SOMERVILLE — PorchFest returns to Somerville on Saturday, May 9, and applications are now open for participants. The annual event organized by the City’s Somerville Arts Council features mini concerts hosted by residents on their porches, yards – and even on stoops – across the city. All musical genres are welcome from alt rock to zither quartets, and hosts are invited to apply by the April 21 deadline to participate. Volunteers are also invited to apply to be Porchfest ambassadors to assist visitors. Continue reading Somerville’s Porchfest Returns Saturday, May 9: Applications Now Open→
Peter R. McIsaac – Of Chelsea, formerly of Somerville, affectionately known to many as Pistol or sometimes Rhinestone,” passed away after a brief illness on Monday, March 16, 2026. He was 83 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Peter R. McIsaac→
Joanne J. Gallo of Somerville passed away on March 20, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Peter P. Gallo, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Joanne was a devoted mother to John P. Gallo, Debra Mahoney, and her husband Edward C. Mahoney Jr., all residing in Somerville. She was the cherished grandmother of Thomas E. Mahoney, Angela Seeley-Gallo, and Anthony R. Gallo, and a loving great-grandmother to Renata J. Gallo and Caden Seeley. Joanne is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Barbara Hanscom. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joanne J. Gallo→
“This data confirms that Massachusetts is losing talent and taxable income to lower-cost, lower-tax competitors. These numbers validate what anecdotal evidence, and common sense, have been telling us all along: High state taxes, including the income surtax, are driving people away from Massachusetts.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a measure that would prohibit any prisoner from being transferred to another state and being required to work on labor projects in that state. The ban does not apply if the governor determines that an emergency in another state or territory creates the need for inmates or prisoners to be transferred from the Bay State and the prisoner agrees in writing to be transferred. Continue reading PRISON LABOR (H 5125)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill that would mandate that airline catering employees be paid at least the same minimum wage as many other Massport employees. Since 2023, the minimum wage for certain Massport service workers has been $17 per hour. These roles include wheelchair assistants, skycaps, ticket agents, janitorial staff, aircraft and cabin cleaning and baggage handlers. Continue reading MINIMUM WAGE (H 2145)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to legislation designed to protect the rights and money of workers who receive their wages through electronic wage cards from their employers. It updates Massachusetts wage laws to reflect the increasing use of payroll card accounts and is designed to ensure that employees who are paid through electronic wage cards have full, fair and transparent access to their earned wages. Continue reading ELECTRONIC WAGE CARDS (H 2074)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill requiring banks and other mortgage lenders to delay foreclosure proceedings for 60 days after the death of a borrower and to refrain from taking any action to accelerate foreclosure proceedings. The surviving spouse or family member must notify the lender and provide proof of the death of the borrower for the halt on foreclosure to take effect. Continue reading WIDOWED SPOUSES AND FORECLOSURES (H 1329)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a measure that would mandate that the signing of a residential lease for renewal cannot be required to be executed more than four months in advance of the termination date of the current lease agreement. Continue reading LEASE SIGNING (H 336)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill that would ensure that firefighters who become full-time can receive creditable service for their time as call firefighters, or part-time firefighters, regardless of what fire department they worked at.
Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would establish October 15th as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day to increase public awareness of the prevalence of pregnancy loss and the physical and mental toll individuals face following a pregnancy loss. The day would also include loss from an unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination or of an assisted reproductive technology procedure, a failed adoption arrangement, a failed surrogacy arrangement, a diagnosis or event that impacts pregnancy or fertility, a stillbirth or the death of the newborn child. Continue reading PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS DAY (S 2145)→
Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation, named the PETS Act, that supporters said would end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop system by banning commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores; ending harsh, unnecessary testing of animal subjects for non-medical purposes; strengthening animal cruelty protections; and prohibiting breed-based discrimination in public housing and insurance coverage. Continue reading PETS (S 3014)→
House 25-128, rejected an amendment that would provide a minimum of $100 million annually from the surtax surplus to cities and towns which must use 50 percent of the funds for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of roads and bridges and 50 percent for public school facilities and equipment. Each city and town would receive a proportional share of the $100 million based on its population as a percentage of the state’s total population as determined by the most recent federal decennial census or the most recent annual municipal census certified by the secretary of state, whichever is more recent. Continue reading $100 MILLION FOR CITIES AND TOWNS (H 5264)→
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Hi Billy,
For the past few years, our neighbor at 36 Roosevelt Road in Medford has been operating an auto repair shop out of their residential garage and driveway. His garage is at the back of his property, which faces Circuit Road. He is using Circuit Road as his parking lot for his clients vehicles that are waiting to be repaired and also washed, as it appears he has hired a woman to clean them after they are serviced. This location is zoned for residential use only, and the use of this property in this way is impacting our community. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Is There an Illegal Business Operating in Medford→
Assault
26014583: On 3/11/26 at approximately 7:48 PM, Somerville Police responded to a business on Broadway for a fight. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated two males were shoplifting items and a fight ensued. During the fight, the male suspects began punching the victim. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log→
National Night Out! 2026
Tuesday Aug 4th 2026 5:00-8:00pm
Rain date Wednesday Aug 5th.
Dilboy Stadium 110 Alewife Brook Parkway
Celebrate Bringing Police and Community Together!
Daylight Saving Time began this morning, Sunday, March 8. Once you’ve set your clocks forward one hour, remember to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
▪ Test your alarms monthly.
▪ If any alarms use regular batteries, the batteries should be changed twice per year (such as when you reset your clocks!).
▪ Replace your alarms at least every 10 years, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
SOMERVILLE— Somerville is kicking off a yearlong push to strengthen the connections between its residents, highlighting City programs, initiatives and community events under a united theme: 2026 is the Year of the Neighbor. Continue reading Somerville Declares 2026 the Year of the Neighbor→
“These 43 cities and towns are proving smart, forward-looking investments in clean energy deliver real returns for the communities they serve. These projects reduce long-term energy use, lower operating costs and cut pollution – freeing up resources that can be reinvested. We’re proud of the work Green Communities do every day to advance local clean energy goals and strengthen their economies.”
—Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing the awarding of nearly $7 million to cities and towns to fund energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull) co-sponsored a late-filed bill that would make the American lobster the official state crustacean. Continue reading OFFICIAL STATE CRUSTACEAN (HD 5691)→
A late-filed bill would prohibit minors under the age of 16 from opening a social media account unless the account provides primarily videoconferencing,
e-mailing mailing or educational services. The measure would require the social media platform company to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from having accounts and includes a requirement that applicants provide a birth certificate or valid government-issued identification, proving that they are over 16. Continue reading BAN MINORS FROM BEING ON SOCIAL MEDIA (HD 5696)→
The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to a measure that would allow assessors, who deems it reasonably necessary, to enter any lands, waters and premises in Massachusetts to collect physical and functional data pertinent to the proper determination of said property’s fair cash value for the fiscal year tax roll. The bill does not allow entrance to an actual building. Continue reading ENTER PROPERTY FOR INSPECTION (H 3212)→
The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to legislation that would allow cities and towns the option to freeze the valuation of any property in which the owner has lived for more than 30 years. The freeze would only apply to owners whose income does not exceed 100 percent of the area median income and whose liquid assets, excluding the home, are less than $100,000. Continue reading FREEZE ASSESSED VALUE OF HOMES (H 3006)→
The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to a bill that would allow local tax collectors in cities and towns to waive interest, charges and fees, imposed on any homeowner for outstanding property taxes. The bill amends current law which allows the waiver only if the interest, charges and fees total $15 or less. Continue reading ALLOW TAX COLLECTOR TO WAIVE INTEREST, CHARGES AND FEES ON UNPAID LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES (H 3266)→
Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) announced her support for S 2157 – a bill that would make Atlantic Standard Time the standard year-round time in Massachusetts, and would put an end to the practice of switching between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time. This means that people would no longer change the clocks in the Spring and Fall. The change would only take effect if two or more neighboring states (Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont) also adopt similar legislation. Continue reading CHANGE THE BAY STATE’S TIME ZONE (S 2157)→
House 25-139, rejected an amendment to a current law that requires retail electrical suppliers to provide a minimum percentage of kilowatt-hour sales to customers from renewable energy generating sources. The amendment would eliminate the renewable energy requirement if compliance would not be cost effective or would result in additional costs to consumers. Continue reading GREEN ENERGY (H 5151)→
House 25-128, rejected an amendment to a bill that supporters said would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next ten years. Continue reading PROPANE FUEL (H 5151)→
House 12-145, rejected an amendment to a bill that would prohibit the distribution of deceptive artificial intelligence (AI) communications within 90 days of an election, including audio or visual media which depicts a candidate with intent to injure their reputation or deceive a voter into voting for or against them. Continue reading ALLOW FOR TRANSLATION AND TRANSCRIPTION (H 5093)→
SOMERVILLE—Artists, makers, and creative organizations: the City of Somerville has extended the submission deadline for the Somerville Armory leasing Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals are now due Wednesday, March 18, by 2 p.m. Continue reading Somerville Armory RFP Deadline Extended to March 18→
A Baby Seal, a Bathtub, and One Remarkable True Story
by Paul L. Sieswerda and Joy S. Reidenberg
Seal in the Bathtub Makes a Splash on March 6
North Palm Beach, FL – This March 6, families, teachers, and young readers are invited to dive into an unforgettable true story of compassion and conservation with the release of Seal in the Bathtub by Paul L.
Sieswerda and Joy S. Reidenberg.
Illustrated by JoyS. Reidenberg Continue reading SEAL IN THE BATHTUB→
Residential Breaking & Entering
26013230: On 3/6/26 at approximately 11:00 AM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on Richdale Ave for a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated the front door was town off and a bicycle may have been stolen from the basement. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log→
“Many of those taken into custody are long-standing members of our communities—parents, caregivers and workers whose sudden detention leaves their families in crisis. This has had far-reaching consequences for their children, families our communities and the state of Massachusetts.”
— Gov. Healey demanding that ICE provide, in one week, complete and accurate information on every person arrested in Massachusetts since January 2025, including the identity of each individual, the legal basis for each arrest, case status, detention location, court jurisdiction and upcoming hearing dates. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL→
The House gave initial approval to a bill that would require that all elementary and middle school students receive at least 30 consecutive minutes of supervised, safe and unstructured free-play recess per school day — outdoors whenever the weather and air quality permits. If recess is held indoors due to weather or air quality, schools must use an appropriate space that promotes physical activity. Continue reading MANDATORY RECESS FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SUDENTS (H 543)→
The House approved a Senate-approved bill designating the last week in April as Building Trades Recovery Week, for the Buildings Trades Employers Association to promote awareness of the dangers of opioids and substance misuse among workers in the construction industry. The measure needs final approved in both branches before it goes to Gov. Healey for her signature. Continue reading BUILDING TRADES RECOVERY WEEK (S 2110)→
The Healey Administration announced $250,000 in Grants to strengthen local food access and support community food systems. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the program supports emerging and established local food policy councils and food working groups as they build stronger, more resilient local food systems. Continue reading $250,000 TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD ACCESS→
Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) and Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) led the charge sending a letter to the U.S. Congress and Senate urging them to uphold the constitutional role of Congress in decisions that commit American service members to hostilities overseas. Continue reading TRUMP AND IRAN→
The Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hearing on legislation that would make changes to current dog kennel laws. Supporters said the bill updates Massachusetts law on animal welfare, kennel licensing and dog identification and provides that fines from animal cruelty enforcement will now be deposited into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund, which will expand to cover broader animal health and welfare measures. Continue reading DOG KENNELS (H 4849)→
The House sent to the Judiciary Committee a late-filed bill which would repeal a current law that provides that a parent who conceals the death of a child, “which if born alive would be a child born out of wedlock, so that it cannot be ascertained whether it was born alive or, if born alive, whether it was murdered, shall be punished by a fine of up to $100 or by imprisonment for up to one year.” Continue reading PREGNANCY (HD 5650)→
House 25-130, rejected an amendment that would require all state agencies and authorities implementing energy or climate-related regulations to complete a formal affordability and competitiveness assessment before those actions take effect. Continue reading AFFORDABILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS (H 5151)→
House 25-130, rejected an amendment that would reduce the mandated annual rate of growth of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 3 percent to 1 percent. The RPS is the percentage of the grid’s provided energy supply that is derived from renewable sources. Continue reading RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD (H 5151)→
Obituary
Paulette Laurore of Everett passed away on February 28, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Francisque Telcira. Visiting hours will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah, located at 11 North St. Somerville, MA 02144, on Saturday morning, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00, followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Paulette Laurore→
George J. Hardy – Longtime resident of Somerville, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old. Beloved husband of the late Gerda (Krist) Hardy who passed away in January of 2023. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering George J. Hardy→
Obituary
James Flint Brayton – Of Somerville, formerly a long-time resident of Little Compton, Rhode Island and Westport, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 25, 2025. He was 100 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering James Flint Brayton→
Program offerings encourage movement for preventative social, mental, and physical health
SOMERVILLE — A January dance party was in full swing at the Holland Street Senior Center when the Somerville Council on Aging announced it is officially joining the Massachusetts Councils on Aging’s (MCOA) Active Agers Program. The new initiative aims to promote physical activity to enhance mental and physical health as well as quality of life for seniors across Massachusetts. Possible participation prizes and rewards for participating COAs and individuals are also included. Continue reading Somerville’s Council on Aging Joins Statewide Active Agers Initiative→
Obituary
Brian J. Brady, a beloved resident of Arlington and formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in Boston, he was the cherished son of the late Edward P. and Vivian (Vizard) Brady. Brian was a proud United States Army veteran who honorably served his country during the Vietnam War, a source of great pride throughout his life. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Brian J. Brady→
Obituary
Robert L. Bailot, aged 62, passed away unexpectedly on February 25th. Born and raised in Somerville, he was the son of the late Mary Meck and Joseph Bailot. Robert, affectionately known as Bob, was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine Bailot (Frye) for 38 years. Together, they raised their family in Everett. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert L. Bailot→
“For more than a year, we’ve been fighting to protect the constitutional rights of babies born in Massachusetts and across the country from the Trump Administration’s blatantly unlawful order that would rip away their right to citizenship. Courts have ruled again and again that President Trump does not have the authority to rewrite the Constitution, and I will continue to stand up for the rule of law and for American children across the country whose fundamental rights are being attacked by this administration.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL→
Would raise from $35 to $200 the fine for violating the traffic rule that provides when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same instant, the operator of the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The proposal also imposes additional penalties and/or license revocation for up to six months for any of these violations that cause death, serious bodily harm or bodily harm. Continue reading RAISE FINE FOR “RIGHT OF WAY” VIOLATIONS (H 3817)→
Would prohibit anyone from retrofitting any diesel-powered vehicle with any device, smokestack or other equipment that enhances the vehicle’s capacity to emit soot, smoke or other particulate emissions. Violators would be subject to a fine of between $100 and $1,000.
Would establish a 120-hour training period for new employees under the age of 18 who work 20 hours or less per week and require a work permit. During this initial training period with a new employer, these workers would be paid a minimum wage of at least $10 per hour. Continue reading NEW EMPLOYEES UNDER 18 (H 2175)→
Senate 5-32, rejected an amendment that would remove a section in the higher education bill that exempts tax revenue generated from the voter-approved Millionaire’s Tax from counting toward the allowable state tax revenue limitations, under Chapter 62F, which provides that whenever revenue collections in a fiscal year exceed an annual cap tied to wage and salary growth, the excess is returned to taxpayers. Continue reading TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (S 3)→
Senate 6-31, rejected an amendment that would provide local cities and towns with $300 million in education aid for public elementary and secondary education, including “programs, services, operations, supports and improvements that advance educational quality, equity, access and student success in the commonwealth.” Continue reading $300 MILLION FOR K-12 EDUCATION (S 2962)→
Senate 37-0, approved a $3.28 billion package, known as the BRIGHT Act, that funds the modernization of Bay State public colleges and universities by using the revenue from the 2022 voter-approved law, known as the Millionaire’s Tax, that imposes an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. The House has already approved its own version of the bill and a House-Senate conference committee will likely hammer out a compromise version. Continue reading $3.28 BILLION TO MODERNIZE BAY STATE PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (S 2962)→
House 26-127, rejected an amendment that would prohibit the state from approving a battery storage facility in a municipality, unless the city or town governing body of the municipality in which the facility is proposed has voted to approve the project. The amendment also gives cities and towns the authority to establish additional siting, safety and environmental requirements for these storage facilities, as long as they don’t conflict with state law. Continue reading BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY (H 5151)→
Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that amends a current law which exempts smaller convenience stores from being required to display unit pricing. Unit pricing is the identification of and labeling of items for sale with the retail price per unit, permitting easier price comparisons among similar products in different sized containers. Continue reading UNIT PRICING IN CONVENIENCE STORES (S 2965)→
The House 25-129, rejected an amendment that would require the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Public Utilities and the Energy Facilities Siting Board, to conduct a competitive solicitation for proposals to increase firm interstate natural gas transmission capacity into the Bay State with a goal of enhancing winter energy reliability and mitigating price volatility affecting ratepayers. Continue reading NATURAL GAS (H 5151)→
House 25-130, rejected an amendment that would suspend the electric distribution companies from assessing and collecting from consumers “public benefit energy charges” on electric utility bills for twelve consecutive billing months. These charges currently fund programs such as energy efficiency, renewable and clean energy initiatives, distributed solar, electric vehicle programs and residential assistance. Continue reading SUSPEND CHARGES (H 5151)→
House 128-27, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that supporters said would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next ten years. The measure cuts roughly $1 billion from the Mass Save program’s marketing and administrative budgets; returns 70 percent of alternative compliance payments to ratepayers through mid-2029; expands clean energy procurement authority; eases political barriers to nuclear development by repealing a voter law that placed restrictions on it; and delays an offshore wind contracting deadline by two years to 2029. Continue reading ENERGY (H 5151)→
Robbery
26009565: On 2/18/26 at approximately 12:26 PM, Somerville Police responded to a business on Broadway for a shoplifting. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated he observed a male party shoplifting. When he attempted to stop him, the suspect punched him in the face and fled the area. The victim suffered injuries to his nose and eye. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log→
Brelundi’s recipes have been passed down through our family for generations. Growing up in Southern Italy, we savored meals enhanced with an abundance of fresh ingredients and bright, lively flavors found in the Mediterranean.
We are all day breakfast, lunch and dinner spot! 7am-8pm.
The Medford Police Department is currently investigating an incident that occurred in the Medford Square area during the overnight hours of February 23 into February 24. Continue reading Medford Police Department Updates→
On February 26, 2026, Somerville Police K-9 Missy assisted the Brookline Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force during the execution of a search warrant in Brookline. The investigation resulted in the arrest and charging of an individual in connection with a child sexual abuse material (CSAM) case. Continue reading Somerville Police K-9 Missy Assists in Child Exploitation Investigation→
Mary Christina (Nardella) Morrison, also known as Nene, was born on December 11, 1941, in Cambridge. She passed away peacefully at home at the age of 84 on Saturday, February 21, 2026, exactly three years after the passing of her beloved son, Paul. She was the cherished daughter of the late Christina (Mammola) and Philip Nardella. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary Christina (Nardella) Morrison→
Massachusetts, once a beacon for innovation and economic growth, has seen a troubling trend in 2025 and early 2026: businesses and residents relocating to more affordable states like Florida and New Hampshire. While the state’s economy remains robust in sectors like biotech and tech, factors such as skyrocketing taxes, political corruption, excessive bureaucracy, incompetent leadership, an overreaching progressive agenda, generous benefits for undocumented immigrants, and overall mismanagement are cited as key drivers of this exodus.   This short article explores these issues and suggests ways to reverse the tide. Continue reading Why Businesses Are Leaving Massachusetts: Unpacking the Issues and Paths to Improvement→
Move vehicles by 4 p.m., Sunday, February 22, to odd-numbered side of street (unless otherwise posted) to avoid ticketing and towing
Parking is also allowed in City-owned lots (but not in school lots)
SOMERVILLE – Based on current weather forecasts, the City is declaring a snow emergency to go into effect at 12 p.m. (noon) on Sunday, February 22. Residents can help DPW crews work efficiently and keep emergency routes clear for fire trucks, police, and ambulances by following the guidelines below. Continue reading Somerville Declares Snow Emergency Effective Sunday, February 22, at 12 p.m. Noon→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to legislation that would provide that any condition of impairment of health caused by an infectious disease resulting in total or partial disability or death to an employee of a correctional facility would be presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty, unless shown otherwise by competent evidence. Continue reading INFECTUOUS DISEASES (H 2836)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to Legislation that would name the portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike between Boston and Worcester, “The Bill Russell and Bob Cousy Highway.” Continue reading BILL RUSSELL AND BOB COUSY HIGHWAY (H 3727)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill that would amend a current law that gives seniors 70 and older, who meet certain low-income qualifications, an exemption in the amount of $4,000 of taxable valuation of real property or the sum of $500, whichever would decrease the property tax by the most. Continue reading INCREASE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR SENIORS OVER 70 (H 3236)→
The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a Senate-approved bill that would allow cities and towns to hike from the current $1,500 to $2,000, the property tax break for veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans in exchange for their providing volunteer services to their municipality. Continue reading INCREASE TAX RELIEF TO VETERANS (S 1948)→
House 154-0, approved an amendment that would create a special legislative commission to conduct a comprehensive study on family caregiving policy in the Bay State including an evaluation of all state-funded efforts in caregiving research, clinical care, institutional and home-based and community-based services and an investigation into the potential fiscal, access and quality impacts of allowing spouses to serve as paid caregivers in the MassHealth program. Continue reading SPECIAL COMMISSION ON FAMILY CAREGIVING (H 4704)→
House 23-131, rejected an amendment to a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. Continue reading EARLIER READING INTERVENTION (H 4672)→
SOMERVILLE – Dreaming of warmer days and a yard in full bloom? In preparation for spring, Somerville residents can apply for a free tree to be planted in their yard through the Mystic River Watershed Association’s (MyRWA) Tree Planting Program. All Somerville residents are invited to apply (for renters, with landlord permission). Sign up now through Friday, March 13. Continue reading Free Trees Available for Somerville Residents Through MyRWA Program→
26006536: On 2/3/26 at approximately 10:35 AM, Somerville Police responded to an apartment complex on Day St for a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the property manager who stated someone broke into the storage area in the basement and stole a package. Officers identified the suspect.
Are you passionate about working locally to address the climate crisis, strengthen community resilience, and help Somerville adapt to climate change? The City is seeking up to 13 volunteer members to join the Somerville Climate Action Commission (CAC). Membership is open to all residents and those who do business in Somerville. Continue reading Join the Somerville Climate Action Commission Apply by April 3, 2026→
Obituary
John D. Carroll — Of Somerville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 15, 2026. He was 79 years old.
Billy M. Farrell – Of Medford, passed away with his siblings by his side on Monday, February 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.
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As part of our order processing procedures, we screen all received orders for fraud or other types of unauthorized or illegal activity. We reserve the right to refuse to process any order due to suspected fraud or unauthorized or illegal activity. If such is the case, we may reject your order or our Customer Service department may call you at the phone number you provided to confirm your order. We also reserve the right to cancel any account or refuse to ship to certain addresses due to suspected fraud or unauthorized or illegal activity. We take these measures to protect our customers as well as ourselves from fraud or other unauthorized or illegal activity.
COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS
Mass Publishing Inc. welcomes your comments and feedback regarding this Web site, and Mass Publishing Inc. products and services. Any information, materials, suggestions, ideas or comments sent to Mass Publishing Inc. will not be treated as confidential, proprietary or trade secret information and, by submitting such information, you are granting Mass Publishing Inc. an irrevocable and unrestricted license to use, modify, reproduce, transmit, display and distribute such information for any purpose whatsoever.
If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, or the content or practices of our website, you can contact Mass Publishing Inc. directly at: Wmtauro@aol.com
WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS
· What our Privacy Policy Covers
· What Personal Information is Collected
· How We Protect Your Information
· How We Use Your Personal Information
· Who Views Your Personal Information
· Making a Purchase
· Children Under 13
· Website Cookies
· Questions About This Policy
WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS
Thank you for visiting our site. We are committed to protecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy covers any personal information that we obtain from you when you use services on our site. This policy does not cover the practices of companies that we do not own or control, or the actions of people that we do not employ or manage.
Our Privacy Policy may change in the future. We invite you to check back periodically to see if we have made any changes.
By using this site, you agree to the terms of our policy. For more information about the terms of use for this site, please visit our legal page.
WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION IS COLLECTED
Depending on how you use our site, we may ask you to share personal information with us. Whether you choose to give us this information is completely up to you, but keep in mind that if you withhold information, you may not be able to use some of our services.
We will ask you for information, including some personal information, when you Make a purchase. When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information.
HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION
We realize that our customers trust us to protect their personal information. We take that task seriously. We never display your full credit card number once it has been entered. We urge you to protect your own privacy. We recommend that you do not share your password with anyone or share your password in an unsolicited phone call or e-mail.
Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts, there is always a risk that third parties may unlawfully intercept transmissions. This reality is true of all Internet use. As a result, we cannot ensure the security of any information you transmit, and you transmit all information at your own risk.
HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We collect personal information primarily to make our services more rewarding for you to use. We usually use this information for internal purposes, such as studying our customers' preferences. We may also use your information to contact you for account and promotional purposes.
WHO VIEWS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may share your personal information with companies that perform services for us, such as delivering packages, sending postal mail and e-mails, processing credit card payments, investigating fraudulent activity, and providing customer service. They have access to personal information needed to perform their functions, but may not disclose your personally identifiable information for other purposes. Some personal information is stored on servers owned by other companies. Only our personel and our websites have the right to access this information. We do not currently sell or license personal information and have no plans to do so. Your personal information will only be used by this site.
At this time, we do not share any personal information with marketing affiliates. It is unlikely that this policy will change in the future. If we do decide to share information with our affiliates, we will post a notice in this Privacy Policy.
MAKING A PURCHASE
When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information. By making a purchase, you become a registered user. You can choose to store information needed to make a purchase, such as your shipping and billing addresses in the My Account — Profile page. Your credit card information is NEVER stored in our databases and is used only for the duration of the purchase transaction. This data is always transmitted securely to the merchant bank and immediately erased from our systems.
CHILDREN UNDER 13
Our site is not designed for children. We do not wish to collect personal information from children under 13. This policy is designed to protect children. Federal law requires us to take special steps to safeguard children's privacy. If you register with us and we discover that you are under 13, we will delete your registration. We will send you a message if we do this. If you are under 13 and want to make a purchase, please ask a parent to place the order for you.
WEBSITE COOKIES
We collect some anonymous information about how you use the site by setting and accessing cookies on your computer. These cookies track information such as how often you visit our web site, what pages you view, and where you go after you leave the site. The cookies track your computer, not you. They are not connected to any personal information about you.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POLICY
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or the content or practices of our website, you can contact us directly at:
Mass Publishing Inc. wmtauro@aol.com
Terms & Conditions/ Cancellation/return policy:If unsatisfied with subscription
7 day money back cancellation return policy on monthly subscriptions.
30 day money back cancellation return policy on yearly subscriptions.
Contact Email: Somervillenewsweekly@yahoo.com
