POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Boston’s top cop: Floyd death ‘A DAMNED SHAME’ — State revenues CRUMBLE — BOSTON MARATHON officially canceled

By Stephanie Murray GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. NO STATE CONVENTION THIS WEEKEND — This was supposed to be a big weekend for Sen. Ed Markey in his campaign against primary challenger Rep. Joe Kennedy III, before the state Democratic convention was derailed by the coronavirus. The convention would have been a show of strength for Markey, who falls behind Kennedy in campaign fundraising and viewers on social media, an increasingly important metric as campaigns are forced to operate mostly online during a time of social distancing. Markey was expected to win at the gathering of Massachusetts Democrats on May 30, and delivering a speech to the state's activists could have resulted in a burst of positive news coverage, energy on social media and footage for campaign ads. But due to the pandemic, that won't happen. The state party moved to cancel the convention in March amid coronavirus concerns, meaning Kennedy and Markey won't have the chance to address the convention in person. Both campaigns agreed Markey would be considered the winner of the convention, and Kennedy would meet the delegate voting threshold to be placed on the ballot as a Democrat. Convention delegates are elected by local Democratic caucuses in the months leading up to the convention, and the campaigns agree Markey had racked up more delegates, though they disagree on the size of Markey’s lead. A caveat: The winner of the state convention doesn't always go on to win the primary in September. Just ask former Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim, who won the 2018 convention and lost to Secretary of State Bill Galvin in the primary. In place of the convention, both candidates will rally their supporters online. Kennedy will host a "Regional Organizing Convention" on Zoom, which his campaign expects more than 1,000 people will attend. And Markey will lead two get-out-the-vote events for Democrats running in special elections for state legislative seats, Danillo Sena and Carol Doherty, who are on the ballot June 2. Markey and Kennedy will meet next in a television studio, not at the state convention in Lowell as initially planned. The pair will debate in Springfield on Monday night, weeks after a debate set for March was postponed due to the coronavirus. And they'll meet again a week later for another debate at WPRI's studio in Providence, RI. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Attorney General Maura Healey and Rep. Jim McGovern discuss coronavirus on Facebook Live. Rep. Lori Trahan hosts a telephone town hall on the coronavirus. Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Richard Neal and Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer hold a virtual press conference to announce new passenger rail legislation. Neal and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno announce CARES Act funding for the PVTA. Rep. Katherine Clark visits the Bread of Life food pantry in Malden.   LISTEN UP! Congress is nowhere close to a coronavirus deal. More Americans are applying for unemployment benefits. States across the nation are opening up but trying to avoid a 2nd wave. POLITICO Dispatch is a short, daily podcast that provides critical news and context you need, in 15 minutes or less. Subscribe and listen today.     THE LATEST NUMBERS – “Mass. reports 675 new coronavirus cases, 93 new deaths as key metrics trend generally downward,” by Jaclyn Reiss, Boston Globe: “The state reported Thursday that the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts had risen by 93 cases to 6,640, as key metrics that state officials are monitoring continued to trend generally downward. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases climbed by 675 to 94,895.” DATELINE BEACON HILL – “With state revenues crumbling, Massachusetts took out a $1.75 billion credit line,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Drawing little public attention at the time, Massachusetts state officials opened a $1.75 billion line of credit this month to help plug budget gaps ripped open by the novel coronavirus, a grim fiscal reality that, one watchdog warned, could hang over the state for years. The credit line, disclosed in a nearly 600-page financial statement released last week by state leaders, marks a rare step by state officials, both in its size and purpose.” – “Spotlight on Urena in Soldiers’ Home scandal,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “The scandal at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home is putting a spotlight on Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Urena, with one veteran’s organization calling for his resignation – a development that is bringing the scandal closer to Gov. Charlie Baker. Thursday morning, Daniel Stack, department adjutant for the Massachusetts chapter of Disabled American Veterans, told CommonWealth that Urena should be fired.” – “Relatives, employees at Holyoke soldiers’ home skeptical of e-mails released by suspended superintendent,” by Hanna Krueger, Boston Globe: “This cruel end to a life of dignity and service is all his daughter, Sue Perez, could think about Tuesday when a lawyer for the home’s suspended superintendent, Bennett Walsh, held a news conference to defend his handling of the outbreak, which has claimed the lives of 76 veterans. Walsh, who is on paid leave during state and federal investigations into the outbreak, was not present.” – “State revenues plummeted overnight. But they could take 5 years to recover, watchdog warns,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “It took just weeks for the coronavirus pandemic to send Massachusetts’s finances into a tailspin. It could five years to fully recover. The grim outlook, detailed in a report released Thursday by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, underscores the bleak economic future awaiting the state as it navigates the fallout from COVID-19. And even that scenario comes with a caveat.” – “Mass. again sees rise in unemployment claims under pandemic program,” by Greg Ryan, Boston Business Journal: “The number of gig workers, self-employed and others making unemployment claims under a special pandemic program continues to grow in Massachusetts, even as traditional jobless claims remain at historically high levels. For the week ending May 23, the state saw more than 147,500 initial claims to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which is meant to cover the self-employed, workers in the gig economy, and others ineligible for traditional unemployment benefits.” – “Baker says ‘vast majority’ of unemployment claims checked so far not fraudulent,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Gov. Charlie Baker said the ‘vast majority’ of Massachusetts unemployment claims checked so far are legitimate — amid concerns over a national fraud scheme to bilk states out of benefit dollars. The state temporarily withheld benefit payments to about 150,000 claimants this week, but Baker said the majority of those checks have now made their way into the pockets of Massachusetts’ jobless.” – “Polito criticized for sending ‘mixed messages’ on outdoor gatherings in coronavirus era,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “After attending a graduation party over Memorial Day weekend, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito was pressed to clarify what kind of gatherings are permissible under current coronavirus-era restrictions around social distancing and gathering sizes — after sending what one official called ‘mixed messages.’” FROM THE HUB – “Boston Marathon called off over coronavirus, race will be online only,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “The already delayed run of The Boston Marathon will not happen this year over coronavirus concerns, Mayor Martin Walsh and Boston Athletic Association officials said on Thursday. The marathon, a huge and important annual event, had been postponed until Sept. 14 from its normal April run in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.” – “Boston police commissioner calls death of George Floyd ‘a damned SHAME’ in Twitter message,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “Boston police Commissioner William G. Gross said Thursday that he supported the decision by authorities in Minneapolis to fire four officers involved in the death of 46-year-old George Floyd, a black man who died after a violent encounter with police in that Midwestern city on Memorial Day. ‘My sympathy and condolences to the family of George Floyd who died after an encounter with Minneapolis Police Officers,’ Gross tweeted. ‘I support the decision of Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo to terminate the four officers involved. Mr. Floyd’s death is a damned SHAME! God Bless him.’” – “Protestors gather in Boston to decry death of George Floyd in police custody,” by Malini Basu, Boston25: Protestors chanted ‘Please, I can’t breathe.’ Dozens gathered in front of the Ashmont T stop in Dorchester on Thursday evening for 46-year-old George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minnesota. ‘Another black body has been killed,’ said Rev. Vernon K. Walker, a protester.” – “Coronavirus deaths in Massachusetts nursing homes show need for reform, advocates say,” by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: “More than 80 nursing homes in Massachusetts have recorded at least 20 coronavirus deaths among residents — a grim tally advocates say sheds light not only on the pandemic’s devastating toll in long-term care facilities but on issues with staffing and infection control that existed long before COVID-19.” – “More than 100 residents dead from coronavirus at Hebrew Senior Life facilities,” by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “More than 100 residents have died from coronavirus outbreaks at rehabilitation and nursing facilities in Greater Boston owned by Hebrew Senior Life, including nearly 80 patients at locations in Roslindale and Dedham, the company said this week. At the 455-bed Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Roslindale, 50 long-term chronic care hospital patients have died, and 29 have died at the 220-bed Dedham center, Hebrew Senior Life said in an update posted online Thursday.” DAY IN COURT – “Legal skirmishing continues at Bristol County Jail,” by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: “Even as Covid-19 deaths and infections are declining across Massachusetts, legal skirmishing is continuing at the Bristol County Jail over the safety of federal immigration detainees. Legal advocates for some of the detainees say their clients have been held too long in single cells, segregated from other detainees, in violation of the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018.” – “Worcester will drop criminal complaint against Pastor Kristopher Casey, Adams Square Baptist Church says lawsuit remains ‘until we hear from them,’” by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: “Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. announced Thursday the city will be dropping the criminal complaint against the Adams Square Baptist Church. The complaint was filed against the church at 266 Lincoln St. after pastor Kristopher Casey was conducting on site services despite Gov. Charlie Baker’s order prohibiting more than 10 people gathering at a location.” – “Mayor Domenic Sarno asks court not to grant leniency to Springfield church arsonist,” by Ray Kelly, Springfield Republican: “Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said granting leniency to the arsonist who torched an African-American church on the night Barack Obama was first elected president ‘would send the wrong message to our Springfield community and beyond.’ Michael Jacques, convicted by a jury in 2011 for setting fire to Macedonia Church of God in Christ on Tinkham Road in November 2008, seeks to shave three years off his nearly 14-year sentence because of the COVID-19 pandemic.” WARREN REPORT – “Elizabeth Warren accuses airlines and the Treasury Department of violating bailout terms as major airlines cut workers' take-home pay,” by David Slotnick, Business Insider: “Airlines have cut thousands of employees' work hours in recent weeks, despite a provision of the federal coronavirus bailout prohibiting layoffs or furloughs before September 30. Now, lawmakers are questioning those airlines and the US Treasury Department, which is administering the bailouts, saying they're effectively allowing furloughs in all but name, and accusing the Treasury of violating the spirit of the bipartisan relief package that passed in March.” MARKEYCHUSETTS – “Ed Markey stresses need for federal economic support,” by Jon Winkler, Nashoba Valley Voice: “As the coronavirus pandemic continues to shake the national economy to a frightening degree, Sen. Ed Markey wants to emphasize the need for that money to keep essential services afloat. The Massachusetts Democrat took questions from local business owners and residents during a Zoom call hosted by the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning.” KENNEDY COMPOUND – “JFK Library Foundation asks for nominations of frontline workers for special Profile in Courage Award,” by Matt Berg, Boston Globe: “The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is asking the public to submit stories of people in their communities who are on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic for a special Profile in Courage Award, the organization said. The foundation will choose several submissions about a person who risks ‘their own health to help heal the sick, protect our most vulnerable, and provide critical support services to citizens across the country,’ the group said in a statement.” ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: “FIX IT!" "AND IT'S OFF,” — Globe : “A new look for day care," "Marathon is off for the first time in history." FROM THE 413 – “Lawmakers lean in to get virus testing at Pittsfield CVS,” by Larry Parnass, The Berkshire Eagle: “‘Once again,’ the lawmakers' lament to Boston said, ‘the Berkshires get ignored, even when it comes to testing.’ This Friday, pleas to expand the availability of testing for the coronavirus will bear fruit when the drugstore chain CVS debuts self-administered swabs at its West Street location. It will be the first alternative to public testing administered by Berkshire Health Systems. The closest CVS location offering tests has been West Springfield.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “State Rep. Dooley faces opposition from young Wrentham resident in re-election bid,” by Stephen Peterson, Sun Chronicle: “A young town resident has set his sights on state Rep. Shawn Dooley's seat. Hunter Cohen, a freshman at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, has declared his candidacy for the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. With no other candidates emerging so far for the office, Cohen and Dooley, R-Norfolk, would end up facing each other in the Nov. 3 general election.” – “Peabody mayor looks to fast-track outdoor dining,” by Ethan Forman, The Salem News: “The city is trying to jump start the reopening of businesses shuttered or hobbled during the pandemic, with the mayor looking to fast-track the process to allow restaurants to provide outdoor seating. The city's reopening committee, which includes the mayor's office, health director and several other city department heads, is working on reopening both City Hall and city businesses, in keeping with the governor's safety guidelines.” – “Bourne to hold town meetings outside,” by Beth Treffeisen, Cape Cod Times: “Because of unprecedented circumstances created by the coronavirus outbreak, Bourne town officials have decided to hold the annual and special town meetings outside, as other events in town continued to be delayed or canceled. ‘This is a strange juxtaposition that it is OK for some bodies to get together and for others not,’ board Chairwoman Judith Froman said. ‘It is conflicting and stressful.’” – “Worcester sees spike in serious strokes, heart attacks; Doctors believe fear kept patients with early symptoms away from hospitals,” by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: “The month of May began with about 400 patients at UMass Memorial Health Care that had either tested positive for coronavirus or were under close watch. As the month nears its end, its president and CEO, Dr. Eric Dickson, said the number is down 40%.” REMEMBERING DONNA MORRISSEY … via the Boston Globe: “Morrissey died last Friday from the coronavirus at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She was 51. She resided in Newton and Brewster. It was a life well-lived … and devoted to others.” Link. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY – to radio host Jeff Santos, who celebrated Thursday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to former Senate candidate Shannon Liss-Riordan, state Rep. Michelle Ciccolo, Charles River Esplanade Executive Director Michael Nichols, WGBH’s Matt Baskin, CNN's Eric Levenson, Alicia DePaolo and Alberto N. Nuñez. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND – to state Senate Ways and Means chair Michael Rodrigues, Joe Williams and Wes Ritchie, who all celebrate Saturday. And to WPRI’s Ted Nesi and Gena Mangiaratti, who both celebrate Sunday. NEW EPISODE: ROAM ALONE – On this week’s Horse Race podcast, hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith, and Stephanie Murray discuss new transportation polling amid the coronavirus pandemic, and CommonWealth Magazine's Sarah Betancourt talks about languages available on the state's unemployment portal. 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.   POLITICO Magazine Justice Reform: The Decarceration Issue, presented by Verizon: Over the past decade, the longstanding challenge of criminal-justice reform has emerged under the spotlight with a new twist: Both Republicans and Democrats are on board. But, if both parties want to lower the incarceration rate, why are U.S. jail and prison populations still so high? The latest series from POLITICO Magazine works to answer this important question and take a deeper look into what it will take to make progress in the policy and politics of justice reform. READ THE FULL ISSUE.       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

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2020 Massachusetts Senate Primary Debate

WGBH News is hosting and producing the first 2020 Massachusetts US Senate Primary debate between Senator Edward Markey and Democratic challengers Representative Joseph Kennedy III, and attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan in our studios on Tues, 2/18 at 7 pm. Moderated by Boston Public Radio's Jim Braude and Margery Eagan in front of a studio audience, the hour-long debate will broadcast live on 89.7, WGBH 2, and WGBHNews.org, and streamed live online.

LAST NIGHT'S DEBATE

I just got off the debate stage, and I’m feeling great. I know our campaign has the energy and enthusiasm it will take to win.

We discussed the challenges facing Massachusetts families and debated our ideas to solve them.

I told the voters that in my next term, I will:
- Pass a Green New Deal
- Take on the NRA and pass commonsense gun safety laws
- Help cure Alzheimer's by 2025

The grassroots momentum is on our side in these fights, and with our planet in crisis and working families struggling more than ever, now is the time for us to fight like hell for our progressive agenda.

I hope I made you proud up there. I am so grateful that you are part of this team. I know that when we win — both this race and then again in Congress — our ideas can and will transform our country and save our planet.

But I cannot do it alone. The only way we can win is by doing it together — building a grassroots movement of people working together in the trenches. So I need to ask you to help us continue fighting.

If you’re with me, make a $25 donation to our campaign to help us continue building our movement and win this race.

Thank you for being part of this movement. I’m fired up to fight alongside you, Frank.

Now, let’s go win this race.

- Ed Markey

DONATE

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Paid for by The Markey Committee

Politico Massachusetts Playbook: Nangle ARRESTED — SENATE DEBATE takeaways — WARREN blasts BLOOMBERG as ‘egomaniac’

Nangle ARRESTED — SENATE DEBATE takeaways — WARREN blasts BLOOMBERG as ‘egomaniac’

By Stephanie Murray

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. WHAT YOU MISSED IN THE SENATE DEBATE — On the debate stage last night, it was clear Rep. Joe Kennedy III and Sen. Ed Markey agree on a lot of things. They agree Donald Trump is a bad president. They agree broadly on a number of policy issues, with a few differences. Where they disagreed the most was over how to run a Senate campaign, and how to be a good senator. Markey and Kennedy clashed over a so-called People's Pledge to keep outside spending out of the race, for example, at the debate hosted by WGBH on Tuesday night. Markey touted his record of "delivering legislation" for Massachusetts during his long congressional career, while Kennedy offered a vision of a lawmaker who takes advantage of a safely Democratic seat to become a national voice on Democratic issues. But the question they didn't answer was how either candidate will operate if Trump wins reelection and the Senate remains under Republican control, which is a pretty plausible scenario. Markey said getting Trump out of office is the key, while Kennedy put forward a number of reforms including term limits for Supreme Court justices and getting "dark money out of politics." The big question is how to get anything done in a Senate that just acquitted the Republican president on party lines. Here's the tricky thing about Democratic primaries. Rep. Ayanna Pressley acknowledged she would vote the same way in the House as her opponent, former Rep. Michael Capuano, in her 2018 campaign. But she made the case that she'd bring change in other ways, and has made good on that promise as a national figure in the party. Kennedy is making a similar pitch, which is hard to articulate to voters and doesn't come with a guarantee. Last night's debate was the first of many, and we have a long way to go until the September primary. One area where Kennedy knocked Markey on his heels was on his Iraq war vote, and again on his 2013 'present' vote on the Syria resolution. "The senator voted present, not no, not yes, on a matter of war and peace, but present, and I think that record speaks for itself," Kennedy said. Markey responded by saying he didn't have enough information to vote differently, and touted his endorsements from anti-war groups. A particularly tough moment for both candidates came during a line of questioning on the environment, when the moderators pointed out Markey has taken donations from a company that invests in a controversial compressor station in Weymouth, and that Kennedy's investment portfolio includes fossil fuel companies. Both said their votes would not be swayed by money, but it was an awkward position for two lawmakers who came ready to spar on their environmental records. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker honors Iwo Jima Day at a ceremony hosted by the Marine Corps League of Massachusetts. Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh make an Urban Agenda grant program announcement. Rep. Ayanna Pressley celebrates Black History Month in Everett. Rep. Jim McGovern visits YouthBuild Worcester. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg's campaigns hold debate watch parties in Boston.

THE NANGLE ANGLE

- "Rep. Nangle arrives in federal courtroom in handcuffs and shackles, pleads not-guilty," by Elizabeth Dobbins, The Lowell Sun: "State Rep. Dave Nangle shuffled out of a federal courtroom in handcuffs on Tuesday, ankle shackles clinking between his dress shoes, following his arraignment on more than two dozen charges, including the alleged use of campaign funds for personal expenses. Hours after he was arrested at his Belvidere home by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Nangle pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, nine counts of making false statements to a bank and five counts of filing false tax returns." - "Rep. David Nangle spent over $111K in campaign funds at three restaurants to conceal debts he owed them, prosecutors say," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts Rep. David Nangle spent more than $111,000 in campaign funds at restaurants in Dracut, Lowell and Salisbury to appease the owners who had lent him money, concealing the massive debts to state regulators along the way, according to court documents. Those restaurant payments and debts are one of several examples of alleged campaign finance violations federal authorities highlighted following Nangle's arrest Tuesday morning on fraud charges." - "Gov. Baker, Speaker DeLeo don't call for Rep. Nangle to step down," by Mary Markos and Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "Gov. Charlie Baker and House Speaker Robert DeLeo did not call for state Rep. David Nangle to lose his six-figure post at the State House, instead labeling the charges against the Lowell Democrat "serious" and "troubling." "They're serious charges and I anticipate that they will be fully investigated by the U.S. Attorney," Baker said. DeLeo said in a statement: "The allegations against Representative Nangle are serious and troubling and, if true, represent a significant betrayal of the public trust. I was shocked and disappointed to learn of his indictment this morning."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

- "Is It Time to Pour One Out for the Packie?" by Alyssa Vaughn, Boston Magazine: "Here in Boston, a city infamous for its unique cultural identity, it's no surprise we feel a sense of loyalty to the neighborhood spot that supplies us with our scratch-offs, cigarettes, and handles of vodka. Much of this helps explain why some feathers got ruffled at a hearing last week over Cumberland Farms' recent efforts to increase the number of liquor licenses in the state available to other types of businesses. The convenience-store chain has filed a 2020 ballot question that would authorize the creation of a new kind of license that allows food stores to sell wine and beer for consumption off-premises." - "Baker Administration Planning Rule To Ban Hydrofluorocarbons," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "A state regulation expected this spring would ban the use of greenhouse gas-producing hydrofluorocarbons, which are used in certain aerosols, air conditioners and chillers, refrigeration units and foams. The Baker administration announced its plans Tuesday, saying similar efforts were underway in Rhode Island and Maine and would place Massachusetts "in line with 16 other states adopting comparable" regulations or legislation." - "Revere Rep Rules Out Re-Election Race," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "Revere Rep. RoseLee Vincent is not running for re-election, she announced Tuesday. A Democrat who also represents parts of Saugus and Chelsea, Vincent won her seat in a 2014 special election after working on Beacon Hill for years as an aide. Vincent is at least the eighth House lawmakers to announce they are not seeking re-election this cycle. She said she is "excited to have the opportunity to spend more quality time" with her husband Richie, family members and friends." - "Revenues drop at Encore, increase at state's other 2 casinos," Associated Press: "Gambling revenues have dropped at Encore Boston Harbor even as they've rebounded at Massachusetts' two other casinos. The state's Gaming Commission reported Tuesday that the Everett resort generated less than $49 million in gross gambling revenues in January, down from $54 million in December. Revenues at MGM Springfield, meanwhile, rose to nearly $21 million in January, up from about $19 million in December. And Plainridge Park in Plainville generated $11 million from gambling in January, up from $10 million in December."

FROM THE HUB

- "Mayor Walsh outlines expansion of city's tuition-free community college program," by John R. Ellement, Boston Globe: "Mayor Martin J. Walsh is expanding Boston's tuition-free program for income-qualified students at community colleges, a program that is financed by contributions from developers who are behind the city's ongoing building boom. The Urban College of Boston is now the sixth educational institution to participate in the Tuition-Free Community College Plan, which covers up to three years of tuition bills for participating students who are also residents of the city." - "Local Runners Marathon Dreams Put On Hold By Novel Coronavirus," by Mary Blake, WGBH News: "A local marathoner who planned to run across the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon come March 1, had her dreams dashed Monday when organizers announced that only elite runners and wheelchair athletes would be allowed to participate due to fears over the novel coronavirus. Liz Sweeney, 39, of Wellesley, began training for the race in December and hoped to be among the 38,000 initially registered to run the 26 miles. Now, due to the committee´s decision, only 126 runners and another 30 wheelchair athletes will be able to participate." - "Washington Post editor Martin Baron to deliver Harvard commencement address," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "Martin Baron, the renowned Washington Post executive editor who previously led the Boston Globe newsroom, will deliver Harvard's commencement address in May, the university said Tuesday. A statement posted to the Harvard Gazette, the school's official publication, said Baron will be "the principal speaker at the Afternoon Program of Harvard's 369th Commencement" on May 28. University President Larry Bacow praised Baron, who oversaw the Boston Globe's Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the clergy sex abuse scandal as well as the paper's reporting on the 9/11 attacks."

PRIMARY SOURCES

- "Shack enters crowded Democratic field for Kennedy seat," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "The race for the Democratic nomination for Massachusetts' Fourth Congressional District is getting a bit more crowded. Thomas G. Shack III, a former prosecutor and state comptroller, announced Tuesday that he is entering the contest, which could include 10 or more candidates vying to succeed outgoing US Representative Joe Kennedy. Shack, a decades-long Brookline resident whose father served as an adviser to the late John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, filed paperwork, e-mailed supporters, and launched the website ShackforCongress.com." - "Massachusetts ready to get out the early vote," by Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle: "Keen to get a head start on Super Tuesday, when 14 states and one territory (American Samoa) pick their presidential favorites? Beginning Monday, Massachusetts voters can cast their ballots in a presidential primary — a first for the commonwealth. Anyone can do so; no reason or justification is required. Interest is high in the March 3 set of primaries, when more than one-third of all Democratic delegates will be chosen by voters in states ranging from California and Texas, the two most heavily populated, as well as Massachusetts and Vermont. Early voting is especially popular among older and suburban voters, according to Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin, and it can cut down on lines at polling places on primary day." DAY IN COURT - "Wendy's Pays $400K To Resolve Mass. Child Labor Law Allegations," The Associated Press: "Fast-food chain Wendy's has agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that it violated child labor laws by having teenage employees at dozens of Massachusetts restaurants work later and longer than allowed, the state attorney general's office announced Tuesday. The office began investigating after a minor employed at a Wendy's in Worcester complained that teenagers were working too late into the night and too many hours per day." - "Advocacy Group Appeals Harvard Discrimination Decision," by Kirk Carapezza, WGBH News: "The group that sued Harvard University for discriminating against Asian-American applicants has filed an appeal against an October judgment in Harvard's favor regarding allegations against the school's admissions policy. Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) filed a brief late Tuesday afternoon in the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. Federal Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston ruled Harvard's admissions policies do not discriminate against Asian-American applicants in the original case, a decision widely considered a major win for Harvard and the consideration of race in college admissions ." - "Homeowners Join Class Action Lawsuit Against Roxbury Based BlueHub Capital Alleging Predatory Lending Practices," by Marilyn Schairer, WGBH News: "A group of 14 homeowners filed a class-action suit in Massachusetts Superior Court Friday against a Roxbury based non-profit, alleging that they are the victims of predatory lending practices while facing foreclosure or financial hardship. The lawsuit, financed by the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) was hand delivered to the offices of BlueHub Capital — formerly Boston Community Capital — and several of the homeowners allegedly victimized by its practices." WARREN REPORT - "Warren blasts Bloomberg as an 'egomaniac billionaire,'" by Quint Forgey, POLITICO: "Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday unleashed one of her most cutting attacks yet on Mike Bloomberg, calling him an "egomaniac billionaire" akin to Donald Trump. The broadside from Warren's Twitter account came hours after Bloomberg officially qualified for Wednesday night's primary debate in Las Vegas, and signaled just how fiercely the self-funding businessman's rivals plan to go after him during that televised forum. "It's a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate," Warren wrote online." - "How Elizabeth Warren's Camp Is Seeking to Regain the Spotlight," by Astead W. Herndon, The New York Times: "A bad month for Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts keeps getting worse. She finished in a respectable third place in the Iowa caucuses, but a results-tallying meltdown muddled what could have been a good evening. New Hampshire was better at logistics but worse for her candidacy, considering she ended up closer to candidates who dropped out after the primary than those who finished on top. On Sunday, Ms. Warren had a cold so severe it threatened to sideline one of the country's most famous persisters." MOULTON MATTERS - "Moulton's war chest tops the field," by Ethan Forman, The Salem News: "Federal campaign finance reports show incumbent Salem Congressman Seth Moulton with a commanding lead over potential Democratic and Republican primary challengers when it comes to how much cash they have on hand. So far, four Democrats and two Republicans have signaled their intention to challenge the Marine Corps veteran in the Sept. 1 primary by pulling nomination papers, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Elections Division." FROM THE DELEGATION - "Richard Neal Is #1 in Corporate PAC Donations," by Donald Shaw, Sludge: "The congressman who collected the most corporate campaign money last year is the chairman of the committee that writes the tax code, Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.). In 2019, Neal received more than $1.4 million from PACs that represent corporations and business interests, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Neal's haul from corporate PACs made up 55% of his total campaign fundraising last year. As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Neal has more power than any other member of the House of Representatives to address corporate tax avoidance." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "BRAZEN," — Globe: "Big names granted clemency by Trump," "DOWNTOWN LUNCH RUSH IS NO-WAITING GAME." FROM THE 413 - "MGM revenue helps balance Springfield budget but doesn't allow tax relief, city finance chief says," by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: "The city's finance chief told councilors and residents Tuesday that the MGM Springfield casino is providing millions of dollars in payments to the city annually, helping to balance the budget but not resulting in property tax relief. "While it hasn't afforded us the ability to reduce tax bills across the city, it has been strategically invested in an effort to avoid reductions in important services and even budget cuts," said Timothy J. Plante, the city's chief administrative and financial officer." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "Boy Scouts file bankruptcy, South Shore troops vow to carry on," by Joe DiFazio, The Patriot Ledger: "Local troops say a bankruptcy filing by the Boy Scouts of America organization doesn't mean the end of popcorn sales, pinewood derbies or camping trips here on the South Shore. "We remain as committed as ever to delivering Scouting's unparalleled experiences to young people throughout our communities," Bryan Feather, CEO of the Canton-based Mayflower Council, said via email. "There should be no change to the local Scouting experience." The national Boy Scouts organization filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday amid declining membership and a drumbeat of sexual abuse allegations that have illuminated the depth of the problem within the organization — and Scouts' failure to get a handle on it." MEDIA MATTERS - "MassLive to end commenting on website beginning Thursday." Link. TRANSITIONS - Matthew Cotty will serve as director of development at Revolutionary Spaces, the merger between the Bostonian Society and the Old South Association in Boston. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY - to Auditor Suzanne Bump, who celebrated Tuesday. Want to make an impact? 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