POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Palfrey’s in as the caucuses begin

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY NEW: PALFREY MAKES THREE FOR AG — Half a year after he first expressed interest in the seat, Quentin Palfrey is officially launching his campaign for state attorney general today with pledges to protect consumers' rights and tackle climate change. “The three major priorities that we’ve focused on in this campaign are consumer protection, the climate crisis and protecting our democracy,” Palfrey told me in an interview. “But there are also huge issues around racial justice, reproductive rights, workers’ rights, gun violence and student loan debt that the office is really in a great position to lead on.” Palfrey’s worn many hats over the years. The 2018 Democratic lieutenant governor nominee has served in both the Obama and Biden administrations and founded the Voter Protection Corps. He also brings experience in the state AG’s office. Palfrey served as the agency’s first health care division chief as the state's universal health care law was being rolled out, and he worked as an assistant attorney general in the insurance division before that. “The attorney general’s office is a place that touches on so many different issues,” Palfrey said. And with all the gridlock in Washington over voting reforms and climate issues, Palfrey said state attorneys general are “in a really good position to take on those challenges.” The timing of Palfrey’s long-anticipated launch coincides with the start of the state Democratic caucuses, an intense five-week stretch in which candidates dash from event to event — or in some cases, Zoom to Zoom — to win over delegates for the June convention. There are eight caucuses scheduled for Saturday alone, according to the party’s public list. And everyone wants that coveted “momentum” heading into the caucuses, whether that’s from a campaign launch, an impressive fundraising haul, a new slate of endorsements or a decent showing in an early poll. Candidates are holding events to pump up their supporters (i.e. Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll’s volunteer Zoom last night). And they’re showing face in every corner of the state: Palfrey, Driscoll and nearly every other statewide candidate are scheduled to schmooze with potential delegates and party leaders at the Plymouth County Democratic League chair’s breakfast on Saturday in Middleborough. Palfrey starts his new bid with an existing network from his run for lieutenant governor. But he’ll still need to up his name recognition. A recent MassINC Polling Group survey showed Palfrey with 2 percent support, compared to 3 percent for rival Shannon Liss-Riordan and 31 percent for Andrea Campbell, the former Boston city councilor and mayoral hopeful who entered the AG race earlier this week. Palfrey is also the last to launch of the statewide candidates who filed with MassDems. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF and stay off the roads! TODAY — Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins Boston Mayor Michelle Wu live on her @MayorWu Instagram account at 2:30 p.m. THIS WEEKEND — State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz discusses the governor’s race and pandemic policymaking at 8:30 a.m. Sunday on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large.” Rep. Jim McGovern is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Email me:  lkashinsky@politico.com. Also, we’re aware that some links may be missing from Playbook when we publish. Our engineers are working on it.   BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER:  The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we’ve got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don’t miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now.     ON THE STUMP — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Former Boston city councilor and mayoral hopeful Andrea Campbell has raised more than $100,000 since launching her campaign for state attorney general, her team said. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Dan O’Connell and Greg Bialecki, two former secretaries of housing and economic development under the Patrick administration, are hosting a virtual fundraiser for state Sen. Eric Lesser’s campaign for lieutenant governor on March 2, per an invitation shared with POLITICO. Suggested contributions range from $500 to $1,000. — GETTING IN: James Arena-DeRosa , a Holliston Democrat and 2014 lieutenant governor hopeful who served as northeast regional administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition during the Obama administration, is running for the state representative seat being vacated by Carolyn Dykema. — DON’T CALL HER A MODERATE: State Attorney General Maura Healey is pushing back on the idea she’s taking a more moderate tack in the governor’s race. “I’m a proud progressive,” Healey said on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” yesterday . “I understand that there are those who want to ascribe labels to me. Frankly, I don’t know that voters or ordinary people care much about labels.” Healey, who’s declined opportunities to ideologically link herself to progressives like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley since entering the governor’s race, said she’s “not trying to do anything other than speak to what I see as the real issues and the real concerns that voters have.” Here's a hot take from Healey: The AG told WBUR she drinks hot coffee in the winter, not iced. THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Boston-area coronavirus wastewater data continues plunge, Massachusetts reports 4,829 daily COVID cases,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The south of Boston and north of Boston COVID wastewater data have now plummeted by 97% and 96%, respectively, since the omicron peak in early January. … Thursday’s daily count of 4,829 new virus cases in Massachusetts was significantly down from last Thursday’s report of 8,616 infections.” — “11,986 new coronavirus cases reported in Massachusetts schools in past week,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The total of 11,986 staff and students testing positive is a 45% drop from 21,686 positive K-12 tests in the previous week.” — “Town-by-town COVID-19 data in Massachusetts,” by Ryan Huddle and Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe. DATELINE BEACON HILL — WHERE ARE YOU NOW: Lawmakers sifted through thousands of bills this Joint Rule 10 week, giving some a thumbs-up, some a thumbs-down and issuing a lot of extensions. It was so busy out there, but here's where a few key bills stand: — A bill Playbook mentioned earlier this week that would let app-based drivers unionize has been extended for 60 days. — The Tenant Protection Act that would bring back local-option rent control has been extended through May 9, per state Reps. Mike Connolly and Nika Elugardo. Last session’s rent control bill was also extended before being reported favorably out of committee. — Legislation filed by Connolly, Elugardo and state Sen. Jamie Eldridge that would create a state-owned public bank received an extension through April 30. The bill is also backed by Rep. Ayanna Pressley, the Massachusetts Public Banking Coalition and the Metro Mayors Coalition. — State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and state Sen. Jason Lewis's legislation that would require public universities in Massachusetts to provide medical abortion services also got an extension. — ONE OF THESE DAYS: We have a conference committee on voting reforms, but it's unclear how quickly lawmakers will hash out the differences between the House and Senate bills. That'll be up to state Reps. Mike Moran, Dan Ryan and Shawn Dooley, and state Sens. Barry Finegold, Cindy Creem and Ryan Fattman, per State House News Service’s Chris Lisinski (paywall). — WHAT IS THE CHANCE: Same-day voter registration will likely be a major sticking point in the conference-committee negotiations. The Senate passed same-day registration, but the House voted to have Secretary of State Bill Galvin study its impacts — which Galvin, who supports the concept, says isn’t necessary. It’s unclear how quickly the conference committee plans to move. — “Baker sketches plan for $9.5b in fed infrastructure spending,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday laid out in broad strokes his plan for spending $9.5 billion in federal infrastructure money, which the state is expected to receive over the next five years. … Baker’s plan for spending the money will not concentrate on a few transformative projects but rather involves a meticulous distribution to hundreds of highway, culvert, bridge, rail, and other projects from one end of the state to another.” See the Baker administration’s list of proposed bridge repair projects. — “Construction industry group calls on Massachusetts Legislature to invest in bridges, despite $3 billion investment from federal government,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “After a harrowing close call in Somerville last week, the Construction Industries of Massachusetts is calling on lawmakers to shore up funds for the state’s failing infrastructure.” — “Senate To Make Another Run At Drug Cost Control,” by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): “A bill targeting drug costs that the Senate plans to take up next week would cap the cost of insulin at $25 a month for consumers, one of a series of measures that a senator behind the legislation said are aimed at boosting access and accountability in the pharmaceutical system.” — “Tax Receipts Already Running $1.5 Bil Above Revised Estimate,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “The Department of Revenue reported Thursday that it collected $4.026 billion in state tax revenue from people and businesses last month, a haul that surpassed expectations by $856 million or 27 percent and has helped to put the state nearly $1.5 billion ahead of its end-of-fiscal-year target.”   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.     VAX-ACHUSETTS — “COVID spending bill grows to $101m, passes within hours,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “A $55 million Covid-related spending bill ballooned into a $101 million bill under an agreement reached between House and Senate negotiators, which lawmakers sent to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk just hours after the compromise was announced. … The final bill includes both bodies’ priorities, plus another $25 million to continue the state’s COVID-19 paid sick leave program.” — “Children ages 5-11 are lagging behind other age groups in Mass. COVID-19 vaccinations,” by Martin Finucane, Boston Globe: “Only 51 percent of children in that group, or about 264,000 out of 515,000 children, had gotten at least one shot, according to Department of Public Health data released Thursday. That number is higher than the national mark, which is about 31 percent, according to the DPH data.” — “The science behind the state’s school mask policy is outdated, some experts say. Should the benchmarks change?” by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: “[S]ome some experts noted that the flood of breakthrough infections during the Omicron surge indicates that vaccination rates alone are not a good enough benchmark for deciding when to mask or unmask.” FROM THE HUB — “City to tackle plight of Black men, boys with new office,” by Tiana Woodard, Boston Globe: “The cheers, claps, and amens of more than 40 Black men and allies filled Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury Thursday morning as Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled the Office for Black Male Advancement, a new entity aimed at addressing the challenges Black men and boys face. … The new office plans to advise Wu on creating policies to improve educational, economic, and health outcomes for the city’s Black men and boys. Frank Farrow, executive director of Elevate Boston Foundation, a nonprofit assisting local families facing hardships, will serve as the office’s executive director.” — “Flashes still of violence, guns, drugs, and vandalism at Mass. and Cass,” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: “[Residents and business owners] warned the ongoing problems will undermine the city’s efforts and even invite a return of the crisis if the area isn’t rid of the drug dealers and the toxic environment they instigate." — “After Globe probe, BPS member asks for new audit of city graduation rates,” by Bianca Vázquez Toness, Boston Globe: “After a Tuesday Globe story showing city auditors found Boston may have overstated its graduation rate for five of the last seven years, a newly appointed School Committee member on Wednesday called for an expanded audit of students the district claimed had left BPS but didn’t drop out.” FROM THE DELEGATION — “Lynch Returns To Feds With New Compressor Station Appeal,” by Chris Lisinski and Michael P. Norton, State House News Service (paywall): “Citing emergency shutdowns and recent admissions from federal regulators, Congressman Stephen Lynch is trying to revive efforts to shutter a natural gas compression station in Weymouth.” — DATELINE DC: Rep. Jim McGovern has hung a replica of the iconic portrait of the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.) in the House Rules hearing room. McGovern released a video on Chisholm’s trailblazing legacy and recounted the time he drove Chisholm, “one of my personal heroes,” back and forth to the Capitol for a speaking gig at American University. FROM THE 413 — “Massachusetts AG, candidate for governor Maura Healey called Springfield the ‘asthma capital of the country’ — but it’s not anymore,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “While Springfield was deemed the ‘most challenging place’ for asthma in 2019, it dropped to No. 12 in the 2021 report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Worcester ranked No. 11 and Boston was No. 18, according to the report. Allentown, Pennsylvania is now the asthma capital.” — “Report examines exodus of Amherst school leaders,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “With interim principals currently at two schools and extensive turnover in building leadership in recent years, a consultant is advising the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools to better support those who are hired, and to find ways to address a community culture that questions decision-making. … [T]he report notes that Amherst is a place where reputations can be made quickly and ‘the intense following of local politics by members of the community may be contributing to the challenge.’” EX-PATS — ARE YOU HAPPY NOW: Tom Brady didn’t totally snub us. The Patriots featured prominently in Brady’s latest video , which also included a snippet of his post-Bucs-Pats-game “my kids were born here, I’ll be part of this community for a long time” interview. Gov. Charlie Baker said he has “no hurt feelings" over Brady. And Mark Wahlberg is already laying claim to playing Bill Belichick in a Brady biopic. THE LOCAL ANGLE — “‘Crippling’ ambulance worker shortage impacting care and response times,” by Ted Daniel, Boston 25 News: “A 71-page report, obtained through a public record request at the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH), shows Brewster Ambulance — the state’s largest private medical transport company — sent two brand new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) in an ambulance they were not familiar with.” — “Truro house that was on brink of collapse has been moved back to safety,” by Emily Sweeney, Boston Globe: “This isn’t the first time the building has had to relocate due to erosion. According to the Cape Cod Times, the former boathouse was moved in 2015.” — FRIDAY FUN PART I: “Robots pouring beer? Two Boston companies team up for Super Bowl ad,” by WCVB: “After years of unnerving dance moves and other demonstrations, the animal-like robots from Boston Dynamics are finally serving mankind properly. They’re pouring beer. Waltham-based Boston Dynamics is partnering with Samuel Adams for an upcoming Super Bowl commercial.” — FRIDAY FUN PART II: “‘Give It A Wam! And A Bam!’, Andy The Snow Plow Driver Weighs In On Friday Sleet Storm,” by Anna Meiler, WBZ: “From the blustery, cold blizzard last weekend emerged a viral sensation we didn’t know we needed — snow plow driver Andy Barr.” MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — “Trump wants Chris Sununu out of office as New Hampshire governor, asks GOP candidates to step up,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Former President Donald Trump is asking GOP candidates to step up and get New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu out of office, according to longtime adviser Corey Lewandowski.” MEDIA MATTERS — "These Local News Stars Bounced From Scandal to the Newsmax Anchor Desk," by Justin Baragona and Diana Falzone, Daily Beast: "Bianca de la Garza, a former Boston news anchor who gained notoriety for being a central figure in a high-profile embezzlement case, is now a co-host of one of the network’s weekday afternoon broadcasts." — “Richmond native Michael Bass named one of three interim heads of CNN,” by the Berkshire Eagle: “Michael Bass — son of Berkshire Eagle columnist Ruth Bass and the late longtime Eagle entertainment editor Milton Bass — has been named an interim chief of CNN.” ON BOARD — The Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus elected seven new board members at its annual meeting this week: Former Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer; Nicole Caravella; Ellen Fleming Clark; Martina Jackson; Christie Lindor; Jacquetta Van Zandt and Antigoni Woodland. CONGRATS — to Anisha Chakrabarti and Nick Sullivan, who got engaged Wednesday night. Sullivan and Chakrabarti, Gov. Charlie Baker’s deputy communications director, grew up together in Canton. TRANSITIONS — Molly Kepner has joined Project Bread as their new assistant director of federal policy. She was previously at The Greater Boston Food Bank. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to David Edelman, Ropes & Gray’s Abby Cable, Baker senior adviser Tim Buckley and Baker associate comms and digital director Maura Driscoll.  HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to former state Rep. John Businger, Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, Trevor Kincaid and Matt Bonaccorsi, comms director for Rep. Jim McGovern, who celebrate Saturday; and to Webster state Rep. Joseph McKenna and Pamela Esler, who celebrate Sunday. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: VOTING REFORMS & EVERYBODY’S RUNNING — Secretary of State hopeful Tanisha Sullivan talks voting reforms with host Steve Koczela. Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky take stock of the latest developments in statewide races. 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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Feds: Regulators 'should never have approved' Weymouth compressor, too late to shut it down

"What (FERC) did was morally, ethically and legally wrong on every level, and they just recommitted to that.”

Jessica Truffant 

The Patriot Ledger

Published Jan 24, 2022 

WEYMOUTH – While several members said regulators shouldn't have approved the project to begin with, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says it won't revoke authorization for the natural gas compressor station in Weymouth. 

After reexamining operations and safety at the station following several accidental releases of natural gas, Richard Glick, the commission's chairman, said regulators "should never have approved" the compressor on the banks of the Fore River, a "heavily populated area with two environmental justice communities and a higher-than-normal level of cancer and asthma due to heavy industrial activity."

But Glick said the review and findings don't justify revoking approval for the station, which the commission initially granted in January 2017. The compressor station is owned by Algonquin Gas Transmission, a subsidiary of Spectra Energy, which was later acquired by Enbridge.

"Going forward, the commission needs to pay attention to the impacts of its (decision) and I will push for the those changes," he said. "I recognize that is cold comfort to the folks who live near the Weymouth compressor station."

More:Neighbors dealt another blow in Fore River compressor station fight; court tosses lawsuit

More:Climate activists chain themselves to boat at Gov. Baker's house

Alice Arena, of the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station, said the group had a "little glimmer of hope," but she expected commissioners would say their hands were tied and they didn't have authority to revoke approval.

“This is their job. They get to set precedent. They get to say, ‘We went back and looked at this, and we looked into whether (Enbridge) ever needed the compressor in the first place, and the answer is no,’” Arena said. “(The commissioners) can say whatever they want that helps them get through the night, but what (FERC) did was morally, ethically and legally wrong on every level, and they just recommitted to that.”

The compressor station is part of Enbridge’s Atlantic Bridge project, which expands the company’s natural gas pipelines from New Jersey into Canada. Since the station was proposed in 2015, residents have argued it presents serious health and safety problems.

Local, state and federal officials called for a halt of compressor operations when two emergency shutdowns caused hundreds of thousands of cubic feet of natural gas to be released into the air shortly after the station opened in the fall of 2020.

Glick reiterated in a written statement that those concerns are "legitimate, understandable, and, frankly, inadequately assessed in the underlying certificate orders," but the commission does not have a legal basis to prevent the station from going into service. 

Max Bergeron, a spokesperson for Enbridge, said in a statement that the company is "pleased" with the decision, and that the issues were already "extensively reviewed as part of a multiyear public process."

"Natural gas infrastructure is vital to keeping the heat and lights on for families and businesses, particularly during cold weather," he said. "We remain committed to safely and responsibly delivering natural gas for New England families and businesses."

State regulators also issued several permits for the project despite vehement and organized opposition from local officials and residents. Arena likened the commission's response on Thursday to that of state regulators and Gov. Charlie Baker.

"They've done exactly what Charlie Baker did and said, 'Our hands our tied. There's nothing we can do,' " she said.

Arena sad the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station will push forward with its opposition to the project in court. Several rehearing requests are pending in federal court, and the group's appeal of the waterways permit will soon be heard in Superior Court.

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: ​​Healey’s big day ends with a big haul

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY With help from Anne Brandes SETTING THE PACE — State Attorney General Maura Healey raised $207,000 in the first 24 hours of her campaign for governor, continuing her early fundraising dominance by raking in half her December take in a day and eclipsing her rivals’ largest monthly hauls to date. She’s also setting herself on a different path out of the gate. In a race where other candidates are running more to their party’s flanks — GOP former state Rep. Geoff Diehl is a former President Donald Trump-backed conservative; state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz and Harvard political theorist Danielle Allen are progressives — Healey is striking a more moderate tone. She’s focusing less on her liberal-prosecutor past and more on pocketbook issues like the high cost of living. She eschewed being labeled an “uber-progressive” and said she'd leave it to "others to characterize my record." And, unlike her rivals, she declined opportunities to hit moderate GOP Gov. Charlie Baker over his pandemic policies. Healey’s playing the long game here. Her less ideological, more jobs-and-recovery-focused pitch plays more toward the middle and, critically, to independent voters who've helped propel candidates from both parties into the governor's office for decades. It’s already resonating with unions. Teamsters Local 25 endorsed Healey hours after her launch. Her face was soon plastered across the iconic IBEW Local 103 billboard on I-93, though union business manager Lou Antonellis said it’s not yet a formal endorsement. Healey also picked up endorsements yesterday from the Democratic Attorneys General Association and Barbara Lee of the Barbara Lee Political Office. Yet Healey will likely run into some friction from progressive activists who’ve already started poking holes in her record as attorney general and her stances on criminal justice issues. She’ll face her first big progressive policy test this weekend, when she and other candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are interviewed at Progressive Massachusetts’ virtual annual meeting. Despite her advantages, Healey brushed off the notion she’s the frontrunner. She told reporters “this is going to be a hard race” and that she intends to “work my tail off.” And she’s backing that up with her recent campaign hires, including organizing advisor Anthony Davis Jr., an alum of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s campaigns, and organizing strategist Steve McKenna, who got his start on Steve Grossman’s gubernatorial bid. They led a 350-person volunteer organizing Zoom last night. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey speaks with the media during a campaign stop at the Maverick Square T station on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, in Boston. | Michael Dwyer/AP Photo GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh says he’s “not running for governor.” The former Boston mayor told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer that “it was an honor to be mentioned as a governor. I love Massachusetts. I love my city of Boston. But I’m serving the people of the United States of America right now.” Add Andrea Campbell to the list of those eyeing the attorney general’s seat. The former Boston city councilor and mayoral hopeful is “seriously considering” a bid, people familiar with her thinking tell Playbook. Campbell was a former deputy legal counsel to Gov. Deval Patrick. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has also had “discussions” about running for the seat and is “not ruling anything out,” per a statement. FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan is building out her team ahead of her expected run for attorney general, adding Jane Rayburn of EMC Research as pollster and adviser; Aran Hamilton-Grenham as organizing director; and Meredith Lerner Moghimi, principal of MLM Strategies, as finance consultant. TODAY — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito virtually addresses the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual meeting at 10:30 a.m. Sen. Ed Markey joins “Mask Nerd” Aaron Collins for a 10:30 a.m. livestream and holds more local virtual LIHEAP roundtables. Wu hosts an Instagram Live with meteorologist Dave Epstein at 11 a.m. and attends the USS Constitution Change of Command ceremony at noon. THIS WEEKEND — Markey, Warren and Baker speak at the MMA’s annual business meeting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Allen discusses the governor’s race on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. UMass President Marty Meehan is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com   JOIN NEXT FRIDAY TO HEAR FROM GOVERNORS ACROSS AMERICA : As we head into the third year of the pandemic, state governors are taking varying approaches to public health measures including vaccine and mask mandates. "The Fifty: America's Governors" is a series of live conversations featuring various governors on the unique challenges they face as they take the lead and command the national spotlight in historic ways. Learn what is working and what is not from the governors on the front lines, REGISTER HERE.     THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Massachusetts COVID cases: 51% hospitalized because of virus, 49% test positive while getting other treatment,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The Department of Public Health reported that 51 percent of statewide COVID hospitalizations — 1,624 patients — are currently being hospitalized because of COVID, and 49 percent — 1,563 — test positive for COVID while hospitalized for other reasons. … Thursday’s daily count of 14,384 new virus cases was significantly down from last Thursday’s report of 18,721 infections.” — “32,909 new coronavirus cases reported in Massachusetts schools in past week,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The total of 32,909 staff and students testing positive is a 32 percent drop from 48,414 positive K-12 tests in the previous week.” — “Town-by-town COVID-19 data in Massachusetts,” by Ryan Huddle and Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe. DATELINE BEACON HILL — DEPARTURES: State Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) is leaving the House after President Joe Biden appointed her as FEMA’s regional administrator in New England. She wrote in a blog post that she “could not be more thrilled to get started” on Jan. 31. — ARRIVALS: “Now a state senator, Edwards’ plans to leave Boston City Council are unclear,” by Mike Deehan, GBH News: “East Boston Sen. Lydia Edwards has bucked Beacon Hill tradition by not immediately resigning her municipal post after joining the Legislature. A spokesperson for the now-senator said Edwards has ‘no comment’ on whether she will resign from the City Council ‘but is happy to talk about it in the future.’” — “Marijuana regulators support updates to drugged driving laws,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Overall, all five members of the Cannabis Control Commission voiced support for urging the Legislature to update state laws on operating under the influence to better account for drug-impaired driving. But they shied away from supporting specific legislative provisions, noting the lack of available technology to detect marijuana impairment and the dangers of racially biased enforcement of driving laws. Lawmakers will likely insist on resolving those issues before they move forward with a bill.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “COVID-19 cases have peaked in Massachusetts,” by Felice J. Freyer, Kay Lazar and Martin Finucane, Boston Globe: “The latest wave of COVID-19 in Massachusetts has crested, with the number of new cases dropping precipitously since last week, prompting even the most wary prognosticators to see a flicker at the end of the tunnel. … Hospitalizations seem to be leveling off, but Steve Walsh, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, said hospitals remain ‘very much in the midst of a COVID-19 peak.’” — “Massachusetts Nurses Association calls on Gov. Charlie Baker to declare state of emergency, take steps to address COVID surge,” by Michael Bonner, MassLive: “In a letter sent to Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday, the Massachusetts Nurses Association called for another state of emergency to be issued along with 14 other recommendations to better help healthcare workers during the latest COVID-19 surge. In the four-page letter addressed to Baker, the MNA calls for the state of emergency that was declared in March of 2020 to be reactivated through March of 2022.” — “Long COVID study: Boston researchers recruiting long haulers who are having trouble concentrating, experiencing strong fatigue,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “Hub scientists are recruiting adults who had acute COVID-19 more than two months ago and are still experiencing symptoms, such as trouble concentrating and abnormally strong fatigue.” — “Arlington mother creates website to help track down at-home COVID test kits,” by Julianne Lima, Boston 25 News: “Her face is likely familiar — Boston 25 News first introduced you to software developer Olivia Adams last year when she launched a website to help people find COVID-19 vaccine appointments back in the early days when they were filling up fast. Now, the Arlington mother-of-two has launched another website to help people find over-the-counter rapid COVID-19 tests: CovidTestCollab.com.” — “Vaccine mandate in Somerville is defeated, 2-1,” by Shira Laucharoen, Cambridge Day: “A vaccine mandate for certain indoor businesses was defeated 2-1 by Somerville’s Board of Health on Thursday, after an earlier meeting was ‘bombed’ by a group led by an Internet personality from Peabody and her supporters.” — “‘It’s been a desperate call’: Substitute teachers in high demand as districts grapple with teaching shortages,” by Dana Gerber, Boston Globe: “As incentives, districts like Woburn and Brockton recently announced pay hikes to recruit more substitutes. Since the onset of the pandemic, both Boston and Cambridge have waived the requirement for substitute teachers to have a bachelor’s degree; Cambridge now requires at least one year of professional experience working with students, said spokesperson Sujata Wycoff, and Boston requires unlicensed candidates to pass an online course, according to the current job listing.” FROM THE HUB — “Tufts Medical Center will close its pediatric hospital after more than a century of treating sick kids,” by Priyanka Dayal McCluskey, Boston Globe: “After more than a century of treating sick children, Tufts Medical Center will close its 41-bed pediatric hospital in July and convert those beds to treat more adult patients. Tufts will refer children who need hospitalization to Boston Children’s Hospital, its longtime competitor and the dominant pediatric hospital in the state.” — “More cowbell: Protests outside of Michelle Wu’s house continue, but sound a bit different,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “The anti-vaccine-mandate protesters outside Mayor Michelle Wu’s house have swapped out bullhorns for cowbells after the cops reportedly made it clear they’d start confiscating noise amplifiers.” — “Kim Janey starts a new chapter in academia,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe : “This spring, [former Boston acting mayor Kim] Janey, who lost a mayoral bid for a full term in the City Hall fifth-floor corner office in September’s municipal preliminary contest, will serve as a fellow at the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement at Salem State University, according to a Thursday announcement. She will also serve as a resident fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics.” — “Boston Police commissioner search committee hears input,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “The search committee for the next Boston Police commissioner hasn’t settled on any candidates yet, Mayor Michelle Wu said at the start of a meeting geared toward getting locals’ opinions about what they want in the city’s next top cop.” — “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass. CEO Andrew Dreyfus to step down,” by Priyanka Dayal McCluskey and Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: “Andrew Dreyfus, the chief executive of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, who used his high-profile role to push for health care reform in the state and beyond, is stepping down after nearly 12 years leading the state’s biggest health insurer.” ON THE STUMP — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Methuen Mayor Neil Perry and City Council Chair D.J. Beauregard have endorsed Councilor James McCarty in his bid for 4th Essex District state representative. — “Five key things to know about Maura Healey as she starts her campaign for governor,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “Democrats eager to retake the Massachusetts governor’s office have been fantasizing about Maura Healey seeking the job for years. … But a few years ago, when Healey first ran for attorney general, she had to overcome widespread opposition from the state’s Democratic political establishment to get the job.” DAY IN COURT — “U.S. drops case against MIT professor accused of ties to China,” by Eric Tucker, The Associated Press: “The Justice Department dropped charges Thursday against a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor accused of concealing ties to the Chinese government, a further setback to a federal initiative that was set up to prevent economic espionage and theft by Beijing of trade secrets and academic research.”   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.     FROM THE DELEGATION — “The Senate failed to pass voting rights legislation. Where does that leave Democrats?” by Jazmine Ulloa, Boston Globe: “[Assistant House Speaker Katherine] Clark and her Democratic colleagues are trying to regroup and regain momentum following an emotional debate in the Senate that touched on racism and past civil rights struggles.” — “Sen. Edward Markey meets with Western Massachusetts officials to tout legislation to bolster LIHEAP heating assistance program,” by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: “The program’s budget would increase from $3.75 billion to $40 billion annually, eligibility requirements would be expanded to any household spending more than 3 percent of income on utility costs, and its scope would widen from just heating costs in the winter to cooling costs in the summer.” — LISTEN: “Elizabeth Warren Claps Back at Elon Musk,” by Kara Swisher, The New York Times. — NEW OVERNIGHT: The entire delegation stands “in solidarity” with the Jewish community after the Texas synagogue hostage situation, according to joint statement released last night. “Americans everywhere have the right to worship in peace,” the members said. “Yet the rising tide of antisemitism has forced Jewish organizations across the country to confront violence as a clear and present threat. We cannot allow this to be the new normal. We must all work towards a future free from antisemitism and faith-based violence.” FROM THE 413 — “UMass Amherst clarifies mask rules: high quality masks, such as N95s, are ‘urged,’ but not required,” by Will Katcher, MassLive: “Students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst will not be required to wear high-grade face coverings, such as N95 masks, while in campus buildings this spring, the school said Thursday as it clarified a previous statement on health and safety guidelines for the upcoming semester.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Feds: Regulators ‘should never have approved’ Weymouth compressor, too late to shut it down,” by Jessica Trufant, Patriot Ledger: “While several members said regulators shouldn’t have approved the project to begin with, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says it won’t revoke authorization for the natural gas compressor station in Weymouth.” — “Trash is a burning question with mixed answers in some Mass. towns,” by Hannah Chanatry, WBUR: “The Haverhill incinerator is one of seven operating in Massachusetts. The state has a limited amount of landfill space, so most of our trash is either burned locally or shipped to landfills out of state. State-level activists want that to stop; they argue incinerators are major sources of pollution and should be closed. But in communities hosting the incinerators, opinions are more mixed.” — “Here’ s why fatal overdoses in Plymouth County were down in 2021 after a brutal 2020,” by Susannah Sudborough, Brockton Enterprise: “In a surprising but hopeful finding, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz has announced that fatal overdoses in the county were down significantly in 2021 compared to 2020 and 2019.” — “Man arrested after allegedly tossing hot coffee on unmasked Dunkin’ customer in Brookline,” by Arianna MacNeill, Boston.com: “A man was arrested in Brookline for allegedly tossing hot coffee on another man in a Dunkin’, apparently because the victim was not wearing a mask.” MEDIA MATTERS — “Into the Red: How the Globe will cover climate change,” by Steven Wilmsen, Boston Globe: “To report on the most pressing issue of our time, the Globe’s climate team is expanding and rethinking its coverage.” TRANSITIONS — Vanessa Snow joins MassVOTE as policy and organizing director. Boston law firm Sherin and Lodgen LLP has appointed Matthew C. Moschella as chair of the firm’s litigation department. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Molly Trowbridge of Sen. Eric Lesser’s office, Jeremy Jacobs and Diego Sanchez, a Massachusetts Democratic State Committee member and Barney Frank alum. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Lauren DeFilippo, state Rep. Josh Cutler, Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner and former state Rep. Brad Hill, Sarah Mattero, Carson McGrath, Stephen Glick and Gail Shalan, who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Kristen Lepore, chief of staff to Gov. Charlie Baker, and Harvard Institute of Politics’ Amy Howell. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: TEST STRESSING — MassLive’s Alison Kuznitz joins hosts Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela to talk about the state’s new Covid rapid-test program for schools. Smith, Koczela and host Lisa Kashinsky break down the latest on vaccine passports and vaccination mandates. 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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