| | | | | |  | | By Lisa Kashinsky | Presented by Uber Driver Stories | GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Happy Cinco de Mayo. MASSGOP HAS GEORGIA ON ITS MIND — What better way to recruit new members to the Massachusetts GOP than by bringing in a nationally known Democrat-turned-Republican for a fundraiser? That's the logic, so says Chairman Jim Lyons, behind the MassGOP's upcoming gathering featuring Georgia gubernatorial candidate Vernon Jones. Jones made waves nationally last year when the Black, then-Democratic state representative endorsed Donald Trump's re-election bid and followed it up with a speech at the Republican National Convention. Jones, who flouted Covid protocols by crowdsurfing at a Trump rally in Georgia last fall, switched party affiliations in January, and is now challenging Trump-maligned Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in the 2022 GOP primary. Jones travels with some political baggage , per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. But Lyons told me he's a "great fit for what we're trying to do here in Massachusetts" — growing the GOP's ranks by appealing to the unenrolled voters who make up 57% of the state's electorate, and, yes, to Democrats. "We Republicans are all too happy to welcome people who are fed up with the Democratic Party like Vernon aboard," reads the invite to the May 22 cookout at Lyons' Andover barn, which will also feature former congressional hopeful and current MassGOP finance Chairman Rick Green. Tickets to the afternoon cookout are $100, while a preceding brunch costs a cool $1,000, according to an invite obtained by POLITICO. As Georgia's 2022 gubernatorial race takes the spotlight, the Bay State's remains largely in the shadows, at least on the Republican side. Gov. Charlie Baker has yet to divulge his future plans. And while Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito out-raised him for another month, according to their latest Office of Campaign and Political Finance reports, she's not exactly making moves. GEOFF DIEHL HITS THE TRAIL — SORT OF. The former state legislator and one-time U.S. Senate candidate, who was reported to be talking to potential gubernatorial campaign managers, is currently traveling the commonwealth for his "Bay State with a Bronco" web show. Diehl describes the show — whose guests so far include Lyons and John Haran, a Dartmouth Select Board member and fishery manager — as part travel vlog, part listening tour. He insists the Bronco gimmick isn't a callback to former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown's ubiquitous pickup truck. But he's also not shying away from the political undertones. "I haven't made it a big secret that I'm considering making a run," Diehl told me. "This is part of that process. It's a chance to gauge support around the state." Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker and his wife visit Stock Pot Malden. Baker then joins Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Health and Human Services Sec. Marylou Sudders at the Encore Boston Harbor vaccination site at 12:30 p.m. U.S. Sen. Edward Markey and U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern reintroduce the Building Rail Across Intercity Networks To Ride Around Interior of the Nation (BRAIN TRAIN) Act at 11 a.m. in Worcester. Markey will also visit Roxbury's Twelfth Baptist Church at 1 p.m. The New England Council hosts a conversation with state Attorney General Maura Healey at 9 a.m. Vice President Kamala Harris and Rhode-Island-governor-turned-Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will travel to Providence to pitch President Joe Biden's policy proposals. | | A message from Uber Driver Stories: Meet Jesus. A US Army veteran and single father, Jesus's number one priority will always be his 14-year-old daughter. Having the flexibility to work his own hours allows Jesus to be the dad he wants to be. Watch his story in his own words below. | | | | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS | | – "Active COVID infections continue falling as 52% of Massachusetts has now received at least one dose of vaccine," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "Active COVID cases in Massachusetts fell further on Monday as infections statewide continue to decline, according to the latest data from the Department of Public Health." | | DATELINE BEACON HILL | | – "DCF to visit every child it supervises in person by month's end, state officials tell lawmakers," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "For the first time since COVID-19 scrambled daily life last year, social workers within Massachusetts' child welfare agency will resume in-person visits for all of the 40,000-plus children they oversee, state officials said Tuesday, adding that they expect to see each child by month's end." – "Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka seeks input on intergenerational care," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka is pushing for intergenerational care centers to bring resources to parents juggling their jobs and their children, older residents experiencing isolation and other challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic." – "Egg industry pleads for updated cage rules," by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Gloucester Daily Times: "The poultry industry is making another push to update a 2016 voter-approved law requiring larger cages for egg-laying chickens, warning of shortages and higher prices if action is not taken soon." | | VAX-ACHUSETTS | | – "UMass Memorial begins demobilizing COVID field hospital at Worcester DCU Center," by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: "UMass Memorial Health on Tuesday said it has started the process of demobilizing the COVID-19 field hospital at the Worcester DCU Center. The facility is expected to be fully clear the facility within the next two weeks, according to a statement from the health care system." – SHOT: "The Liberals Who Can't Quit Lockdown," by Emma Green, The Atlantic: "Lurking among the jubilant Americans venturing back out to bars and planning their summer-wedding travel is a different group: liberals who aren't quite ready to let go of pandemic restrictions." – CHASER: "An article critical of 'liberals' in Mass. and elsewhere for remaining cautious amid the pandemic has left people divided," by Shannon Larson, Boston Globe: "Progressive communities in Massachusetts and elsewhere came under fire on Tuesday for an issue particularly suited to pandemic times: being too cautious about the coronavirus and its impacts." – Brookline's Advisory Council on Public Health will review and "potentially recommend revising" the town's outdoor face covering mandate — which drew national attention for defying Gov. Charlie Baker's relaxed masking requirements — in a virtual meeting at 5:30 p.m. today. | | FROM THE HUB | | – "'Zoom bomb' derails meeting over Franklin Park parties and off-road vehicle complaints," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "A city meeting on late-night parties and off-road vehicles tearing around Franklin Park was 'Zoom bombed' Tuesday evening and had to be shut down." – "Boston city councilors propose big fines for house parties that violate COVID-19 protocols," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "Boston City Councilors Michael Flaherty and Ed Flynn want tougher fines for large house parties that violate the state's pandemic-related protocols, asserting that the unruly gatherings have a 'negative impact on the quality of life' for neighbors." – "'Until We Win': Boston Protesters Seek Bigger Changes To Policing," by Ally Jarmanning, WBUR: "For seven years, Brock Satter has been leading the same chant at protests around Boston. 'What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now! If we don't get it. Shut it down! If we don't get it, shut it down!'" – "Kim Janey joins fight against East Boston compressor station," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Acting Mayor Kim Janey has waded into the East Boston substation debate, vowing to 'take any steps necessary' to halt the controversial project." | | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES | | – "International travel is still very low at Logan, but slowly creeping up," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "Airport officials said they are confident that Logan will eventually regain its status as a significant international airport as vaccination rates pick up, the pandemic recedes, and border restrictions are relaxed." – "Newton cut off from all-day rail," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Newton has found itself on the outside looking in as the MBTA's commuter rail system transitions from service geared around morning and afternoon peak periods to more frequent service at standard one-hour intervals throughout the day." | | | |   | | | | | DAY IN COURT | | – "Massachusetts pizza man used ill-gotten coronavirus relief funds to buy alpacas, feds say," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "A former Beverly pizza-shop owner is charged with scamming federal coronavirus relief dough to buy alpacas, run a radio show about cryptocurrency and go to a 'cosmetic spa.'" – "Judge orders new trial for 'Trial 4' subject Sean Ellis on weapons charges," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "A judge has sided with Sean Ellis, likely bringing the 'Trial 4' subject's tribulations toward a final conclusion as he threw out Ellis's firearms convictions while deeming 'justice was not done.'" – "Dominik Lay vs. City of Lowell grinds on; appeal is still pending," by Amy Sokolow, Lowell Sun: "Lowell Superior Court Judge William White ruled Tuesday morning that the city cannot go forward with its motion to reconsider the initial ruling by the court that would-be School Committee member Dominik Lay lives in Lowell." – "'Not what I signed up for': Camara testifies he tried to get out of Correia's marijuana scheme," by Jo C. Goode, Lynne Sullivan, Dan Medeiros and Linda Murphy, Herald News: "The corruption and fraud trial against Jasiel Correia II continued Tuesday, with a focus on allegations that the former Fall River mayor extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from marijuana companies. The day was capped by stunning testimony from Hildegar Camara, one of four alleged co-conspirators." | | FROM THE DELEGATION | | – "Sen. Ed Markey talks infrastructure boom for state during Hull visit," by Wheeler Cowperthwaite, Patriot Ledger: "Standing in the shadow of one of Hull's two wind turbines on a gusty Monday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey told Hull town officials that wind energy is part of the future for American and Massachusetts economies." – "Ayanna Pressley, Ed Markey take victory lap for air quality monitor in Chelsea," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Chelsea activist Neris Amaya raised her fist to the sky and shouted "sí, se puede," as she stood in front of her city's first-ever permanent air quality monitor. ... Amaya took a victory lap with U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley on Tuesday to celebrate the monitoring installed last July amid the pandemic." | | MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS | | – "Methuen may put pot question on fall ballot," by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: "The battle over whether to legalize the production and sale of recreational marijuana inside city limits has erupted again." | | FROM THE 413 | | – "Springfield City Council, in battle over Police Commission, seeks cost to taxpayers to defend Mayor Domenic Sarno," by Peter Goonan, the Republican: "The City Council, after suing Mayor Domenic J. Sarno in its quest to restore a citizen Police Commission, has directed the Finance Department to divulge taxpayer costs in the ongoing legal dispute." – "Record low turnout at Chesterfield town election," by Bera Dunau, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Monday's annual town election had the lowest number of votes cast in decades. In the election, which featured no contested races on the ballot, 54 out of the town's 972 registered voters voted, a 5.6% turnout. 'It's sad, when you think about it,' said Sandy Wickland, Chesterfield's town clerk." | | THE LOCAL ANGLE | | – "DA Marian Ryan: No coverup in investigation of Mikayla Miller's death," by Norman Miller, MetroWest Daily News: "Authorities have not made any final ruling on the cause last month's death of a 16-year-old Hopkinton girl and are investigating all possibilities, District Attorney Marian Ryan said Tuesday afternoon during a press conference." – "Brookline Election Results," by Jenna Fisher, Patch: "Brookline elected its first female Town Moderator in recent memory. Also for the first time in at least a decade, a challenger pushed out an incumbent in the Select Board race." – "Peabody power plant plans caught city off-guard," by Erin Nolan, Salem News: "...local and state elected officials said they weren't aware of the years-old plans to build a 60-megawatt power plant at Peabody Municipal Light Plant's Waters River substation, behind the Pulaski Street industrial park. But both the Light Plant and the organization which would operate the plant said there were no attempts to keep the project secret from public officials or Peabody residents." – "Jimmy Garoppolo: 'I thought I was going to be in New England for my entire career,'" by Christopher Price, Boston Globe: "After the Patriots drafted Mac Jones last week, a return to New England now seems unlikely for Jimmy Garoppolo. But it sure sounds as if Garoppolo thinks about New England from time to time." MAZEL! – Worcester has been named a " Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 35th consecutive year, per the city. TRANSITIONS – Dr. Mary K. Grant will become the 13th president of Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Caitlin Peale Sloan has been selected as Conservation Law Foundation's vice president for Massachusetts, and Janet Daisley has been appointed CLF's chief of staff. Boston Business Journal hires Grant Welker as a projects reporter. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Endpoints' Nicole DeFeudis, Nicole Serrano, deputy campaign manager for Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell's mayoral bid, and Jedd Ari Fisch. Happy belated to GWU's Todd Belt. 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. | | A message from Uber Driver Stories: After 9 years in the Army, and missing the birth of his daughter because he was stationed overseas, Jesus decided to make changes in his life.
Jesus chooses the flexibility of Uber because it lets him be there for his daughter—which has become even more important now that she's in distance learning due to the pandemic.
"It's tough being a single parent," Jesus says. "Without Uber, I wouldn't have been able to bond with my daughter because I wasn't able to spend time with her."
"Flexibility is important to me because I'm able to spend those magical moments with my daughter. Those moments are irreplaceable."
To see more stories like Jesus's, click here.
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