Daily brief · Lexington, MA
New ballot colors by party in Tuesday primary
August 31, 2026
Top story
New distinct ballot colors set for state primary election
Beginning with the Sept. 1 state primary, the Secretary of State's Office has set new colors for primary ballots, as state law requires each party's ballot to be a different color. Democratic primary ballots will be blue (light blue for early and absentee), and Republican primary ballots will be pink (salmon for early and absentee); state election ballots will be white, with yellow for early and absentee. The office says the change reflects voters' expectations and should reduce confusion and error when ballots are handed to voters.
Town of Lexington
Cary Library Nonfiction Book Club meets Monday evening
Cary Memorial Library's Nonfiction Book Club meets Monday, Aug. 31, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room to discuss Julia Belluz's "Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us."
Cary Memorial Library
Lexington Public Schools calls for ASPEN portal updates
Parents and caregivers should update contact details, handbook acknowledgments, and media permissions on the ASPEN Family Portal by Sept. 11, 2026.
Lexington Public Schools
Lexington teen launches jewelry initiative for Bangladesh orphans
Zehra Ellahi introduced a jewelry-making program on Aug. 26, 2026, to teach students at a Bangladesh orphanage creative and vocational skills.
The Lexington Observer
Middlesex DA Marian Ryan touts experience in reelection bid
Middlesex County DA Marian Ryan highlighted her experience and reform record on Aug. 27, ahead of Tuesday's state primary election.
The Lexington Observer
Livestrong's 343-mile ride for resilience stops in Lexington
Cyclists in the 343-mile "First Responder Ride for Resilience" from Boston to New York City will stop at the Lexington Visitors Center Sunday, Sept. 6, from 8 to 10 a.m., raising funds for cancer and mental health programs.
The Lexington Observer
Wetland appeal pauses construction on new Lexington High School
A formal appeal by 12 Lexington residents over wetland impacts triggered a MassDEP site walk on Aug. 27, pausing construction near wetlands and risking up to $20 million in delay costs.
The Lexington Observer
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