Anika Parr

News

Boston immigration judge terminates Rümeysa Öztürk’s immigration proceedings due to lack of evidence

By Anika Parr and Josué Pérez | February 10

A Boston immigration judge terminated Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk’s removal proceedings, according to a filing made by Öztürk’s lawyers on Monday. Immigration Judge Roopal Patel found that the Department of Homeland Security had failed to bring forward sufficient grounds for Öztürk’s deportation.

The Somerville Police Department is pictured on Sept. 7, 2024.

Local

Somerville police department continues investigation of recent overdose spike in the city

By Anika Parr | February 6

The City of Somerville saw a recent spike in overdoses, prompting the Somerville Police Department to publish an overdose warning on Jan.19. Five overdoses occurred on the weekend prior to the warning, three of which were fatal.

Local

Copper Mill Development submits application for 25-story tower in Davis Square

By Anika Parr | January 30

Copper Mill Development submitted an application to the state of Massachusetts on Dec. 22 seeking approval to build a 25-story, primarily residential, tower in Davis Square. Many residents have raised concerns about the limited time allotted for public comment on the development. In response, the Davis Square Neighborhood Council voted on Monday to urge the city to ask Copper Mill to withdraw the proposal and resubmit only once a neighborhood plan has been made.

Local

Somerville and Medford residents protest Citizens Bank for links with privately-owned ICE detention centers

By Amelia Sammons and Anika Parr | January 28

Residents gathered at the Somerville and Medford branches of Citizens Bank on Saturday to protest the bank’s links to private prison companies that own and operate immigration detention centers under government contracts, including with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protests were part of three dozen similar demonstrations taking place across the Northeast, organized by the de-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition. According to the coalition, Citizens Bank continues to be a major lender to private prison companies CoreCivic and The GEO Group. They added that other banks, including JPMorgan and Barclays, have distanced themselves from the prison companies.

University

Federal immigration enforcement activity reported near Tufts, university says

By Amelia Sammons and Anika Parr | January 27

Federal immigration enforcement activity has recently been reported in areas surrounding Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus, according to an email sent to the Tufts community from the Office of Public Safety. The office and the municipalities of Somerville and Medford are coordinating efforts to monitor the situation.

Local

Jake Wilson begins term as mayor following monthslong transition team transparency efforts

By Anika Parr | January 15

Following his swearing-in as mayor of Somerville on Jan. 3, members of Jake Wilson’s transition team say that his administration will prioritize community input and collaboration following months of outreach and preparation.

University

Federal judge hears arguments on reinstatement of Rümeysa Öztürk’s SEVIS record

By Anika Parr | December 5

On Thursday, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts heard arguments on a motion for a preliminary injunction that seeks to require the government to reinstate Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record. U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper did not issue a ruling, but committed to making a prompt decision.

Local

Jake Wilson elected Somerville mayor, three ballot measures pass on Election Night

By Anika Parr and Alexandra Tse | November 12

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Jake Wilson was elected mayor of Somerville, earning 54.26% of the vote over Willie Burnley Jr. Voters also weighed in on three Somerville ballot questions — all of which passed — as well as a number of city council and school committee races.

Local

LIVE UPDATES: Unofficial Somerville election results in, Jake Wilson to be next mayor, Question 3 passes

By Anika Parr, Theo Weller and Alexandra Tse | November 4

Polls have closed across the City of Somerville as it holds its municipal election Tuesday. The mayoral, City Councilor At-Large, City Council Ward 7 and Ward 3 School Committee races will be decided.

Local

Somerville residents weigh in on election issues, key races

By Anika Parr and Alexandra Tse | November 4

The Daily spoke with Somerville residents about their reflections on the School Committee and City Council races ahead of election day. Issues that shaped this campaign season included affordable housing and development, public safety and homelessness, special education and disability programming, street safety and design, among others.

Boston immigration judge terminates Rümeysa Öztürk’s immigration proceedings due to lack of evidence

Somerville police department continues investigation of recent overdose spike in the city

Copper Mill Development submits application for 25-story tower in Davis Square

Somerville and Medford residents protest Citizens Bank for links with privately-owned ICE detention centers

Federal immigration enforcement activity reported near Tufts, university says

Jake Wilson begins term as mayor following monthslong transition team transparency efforts

Federal judge hears arguments on reinstatement of Rümeysa Öztürk’s SEVIS record

Jake Wilson elected Somerville mayor, three ballot measures pass on Election Night

LIVE UPDATES: Unofficial Somerville election results in, Jake Wilson to be next mayor, Question 3 passes

Somerville residents weigh in on election issues, key races

More articles »

BREAKING: Tufts alumnus Steve Tisch, namesake of several campus facilities, implicated in Epstein files

Analysis of Epstein files reveals frequent communication between Steve Tisch and Epstein

BREAKING: Tufts professor Fiorenzo Omenetto interacted with Jeffrey Epstein via email about research, offered to meet in-person, files show

BREAKING: Department of Education launches investigation into potential Tufts data privacy violation

Q&A: President Kumar discusses Beyond 175 plan