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It’s the last day of in-person early voting in the Massachusetts state primary — and Secretary of State Bill Galvin is projecting higher turnout than four years ago. We have more here on the candidates’ closing pitches and Galvin’s thoughts on President Trump’s efforts to restrict mail-in voting.

But first, let’s go over the other news happening today:

New ‘dos: The city of Boston is partnering with local barbershops and salons to offer free haircuts to local students this back-to-school season. The first-time initiative announced this week will cover basic haircuts and stylings at more than two dozen locations around the city, from East Boston to Dorchester to West Roxbury. Alexandra Valdez, the city’s cultural affairs director, told WBUR’s Dan Guzman it’s “a beautiful opportunity to not only partner with a small business,” but also support Boston families facing particularly high back-to-school costs. “Being able to provide one service, one less cost to our families, to be able to help during these difficult times is very essential,” Valdez said.

• The backdrop: A recent study estimated that Boston parents expect to spend $648 this year on average per child on supplies, tech products, clothing and other back-to-school items — $90 more than the national average.
• The details: The city’s program covers basic haircuts and stylings, valued at $20 to $25, at participating barbershops and salons between Sept. 1 and Sept. 11. For example, the city listed “fades, trims, shape-ups, wash and sets, wash and blow-dries, basic natural hair braiding, and curl styling” as among the covered services in a social media post. (Additional services or premium styles beyond the $25 value are not covered.)
• The budget: According to Valdez, the city has put just over $30,000 in the program — translating into potentially over 1,000 free haircuts.
• How to sign up: Families must register by this Monday, Aug. 31. You can read the eligibility rules, the list of businesses and register here.

Hold-up play: The Boston Legacy will play their second season in Rhode Island. The women’s professional soccer team announced yesterday that they will play all of their 2027 home games at Pawtucket’s Centreville Bank Stadium — a soccer-specific stadium that opened just last year for the second-tier men’s pro team Rhode Island FC. The Legacy are currently splitting this season’s home games between the 10,500-seat stadium and the cavernous Gillette Stadium.

Good news and bad news: Boston health officials have lifted the cyanobacteria advisory for a small portion of the Charles River in West Roxbury — but the bloom in the river’s larger lower basin is apparently growing. Boston Public Health Commission expanded the advisory yesterday upriver to about the location of Boston University’s “Jenga Tower” building. So, resist your inner Bill Weld and stay out of the water and definitely keep your dog away from it.

Don’t go in the orange parts. (Boston Public Health Commission)

Kratom crackdown: A statewide ban on kratom is now in effect in Massachusetts, despite a last-ditch lawsuit trying to stop the move. The substance derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree are used in energy boosters, pain relievers and other products. However, an emergency order by the state is classifying kratom as a restricted Schedule I drug for up to a year due to its addictive nature and health risks.

• Then what? State officials aim to use the next year to study kratom and regulations in other states. “ We want to do everything we can to protect people now, and then we’ll build the system over time so that we can safely care for the folks here in Massachusetts,” Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein told WBUR’s John Bender.

Last but not least: The Big E is out with his year’s list of “daring” new food, from deep-fried sushi to pumpkin pie dirty soda, ahead of its 17-day run next month. Click here for the full list or scroll through the photos.

P.S.— Which MBTA commuter rail route is getting nearly seven miles of added double track as part of a $140 million upgrade? Take our Boston News Quiz and test your knowledge of this week’s stories