THE MASS BRIEFMonday, May 11, 2026 |
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THE LEADMassachusetts Democrats are fighting each other over how to vote A ballot question that would blow up the state's primary system has the Democratic Party at war with itself. The proposal, backed by Harvard professor and former gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen, would eliminate traditional party primaries and replace them with a single "jungle primary" where all candidates compete together — and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. Allen argues Massachusetts desperately needs this. Too many legislative races are decided in low-turnout Democratic primaries, leaving general election voters with no real choice. But the Democratic State Committee formally voted to oppose the measure last month, and progressive activists are now gearing up to spend money killing it. Their fear? That the new system would favor well-funded, establishment candidates and box out grassroots challengers who can't compete in expensive preliminary rounds. Even some Republicans are skeptical, despite the theoretical opportunity it creates for their party in a blue state. The irony is thick: a reform designed to increase competition is splitting the dominant party right down the middle, with Democrats on both sides claiming they're fighting for democracy itself. |
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WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOWViolent weekend in Boston: one dead, four injured in three separate shootings A man was killed on Woolson Street in Mattapan late Saturday night. Hours later, two people were shot on Geneva Avenue in Dorchester around 2 a.m. Sunday. Then Sunday evening, a man and woman were shot on Kingsdale Street in Dorchester — the woman suffered life-threatening injuries. Boston Police say the shootings appear to be targeted, not random, but no arrests have been made in any of the incidents. Superintendent Paul McLaughlin is asking anyone with information to contact the homicide unit. The middle class is shrinking — and Massachusetts feels it acutely New polling and reporting from CommonWealth Beacon captures what thousands of Bay Staters already know: the traditional markers of middle-class life — owning a home, saving money, sending kids to college — are increasingly out of reach even for families with steady incomes. Historian Andrew Seal, who studies middle-class identity, says the group has always been defined by precarity, but that anxiety is sharper now than in generations. In places like Billerica, residents describe being grateful for what they have while watching home prices make it nearly impossible for the next generation to stay. Union Point gets a $35 million lifeline — and maybe a new name The long-stalled redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station is finally moving forward with a massive state infrastructure grant and plans for 3,000 new homes. Developers from New England Development told the Weymouth Town Council the project has cleared major permit hurdles, including a conservation plan for the state's second-largest eastern box turtle habitat. The linchpin is a 6.7-mile MWRA water pipeline extension from Braintree through Randolph to Weymouth. Oh, and "Union Point"? That name might not survive — developers say they need to overcome "credibility issues" from two decades of false starts. Haverhill man charged with secretly recording nude victims in Halifax home Brendan Tyler Traub, 37, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges he installed hidden recording devices in a Halifax residence and secretly photographed at least seven adult victims over multiple months in 2024. Halifax Police found the device in February; forensic analysis by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department led investigators to Traub's cellphone. He was arraigned on five misdemeanor counts of nonconsensual nude photography and five felony wiretapping counts, then released on personal recognizance. Police say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. Dark money floods Longmeadow ahead of municipal internet vote Longmeadow residents head to Town Meeting Tuesday to decide whether to put a debt exclusion for municipal fiber internet on the ballot — and Comcast isn't happy about it. A shadowy advocacy group called Mass Priorities, linked to a Minnesota entity, has been running Facebook ads opposing the town-owned network. Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi says the goal is simple: provide fast, reliable internet at cost to residents tired of price spikes from the incumbent cable provider. The measure needs two-thirds support at Town Meeting to reach voters. Western Mass Politics & Insight → This Beverly company makes the gears that make the world go round Harmonic Drive in Beverly has been manufacturing specialized "strain wave gearing" systems for more than half a century — precision components that power everything from surgical robots to space telescopes to semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The unique three-piece gear system allows for incredibly precise motion control, which is why the North Shore manufacturer's products end up in applications at least a million miles from Earth. It's a reminder that some of the most important manufacturing in Massachusetts happens quietly, making things most people will never see but absolutely depend on. |
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WORTH YOUR ATTENTIONPembroke votes tomorrow on a $2 million operating override and regional school debt exclusion at Annual Town Meeting. Tensions are already running high after Select Board members clashed publicly over member conduct and the Town Manager's leadership style. South Shore News → East Bridgewater takes a third swing at MBTA Communities Act compliance tomorrow, May 11, at Town Meeting. The town is being sued by Attorney General Andrea Campbell for missing the state rezoning deadline — twice — and officials decided against a formal presentation this time, figuring voters already know the stakes. South Shore News → Duxbury moves forward with a "safety first" redesign of Hall's Corner, the business district that's been a pedestrian safety nightmare for thirty years. The Select Board reviewed conceptual plans for ADA-compliant crosswalks and slow zones while trying to preserve the street parking local businesses need to survive. South Shore News → |
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💰 Money Watch
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Yesterday's Biggest Contributions
Data from the MA Office of Campaign & Political Finance |
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This Week on Beacon Hill
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Monday, May 11, 10:00 AM Joint Committee on Aging and Independence (4 bills) Topic: Joint Committee on Aging and Independence Hearing Location: A-1 , Boston
Monday, May 11, 4:00 PM None Topic: SPECIAL COMMISSION ON CABO VERDEAN CULTURAL CENTER Location: Virtual Hearing , Boston Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 AM Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (10 bills) Topic: Local and regional government matters Location: B-1 , Boston
Friday, May 15, 9:00 AM Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (2 bills) Topic: Late-filed Local Alcohol Petitions Location: Written Testimony Only, Boston
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New on the Ballot
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Recent filings with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance: Candidates
PACs
Change of Purposes
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ONE MORE THINGState Trooper Kevin Trainor, who was killed last week responding to a wrong-way driver on Route 1, had just delivered the eulogy at his own father's funeral a few months ago. Now his family is planning his. His fiancée, Jessica Ostrowski, said Kevin never hesitated to put himself in danger when other lives were at risk: "I know he would have done that 100 times more." Funeral services are Tuesday and Wednesday in Georgetown. |
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