AGP Executive Report

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.

Housing & Voting Fight: President Trump canceled a planned signing of a major bipartisan housing affordability bill, saying he won’t move forward until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which would tighten election ID rules. Energy Policy: Massachusetts Senate Democrats are lining up a sweeping energy bill aimed at cutting utility costs, including ending parts of the gas pipeline replacement program while keeping Mass Save largely intact. Local Business & Jobs: Boston Dynamics says it will invest $100 million in an advanced robotics and AI center in Waltham and create 1,250 jobs by 2033, with Massachusetts offering a $25 million tax credit. Public Health & Safety: Berkshire County groups are staging a Harm Reduction Day of Action to distribute naloxone and overdose-prevention supplies in North Adams and Pittsfield. Sports & Community: The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown’s name surfaced in trade talk for Giannis, while UMass men’s basketball coach Frank Martin welcomed new transfers ahead of the 2026-27 season. Culture & Education: Winchester Historical Society won a $300,000 Cummings grant to expand education and outreach.

World Cup in Massachusetts: England’s Thomas Tuchel watched his side dominate possession but settle for a 0-0 draw with Ghana at Boston Stadium, as Harry Kane was largely isolated and England couldn’t break a disciplined Ghana defense; Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz called it a fair result and said the immediate goal was achieved. Local Transit Fight: Boston city councilors are pushing a potential Orange Line extension to replace a proposed Blue Hill Avenue bus-lane plan in Mattapan, arguing it’s the “long-term investment” while residents question the current approach. Gun Rights Ballot Push: Cape Gun Works leaders say they’re aiming for a Nov. 3 referendum to undo Massachusetts’ sweeping firearms law, betting a win in a “bluest corner” could inspire bigger national momentum. Health Care Cost Crunch: With MassHealth cutting coverage for weight loss drugs, patients are scrambling to afford prescriptions that can run hundreds of dollars a month. NBA Draft, Massachusetts Spotlight: Brockton’s AJ Dybantsa went No. 1 overall to the Wizards, and the Celtics used the 27th pick on Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr. Housing Policy: Congress passed a major bipartisan housing affordability bill to boost supply and curb investor pressure, sending it to President Trump.

Massachusetts Politics: The state Supreme Judicial Court cleared a ballot question that would replace Massachusetts’ party-based primaries with “all-party primaries,” ruling it doesn’t violate voters’ rights. Housing: The court also blocked a rent-control ballot measure, citing an exemption tied to religious institutions—tenant advocates vow to keep pushing. Federal Housing: The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan housing bill (85-5) aimed at boosting supply and restraining investors, with the House next. World Cup in Massachusetts: Norway’s Erling Haaland powered a 3-2 win over Senegal at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, while Cape Verde’s win over Saudi Arabia would clinch a spot in the knockout round. Local Spotlight: Westborough police officer Ashlyn Mercier won Miss Massachusetts and will compete for Miss America. Community & Culture: ByWay Books in Brattleboro hosts a poets’ showcase headlined by Martin Espada on June 27. Business/Jobs: Big Y says it awarded nearly $280,000 in scholarships to 240 students across MA and CT.

World Cup in Massachusetts: Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, while England heads to Boston for its Group L match vs. Ghana Tuesday (4 p.m. ET), with rain and downpours possible. Local Health: Southcoast Health added nine providers across specialties including cardiology, oncology, urgent care, and home-based palliative care, expanding services in Fall River and Fairhaven. Weather & Safety: WBZ forecasts 1–2 inches of rain Monday into Tuesday with localized higher totals, and notes it could affect the England-Ghana match; separate coverage also highlights Massachusetts drowning risks and beach bacteria closures. Legal & Public Safety: A judge denied parole for Jose Colon, convicted of killing Trooper George Hanna in 1983; in Brockton, a harassment prevention order against Mayor Moises Rodrigues was not extended. Business & Community: SBA approved federal blizzard relief loans for hard-hit island businesses after the February storm. Sports & Culture: Patrice Bergeron was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2026.

World Cup in Massachusetts: England is set to face Ghana at Boston Stadium Tuesday, aiming to turn its Croatia win into a knockout-stage berth, with Marcus Rashford urging “intensity that they can’t live with.” Local Sports & Culture: The Tartan Army’s Boston-to-Miami trek continues, with Scotland fans packing Fenway and streets as the World Cup buzz rolls on. Public Safety: A man was charged with attempted murder after an alleged knife attack in Tisbury; separately, Boston police say a carjacking crash killed a woman and led to a mental health evaluation order for the suspect. Tech & Everyday Life: A Massachusetts golf club is using autonomous GPS-guided electric mowers to cut fairways with limited human help. Weather: Forecasters warn of a rainy start and a warmer, brighter midweek pattern after a drought-hit stretch. Business & Consumer: Bed Bath & Beyond is relaunching with 22 co-branded stores, including Chestnut Hill and Natick. State Policy/Infrastructure: MassDOT says a Randolph Ave. road-diet pilot was successful and will move ahead with a planned roundabout project.