POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: FALL RIVER MAYOR PULLS OFF A WIN — EDUCATION REPORT looks at Boston and Lawrence —Should the HOUSE use NDAs?

FALL RIVER MAYOR PULLS OFF A WIN — EDUCATION REPORT looks at Boston and Lawrence —Should the HOUSE use NDAs? 

Mar 13, 2019 View in browser   BY STEPHANIE MURRAY GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. FALL RIVER STUNNER — Nobody's having a better morning than Jasiel Correia. The Fall River Mayor was recalled and reelected in a remarkable turn of events last night. Correia was indicted last fall for allegedly using money invested in his app SnoOwl to buy adult entertainment and a Mercedes. In a twist, Fall River voters gave their mayor the nod — and the axe — in yesterday's election. More than 60 percent of voters chose to recall Correia, but the sitting mayor was able to beat opponent Paul Coogan by around 300 votes in the mayoral race on the same ballot. And if that's not enough, get ready for a rematch this fall. The mayor will be back on the ballot in September for a regularly-scheduled election. The Fall River Herald has plenty more. Link. FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: REPORT STUDIES BOSTON AND LAWRENCE SCHOOLS — As Beacon Hill gears up for months of debate over how the state should overhaul its education funding system, a new report out today from the Massachusetts chapter of the think-tank Education Reform Now Advocacy studies student outcomes in Lawrence and Boston school districts. Boston spends 36 percent more per pupil than Lawrence, but graduated Hispanic and high-needs students at lower rates in recent years, according to the report, titled "Money, Mediocrity, and Making Change." Many of the changes made in Lawrence Public Schools over the last several years are credited to former state receiver Jeffrey Riley, who supervised the district starting in 2012 and now serves as the state's commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. "Since 2010 in particular, the state has taken it upon themselves to ensure that local districts are performing adequately and spending money well," said Liam Kerr, state director for the Democrats for Education Reform political action committee, which supports charter schools. "As we're approaching a pretty big and important couple of months of debate on what the role of the state in education should be, from funding to performance, that people learn more about this tale of two cities." Lawrence's high school graduation rate increased from 47 percent in 2010 to 72 percent in 2018, the report found, and the school system's dropout rate decreased from 9 percent to 3 percent during that time. Despite spending less per student, Lawrence graduated Hispanic students at a rate of 72 percent in 2017, while Boston's graduation rate was 69 percent for that population, according to the report. The report points to Lawrence extending learning time , replacing principals, reducing the central office and "nonprofit and charter school operators" running schools and programs as reasons for the shift. Education Reform Now will hold a lunch with policymakers from Boston and Lawrence on April 3. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito chairs a meeting of the Governor's Council. House Speaker Robert DeLeo travels to Florida for his annual spring training visit. Billionaire Tom Steyer is in Agawam for a Need to Impeach town hall. The House meets in formal session. Senate Democrats meet in caucus. Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, AT&T New England President Patricia Jacobs and OneGoal's Patty Diaz-Andrade visit classrooms at Lawrence High School. Student workers rally against sexual harassment at Harvard. Advocates come to the State House for theBrian Donaghue Simpson Opioid Awareness advocacy day. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh speaks at the Amory Street redevelopment launch, attends the unveiling of the BCYF Roslindale gym and is a guest on WBZ. Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is a guest on WGBH's "Greater Boston." State Sen. Joseph Boncore and Director of Transportation for Massachusetts Chris Dempsey talk transportation with WGBH's Bob Seay at the Boston Public Library and on Facebook Live. DATELINE BEACON HILL - "DeLeo: 'Everything and anything' on table in transportation debate," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "Opening the door for a near-term debate over transportation and transportation financing on Beacon Hill, House Speaker Robert DeLeo told the Massachusetts business community Tuesday morning that he is open to tax hikes or just about any other prescription to address the state's critical needs — but he first wants to know what businesses will support." - "Senator accuses DeLeo of propagandizing non-disclosure debate," by Andy Metzger, CommonWealth Magazine: "BEACON HILL INFIGHTING over non-disclosure agreements isn't going away, as Sen. Diana DiZoglio accused House Speaker Robert DeLeo of using "propaganda" to manipulate the debate while the speaker's office obliquely critiqued the Senate's decision to completely ban the legal instruments. Non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs, are legally binding confidentiality agreements that can be used in the world of business to preserve trade secrets but have also recently been employed by alleged sexual predators such as Harvey Weinstein because they can buy the silence of those wronged." - "DeLEO PLANS $2 MIL EFFORT TO PROMOTE RESTAURANTS," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "House Speaker Robert DeLeo is a competitive man and said he likes to remind people around the country of Massachusetts's "top tier status." But there's one aspect of Massachusetts that DeLeo thinks isn't getting the recognition it deserves -- the state's restaurants. While business leaders ate a breakfast of eggs and toast at the Seaport Hotel on Tuesday, DeLeo announced that the House plans this year to devote $2 million in new Office of Travel and Tourism funding to 'help promote our restaurants and encourage farms and food purveyors to find a global audience.'" - "Report: Switch to cashless welfare not feasible," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "Converting to a cashless system for administering welfare benefits might help crack down on public assistance fraud, but the move isn't economically feasible, according to a new report. The report by the state Department of Transitional Assistance, which oversees the welfare system, said prohibiting cash withdrawals using electronic benefits transfer cards wasn't justified because of the high cost to the state of going cashless and the lack of flexibility it would create for welfare recipients who need cash to get basic necessities." - "Massachusetts legislators mull gas tax indexing," by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: "Legislators are eyeing the hotly debated issue of gas tax indexing, which made its way to the surface during a Chamber of Commerce breakfast Tuesday. Gas tax indexing, previously considered as a way to generate funding for transportation, would change the flat 24 cent tax on gasoline and instead tie the rate to inflation. The tax would be dependent on the Consumer Price Index and would increase by a few pennies each year. Voters favored a ballot initiative to repeal indexing in 2014, but they could soon be voting again." - "Gov. Baker Joins Researchers, Advocates To Discuss Gun Violence," by Wilder Fleming, WBUR: "Gov. Charlie Baker joined other law and policy makers, researchers and gun control advocates Monday night at WBUR's CitySpace to discuss gun violence. The connections between gun laws, gun ownership and gun violence were among the many topics." - "Pot bills rolling in on Beacon Hill," by Mary Markos, Boston Herald: "A barrage of bills before the state's Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy has renewed fears the Bay State is not ready to handle drugged drivers and comes as lobbying on pot regulation continues to climb. Some of the proposed legislation — hiking the legal age to buy weed to 25, capping potency and allowing drivers to refuse to take a roadside weed test — has pot proponents and doubters facing off anew." - "FRESHMAN LAWMAKERS SAY MBTA BOARD NEEDS RIDER REPRESENTATION," by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service: "One day after the MBTA's oversight board voted to approve a set of fare increases, a duo of lawmakers who opposed the plan filed legislation to add two seats to the board that they say will bring a more rider-oriented perspective. The Fiscal and Management Control Board voted 4-0 Monday in favor of fare hikes for subway and commuter-rail trips averaging a 5.8 percent increase, with board member Monica Tibbits-Nutt abstaining. In response, Sen. Becca Rausch and Rep. Maria Robinson announced a bill Tuesday to expand the board." FROM THE HUB - "In this chat room, Boston's black millennials build a community," by Jeneé Osterheldt, Boston Globe: "If you are under 35, black, and moving to Boston, there is a digital welcome wagon: Boston's Young, Black and Social, a chat room on Groupme. On any given day, a new person joins the frank and friendly conversation of over 2,500 members. Some are looking for housing recommendations. Others want to meet for drinks. Lists of black doctors, therapists, and hairstylists are in the chat. An entertainment calendar keeps everyone plugged into the latest concerts, club nights, panels, and seminars. Convos span everything from R. Kelly to Elizabeth Warren." - "Bar owners eye safety tactics after abductions," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "After two women were abducted from Boston nightspots, one of whom was found dead days later in Delaware, more than 200 people packed a South Boston union hall Tuesday afternoon to discuss patron safety. Police Commissioner William G. Gross invited the owners of bars and clubs and other liquor license holders to the meeting to discuss best practices, safety strategies, and other steps to foster secure environments." - "MBTA Fare Hike Could Make Traffic Worse, Transportation Advocate Says," by Joe Mathieu, WGBH News: "The MBTA has approved a nearly 6 percent fare hike. The increase will effect subway and commuter rail trains starting July 1. State transportation officials say it's the cost of doing business, but even some MBTA board members say it's time for lawmakers to get involved and raise new revenue to fund public transportation in Massachusetts." - "Pine St. pitches permanent housing complex for homeless," by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: "The Pine Street Inn and a leading developer of affordable housing are planning to build what would be Boston's largest complex of permanent supportive housing for homeless people, on Washington Street in Jamaica Plain. Pine Street and its partners have begun talking with neighborhood groups about a 225-unit apartment building near the corner of Washington and Green streets. The complex — to be built on the site of a warehouse and office building the nonprofit already owns — would include 140 studio apartments for people who have been homeless, 85 units of low-to-moderate-income rental housing, and office space for Pine Street and other uses." - "Latinos projected to to make up 15 percent of Mass. population by 2035," by Annika Hom, Boston Globe: "The Latino population has been growing for years in Massachusetts. Now a new report, by the Mauricio Gastón Institute at UMass Boston, projects that Latinos will comprise 15 percent of the state's population by 2035. Phillip Granberry, the senior researcher of the report, attributes the trend to higher fertility rates rather than international migration." DAY IN COURT - "Feds bust up 'side door' route into college," by Andy Metzger, Sarah Betancourt and Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine:"WITH A SLEW OF CHARGES that struck at the integrity of one of the key ladders to success, US Attorney Andrew Lelling on Tuesday attempted to break up a college admissions scam fueled by millions of dollars in bribes paid by wealthy, well-connected individuals from the worlds of business and entertainment. Dozens of people across the country were arrested on Tuesday morning, according to Lelling's office, which accused 33 parents and 13 others of participating in criminal schemes to secure admission for college applicants by bribing coaches and administrators and helping applicants cheat on standardized tests." - "4 fast food chains to end use of 'no-poach' agreements," Standard-Times: "In a multistate settlement with a coalition of 14 attorneys general led by Attorney General Maura Healey, four national fast food franchisors will cease using "no-poach" agreements, which restrict the right of fast food workers to move from one franchise to another within the same restaurant chain. The agreements with Dunkin', Arby's, Five Guys, and Little Caesars settle an investigation announced by the states in July 2018 over concerns that no-poach agreements hurt low-wage workers by limiting their ability to secure better paying jobs." WARREN REPORT - "One-on-One with Elizabeth Warren," by Ross Douthat, Michelle Goldberg and David Leonhardt: The New York Times: "This week on "The Argument," Senator Elizabeth Warren sits down with David Leonhardt for an interview about her 2020 presidential campaign. The Massachusetts senator talks antitrust policy, her proposed wealth tax and universal child care program, and how to run against President Trump. But if that's too much political wonkery for you, there's a very good boy named Bailey who loves ear scratches in there, too." - "Warren, other senators call for FAA to ground Boeing 737 Max jets," by Matt Rocheleau, Boston Globe: "US political leaders as well as a union representing tens of thousands of flight attendants are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to ground a new version of the Boeing 737 jetliner that has come under scrutiny after two crashes in five months that killed everyone on board each time. A growing list of countries, including Britain, France, Australia, and China, as well as individual airlines across the world have already temporarily grounded their 737 Max 8s." DATELINE D.C. - "Mass. Democrats pan President Donald Trump's budget proposal," by Shannon Young, Springfield Republican: "Members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation took issue this week with President Donald Trump's newly unveiled $4.7 trillion budget plan for 2020, arguing that its proposed border wall spending and cuts to domestic programs offer a "very clear picture of where (his) values lie." Massachusetts Democrats criticized the president's call for a 9 percent cut to programs that support nutrition assistance, pre-school grants and job training; billions of dollars in reductions to Medicare and Medicaid spending and proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act." MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS - "Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission hears calls for less red tape, lower-cost products," by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: "The state Cannabis Control Commission heard pleas Tuesday to reduce red tape and fees for new businesses, expand opportunities for minorities and women, and reduce product costs. The five-member commission conducted a listening session at Western New England University Blake Law Center's Moot Court Room as it weighs potential revisions to current marijuana regulations." TRUMPACHUSETTS - "Michael Bennett says Bill Belichick is the 'Yoda of football' — but wants to talk to him about Trump," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa:"Michael Bennett has no plans to stop standing up for the causes he believes in. The newly acquired New England Patriots defensive end told ESPN that he has a lot of respect for Bill Belichick and is excited to play with Tom Brady. However, he is also looking forward to talking to both men about their support for President Donald Trump." MOULTON MATTERS - "US Rep. Seth Moulton wants to abolish the electoral college, Senate filibuster," by Shannon Young, Springfield Republican:"U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a Salem Democrat and possible 2020 White House contender, called Tuesday for scrapping the electoral college and Senate filibuster, arguing that they have hurt America's political system. Moulton made his case for abolishing the use of the electoral college in determining the outcome of presidential elections, as well as the Senate filibuster — a parliamentary tactic that can prevent votes on certain bills -- in an afternoon Washington Post op-ed." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "CHEAT ELITE," — Globe: "Pine St. Inn part of bid to house needy permanently," "The high prices of admission." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "Fall River recalls its mayor ... and then re-elects him," Fall River Herald: "Voters recalled and re-elected Mayor Jasiel Correia II on Tuesday, according to unofficial election results, meaning the federally indicted mayor will remain in office as he pivots to winning over voters who wanted him out. According to unofficial election results, 61 percent of voters recalled Correia (7,829 to 4,911). The recall election was called after federal prosecutors in October indicted Correia on nine counts of wire fraud and four counts of tax fraud." - "Six Months After Gas Fires, Lawrence Mayor Says Lack of Accountability Means It Could Happen Again," by Craig LeMoult, WGBH News: "This week marks six months since natural gas fires and explosions erupted across Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. In many ways, those communities are still dealing with the impact of the disaster." TRANSITIONS - Lynn Mayor Tom McGee of Lynn and Bedford Town Manager Sarah Stanton were elected co-chairs of the Commuter Rail Communities Coalition. DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? No! The Blue Jackets beat the Bruins 7-4. 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. 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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: MOULTON’S TRAVEL PLANS — WARREN vs. FACEBOOK — Fate of FALL RIVER mayor on ballot

MOULTON’S TRAVEL PLANS — WARREN vs. FACEBOOK — Fate of FALL RIVER mayor on ballot

Mar 12, 2019 View in browser   BY STEPHANIE MURRAY GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. MOULTON'S TRAVEL PLANS — Rep. Seth Moulton will make stops in two key early-voting states over the next week — New Hampshire and South Carolina — as he ramps up activity around a potential 2020 run for president. Moulton will rub elbows with the New Hampshire Young Democrats in Somersworth, N.H. on Saturday, then hit the road on Tuesday for two events in South Carolina. "I think it's a pretty straightforward message ... that he's thinking about it," Democratic strategist Scott Ferson said of Moulton's 2020 plans. Ferson advised Moulton's 2014 bid to unseat former Democratic Rep. John Tierney. "It's probably not a coincidence he's picking states early on the primary and caucus calendar," Ferson told me yesterday. Also not a coincidence: Moulton laid out his foreign policy vision in a speech last month, detailed his feeling of being "quietly confident" that he can beat President Donald Trump, moved a key staffer onto his political operation full-time and takes questions about his 2020 plans on the cable news circuit. It's no secret Moulton 2020 would be a long shot. The 2020 field is already crowded, and Moulton doesn't have much name recognition outside of Massachusetts. His last moment in the national eye was his involvement in an unsuccessful bid to oust House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the end of 2018. But in Ferson's view, the 2020 field is so wide that it is anyone's game at this point, and Moulton's age could give him a leg up. "Biden aside, I don't think anyone at this stage has a claim to it or has it locked up, so why not?" Ferson said. "His electoral history is upsetting and being disruptive to the process." One interesting thing: Moulton, who is 40, is emerging at a time when several other young, male Democrats are getting a closer look. Beto O'Rourke, 46, the subject of a new HBO documentary about his Senate run that debuted at South by Southwest over the weekend, says he's made a decision on 2020 — although he hasn't said what it is. And Pete Buttigieg, the 37-year-old South Bend, Indiana mayor, had the spotlight in a CNN town hall on Sunday night. 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, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector Louis Gutierrez visit the Massachusetts Health Connector. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announces a Project Lead the Way grant for Shrewsbury High School. House Speaker Robert DeLeo speaks to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Senate President Karen Spilka is recognized at a Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention event at the State House. The Board of Higher Education meets. The Cannabis Control Commission holds a listening session in Springfield. Former Sen. Jeff Flake speaks at Tufts. DATELINE BEACON HILL - "MORE MASS. NURSING HOME CLOSURES EXPECTED, SUDDERS SAYS," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "In increasing numbers, senior citizens in Massachusetts are turning to assisted living or living at home with assistance, and those choices are exacerbating problems in the nursing home industry. "There will be additional closures," Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders told lawmakers at a fiscal 2020 budget hearing. One in four nursing homes have occupancy rates of 80 percent or less, which she said is "not sustainable," and the average occupancy rate is 86 percent." - "T control board wants to discuss new revenues with lawmakers," by Bruce Mohl and Andy Metzger, CommonWealth Magazine: "FOUR OF THE FIVE MEMBERS of the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board indicated on Monday that they think the Legislature should explore new transportation funding initiatives and several said a portion of the money should go to the transit authority. Brian Lang and Monica Tibbits-Nutt were the most specific. As the T raises fares, they said, the Legislature should increase transportation funding in other ways and direct a large portion of the money to the transit authority. Options, they said, include hiking fees on ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft, raising the gas tax, and imposing congestion fees on drivers." - "SENIORS BLAST STATE FOR "FAILING OUR ELDERS," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "Gathering in the State House Thursday, dozens of senior advocates chanted to state legislators: "Massachusetts can do better." Kathy Paul, president of the North Shore chapter of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, led the chant, encouraging advocates to keep pressure on their lawmakers. "We will not stop until we see the senior health care gap close," Paul said at a lobby day hosted by senior and home care groups." FROM THE HUB - "T approves fare hike, spares bus and discount programs," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Riding the T will cost more starting in July after the MBTA's oversight board amended and passed a set of fare hikes Monday over heated opposition. The board voted to approve a plan to raise fares by an average of 6 percent — though now bus fares and the T's discount programs will not change. The cost of a single-ride subway ticket will rise from $2.25 to $2.40 starting July 1." - "Suffolk DA names 'discharge integrity team' to probe fatal police-involved shooting," by John R. Ellement, Boston Globe:"In a break with tradition and in keeping with a campaign promise, Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins Monday named a four-person team to oversee the investigation into the use of deadly force by Boston police officers last month. The four-person panel will meet monthly to assess the law enforcement inquiry into the death of 36-year-old Kasim Kahrim who was shot after he exchanged gunfire with two uniformed patrol officers on Feb. 22 in Roxbury, wounding one of the officers." - "BOSTON WANTS TO CASH IN ON THE REAL ESTATE CENTERPIECE OF ITS OLYMPIC BLUNDER," by Cameron Sperance, Bisnow: "Boston may have failed in its quest for the 2024 Olympics, but not all was lost when the city's bid fell apart in 2015. The now-abandoned pursuit clued Beantown and its developers in on nearly 60 acres of developable land within walking distance of some of the city's hottest and most-established neighborhoods. "We didn't realize we had a jewel in our midst until the Olympics came about, and suddenly it was 'Wow, there's Widett Circle," NAIOP Massachusetts CEO Tamara Small said." - "As Boston Aims To End Traffic Deaths, Deadliest Streets Often Go Overlooked," by Isaiah Thompson, WGBH News: "Earlier this month, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh unveiled a slate of new traffic measures aimed in large part at making the city's streets safer — including reducing the speed limit on residential streets to 20 miles per hour, from 25 — after speeds were already reduced from 30 mph last year. But many safe streets advocates say simply reducing speed limits, without targeting significant redesigns of the city's worst roadways won't be enough." - "Boston to host 2020 NAACP convention," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "The NAACP, one of the nation's oldest and most prominent civil rights organizations, announced Monday it will hold its 2020 convention in Boston, a remarkable public relations victory for a city still reconciling its racist past. The NAACP revealed the location for its 111th national convention as it prepares for this year's convention in July in Detroit." WARREN REPORT - "Facebook backtracks after removing Warren ads calling for Facebook breakup," by Cristiano Lima, POLITICO: "Facebook removed several ads placed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign that called for the breakup of Facebook and other tech giants. But the social network later reversed course after POLITICO reported on the takedown, with the company saying it wanted to allow for "robust debate." The ads, which had identical images and text, touted Warren's recently announced plan to unwind "anti-competitive" tech mergers, including Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram." - "Here's who Elizabeth Warren says would be her 'dream running mate,'" by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren's nascent 2020 presidential campaign platform has drawn comparisons to former President Theodore Roosevelt — perhaps not by accident. Toward the end of an interview Friday with MSNBC's Ari Melber, the Massachusetts Democrat was asked to pick her "dream running mate" and was given the choice of any person living or dead." - "Warren took tech's money while ripping its biggest players," by Christopher Cadelago, POLITICO: "While Sen. Elizabeth Warren was railing against big tech companies, she was taking their money — plenty of it. The Massachusetts Democrat, who is powering her presidential campaign with a bold proposal to break up the likes of Amazon, Google and Facebook, in September accepted a $2,700 contribution from Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer. But Sandberg, whose donation went unnoticed at the time, was just the biggest name from Silicon Valley to give to the senator: Warren took at least $90,000 from employees of Amazon, Google and Facebook alone between 2011 and 2018." - "Biden vs. Warren: Round 1," by Theodoric Meyer, POLITICO:"On a February morning in 2005 in a hearing room in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Joe Biden confronted Elizabeth Warren over a subject they'd been feuding over for years: the country's bankruptcy laws. Biden, then a senator from Delaware, was one of the strongest backers of a bill meant to address the skyrocketing rate at which Americans were filing for bankruptcy. Warren, at the time a Harvard law professor, had been fighting to kill the same legislation for seven years. She had castigated Biden, accusing him of trying "to sell out women" by pushing for earlier versions of the bill. Now, with the legislation nearing a vote, Biden publicly grappled with Warren face to face." DATELINE D.C. - "US Rep. Jim McGovern calls for making Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report public," by Shannon Young, Springfield Republican: "U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Worcester Democrat and chairman of the House Rules Committee, urged congressional colleagues Monday to back a measure before his panel that would ensure the report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's 2016 election probe is made public. The congressman, who has vocally supported Mueller's wide-ranging investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, endorsed a resolution that would put federal lawmakers on record as supporting or opposing public access to the special counsel's findings." KENNEDY COMPOUND - "Let 16-year-olds vote, say Cicilline, Langevin and Kennedy," by Ted Nesi, WPRI: "Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote? Three of the four congressmen who represent Southeastern New England say yes. Democratic Congressmen David Cicilline and Jim Langevin of Rhode Island and Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts all voted last week in favor of a measure to lower the voting age by two years. The region's one dissenter was Massachusetts Congressman Bill Keating, who voted no." ON THE STUMP - "Former Gov. Bill Weld Says He's Nearing Decision to Primary 'Borderline Unhinged' Trump," by Carlo Versano and Justin Chermol, Cheddar: "Bill Weld has not held public office since the 1990s. But the former Massachusetts governor is getting closer to mounting a challenge to President Trump ー as a Republican ー for the highest office in the land, he told Cheddar at South by Southwest Monday. "We can't go on pretending the president is normal. He's not," Weld said, in some of his most pointed comments yet about a potential primary challenge to the president. "I'm watching what's going on in Washington. I think it's pretty hopeless," he said. "If it doesn't get better, I'm going to run." Weld, 73, is a former two-term Republican governor of Massachusetts who gained a reputation as a socially liberal moderate while in office." - "This 2020 candidate learned about 'privilege' getting caught with marijuana at Harvard," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com:"Pete Buttigieg says he first learned about the concept of white male "privilege" in college. But it wasn't in a classroom. "This is largely a story about how naive I was," the South Bend, Indiana mayor — who's exploring a 2020 presidential primary campaign — said during an interview Saturday at the South by Southwest festival in Austin. The 37-year-old Democrat's story dated back to his time as a student in Cambridge, where he attended Harvard University (more than a decade before recreational marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts)." MOULTON MATTERS - "Local Dems say Moulton moves closer to a presidential run," by Paul Leighton, The Salem News: "Seth Moulton is heading to South Carolina, and local Democrats think they know why. South Carolina happens to be one of the early presidential primary states. The Democratic congressman from Salem announced Monday that he will travel there next week. Christine Tron, a Peabody resident and member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, said the trip appears to signal that Moulton, who has said he is thinking of running for president, is indeed planning to run." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "NO SAFE SPACE," — Globe: "City to host '20 NAACP convention," "It's official: T's subway, rail fares raise July 1," "WHO MURDERED SCOTT JOHNSON?" FROM THE 413 - "District attorneys bring new muscle to clergy abuse investigations," by Larry Parnass, The Berkshire Eagle: "District attorneys say they will probe complaints of clergy sexual abuse in Western Massachusetts, even if the passage of time leaves them unable to bring charges. "We want to honor and respect what people in our area have gone through," said Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington. "Prosecution is about standing up for what's right and wrong — and for morality. Whether you can or cannot win a case." Harrington and Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, who represents Hampshire and Franklin counties, say they feel a moral obligation to aid survivors, amid questions about whether the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield has adequately relayed abuse complaints to prosecutors." - "Smith & Wesson closing Springfield distribution center, warehouse in favor of new Missouri facility," by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: "American Outdoor Brands Corp., parent company of Springfield stalwart Smith & Wesson, will close its distribution operations here and elsewhere around the country as it opens a new $75-million warehouse near Columbia, Missouri, this year. Executives at the publicly-traded AOBC touted the cost savings and efficiencies associated with consolidating into its new 600,000-square-foot Missouri warehouse in a conference call with analysts last week." - "Local legislators support farmers who want to grow hemp," by Anita Fritz, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Local legislators are pushing to allow area farmers to grow hemp on land with agricultural preservation restrictions, which for years has been banned because it is related to marijuana. Legislators hope to get the change in this year's spending bills so hemp can be grown on farmland whether or not it is preserved under the state's Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program. "The APR program helps maintain farming as a thriving economic sector in Massachusetts," said Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, who co-sponsored the Senate budget bill that contains the hemp language — which is the same as the governor has placed in his supplemental budget." THE LOCAL ANGLE - SHOULD HE STAY OR SHOULD HE GO: "Things to know ahead of Tuesday's recall election," Fall River Herald: "The time has come as Fall River residents prepare to head to the polls Tuesday, March 12, to vote on whether embattled Mayor Jasiel Correia should stay or go. Here's a look at some highlights to know before casting your ballot." - "Sunshine Week: Cape officials adjust to new records officer role," by Mary Ann Bragg, Cape Cod Times: "Under the updated public records law in Massachusetts, residents asking for information in Cape Cod town halls may find it easier going. But town hall employees working to respond say many requests are easy, some time-consuming and a few nearly impossible without clarification. "How far back are we going? To the 1600s?" Barnstable Town Clerk Ann Quirk said about one person's request for information on a particular property." MEDIA MATTERS - Charlie Kravetz, WBUR general manager, is leaving the company. Link. - Dan McGowan will join the Boston Globe. McGowan covers politics in Providence, R.I. for WPRI. Link. - Antonio Caban joins Senate President Karen Spilka's office as deputy communications director. Caban most recently worked as lead producer for WGBH's "Beat the Press." TRANSITIONS - The South Carolina arm of Sen. Elizabeth Warren's 2020 campaign hires Alycia Albergottie as state director, Ebenezer Abolarin as state organizing director and Sam Coleman as state communications director. - Sen. Bernie Sanders tapped Democratic operative Joe Caiazzo to lead his New Hampshire 2020 campaign. Link. SPOTTED: John Kerry speaking on Monday at the Credit Union National Association meeting in D.C. "He underscored CUNA's call for addressing the way the U.S. and global partners address data security and privacy," according to a tipster. Pic. WEEKEND WEDDING - "Shara Ticku, Bennet Grill" - N.Y. Times: "The bride, 30, is the founder and chief executive of C16 Biosciences, a biotechnology company ... that develops sustainable alternatives to palm oil. ... The groom, 31, is a principal at Blue Wolf Capital Partners ... He graduated from Duke, and currently serves on the National Board of the Duke Young Alumni Development Council." NYT announcement ... Wedding pic. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Sen. Mitt Romney, who turns 72 today, and Michael Gallant, chief of staff to state Sen. Paul Feeney. DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? No! The Clippers beat the Celtics 140-115. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.   Follow us on Twitter Stephanie Murray @StephMurr_Jour   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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