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Harvard votes on limiting "A" grades

Faculty begin voting this week on whether to limit top grades to 20% of students per course.

Education

Harvard&#x27;s faculty begins voting Tuesday on limiting the number of top grades professors can award students.Why it matters: Grade inflation is at a tipping point at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harvard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/04/14/harvards-endowment-trump-grant-funding-cuts" data-vars-content-id="97b4c468-9320-4190-bfb6-5c2f6f275604" data-vars-headline="Harvard votes on limiting &quot;A&quot; grades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/04/14/harvards-endowment-trump-grant-funding-cuts" target="_self">Harvard</a>.<ul><li>A move to make A grades harder to come by at one of the world&#x27;s leading universities could influence grading debates at peer institutions.</li></ul>

Shooting suspect released from hospital days before Cambridge shooting

Tyler Brown left McLean Hospital just three days before making suicidal statements over FaceTime before allegedly opening fire on Memorial Drive, wounding two people critically.

News

Tyler Brown, 46, had left McLean Hospital in Belmont just three days before police say he opened fire and wounded two people on Memorial Drive Monday.<ul><li>Brown allegedly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made suicidal statements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/tyler-brown-cambridge-shooting-memorial-drive-hospital/" data-vars-content-id="fd732ec2-96da-4f0a-bd9f-837e5cf8c864" data-vars-headline="Shooting suspect released from hospital days before Cambridge shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/tyler-brown-cambridge-shooting-memorial-drive-hospital/" target="_blank">made suicidal statements</a> to his parole officer over FaceTime and brandished a rifle on the call before police could locate him.</li><li>Authorities said a state trooper and an armed civilian ultimately shot and wounded him.</li></ul>

Markey vs. Moulton race heats up

The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts appears to be tightening.

Politics

Deehan here with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.All it took was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/07/markey-moulton-ma-senate-primary-poll" data-vars-content-id="ce795bde-c3de-4eb6-ad24-993ac450edd0" data-vars-headline="Markey vs. Moulton race heats up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/05/07/markey-moulton-ma-senate-primary-poll" target="_self">one poll</a> to scramble assumptions about the Massachusetts Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, one of the most watched races in the state this year.Why it matters: After last week&#x27;s Emerson poll showed Rep. Seth Moulton within a five-point striking distance of incumbent Sen. Ed Markey, politicos who expected a sleepy campaign season are rethinking the challenger&#x27;s chances.

2 customers accuse Harvard Pilgrim of having "ghost networks"

Two people are suing Point32Health, accusing it of misleading Harvard Pilgrim policyholders.

Health

Two Massachusetts residents filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harvard Pilgrim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/04/partners-healthcare-harvard-pilgrim-acquisition-1525445206" data-vars-content-id="0ccb29d0-17ee-4393-9188-245b3359e222" data-vars-headline="2 customers accuse Harvard Pilgrim of having &quot;ghost networks&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/04/partners-healthcare-harvard-pilgrim-acquisition-1525445206" target="_self">Harvard Pilgrim</a> is skirting laws requiring accurate provider directories.Why it matters: State and federal laws ban &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ghost networks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/ghost-networks-health-insurance-regulators" data-vars-content-id="0ccb29d0-17ee-4393-9188-245b3359e222" data-vars-headline="2 customers accuse Harvard Pilgrim of having &quot;ghost networks&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/ghost-networks-health-insurance-regulators" target="_blank">ghost networks</a>,&quot; but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/ghost-networks-health-insurance-regulators" data-vars-content-id="0ccb29d0-17ee-4393-9188-245b3359e222" data-vars-headline="2 customers accuse Harvard Pilgrim of having &quot;ghost networks&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/ghost-networks-health-insurance-regulators" target="_blank">several reports</a> in recent years have found that they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="haven&#x27;t gone away" data-vars-click-url="https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-secures-sweeping-reforms-improving-access-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="0ccb29d0-17ee-4393-9188-245b3359e222" data-vars-headline="2 customers accuse Harvard Pilgrim of having &quot;ghost networks&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-secures-sweeping-reforms-improving-access-mental-health" target="_blank">haven&#x27;t gone away</a>.<ul><li>Now two Bay Staters are pointing the finger at the insurer owned by Canton-based Point32Health.</li></ul>

Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters

Complaints are piling up against e-bikes, scooters and mopeds, and one scooter rider died.

Transit

Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation Monday that, if approved, would make Massachusetts the first state to regulate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="e-bikes, scooters and mopeds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/13/massachusetts-micromobility-ebike-laws-regulations" data-vars-content-id="d0412109-982f-41df-bbec-a972c0fa09c8" data-vars-headline="Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/04/13/massachusetts-micromobility-ebike-laws-regulations" target="_self">e-bikes, scooters and mopeds</a>.Why it matters: Healey&#x27;s bill is a response to an uptick in complaints about the electric vehicles — including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deadly scooter and car crash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsa8Iat_0Wc" data-vars-content-id="d0412109-982f-41df-bbec-a972c0fa09c8" data-vars-headline="Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsa8Iat_0Wc" target="_blank">deadly scooter and car crash</a> in February — as they&#x27;re not beholden to local or state regulations like cars.

Mass. lawmakers could extend rideshare fee into 2027

The 20-cent fee is set to expire Jan. 1, 2027.

The Massachusetts Senate voted to extend the state&#x27;s 20-cent fee on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rideshare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/uber-and-lyft-drivers-aren-t-going-away-future-of-mobility" data-vars-content-id="f7a105a2-afc1-481d-bee5-333d07f4a1b9" data-vars-headline="Mass. lawmakers could extend rideshare fee into 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/uber-and-lyft-drivers-aren-t-going-away-future-of-mobility" target="_self">rideshare</a> trips past Jan. 1, when it&#x27;s due to sunset.Why it matters: Riders will ultimately pay millions of dollars annually to the state, which faces a deficit amid federal funding cuts and rising costs.

Haymarket station in limbo as Bulfinch Crossing project drags on

The transit hub has been torn apart for over four years and there's no word on when the project will be done.

One of downtown Boston&#x27;s busiest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/transit" data-vars-content-id="5d2b4d09-6b81-4786-ae5a-daf754b3d9a5" data-vars-headline="Haymarket station in limbo as Bulfinch Crossing project drags on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/transit" target="_self">transit</a> hubs has been torn apart for over four years and there&#x27;s no word on when the project will be finished.Why it matters: The demolition of the former Government Center Garage has repeatedly disrupted Orange and Green Line service at the Haymarket station and shuttered the bus terminal indefinitely, forcing riders onto a makeshift busway for years.

What's next for MBTA's new Red Line cars held by Trump administration

Detained Red Line train shells cleared — but with 190 cars still unbuilt and no updated timeline from CRRC MA, the end-of-2027 delivery target isn't looking so good.

The end of an international logjam involving the Trump administration could soon mean more new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/11/25/mbta-red-line-boston-phillip-eng" data-vars-content-id="51ef8b4e-fcf7-4796-be42-ead0835a9f79" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for MBTA&#x27;s new Red Line cars held by Trump administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/11/25/mbta-red-line-boston-phillip-eng" target="_self">Red Line</a> subway cars in the tunnels beneath Boston.Why it matters: The clock is now ticking on a long-promised project already years behind schedule.

World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail

Acting Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said the prices aren't finalized, but they'll be higher.

The Commuter Rail will likely charge people far more for train tickets to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" data-vars-content-id="d6e1f315-e43e-4dfe-a3f1-2194cb3013fe" data-vars-headline="World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> in Foxborough this summer, acting transportation secretary Phil Eng confirmed.Why it matters: Transportation officials want World Cup attendees to use public transit to minimize car traffic, but it will cost them.

Brazil vs. France: What to know about the friendly match in Mass.

The commuter rail will run four trains from South Station to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Sports

Tens of thousands of fans will flock to Gillette Stadium on Thursday for an exhibition game between Brazil and France ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" data-vars-content-id="a158d7cc-637f-457c-8d92-15e0d2085fde" data-vars-headline="Brazil vs. France: What to know about the friendly match in Mass." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: It gives transportation officials a glimpse at the traffic impact and how prepared they are to deal with potential transit issues come June.

Explaining the T's anti-icing trains

Those darkened MBTA train cars are actually mobile de-icing stations designed to keep the third rail clear of ice.

You&#x27;ve probably noticed certain darkened train cars on the MBTA&#x27;s subway lines that don&#x27;t allow passengers before and during winter weather events.State of play: According to the MBTA, that&#x27;s because the cars are full of equipment for de-icing the third rails that power the trains.

Bored Bostonian accidentally renamed an MBTA bus stop

A West Roxbury resident's pandemic joke exposed how the MBTA uses crowdsourced Google Maps data for automated bus stop announcements.

A Boston resident <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidentally renamed an MBTA bus stop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1pbbyxt/so_i_accidentally_named_a_mbta_bus_stop/" data-vars-content-id="3d3b14e9-1d4c-41a6-a89b-25698d9ce1f9" data-vars-headline="Bored Bostonian accidentally renamed an MBTA bus stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/boston/comments/1pbbyxt/so_i_accidentally_named_a_mbta_bus_stop/" target="_blank">accidentally renamed an MBTA bus stop</a>, and the change stuck for years, becoming the official name for the stop declared by the T&#x27;s announcement system.Why it matters: A Reddit user&#x27;s pandemic boredom-induced joke showed how the MBTA relies on crowdsourced Google Maps data for the automated stop announcements bellowed from vehicles&#x27; speakers.

Boston's buses are slowing down — again

MBTA bus speeds fell again in 2024 — and bunching got worse on key routes serving Boston's inner-city riders.

Bus speeds on the MBTA system slipped in 2024 and buses bunched more — marking a setback for riders who rely on the service most, according to a new report.

Drivers can't figure out new pedestrian crosswalks

What to know about the the solid and flashing lights.

Public Safety

Massachusetts drivers are struggling to interpret new flashing crosswalks, with nearly a quarter running red lights and most misusing the flashing red phase, according to University of Massachusetts Amherst research.

Transit 🚗

Healey wants Mass. to enact first-in-the-nation rules for e-bikes and scooters

Mass. lawmakers could extend rideshare fee into 2027

Haymarket station in limbo as Bulfinch Crossing project drags on

What's next for MBTA's new Red Line cars held by Trump administration

World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail