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Articles by Tim Dunn
Pols & politics: Questions raised in recent polling on gov's race as RNC survey shows tight matchup
Recent polling showing incumbent Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, leading her Republican rival Mike Minogue by double digits isn't tracking with the GOP's own figures. A new Republican National Committee (RNC) survey shows a much tighter matchup with the election just over a week away.
Feds bust sham marriage ring in Massachusetts
By Tim Dunn, Boston Herald BOSTON - The ringleader of an alleged sham marriage ring busted by the feds advertised Massachusetts as a "sanctuary" for illegal immigrants looking to easily grab welfare benefits. The scheme netted the half-dozen defendants over $6 million in profits over more than 10 years, according to U.S. Attorney Leah Foley and charging documents, with marriages costing up to $40,000 each.
‘Sanctuary’ for illegal aliens: Feds bust sham marriage ring in Massachusetts
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley on Wednesday charged six people in an alleged sham marriage ring that operated in order to obtain resident status and public benefits for illegal immigrants, with the ringleader advertising Massachusetts as a “sanctuary” for illegal aliens to commit fraud.
'Sanctuary' for illegal aliens: Feds bust sham marriage ring in Massachusetts
BOSTON — The ringleader of an alleged sham marriage ring busted by the feds advertised Massachusetts as a “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants looking to easily grab welfare benefits. The scheme netted the half-dozen defendants over $6 million in profits over more than 10 years, according to U.S. Attorney Leah Foley and charging documents, with marriages costing up to $40,000 each.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's gas tax suspension stripped from supplemental budget
BOSTON - A two-month suspension of the 24-cents-per-gallon state gas tax proposed by Gov. Maura Healey last month has been stripped by lawmakers from a supplemental budget bill now moving through the House. Healey made her pitch just days after her Republican challenger in the general election, Mike Minogue, announced a similar proposal, prompting many to criticize Healey for "copying" Minogue. Healey's GOP challenger himself called called the governor's move an "election ploy."
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's gas tax suspension stripped from supplemental budget
BOSTON — A two-month suspension of the 24-cents-per-gallon state gas tax proposed by Gov. Maura Healey last month has been stripped by lawmakers from a supplemental budget bill now moving through the House. Healey made her pitch just days after her Republican challenger in the general election, Mike Minogue, announced a similar proposal, prompting many to criticize Healey for “copying” Minogue.
Shawn Oliver suspends LT Gov campaign after OUI arrest, crash
Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested on drunk driving charges and crashing into several parked vehicles Saturday night in New Bedford. “After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.
Shawn Oliver suspends LT Gov campaign after OUI arrest, crash
Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested on drunk driving charges and crashing into several parked vehicles Saturday night in New Bedford. "After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.
Nearly 600 DTA staff on six-figure salaries as fraud runs rampant
The DTA remains embroiled in negative headlines surrounding food stamp fraud, including the recent arrest of Gov. Maura Healey's jailed former aide on SNAP fraud charges, as hundreds of staffers pull in six-figure salaries with soaring overtime. A total of 597 Department of Transitional Assistance employees are taking in annual salaries over $100,000, with the highest-paid racking up over $348,000 - nearly double DTA Commissioner Michael Cole's $186,799 pay, according to state Comptroller data.
Shawn Oliver suspends LT Gov campaign after OUI arrest, crash
Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested on drunk driving charges and crashing into several parked vehicles Saturday night in New Bedford. “After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.
Shawn Oliver suspends LT Gov campaign after OUI arrest, crash
Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested on drunk driving charges and crashing into several parked vehicles Saturday night in New Bedford. “After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.
Shawn Oliver suspends LT Gov campaign after OUI arrest, crash
Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested on drunk driving charges and crashing into several parked vehicles Saturday night in New Bedford. “After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.
Gov. Healey 'proud' of scandal-plagued state police, deflects blame for LaMar Cook in final debate against Minogue
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said she is "proud" of the scandal-plagued Massachusetts State Police and continued to deflect blame for her disgraced former aide, LaMar Cook, in her second and final debate Thursday night against GOP challenger Mike Minogue.
Minogue asks was anybody hurt by alleged LaMar Cook cocaine ring
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue questioned why accused cocaine-trafficking and SNAP-fraud defendant LaMar Cook was hired as the governor's aide and who was harmed by the drugs he's accused of peddling.
‘In denial': Expert says Massachusetts allowing fraudsters to keep 97 cents of every stolen dollar
Fraud on the SNAP program to MassHealth to other public benefits has run rampant across Massachusetts, and hardly any of it is getting recovered, according to an analyst. An expert says the state is recovering the funds at a rate of just 2.7%, good enough for just $2.69 for every $100 stolen. This comes after a state audit flagged over $10 million in public benefits fraud in just a six-month span.
Healey, Minogue and dueling crowds clash at first governor's debate
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and her Republican challenger Mike Minogue went after each other in a Thursday night debate on WBZ-TV, the first of the 2026 gubernatorial election, as two massive crowds in support of each candidate clashed outside the Brighton television studios. Related Articles Healey took just nine seconds to mention President Trump, going on to refer to the president a total of 32 times throughout the debate.
Healey, Minogue and dueling crowds clash at first governor's debate
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and her Republican challenger Mike Minogue went after each other in a Thursday night debate on WBZ-TV, the first of the 2026 gubernatorial election, and as two massive crowds in support of each candidate clashed outside the Brighton television studios. Healey took just nine seconds to mention President Trump, going on to refer to the president a total of 32 times throughout the debate.
Lt. Gov. Driscoll defends Gov. Healey’s energy executive order, blame of Trump
Lt. Gov. KIm Driscoll defended the executive order signed by Gov. Maura Healey on Monday aimed a providing emergency energy relief for Massachusetts ratepayers by suspending a charge tied to state climate mandates for three months. Healey declared a state of emergency as she announced her executive order, which will remove the SMART program charge from residential electric bills for a three-month span while cutting the Alternative Portfolio Standard charge by 50% this winter.
Study: Healey's executive order on Project Labor Agreements could cost state billions
A new study has found that an executive order by Gov. Maura Healey that expands the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on state construction projects could add up to $3.695 billion to the price tag for infrastructure in Massachusetts while restricting competitive bidding. The report , called Project Labor Agreements: Higher Costs and Less Competition for Massachusetts Public Construction, was authored by Paul Bachman and released by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation.
Minogue closing the gap in new poll, Healey still favored in general election
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey remains favored for reelection in the November general election, but not as comfortably as in past surveys as Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue closes the gap, according to the latest poll of Massachusetts voters. The UNH Survey Center poll, released Thursday, recorded 54% of respondents indicating they would vote to reelect Healey in November, compared to 38% in favor of Minogue.
Minogue closing the gap in new poll, Healey still favored in general election
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey remains favored for reelection in the November general election, but not as comfortably as in past surveys as Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue closes the gap, according to the latest poll of Massachusetts voters. The UNH Survey Center poll, released Thursday, recorded 54% of respondents indicating they would vote to reelect Healey in November, compared to 38% in favor of Minogue.
LaMar Cook, disgraced former aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, appears in court for drug trafficking case
BOSTON - The disgraced former aide to Gov. Maura Healey facing drug charges for allegedly running a cocaine trafficking ring out of the governor's western Massachusetts office appeared in Hampden Superior Court Wednesday for a pretrial hearing.
LaMar Cook, disgraced former aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, appears in court for drug trafficking case
BOSTON — The disgraced former aide to Gov. Maura Healey facing drug charges for allegedly running a cocaine trafficking ring out of the governor’s western Massachusetts office appeared in Hampden Superior Court Wednesday for a pretrial hearing.
Pols & politics: The Massachusetts primary winners and losers are...
A two-day recount that saw state Sen. William Brownsberger best a challenger backed by Mayor Michelle Wu prompted chatter about who emerged victorious from the primary election cycle and who was left licking their wounds. The Herald takes a look at the winners and losers from the Sept. 1 primary, where races like the Brownsberger one were still up in the air a week later. The winners are: State Sen.
Mass. Gov. Maura Healey signs executive order requiring local approval for data center development
By Tim Dunn, Boston Herald Data center developers eyeing Massachusetts as a potential base of operations may be advised to cozy up to local municipal officials after Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order requiring local approval before state permitting can begin. Healey signed the order, which prohibits the state from advancing a project that does not gain local approval along with a community benefits agreement, on Tuesday.
Mass. Gov. Maura Healey signs executive order requiring local approval for data center development
Data center developers eyeing Massachusetts as a potential base of operations may be advised to cozy up to local municipal officials after Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order requiring local approval before state permitting can begin. Healey signed the order, which prohibits the state from advancing a project that does not gain local approval along with a community benefits agreement, on Tuesday.
GOP’s Mike Minogue to spend up to $2 billion on campaign to unseat Mass. Gov. Healey
Massachusetts Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue plans to spend up to $2 billion on his campaign to unseat Democratic incumbent Gov. Maura Healey in the November election, files obtained by the Herald show. Minogue, alongside lieutenant governor running mate Shawn Oliver, plans on spending a maximum of $2 billion during the general election, according to the GOP megadonor’s Statement of Financial Interest filed with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) on Friday.
GOP’s Mike Minogue to spend up to $2 billion on campaign to unseat Mass. Gov. Healey
Massachusetts Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue plans to spend up to $2 billion on his campaign to unseat Democratic incumbent Gov. Maura Healey in the November election, files obtained by the Herald show. Minogue, alongside lieutenant governor running mate Shawn Oliver, plans on spending a maximum of $2 billion during the general election, according to the GOP megadonor’s Statement of Financial Interest filed with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) on Friday.
Steel beam from World Trade Center stops in Boston
BOSTON - The weight of 9/11 pulled into the Seaport. A steel beam from the World Trade Center stopped in Boston Thursday morning, part of a tour to commemorate those lost in the tragedy almost 25 years ago. The beam will end its journey at the White House next week.
Massachusetts governor's race: Minogue defeats Shortsleeve in landslide GOP primary win
BOSTON — Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue will challenge Democratic Gov. Maura Healey in the general election in November after taking in 79.7% of the vote to challenger Brian Shortsleeve’s 29.4% on Tuesday, according to early unofficial tallies. The Associated Press, which tracks voter returns closely, called the race for Minogue at about 8:45 p.m. Eastern time. “I want to thank all of you.
‘Progressive-palooza': Sanders, Warren, Pressley stump for Sen. Ed Markey
Sen. Ed Markey brought some of the most notable names in the Democratic Party and progressive politics to Boston for a Saturday campaign rally in one of his final pitches to voters before Tuesday's primary against Congressman Seth Moulton. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — an independent who champions progressive and Democrat causes — spoke to a packed house at the IBEW Local 103 headquarters in Dorchester.
Group of elected officials endorse 'No' vote on Massachusetts ballot question to end current primary system
BOSTON - A coalition of 27 Massachusetts state lawmakers, city councilors and other elected officials are publicly opposing a ballot question in the upcoming election that would get rid of the current primary election system and replace it with a single, all-party primary. The ballot committee, Voter Rights MA, includes seven members of the state Senate, 11 members of the House, a sheriff, a mayor, and city councilors from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Revere, Lawrence and Lynn.
Mass. Gov. Healey, Whip Katherine Clark call on Trump to reverse 'devastating' proposed overhaul of Head Start program
In reaction to a proposal for a major overhaul to the federal Head Start program by the Trump administration, Gov. Maura Healey and three members of the Massachusetts federal delegation are calling on the president to reverse the newly proposed standards they say will "dismantle" the program in the Bay State. The proposed changes to the program, according to the U.S. Dept.
Mass. Gov. Healey, Whip Katherine Clark call on Trump to reverse 'devastating' proposed overhaul of Head Start program
In reaction to a proposal for a major overhaul to the federal Head Start program by the Trump administration, Gov. Maura Healey and three members of the Massachusetts federal delegation are calling on the president to reverse the newly proposed standards they say will “dismantle” the program in the Bay State. The proposed changes to the program, according to the U.S. Dept.
Gov. Healey can’t name instances where ICE attempted civil arrests at Massachusetts schools after issuing guidance on interacting with agency
BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey was unable to recall an instance where ICE attempted to apprehend a child at a Massachusetts school or child care facility after issuing guidance to educators on how to interact with the federal agency if agents arrive on campus.
Gov. Healey can’t name instances where ICE attempted civil arrests at Massachusetts schools after issuing guidance on interacting with agency
BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey was unable to recall an instance where ICE attempted to apprehend a child at a Massachusetts school or child care facility after issuing guidance to educators on how to interact with the federal agency if agents arrive on campus.
Fossil fuels continue to dominate New England’s energy grid, despite green push, study says
BOSTON — A new study shows that despite the push across most of New England to transition to green energy, the region’s energy grid is still dependent on fossil fuel-based generation. The study, titled “New England’s Energy Transition: Colliding with Reality,” was authored by energy policy analyst Lisa Linowes and released by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, and concluded that New England is essentially as dependent on fossil fuels today as it was in 2000.
Pressley speaks on murder at Boston home, defends $2B state contract awarded to husband's firm
Congresswoman Ayannna Pressley has opened up about the homicide at a Boston home owned by her husband and defended the $2 billion state contract his company was awarded. Pressley answered the Herald's questions on the hot-button issues of the homicide, which is under investigation, and the contract on the Springfield judicial center that is subject to a lawsuit following a campaign event for Sen. Ed Markey at Roxbury Community College.
Fossil fuels continue to dominate New England’s energy grid, despite green push, study says
BOSTON — A new study shows that despite the push across most of New England to transition to green energy, the region’s energy grid is still dependent on fossil fuel-based generation. The study, titled “New England’s Energy Transition: Colliding with Reality,” was authored by energy policy analyst Lisa Linowes and released by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, and concluded that New England is essentially as dependent on fossil fuels today as it was in 2000.
Massachusetts AG Campbell defending $2 billion contract given to Rep. Ayanna Pressley's husband and Convention Center chief
BOSTON - Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office is defending a $2 billion state contract awarded to a firm co-owned by U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley's husband and the head of the convention center, calling legal challengers sore losers.
Massachusetts AG Campbell defending $2 billion contract given to Rep. Ayanna Pressley's husband and Convention Center chief
BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office is defending a $2 billion state contract awarded to a firm co-owned by U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s husband and the head of the convention center, calling legal challengers sore losers.
Massachusetts' SNAP payment error rate could cost taxpayers millions
BOSTON - Massachusetts residents are looking down the barrel of $300 million in federal penalties, equivalent to an additional $90 per taxpayer annually, if the payment error rate in the state's SNAP program fails to improve significantly from current levels, according to a new study released by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation.
Massachusetts Senate unanimously passes amendment to protect journalists’ sources
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed an amendment Thursday would prohibit government bodies from compelling journalists to reveal their sources as the Bay State remains one of nine in the U.S. without a press shield law. Amendment 17, added to the Senate’s version of broader public records legislation passed by the House ( H.
Springfield's MassMutual Center gets $93M cash injection from Massachusetts
A series of safety and accessibility enhancements are coming to the aging MassMutual Center in Springfield thanks to $93 million in capital investments over the next five years, the largest investment in the facility's history. “We want you guys to have a first-class experience.
Six of 11 Massachusetts congress members score ‘F’ grades in integrity, advocacy group says
Six members of the Massachusetts federal delegation have received failing grades in the Political Integrity Index — an analysis of their stock trading, contributions from corporate PACs, and more. The index is managed by the independent political advocacy group Political Integrity Project, which states on its website its intent to “get big money out of politics.” In Massachusetts, U.S. Reps.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey blasts indicted ex-aide's Disney trip, $31,000 buyout
BOSTON - Gov. Maura Healey is slamming her disgraced ex-aide LaMar Cook and the defiant defense of his SNAP benefits - which partially funded his recent trip to Walt Disney World - and for saying he "earned" the $31,000 contract buyout mistakenly paid out by her office. "Lamar Cook should never have been hired. His actions continue to be outrageous and despicable. It's why we've gone after him to make sure that any money he was paid out comes back to the state.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey blasts indicted ex-aide's Disney trip, $31,000 buyout
BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey is slamming her disgraced ex-aide LaMar Cook and the defiant defense of his SNAP benefits — which partially funded his recent trip to Walt Disney World — and for saying he “earned” the $31,000 contract buyout mistakenly paid out by her office. “Lamar Cook should never have been hired. His actions continue to be outrageous and despicable. It’s why we’ve gone after him to make sure that any money he was paid out comes back to the state.
Head of Massachusetts Democratic Party arrested for alleged drunken driving, police say
BOSTON - The Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party was arrested earlier this summer for alleged drunken driving, according to police records out of Southborough. According to a Southborough Police log dated June 13, MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan, 54, was arrested for OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation. According to the report, Kerrigan was arrested around midnight on Turnpike Road in Southborough.
Head of Massachusetts Democratic Party arrested for alleged drunken driving, police say
BOSTON — The Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party was arrested earlier this summer for alleged drunken driving, according to police records out of Southborough. According to a Southborough Police log dated June 13, MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan, 54, was arrested for OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation. According to the report, Kerrigan was arrested around midnight on Turnpike Road in Southborough.
Indicted ex-aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey due in court Wednesday for pre-trial hearing
BOSTON — Fresh off his taxpayer-funded vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Gov. Maura Healey’s ex-Western Massachusetts deputy, currently facing an indictment on several gun and drug charges, is due in Hampden County Superior Court on Wednesday for a pretrial hearing. LaMar Cook was arrested in October after State Police say they intercepted a package containing nearly eight kilograms, or about 18 pounds, of cocaine shipped to his office in Springfield.
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