The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Sports

Wellesley Public Schools Athletic Director John Brown retiring in fall of ’26

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John Brown, who has served as athletic director for Wellesley Public Schools for the past 20 years, has announced plans to retire, staying through October.

Brown over the years has celebrated the high participation rate of students in Wellesley athletic programs, which have racked up 47 state titles during his tenure (see the banners before and since Brown joined WHS).

In November, Brown was recognized with the 2025 MIAA William N. Gaine Jr. Sportsmanship Award, presented annually to an individual who sets an example for promoting sportsmanship in Massachusetts interscholastic athletics.

Brown came to Wellesley from Natick High, where he was the baseball coach, and had earlier been a talented player.

In his retirement announcement, Brown thanked many people, including those who hired him and have kept him on. And of course he singled out his office partner Mary Anne McDonald.

He also recognized his family for putting up with Brown’s often hectic schedule.

“They understood that holidays, vacations and birthdays needed to be celebrated around Wellesley games and events so that I never missed anything,” he wrote.

“How often can someone say that their hobby and their passion is their job. I would not have traded this for
anything. I was able to make my living in sports in a great community,” Brown wrote.

wellesley high basketball john brown
John Brown making an announcement at a Wellesley basketball game

Wellesley Athlete of the Week profiles (sponsored by Deland, Gibson Insurance)

Football coach stepping down after 14 years at Wellesley High

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Olive Tree Medical, Wellesley

Wellesley 2026 Election Guide—Vote Tuesday, March 3rd

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Wellesley Town HallWellesley votes during the annual town-wide election on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026.

Below is information about the election.

Swellesley Q&As with the candidates for contested races

Meet the Wellesley Select Board candidates (in ballot order)

Meet the Wellesley School Committee candidates (in ballot order)

Plus:

Candidates discuss green initiatives at Sustainable Wellesley event.

League of Women Voters of Wellesley, Meet the Candidates night.

Charles River Chamber, Wellesley Select Board Candidates’ Debate

Other candidates for town office, in ballot order

MODERATOR—vote for ONE for a one-year term

  • Mark G. Kaplan

BOARD OF ASSESSORS—vote for ONE for a three-year term

  • Stephen R. Burtt

BOARD OF HEALTH—vote for ONE for a three-year term

  • Susan E. Ecklund

WELLESLEY HOUSING AUTHORITY—vote for ONE for a four-year term

  • Odessa M.B. Sanchez

WELLESLEY HOUSING AUTHORITY—vote for ONE for a two-year term

  • Janice G. Coduri

LIBRARY TRUSTEES—vote for not more than TWO for three-year terms

  • Maria Gallo Ashbrook
  • Aunoy Banerjee

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION—vote for not more than TWO for a three-year term

  • Joseph Schott
  • Melinda Arias-Voci

PLANNING BOARD—vote for ONE for a five-year term

  • Edward Chazen

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS—vote for ONE for a three-year term

  • Jeffery P. Wechsler

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS—vote for ONE for a two-year term

  • Michael J. McManus

RECREATION COMMISSION—vote for ONE for a three-year term

  • Ansley Martin, Jr.

How to vote in person on Election Day 2026

Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Polls will be open 7am-8pm.

Use the Precinct map to find your voting location.  Some precincts vote at the same location.

  • Precincts A & C: Upham Elementary School, 35 Wynnewood Road—NEW LOCATION
  • Precinct B: Sprague Elementary School, 401 School Street
  • Precincts D & E: Warren Building, 90 Washington Street
  • Precincts F & G: Shipley Center, Dana Hall School, 142 Grove Street
  • Precinct H: Tolles Parsons Center, Council on Aging, 500 Washington Street

Specimen ballots for each precinct can be found here.

Voting by Mail

If you requested a Vote by Mail ballot for this election, ballots must be received at Wellesley Town Hall (525 Washington Street) by 8pm on Election Day. So be aware that at this point, it is too late to send in your Vote by Mail ballot via the United States Postal Service.

Vote by Mail ballots may be dropped in the ballot and payment drop box outside Town Hall, or delivered to the Town Clerk’s office by 8pm on Election Day. Do not drop off Vote by Mail ballots at polling locations.

If you received a Vote by Mail ballot but are not able to return it by Election Day,  you may vote in-person on March 3.  Only the first ballot submitted by any voter will be counted.

Note: The last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot was Feb. 24.

About half of Wellesley voters have submitted ballots by mail in each of the past few years.

For all local election questions, contact the Town Clerk’s office. 

Candidates for Town Meeting 2026

Out of Wellesley’s eight precincts, five of them are contested races. Precinct F is the most competitive, with 15 candidates vying for 10 spots.

Candidates running uncontested for Town Meeting include those in Precincts A (11 candidates for 11 spots); C (11 candidates for 12 spots);  and G (10 candidates for 10 spots).

See the list of all Town Meeting candidates here.

After the dust settles

Wellesley’s 2026 Annual Town Meeting will take place in March and April, beginning on Monday, March 30, 2026, 7pm. in the Wellesley High School auditorium at 50 Rice Street. Meetings are expected to continue on March 31, April  6 and 7, and April 13 and 14 (if needed). The public is welcome to attend Town Meeting.

Read the 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant

Please elect to support The Swellesley Report by contributing or by becoming an advertising partner.

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Marc Charney, Select Board candidate

Wellesley sports: High school girls’ alpine skiing impresses at states; Pekowitz sisters compete at curling nationals

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The Wellesley, Mass., sports news:

Wellesley High school girls’ alpine skiing team impresses at states

Congratulations to the Wellesley High School girls’ alpine ski team, runner up at the the MIAA state ski championships on Feb. 25 at Wachusett Mountain to Medway High. The Wellesley team was coming off the Mass Bay Ski League East championship for the regular season.

alpine skiing Lucy Matheson, Leah Matheson ( Trophy) and Charlotte Kelley
Wellesley High alpine skiers Lucy Matheson, Leah Matheson and Charlotte Kelley at MIAA state championships (courtesy photo)

Charlotte Kelley shined in the giant slalom, taking second place, and the slalom, where she finished seventh.

The team has more than 50 members, who started out the season with training on dry land twice a week and in the snow two days a week, according to coach Cory Tusler, celebrating 20 seasons as a skiing coach.

The team started its races at the start of January, with 12 races for varsity and six for JV.

“It goes fast, we race 200-250 skiers per night,” Tusler said, touting the 4-5 feet of “Mother Nature’s best” snow this season.

Tusler shared special thanks to assistant coaches Liam Gray and David Driver, who skied for Tusler 18 years ago. “I couldn’t do it without them. And a big thanks to John Brown for always being at the Championship Races! No matter how cold it gets. ”

Pekowitz sisters compete at curling nationals

usa curling

Wellesley sisters Julia Pekowitz (Wellesley High School ’23, Wellesley College ’27) and Alexa Pekowitz (Wellesley College ’25, University of Minnesota Twin Cities ’29) competed this past week at the USA Curling Women’s Nationals in Charlotte.

Team Pekowitz played plenty of competitive matches during the event, at which it went 3-4. In addition to the Pekowitz sisters, the team included Lila Farwell from Colorado and Kalina Petrova from New Jersey.

The team will also be competing at U21 Nationals in Bismarck,  North Dakota at the end of March.

We welcome sports updates, photos at theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

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London Harness, Wellesley
Paul Macrina Electrical
Housing

Revised RIO zoning reform proposal to make way to Wellesley Town Meeting

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The Wellesley Planning Board this week voted 3-1 to approve revised motion language for an Annual Town Meeting article that aims to modify the Residential Incentive Overlay (RIO) zoning bylaw that has been such a hot housing-related topic in recent years (see Wellesley Media recording of the Feb. 23 meeting at about the 2-hour, 15-minute mark for this discussion and vote).

The motion, which proposes eliminating single residence districts from the RIO bylaw, is set to be presented under Article 32 at Town Meeting, slated to begin on March 30.

The Select Board earlier this month heard and discussed recommendations from the Planning Board’s RIO Task Force, a group formed in the wake of last spring’s Annual Town Meeting. That segment of the Feb. 10 Select Board meeting (see Wellesley Media recording) grew tense at times, as the Board pushed back on a recommendation regarding the proposed addition of a development agreement requirement to the project approval section of the RIO bylaw.

The RIO Task Force reconvened on Feb. 23 as part of a public hearing and joint meeting with the Planning Board to reconsider its Article 32 motion language, with the development agreement piece clearly off the table at this point.

Doing something about RIO

Opposition to proposed uses of the RIO bylaw, which went on the books in 1998, came to a head in October, 2024, when a pair of proposed multifamily housing developments got shot down at Special Town Meeting. RIOs were also front and center at Annual Town Meeting last April because of a citizen petition that sought to return the RIO bylaw to its original state. As the proponent explained during presentations, the focus of RIOs would again be on allowing multi-unit residential development in commercial areas but not in single residence and general residence districts.

The RIO Task Force was then formed, and has held or been involved in more than a dozen meetings since its first in June.

The Task Force on Feb. 23 over the span of about two hours mulled how to approach the motion language for Article 32 after receiving the Select Board’s feedback. The Task Force members considered removing all zones from the RIO bylaw, essentially making the already infrequently used bylaw no longer an option. They also considered limiting their recommendation to removing only single residence and a few other districts from the bylaw. And finally, they weighed whether to just scrap the whole thing, and go back to work on a proposal that might stand a better chance of passing Select Board and Town Meeting approvals.

Among those supporting the approach of not moving forward with an article at Town Meeting at this time was Peter Welburn, the resident whose citizen petition at Annual Town Meeting last year recommended returning the RIO bylaw to its original state. Welburn said he felt more time was needed to discuss issues with the Select Board, the Planning Board, other stakeholders, and amongst themselves. He said the Task Force might be better off getting something ready for a Special Town Meeting in the fall.

Task Force member Paul Criswell said he’s supportive of doing away with RIOs in single family residence zones. He could come around to getting ridding of RIOs, but would want to know more first about alternatives, such as single-site zoning options.

Task Force member and Precinct D (Lower Falls) representative Kara Reinhardt Block, who was active in discussions about the proposed RIO projects that met their fate at Special Town Meeting in 2024, shared a few number-filled slides during the Feb. 23 meeting to help illustrate her thoughts regarding the Article 32 decision. She’s a proponent of getting rid of the RIO bylaw altogether. She showed that just removing RIO from single residence districts might open Precinct D, with its ample commercially-zoned property abutting single-family homes, to a disproportionate amount of RIO development (especially with many commercial properties changing hands). “There’s a profound inequity in that,” she said, citing the municipal infrastructure and other impacts of new development.

Most members supported either removing all districts or at least single residence districts from the bylaw.

Overall, Task Force members said they’ve learned a lot through the process, which has brought together a group of people with many different views on the subject.

When the Planning Board reconvened, it voted 3-1 on Article 32 motion language that would eliminate single residence zones from the RIO bylaw. Patty Mallett said she wanted to keep the RIO itself around for now, just in case a developer of senior housing might want to use it, so voted in favor of just eliminating the single residence zone from it. Tom Taylor said he saw that option as a straightforward one that would improve the bylaw, so voted that way, too.  Outgoing Planning Board member Kathleen Woodward too supported just eliminating single residence from the bylaw, to relieve some resident stress, but keeping the bylaw on the books as an available tool. Planning Chair Marc Charney wasn’t necessarily opposed to that approach, but voted “no,” to express his preference for removing all zones from the RIO bylaw. That, he said, would keep the bylaw on the books but neuter it. Charney said he just doesn’t see the RIO bylaw getting used as it is in part because there has been so much negative discussion surrounding RIOs in recent years.

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Longfellow, Wellesley

2026 application deadlines coming up for Wellesley-eligible scholarships

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You don’t need us to tell you that an education beyond high school is expensive. Here are a few organizations that are looking to defray the costs for eligible students.

The below 2026 scholarship-granting organizations are ready for applicants. Please note that not all scholarship applications support graduating seniors—a couple of project-based grants for younger students are included.

Lots of organizations don’t have their updated information ready yet. We will refresh this story frequently as groups send us their current information.

Don’t see your group’s scholarship information listed here? Contact theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for inclusion.

Want to sponsor this story? Well, that would be swell. Contact theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for information

Hannah B. Randolph Scholarship Application—due by Feb. 27, 2026

This time of year, WHS reaches out to the 9th grade students, asking them to apply for the Hannah Randolph Scholarship. In addition, students, parents, guardians, and school staff members may nominate a 9th grade student, other than oneself or one’s own child.

In February, 2012, Hannah Randolph was a 9th grader in Wellesley High School. During winter break she died unexpectedly in a skiing accident. She is remembered for her dedication and hard work in her pursuit and love of music, athletics, and academics. Her ultimate objective was not necessarily to win, but rather to be the best she was capable of, while supporting her peers, whether they be friends or people she had just come to know.

The Hannah Randolph scholarship is a grant to support a Class of 2029 student for an activity or project selected by the recipient and approved by the Fund’s Board. The scholarships could potentially be used for clinics, camp, or summer programs in the areas of sports, academics, or music. An award could also be used as a stipend for a student choosing to serve as a community service volunteer, either locally or outside of Wellesley.

The due date to submit an application is February 27.  Please email or drop off your application to JanetKwon at kwonj@wellesleyps.org in the WHS Main Office.

Review these documents to either apply yourself or to nominate a 9th grader:
Application for Scholarship Candidates – 2026
Nomination for Scholarship Candidates – 2026
Tips Toward a Successful Application for a Hannah Fund Scholarship

WHJWC application deadline: March 1, 2026

The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) has been awarding scholarships to Wellesley students since 1972! Over the years we have given more than 1.5 million dollars to students to assist in the pursuit of their college dreams..

In 2025, the Club awarded $120,000 in scholarships and awards to 28 Wellesley students. Scholarships were given to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students in amounts ranging from $1,000 – $9,000.

Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in community service. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from Wellesley High School, Wellesley residents graduating from high school in or outside of Wellesley or Wellesley residents currently attending undergraduate institutions on a full-time basis.

Learn more about how to apply for a WHJWC scholarship.

Wellesley Scholarship Foundation application deadline—March 1, 2026

Wellesley Scholarship Foundation has been assisting with the high cost of post college education since 1951. Last year, Wellesley Scholarship Foundation awarded over $150,000 in grants to high seniors at Wellesley High School. An additional $240,000 was awarded to Wellesley High School graduates and/or residents of Wellesley as they continued their undergraduate or post-high school technical certification programs.

Two different types of scholarships are awarded each year:

  • Need-Based Scholarships: Any Wellesley High School graduate (regardless of residence) and any Wellesley resident (regardless of school) are eligible to apply for our need-based scholarships. If demonstrated financial need exists, students are eligible to receive award funding for up to four years of college or post-college technical education but MUST reapply annually and maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Applicants must be high school seniors that are Wellesley residents (one male/one female) that have demonstrated a superior level of distinction in scholarship, citizenship and character, as well as strong extracurricular interests and activities. These two merit awards are renewable annually for four years provided the recipient maintains acceptable academic performance (certified with yearly college transcript) and maintains their Wellesley residency.

Learn more about how to apply for each of these scholarships at Wellesley Scholarship Foundation.

GFWC scholarships—deadline: March 1, 2026

GFWC offers more than a dozen scholarship for Massachusetts residents. The women’s volunteer service organization is seeking applicants going into fields such as business, education, international study abroad, Italian heritage, music, public health, and more. Scholarship awards range from $500 – $3,000

TBB Scholarships app. deadline: March 2, 2026

Scholarships from TBB Scholarships, Inc. are available to young women who are seniors in high school and reside and/or go to school in Brookline, Newton, or Wellesley, Massachusetts. TBB awards scholarships to four or five new applicants per year, and financial support and mentoring normally continues through four years. Scholarships are based on both merit and financial need. Scholarships are typically $4,500 for first year students. Renewable for four years up to $7,500/year.

Questions can be addressed to: Scholarship Committee Chair, TBBScholarships@gmail.com

Professional Women in Construction (PWC) app deadline: March 13, 2026

Scholarship award program for undergraduate and graduate students planning to study/work in the construction-related industry: Construction, Construction Management, Interior Design, Architecture, Landscape Design, Construction trades, or Civil, Mechanical, Structural, and Electrical Engineering. Gender is not a factor in the scholarship award decision.

Note: Although the PWC chapter offering the scholarship is based in Connecticut, applicants do not need to reside in CT. Students who attend schools in New England and NY will be given preference, but their current residence does not need to be New England or NY.

The Mark Bavis Leadership Foundation scholarship—deadline: March 15, 2026

The Mark Bavis Leadership Foundation scholarship was created to help deserving young men and women excel in their quest to improve themselves, their school or their community.

The scholarship is available to any high school student in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is awarded on the basis of need, and is not academically based. In addition, the Foundation will give more serious consideration to those students who have made efforts to make a difference in their communities and/or have shown leadership qualities within their school or community.

Journalism Education Foundation of New England—deadline: March 27, 2026

Up to $2,000 scholarships are available to high school seniors and college students pursuing a career in journalism. Must be residents of a New England state. Application here.

Wellesley Service League app. deadline: March 20, 2026

The Wellesley Service League introduced the annual Centennial Youth Service Award in 1981, as the town celebrated its 100th birthday. This award is given by the League to recognize outstanding volunteer service among our youth and to encourage the spirit of volunteerism in our community. Wellesley Service League will name one recipient of a $3,000 award this year.

To be eligible, applicants must have demonstrated exceptional dedication and selflessness in a volunteer capacity AND be completing their senior year of high school as a Wellesley resident or as a student at Wellesley High School. Ideally, the volunteer service will have been performed in the local community. Children of active League members or the WSL Executive Board are not eligible.

Application here.

Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts application deadline: April 1, 2026

The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. offers scholarships for undergraduate students (including high school seniors who will be freshmen in the fall), and graduate students who will be attending accredited colleges and universities.

​Applications are due April 1, 2026

​Scholarships are available for students majoring in: Horticulture; Floriculture; Landscape design or architecture; Conservation; Forestry, agronomy; City planning; Environmental studies; Land management; Botany; Biology; and allied subjects

Charles River Regional Chamber app. deadline: April 9, 2026

Charles River Chamber Scholarship are now available. The application deadline is April 9, 2026

The Charles River Regional Chamber is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities to up to four students from Needham, Newton, Watertown, and Wellesley who plan to enroll full- time in an accredited post-secondary program, trade school, community college, college, or university in the 2026–27 academic year.

The scholarship award, approximately $2,000, will be sent directly to each recipient’s institution after the student successfully completes their first semester. The Chamber encourages all eligible students to apply, including those who may not have a high GPA. While transcripts are required, grades are not the deciding factor in the selection process. A volunteer panel of local leaders reviews applications holistically, considering financial need, personal statements, community or work involvement, recommendation letters, and each applicant’s overall potential and determination.

This scholarship supports a wide range of educational pathways, recognizing that students pursue many different routes toward meaningful careers, including trade programs, community colleges, and four-year institutions.

Applications must be submitted by Thursday, April 9 at 5pm. For full criteria and to apply, visit: www.charlesriverchamber.com/scholarship

Wellesley Educators Association applications—due May 1, 2026

Future Educators Scholarship (For WHS Seniors Only)

Samuel M. Graves Scholarship (For WHS Seniors Only)

Peebles Scholarship (For Children of WEA Members)

Jennifer Rainey Memorial  Scholarship—all ELL/FELL students considered
This scholarship does not have an application.

Gina Condon Memorial  Scholarship
The Wellesley Educators Association Gina Condon Memorial Scholarship benefits one Wellesley High School student who pushes themselves to meet high academic standards, treats others with respect and kindness, and stands up for what they feel is right. This scholarship does not have an application.

Metrowest Educational Foundation scholarships—application deadlines May 1, 2026

Each year the MetroWest Educational Foundation awards both STEM and Arcadius, Emma & Robert Lemieux scholarships to students in the  MetroWest Chamber’s member towns.  In 2020, the Chamber added the following scholarship categories:  the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Scholarship, the Inclusion Scholarship, and the Arthur ‘Ted’ Welte Community Service Scholarship. Scholarship links can be found here.

The applicants must be residents of one of the following towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Dover, Framingham, Franklin,Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Milford, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston or Westborough.

The Friends of Natick Drama Workshop— application deadline, May 1, 2026

The Friends of Natick Drama Workshop offers scholarships to high school seniors applying in the spring of their senior year. Seniors at all area high schools are eligible to apply provided they have taken part in at least two Natick Drama Workshop productions while in middle school and are planning to attend college or other formal training that fall. Scholarship amounts depend on funding, the number of applicants, and the extent of their participation in Natick Drama Workshop. Scholarship amounts may change from year to year. Applications must be completed fully and received by May 1, 2026 to be considered.

Applications can be completed online or emailed to board@natickdramaworkschop.org

The below scholarship application deadlines have passed:

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Wellesley Select Board candidates discuss housing, business & more at Chamber debate

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The Charles River Regional Chamber on Friday morning hosted an online Wellesley Select Board candidate forum just ahead of the town election on Tuesday, March 3. A few dozen people attended the event live; we’ve embedded a recording below.

Candidates Marc Charney, Beth Sullivan Woods, and Tom Ulfelder shared thoughts on everything from the MassBay development plan to commercial tax rates and from economic development and to housing realities.

The debate format was designed to generate more back-and-forth than earlier candidate forums from Sustainable Wellesley and the League of Women Voters of Wellesley.

About half of Wellesley voters typically send in their ballots by mail, so for those you who haven’t done that yet or who plan to vote in person, this forum gives you one last look at the candidates.

Meet the Select Board candidates

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Sexton Test Prep, Wellesley
Jim Regan Services
Human Powered Health, Wellesley

Friday is Letters to the Editor day on The Swellesley Report

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The Swellesley Report accepts letters to the editor. Letters must be of general local community interest and must be signed. Community shout-outs are also accepted and encouraged. For example, a non-profit may thank an organization for a donation received.

In a letter this week, Friends of Brookside says, “Let’s not accept a “check-the-box” narrative for MassBay property.”

See more letters here.

How to submit your letter to the editor

The deadline is Wednesday at noon for letters to appear that week, or a week further out. Send letters to the editor to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Submitting a letter to the editor does not guarantee that your letter will be posted on The Swellesley Report.

Letters must be written for The Swellesley Report only—we do not accept form-type letters sent to multiple news agencies.

Please review detailed guidelines for letters to the editor here.

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

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Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, 2026

Boston police arrest Wellesley residents in connection with home invasion, shooting

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The Boston Police Department this week said it has arrested two Wellesley residents in connection with a shooting in Dorchester during an alleged home invasion. The department worked with Wellesley and other law enforcement teams on the investigation, stemming from an incident in late January, to make the arrest on Feb. 26 at The Nines apartment complex in Wellesley. More details from the Boston Police.

(Hat tip to Universal Hub on uncovering this news.)

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