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These are the key figures in Harvard's Epstein web

Benefactors, faculty and a storied student institution are connected to the convicted sex offender.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harvard University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/22/harvard-mit-us-news-best-colleges" data-vars-content-id="0fd95f87-8675-4f9f-bb94-903d18ba4b17" data-vars-headline="These are the key figures in Harvard&#x27;s Epstein web" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/22/harvard-mit-us-news-best-colleges" target="_self">Harvard University</a> community&#x27;s ties to convicted sex offender <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeffrey Epstein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/epstein-files-release-january-trump-clinton" data-vars-content-id="0fd95f87-8675-4f9f-bb94-903d18ba4b17" data-vars-headline="These are the key figures in Harvard&#x27;s Epstein web" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/epstein-files-release-january-trump-clinton" target="_self">Jeffrey Epstein</a> span decades, ensnaring faculty, donors and student organizations across one of New England&#x27;s oldest and most influential institutions.Why it matters: The Epstein connections show stark oversight failures at one of the world&#x27;s most prestigious universities.

Milford teen leaves State of the Union early after DHS post

The Department of Homeland Security singled him out in a post during President Trump's speech.

Politics

A Milford teen who was briefly detained by federal immigration agents last year went to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of the Union" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/25/2026-state-of-the-union-trump-key-moments" data-vars-content-id="b002d20b-4301-43ac-9a1c-070e816b1f9f" data-vars-headline="Milford teen leaves State of the Union early after DHS post" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/25/2026-state-of-the-union-trump-key-moments" target="_self">State of the Union</a> as a guest Tuesday — only to leave partway through after getting singled out online by the Trump administration.Why it matters: Marcelo Gomes da Silva <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="became a poster child" data-vars-click-url="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/07/ice-volleyball-arrest-eighteen-gomes-da-silva-milford/" data-vars-content-id="b002d20b-4301-43ac-9a1c-070e816b1f9f" data-vars-headline="Milford teen leaves State of the Union early after DHS post" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/07/ice-volleyball-arrest-eighteen-gomes-da-silva-milford/" target="_blank">became a poster child</a> for opponents of Trump&#x27;s immigration agenda, who say federal agents have kidnapped young, undocumented people with no criminal records who contributed to their communities.

BoriCorridor brings Puerto Rican arts to Boston

BoriCorridor returns with a rallying cry for Puerto Ricans in Massachusetts: Don't let go.

Culture

Puerto Rican arts series BoriCorridor returns to Boston this year with a rallying cry: &quot;No sueltes la bandera&quot; — Spanish for &quot;Don&#x27;t let go of the flag.&quot;Why it matters: It&#x27;s not only a lyric in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bad Bunny&#x27;s song" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvfDaZ4ZT80&amp;list=RDuvfDaZ4ZT80&amp;start_radio=1" data-vars-content-id="2437e2cc-4f49-4048-a64e-89e536e97a9c" data-vars-headline="BoriCorridor brings Puerto Rican arts to Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvfDaZ4ZT80&amp;list=RDuvfDaZ4ZT80&amp;start_radio=1" target="_blank">Bad Bunny&#x27;s song</a> about Puerto Rican displacement, but a call to action to keep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Puerto Rico&#x27;s spirit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/05/bad-bunny-massachusetts" data-vars-content-id="2437e2cc-4f49-4048-a64e-89e536e97a9c" data-vars-headline="BoriCorridor brings Puerto Rican arts to Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/05/bad-bunny-massachusetts" target="_self">Puerto Rico&#x27;s spirit</a> alive.<ul><li>It comes amid struggles with American imperialism and gentrification — even more than 1,600 miles away in Massachusetts.</li></ul>

Dunkin' is selling a 48oz "Bucket" for the iced coffee obsessed

The coffee giant is leaning into its New England roots with massive new cups and a single insulated mitten.

Dunkin&#x27; has been leaning hard into its New England roots this winter with two new releases that seem a bit too on the nose for the &quot;iced-coffee-in-a-blizzard&quot; crowd:<ul><li>A single insulated mitten for your iced coffee hand</li><li>And a massive 48oz &quot;Bucket&quot; size the likes of which are usually only found around PS Gourmet locations.</li></ul>

Willie Burnley Jr. and Jake Wilson face off for Somerville mayor

The two councilors are head-to-head after eliminating the incumbent mayor

With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Katjana Ballantyne out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/19/why-somerville-fired-mayor-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="0806eca5-8ad3-4921-a444-881d37e31e84" data-vars-headline="Willie Burnley Jr. and Jake Wilson face off for Somerville mayor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/19/why-somerville-fired-mayor-ballantyne" target="_self">Mayor Katjana Ballantyne out</a> of the race, Willie Burnley Jr. and Jake Wilson are offering different takes on progressive leadership for Somerville.Why it matters: The two city councilors share liberal values but have distinct backgrounds that will play a role in their one-on-one sprint to Nov. 4.

Why Somerville fired Mayor Ballantyne

Ballantyne's defeat shows there's significant voter dissatisfaction in the progressive city.

Somerville voters ousted Mayor Katjana Ballantyne from office after two terms, topped by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two opponents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/19/willie-burnley-jr-and-jake-wilson-face-off-for-somerville-mayor" data-vars-content-id="db3c89e7-4e9b-4155-84ae-e95768ed9fef" data-vars-headline="Why Somerville fired Mayor Ballantyne" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/19/willie-burnley-jr-and-jake-wilson-face-off-for-somerville-mayor" target="_self">two opponents</a> who said she lacked responsive leadership in trying times.Why it matters: Delivering city services still matters, even amid a nationalized political atmosphere.

Michelle Wu crushes in prelim election; Josh Kraft faces uphill fight

Kraft has eight weeks to reinvent himself.

Election

Mayor Michelle Wu dominated Tuesday&#x27;s preliminary election for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/09/boston-election-michelle-wu-josh-kraft-election-preliminary" data-vars-content-id="8b6f3bee-b1ae-4a45-a08e-b4e2c12c0844" data-vars-headline="Michelle Wu crushes in prelim election; Josh Kraft faces uphill fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/09/09/boston-election-michelle-wu-josh-kraft-election-preliminary" target="_self">mayor</a> of Boston with a decisive victory over challenger Josh Kraft that validated predictions showing the incumbent&#x27;s massive popularity with voters.Why it matters: The 48 percentage point margin suggests Wu has replicated and even exceeded the winning coalition she put together in 2021.

Boston goes to the polls in Wu vs. Kraft mayoral race

Today's election narrows the four-candidate field to two finalists

If recent polling holds true, Mayor Michelle Wu has a commanding advantage over challenger Josh Kraft heading into today&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preliminary election for mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/20/mayor-election-issues-michelle-wu-joshua-kraft" data-vars-content-id="a46422d6-49f6-46f2-a723-f98fc82d0821" data-vars-headline="Boston goes to the polls in Wu vs. Kraft mayoral race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/20/mayor-election-issues-michelle-wu-joshua-kraft" target="_self">preliminary election for mayor</a>.Why it matters: Today&#x27;s election narrows the four-candidate field to two finalists who will face off in November&#x27;s general election.

Poll: Weigh in on Josh Kraft's mayoral run

The  billionaire Patriots' owner's son has deep community ties

Do you think Josh Kraft should throw his hat into the ring against Mayor Michelle Wu this fall?<ul><li>Let us know by voting in our reader poll.</li></ul>

Massachusetts votes to let rideshare drivers unionize

Customers will wait to see if companies pass the costs of collective bargaining onto them.

Massachusetts voted to give <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rideshare drivers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/09/30/massachusetts-rideshare-union-vote-question-3" data-vars-content-id="f8a7f69e-4f6d-484b-8424-571ae92a1508" data-vars-headline="Massachusetts votes to let rideshare drivers unionize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/09/30/massachusetts-rideshare-union-vote-question-3" target="_self">rideshare drivers</a> the option to unionize, according to the Associated Press. It&#x27;s the first state to approve such a measure. Why it matters: Contractors who have long complained of declining wages and rising expenses as the rideshare companies’ profits increase will get a chance at negotiating.

Why Massachusetts is dreading a Trump comeback

One of the most common refrains of Harris' campaign has been "we're not going back."

Progressive Massachusetts voters are waking up and realizing they&#x27;re on the losing side of yesterday&#x27;s presidential election.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Former President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="39e3acc9-d0d4-420a-b28c-7785c0019940" data-vars-headline="Why Massachusetts is dreading a Trump comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Former President Trump</a> will be the 47th U.S. president, the Associated Press projected Wednesday, marking the culmination of a divisive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/us-presidential-house-senate-elections" data-vars-content-id="39e3acc9-d0d4-420a-b28c-7785c0019940" data-vars-headline="Why Massachusetts is dreading a Trump comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/us-presidential-house-senate-elections" target="_self">campaign</a> against Vice President Harris.

Voters let state auditor look inside the Legislature's books

Auditor Diana DiZoglio wins power over the Legislature.

Voters in Massachusetts have granted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Auditor Diana DiZoglio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/10/10/massachusetts-question-1-dizoglio-walking-sunshine-tour" data-vars-content-id="610a44a6-ab2c-4c28-a085-811ed19abd18" data-vars-headline="Voters let state auditor look inside the Legislature&#x27;s books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/10/10/massachusetts-question-1-dizoglio-walking-sunshine-tour" target="_self">Auditor Diana DiZoglio</a>&#x27;s wish to shine a little sunlight on the often shadowy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ledgers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/17/spilka-dizoglio-auditor-legislature-feud" data-vars-content-id="610a44a6-ab2c-4c28-a085-811ed19abd18" data-vars-headline="Voters let state auditor look inside the Legislature&#x27;s books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/17/spilka-dizoglio-auditor-legislature-feud" target="_self">ledgers</a> of the state Legislature, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: The win gives DiZoglio&#x27;s office the authority to oversee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some of the Legislature&#x27;s spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/17/spilka-dizoglio-auditor-legislature-feud" data-vars-content-id="610a44a6-ab2c-4c28-a085-811ed19abd18" data-vars-headline="Voters let state auditor look inside the Legislature&#x27;s books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/17/spilka-dizoglio-auditor-legislature-feud" target="_self">some of the Legislature&#x27;s spending</a>, contracts and personnel practices that aren&#x27;t currently open to the public.

Warren wins third term

Republican John Deaton couldn't stop Warren's anti-Trump campaign.

Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elizabeth Warren" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/10/15/warren-deaton-debate-massachusetts-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="c57c8199-fe0c-493f-a49a-973c3c2381c3" data-vars-headline="Warren wins third term" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/10/15/warren-deaton-debate-massachusetts-senate-race" target="_self">Elizabeth Warren</a> will return to the U.S. Senate next year, according to the AP, cruising into a third term after a landslide victory over her Republican challenger.Why it matters: Massachusetts voters have consistently sent Warren to Washington to push for progressive goals and her agenda on financial regulation.

Live election results for Boston

All the races Massachusetts cares about, in one dashboard.

Boston voters cast their ballots Tuesday for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 general election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/10/01/massachusetts-voter-guide-2024-general-election" data-vars-content-id="9cda8439-91ee-4e6d-9d3c-832bedc8c458" data-vars-headline="Live election results for Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/10/01/massachusetts-voter-guide-2024-general-election" target="_self">2024 general election</a>.Why it matters: In addition to deciding a U.S. Senate race and filling seats in the state legislature, Massachusetts voters face crucial ballot questions on topics ranging from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MCAS exam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/08/15/the-battle-over-mcas" data-vars-content-id="9cda8439-91ee-4e6d-9d3c-832bedc8c458" data-vars-headline="Live election results for Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/08/15/the-battle-over-mcas" target="_self">MCAS exam</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rideshare driver unionization" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/09/30/massachusetts-rideshare-union-vote-question-3" data-vars-content-id="9cda8439-91ee-4e6d-9d3c-832bedc8c458" data-vars-headline="Live election results for Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/09/30/massachusetts-rideshare-union-vote-question-3" target="_self">rideshare driver unionization</a>.

Election 🗳️

Willie Burnley Jr. and Jake Wilson face off for Somerville mayor

Why Somerville fired Mayor Ballantyne

Michelle Wu crushes in prelim election; Josh Kraft faces uphill fight

Boston goes to the polls in Wu vs. Kraft mayoral race

Poll: Weigh in on Josh Kraft's mayoral run