Politics - Marblehead Current

22 Jan

LETTER: Why I protest

Leigh BlanderLETTERS, Politics

To the editor: I came of age in 1967-1968 in a working-class world shaped by the draft and the Vietnam War. In my community, Vietnam wasn’t a headline — it was a phone call you dreaded and a name you might see in the paper. And for young women, the consequences of being labeled “fast” were real: reputations, opportunities, futures. I also remember a time when women had far fewer choices and protections than we do now. I remember “homes for unwed mothers,” and the…

20 Jan

Marblehead demonstrators call for fairness, due process

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

About 75 people, bundled against frigid winds, rallied Tuesday afternoon at Tent’s Corner across from Marblehead High School to protest President Donald Trump’s policies. The local demonstration was part of a national Free America event. In Marblehead, participants waved small American flags and held signs reading “Resist Fascism,” “Protect Immigrants’ Rights” and “Make America Ethical Again.” Demonstrators stand in snow banks to protest President Donald Trump's policies. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER Jane Casler (left) and Margo Shea carry signs at Tuesday's standout at Tent's…

07 Jan

MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS: Slip sliding into 2026

Leigh BlanderColumns, Municipal Matters, Opinion, Politics, Public safety, Recreation, Viewpoints

As the town slides into 2026, many of the issues facing the town government in 2025 have slipped into 2026 with a lot of talk but no action, no resolution. These issues include 3A; our fiscal crisis; school district dysfunction, performance and student exodus; social hosting; personal transport vehicles; alleged antisemitism in the schools; the future of the Coffin school property; and the Reynolds playground rink. We need to put many of our existing issues behind us. There will be others that arise. Tedesco Country…

24 Nov

News in brief: Nov. 24

Saoirse StallingsEnvironment, Local News, Politics, Public safety

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. Moulton unveils legislation to prevent war with Venezuela On Nov. 21, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., joined by Reps. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass.; Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.; Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.; and Eugene Vindman, D-Va., announced new legislation called the No Unauthorized Force in Venezuela Act during a press conference on the House steps in Washington, D.C. The bill prohibits the executive branch from spending federal funds on any military action inside Venezuela or against…

28 Oct

Moulton’s longtime aide hits campaign trail for 6th District seat

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

Rick Jakious of Swampscott, longtime chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, has announced a run for Moulton’s seat representing the Massachusetts 6th District. Moulton announced earlier this month that he is running for U.S. Senate. Jakious’ wife, Rachel Smullin, is a teacher at the Veterans School in Marblehead. Jakious said he will kick off his campaign with a “39 in 30” barnstorming tour, visiting all 39 cities and towns in the 6th District within 30 days. He said the goal is to meet…

18 Oct

‘No Kings’ rally draws hundreds in Marblehead

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

About 800 people came out for a “No Kings” rally in Marblehead Saturday afternoon — many carrying signs and others dressing up in costumes. “We all have to work together to get rid of this tyrant,” said Andrea Utne, referring to President Donald Trump. Utne was dressed in an inflatable lobster costume, in a nod to the frog outfits at Portland, Oregon, protests. Eleanor McMahon and friend Alison Juves, both of Marblehead, held signs together and waved at honking cars passing by. “The (political) pendulum…

15 Oct

BREAKING NEWS: Congressman Seth Moulton running for U.S. Senate

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

Congressman Seth Moulton, a Democrat who grew up in Marblehead and lives in Salem, has announced that he is running against incumbent Ed Markey for U.S. Senate. Moulton, 46, is making his campaign about generational change. In a video released today, Moulton says, “Our party has clung to the status quo, insisted on using the same old playbook and isn’t fighting hard enough. The next generation will keep paying the cost if we don’t change course. This isn’t a fight we can put off for…

12 Oct

No Kings 2: Peaceful protest Saturday, Oct. 18

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Politics

A Marblehead No Kings rally is being held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 4-5 p.m. at the corner of Maple and Lafayette streets. The public is invited to bring signs to this peaceful gathering. The League of Women Voters of Marblehead is a co-organizer. (Note: The weekly No Kings sign-holding standout at this site will continue after Oct. 18, but at the new time: 4-5 p.m.). “The Oct. 18 national protests are in reaction to this administration’s continued move toward authoritarianism and concentration of power,” according…

08 Oct

Representative Jenny Armini: Confident in the will, strength of Americans and Marbleheaders

Grey CollinsLocal News, Politics

After two decades living in Marblehead, and two years serving as the state Representative of the 8th Essex District, Jenny Armini sat on her back patio to reflect on her journey into public service. She described decades of “doing the work” to improve lives through public policy, and looking for opportunities to serve her community in new ways. Growing up in Brooklyn, Armini was always interested in current events. Although she never saw herself as a politician, she had ambitions to be a journalist from…

23 Sep

BREAKING NEWS: Moulton may be mulling run for Senate

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

Congressman Seth Moulton, a Democrat who grew up in Marblehead and represents the 6th district, may be considering a run for U.S. Senate against incumbent Ed Markey, another Democrat. "While I continue to look at the best options to represent Massachusetts moving forward, I have not yet made a decision about running for U.S. Senate," Moulton said in a statement. Moulton has been vocal about Democrats needing younger leadership. Markey is 79 years old. Moulton briefly ran for president in the 2020 election. He withdrew…