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Local

Medford mayor to select new fire chief in January 2025 using new examination process

By Josué Pérez | September 30

The City of Medford announced on Sept. 18 that it would move forward with the search for a new fire chief and deputy chief with “assessment center” examinations. Deputy Fire Chief Todd Evans has been the acting fire chief since March, when former Fire Chief John Freedman retired following a period of mass sick leaves by firefighters in February. 

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University

Political clubs report ‘high energy’ during presidential debate watch parties

By Michael Onysko | September 30

Over 67 million viewers across the country tuned in to watch former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris face off during their first presidential debate on Sept. 10. Tufts was no exception, with multiple student organizations hosting debate watch parties that saw high levels of student turnout. 

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News

Tufts Federalist Society hosts debate over whether America was founded as a secular nation

By Remy Bernatavicius | September 27

The Tufts Federalist Society held a debate on Sept. 19 discussing the rise of Christian nationalism nationwide and whether the U.S. was founded as a secular nation. Dr. Vincent Muñoz, a professor of political science and law at the University of Notre Dame, and Dr. Paul Polgar, a history lecturer at Tufts, discussed the historical context of the founding of the U.S., the role of religion in public life and the ever-evolving concept of separation of church and state. The conversation was moderated by Trent Bunker, one of the society’s presidents. 

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University

Men's lacrosse players released from hospital with investigation to follow

By Nicholas Prather | September 26

All members of the Tufts men’s lacrosse team who were admitted to the hospital with a rare muscle condition after a 45-minute team workout last week have been discharged, the university announced Wednesday.

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University

Tufts Dining implements new changes, including 'late lunch' period and pledge to increase food diversity

By Lucas Frota | September 26

Tufts Dining has introduced a slew of changes for the school year, including a new “late lunch” period from 2 p.m.–5 p.m., a pledge to increase food diversity and updates to the meal plans available to students at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. The policies are a result of collaboration with the Tufts Community Union Senate and were officially implemented at the start of the semester. 

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Local

Medford receives $250,000 grant to expand, maintain Bluebikes network

By Aaron Gruen | September 26

The City of Medford has received a $250,000 grant to expand and maintain Bluebikes stations within the city. The city announced it had received funding from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in an Aug. 14 press release.

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Local

Rep. Uyterhoeven defeats challenger Hornby in Democratic primary

By Nicholas Prather | September 25

Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven defeated Kathleen Hornbyin the Sept. 3 Democratic primary for Somerville’s 27th Middlesex District, winning 69% of the vote. Uyterhoven earned 5,705 votes, while Hornby earned 2,571 votes.

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University

TCU Senate discusses upcoming projects, explores resolution revamp in weekly meeting

By Spenser Walsh | September 25

The Tufts Community Union Senate convened on Sept. 22, discussing the upcoming Student Resources Fair and a proposal to overhaul the way resolutions are processed.The meeting began with updates from committee leaders on their ongoing projects. TCU Outreach Committee Chair Savvy Thompson announced plans to hold two town hall meetings in October with Arts & Sciences and Engineering students, respectively. 

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University

BREAKING: University provides updates on men’s lacrosse hospitalizations

By Estelle Anderson | September 24

Three men’s lacrosse players remain hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis over a week after participating in a 45-minute workout led by a Tufts alumnus and graduate of a Navy SEAL training program, executive director of media relations Patrick Collins wrote in a statement on Monday. According to Collins, nine players were hospitalized with the condition following the voluntary, supervised workout on Sept. 16.

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News

Shumeane Benford officially begins role as Somerville’s new police chief

By Anna Fattaey | September 24

Shumeane Benford began his role as Somerville’s new police chief on Sept. 16. Somerville City Mayor Katjana Ballantyne announced her selection of Benford as the next police chief on Aug. 15, ending a four year-long search following former chief David Fallon’s retirement in 2020. Charles Femino has served as the city’s interim police chief throughout the city’s search for a replacement.

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University

Political campaign managers discuss winning strategies during first event of Tisch “Election 2024” series

By Samantha Eng | September 24

The first panel of Tisch College’s “Election 2024” event series, titled “What Makes a Presidential Campaign Work and How to Get on the Campaign Bus,” was held in Barnum Hall last Tuesday.Panelists included experienced political strategists hailing from both the Republican and Democratic parties, including former White House legislative director Louisa Terrell, who is currently serving as a Visiting Fellow at the Tisch College of Civic Life. A Tufts alumna, Terrell works as a senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. 

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University

Five Tufts men’s lacrosse players hospitalized after workout led by Tufts alumnus

By Nicholas Prather | September 21

Five Tufts men’s lacrosse players remain hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis — commonly known as “rhabdo” — after participating in a 45-minute workout session on campus last Monday. A Tufts alumnus and graduate of the BUD/S, or Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, Navy SEAL training program led the exercise. Of the approximately 50 team members who participated, 12 were diagnosed with rhabdo following the workout.

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Local

Q&A: Louisa Terrell, former White House legislative director, talks politics, Harris campaign, favorite stories from Capitol Hill

By Estelle Anderson | September 19

In an interview with the Daily, Terrell, a senior advisor to the Kamala Harris campaign and current Tisch College Visiting Fellow, highlighted the importance of building relationships across the aisle and how her experience as a Tufts student helped shape her career.

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Local

Somerville Central Library to maintain reduced schedule amid fears of teen violence

By Marlee Stout | September 19

Somerville Public Library staff announced on Aug. 27 that, starting Sept. 3, the library’s Central branch would close in the hours surrounding the dismissal time of nearby Somerville High School. The move comes as a result of unsuccessful talks between library leadership and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne’s office after years of violent behavior from teenagers.

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University

In first pro-Palestine rally of the school year, protesters continue calls for divestment

By Estelle Anderson | September 19

Over 70 protesters marched to the house of University President Sunil Kumar during a pro-Palestine rally on Sept. 12, the first to take place on Tufts’ campus this semester. Nearly one year after Oct. 7, protesters continued their demands for Tufts to divest from Israeli companies and denounce Israel, which has killed an estimated 40,000 Palestinians and causeda humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. 

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Local

Somerville holds ceremony to remember 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

By Toby Winick | September 19

Somerville residents of all ages joined members of the city’s police and fire departments at the 9/11 Memorial in Davis Square as the city commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne joined Director of Veterans’ Services Jerome Thomas, Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven and City Councilor-at-Large Kristen Strezo to honor both victims and first responders.

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News

TCU Senate nominates Trustee reps, sets club rules in weekly meeting

By Spenser Walsh | September 17

The Tufts Community Union Senate discussed updates to club funding and proposals for committee projects, then began interviewing applicants for trustee representatives during its meeting on Sept. 15.

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Local

Somerville honors lives lost, looks forward during National Recovery Month

By Grayton Goldsmith | September 13

Throughout the month of September, those passing by Somerville City Hall may notice the 14 purple flags flanking its front lawn. Each flag honors a Somerville resident lost to substance use disorder in 2023. Last year, 22 flags were placed, representing the 22 overdose deaths that occurred in Somerville in 2022. The city’s end goal is to have zero flags outside the city hall one day.September is National Recovery Month, and Somerville is regularly hosting naloxone distribution events and training sessions throughout the month. Naloxone, more commonly known by its brand name Narcan, is an easy-to-use nasal spray that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

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University

BREAKING: New residence hall on Boston Avenue to open in fall 2027

By Estelle Anderson | September 12

Tufts has begun the development process for the largest residence hall in university history, the university announced Thursday evening. The building, which is scheduled for completion by fall 2027, will be located at 401 Boston Avenue and will exclusively house juniors and seniors.

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University

TCU Senate convenes for first meeting of academic year

By Spenser Walsh | September 11

The Tufts Community Union Senate convened for its first session of the 2024–25 school year on Sept. 8, discussing plans for new projects, the effects of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ban and treasury policy, among other topics.

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