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Minerva, a black cat, won the title of Somerville's new "bike path mayor," defeating the incumbent Berry in a quirky election. With a mysterious campaign slogan of "CRIME," Minerva's appeal captivated the local community, leading to her victory over Berry, who had a more traditional platform. The election, initially a joke, transformed into a beloved community event.
A 71-year-old man, George Zinn, confessed to the shooting of Charlie Kirk to mislead police and assist the actual perpetrator's escape. Zinn faces felony charges for obstruction of justice after police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the murder suspect. A judge deemed Zinn a "substantial danger" to the community and ordered him held without bail.
Police dispersed pro-Palestine demonstrators at Boston University on Monday as they attempted to establish an encampment to protest the war in Gaza. Activists called for the university to divest from Zionist groups and reject ICE agents on campus. The encampment ended after demonstrators faced threats of mass arrest from various police departments.
Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott will pay $36,500 after regulators found he misused campaign funds for personal business expenses. The funds included payments for a media relations course and food for real estate meetings. McDermott has not faced criminal charges and will not be referred to other agencies.
Domingos DaRosa, a Boston mayoral candidate, seeks a recount after finishing third in the preliminary election, hoping to secure a spot on the general election ballot. His efforts follow Josh Kraft's withdrawal from the race, but DaRosa did not meet the required 3,000 votes to be considered for replacement. He claims that voters who supported Kraft are being “shortchanged” and criticizes media coverage that he believes marginalized his campaign.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer detained 16-year-old Gustavo Enrique De Oliveira in Milford after he reportedly ran from a masked individual. The incident has sparked community outrage and raised concerns over immigrant rights, especially as it follows a similar detainment of another local teen earlier this year.
A Burlington woman reported that a coyote killed her 10-month-old dog, Dougal, on July 6. Although the dog had no visible injuries, it died from a broken neck, prompting the owner to warn other pet owners about coyote risks despite no public safety threat being identified by police.
Two men received prison sentences after pleading guilty to hate crimes for assaulting a transgender employee and her fiancé at a liquor store in Sunderland, Massachusetts. The attack occurred on July 16, 2024, when the defendants used homophobic slurs after being refused alcohol. The victims suffered significant injuries and emotional trauma from the incident.
Massachusetts homebuyers increasingly seek affordable options on the South Coast as prices in Greater Boston soar. Bristol County saw over 6% growth in home sales year-over-year, attracting buyers from more expensive areas. First-time buyers are particularly drawn to cities like Fall River and New Bedford, where homes are more affordable.
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department received a federal grant to conserve 150 gravestones at Dorchester North Burying Ground, one of the oldest burial sites in the U.S. This project, supported by the National Park Service and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, aims to preserve the site’s historical significance for future generations.