The Waltham Channel

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

INCUMBENTS ROLL

Unofficial Waltham results in Tuesday’s state primary show Democratic incumbents (Ed Markey, Maura Healey, Katherine Clark, Marian Ryan, John Lawn) winning across the ballot.

In some races, Republican challengers who won their primaries will try to beat them in the November 3 general election.

09/01/2026

ROUGHLY 19% SO FAR

As of 4:30 p.m., roughly 19% of Waltham’s registered voters have cast ballots in Tuesday’s state primary election, according to City Clerk Joe Vizard.

The turnout in the last state primary in 2024 was 20%. Polls are open until 8:00 p.m.

08/31/2026

BLOCK PARTY

The City of Waltham and the Recreation Department hosted the first-ever Waltham Common Block Party on Saturday.

The weather was ideal as families enjoyed food trucks, entertainment and a laser light show at the end.

08/31/2026

In Loving Memory of “Mr. P”
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved father and the founder of Pizzi Farm Stand, Richard Pizzi — “Mr. P.”
As our family comes together to honor and celebrate his life, Pizzi Farm will be temporarily closed on Friday, September 4th, so that our family and staff can attend his funeral services.
"Mr P." poured his heart and soul into Pizzi Farm Stand and, more importantly, into creating a place where people could come together, make memories, and feel like part of our family. His impact on our business, our employees, our customers, and our community will never be forgotten.
Brasco Family Funeral Services will provide service details.
We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness shown to our family.
Thank you for helping us honor the life and legacy of Richard "Dick" Pizzi.
❤️ Rest easy, Mr. P. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

08/28/2026

“GET THIS BALL ROLLING”

New Waltham High School principal Bill Conard is “hoping to bring some consistency, some stability” after the last three principals did not stay long in the challenging job.

He is originally from Canton, where he still lives today with his family, and he holds a doctorate from DePaul University.

Dr. Conard has extensive high school experience. After leaving the Peace Corps, he was an English teacher and acting principal at a large high school in Chicago, then moved back and spent a total of 10 years as the principal of Randolph High School.

He sees the diversity at WHS as a “tremendous strength” and wants to work collaboratively with the school community not only to maximize student potential, but to help them become leaders.

Bill said he’s ready to tackle some challenges facing the school, including the high school schedule, but for now, he’s excited to meet educators, parents and students. Welcome to Waltham!

08/28/2026

Waltham voters head to the polls on Tuesday for the state primary election. We’ve got a look at some of the competitive and noteworthy races.

State Primary September 1 By Chris Wangler August 28, 2026 Waltham voters head to the polls on Tuesday, September 1 for a state primary election to narrow down fields for Democratic and Republican candidates in the November 3 general election. Some Democrats who represent Waltham at the State House....

08/26/2026

BLOCK PARTY SATURDAY

In years past, Mayor Jeannette McCarthy has organized a doo-wop at the end of the summer.

This year, the city’s recreation department is changing directions with the first-ever Waltham Common Block Party on Saturday, August 29.

08/21/2026

Waltham police and fire unions have joined dozens of other public safety unions in endorsing former cold case prosecutor David Solet for Middlesex District Attorney in the September 1 Democratic primary election.

Incumbent DA Marian Ryan, who has served since 2013, responded that she does not accept support from police unions after signing a pledge in 2020 following the death of George Floyd.

“I never wanted a family or a community to wonder when I was making decisions about police accountability and discipline if that support was a factor,” she said.

Middlesex DA Candidates Differ Over Police Endorsements, Crime By Chris Wangler August 21, 2026 An intriguing Democratic primary race is shaping up as incumbent Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan faces David Solet, the former head of a cold case unit in her office. First appointed in 2013 and r...

08/21/2026

TOP OF THE CLASS

Waltham firefighter John Shanley, who graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Friday with three other Waltham recruits, was recognized as the outstanding student in his class.

Shanley (far right in photo) earned the Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, reflecting his “academic and practical skills, testing and evaluations over the course of the 10-week program,” according to the Department of Fire Services (DFS).

Also among the 30 graduates were Waltham firefighters (left to right in photo) James Falzone, Michael Leonard and Sean Sullivan.

Waltham Fire notified us of their assignments:

James Falzone - Fire Suppression Group 3 - Moody Street
Michael Leonard - Fire Suppression Group 4 - Central Station
John Shanley - Fire Suppression Group 4 - Moody Street
Sean Sullivan - Fire Suppression Group 1 - Moody Street

“We celebrate your dedication and hard work on completing the Fire Academy training,” said Waltham Fire Chief Randy Mullin.

“Now you will go forward and continue to learn and serve in the proud tradition of the fire service. I wish you all the best and ask you to stay safe as you work to protect our community.”

Congrats to all!

DFS photo