the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center that inmates and prisoner advocates allege spawned a wave of reprisal by authorities. All 16 inmates were indicted on two counts of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and four counts of assault and battery on corrections officers under the legal theory of joint venture, according to Worcester District Joseph Early Jr.'s office." - "No negligence. No malpractice. Justina Pelletier's family loses their civil suit against Boston Children's Hospital," by Tonya Alanez, Boston Globe: "After less than six hours of deliberation, a Suffolk County jury on Thursday found that Boston Children's Hospital was not negligent in its treatment of Justina Pelletier, a Connecticut teenager whose plight sparked an emotional debate about parental rights in medical decisions. Pelletier spent nearly a year in the hospital's child psychiatric ward in 2013 after doctors told state authorities they suspected her parents of medical child abuse." - "SJC, Trial Court Chief Justices Call Upon ICE To Stop Deporting Defendants Without Notifying Courts," by Shannon Dooling and Lisa Creamer, WBUR: "Two top judges in the Massachusetts court system doubled down on an earlier call they made to federal immigration officials to stop deporting defendants facing criminal charges without notifying prosecutors. In a letter sent Thursday to Todd Lyons, the acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston field office, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants and Massachusetts Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey detailed a previous complaint sent to Lyons' predecessor nearly four months ago." WARREN REPORT - "Warren punches up her game," by Alex Thompson, POLITICO: "Elizabeth Warren's debate prep wasn't that different from usual. About the same amount of time was allotted in the days leading up. No newbies came in to help. The same team practiced in another hotel conference room — this time the Bellagio. The performance on stage Wednesday night, however, was new. Prompted by her disappointing fourth-place finish in New Hampshire and the arrival of billionaire Mike Bloomberg on stage, the Massachusetts senator decided to start throwing more punches. And she kept up the barrage Thursday, repeating and expanding her attacks on the former New York City mayor to supporters, reporters, on "The View," and anyone else who would listen." - "Sen. Elizabeth Warren Back In Media Spotlight After Nevada Debate Performance," All Things Considered, NPR: "NPR's Mary Louise Kelly asks Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren about surging back into national attention after an energetic performance during the debate on Wednesday night." FROM THE DELEGATION - "Ayanna Pressley, 45 Democrats urge President Trump to keep coronavirus vaccine cost low," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and 45 Democratic colleagues demanded in a letter Thursday that President Trump make sure the future coronavirus vaccine will be affordable and accessible. But public health experts say they're confident the U.S. government will keep the vaccine price low, considering the highly-contagious disease poses a pandemic threat, and one GOP political operative suggested the Democrats are grandstanding on the issue. Pressley — along with Massachusetts U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern, Bill Keating and dozens of other lawmakers — called on Trump to ensure the potential coronavirus vaccine or treatment is inexpensive." MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS - "Police 'confused' about their role in world of legal marijuana, former BPD head Ed Davis says," by Naomi Martin, Boston Globe: "Marijuana stores are slowly opening around Massachusetts, but industry analysts estimate that three-quarters of all cannabis sales still occur under the table. In that climate, police leaders say they are unsure of their role when it comes to unlicensed marijuana sellers. They are caught between licensed companies that are urging crackdowns on their non-tax-paying competitors selling cheaper cannabis, and communities calling for no more pot arrests, which have historically targeted people of color." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "PICK AND ROLL CALL," "SCREECHING HALT," — Globe: "Could that debate be a game-changer?" "AP gap remains a challenge," "Pelletiers lose case against Children's." FROM THE 413 - "Holyoke City Councilor Dave Bartley mulls run for state representative in 5th Hampden District," by Dennis Hohenberger, MassLive.com: "Cuncilor David K. Bartley has taken out nomination papers to run for state representative in the 5th Hampden District, signaling that he might join two other Democrats vying for the seat currently held by outgoing Democratic state Rep. Aaron Vega. Bartley, a Democrat, said he would make a final decision on a run after the annual Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade in March." - "Nancy Pelosi to speak at Smith College commencement," by Jacquelyn Voghel, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will address the Smith College class of 2020 during May's commencement ceremony, the college announced Thursday. "Well, class of 2020, I hope you're happy — I'm sure happy," Smith College President Kathleen McCartney said in announcing Pelosi as the commencement speaker. "We're going to have a great commencement." McCartney was greeted by loud cheers, a standing ovation, and chants of "Nancy" just after the announcement, though reception on social media was mixed." - THE WHEELIE KIDS: "Confiscation and education: How Springfield is hoping to curb trend of teen bike riders pulling stunts in traffic," by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: "The calendar hasn't even reached March yet, and the city of Springfield's police department is already seeing the first signs of springtime. Not the first robin or a groundhog's shadow. In Springfield, it's the re-emergence of the so-called "wheelie kids," the roving packs of teens and young adults on bicycles, dirt bikes, and 4-wheeled all-terrain vehicles riding down city streets, performing gravity-defying stunts and coming dangerously close to city traffic." THE LOCAL ANGLE - HIPSTURBIA: "A case of 'hipsturbia' spilling out from Worcester into suburban towns like Hudson," By Sarah Connell, MassLive.com: "Urban living remains attractive for homebuyers nationwide, but pricey housing in capital cities like Boston is pushing young professionals toward smaller metros and suburbs. Worcester Renaissance is one such example, but smaller towns are feeling the impact, too. The term "hipsturbia" was first coined by The New York Times reporter Alex Williams back in 2013. Since then, urbanization of suburbs has persisted, ushering in breweries, artisanal bakeries, and boutique retail shops to communities once bound by white picket fences." HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Jay S. Schaefer. FOR YOUR COMMUTE: DEBATE NIGHT AND THE FEELING'S RIGHT - On this week's Horse Race podcast, hosts Jennifer Smith and Stephanie Murray break down the debate between Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Joe Kennedy III. Host Steve Koczela talks with state Sens. Cindy Friedman and Julian Cyr about the Senate's mental health legislation. 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 Stephanie Murray @StephMurr_Jour   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters Follow us

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