Eight Somerville Officers Recieve Awards after a Life-Threatening Encounter in Early August 2020

On Thursday, August 6, 2020, Somerville Police received a call for a report of a male with a gun inside of an apartment on Highland Ave. Upon arrrival, the reporting party advised officers that the suspect was in the back room and was pointing a gun at a female’s head. Continue reading Eight Somerville Officers Recieve Awards after a Life-Threatening Encounter in Early August 2020

RAISE ALLOWANCE FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

By Bob Katzen

More than a year ago on May 13, 2019, the Committee on Elder Affairs gave a favorable report to and recommended the Legislature approve a proposal raising the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents from the current $72.80 monthly to $100 monthly. It also includes a provision that gives the residents an annual cost of living increase. Continue reading RAISE ALLOWANCE FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

REDUCE PACKAGING WASTE

By Bob Katzen

More than a year ago on July 29, 2019, the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee recommended that the Legislature approve legislation that would require that beginning on January 1, 2021, all retail food establishments using any food serviceware for any food prepared or packaged on the premises use biodegradable, compostable, recyclable or reusable products. The measure remains stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee. Continue reading REDUCE PACKAGING WASTE

Somerville Distributes $2.2 Million for Rental Assistance, Food Security, and Other Pandemic Supports

Nearly $1 million in additional job training/retention funds also approved

SOMERVILLE, MA – In response to the immense need for community assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Somerville has distributed $2,218,384 to local non-profit agencies to help residents with necessities such as rent, food, and childcare. Continue reading Somerville Distributes $2.2 Million for Rental Assistance, Food Security, and Other Pandemic Supports

Somerville Council on Aging Press Outreach

Taxi Rides
Do you need a ride?
The COA has a new program just for you.
Taxi Rides for Somerville Residents 60 and Over
Rides can be used for:
Grocery Shopping in Somerville
Pharmacy Prescription pick up in Somerville
Routine Medical Appointments in the follow areas:
Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, Boston or the V.A. in Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury
Two Days Advanced Notice Required
For more information please call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319 Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Press Outreach

Somerville Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss Dilboy Field Improvements, September 9

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne, and City of Somerville staff invite you to a virtual meeting to review plans to replace the Dilboy Stadium synthetic turf field and improve the natural-grass Dilboy Auxiliary Fields adjacent to Alewife Brook Parkway. Continue reading Somerville Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss Dilboy Field Improvements, September 9

Bus Improvements along Washington St. in East Somerville Set for Fall

Bicycle lane extension also part of transit corridor upgrade

SOMERVILLE, MA – As part of an MBTA initiative to make bus service more efficient and safer for passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Somerville will be installing a westbound dedicated bus lane along Washington St. in East Somerville between Tufts St. and McGrath Highway. Continue reading Bus Improvements along Washington St. in East Somerville Set for Fall

Somerville Arts Community Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for 9/15,

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First in an Upcoming Series of COVID Town Halls Hosted by ResiStat

Mayor Joe Curtatone, the City Council, the Somerville Arts Council, and the City’s ResiStat program invite Somerville’s artists and the cultural community, as well as all interested persons, to join a virtual town hall to discuss challenges faced by the arts community that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as possible solutions. Continue reading Somerville Arts Community Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for 9/15,

Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss the Kensington Connector Pedestrian Crossing Under I-93, September 3

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, State Senator Pat Jehlen, State Representative Mike Connolly, City Council President and Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin, and City of Somerville staff invite you to a virtual meeting to discuss the community needs at the Kensington Connector. Continue reading Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss the Kensington Connector Pedestrian Crossing Under I-93, September 3

City Finally Cuts Embattled Somerville Police Sergeant’s Pay Off

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By William Tauro

For almost over one year now, a Somerville Police Sergeant who has been out on supposedly a medical leave, has finally had his pay shut off by the City of Somerville.

Somerville Police Sergeant Michael Kiely has been out on a paid medical leave for over a year for supposed health reasons. Continue reading City Finally Cuts Embattled Somerville Police Sergeant’s Pay Off

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, August 28, the 240th day of 2020 with 126 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:04 and sunset is @ 7:25. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1609 – Delaware Bay was discovered by Henry Hudson. Continue reading

Bus Improvements along Washington St. in East Somerville Set for Fall

– Bicycle lane extension also part of transit corridor upgrade

SOMERVILLE, MA – As part of an MBTA initiative to make bus service more efficient and safer for passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Somerville will be installing a westbound dedicated bus lane along Washington St. in East Somerville between Tufts St. and McGrath Highway. In the eastbound direction, a dedicated protected bike lane will start at Joy St., linking with the protected bike lane that begins at New Washington St.

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Somerville Preparing for Limited Phase 3 Step 1 Businesses to Reopen 9/8

At a Monday, August 24, meeting with Phase 3 business owners, Mayor Joe Curtatone announced that, if the data continues to trend in the right direction, the City will consider a limited reopening for fitness centers, gyms, and indoor recreation facilities on approximately September 8. Continue reading Somerville Preparing for Limited Phase 3 Step 1 Businesses to Reopen 9/8

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, August 27, the 239th day of 2020 with 126 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:03 and sunset is @ 7:27. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1660 – The books of John Milton were burned in London due to his attacks on King Charles II. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Mayor Joe Curtatone Breaking Social Distancing Rules in Somerville for Ed Markey

By William Tauro

For too many years, our Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin has been declared as the “Prince of Darkness,” but now Mayor Joe Curtatone has truly surpassed the secretary’s proclamation and has absolutely earned that title for himself these days.

Continue reading Mayor Joe Curtatone Breaking Social Distancing Rules in Somerville for Ed Markey

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Mayor Joe Circumventing the Covid19 Closure Laws in Somerville

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

We all know that Mayor Joe always gets what he wants in Somerville and lately he’s been sneaking in and getting what he wants on Somerville Avenue especially at the new Founders Memorial Skating Rink. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Mayor Joe Circumventing the Covid19 Closure Laws in Somerville

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Handicap Parking Scam @ Assembly Row

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I am hoping my voice gets heard through your newspaper. I am a merchant at Assembly Row, times are tough just keeping the lights on during this difficult time and I need all the foot traffic I can get and parking spots.

Lately since the 2 new buildings that are being built, I have noticed numerous Iron workers, Electrical workers, carpenters ect… are using Handicapped Plaque-cards to park at meters on Assembly Row and Foley streets, close to the job site and leave their vehicles there all day, resulting in my establishment not getting the customers as there is no place to park as these workers are sitting there for over 8 hours. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Handicap Parking Scam @ Assembly Row

The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday to Kevin McMahon, Joseph Szulewski, Joan Eori, Derek Szymczak, Chandra Miller, Adrian Grullon, Mark Hershey, Nazzaro Scarpa, Michael Sartell, Julie Mickle Megan, Judy Demerchant, Darlene Marie, Frank Hobbs, Kim Santa Maria, Jeff Seavey, Charlie Copponi Jr., Gary Rastellini, John MacGillivray, Myriam Abeilice, Stan Boliver, Alfred Martins, Ellie Loder Chute, Louise Cruz-Partee, Kelly Fairweather, Rui Demedeiros, Arthur Cancela, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, August 24, the 236th day of 2020 with 129 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:00 and sunset is @ 7:32. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 0079 – Mount Vesuvius erupted killing approximately 20,000 people. The cities of Pompeii, Stabiae and Herculaneum were buried in volcanic ash. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Caroline Colarusso for Congress MA-District 5 Medford


I took the “TERM LIMITS” pledge. As a member of Congress I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits Amendment of three (3) House terms and two(2) Senate terms. Rotation in office improves the political gene pool. Katherine Clark has not signed the pledge. She will be lifelong as long as you allow her to be. Send her back to Massachusetts permanently on November 3rd by voting Caroline !

Naveo Credit Union relaunches Back to School Loan to assist local parents, young students and teachers with the unexpected costs of remote learning.

(Somerville, MA) Naveo Credit Union relaunched a Back to School Loan, a unique product geared to assist local parents, young adults and educators with the growing number of costs associated with starting a new school year. Naveo originally created this seasonal loan a few years ago to help with the costs of textbooks, computers, and school supplies, but this year, the loan was expanded to include additional costs associated with remote learning such as WIFI connectivity equipment, headphones, etc. Continue reading Naveo Credit Union relaunches Back to School Loan to assist local parents, young students and teachers with the unexpected costs of remote learning.

DIGNITY ALLIANCE MASSACHUSETTS FORMED IN RESPONSE TO NURSING HOME COVID-19


By Bob Katzen

The Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, a coalition of disability and senior advocacy organizations across the state, has been formed in response to the death of more than 5,600 people who died in 379 Massachusetts nursing homes since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading DIGNITY ALLIANCE MASSACHUSETTS FORMED IN RESPONSE TO NURSING HOME COVID-19

Mayor Joe, Green Means GO! Red Means STOP! Open Your Eyes Joe!

By Arthur Moore

Now if you look at the latest Covid charts that are colorized you will clearly see that the cities all around Somerville are in the green, just like Somerville. And common sense will tell you that the places our mayor is not allowing to open is forcing people to go to these other cities which are in the green. Continue reading Mayor Joe, Green Means GO! Red Means STOP! Open Your Eyes Joe!

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: http://www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, August 21, the 234th day of 2020 with 132 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:5 and sunset is @ 7:3. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1680 – The Pueblo Indians drove the Spanish out and took possession of Santa Fe, NM.

Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Letter from the Editor: MAYOR CURTATONE has some answering to do NOW!! Looks like my articles are true and absolutely on point don’t you agree?


MAYOR CURTATONE has some answering to do NOW!! Looks like my articles are true and absolutely on point don’t you agree? It’s in the Book! 😝 

Please read my  prior article:

Allegations of $50,000-$90,000 Embezzlement from Somerville Police Patrolman’s Union Account

By William Tauro

First we had long ago in 2003 about an alleged $2 million of taxpayer’s money that went unnoticeably missing from the Somerville Treasury that caused massive cuts across the board and major layoffs.

But later it was discovered that the unnoticed missing money was mysteriously misplaced then was coincidentally and conveniently returned into their account later in 2004 just when the new administration walked into city hall giving the new administration and opportunity to go on a spending spree to purchase new vehicles and equipment and rehire everyone back layed off. Life was good.

Then we had still long ago the Somerville Traffic and Parking Department’s missing money from that department’s safe containing paid receipts from meters and parking fees that were never recovered but definitely forgotten.

Then not so long ago we had the missing money from the infamous Somerville Police Department’s evidence desk which was said to of contained between $19,000-$35,000 in cash that was stuffed in a desk drawer seized from a drug case that went forgotten and guess what, still no answer on what happened to that money. As the great Sargent Shultz once said “I see nothing, I know nothing!”

Now here we are in 2019 and once again with the Somerville Police Department back in the news again with its police patrolman’s union now allegedly missing between $50,000-$90,000 that was allegedly embezzled by one of its own officers.

Multiple calls to Somerville Police Chief David Fallon went unanswered. But we were able to get in touch with Union President Michael McGrath who was unable to comment at the present time stating that the matter is still under investigation.

The Somerville Police Employees Association (SPEA), founded in 1979, is the bargaining unit for 90-95 Somerville Police Patrol Officers. The SPEA represents its Officers and advocates for fair compensation and a safe workplace. The SPEA is committed to the community and contributes to several charitable organizations.

The SPEA is an independent union but is affiliated with the Massachusetts Municipal Police Coalition and the Somerville Labor Coalition

We know from our own observations here at the Somerville News Weekly that over the past years Union President Michael McGrath has been doing a wonderful job as the union’s president and they have some outstanding members as well who continuously give 110% assisting the president with the everyday tasks and operations of that organization.

But unfortunately there’s always one bad apple in the bunch that will stray the wrong way that gives the entire organization a black eye.

We’re also hearing that the mayor wants to start a reserve police force because he claims no one on the list wants the job. But we find that highly interesting because why would dozens of people take the test and then decline?

Maybe the mayor’s new police force can investigate the current police force and find all this missing money if that’s what he is insinuating but we doubt it.

We’re positive that Union President Mcgrath cant pick and choose who he defends. It depends on how they handle it. If the accused officer is charged and found guilty, they can fire him and he has no recourse. If he is found not guilty at trial and they fire him anyways, the union would have to defend him.

But we can assure you that we will keep a close eye on this and let you know as the case progresses, where it goes and where it ends up while this story is still developing…

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Neighborhood Inhaling Gas Leaks

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I’d love to know why National Grid thinks it’s acceptable for a Somerville neighborhood to be inhaling gas leaks for over 2 weeks (on a project they’ve been working a couple of months on) and even with a rep verifying there were 2 severe leaks and 1 minor leak we’re told we’ll “just have to deal with it for at least another 2 weeks”. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Neighborhood Inhaling Gas Leaks

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: 18 to 20 people With Covid19 Due to an Outbreak at the Somerville High School Construction Site

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Just to let you know that our mayor is trying very hard to look like such a bad ass on tv every other day regarding this pandemic. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: 18 to 20 people With Covid19 Due to an Outbreak at the Somerville High School Construction Site

The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

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Processed with MOLDIV The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Annmarie Sciascia DiGiovanni, Ron McCollem, Bill Baro, Lisa Young Macleod, Nick Doucette, Michael Dimarco, Cheryl Kennedy, Aly Ssa, Brendon Ramos, Marina Centofanti Monteiro, Tricia Lee, Todd Reeves, Deborah Byrne, Robin Vasco St Pierre, Calvin Bertocchi, Shannon Hardy, Anita
Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Robert LOPER (FIREARM WITHIN 500 FT OF DWELLING, AMMUNITION WITHOUT FID CARD, POSSESS, FIREARM WITHOUT FID CARD, POSSESS)

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On August 13, 2020 at 4:16 PM, Somerville Police received a call for a well being check at XX Woods Avenue. The caller was a man named XXXX. Mr. XXXX reported that earlier in the afternoon, his roommate, Mr. XXXX heard a “popping sound” in their apartment. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Robert LOPER (FIREARM WITHIN 500 FT OF DWELLING, AMMUNITION WITHOUT FID CARD, POSSESS, FIREARM WITHOUT FID CARD, POSSESS)

SEAL EVICTION RECORDS

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By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee gave a favorable report to a bill that would allow tenants to ask a court to seal records relating to a recorded eviction in three cases: three years after a recorded eviction, provided no other eviction or landlord action is brought within that time; after satisfaction of any judgment in an eviction or landlord action; and any time after the recording of a no-fault eviction which is when a landlord decides to end a tenancy because of reasons other than non-payment of rent. Continue reading SEAL EVICTION RECORDS

MORTGAGE PAYMENT DEFERRAL

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By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Financial Services Committee would allow borrowers who are struggling to pay their mortgages due to the COVID-19 crisis to defer the payments for up to six months. Following the six months, the bank would be required to work with the borrower to maintain the original payment or to agree to a loan modification reducing the monthly payments. Continue reading MORTGAGE PAYMENT DEFERRAL

Five Somerville Polling Places Have Been Moved for the September 1 and November 3 Elections

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Four polling places were moved for COVID-19 safety; one to address resident feedback

SOMERVILLE, MA – Five of Somerville’s polling places have been relocated for the September 1 and November 3 elections. Four were moved into locations where COVID-19 safety measures could be better put in place and a fifth – formerly at the Kennedy School – was moved in response to resident feedback. Continue reading Five Somerville Polling Places Have Been Moved for the September 1 and November 3 Elections

Paid Opportunity for Somerville Teens: Use Photography to Raise Awareness of Problem Gambling

B90BF9E4-5107-4649-9EBF-ECCB79B95666Somerville Prevention Services, in partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance, seeks up to 12 Somerville teens and their caregivers to participate in a photovoice project to raise awareness about the risks of problem gambling. Over the course of 8 to 12 weeks, teen participants will attend online workshops to learn about youth gambling and build skills in advocacy, leadership, and photography. Participants will take photos to convey educational messages and present their images at a final virtual showcase for state and local leaders in the fall.
Continue reading Paid Opportunity for Somerville Teens: Use Photography to Raise Awareness of Problem Gambling

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

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GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, August 16, the 229th day of 2020 with 137 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:51 and sunset is @ 7:44. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1777 – During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Bennington took place. New England’s minutemen routed the British regulars. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

House Acts to Support Healthcare System during Pandemic

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Bill Will Facilitate Telemedicine and Strengthen Community Hospitals

(BOSTON) – State Representative Paul J. Donato (D-Medford, Malden) joined Speaker DeLeo and their colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing a bill that will enable patients to access healthcare services via telemedicine and provide vital funding to community hospitals in the midst of COVID-19. Continue reading House Acts to Support Healthcare System during Pandemic

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

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Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, August 11, the 224th day of 2020 with 142 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:47 and sunset is @ 7:50. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1860 – The first successful silver mill in America began operations. The mill was in Virginia City, NV. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Hotline to the Underground August 10, 2020

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By Joe Viglione

ROLLING STONES RELEASE NEW “OLD’ SINGLE, ‘SCARLET”

Continuing with our “back to the future” phase here on the Hotline, the Rolling Stones have a magnificent new single out on YouTube entitled “Scarlet.” I’m thinking to myself “this is the best thing that Mick and Keith have written in years” only to see that despite the modern video with Irish actor Paul Mescal (Normal People mini-series) the song goes back to the days of producer Continue reading Hotline to the Underground August 10, 2020

The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

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Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday to Sandra Pyke-Cowie, Shane Adams, Janet Ciccariello, Dottie Abbott, Victoria Stockbridge, Karen Benoit, Lisamarie Tauro, Alexis Pantanella, Lance Covert, Irene Duffy Lomanno, Tiernan DeFeo, Tomas Thor Larsen, Linda Chiappini Yarasitis, Nina DiCarlo, Stacy L DeMaria, Ronald Cabral, Larry Burke, Henry Lima, Stephan Shea, Maria Petrosillo, Lisa Vogel, Joey Medeiros, Renee M Kirby, Anthony Boyd, Aaron Ciccariello, Mike Fitzgerald, Maddy Pulisciano, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Joint Statement from Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn on Tufts University’s Reopening Plan

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Today Mayors Joseph A. Curtatone of Somerville and Breanna Lungo-Koehn of Medford sent the following letter to Tufts University President Anthony Monaco regarding the university’s reopening plan: Continue reading Joint Statement from Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn on Tufts University’s Reopening Plan

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Tevon NGOMBA (FIREARM, CARRY WITHOUT LICENSE, HEROIN/MORPHINE/OPIUM, TRAFFICKING, FIREARM SERIAL NO., DEFACE, FIREARM USE IN FELONY)

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On 08/03/20, myself and members ATF Group 6 were conducting an undercover operation in the area of the Mystic Housing Development in the City of Somerville. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Tevon NGOMBA (FIREARM, CARRY WITHOUT LICENSE, HEROIN/MORPHINE/OPIUM, TRAFFICKING, FIREARM SERIAL NO., DEFACE, FIREARM USE IN FELONY)

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Jorge ALVES (DRUG, POSSESS TO DISTRIB CLASS A)

FCCC8DAF-79AE-4E84-AB51-1972955CFDC6081E231B-5E67-4AE8-AC5A-BF25FBB6CDB9On August 7, 2020, I was patrolling area East 2 for the Somerville Police Department. At approximately 7:28 AM, East 3, Ofc. Sousa, and I were dispatched to 14 McGrath Highway in the Star Market parking lot for a male party passed out behind the wheel in a black SUV. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Jorge ALVES (DRUG, POSSESS TO DISTRIB CLASS A)

Somerville Announces Early Voting Schedule; Reminds Residents about Additional Upcoming Election Dates and Vote by Mail

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Early voting for the September 1 primary to take place from
August 22 to 28 at City Hall

SOMERVILLE, MA – The City of Somerville will hold seven days of early voting ahead of the Tuesday, September 1, primary elections. All early voting will take place at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., and the schedule is as follows: Continue reading Somerville Announces Early Voting Schedule; Reminds Residents about Additional Upcoming Election Dates and Vote by Mail

Announcing All New East Somerville Meal of Fortune Week!

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A fun new way to support local businesses!

East Somerville Main Streets is excited to announce Meal of Fortune Week! Tickets are available now!

Prior to the week of September 28th through October 4th purchase a ticket for a surprise meal that will be matched to a local East Somerville restaurant based on your uniquely customized flavor profile. Continue reading Announcing All New East Somerville Meal of Fortune Week!

Rayla Campbell Takes to the Streets of Somerville as a Candidate For Congress MA-7

83A3723D-955A-4E91-8511-4E747DDE9038A92E35AB-15C9-4D83-982C-F1EEF4319CBDBy William Tauro

This past Thursday, candidate for congress for MA-7 (That includes Somerville) Rayla Campbell took to the streets of Somerville as well as spending the afternoon at the Foss Park Swimming Pool that’s located on Broadway talking and listening to people and families who were expressing their opinions, concerns and frustrations about Somerville. Continue reading Rayla Campbell Takes to the Streets of Somerville as a Candidate For Congress MA-7

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Rent Control is a Disaster

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RENT CONTROL can never work. They tried it in Cambridge and how we got all these crazy liberals because our rents were always lower than most surrounding cities and we had the best access to the MBTA which other towns desperately lack– Arlington, Medford and Everett being the worst. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Rent Control is a Disaster

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Regarding Old Star Market on Broadway

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

What city administration and their donors want — Everything that will not benefit the working class neighborhoods. That’s all everyone needs to know. The owners proposal of putting in an OCEAN STATE JOB LOT, was a good idea. I think everyone in the city would have benefited. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Regarding Old Star Market on Broadway

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Renan SANTOS (MV Violations)

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The following is a summary of the details related to this incident.

On Sunday, August 2, 2020, I, Officer David Ruf, was in full-uniform and assigned to marked cruiser East-1, for the Somerville Police Department. At approximately 1:36 A.M., Officer Johnson (East-4) and I were dispatched to 43 Third Ave (UPS) for a large car group. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Renan SANTOS (MV Violations)

$1 BILLION-PLUS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BOND

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By Bob Katzen

The House 155-4, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a $1 billion-plus information technology bond titled “An Act Financing the General Governmental Infrastructure of the Commonwealth.” The state would borrow the funds to finance the projects in the bill. The original version of the package was filed by Baker more than a year ago on April 11, 2019. Continue reading $1 BILLION-PLUS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BOND

MEASURES APPROVED TO CREATE NEW MASS STATE SEAL AND MOTTO

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By Bob Katzen
The Senate 39-0, approved a measure that would create a special commission to investigate the official state seal and motto including “those features that may be unwittingly harmful to or misunderstood by Bay State citizens to ensure that they faithfully reflect and embody the historic and contemporary commitments of the state to peace, justice, liberty and equality and to spreading the opportunities and advantages of education.” Continue reading MEASURES APPROVED TO CREATE NEW MASS STATE SEAL AND MOTTO

BREAKFAST AFTER THE BELL

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By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law a bill designed to boost participation rates in school breakfast programs in high-poverty schools. The measure would require that breakfast be offered only after the school day begins, through a variety of ways including breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go and second-chance breakfast. Currently, only 150,000 of the 300,000 students eligible for breakfast actually take part in it. Continue reading BREAKFAST AFTER THE BELL

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

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Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, August 09, the 222nd day of 2020 with 144 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:45 and sunset is @ 7:54. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1790 – The Columbia returned to Boston Harbor after a three-year voyage. It was the first ship to carry the American flag around the world. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

City Council to Vote Wed. on Proposed Polling Place Changes: 4 for COVID-19 Safety, 1 for Voter Convenience

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On August 5, 2020, the Somerville City Council voted on––and unanimously approved––the polling changes outlined below.

On Wednesday, August 5, the Somerville City Council held a special meeting

One item on the agenda was a vote on moving five polling places. Continue reading City Council to Vote Wed. on Proposed Polling Place Changes: 4 for COVID-19 Safety, 1 for Voter Convenience

Draft Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan Released for Public Comment

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Plan proposes community-driven redevelopment of vacant Star Market lot and nearby properties

SOMERVILLE, MA – The City released a draft Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan today, following a year of public meetings, online engagement, and community conversations about the future of the vacant Star Market site. Continue reading Draft Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan Released for Public Comment

Letter from the Editor: Hiding Black On Black Domestic With Guns Drawn In Somerville

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By William Tauro

During the early morning hours of this Thursday morning at about 2:00 AM, a domestic call took place around the area of 210 Highland Avenue in Somerville. As police officers responded on scene they immediately determined the situation to be a black on black domestic dispute (husband and wife)/(man and woman) in which the male had a gun in hand. Continue reading Letter from the Editor: Hiding Black On Black Domestic With Guns Drawn In Somerville

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Makes It impossible For a Family to Survive

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I have five minor children in the Somerville School system. Now that the schools are going with remote learning, I only have one computer never mind now needing five of them. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Makes It impossible For a Family to Survive

Somerville Will Start School Year With Fully Remote Learning

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Somerville will start this school year with fully remote learning. The school system will seek to move toward a hybrid model with an eventual return to full-time in-person education as that becomes practical during this pandemic. The following is the letter sent to all SPS families explaining this decision. Continue reading Somerville Will Start School Year With Fully Remote Learning

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

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Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, August 04, the 217th day of 2020 with 149 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:39 and sunset is @ 8:01. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1735 – Freedom of the press was established with an acquittal of John Peter Zenger. The writer of the New York Weekly Journal had been charged with seditious libel by the royal governor of New York. The jury said that “the truth is not libelous.” Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

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Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to George Reeves, Dan Medeiros, Marie Lomanno, Dennis Myles, Anthony Marino, Donna Marie Fazio, Kathleen Catino, Sebastion Piacentini, Lisa Desimone, Gen McCarthy, Louie Barber, Ilda Almeida, Angel Willis, Tom Kerr, Peter Martin, Frank Fraumeni, Jorge Sousa, Virginia Fitzgibbon, Betty Davis, Robert Carr, Alicia Libucha, Chuckie Fitzgibbon, Patrick Farrell, Ron Kenney, Junior Dunne, Gayle Gunning Lombardo, Marjorie Decker, Diane Snow, John Alan Roderick, Steve Jeffres, Michelle Christine, Lisa F Lehman, Zach Corey, Ricky Chan, Pam King, Alicia Lafuente, Meredith Canavan, Kaitlin Norton, John J Fiorentino, Patti Splaine Crowley, Nick Lazilli, Amanda Sleddington, Vincent Chia, Joseph DiBenedetto, Ronnie Sousa, Brian Novak, Lainie Dellorfano, Jeff Quinlan, Eric O’Brien, Salvatore Pino, Karen Haley, Jerry Carvalho, Ken Miaocco, Dale Hodgkins, Kenneth Jameson, Franco Nuzzo, Kathleen Gatta, Duggan Hill, Robert Earle-Coppola, Bobby Young and Billy Consolo

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Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Remembrance: The great Bobby Hebb, ‘Sunny’ and beyond – Ten Years After the Passing of this Musical Giant

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By Joe Viglione

Salem and Rockport enjoyed the presence of a musical giant best known for a song that must have over 1,000 “cover versions” at this point in time, the immortal “Sunny.” On Aug. 3 2010, just a week and a day after his 72nd birthday, we lost this unique, wonderful and quite amazing human being: Bobby Hebb. Continue reading Remembrance: The great Bobby Hebb, ‘Sunny’ and beyond – Ten Years After the Passing of this Musical Giant

LOCAL DEVELOPER BRINGS EXTRAORDINARY LIVING TO MAGOUN SQUARE SOMERVILLE


Somerville’s Charles Zammuto To Open ‘519 on Broadway’ Boutique Luxury Condos

SOMERVILLE, MA, August 3, 2020 – Earlier today, Legacy Building and Development announced it is now offering tours of 519 on Broadway, Somerville’s newest residences with sophisticated modern amenities. Continue reading LOCAL DEVELOPER BRINGS EXTRAORDINARY LIVING TO MAGOUN SQUARE SOMERVILLE

ALLOW LOCAL TAX ON REAL ESTATE PURCHASES AMENDMENT REJECTED

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By Bob Katzen
The House 29-130, rejected an amendment giving cities and towns the option to impose on the buyers a tax between .5 percent and 2 percent on the purchase of real estate to be used by the city or town’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Purchases by government entities or charitable organizations would be exempt. Continue reading ALLOW LOCAL TAX ON REAL ESTATE PURCHASES AMENDMENT REJECTED

ALLOW RENT CONTROL AMENDMENT REJECTED

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By Bob Katzen

The House 23-136, rejected an amendment that would repeal the 1994 law that prohibits rent control from being implemented by local cities and towns. Rent control places limits on the rent that a landlord may charge. The Bay State outlawed rent control on a 1994 voter-approved ballot question that was approved 51 percent to 49 percent. At that time, only Boston, Cambridge and Brookline had implemented rent control. Continue reading ALLOW RENT CONTROL AMENDMENT REJECTED

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLAQUE APPROVED

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By Bob Katzen

The House 159-0, approved a measure providing for the installation and maintenance of a plaque in the House chamber containing a portion of the address which Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered to a joint convention of the Massachusetts House and Senate in April 1965. The Senate approved the measure on a voice vote and sent it to Gov. Baker. Continue reading MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLAQUE APPROVED