Joseph Sharkey Media

Breaking News Photographer

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Currently multiple buildings are burning at the former Fernald School property in Waltham. Heavy fire showing. Companies operating at a 3-alarm fire.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Medford, MA – Five juveniles were taken into custody Tuesday morning after a stolen vehicle incident that began in Medford and ended in Malden.
Police say an officer discharged their firearm after the vehicle drove toward them.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Around 7 PM, Waltham crews and Brandeis University Police responded to a two-car crash on South St. near Brandeis. Both vehicles were heavily damaged. One person was transported to Lahey Hospital. Cause under investigation.

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Waltham, MA - A black bear was spotted in a neighborhood off Trapelo Rd. Video captured by Joseph Sharkey Media shows the bear walking near Trapelo rd. Residents are urged to secure trash and avoid approaching wildlife. 🐻

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Emergency crews responded to 1019 Lexington St. at approximately 3:00 p.m. Monday after a vehicle struck a building. No injuries or structural damage were reported.

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@WalthamMA Huh

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Newton, MA -A 45-year-old woman has died following a serious two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon near Walnut Street and Judith Road.

Authorities say the woman struck a tree after the initial collision and later died from her injuries. The second driver was not seriously injured.

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Waltham, MA - Heavy fire broke out at a home on Circle Drive around 12:30 a.m., prompting a 2nd alarm response from the Waltham Fire Department.

As firefighters battled the blaze, what appears to be the resident can be seen on the left side of the video being escorted by officers toward a waiting ambulance while crews continued working to bring the fire under control.

One person was reportedly evaluated by EMS for possible smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Waltham, MA - Firefighters responded to a 2nd alarm house fire at 109 Circle Drive around 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from a 1.5-story single-family home, with flames visible from the garage and roof area. A second alarm was struck shortly after arrival, bringing additional firefighters and apparatus to the scene.
Firefighters stretched multiple hose lines and worked to bring the fire under control while police secured the area.
According to initial reports, one person was evaluated by EMS for possible smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Waltham High School student Derek Dowcett spoke passionately in support of the Music Unlimited show choir during Wednesday night’s School Committee meeting, describing the program as more than just a performance group for students.

“Music Unlimited isn’t just a competitive show choir — it’s a home to so many members of the Waltham High School community,” Dowcett said. “What’s unique about our group compared to others is that it is completely free to its members, bringing together students from many different financial situations, beliefs, races, and sexual orientations.”

Dowcett explained that the program offers far more than competition, giving students an opportunity to grow artistically while building a strong sense of community.

“Music Unlimited has not only given its members arguably the finest education in performance, music, and choreography that our school has to offer, but it has given us a place where this diversity can flourish and be used to create something truly beautiful on stage,” he said.

Dowcett also credited the program’s directors, Tom and Alyssa Cincotta, for helping build the group into a major part of Waltham High School’s arts community.

He concluded by saying the show choir has become a home for many students, and that the community’s support has been critical in helping preserve the program moving forward.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Waltham, MA – Friends, family members, and members of the Waltham hockey community gathered Friday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Rink to take part in the “3.21 Skate Tournament,” part of the annual “Let’s Have A Day” event honoring the memory of Waltham hockey player Dougie Usseglio.

The exhibition-style tournament brought together two teams of players wearing red and black jerseys in a spirited and emotional game that ultimately ended with a final score of 8–3. While the game was competitive, the atmosphere inside the rink remained overwhelmingly positive, with laughter, smiles, and support from the large crowd of family members, friends, and former teammates filling the stands.

During the game, players paused for a moment of silence at approximately 4:34 p.m., the time family members say they received the call ten years ago.

Usseglio, a former Waltham High School hockey player, died in 2016 at the age of 22 after suffering a fatal fall while attending Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. In the years since his passing, family members and friends have continued honoring his memory through community events and initiatives supporting youth hockey programs.

Throughout the afternoon, the ice was filled not only with hockey but with moments of reflection and connection. Players embraced one another, families watched from the boards with young children, and teammates proudly held up a Waltham jersey bearing the number 21 in honor of Usseglio.

The event was part of a full day of remembrance that included an open skate, the 3.21 tournament, and additional gatherings for friends and family later in the evening.

The memorial skate served as a reminder of the lasting impact Dougie had on those around him, bringing the community together through the sport he loved while celebrating his life in a day centered on friendship, remembrance, and hockey.

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Waltham, MA - Students, parents, alumni, and community members spoke during public comment at Wednesday night’s Waltham School Committee meeting in support of the Waltham High School Music Unlimited show choir program.

Many speakers addressed the committee after concerns that potential schedule changes at Waltham High School could impact the program and reduce rehearsal time. Some students said they were worried the program could potentially be moved to an after-school competitive club rather than remaining part of the school’s academic offerings.

Several students shared personal stories about the impact Music Unlimited has had on their lives, describing the program as a place that builds confidence, community, and leadership among students.

Students who spoke during the meeting included Ariana Raad, Gabrielle Fox, Owen White, Charlotte McCrary, Anya Hersh, Derek Dowcett, Ashley Dowcett, Anthony Pullano, Alice Svinolobova, Jacob Katz, Sierra Nicholas, Sierra Longstaff, Morgan Brennan, Raffi Sarkissian, Sofia Laviano, and others.

Many speakers described the program as an important outlet for students, particularly those who once struggled with confidence or speaking in front of others.

Gabrielle Fox, a member of Music Unlimited, said she spoke at the meeting because the program plays a major role in students’ lives.

“I really value my dedication and work to this show choir and the people who work just as hard as I do,” Fox said. “It made me upset hearing that they could potentially be making it an after-school competitive club, but it wouldn’t be functionally possible. It is community, it is determination, and it is a place for all trying to find their sense of belonging.”

Another student, Ashley Dowcett, also spoke in support of the program and said Music Unlimited has been an important part of her high school experience.

“I am very passionate about the group,” Dowcett said. “I felt that it was unfair for our group to be at risk of becoming less than it is due to policies changing that would hurt our rehearsal time. I am really grateful to work with such an amazing, supportive, and kind group of people.”

Several students also explained that before joining Music Unlimited they were shy, antisocial, or uncomfortable speaking publicly, but the program helped them build confidence, friendships, and the courage to perform and speak in front of others.

Parents and alumni also addressed the committee, speaking about the impact the program has had on students over the years and urging officials to consider the importance of arts programs within the school community.

During the meeting, School Committee members said the proposed schedule changes are part of a broader effort to address declining test scores and academic performance at Waltham High School. Recent state MCAS data shows that academic performance at the high school has declined in several subjects in recent years, including English language arts, mathematics, and science. Officials said the district is reviewing scheduling and academic structure in an effort to improve student outcomes and strengthen overall academic performance.

Students and supporters argued that programs like Music Unlimited help keep students engaged in school, build confidence, and create a strong sense of community.

The large number of students, parents, and alumni who spoke during public comment highlighted the strong impact the Music Unlimited program has had on the Waltham High School community.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Waltham, MA - Construction fencing has been installed around Landry Park as a long-anticipated improvement project officially gets underway.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is overseeing upgrades aimed at modernizing the park and enhancing the overall experience for residents. Originally built in 1978, the park has served the community for decades, and this marks one of the first significant renovation efforts in recent years.

Planned improvements include new benches and seating areas, updated signage, expanded green space enhancements, additional trees for shade, lawn restoration with native plantings, and improved stormwater management systems to reduce erosion and protect the surrounding landscape. The project is designed to create a more welcoming, functional, and visually appealing space for families, pedestrians, and visitors who frequent the Charles River area.

The addition of seating and landscape upgrades is expected to make the park more accessible and comfortable for everyday use, while also preserving the natural character of the space.

Construction fencing is now in place as work begins, and portions of the park may be temporarily closed during the improvement process.

Further updates are expected as the project progresses.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Waltham, MA - The Waltham High School girls hockey team saw its season come to a close Saturday afternoon in the MIAA Division 1 Round of 16, falling to Reading 3–2 in overtime.

The Hawks battled throughout regulation in a tightly contested matchup before Reading secured the game-winner in the extra session.

Waltham goals were scored by Ava Anderson and Sophia LaFauci. Goaltender Miyana Bahl recorded 26 saves in the effort.

Despite the loss, the Hawks finished the season with a strong late surge and thanked the senior class — Brenna Roche (5), Ava Anderson (7), Sophia LaFauci (9), Ryanne O’Connor (10), Juliana Fry (14), and Miyana Bahl (30) — for their contributions to the program.

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Waltham, MA - Around 1:19 p.m., Waltham Police, Fire, and Armstrong Ambulance responded to 209 Lexington Street at the car wash for a reported three vehicle crash with injuries.

Upon arrival, crews found three vehicles involved. Armstrong Ambulance transported one individual to a local hospital with injuries. The extent of those injuries has not been released.

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Waltham, MA - The Waltham High School varsity girls hockey team continued its strong run as the Hawks head into the MIAA state tournament with momentum.

After finishing the regular season at 11–8–1, Waltham won six of its last seven games, including five shutouts, showing confidence and consistency at the right time.

The Hawks are set to face Hingham in the opening round of the tournament as they look to carry their late-season surge into postseason play.

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Watertown, MA – Crews from Waltham Fire and mutual aid departments responded to a two alarm house fire Tuesday afternoon in nearby Watertown. Heavy fire broke out on the third floor and attic of a residence on Flint Road, sending thick black smoke into the sky.

Waltham firefighters assisted in battling the blaze under difficult conditions, as freezing temperatures and snow from the previous day’s storm made access to hydrants and operations more challenging. All residents were able to safely evacuate, and no injuries were reported.

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Waltham, MA - Blizzard conditions continue across Waltham as a powerful winter storm moves through eastern Massachusetts, bringing heavy snow and strong winds to the area. While main roadways have been cleared enough for limited travel, many side streets and residential roads remain snow covered and difficult to navigate. Blowing snow and drifting have reduced visibility at times and created slick, uneven road conditions.

Based on conditions observed throughout the city, Waltham has seen roughly a foot to a foot and a half of snow, with deeper accumulations and drifts in less traveled areas. As shown in the photos, vehicles have become disabled on untreated streets, and traction remains an issue in neighborhoods where plows are still working their way through.

Plow crews and emergency services continue to respond across the city, focusing on keeping main routes open while gradually clearing secondary roads. Drivers are urged to use caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and be aware that conditions can change quickly depending on snowfall rates and wind. Residents are encouraged to remain alert and give plow operators room to work as cleanup efforts continue.

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Boston, MA - As this historic nor’easter moves through Waltham and across Massachusetts, roads are treacherous and many communities are bracing for heavy snow and blizzard like conditions. To the first responders, police, fire, EMS, plow drivers, utility crews, highway workers, and every essential team out there working around the clock, we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.
Stay safe out there, we’re grateful for everything you do to keep our families and roads safe during the storm.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

2nd alarm fire at 303 Newton St. Wednesday around 5 PM. Crews knocked down a bathroom fire on the 3rd floor of a mixed-use building. No injuries reported.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Waltham, MA - Waltham Fire responded Wednesday around 5 p.m. to a fire at 303 Newton St. Crews found a bathroom fire on the 3rd floor of a 3-story brick building over storefronts.

A 2nd alarm was struck, bringing Tower 1 and an extra pump (Engine 2). Firefighters encountered moderate smoke conditions and quickly knocked down the fire. No injuries were reported.