Kerry Kavanaugh
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Regional Murrow & Emmy award winning Investigative Journalist |Medford MA Native | Tips: kerry.kavanaugh@boston25.com Board: @ResolveNewEng Member: @IRE_NICAR
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Articles by Kerry Kavanaugh
25 Investigates: More than 2,000 accidental shootings with young children reveal devastating toll Original
More than 2,000 children, just 12 years old or younger, have gotten hold of a gun and accidentally shot themselves or another child in the last 10 years, according to data compiled by 25 Investigates and our sister stations. 25 Investigates analyzed these tragic incidents nationwide, including shootings involving unlocked and loaded guns. The data we compiled provides a window into the potential impact safe-storage laws can have on these devastating cases. It happens in an instant.
25 Investigates: Thousands of calls for SNAP help go unanswered in Massachusetts
Boston 25 News viewers who rely on food assistance say they can’t get ahold of anyone at the state office that connects them with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. 25 Investigates found they’re not the only ones. Thousands of calls for help have gone unanswered, and now the state is facing a lawsuit over what advocates say is a growing crisis. “I’ve tried every single day multiple times,” David Smith told 25 Investigates.
Coffee with Candidates: Senator Ed Markey Original
Coffee with Candidates is back as we sit down with the candidates for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. At 80 years old, Senator Ed Markey tells Boston 25’s Kerry Kavanaugh he’s energized for a third term in the Senate. He says restoring what President Donald Trump has stripped away keeps him motivated. He predicts a blue wave on Election Day and believes his experience will matter if democrats regain control of the Senate. Kavanaugh and Markey recently sat down at McKenna’s Café in Dorchester.
Coffee with Candidates: Joe Tache Original
DORCHESTER, Mass. — Coffee with Candidates is back as we sit down with the candidates for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. Joe Tache is a 31-year-old community organizer and activist running as a social candidate for U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Sen. Ed Markey. This is Tache’s first run for any political office. He told Boston 25’s Kerry Kavanaugh that he believes both democrats and republicans have let too many Americans down, creating an opening for the socialist party.
Coffee with Candidates: John Deaton Original
Coffee with Candidates is back as we sit down with the candidates for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. John Deaton is running his second statewide campaign in a bid for U.S. senator. He’s running as a Republican, challenging the incumbent, Senator Ed Markey, but told Boston 25’s Kerry Kavanaugh he’s not beholden to any political party. He says he never voted for President Donald Trump.
Gov. Healey announces new fire safety regulations following deadly Gabriel House fire Original
BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey announced new fire safety regulations on Thursday that she said will better protect residents and align the state with national standards. The new rules are aimed at improving sprinkler safety following the deadly fire at the Gabriel House in Fall River. Ten people were killed, and 30 were injuredafter the five-alarm fire tore through the assisted living facility on July 13, 2025. It was the deadliest fire in the state in over 40 years.
Thousands seeking help through Gov. Healey’s heating assistance program Original
BOSTON — Thousands of Massachusetts residents are seeking help through Gov. Maura Healey’s new program aimed at reducing heating bills this winter. Healey declared a state of emergency in early October due to high winter energy costs. The heating assistance program offers a one-time emergency benefit of up to $680 for income-qualified households using home heating oil.
Poll shows broad support for eliminating time limits on child sexual abuse lawsuits in Massachusetts Original
BOSTON — A new statewide poll commissioned by advocates for child sexual abuse survivors shows overwhelming support among Massachusetts voters for eliminating the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse. The survey, conducted by MassINC Polling Group in September, questioned more than 800 registered Massachusetts voters about Amendment 110, a proposal that would eliminate existing time limits for survivors seeking to file civil lawsuits over childhood sexual abuse.
25 Investigates: Everett husband says wife taken into ICE custody hours after arrest Original
An Everett husband says his family was torn apart in a matter of hours after his wife was arrested during a domestic dispute by local police officers and then transferred into federal immigration custody, leaving him scrambling to find her as she was moved across the country.
25 Investigates: AG Campbell backs elimination of limits on sex abuse survivors to sue Original
BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell says state laws continue to stand in the way of justice and accountability for survivors of child sexual abuse. For years, 25 Investigates has been reporting on legislative efforts to better protect children from sexual predators. Earlier this year, Gov. Maura Healey signed a law closing the age-of-consent loophole preventing defendants from using a teenager’s age as a defense in certain child sexual abuse cases.
New Hampshire Senate Race draws national attention as Pappas faces Sununu in competitive contest Original
New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate race is attracting national attention as Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas and Republican John Sununu compete for a seat that could play a key role in determining control of the Senate. According to the latest University of New Hampshire poll cited during an interview Monday on Boston 25 News, Pappas leads Sununu 50% to 42%, a shift from polling earlier this summer that showed a tighter race.
25 Investigates: Beacon Hill weighs ending time limits on child sex abuse lawsuits Original
BOSTON — Survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their advocates are urging Massachusetts lawmakers to pass legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for civil child sex abuse claims, arguing current age restrictions prevent many victims from seeking justice. As 25 Investigates previously reported, Massachusetts law currently allows survivors to file civil lawsuits against alleged abusers and institutions, including schools and churches, until age 53.
25 Investigates: Mass. child sexual abuse survivors push to eliminate statute of limitations Original
BOSTON — For decades, Jim Scanlan carried a secret he said he could not bring himself to say out loud. “I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse,” Scanlan said. It took him 38 years to publicly identify himself that way. Scanlan said he was sexually abused as a student at Boston College High School in the 1970s by James Talbot, a Jesuit priest, teacher, and hockey coach. “So, my abuser was a Jesuit priest at Boston College High School. His name was James Talbot,” Scanlan said.
From infertility to pregnancy loss, All Paths Family Building offers support and advocacy Original
The path to parenthood is not always straightforward. Many individuals and families face challenges including infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption. On Boston 25 News Now at 3, Lauren Clancy, executive director of All Paths Family Building, joined Kerry Kavanaugh to discuss resources available to people navigating those experiences. Clancy discussed the education, support, and resources offered through All Paths Family Building for individuals and families on different family-building journeys.
Massachusetts Rep. Lori Trahan discusses AI regulation, data center costs
As the debate and controversy around artificial intelligence swirls, Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan joined Kerry Kavanaugh on Boston 25 News Now at 5 p.m. to talk about what action she thinks Congress needs to take now and why. Trahan also talked about recent legislation. She voted for legislation aimed at protecting consumers from the cost of data centers. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter.
Massachusetts Rep. Lori Trahan discusses AI regulation, data center costs
Follow Massachusetts Rep. Lori Trahan discusses AI regulation, data center costs Mon, September 21, 2026 at 6:16 PM EDT As the debate and controversy around artificial intelligence swirls, Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan joined Kerry Kavanaugh on Boston 25 News Now at 5 p.m. to talk about what action she thinks Congress needs to take now and why. Trahan also talked about recent legislation. She voted for legislation aimed at protecting consumers from the cost of data centers.
Statewide effort aims to prevent falls among older adults Original
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older Americans, but experts say many falls can be prevented through education, exercise, and simple safety measures. On Boston 25 News Now at 3, Kerry Kavanaugh spoke with Lisa Gurgone, CEO of Mystic Valley Aging Services, about the importance of fall prevention and ways older adults can reduce their risk of serious injuries.
25 Investigates: Former Braintree officer accused of using police technology to track ex-girlfriend Original
BRAINTREE, Mass. — A now-former Braintree police officer is accused of using department technology to harass his ex-girlfriend. 25 Investigates obtained court records and police internal audits that show the former officer used the department’s Flock camera system to track her license plate more than 1,000 times. He is now facing a criminal harassment charge for harassing his ex-girlfriend.
Massachusetts advocates push to raise $72.80 monthly allowance for nursing home residents Original
An effort on Beacon Hill is seeking to increase the amount of money that many nursing home and other long-term care residents in Massachusetts receive each month for personal expenses. The issue was the focus of a conversation on Boston 25 News at 3, where Noah Daube Valois, a junior at Vassar College and creator of The $72.80 Project podcast, joined Kerry Kavanaugh to discuss the state’s Personal Needs Allowance, commonly known as PNA.
Meet the victim advocate who helped shape the nation’s response to 9/11 and other tragedies Original
BOSTON — As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, one woman’s work behind the scenes continues to influence how victims and families are supported after mass-casualty events. For more than two decades, Kathryn Turman helped build and lead victim assistance efforts following some of the nation’s most devastating tragedies, including the 9/11 attacks, school shootings and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
18 lives saved: How Boston College’s ‘Man in the Red Bandana’ became one of 9/11’s greatest heroes Original
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — For many college students today, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are history. At Boston College, however, the tragedy remains deeply personal through the legacy of alumnus Welles Crowther, known nationwide as the “Man in the Red Bandana.” A red bandana can always be found near the gates of Boston College’s campus, serving as a symbol of the selflessness and sacrifice of one of the university’s most revered graduates.
Suicide Prevention Month: Annie’s Kindness Blankets offers comfort, connection Original
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Sept. 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day. On Boston 25 News at 3, Kerry Kavanaugh spoke with Barbara Buckley, Angela Varney, and Christina Varney of Annie’s Kindness Blankets, a Middleboro-based nonprofit founded in memory of Anne Marie “Annie” Varney. The organization began in 2015 after Annie died by suicide. What started as 35 blankets to honor Annie and help the family cope with grief has grown into a lasting tribute to Annie’s memory.
25 Investigates: Pediatric trauma surgeon calls e-bike, e-scooter injuries the plague of Summer 2026 Original
BOSTON — As communities across Massachusetts debate the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters for children, a Boston pediatric trauma surgeon is warning that young riders are suffering increasingly severe injuries on vehicles she says many are too young to handle. Dashcam video recently captured a close call in Hyannis when a tow truck driver quickly reacted as a boy on an e-scooter sped past his vehicle before falling to the ground unharmed. But not every child is as fortunate.
New Massachusetts reading law takes effect as schools begin the academic year
Massachusetts — As students return to classrooms across Massachusetts, school districts are preparing to implement changes tied to the state’s newly enacted Right to Read Act. Mary Tamer of Mass Potential joined Kerry Kavanaugh on Boston 25 News Now at 3 to discuss what families can expect as districts begin adopting the law’s requirements.
New Massachusetts reading law takes effect as schools begin the academic year
Follow New Massachusetts reading law takes effect as schools begin the academic year Wed, September 2, 2026 at 3:27 PM EDT As students return to classrooms across Massachusetts, school districts are preparing to implement changes tied to the state's newly enacted Right to Read Act. Mary Tamer of Mass Potential joined Kerry Kavanaugh on Boston 25 News Now at 3 to discuss what families can expect as districts begin adopting the law's requirements.
Back-to-school jitters or real anxiety? How to tell the difference
DEDHAM, Mass. — Most children have some back-to-school jitters at the start of a new year. But how can you tell the difference between natural nerves and true anxiety that might need some more attention? Dr. Miriam Aframe, a psychologist and director of the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, joined Kerry Kavanaugh on Boston 25 News Now at 3 to discuss possible red flags.
25 Investigates: Babson College student’s deportation case headed to federal court Original
The case of a Babson College student who was deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now headed to federal court. In November, Any Lucia Lopez Belloza was detained by ICE at Logan International Airport while traveling to Texas to visit family. In May, 25 Investigates learned that her attorney appealed a ruling requiring a hearing on whether she was unlawfully deported to take place in Texas. Texas was Lopez Belloza’s last stop before she was deported to her native Honduras.
9/11 Day founder encourages acts of service ahead of 25th anniversary of terror attacks Original
BOSTON — As the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, organizers of 9/11 Day are encouraging people to honor those lost through service and acts of kindness. Boston 25 News spoke with Jay Winuk, founder of 9/11 Day, ahead of this year’s observances. Winuk lost his brother, Glenn Winuk, on Sept. 11, 2001. Glenn was helping people at the World Trade Center when he was killed.
Meta $17B settlement targets youth social media use Original
BOSTON — Meta has agreed to a historic $17 billion settlement over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to attract and retain young users through addictive platform features, prompting sweeping new safety requirements for teens.
‘Didn’t know anything about college’: Lowell student heading to Notre Dame thanks local non-profit Original
Mass. — The cost of college is staggering today, and many families might even be paying more than they have to. A local non-profit called College Affordable is helping many students get more financial aid than they ever thought possible. Warleny Sanchez of Lowell is one of those students. She will be attending the University of Notre Dame on a full scholarship this fall. She will be the first member of her family to go to college. “I remember when I opened my acceptance letter.
25 Investigates: Woman sought in Worcester officer death founded police suicide awareness nonprofit
As Worcester police continue searching for Karen Solomon in connection with a death investigation , 25 Investigates has learned that she is the founder and president of a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by police officer suicide.
25 Investigates: Woman sought in Worcester death probe founded police suicide awareness nonprofit Original
WORCESTER, Mass. — As Worcester police continue searching for Karen Solomon in connection with a death investigation, 25 Investigates has learned that she is the founder and president of a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by police officer suicide. Authorities say they launched a search for Solomon on Tuesday morning after an off-duty police officer was found dead inside her Wildwood Avenue home in Worcester.
After 25 Investigates inquiries, Stoughton family receives brother’s cremated remains Original
STOUGHTON, Mass. — A Stoughton family says they waited nine months to receive a loved one’s cremated remains after his funeral, finally getting them back the same day 25 Investigates began asking questions. Kimberly Margolis remembers her brother, Stephen Margolis, known as “Taz,” as someone who lived life to the fullest. “Everything was the fastest cars, the fastest motorcycles. He had an excavation company that he grew from a small business my dad had given him,” Margolis said.
‘Holy macaroni’: Cape Cod fisherman captures incredible whale encounter Original
CHATHAM, Mass. — A Cape Cod fisherman and his family got an up-close encounter with a pod of humpback whales that they say they will never forget. Viktor Tuleika was tuna fishing off Chatham on Wednesday with his family when they spotted a pod of humpback whales in the distance. Tuleika said they stopped about a quarter mile away from the animals and began setting up their fishing rods. But the whales soon came much closer than expected.
Boston 25 cobertura especial en español: Markey y Moulton se enfrentan en debate por el Senado
DEDHAM, Mass. — Los candidatos demócratas Ed Markey y Seth Moulton se enfrentaron cara a cara durante un debate transmitido por Boston 25 News. En nuestros estudios hablaron sobre temas que más preocupan a los votantes de Massachusetts. Boston 25’s Kerry Kavanaugh, quien moderó el debate, habló con reportera Elly Morillo después del debate sobre los momentos que más se destacaron y la participación de la comunidad. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Boston 25 cobertura especial en español: Markey y Moulton se enfrentan en debate por el Senado
Boston 25 cobertura especial en español: Markey y Moulton se enfrentan en debate por el Senado Elly Morillo,Kerry Kavanaugh mar, 4 de agosto de 2026, 3:15 p.m. EDT Agrega Yahoo como fuente de noticias preferida para ver más de nuestras historias en Google. Agregar Yahoo en Google Los candidatos demócratas Ed Markey y Seth Moulton se enfrentaron cara a cara durante un debate transmitido por Boston 25 News. En nuestros estudios hablaron sobre temas que más preocupan a los votantes de Massachusetts.
25 Investigates: After years of advocacy, Massachusetts closes age-of-consent loophole Original
BOSTON — Survivors of sexual abuse and their advocates celebrated a major victory on Beacon Hill Friday as Gov. Maura Healey ceremonially signed legislation closing what supporters called the state’s age-of-consent loophole. The new law prevents people in positions of authority or trust — including teachers, counselors, coaches, priests, police officers and other mandated reporters — from using consent as a defense when accused of sexually abusing teenagers under their supervision.
25 Investigates: Slain Trooper’s family fights repeat parole hearings Original
AUBURN, Mass. — More than four decades after Massachusetts State Police Trooper George Hanna was shot and killed in the line of duty, his family says they are still fighting for justice after a landmark court ruling made his convicted killer eligible for parole. Hanna was killed during a traffic stop in Auburn on Feb. 26, 1983. His daughters, Debbie and Kim Hanna, were just 13 and 14 years old when their father was killed.
BTS fans call for more MBTA trains after Gillette Stadium shuttle sells out in minutes Original
Some BTS fans hoping to take a special event train to Gillette Stadium are out of luck. They say train tickets sold out in minutes and the MBTA ticket app crashed. Now they’re asking the MBTA to add additional trains to the concerts. The K-pop band is playing two shows at Gillette Stadium on August 5th and 6th. The MBTA and commuter rail are running one special event train to Foxborough each night. Round-trip tickets are $20 each.
Massachusetts closes ‘age of consent’ loophole, cracking down on child predators Original
BOSTON — Massachusetts has closed a legal loophole that child advocates, prosecutors and lawmakers said allowed some people who sexually abused children to avoid criminal consequences. The change follows years of advocacy from lawmakers, prosecutors and victim advocates who argued the state’s age-of-consent law created challenges in holding offenders accountable. 25 Investigates has documented concerns about the loophole for years. State Sen.
Author and community leader shares message of leadership and second chances Original
DEDHAM, Mass. — David Baxter, a community leader, speaker and author, is sharing lessons from his personal journey in a new book, The Uncommon Leader. Baxter joined Kerry Kavanaugh on Boston 25 News Now at 3 to talk about the inspiration behind the book and his belief that the country is facing a leadership crisis. As a young man, Baxter became involved in a case involving gun violence and drugs.
25 Investigates: Navy veteran says ICE detained father at gunpoint outside Halifax Walmart Original
A local Navy veteran says Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained his father at gunpoint outside a Walmart in Halifax, Mass — and claims agents didn’t even know who they were when they approached. Victor Lacerda told 25 Investigates the encounter unfolded during a routine trip to get groceries. “While putting the groceries in, I picked my head up, and we got surrounded,” Lacerda said.
25 Investigates: Advocates demand action as child protection bills sit idle Original
Advocates and attorneys are urging Massachusetts lawmakers to pass a package of child safety bills before the legislative session ends on July 31, warning that time is running out to strengthen protections for students. “Time is waning. The children of Massachusetts have waited long enough,” said Jetta Bernier, executive director of Enough Abuse.
25 Investigates: Former orthopedic surgeon sentenced to prison for rape Original
A once prominent orthopedic surgeon has been sentenced to prison, a decade after 25 Investigates first reported allegations of sexual misconduct against him. James DeVellis, a former orthopedic surgeon, was sentenced Monday in Woburn to 7 to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of probation, after being convicted of raping a young man who was a family friend. He entered the courtroom Monday afternoon as a convicted felon.
25 Investigates: Mass. detects 294 wrong-way drivers in pilot program, prompting huge expansion plan Original
BOSTON — Massachusetts is expanding its wrong-way detection system and committing tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. 25 Investigates wanted to know how well the detection system worked at its 16 locations as part of a pilot program that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation rolled out in 2022. Through a public records request, 25 Investigates obtained new data showing how often drivers enter highways in the wrong direction — and how many turn around.
Blizzard of Lies: Author sits down with Boston 25 to speak about new Karen Read book Original
BOSTON — The death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe continues to be a source of debate. This investigation into his death and the officers involved in the high-profile case of Karen Read continue to generate headlines. Author Dave Wedge joined Boston 25 to talk about his new book titled, Blizzard of Lies, which comes out on July 28 and focuses on the case of Karen Read and death of Officer John O’Keefe.
Advocates warn of potential spike in domestic violence during World Cup, urge awareness of resources Original
Local health officials and safety advocates are working to raise awareness about resources for survivors of violence as Massachusetts prepares to host large crowds for the FIFA World Cup. They say research shows major sporting events can coincide with increases in gender-based and partner violence — and they want people to know help is out there and where you need it.
Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Seth Moulton agree to debate on Boston 25 News Original
DEDHAM, Mass. — Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Seth Moulton will face one another in the Democratic Senate Primary Debate on Boston 25 News. Boston 25 is proud to announce that both candidates have agreed to the debate and are working on finalizing a date for this summer. Boston 25 will also be partnering with GBH News, El Planeta, and The Bay State Banner to ensure voters around the state can witness it.
Before the silence: Voice app preserves what ALS takes away Original
Mass. — Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive, fatal neurological disorder, claiming 15 lives a day. There is no cure for ALS, but one patient has developed a way to give patients back their voice by harnessing cutting-edge technology. David Betts is an avid cyclist, but two years ago, his muscles began twitching. He had trouble with his pedals. Then his voice began to change. “I knew something was definitely wrong,” Betts said.
Watchdog calls finances at Massachusetts sheriffs’ offices ‘chaotic,’ cites $110M deficit Original
A state watchdog report released Monday describes spending across Massachusetts’ 14 sheriffs’ offices as “chaotic,” citing deficits, lost revenue, and instances of illegal overspending. The Office of the Inspector General’s report found the departments collectively facing a historic $110 million deficit at the end of fiscal year 2025. The report was mandated by state lawmakers amid concerns about how the offices manage public funds.
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