Khazei Announces Run for Brown's Senate Seat

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Alan Khazei
BOSTON — Alan Khazei will try again for a Senate seat by challenging U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in the 2012 election.

The Brookline resident sought the seat of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy in 2009 but lost in the Democratic primary to Attorney General Martha Coakley, who was later trounced by the Republican from Wrentham in a special election.

The founder of youth organization City Year announced his decision to run simultaneously on Facebook, Twitter and by email to supporters that he will be a candidate for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts in 2012. His video can be viewed at www.alankhazei.com.

"I'm the proud son and grandson of immigrants who came to America because they believed in this country and all it stands for: when we work hard and work together, no dream is impossible," says Khazei in the video. "It's the American Dream. And Vanessa and I want the same thing for our children, and for yours."


Khazei will kick off his campaign this week with stops around the state; his closest approach to the Berkshires will be Springfield on Thursday when he will meet with students at Western New England College and meet with voters at Mykonos European Restaurant.

Khazei is the first Democrat to announce his candidacy; also believed to weighing runs are U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano of Somerville, who also lost to Coakley in the primary, and Newton Mayor Setti Warren.

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Season's First West Nile-Positive Mosquitoes Found in Clarksburg

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

CLARKSBURG, Mass.— Northern Berkshire County saw the first West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes of the season in Massachusetts. 

The State Public Health Laboratory confirmed WNV in a mosquito sample collected in Clarksburg on June 16.  On Monday, the public was notified of the detection on the town’s website. 

"Recommended public health measures include raising awareness among residents, reminding residents to use mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient and observing peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn," a notice reads. 

"MDPH will continue enhanced surveillance activities in this region." 

According to a risk map provided by the Department of Public Health, Berkshire County remains at low risk for WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. 

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were nine human cases of WNV in 2025, none in Berkshire County, and no human or animal cases of WNV have been detected so far this year. 

No evidence of EEE has been found so far this season, and there were no human cases of EEE in 2025.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms, but when present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness, and in rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

The state recommends people avoid mosquito bites by applying insect repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient when outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants, and being aware of peak mosquito hours throughout the night. 

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