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Healey backs Frank's Democratic warning

The governor aligns with his push for pragmatic politics over progressive litmus tests.

Politics

Gov. Maura Healey is backing Barney Frank&#x27;s dying message to the Democratic Party to focus primarily on the economy over social issues.Why it matters: Frank, now in hospice care in Ogunquit, Maine, is using his final days to push a blunt argument: Democrats are losing voters because the party&#x27;s left flank imposes &quot;litmus tests&quot; on issues most Americans don&#x27;t support.

Mass. biotech firms join alliance to counter competition from China

China's fast biotech growth has prompted 27 U.S. companies to join forces.

Business

A group of biotech leaders, including three based in Massachusetts, have joined forces to try to maintain the nation&#x27;s lead on biotech innovation.Why it matters: Unlike China, the United States has no national strategy on biotech innovation — and competitors in China are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="catching up quickly," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/china-biotech-boom-us-drug-trials" data-vars-content-id="262a1e72-a4c3-4423-8d3c-c627331e490b" data-vars-headline="Mass. biotech firms join alliance to counter competition from China" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/china-biotech-boom-us-drug-trials" target="_self">catching up quickly,</a> Patroski Lawson, CEO of the firm KPM Group DC, tells Axios.

Mass. income tax cut ballot question faces legal threat

The SJC could pull the question from the November ballot entirely.

News

Massachusetts voters may be asked this November to decide whether to cut the state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/28/state-tax-rates-massachusetts" data-vars-content-id="0501ee62-92f0-42a7-bf1a-a72617c4a0d4" data-vars-headline="Mass. income tax cut ballot question faces legal threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/28/state-tax-rates-massachusetts" target="_self">income tax</a> rate from 5% to 4%, a move that would have huge consequences for state spending.<ul><li>But a legal challenge heard Monday could pull the question from the ballot entirely.</li></ul>

Everything you need for Somerville Porchfest 2026

From 500+ bands to the "porta-potty" expansion, here is your guide.

Things to Do

The porches and stoops of Somerville will once again transform into a city-wide stage Saturday for the 2026 edition of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Porchfest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/25/somerville-porchfest-safety-changes" data-vars-content-id="bf916dae-f893-4c11-974d-d7c42ff2ad8f" data-vars-headline="Everything you need for Somerville Porchfest 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/03/25/somerville-porchfest-safety-changes" target="_self">Porchfest</a>.Why it matters: Somerville officials are bracing for a massive turnout.

Only one Mass. college topped U.S. News & World Report's grad school rankings

Massachusetts often considers itself a hub for the best colleges.

Education

Massachusetts universities failed to top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="bef2276d-ad23-4c3c-bac9-df38d2ec6919" data-vars-headline="Only one Mass. college topped U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s grad school rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s rankings</a> of the best U.S. graduate schools in nearly every category.Why it matters: The Bay State often touts itself as home to the world&#x27;s best universities and research institutions.

What we know about The Croft School's financial troubles

A month ago, The Croft School was planning to expand. Now, it's struggling to keep its doors open.

A month ago, The Croft School was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="discussing expansion plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/foodies-market-south-end" data-vars-content-id="ffd83883-b38a-40ca-a47d-2c15a406e25f" data-vars-headline="What we know about The Croft School&#x27;s financial troubles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/foodies-market-south-end" target="_self">discussing expansion plans</a> in the South End.<ul><li>Now, the private school is struggling to keep its doors open amid allegations that its founder hid $13 million in debt.</li></ul>

Larry Summers resigns from Harvard professorship amid Epstein probe

Summers' exit is the latest in a reckoning on college campuses over ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Larry Summers, the former treasury secretary and Harvard president, is officially out of a job at the university.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summers&#x27; exit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/epstein-larry-summers-relationship-resignation" data-vars-content-id="563e3826-3363-4758-a31e-63e15953b48c" data-vars-headline="Larry Summers resigns from Harvard professorship amid Epstein probe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/epstein-larry-summers-relationship-resignation" target="_self">Summers&#x27; exit</a> from his professorship at Harvard is the latest in a reckoning over U.S. college leaders&#x27; ties to sex offender <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeffrey Epstein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/epstein-files-fracture-trump-coalition-bondi" data-vars-content-id="563e3826-3363-4758-a31e-63e15953b48c" data-vars-headline="Larry Summers resigns from Harvard professorship amid Epstein probe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/epstein-files-fracture-trump-coalition-bondi" target="_self">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

First look: Boston nonprofit EdVestors gets $1.5M grant

The nonprofit plans to expand its work helping Boston-area students prepare for future careers.

Boston-based nonprofit EdVestors is getting $1.5 million award to scale up its career pathways program that helps students prepare for the workforce.The big picture: EdVestors is one of five regions getting $7.5 million from the Washington, D.C.,-based Pathways Impact Fund to help <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gen Z" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/10/gen-z-jobs-side-hustle" data-vars-content-id="bcbe111f-e080-4b1c-8578-e152c05b6c8d" data-vars-headline="First look: Boston nonprofit EdVestors gets $1.5M grant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/10/gen-z-jobs-side-hustle" target="_self">Gen Z</a> students prepare for in-demand careers.

Trump targets Harvard with $1B demand

After reports of a potential settlement, President Trump pivoted to aggressive new demands.

Politics & Policy

President Trump intensified his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="war against Harvard University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/04/17/trumps-pressure-campaign-continues-against-harvard" data-vars-content-id="f8d77e84-f8ac-48f4-8d5b-39c59a4cfb73" data-vars-headline="Trump targets Harvard with $1B demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/04/17/trumps-pressure-campaign-continues-against-harvard" target="_self">war against Harvard University</a> overnight, demanding $1 billion for &quot;damages&quot; and threatening criminal investigations. Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s escalation could mean a breakdown in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="negotiations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/04/harvard-community-pushes-back-on-a-deal-with-trump" data-vars-content-id="f8d77e84-f8ac-48f4-8d5b-39c59a4cfb73" data-vars-headline="Trump targets Harvard with $1B demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/04/harvard-community-pushes-back-on-a-deal-with-trump" target="_self">negotiations</a> between the university and administration.

Mass. is moving to restrict underage social media use, phones in schools

A phone ban awaits House action as Healey announces a social media crackdown.

Massachusetts leaders are advancing efforts to limit young people&#x27;s exposure to technology, with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school phone ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/09/massachusetts-school-cellphone-ban-state-house-boston" data-vars-content-id="56c002af-b899-4b76-9670-afa6fe00c826" data-vars-headline="Mass. is moving to restrict underage social media use, phones in schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/09/massachusetts-school-cellphone-ban-state-house-boston" target="_self">school phone ban</a> inching toward approval and new social media restrictions in the works.Why it matters: It probably won&#x27;t happen this year, but the 2027 school year could be a lot different for students <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="used to being glued to their phones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/school-cell-phone-bans-2025-legislation" data-vars-content-id="56c002af-b899-4b76-9670-afa6fe00c826" data-vars-headline="Mass. is moving to restrict underage social media use, phones in schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/school-cell-phone-bans-2025-legislation" target="_self">used to being glued to their phones</a> at all hours.The big picture: Gov. Maura Healey announced legislation to curb social media use at her State of the Commonwealth address last week. Details are being worked out, but Healey&#x27;s targeting platforms that profit from minors.<ul><li>She&#x27;s insisting on age verification systems and parental consent requirements when signing up for social media apps and sites.</li><li>The rules could disable addictive features like autoplay and continuous scrolling during school hours and evenings.</li><li>Healey is proposing steep fines for companies that violate the restrictions.</li></ul>By the numbers: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Surveys show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/06/12/72-percent-of-us-high-school-teachers-say-cellphone-distraction-is-a-major-problem-in-the-classroom/" data-vars-content-id="56c002af-b899-4b76-9670-afa6fe00c826" data-vars-headline="Mass. is moving to restrict underage social media use, phones in schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/06/12/72-percent-of-us-high-school-teachers-say-cellphone-distraction-is-a-major-problem-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">Surveys show</a> 72% of high school teachers consider cell phones a major classroom problem, and research links phone use to diminished learning and socialization.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;It&#x27;s just more incontrovertible research that shows that cell phone and social media, of course, really are detrimental to students&#x27; mental health and their capacity to learn in schools,&quot; Massachusetts Teachers Association president Max Page told Axios. Between the lines: Healey&#x27;s social media initiative fills a gap created when the Senate removed similar provisions to ensure passage of its own legislation banning cell phones in schools.Yes, but: Speedy Senate passage doesn&#x27;t count for much on Beacon Hill, where the House of Representatives usually becomes the final arbitrator of what becomes law.<ul><li>The Senate&#x27;s ban bill, passed in July, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has been languishing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/03/new-school-year-starts-without-massachusetts-cell-phone-ban" data-vars-content-id="56c002af-b899-4b76-9670-afa6fe00c826" data-vars-headline="Mass. is moving to restrict underage social media use, phones in schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/03/new-school-year-starts-without-massachusetts-cell-phone-ban" target="_self">has been languishing</a> in the House without a vote ever since.</li><li>But with Healey now adding to the charge, House leaders may have more motivation to craft their own version of a social media and phone ban bill.</li></ul>Zoom in: Attorney General Andrea Campbell originally combined both approaches in early 2025 legislation before the Senate Education Committee stripped social media regulations.The Senate&#x27;s final bill requires all public schools to adopt &quot;bell-to-bell&quot; phone-free policies.<ul><li>Districts would determine specific storage methods, like locking pouches or secure lockers.</li><li>Exceptions would be built in for students with medical needs and disabilities, and for emergencies.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The House would need to act on the phone ban bill while Healey files her social media legislation.<ul><li>Senate President Karen Spilka supports both initiatives.</li><li>House Speaker Ron Mariano has expressed concerns about parental communication if phones are locked up and hasn&#x27;t yet weighed in on the social media restrictions.</li></ul>

Healey unveils post-MCAS graduation plan with new end-of-course tests

Gov. Healey's graduation framework includes state-administered end-of-course exams and capstone projects, splitting teachers unions and drawing business support.

Gov. Maura <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Healey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/17/massachusetts-flag-debate-maura-healey-2026" data-vars-content-id="25554659-41df-47a5-a4c5-f4f6d1674b64" data-vars-headline="Healey unveils post-MCAS graduation plan with new end-of-course tests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/17/massachusetts-flag-debate-maura-healey-2026" target="_self">Healey</a> unveiled a new framework Monday for statewide graduation requirements that center on end-of-course exams.Why it matters: Healey is attempting to balance business sector demands for uniform standards with voters&#x27; opposition to high-stakes testing following last year&#x27;s MCAS exam repeal.

The next must-have leadership skills are uniquely human

Babson  College Professional & Executive Education is preparing those leaders with new programs that combine data-driven strategy with empathy, creativity and resilience — uniquely human skills essential for navigating today's evolving workplace.

AI and automation are changing the way people work — and what it takes to lead.<ul><li>As technology reshapes industries, leaders who combine analytical thinking with emotional intelligence will rise to the top.</li></ul>Babson College Professional &amp; Executive Education is preparing those leaders with new programs that combine data-driven strategy with empathy, creativity and resilience — uniquely human skills essential for navigating today&#x27;s evolving workplace.

International student enrollment dips in U.S., report says

A survey showed a 17% drop in international students matriculating in the fall for the first time.

American universities enrolled fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" data-vars-content-id="73bc9c98-f954-4314-81a1-024a2ca2762f" data-vars-headline="International student enrollment dips in U.S., report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" target="_self">international students</a> this fall, the first full academic year under President Trump&#x27;s second term.Why it matters: The Trump administration upended the spring semester for international students nationwide, raising questions about international student enrollment this autumn.

Harvard, union talks may look different amid Trump cuts

The union representing 1,200 janitors and security workers started talks with Harvard this week.

The union representing more than 1,100 janitors and security workers at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harvard University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/05/15/harvard-medical-trump-cuts-research" data-vars-content-id="129ea037-629b-409a-ac1d-4570e751d77a" data-vars-headline="Harvard, union talks may look different amid Trump cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/05/15/harvard-medical-trump-cuts-research" target="_self">Harvard University</a> began bargaining talks with university officials this week.Why it matters: 32BJ and other unions representing employees at universities like Harvard may face an uphill battle for higher wages and benefits as the colleges grapple with funding cuts under the Trump administration.

Education 📚

Only one Mass. college topped U.S. News & World Report's grad school rankings

What we know about The Croft School's financial troubles

Larry Summers resigns from Harvard professorship amid Epstein probe

First look: Boston nonprofit EdVestors gets $1.5M grant

Trump targets Harvard with $1B demand