Massachusetts
Poll looks at Massachusetts Senate, gubernatorial races
MASSACHUSETTS (WRGB) — A new poll out this week is shedding light on the race for Massachusetts Senate, as well as multiple ballot measures for voters in the Commonwealth.
Incumbent progressive Democratic Senator Ed Markey maintains a comfortable lead over moderate Democratic challenger Congressman Seth Moulton.
That’s 46 percent for Markey to Moulton’s 33 percent, according to the University of New Hampshire.
Some ballot measures include issues like same day voter registration, income tax decreases, and rent control.
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Sixty seven percent of voters are in favor of same day voter registration.
Fifty nine percent of voters back an income tax decrease from five percent to four percent.
Fifty seven percent of voters support establishing rent control in the state.
The University of New Hampshire poll also took the pulse of the Massachusetts gubernatorial election.
Incumbent Governor Maura Healey is running for re election as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
She’s facing several challengers on the Republican side, including candidates Michael Minogue, Mike Kennealy, and Brian Shortsleeve.
This round of polling has Healey leading with 50 percent or more of the vote in each potential matchup.
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The trial of Alvin Campbell Jr., accused of sexually assaulting and attacking nine women from 2017-2019, is set to get underway on Monday.
Campbell is the older brother of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
The 45-year-old faces a number of charges for allegedly sexually assaulting and attacking nine women between 2017-2019 in Boston. According to court records, he would intentionally seek out young women late at night near bars and restaurants, posing as a rideshare driver.
While most of the attacks happened in his car, there is one account of a 26-year-old woman who says Campbell Jr. drove her from Boston to his Cumberland, Rhode Island, apartment, where he assaulted her.
Right now, he is in custody. He has been held without bail since his arrest in 2020. He continues to insist that all of the encounters he had with the women in question were consensual.
On Monday, he will finally begin the process of trying to prove his innocence to 17 jurors. The jury was selected over the last week. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
Opening statements will lead off Monday’s proceedings.
When asked about the trial, Andrea Joy Campbell said, “I am praying for the survivors and all those affected. It takes extraordinary courage to come forward, and they deserve dignity and respect.”
A multi-vehicle crash in Marlborough on Sunday sent two motorcycle riders to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, Massachusetts State Police said.
The crash involved three cars and two motorcycles along I-495 southbound, authorities said.
State police said they, along with Marlborough fire and EMS, responded to the accident at 3:52 p.m.
Both motorcycle riders have life-threatening injuries and one was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The highway was closed but has since reopened.
How to get sand out of everything
Bring this item on your next beach trip to prevent sand from getting everywhere.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
With summer 2026 almost here, it’s time to start thinking about what beaches you want to visit.
The website Frugal Flyer is willing to give up some of best “secret beaches.” Based off a survey of over 3,000 voters, Frugal Flyer released a list in 2025 of the 95 best secret beaches in the United States.
And three of them are in Massachusetts.
“This summer, something different is happening. Instead of heading to the usual hotspots, Americans are rediscovering the quiet charm of their local, quieter, lesser-known shores,” the website said.
Here are the three Commonwealth secret beaches that were dubbed some of the best in the country.
Madaket Beach
Ranked 21st on the rankings, Madaket Beach may be one of the more eroded beaches on Nantucket; however, that doesn’t mean it’s without its merits.
The Insider’s Guide to Nantucket said the soft sand makes it perfect for a seaside picnic.
The guide also said that beach has beautiful sunsets. For these reasons, it makes sense it landed at No. 21 on the best secret beaches list.
“While there are no accessible features here this is a great place to go and watch the sun set either in your car or just outside your car,” the Nantucket government website said.
It apparently has a strong surf and is known for big waves, which is good for surfers and bodyboarders, according to the Safe Beach Day website.
Bound Brook Island Beach
Among Cape Cod’s natural gems, Bound Brook Island Beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. Set down a dirt road, it’s worth the adventure for breathtaking views of the bay, sweeping sand dunes and serene quiet.
Ranking 78th on the Frugal Flyer list, the Wellfleet beach is secluded for sure, save for some private properties in the area. That type of solitude can be a very lovely thing.
If you’re trying to find it, the beach located in the northwest corner of Wellfleet, bordering Truro. The easiest place to park, according to the Cape Cod Times, is a little dirt lot at the base of the island, though there are other parking spots in the interior. As with a true secret place, it’s possible you’ll get lost on your first try.
Plum Island Beach
North Shore’s Plum Island Beach in Newburyport still ranked 95th on the list of the top secret beaches.
“Discover amazing bird watching and the natural beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge,” the coastal lifestyle website Newburyport.com said. “Enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking or just chill out on the beach and make sure to visit the cool Plum Island restaurants.”
The refuge also offers beach access from parking lots 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Lots 1 and 4 as well as the maintenance area for the refuge have restrooms, and all of their restrooms are wheelchair accessible
The North Point of Plum Island has some very pretty scenic views for guests to peep, the website said. Visitors out on the water should be careful to stay close to the shore because the tides can rapidly change and swimming there can become very dangerous.
Cemile Kavountzis contributed to the reporting of this story.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.
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