AGP Executive Report

Energy Policy Showdown: Beacon Hill negotiators are still far apart on how Bay Staters will get relief from utility costs, with the Senate passing its energy affordability package (S 3143) while House and Senate must reconcile major differences before anything reaches Gov. Maura Healey. Transit & Local Infrastructure: The MBTA says it will start repairs on the Cross Street bridge in Winchester in about two weeks, with lane closures beginning July 19 and work expected to run through mid-October. Labor Dispute: Merrimack Valley Transit bus drivers and mechanics remain on strike for a second day, with the fight centered on “open work” Saturdays. Public Health: The CDC is investigating a parasite outbreak tied to “explosive” diarrhea, with at least 145 cases reported across 17 states; Massachusetts has recorded between 1 and 10 cases. Courts & Consumer Impact: A federal jury in Massachusetts hit Takeda with an $885M verdict in an antitrust “pay-for-delay” case over the IBS drug Amitiza. Crime: A New York woman was indicted for allegedly running an international sex trafficking operation out of residential brothels in Allston and Brighton. Food Safety: Prima Wawona peaches are recalled in multiple states, including Massachusetts, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Heat & AI Backlash: Extreme heat is straining power grids and intensifying scrutiny of data centers’ environmental impact in places like Lowell.

Energy Costs & Climate Policy: The Massachusetts Senate passed a new energy affordability bill aimed at lowering monthly bills, reining in utility overspending, and preserving clean-energy progress, with projected billions in savings for ratepayers. Housing Ideas: A new push for more triple-deckers is making the case that bringing back the classic Boston form could help stabilize costs and expand supply. DOJ vs. Tuition Equity: The Justice Department sued Massachusetts to block in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students under the state’s Tuition Equity Law, arguing it violates the Constitution and encourages illegal immigration. Merrimack River Sewage Fix: After a sewage leak tied to a contractor’s sewer main break, officials say the Merrimack River discharge has stopped and some beaches are reopening, though not all swimming restrictions are lifted. Extreme Heat Response: Boston opened cooling options like the Frog Pond Spray Pool and urged residents to check on neighbors as a dangerous heat wave continues. Public Safety & Sports: Brockton announced a curfew for the next Cape Verde World Cup match after prior violent celebrations. Cold Case Update: DNA from a soda bottle allegedly links a Massachusetts woman to the 1985 “Baby Boy Doe” murder case.

Heat & Water Safety: Massachusetts is bracing for a dangerous heat wave, with officials urging residents to hydrate, watch for heat illness, and seek cool places as temperatures push toward triple digits. Public Health & Closures: In the wake of a Haverhill sewer main break, 40 Massachusetts beaches were closed to swimming Wednesday due to bacteria and sewage impacts, with officials saying you can visit but not go in the water. Transit Disruption: Merrimack Valley Transit bus drivers and mechanics went on strike, halting fixed-route service and disrupting rides across more than a dozen communities. Local Infrastructure: Woburn received a $9,500 MIIA risk management grant to modernize aging building systems and improve safety. Crime & Courts: A shooting at a Berlin shopping center triggered a major I-495 standoff in Lowell; separately, a judge ordered a hearing in the Karen Read civil case after alleged violations of an impound order. Education/Legal: A Massachusetts judge blocked Trump administration changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness, citing free speech concerns. Transportation Modernization: The MBTA is hiring STV to help procure new low-emission Tier 4 diesel and battery-electric locomotives for regional rail.

World Cup Spotlight: Kylian Mbappé powered France to a 3-0 win over Sweden, scoring twice to tie Lionel Messi for the tournament lead with six goals and set up a Round of 16 matchup with Paraguay. Healthcare Leadership: The American Hospital Association named Steve Walsh, currently CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, as its next president and CEO. Public Safety & Courts: Federal judges in Massachusetts and D.C. blocked Trump-era Public Service Loan Forgiveness restrictions just before they were set to take effect, calling the changes unlawful. Local Government: Revere approved a five-year Capital Improvement Plan and the Board of Health voted to ban kratom sales starting Sept. 1. Community & Transit: Boston launched Tour 250, an interactive map with new neighborhood history markers, and the MBTA is offering free rides after 8:30 p.m. on July 4. Crime & Chaos: A shooting at a Berlin shopping plaza ended with a standoff on I-495 in Lowell; two men died.

Supreme Court & Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, with Massachusetts leaders calling it a win for the 14th Amendment and for families across the country. Medicaid Fight: Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s Medicaid work requirements for the medically frail, arguing the federal rule contradicts Congress and could cut off care for vulnerable residents. Local Nightlife: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu wants to make the city’s 3 a.m. last-call and outdoor drinking districts permanent after more than 200 businesses were approved to stay open later. Heat Preparedness: Worcester is opening cooling centers and moving trash pickup earlier as the region heads into dangerous heat. Transportation Disruption: A water main break shut westbound Route 123 in Brockton, with detours in place. Housing & Development: Boston planners are reviewing proposals for two new apartment towers on Bromfield Street, including hundreds of units and some affordable set-asides. Sports & Community: Cambridge-area players are headed to NHL development camps, and Worcester’s Independence Day plans include Boston Harborfest July 2-4.

U.S. Supreme Court: In a major voting-rights win, the Supreme Court ruled states may count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, dealing a blow to a Republican push for a hard receipt deadline. Massachusetts Politics & Courts: The ruling is expected to affect how Bay State elections handle late-arriving ballots, especially as states with “grace periods” avoid scrambling to change rules. World Cup at Gillette Stadium (Foxborough): Paraguay stunned four-time champion Germany in the Round of 32, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw; goalkeeper Orlando Gill made key saves and VAR controversy helped swing the match. Local Governance: A Massachusetts zoning fight is heading to a private workday meeting over The Hathaway development, with traffic, parking, and building height on the table. Public Health & Safety: Gloucester issued a ban on non-essential outdoor water use amid critical drought conditions.

U.S. Senate Race: Bernie Sanders endorsed Sen. Ed Markey for re-election, praising him as a progressive fighter for working families as Rep. Seth Moulton presses a generational-change message. Ballot Integrity: The Massachusetts Ballot Law Commission disqualified two GOP candidates—Anne Manning Martin and Michael C. Walsh—after finding fraudulent signatures. Public Safety: A duck boat tipped while being towed out of Cambridge’s Charles River area, sending 11 passengers to the hospital; tours were suspended for the rest of the day. Massachusetts Courts & Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mailed ballots after Election Day if they’re postmarked by Election Day, a major implications story for election rules nationwide. Health & Science: NeuroSense Therapeutics’ ALS drug PrimeC reduced a key progression biomarker in a Phase IIb trial, and Massachusetts researchers used eye-tracking to study IV smart pump safety. Sports & Local Impact: MBTA rolled out managed event ticketing for Boston Stadium matches, while Round of 32 action continues with Germany vs. Paraguay at Gillette Stadium. Crime: Alvin Campbell Jr., Andrea Campbell’s brother, was sentenced to life in prison for raping women he targeted as a ride-share driver.

Wrong-Way Crash on I-93: Massachusetts State Police say an 81-year-old Somerset man drove the wrong way on Interstate 93 late Saturday, causing two crashes; one person died and a family of four was hospitalized. Boston School Layoffs: Boston Public Schools has notified hundreds of teachers and classroom aides that their jobs may not be renewed this fall as the city finalizes a tough budget. Waltham Privacy Fight: Massachusetts’ new consumer data protections are raising questions about how far automated license plate reader cameras can go, with Waltham’s Flock Safety system now under scrutiny. Nursing Home Room Rules: A state decision keeps nursing home room occupancy limits from fully taking effect, leaving families concerned about privacy and quality of life. Local Environment: Volunteers in Worcester and Shrewsbury pulled invasive water chestnuts from Lake Quinsigamond, battling a persistent problem that threatens local waterways. World Cup at Gillette Stadium: Germany faces Paraguay in the Round of 32 Monday in Foxborough, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. ET. Catholic Procession in Boston: A Eucharistic procession drew more than 2,500 Catholics through Boston, following the Freedom Trail as part of the national One Nation Under God pilgrimage.

Massachusetts Public Safety: A wrong-way crash on I-93 North in Boston killed a man in his 20s and sent a family of four to the hospital, after a Somerset driver allegedly drove the wrong way near Exit 15A. Courts & Immigration: A Massachusetts judge ordered county sheriffs to turn over communications with ICE, a transparency win for immigrant-rights advocates and a potential flashpoint over how local jails handle federal transfers. Local Government & Housing: Massachusetts homeowners in Newbury say they received warnings that flying July 4 flags could trigger hefty fines under endangered-species protections tied to Plum Island shorebirds. State Politics: Sen. Elizabeth Warren discussed a housing bill, Iran, and TPS in a Sunday “On the Record” segment, tying federal decisions to impacts felt in Massachusetts. Sports (World Cup, local): The Round of 32 bracket is set, with Germany vs. Paraguay at Foxborough and France vs. Sweden also slated at Gillette Stadium. Community & Outdoors: MassWildlife is expanding its Hooks and Books fishing kits to libraries statewide after a successful Greenfield pilot.

Federal Courts & Immigration: A judge blocked the Trump administration from threatening to withhold billions in transportation money from states that won’t sign on to certain immigration enforcement actions, saying the conditions would cause irreparable harm. MassHealth: Starting July 1, MassHealth will stop covering GLP-1 and other anti-obesity drugs when prescribed solely for weight loss, a change expected to affect at least 22,000 residents. Public Safety: A duck boat overturned on a Cambridge Charles River ramp after a mechanical issue during towing; 11 people were taken to hospitals, including one seriously injured, and Boston Duck Tours suspended operations while officials review the incident. State Police Discipline: Massachusetts State Police relieved an off-duty trooper after video showed him punching another trooper at a bar; an investigation is underway. Sports (Massachusetts): Brockton’s AJ Dybantsa returned home after becoming the first Massachusetts-born player to go No. 1 in the NBA Draft. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbed to $348 million for Saturday’s drawing (numbers: 3-16-28-30-59, Powerball 11).

World Cup (Massachusetts): France is rolling into the knockout stage after Ousmane Dembélé’s first-half hat trick powered a 4-1 win over Norway, with Desire Doue adding late in injury time. World Cup (local violence): Cape Verde’s historic run to the Round of 32 was followed by chaos in Brockton, where police say at least four people were shot after a post-match gathering. Sewer & public health: Heavy rains triggered two sewer main breaks in Haverhill, sending sewage into the Merrimack River; officials say the drinking water system is unaffected. AI & copyright: A Boston federal judge is set to take up Sony Music v. Suno this July, and a tobacco-litigation firm is now joining the fight, escalating pressure on how AI audio training should be treated under copyright law. Boston neighborhoods: Mayor Michelle Wu named Zavia Dickerson as the new Jamaica Plain liaison. Energy policy: The Massachusetts Senate is moving toward easier plug-in/balcony solar options, while lawmakers also push plug-in solar and ratepayer savings proposals. Housing & solar: A Concord Middle School rooftop solar plan is still alive after missing a $1.4 million state grant, with officials exploring a private financing approach. TPS after Supreme Court: Local immigrant advocates urge Massachusetts TPS holders to get legal advice after the ruling that could allow terminations.

Elections & Courts: A federal judge blocked President Trump’s order to create “confirmed citizen lists” and restrict mail voting, adding to a string of setbacks for federal election overreach. MassHealth: New rules put about 110,000 of the program’s most vulnerable members at risk of losing coverage, raising fears of paperwork-driven care delays. TPS Fallout: Massachusetts leaders and faith groups condemned the Supreme Court’s decision ending TPS for Haitians, warning thousands could face deportation. Weather: Severe thunderstorm warnings hit parts of Massachusetts and New England before expiring, with more pop-up storms possible. Energy & Growth: Gov. Healey paused data center tax incentive applications pending stronger protections for ratepayers and the environment. Local Power Fight: Oakham residents are pushing back after the state approved a battery storage facility, citing fire, traffic, and wildlife concerns. Public Health: CDC says many Americans in low/medium-risk areas can pause masking, while high-risk counties and certain settings still require it. Sports (Boston-area): Ousmane Dembélé’s first-half hat trick powered France to a 4-1 World Cup win over Norway at Boston Stadium.

World Cup in Massachusetts: Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 with Gonzalo Plata’s 77th-minute winner to reach the knockout round, while the U.S. is set for its Round of 32 matchup in Santa Clara after topping Group D. Local July 4 plans: Wilmington and Wakefield are rolling out big Independence Day celebrations close to home for the 250th anniversary. Public safety: A 12-year-old girl died after a motorized scooter crash with a school bus in Haverhill; the case is under investigation. Health care labor: Mass General Brigham nurses and clinicians plan to strike July 8 unless contracts are reached. Housing tracking: The state’s new housing tracker highlights progress toward adding 222,000 units. Elections fight: Mass. AG Raoul won court rulings blocking key Trump executive orders aimed at federal control over election administration. Traffic: A Taunton bridge inspection will cause lane closures on Route 140 southbound under Route 24. Retail change: Hooters has closed all remaining Massachusetts locations.

AI Workforce Push: A new $500 million nonprofit fund, Raise Us, backed by major tech firms and governors, is trying to prepare American workers for AI-driven job disruption. Aviation Safety: A Saturday close call at Logan involved two planes coming within 900 feet after air-traffic missteps, underscoring ongoing runway-incursion concerns at the airport. Trail Expansion: Georgetown and Newbury are set to receive about $864,000 in state grants to extend the Border to Boston Trail. Housing Costs: Rocketing Massachusetts home prices are starting to cool, but they remain sky-high as supply constraints linger. World Cup in Boston: Scots and other fans are flooding the city for World Cup matches, straining local bar supplies and prompting Healey to extend hours. Immigration + Health Care: The Supreme Court cleared Trump to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, a ruling Massachusetts leaders say will hit hospitals and nursing homes hard. Local Crime: A man was killed in a stabbing at Wellesley’s Phillips Park; a 26-year-old suspect is in custody. Public Safety Tech: Framingham will stop using Flock Safety license-plate cameras after resident backlash over privacy and surveillance. Community + Culture: Winchester is offering Revolutionary War-era tours tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

Voting Rights Fight: A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked key parts of President Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting mail voting, ruling the president exceeded constitutional authority and that election rules belong to states—an immediate win for Democratic-led states and a blow to the administration’s push to create federal voter eligibility lists. Local Transportation: Route 24 northbound work in Taunton will trigger lane closures and overnight delays Friday, June 26 into Saturday morning, then again July 10-11, with at least one lane kept open and traffic shifts as needed. Public Safety: A wrong-way crash on I-290 in Northborough killed one driver and injured another Wednesday night; officials say the Subaru driver died at the scene while the Jeep driver was taken to UMass Memorial with non-life-threatening injuries. Food Security: Project Bread won an $800,000 Cummings Foundation grant over 10 years to expand Summer Eats statewide, targeting rising hunger and food insecurity among Massachusetts families. Business & Jobs: MIT spinout VulcanForms is building a new 1-million-square-foot factory in Devens, expected to create 1,000+ jobs and expand metal 3D printing capacity for medical, aerospace, and defense.

Election Law: A federal judge in Massachusetts permanently blocked key parts of President Trump’s voting executive order, including a proof-of-citizenship requirement, dealing another blow to efforts to expand federal control over elections. Housing & Rent Control: Rent control supporters rallied on Beacon Hill after the state Supreme Judicial Court tossed a November ballot question, while advocates vowed to push lawmakers for similar proposals. Public Safety: A wrong-way crash on I-290 in Northborough sent multiple people to the hospital, with at least one taken in serious condition as eastbound lanes were shut down. Health Care: Merrimack Health says the Methuen maternity ward will close a month early, sending new labor-and-delivery patients to Lawrence General. Economy & Tech: Boston Dynamics plans a $100 million robotics and AI hub in Waltham, backed by $25 million in state incentives, aiming to add 1,250 jobs by 2033. Science & Medicine: New research suggests genetic testing for ALS could sharply increase demand for specialized care as more people learn they carry risk variants. Weather/Travel: The Mass Pike reopened eastbound in Charlton after a crash. Arts & Community: Sail Boston 250 released full tall-ship berthing locations for the July 11-16 festival.