POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: The bombshell shaking Boston politics

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY IT’S COMPLICATED — The still-unfolding story of the allegations of possible sexual assault levied against Ricardo Arroyo as a teenager show just how complicated post-#MeToo politics can be. Accusations of sexual misconduct have been career-killers for politicians. State lawmakers and federal representatives from both parties were driven from office at the height of the #MeToo movement in the late 2010s. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s support from major donors and labor unions crumbled in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against him that ultimately led to his resignation last year. And yet, Donald Trump and Joe Biden were both elected president despite a slew of accusations of sexual misconduct against the former and a couple of allegations of inappropriate touching against the latter. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican seeking reelection while under federal investigation for sex trafficking — he’s denied wrongdoing and has not been charged — easily won his primary this week. Now to Arroyo. The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that the 34-year-old Boston city councilor was investigated for possible sexual assaults when he was 18 and 19, but not charged. Arroyo, now running for Suffolk district attorney, said he was unaware of the accusations and investigations until he was questioned by the newspaper. He’s denied the allegations, vowed to stay in the district attorney race and accused his political rival, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, of trying to smear him less than two weeks before the primary. Hayden’s campaign accused Arroyo of trying to “cover up” the allegations. People on both sides have called to support the women at the center of this story — but in different ways. Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy, who’s endorsed Hayden, issued a lengthy statement in which she vowed to “stand up and believe women” in an effort to end “rape culture.” But one of Arroyo’s accusers, through her attorney, issued a statement saying Arroyo “never assaulted” her and “if there is ever a time to believe women, it is now.” Now, about 36 hours since the initial story, the political fallout for Arroyo is underway. Some endorsers have fled: Rep. Joe Kennedy III, Iron Workers Local 7 and Boston City Council President Ed Flynn, who appointed Arroyo as the body’s vice president, have rescinded their endorsements. Others have stayed: Boston City Councilors Kendra Lara and Tania Fernandes Anderson appeared alongside Arroyo at a press conference Wednesday. Lara, a survivor of sexual assault who’s known Arroyo since she was a teenager , told Playbook she “takes these kinds of claims incredibly seriously.” But “knowing how that information was illegally leaked, and knowing how that information is trying to be weaponized” by Arroyo’s political rivals — Hayden and his supporters — Lara said she has “no intention of standing behind unfounded allegations and pulling my endorsement.” Arroyo and his supporters, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, are questioning where the police and school records referenced in the Globe story came from — state law prohibits releasing police reports describing sexual assault allegations — and the timing of the article's release. It’s a political tactic that buys those unsure of what to do more time to figure out their next steps — particularly Wu, whose rising star now has a dotted line to a potentially sinking candidate. The mayor told reporters that she’s waiting to “see how this story evolves” — though it might not be resolved by primary day. Other big-name progressives who’ve endorsed Arroyo — Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley — didn’t respond to reporters’ requests for comment yesterday. But they’re sure to keep facing questions about it. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Tips? Scoops? Birthdays? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito host a school safety event at 10:30 a.m. at the State House. Governor/LG hopefuls Chris Doughty and Kate Campanale unveil their college payment plan at 1:30 p.m. outside the State House. LG hopeful and state Sen. Eric Lesser campaigns in Worcester.   STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.     YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Democratic attorney general hopeful Shannon Liss-Riordan is hitting the airwaves with her fifth television ad , this one highlighting the endorsements she’s received from more than 50 unions representing more than 500,000 workers statewide, according to her campaign. She’s also releasing her third radio ad. “For decades, I’ve been the workers’ champion in court,” Liss-Riordan says in the ad. “As attorney general, I will hold corporations accountable and put money back in people’s pockets.” Liss-Riordan has now poured more than $4.5 million into television, digital and radio advertising, according to ad tracker AdImpact. That’s fueled by the $3 million she’s given to her campaign, according to campaign finance records. Her campaign declined to say whether Liss-Riordan has made additional contributions. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund IEPAC is putting another $430,000 behind several statewide and legislative candidates. That includes $262,467 for a mailer and digital ad for Andrea Campbell for attorney general, $117,473 for a mailer and digital ad for Chris Dempsey for auditor and $7,473 for Attorney General Maura Healey for governor. Top donors to the super PAC include the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, the Green Advocacy Project, billionaire Amos Hostetter, Peter Bauer, Bob Taylor and Rick Burnes. — ENDORSEMENT ALERTS: Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins has been endorsed for reelection by Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo and a majority of the city’s council. — Sen. Ed Markey has endorsed Tristan Smith for state representative in the 8th Essex district. DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Massachusetts tax relief bill ‘will get done,’ says Sen. Eric Lesser, although exact timing still up in the air,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “More than three weeks after tax relief talks stalled on Beacon Hill in the final hours of formal lawmaking, a Senate negotiator says he remains ‘optimistic’ that the six-member conference committee he sits on will manage to strike a deal on a $1 billion package, including $250 stimulus checks for middle-income Bay Staters. But a compromise may not emerge until at least after Sept. 20, as lawmakers and political onlookers anxiously await a report from state Auditor Suzanne Bump detailing whether Massachusetts has surpassed a to-be-determined state revenue threshold, with the analysis partly based on annual wage and salary growth.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Baker Defends Virus Approach Ahead Of School Openings,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “The Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity organized a press event this week to call on the state to do more to prepare for a possible COVID-19 rebound this fall, including by requiring students or workers who contract COVID to isolate for 10 days or until they no longer test positive on a rapid test and being ready to quickly impose mask mandates early in any surge. ‘Well, most of that's not consistent with a lot of the federal guidance that we've gotten and certainly not consistent with a lot of the international guidance either. I think the guidance that we have out is about where we should be at this point in time,’ Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday when asked about the calls.” FROM THE HUB — “Amid criticism and dropped endorsements, DA candidate Arroyo pushes back on revelation of past sex assault investigations,” by Danny McDonald, Evan Allen, Andrea Estes and Andrew Ryan, Boston Globe: “As some former political allies began rescinding their endorsements, Suffolk district attorney candidate Ricardo Arroyo vowed to stay in the race Wednesday and again pushed back against revelations that he was twice investigated — though never charged — for possible sexual assault as a teenager. ‘This campaign is going to continue,’ Arroyo said at a press conference in Jamaica Plain. ‘We are going to continue to focus on making sure that we are running a campaign for justice.’” — “State picks a firm for $1B redevelopment of downtown Boston site,” by Greg Ryan, Boston Business Journal: “The Baker administration has chosen Leggat McCall Properties to redevelop the site of the hulking Charles F. Hurley state building in downtown Boston, including the construction of a new lab tower, a 200-unit housing tower, renovated state offices and more. In an unusual twist, the Boston-based firm will not pay the state directly in cash for a long-term ground lease at the 5.5-acre site, located near the intersection of Beacon Hill, Government Center and the West End. Rather, as compensation for use of the property, the developer will provide state agencies with office space at no upfront cost. The building now has just under 350,000 square feet of space.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “Civil rights organization asks federal authorities to review Orange Line closure,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “A Boston civil rights group is calling on the federal government to review the Orange Line closure and demanding that the MBTA take steps to ease the impact of the monthlong shutdown on people of color. In two letters sent Wednesday, Lawyers for Civil Rights said it wants the Federal Transit Administration, which has given the MBTA a number of directives in recent months as part of a safety review, to conduct what’s known as a Title VI compliance review of the MBTA’s operations.” — “Reduced frequency on subways will continue through fall,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The MBTA, which had originally hoped to restore regular weekday service on the Red, Blue, and Orange lines by the end of the summer, is now planning to continue the lower frequency service throughout the fall.”   INTRODUCING POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don’t miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. SUBSCRIBE TODAY.     BALLOT BATTLES  — “Effort to repeal driver’s licenses for undocumented Mass. residents has enough support to make the ballot, Republicans say,” by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe: “Conservative opponents of a law that allows undocumented residents to apply for driver’s licenses say a repeal measure is poised to make the ballot in November. Initiative coordinator Wendy Wakeman announced at a news conference in Boston on Wednesday the campaign, Fair And Secure Massachusetts, has collected 100,000 signatures in support of a ballot measure to undo the law, which the Legislature passed earlier this year after the Democratic majority voted to override a veto by Governor Charlie Baker. The campaign needs 40,120 certified signatures in order to make the ballot. So far, 78,000 of the 100,000 signatures they collected have been certified, Wakeman said. … At least one voter has complained directly to the Secretary of State’s office about being misled to sign a petition, according to an e-mail obtained by the Globe.” — “Diehl, through signature effort, finds an issue,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl, whose campaign has been searching for an issue to run on, apparently helped create one. Proponents of an initiative petition overturning a law allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses said on Wednesday they had gathered more than twice as many signatures as they need to put the measure on the November ballot — and they said Diehl’s campaign gathered the most signatures.” DAY IN COURT — “Man who faced charges after heckling Rollins files suit against her, BPD, and Worcester DA,” by Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: “A man who was accused of intimidation for heckling then-Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins during a press conference in Boston last year has filed a lawsuit claiming malicious prosecution and other charges after a judge ruled in May that the man’s criticisms are protected by the First Amendment.” DATELINE D.C. — “Biden OKs sweeping student loan relief as midterms near,” by Michael Stratford and Eugene Daniels, POLITICO: “The Biden administration on Wednesday announced it was canceling up to $10,000 of student debt for millions of people and up to $20,000 of debt for low- and middle-income borrowers who previously received a Pell Grant. The loan relief will be limited to borrowers who earn less than $125,000 a year or families earning less than $250,000. In addition, the White House plans to extend the moratorium on monthly payments and interest for a “final time” through Dec. 31. … Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a leading proponent of canceling student debt, urged Biden to provide as much relief to borrowers as possible during a phone call with the president on Tuesday evening, according to a Democrat familiar with the discussion. The call followed a discussion that senior White House officials, including chief of staff Ron Klain, had with Schumer and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), the leaders of the effort to persuade Biden to cancel student loan debt ever since he took office.” While Warren, Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, another prominent player in the push to cancel student loan debt, rejoiced on Wednesday , another Democrat, Rep. Jake Auchincloss, told reporters he “would have focused on medical debt relief” instead. And Republicans were less than enthused with Biden’s move. Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters that he didn’t think Biden’s approach was the “right thing to do.” GOP gubernatorial hopeful Geoff Diehl said one person’s loan forgiveness was another person’s bill and “that’s particularly offensive when you consider that some people who didn’t have the means to attend college now will be asked to pay some of the cost of tuition for those who did.” — SIGHTS SET: Rep. Stephen Lynch doesn’t want to be postmaster general, but he does want to be the lead Democrat on the influential House Oversight Committee. Lynch is one of several Democrats to throw their hats in the ring after the current seat-holder, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, lost her New York primary this week. Lynch’s argument, in a letter to colleagues : he’s been in Congress for 22 years and is “by far the most senior member of the Oversight Committee seeking this position.” My POLITICO colleagues detail his competition. FROM THE 413 — “Not getting your mail in the Berkshires? You're not alone, as post offices face mail carrier shortage,” by Heather Bellow, Berkshire Eagle: “A dozen mail carrier job openings in a dozen towns throughout the Berkshires indicate the problem — in addition to longstanding funding shortfalls faced by the agency — might be more widespread in the county.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Restaurant foot traffic trending upward across Massachusetts, although businesses have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels,” by Tréa Lavery, MassLive: “While business is far from where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and bars across Massachusetts are seeing traffic levels trending upward, according to data from SafeGraph. In April of this year (the most recent data available), bar and restaurant traffic in Worcester was 17% below where it was in April 2019. Springfield was 21% below that time and Boston was 22% below.” — “FEMA provides $54M for COVID-19 funerals,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “The Federal Emergency Management Agency doled out nearly $54 million to Massachusetts residents to help them bury family members and other loved ones who died of COVID-19, according to newly released federal data. As of Aug. 1, at least 9,714 Massachusetts residents had applied for the federal assistance, though 7,865 actually received the reimbursement, according to a FEMA report.” — "DeSantis fighter jet ad draws comparisons to Dukakis tank photo op," by Shannon Larson, Boston Globe: "Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear he was trying to emulate Tom Cruise’s 'Top Gun' character, Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, in a recent campaign ad. But the political spot — labeled 'Top Gov' — instead drew comparisons to a far different cultural moment: the infamous tank ride taken by former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis during his 1988 campaign for president." HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH IN MEMORIAM — Catherine M. Murray, the mother of former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, died Monday, surrounded by family after a seven-year battle with cancer. She was 78. Obit . TRANSITIONS — Former Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey and former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio are heading to Harvard this fall as Menschel Senior Leadership Fellows teaching classes on leadership and public service. — Theresa M. Santoro has joined Sherin and Lodgen as of counsel to the firm’s real estate department. — Michael Nichols, executive director of the Esplanade Association, has been appointed president of the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Maria Nation and Chandra Allard. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: WALK THE ORANGE LINE — Boston Business Journal's Rowan Walrath gives hosts Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela an update on the Orange Line shutdown. The Daily Hampshire Gazette's Bera Dunau breaks down the western Massachusetts primary to watch while GBH's Katie Lannan delves into Lowell's. 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

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: WHITE report FALLOUT — The fight to keep COCKTAILS TO-GO — CORREIA: ‘I will be vindicated’

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY SHAKEN, NOW STIRRING — That margarita delivered to your doorstep with dinner is destined to go away when the pandemic state of emergency ends — unless a group of restaurant and business advocates gets their way. Restaurateurs and business groups are planning a virtual rally today to push for a two-year extension of legislation authorizing cocktails to-go and capping third-party delivery-app fees at 15%. The original bill was opposed by package stores last year. They also want a grant program for businesses that opened in 2020 and have struggled to access state and federal aid, and to compel insurance companies to pay business interruption claims. State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, who's co-hosting today's event, has filed all four as Senate budget amendments. Cocktail connoisseurs say the measure is a win-win for customers and restaurants, even if to-go cocktails are just a small piece of the much larger recovery puzzle. “It incrementally helps restaurants, which face an uphill climb of a recovery,” said Jackson Cannon, who's behind three beloved Boston establishments — Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar and the Hawthorne — that are all now gone for good. Texas recently made to-go cocktails permanent. But efforts to extend the program in Massachusetts failed during debate over the unemployment insurance bill earlier this year. “Even the couple thousand dollars a month in sales — that pays someone’s salary, that pays a bunch of stuff,” Christopher Almeida, beverage director of The Tasty in Plymouth, told me. State Sen. Nick Collins, D-South Boston, who filed a budget amendment to extend to-go beer and wine for a year after the state of emergency ends, called it simply “common sense.” PANDEMIC POLITICS — Massachusetts’s much-improved coronavirus and vaccination metrics are making it harder for top Democrats eyeing the governor’s office to critique its current occupant. Attorney General Maura Healey — who grabbed headlines earlier this year with her criticism of Baker’s rocky vaccine rollout — praised the governor on WCVB’s “On the Record” Sunday. “Governor Baker deserves credit for making corrections along the way,” Healey said, while remaining mum on her gubernatorial intentions. “I want the governor to do well on Covid; I’ve wanted that from the beginning. And I am pleased to see where we’ve ended up.” The Republican governor once deluged with criticism from across the political spectrum is now winning plaudits even from the nation’s top Democrat, President Joe Biden. That’s not exactly what Democrats thinking of taking Baker on — if he chooses to run again — want to see. Members of the Bay State’s congressional delegation haven’t been as complimentary. They issued a rare rebuke of Baker earlier over the vaccine rollout and have now signed a letter urging him to equitably distribute federal aid to hard-hit communities — a reminder that Baker faces a long road to pandemic recovery filled with potential political potholes. GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Hope you got some sun this weekend! Now it’s back to the classroom for most high-schoolers. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, state Rep. Dylan Fernandes and business advocacy groups host a virtual rally on legislation to aid restaurants at 10 a.m. State Reps. Mike Connolly and Erika Uyterhoeven join Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steve Tolman and others at noon outside the Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Federal Building for a Tax Day rally for a budget to “put people & planet over profits.” Rep. Lori Trahan and state Rep. Tram Nguyen celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a 1:30 p.m. tour of Asian-owned businesses in Andover with state Reps. Frank Moran and Christina Minicucci.   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.     THE LATEST NUMBERS – “Massachusetts coronavirus vaccine rollout: 3.2 million people fully vaccinated, 494 new virus cases,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “More than 48,000 coronavirus vaccine doses were administered in Massachusetts during the most recent day of vaccination data, as more than 3.2 million people in the state are now fully vaccinated. State health officials on Sunday also reported five more virus deaths and 494 new cases, as the number of new infections in the Bay State continue trending downward.” DATELINE BEACON HILL – “Baker expected to update state reopening early this week, following CDC indoor mask changes,” by John Hilliard and Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: “With Governor Charlie Baker expected to update the state’s reopening plan this week — following a dramatic easing of national indoor mask guidance for fully vaccinated people — some local public health experts urged him to ensure that any changes will protect those who haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine.” – “Massachusetts senators seek to legalize sports betting in budget amendments,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “State senators are making another play at passing sports betting legislation while also setting up a showdown over a controversial film tax credit with a slew of policy proposals included in the nearly 1,000 amendments filed alongside their $47.6 billion budget.” – “Panel eyes fix for unemployment fund,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Salem News: “A state fund that covers unemployment benefits is nearly $3 billion in the hole, and that's squeezing employers who fund the system. On Friday, a newly created legislative commission met virtually for the first time to begin addressing the massive deficit in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which has ballooned amid a crush of pandemic-fueled layoffs and business closures.” – “Legislative conference committee advances bill to build new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “A joint Legislative committee has advanced a bond bill pledging $400 million for a new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, putting it one step closer to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk .” CORONAVIRUS UPDATES – “New CDC Mask Guidance Creates Confusion in Mass. As Local Mandates Remain In Place,” by Craig LeMoult, GBH News: “While the CDC's Thursday announcement that vaccinated people can reduce their mask-wearing was a relief to many who are eager to show their smiles in public again, it's not yet the rule everywhere, and there's likely to be some confusion as Massachusetts transitions to a new normal.” – “Why A Group Of Scientists Are Calling For An Investigation Into Origin Of Pandemic,” by Sharon Brody and Paul Connearney, WBUR: “Prominent local scientists are joining a group of international colleagues who are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the origin of the coronavirus pandemic.” FROM THE HUB Kim Janey’s move to oust Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White on Friday after releasing a report into domestic-violence allegations against the top cop has created a messy political situation for the acting mayor who’s trying to make her job title permanent. The Boston Globe’s Andrew Ryan and Elizabeth Koh and the Boston Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter have the details of the report. WBUR’s Ally Jarmanning and Deborah Becker have more on White’s lawsuit. GBH News’ Saraya Wintersmith has the reaction from White’s daughter, Tiffany. A three-reporter team at NBC10 Boston details Janey’s plans for reform within the police department, including requiring background checks for all candidates for BPD leadership going forward. A three-reporter team from the Globe has more on the political fallout, and the Globe’s Danny McDonald writes how the report’s release puts mayor-turned-Labor Secretary Marty Walsh back in the spotlight just as he’s adjusting to his new life in D.C. CommonWealth Magazine’s Michael Jonas wonders: “Why did Walsh look to cut short police commissioner probe?” More Hub headlines: – “Kim Janey’s senior staff continues Boston mayoral trend of large paychecks,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Heavy turnover in the mayor’s senior staff came around the time when Martin Walsh handed the city’s reins over to Kim Janey — but though the faces often changed, the hefty size of the paychecks did not.” – “‘A wild ride.’ The rollercoaster of renting an apartment in Boston this spring,” by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: “Not so long ago, in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston-area renters had a rare advantage in their long-running struggle with landlords to find a good apartment they can afford. That time is ending.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL – “Keller @ Large: Candidate Jon Santiago Says Boston Mayoral Race ‘Transcends Politics’” by Jon Keller, WBZ: “‘This race is really about the future of Boston,’ Santiago said. ‘I’m running right now to be this mayor at this crucial time. I think this moment transcends politics as usual. It’s going to require a leader and someone who’s committed to public service and getting things done.’” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – “The latest problem on the new Orange Line cars? A thin piece of synthetic material about a foot long,” by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: “Following a series of tests, the MBTA last week revealed that the undersides of the new trains are not turning properly as they accumulate more miles — an effect that officials now say played a key role in the March 16 derailment.” DAY IN COURT – “'What he wanted was money, what he wanted was power': How Jasiel Correia fell from grace,” by Dan Medeiros, Lynne Sullivan, Linda Murphy and Jon Root, Herald News: “‘If I'm doing something wrong, come and get me.’ Jasiel Correia II issued that challenge in a documentary chronicling his rise to power as mayor of Fall River. And the federal government did just that. A jury of Correia's peers, after four days of deliberations, found him guilty Friday of 21 of 24 federal counts of wire fraud, tax fraud, extortion and extortion conspiracy.” – More: “Ex-mayor Correia found guilty of extortion, fraud; vows ‘the fight’s not over’” by Shaun Towne, Steph Machado, Eli Sherman and Sarah Guernelli, WPRI: “Correia faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, and his sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 20. He continued to be released on his existing bail in the meantime, with the addition of an ankle monitor. Correia defiantly maintained his innocence as he left the courthouse, saying he will be ‘vindicated’ on appeal.” DATELINE D.C. – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition President and CEO Eva A. Millona joins the Biden-Harris administration as assistant secretary for partnership and engagement in the Department of Homeland Security. Millona said it’s “been the greatest honor” to lead MIRA for more than 12 years. Myran Parker-Brass will be acting CEO while MIRA looks for its next leader. – Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey joined more than two dozen colleagues in calling for an “immediate ceasefire agreement” to prevent the further escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence in a statement issued Sunday night. More: “Biden faces an angry rift in his own party over Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” by Zachary B. Wolf, CNN. “POLITICO Playbook: Biden under pressure to act, not mull,” by Tara Palmeri, POLITICO. FROM THE DELEGATION – “Reps. Trahan, McGovern rally in support of striking St. Vincent nurses,” by Aaron Curtis, Lowell Sun: “Days after St. Vincent Hospital announced plans to hire permanent nurses to replace those currently on strike, U.S. Reps. Lori Trahan and James McGovern appeared outside the facility in a sign of solidarity with the hundreds of picketing nurses.” FROM THE 413 – “Roy Martin announces 10th run for mayor,” by Greta Jochem, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “NORTHAMPTON — When Roy Martin ran for mayor in 2017, it was his ninth — and at the time he said his last — run for the corner office at City Hall. But this spring, he took out nomination papers and has announced his 10th run for mayor, becoming the fifth person seeking the job. ‘I’m not retired from politics,’ Martin, 78, said with a laugh. This time around, he said, ‘I’ve got a different feeling. I’ve got a different outlook.’” – “Amherst town councilors to hear call for reparations committee,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Groups that have been studying how to remedy racism toward Black residents, and researching racial injustice in Amherst over the town’s 212-year history, will call on the Town Council Monday to create a committee for providing reparations.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “'It's just so tragic': Brockton boy was trying to rescue his cousin when both drowned,” by Mina Corpuz, Brockton Enterprise: “Community members gathered Sunday at D.W. Field Park to create a memorial for the two boys who drowned in Waldo Lake on Saturday evening.” – “Boston area resident in Tel Aviv bomb shelter: ‘You don’t know when the next missile attack will come,’” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “A Boston area resident visiting family in Israel is now staying in a community bomb shelter, as she says the last week has been ‘surreal’ and uncertain with people always on their toes, not knowing when the next rocket attack will start.” – “Nahant Town Meeting deals blow to Northeastern’s marine center expansion plan,” by Laura Crimaldi, Boston Globe: “Opponents of Northeastern University’s plans to expand its Marine Science Center on coastal land in Nahant secured a key victory Saturday as Town Meeting voters decisively backed a plan to seize a portion of the property by eminent domain. The 647-271 vote gives the Board of Selectmen the power to initiate legal proceedings to take 12.5 acres of undeveloped land on East Point, a step that could potentially block the construction project, which was unveiled in 2018.” – “Worcester police union heads: Review board would be redundant, costly, divisive,” by Brad Petrishen, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “The heads of the city’s police unions Thursday said they do not believe a civilian review board is necessary, calling such a proposal costly and redundant in light of pending reforms. Sgt. Richard P. Cipro, head of the police officials union, and Daniel J. Gilbert, head of the officers union, said they also believed such a measure could be divisive to the community and unfair to police.” – “Ahead of the 50th anniversary of Boston Pride, former volunteers double down on calls for board of directors to resign,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “This year marks the 50th anniversary of Boston Pride, whose annual pride parade has become the largest public event of its kind in New England. Not only is the annual celebration on hold due to the COVID pandemic, but a group of former volunteers who used to make up the majority of the Boston Pride Committee before resigning last summer, is doubling down on calls for the board of directors to resign amid what they say are longstanding concerns of institutional racism.” – “House Speaker Mariano: Quincy College is worth saving,” by Mary Whitfill, Patriot Ledger: “House Speaker Ronald Mariano says city councilors' calls to stop supporting or move Quincy College to the state's community college system are misguided and short-sighted.” SPOTTED – State Rep. Tackey Chan threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park on Sunday as the Red Sox honored the Asian Caucus as part of AAPI Heritage Month. State Reps. Maria Robinson, Tram Nguyen and Vanna Howard also took the field. Link. MAZEL! – Former first daughter Malia Obama is among the 2021 Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize Winners for her submission entitled “Yellow Light” — supervised and nominated by Musa Syeed, per POLITICO Playbook. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Ralph Neas and happy belated birthday to Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey, who celebrated Sunday. 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.   JOIN WEDNESDAY - “THE RECAST” LIVE CONVERSATION: Earlier this year, we launched “The Recast” newsletter breaking down the changing power dynamics in America and how race and identity shape politics, policy and power. We are recasting how we report on this crucial intersection by bringing you fresh insights, scoops, dispatches from across the country and new voices that challenge “business as usual.” Join Brakkton Booker, “The Recast” newsletter author and national political correspondent at POLITICO, for a live conversation with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.); Malika Redmond, co-founder, president and CEO of Women Engaged; Sonal Shah, founding president, The Asian American Foundation; and Lauren Williams, co-founder, CEO and editor in chief of Capital B, about redefining power in America. REGISTER HERE.       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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