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Here's how many in Massachusetts signed up for Trump Accounts

The new federal Trump Accounts program offers $1,000 to eligible babies.

Money

Tens of thousands of Massachusetts families are among the first to apply for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump Accounts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/10/14/ohio-trump-accounts-eligibility-privacy" data-vars-content-id="c49a2008-1cf0-41db-91e2-8078c33845a3" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s how many in Massachusetts signed up for Trump Accounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/10/14/ohio-trump-accounts-eligibility-privacy" target="_self">Trump Accounts</a>, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal investment program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/18/trump-accounts-for-kids-what-to-know-how-sign-up" data-vars-content-id="c49a2008-1cf0-41db-91e2-8078c33845a3" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s how many in Massachusetts signed up for Trump Accounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/18/trump-accounts-for-kids-what-to-know-how-sign-up" target="_self">federal investment program</a> for babies. Why it matters: The program, which offers $1,000 to eligible babies, is meant to give American children a financial head start.

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News

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Beacon Hill is on the ballot this year — 9 times

Eight citizen petitions and one firearms referendum are before Mass. voters Nov. 3, raising a question about who makes policy: lawmakers or voters.

Politics

Deehan here with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.Few Massachusetts lawmakers have any competition in this year&#x27;s election, but voters can still voice their dissatisfaction with the Legislature through the long list of ballot questions they need to weigh in on.Why it matters: The initiative process lets citizens act when lawmakers won&#x27;t.

The rising costs that Massachusetts' poverty rate overlooks

On paper, Massachusetts fared better than other states. Rising costs tell a different story.

On paper, the poverty rate looks worse in Ohio, West Virginia and Oklahoma than in Massachusetts.<ul><li>But factor in the cost of living, and all three states fared better in recent years, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new U.S. Census Bureau data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/16/us-economy-income-census" data-vars-content-id="3e9c97a4-e989-4dab-9919-7a8a3da5fe5a" data-vars-headline="The rising costs that Massachusetts&#x27; poverty rate overlooks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/16/us-economy-income-census" target="_self">new U.S. Census Bureau data</a>.</li></ul>

Summer camps cost big. A new initiative offers families relief

Summer camp is big business. A new initiative aims to make it more affordable for families.

Parenting

A new initiative pledges $45 million over five years for tuition assistance and upgrades at Jewish summer camps in New England.Why it matters: A full summer at an overnight camp can easily cost four or five figures, and New England is home to some of the nation&#x27;s premier Jewish summer camps.

A "toddler rave" is coming to Boston

This show is turning songs like "The Wheels on the Bus" into EDM bangers.

Things to Do

Picture this: a concert venue filled with glow sticks, dance beats — and tiny hands in the air.<ul><li>That&#x27;s a &quot;Toddler Rave,&quot; and it&#x27;s Australian DJ Lenny Pearce&#x27;s show about to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tour the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="13a35e8c-f78b-4775-9032-7524e5d5c9c2" data-vars-headline="A &quot;toddler rave&quot; is coming to Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" target="_blank">tour the country</a>.</li></ul>

Lindsay Clancy trial ends in mistrial

Jurors must decide whether Clancy intentionally killed her children or was experiencing psychosis.

Public Safety

A jury failed to reach a verdict in the trial of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lindsay Clancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/27/lindsay-clancy-duxbury-killings-children" data-vars-content-id="bbfa315a-a9ad-47a7-a071-140908598862" data-vars-headline="Lindsay Clancy trial ends in mistrial" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/27/lindsay-clancy-duxbury-killings-children" target="_self">Lindsay Clancy</a> on Friday in Plymouth County Superior Court, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial.The big picture: The case has sparked fierce debate nationwide over whether Clancy was in control or in psychosis fueled by postpartum depression when she killed her three children and attempted suicide in 2023.

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.

What to know as Lindsay Clancy trial ramps up

Lindsay Clancy is accused of murdering her three children in January 2023.

Jurors this week are reviewing graphic details about the killings of three Duxbury children at the hands of their mother, Lindsay Clancy, and deciding whether to convict her of murder.The big picture: The high-profile trial is revealing common, but often unspoken, flaws in the health care sector&#x27;s treatment of postpartum mothers.<ul><li>The key question: whether Clancy intentionally strangled her children on Jan. 24, 2023, or acted uncontrollably under psychosis.</li></ul>

Letter calls on Boston-area companies to better support parents

Two nonprofits asked companies to offer flexible hours and support for working parents.

It started with an open letter circulating around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mother&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/momflation-is-changing-how-we-celebrate-mothers-day" data-vars-content-id="fb43d797-3b38-4de5-95ad-b9ab5bcd46b5" data-vars-headline="Letter calls on Boston-area companies to better support parents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/momflation-is-changing-how-we-celebrate-mothers-day" target="_self">Mother&#x27;s Day</a>.<ul><li>&quot;Let&#x27;s move beyond flowers and brunch and towards responsibility and action&quot; to support working mothers, states the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tfaforms.com/5221462" data-vars-content-id="fb43d797-3b38-4de5-95ad-b9ab5bcd46b5" data-vars-headline="Letter calls on Boston-area companies to better support parents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tfaforms.com/5221462" target="_blank">letter</a>, published by YW Boston and Listen to Your Mothers. </li></ul>

Healey proposes restricting social media access for teens under 16

The bill would limit use of a social media app to two hours a day and block pings during school.

Gov. Maura Healey unveiled her own proposal to limit social media use among teens under age 16.Why it matters: That makes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three major competing bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/08/massachusetts-house-senate-cellphone-ban-social-media-youth-children-schools-healey-bill" data-vars-content-id="32b7e7e0-7a5b-438f-bdeb-c331599090ed" data-vars-headline="Healey proposes restricting social media access for teens under 16" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/08/massachusetts-house-senate-cellphone-ban-social-media-youth-children-schools-healey-bill" target="_self">three major competing bills</a> reining in youth social media use on Beacon Hill, with just over three months to hash out a compromise.

Coworking can be costly in Boston, but options abound

Coworking companies promise a haven for productivity and community, but it'll cost you.

Coworking companies, large and small, promise a haven for productivity and maybe even community, but it&#x27;ll cost you.The big picture: Boston coworking spaces must balance the cost of doing business in one of the nation&#x27;s costliest real estate markets with members&#x27; tighter budgets.

Expect more office mandates and "microshifting" in 2026

Employers may expect a traditional full-time workplace but life entering 2026 is anything but.

The increased pressure to bring people back to the office four or more days a week is prompting employees to get creative about their schedules.Why it matters: Employers may envision a traditional full-time workplace with their latest mandates, but their employees&#x27; schedules entering 2026 are anything but, per Boston-based Owl Labs&#x27; 2025 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of Hybrid Work report" data-vars-click-url="https://owllabs.com/state-of-hybrid-work/2025" data-vars-content-id="fecd62d7-688a-4653-a35b-ef72d91d8b65" data-vars-headline="Expect more office mandates and &quot;microshifting&quot; in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-hybrid-work/2025" target="_blank">State of Hybrid Work report</a>.

Exclusive: Massachusetts mothers create mobile accessible bathroom

The creators want the Lynnebago trailer to transform public life for people with disabilities.

A pair of North Shore advocates are building a bathroom on wheels in hopes of making festivals, meetups and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other public activities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/09/18/lynn-ferry-budget-dinner-cruise" data-vars-content-id="35066533-5200-46fb-be08-0780ad96dd6b" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Massachusetts mothers create mobile accessible bathroom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/09/18/lynn-ferry-budget-dinner-cruise" target="_self">other public activities</a> accessible to people with disabilities. Why it matters: Events of all kinds — from concerts to Pride festivals — shut out countless people with disabilities and others because they fail to offer bathrooms that truly fit their needs.