Massachusetts is bracing for potentially damaging winds and flooding today, though the severe weather impacting the mid-Atlantic states is expected to pass the region by. Conditions should improve by Tuesday, in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Political Jabs and Absent Voices
The annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast in South Boston saw a notable absence this year: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. According to WBUR’s Eve Zuckoff, Wu chose to attend church with her family instead. This absence comes amid ongoing disagreements between Wu and state Sen. Nick Collins over a blocked proposal to shift more of Boston’s property tax burden from residents to businesses. Collins joked that Wu “found it just a little bit too taxing” to attend.
The breakfast similarly featured jabs directed at the Trump administration from attendees including Rep. Stephen Lynch and Senate President Karen Spilka. Governor Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll referenced comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Regarding Dunkin’ coffee, joking about potential Dunkin’ beverages he might approve of. Healey also joked about the turnover rate in her cabinet, suggesting it consisted of “12 Phil Engs.”
Tension was also palpable between Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Auditor Diana DiZoglio, stemming from DiZoglio’s ongoing effort to audit the state government. DiZoglio even responded with a song parodying Raye’s “Where is My Husband!”, changing the lyrics to “Baby, where the hell is my audit?”
Other News from Massachusetts
Police made 17 arrests during Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston, though reports indicate the event was more controlled than in previous years.
The Healey administration has launched a new portal for reporting alleged misconduct by federal immigration officers, aiming to increase accountability from ICE. The portal allows for the submission of photos, videos, and written reports.
A group of Harvard University professors and students are calling for the removal of Les Wexner’s name from the Harvard Kennedy School building, following revelations about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The FBI previously described Wexner as an “unindicted co-conspirator” of Epstein.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the launch of the first liquid-fueled rocket by scientist Robert Goddard, a professor at Clark University in Worcester. Celebrations are planned throughout the Worcester area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the forecast for Massachusetts on Monday?
Massachusetts could see damaging winds and potential flooding today, but conditions are expected to clear up by Tuesday.
Why did Boston Mayor Michelle Wu skip the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast?
Wu skipped the event for the first time to attend church with her family.
What is the Healey administration doing regarding ICE misconduct?
Massachusetts has launched a new portal where members of the public can report “alleged misconduct” by federal immigration officers.
As Massachusetts navigates a potentially stormy day and ongoing political debates, what role do public forums like the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast play in shaping the state’s political landscape?
