Connect with us

Boston, MA

Mayor Wu: I won’t ‘roll out the welcome mat’ for Trump’s mass deportations | Bay State Briefing

Published

on

Mayor Wu: I won’t ‘roll out the welcome mat’ for Trump’s mass deportations | Bay State Briefing


Good Monday Morning, all.

As if it were needed, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu provided further confirmation last week that she won’t be “[rolling] out the welcome mat” for the incoming Trump administration if it comes to town and starts trying to deport people.

The Democratic mayor’s comments came after President-Elect Donald Trump’s pick for border czar, Tom Homan, dismissed Wu, a two-time Harvard grad, as “not very smart” for her very public defiance, and questioned why any public official would stand in the way of getting criminals off the streets.

“They can not cooperate,” Homan told the cable news channel NewsMax last week, according to The Boston Herald. “But there are certain laws in place that they can’t cross and I hope she doesn’t cross it.”

Advertisement

Wu fired back in a statement, arguing that Trump and his lieutenants can “say whatever they want about me, but our public safety record speaks for itself: Boston is the safest major city in America.”

The mayor’s tough talk represented the latest escalation in tensions between the Bay State’s top Democrats and the incoming Republican White House as it firms up its plans to use the U.S. military to deport millions of people who are in the country illegally.

If Trump carries through on those plans, tens of thousands of people in Massachusetts also could be deported. However, the effort is expected to face vigorous legal challenges.

Democratic Gov. Maura Healey already has said that the State Police won’t be put to work assisting the new administration.

  • Read More: A big climate bill is headed to Mass. Gov. Healey’s desk. What’s next? | Bay State Briefing

In an interview with MSNBC earlier this month. Healey noted that “every tool in the toolbox has got to be used to protect our citizens, to protect our residents, and protect our states, and certainly to hold the line on democracy and the rule of law.”

Massachusetts Republican Party Chairperson Amy Carnevale slammed Healey and Wu in a statement last week, saying that it’s “appalling and disgusting” that the two pols are “prioritizing appeasing the most radical elements of their political base over the safety of Massachusetts residents.”

Advertisement

Carnevale’s statement came in response to the news that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices in Boston had arrested two undocumented immigrants on child rape charges and taken another into custody who had been convicted of the same charge in Brazil.

“Parents across the Commonwealth are horrified that individuals charged with such serious crimes are allowed to roam free because local authorities refuse to work with ICE to remove these criminals from our streets,” Carnevale continued.

X boss Elon Musk also weighed in, attacking state policies and Boston’s decade-old status as a sanctuary city.

“Why are ‘sanctuary’ cities protecting child rapists? Unconscionable. Any politician who does so should be recalled immediately,” the billionaire, and close Trump ally, posted to the social media site, WBUR reported.

In that same statement, Wu defended the city’s approach.

Advertisement
  • Sign up right here for MassLive’s new politics newsletter, Bay State Briefing ― Your weekly round-up of Massachusetts political news and the people and policies driving those stories.

“Our homicide rates are among the lowest of any city nationally, and gun violence has been at an all-time historic low over the last two years here in Boston,” Wu said, according to WCVB-TV in Boston.

“This is no coincidence — it’s a reflection of the trust between our residents and our public safety officials and a result of our daily focus on community policing and coordinating city services. We will continue to focus on that work and have no intention of rolling out the welcome mat for them,” she continued.

At least one Bay State Democrat has acknowledged that the party’s immigration policies are a political liability.

Speaking to business leaders in Boston last week, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-8th District, said the Democrats’ policies have “caused people to be afraid.”

“Our task is to know who is coming into the country — to have an orderly process that does not scare the bejesus out of people of Arizona and New Mexico,” Lynch said.

Democrat Elizabeth Warren speaks to supporters at SoWa Power Station in Boston on Nov. 5, 2024 after the Associated Press declared her the winner in the U.S. Senate race against Republican John Deaton.(Sebastian Restrepo/MassLive)

Advertisement

Can you hear them now?

There’s no doubt that Election Day went pretty well for Massachusetts Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris handily carried the state; U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren coasted to reelection, and the party retained its super-majority on Beacon Hill.

Nonetheless, Bay State Dems are engaging in the same kind of group introspection that’s kind of become a cottage industry since Nov. 5.

Party officials announced a “virtual listening tour” last week that will analyze what worked and what didn’t in 2024; gather feedback on areas for improvement, and “foster a collaborative environment where all voices are heard.

“Your voice matters, and this is your opportunity to help us build on our successes and strengthen our movement for the future. Together, we can ensure the Massachusetts Democratic Party continues to represent and advocate for the values that matter most to our communities,” state Democratic Chairman Steve Kerrigan said in a statement.

Details on the sessions, conducted over Zoom, will be coming soon, the party said.

Advertisement
U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, holds a news conference in Brookline, Mass., on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 (John L. Micek/MassLive).

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, holds a news conference in Brookline, Mass., on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 (John L. Micek/MassLive).John L. Micek

The plural of caucus is …

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, has joined with several of his House colleagues to launch a pro-housing caucus on Capitol Hill. The group has been dubbed the “YIMBY Caucus.” Or “Yes in My Backyard.”

Other members of the bipartisan group include U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.; Scott Peters and Robert Garcia, both Democrats of California; Brittany Pettersen, D-Colo.; Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., and Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., Auchincloss’ office said in a statement announcing its creation.

“The cost of housing is the greatest economic challenge facing Massachusetts. The answer: build more housing,” the Newton lawmaker said. “At all levels of government, Americans need permitting & land use reforms that unlock more housing production.”

Zzzzz …

If you lost sleep on Election Night, take heart, you’re hardly alone.

Nearly 93% of Americans said the nation’s quadrennial political drama cost them some shut-eye this year, according to a post-election study by SleepCycle.

Advertisement

The website analyzed more than 593,000 sleep sessions to come up with its results. And if there’s any comfort, Americans slept better in 2024 than they did during the 2020 election, the analysis found.

In Massachusetts, 73% of residents reported some quality shuteye on Nov. 5. And most of you headed to bed around 11:35 p.m., according to the analysis.

Voters in Wyoming got the soundest sleep on Election Day, while Mississippi voters had the roughest night, the analysis found.

Phillip Eng, MBTA

Phillip Eng, the general manager of the MBTA walks near a Green Line train at Riverside Station on March 27, 2023. (Chris Lisinski/State House News Service)

They said it

“They continue to deliver on the schedule that we’ve set, and the quality has not shifted. Quality, in fact, has gotten better … All of the learning curve that took place during the Orange Line [car delivery] prior to myself getting here is being factored in, so now the Red Line cars are performing right off the bat.”

MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng on the improving quality of the T’s newly delivered Red and Orange Line cars after the agency “reset” its contract with Chinese manufacturer CRRC (via State House News Service).

Advertisement
Massachusetts Republicans are hoping to build on earlier gains during legislative elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 (State House News Service photo).

Massachusetts Republicans are hoping to build on earlier gains during legislative elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 (State House News Service photo).State House News Service

More MassLive politics coverage

A new state law could ease Mass.’ nursing shortage. Here’s how

Boston council worried about missing ballots, but says receivership is ‘premature’

Economic development bill green-lights investments across Western Massachusetts

Mass. Gov Healey signs nearly $4B economic development bill clearing the field for new Revs stadium

Mass. Rep. Clark retains top House leadership post

Advertisement

Mass. rail backers push for ‘Northern Tier’ passenger trains

Charles Luster, co-founder of Uncommonwealth Group, running for Worcester City Council

Turned up to 11

Because, sometimes, you just need to start the work week with Carly Rae Jepsen. Here she is, live, with Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers with a live version of “Tiny Moves,” recorded at Fisher Green Pavilion in Seattle in July.

Your Monday long read

President-elect Donald Trump has been populating his incoming administration with allies and loyalists from the two states he calls home — New York and Florida. On Friday, the Republican named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his choice for U.S. attorney general.

Writing for The Dispatch, Michael Warren delves into the Sunshine State’s move into the national spotlight.

Advertisement

Here’s the germane bit:

“No one represents this Florida takeover better than Susie Wiles, the co-chair of Trump’s 2024 campaign who will serve as his White House chief of staff. And Wiles is not just the architect (along with Chris LaCivita) of Trump’s victory this year,” Warren wrote. “She’s a powerhouse in Florida Republican politics, getting a large amount of credit for both Rick Scott’s out-of-nowhere victory in his 2010 run for governor and Ron DeSantis’ win in the 2018 gubernatorial race. Wiles ran the Trump campaign’s Florida operation in 2016, putting the state back in the Republican column for the first time since 2004. In the eight years since, Florida has only tipped further into the GOP’s column, up and down the ballot.”

That’s it for this morning. Tips, comments, and suggestions can be sent to jmicek@masslive.com. Have a good week, folks.



Source link

Advertisement

Boston, MA

Charlotte plays Boston on 5-game win streak

Published

on

Charlotte plays Boston on 5-game win streak


Charlotte Hornets (31-31, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (41-20, second in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Celtics -6.5; over/under is 214.5

Advertisement

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte is looking to keep its five-game win streak alive when the Hornets take on Boston.

The Celtics are 27-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston is sixth in the NBA with 46.2 rebounds led by Nikola Vucevic averaging 8.8.

The Hornets are 19-21 in conference matchups. Charlotte is 7-8 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 15.0 turnovers per game.

The Celtics average 15.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.7 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Hornets allow. The Hornets average 16.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.1 more made shots on average than the 13.9 per game the Celtics allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29 points, 7.1 rebounds and five assists for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard is averaging 17 points and 5.8 assists over the past 10 games.

Advertisement

Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 22.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 109.4 points, 50.7 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 6.1 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 98.5 points per game.

Hornets: 7-3, averaging 117.3 points, 47.8 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.2 points.

INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Neemias Queta: day to day (rest).

Hornets: Coby White: day to day (injury management).

Advertisement

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.



Source link

Continue Reading

Boston, MA

First Alert: Mix of snow and rain today, then looking ahead to warmer weather

Published

on

First Alert: Mix of snow and rain today, then looking ahead to warmer weather


Today is a First Alert weather day. A system to our south is pushing mix of snow and rain into southern New England through this evening and tonight. 

For us here in Greater Boston, expect snow to continue spreading over our area through the afternoon/evening commute. In fact, parts our area could see up to 1 to 2 inches of snow accumulation before the sleet and rain move in.

Much of Greater Boston will likely see snow amounts on the lower end. Higher snow amounts are expected toward southern New Hampshire and along and north of outer Route 2. Also, some ice accumulations are possible, up to a tenth of an inch, creating a thin glaze here and there.

Dozens of schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts have already announced early dismissals as a result of the storm.

While this system won’t cripple our area, conditions could still create a mess on the roads during the evening commute through tonight. Be careful while driving. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for parts of our area through early Wednesday morning. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30s today. Overnight lows will drop into the low 30s.

We’ll wake up to patchy fog Wednesday morning before the sun returns. High temperatures will be in the upper 40s. We’ll stay in the 40s on Thursday with increasing clouds. But by late Thursday night into Friday, wet weather returns. Some snow could mix with the rain into Friday morning. Highs will be in the upper 30s Friday.

Advertisement

Warmer weather is expected this weekend. Highs will be in the 50s Saturday and possibly near 60 on Sunday.



Source link

Continue Reading

Boston, MA

Boston police officials dominate the list of highest-paid city workers in 2025 – The Boston Globe

Published

on

Boston police officials dominate the list of highest-paid city workers in 2025 – The Boston Globe


That was more than what every other city department spent on overtime combined, though it was a slight drop from the $103 million the police department spent on overtime in 2024.

High overtime spending inside the police department has long been controversial and a source of frustration for police-reform advocates. Last year’s nine-figure total comes as Mayor Michelle Wu warns of a challenging budget season to come for the city, which is grappling with inflation and the possibility of more federal funding cuts.

In a December letter, Wu told the city council that she instructed city department heads to find ways to cut 2 percent of their budgets in the next fiscal year. She also imposed a delay on new hires. Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper has also proposed cutting somewhere between 300 and 400 positions next fiscal year due to budget constraints.

Overall, the city spent about $2.5 billion on employee salaries in 2025, up around 1.5 percent from $2.4 billion in 2024. The city employs roughly 21,000 workers, according to a public dashboard.

Advertisement

In a statement, Emma Pettit, a spokesperson for Wu’s office, attributed the payroll increase to raises, and in some cases, employees receiving retroactive pay, that were part of contracts the city negotiated with its various labor unions.

“We’re grateful to our city employees for their hard work to hold Boston to the highest standard for delivering city services,” Pettit said.

When Wu won her first mayoral race in November 2021, all of the city’s 44 union contracts had expired. Since then, Wu’s office has negotiated new agreements with all of them, and last year, agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, the city’s largest police union.

But as the city heads back to the bargaining table to negotiate extensions or new contracts with others, city leaders should keep cost at the forefront of those conversations, said Steve Poftak, president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, a business-backed budget watchdog group.

“As budgets tighten, I’m hopeful that it increases the scrutiny on these collective bargaining agreements,” Poftak said.

Advertisement

The top earner on the city’s payroll last year was Boston Police Captain Timothy Connolly. In addition to his $194,000 base salary, Connolly took home nearly $230,000 in overtime, about $26,000 in undefined “other pay,” and roughly $49,000 as part of a higher-education bonus, for a total of $498,145 in compensation.

Skipper, as BPS superintendent, was the 55th-highest earner among city workers, coming behind 54 members of the police department. She made a total of $378,000 in 2025.

Nearly 300 city employees made more than $300,000 last year. In contrast, Wu made $207,000, though her salary increased to $250,000 this year. More than 1,700 city employees made more than the mayor in 2025.

Larry Calderone, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, argued that the high overtime costs in the police department are, in part, a result of understaffing.

The department is short roughly 400 rank-and-file police officers, Calderone said, meaning the department has to pay its staff to work overtime and fill vacant shifts. The average salary for an officer in the BPPA is roughly $195,000, Calderone said.

Advertisement

With several large events approaching, including a Boston-based fan fest around this summer’s World Cup matches and the return of a fleet of tall ships to Boston Harbor, Calderone said most of the members of his union are likely to be working the maximum allowable 90 hours a week.

“We just don’t have the bodies on the street,” he said.

The Boston Police Department and the Boston Police Superior Officers Federation — the union that represents the department’s sergeants, captains, and lieutenants — did not immediately return requests for comment Monday.

Jamarhl Crawford, an activist and former member of the Boston Police Reform Task Force, said while high spending on overtime is not new for the police department, it’s a pressing problem the city should tackle.

The police and fire departments are “essential components of the city and society in general … [and] folks should be getting a fair wage. But it also has to be within fiscal responsibility,” Crawford said.

Advertisement

“In another 10 years,” he continued, “with pensions and everything else, this type of thing can bankrupt the city.”


Niki Griswold can be reached at niki.griswold@globe.com. Follow her @nikigriswold. Yoohyun Jung can be reached at y.jung@globe.com.





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending