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The Mass. primary down-ballot races that matter most

DA races and Wu-backed Senate challenges are quietly deciding who holds real power in Massachusetts.

Politics

Deehan here with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.While political news in Massachusetts this cycle has centered on marquee races like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic U.S. Senate primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/08/markey-moulton-debate-massachusetts" data-vars-content-id="6a679057-9069-4761-8ffd-e5dd82bd9cee" data-vars-headline="The Mass. primary down-ballot races that matter most" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/08/markey-moulton-debate-massachusetts" target="_self">Democratic U.S. Senate primary</a>, some of the contests getting the least attention will do the most to shape how power is wielded in Massachusetts.Why it matters: Three things are happening: DA races are testing prosecutorial power, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is pushing for more clout in the state Senate and disputes over how the Legislature actually operates are dominating down-ballot races.

10 Boston etiquette tips for new students and transplants

The stereotype that people are kind, not nice, bears some truth but is often misunderstood.

Culture

Steph here, with some advice for all the college students and transplants moving in this month.The intrigue: The stereotype that people here are kind, not nice, bears some truth but is often misunderstood.

Where Trump's tariffs hit Massachusetts the hardest

States bear wildly different burdens from President Trump's $342 billion in tariffs.

Money

States bear wildly different estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" data-vars-content-id="db19257b-07fb-4b99-a86c-b43ba5fd096d" data-vars-headline="Where Trump&#x27;s tariffs hit Massachusetts the hardest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" target="_self">tariff</a> burdens from President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="db19257b-07fb-4b99-a86c-b43ba5fd096d" data-vars-headline="Where Trump&#x27;s tariffs hit Massachusetts the hardest" 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">Trump&#x27;s </a>trade actions since the start of 2025, from California&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" $62.8 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://tariffs.org/" data-vars-content-id="db19257b-07fb-4b99-a86c-b43ba5fd096d" data-vars-headline="Where Trump&#x27;s tariffs hit Massachusetts the hardest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tariffs.org/" target="_blank"> $62.8 billion</a> share to Wyoming&#x27;s $107 million.Why it matters: Local industries dictate how and how hard communities have been hit — in this case, the impact on Massachusetts&#x27; health care industry.

Lynch survives Roath's primary challenge

The 71-year-old incumbent outlasted a heavily funded challenger who attacked his record on health care and immigration.

South Boston Rep. Stephen Lynch turned back a stiff primary challenge from attorney Patrick Roath on Tuesday, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Associated Press" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/massachusetts-primary-results/" data-vars-content-id="04f127e7-4151-4ada-9c79-30a2ad3672a0" data-vars-headline="Lynch survives Roath&#x27;s primary challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/massachusetts-primary-results/" target="_blank">the Associated Press</a>.Why it matters: Lynch&#x27;s win, in the Boston and South Shore-based district he&#x27;s held since 2001, shows voters preferred experience and familiarity over new blood.

Meta settlement pays Mass. $516M, bolsters teen restrictions

Meta agreed to pay 29 states up to $17.1 billion as part of the settelement.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/meta-trial-social-media-children-facebook-instagram" data-vars-content-id="7c49adad-8af1-4bd5-989c-9acfbb85687d" data-vars-headline="Meta settlement pays Mass. $516M, bolsters teen restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/meta-trial-social-media-children-facebook-instagram" target="_self">Meta</a> agreed to settle with U.S. states for up to $17.1 billion in a landmark deal over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harm children.Why it matters: This is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/social-media" data-vars-content-id="7c49adad-8af1-4bd5-989c-9acfbb85687d" data-vars-headline="Meta settlement pays Mass. $516M, bolsters teen restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/social-media" target="_self">social</a> media&#x27;s version of the landmark 1990s tobacco settlement. It effectively reshapes the industry and potentially the user experience.

Second West Nile virus case reported in Massachusetts

The state's first infection of the year was confirmed last week.

Health

Massachusetts has reported its second human case of West Nile virus this year. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mosquito-borne virus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/west-nile-virus-wnv" data-vars-content-id="3ba5accd-d418-4669-b0fb-8dba510f01ab" data-vars-headline="Second West Nile virus case reported in Massachusetts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/west-nile-virus-wnv" target="_blank">mosquito-borne virus</a> can lead to brain swelling or meningitis, killing 20 people between 2001 and 2005.

Massachusetts bill would license home care agencies

Lawmakers praised the bill as a measure to help seniors age in place safely.

Massachusetts is one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="15 states" data-vars-click-url="https://thebizofseniorcare.com/downloads/dl-50-state-licensing-summary.pdf" data-vars-content-id="8cc87709-a8f9-4f29-a343-d52c4a288f21" data-vars-headline="Massachusetts bill would license home care agencies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebizofseniorcare.com/downloads/dl-50-state-licensing-summary.pdf" target="_blank">15 states</a> that don&#x27;t require all home care agencies and workers to be licensed.<ul><li>A proposal on Gov. Maura Healey&#x27;s desk would change that.</li></ul>

Boston breaks back into the top 10 fittest cities

Boston jumped to No. 10 on the 2026 American Fitness Index, boosted by near-universal park access — but researchers say the gap between the healthiest and least healthy U.S. cities keeps growing.

Boston is one of America&#x27;s healthiest metros, clinching a spot in the top 10 of a new national fitness ranking.Why it matters: Boston ranked No. 10 on the 2026 American Fitness Index, climbing three spots from 13th place last year.

Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses locked out after strike

The clash escalates already strained talks between over 4,000 nurses and Mass General Brigham.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brigham and Women&#x27;s Hospital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/29/mgh-brigham-top-u-s-news-hospital-rankings" data-vars-content-id="dda17c4d-1700-4f0b-bf20-7f7df31826e1" data-vars-headline="Brigham and Women&#x27;s Hospital nurses locked out after strike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/07/29/mgh-brigham-top-u-s-news-hospital-rankings" target="_self">Brigham and Women&#x27;s Hospital</a> nurses ended their one-day strike at 7am Thursday, only to be barred from re-entering the hospital.The big picture: The clash escalates already-strained negotiations between over 4,000 nurses and Mass General Brigham&#x27;s administration during the largest nurses&#x27; walkout in state history.

Boston sues Meta, Snap, ByteDance over youth mental health

The city is suing the companies behind Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Education

Boston is suing three social media giants, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/ai-meta-image-generator" data-vars-content-id="72600bde-60c0-43d9-91fb-6cbad17f7fef" data-vars-headline="Boston sues Meta, Snap, ByteDance over youth mental health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/ai-meta-image-generator" target="_self">Meta</a>, Snap and ByteDance, alleging they use addictive features to get children hooked on their platforms and harm their mental health.Why it matters: Boston joins more than 1,500 school districts taking on social media companies over their effect on minors.

As interest in midwives rises, Cambridge birth center reopens

The Cambridge Health Alliance is reopening its birth center six years after it shuttered.

Cambridge Health Alliance reopens its birth center next month.Why it matters: The Boston area once again has a health care facility dedicated to services by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midwives and doulas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/30/massachusetts-midwives-doulas-industry" data-vars-content-id="35d85eca-7ac0-48b8-bd26-d0087e6d77cf" data-vars-headline="As interest in midwives rises, Cambridge birth center reopens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/30/massachusetts-midwives-doulas-industry" target="_self">midwives and doulas</a> — six years after CHA&#x27;s original birth center closed.

Mass. Senate primary care bill raises financial questions

State lawmakers want to increase primary care spending, but industry leaders raise questions over how.

Massachusetts state senators plan to vote on a bill seeking to increase <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary care access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/01/25/massachusetts-doctos-family-drain" data-vars-content-id="1d8f22c4-8e24-4db7-9293-cd0755507bd3" data-vars-headline="Mass. Senate primary care bill raises financial questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/01/25/massachusetts-doctos-family-drain" target="_self">primary care access</a>, but questions remain about how it will be funded.Why it matters: 75% of Massachusetts residents surveyed last year reported having a preventive care appointment in the last 12 months, down from over 81% in 2023.

Public health experts tracking infectious disease risks this summer

Thousands are heading here for the World Cup, the 250th July 4th and Tall Ships.

Infectious disease experts will be keeping an eye on the trio of events drawing hundreds of thousands in Massachusetts this summer, starting with the 2026 FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" data-vars-content-id="9ab96483-df03-4669-b161-8b85f381c2be" data-vars-headline="Public health experts tracking infectious disease risks this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Mass gatherings, from FIFA&#x27;s tournament to July 4th to Tall Ships, may become vectors for airborne diseases, sexually transmitted infections and other illnesses.

Mass. health officials probe potential breast cancer cluster at Uxbridge High School

DPH investigators are testing the building and grounds for potential environmental risks.

Massachusetts public health officials are investigating Uxbridge High School after several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="breast cancer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/11/ai-breast-cancer-risk-mammogram-guidelines" data-vars-content-id="b7b8adf8-cf94-4d35-8179-86a5c9a64508" data-vars-headline="Mass. health officials probe potential breast cancer cluster at Uxbridge High School" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/11/ai-breast-cancer-risk-mammogram-guidelines" target="_self">breast cancer</a> and precancerous diagnoses among female faculty.State of play: DPH investigators are testing the building and grounds for potential environmental risks connected to cancer.

Axios Closer

A U.S. map shows a ranking of America's fittest cities. Arlington, Virginia, is at the top of the list, followed by neighboring Washington, D.C. Minneapolis, Seattle and Denver round out the top five.

Health 🩺

Meta settlement pays Mass. $516M, bolsters teen restrictions

Second West Nile virus case reported in Massachusetts

Massachusetts bill would license home care agencies

Boston breaks back into the top 10 fittest cities

Brigham and Women's Hospital nurses locked out after strike