Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Robert Robeiro on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Robert Robeiro →

Somerville residents, workers, and families of SPS school students can apply for assistance

SOMERVILLE, MA – Applications for support are now being accepted for the donation-funded Somerville Cares Fund jointly launched by Mayor Joe Curtatone, the United Way, and the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS). Continue reading Somerville Cares Fund Applications Now Available for COVID-19 Relief →

City buildings will remain closed to the public until at least Monday, May 18. The beginning of street sweeping has also been delayed until at least May 18. Further delays are possible, and we will share updates as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis. Continue reading City Buildings to Remain Closed and Street Sweeping Delayed until May 18 →

(Somerville, MA) Naveo Credit Union has assisted nearly 50 local small businesses through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in just two weeks. Naveo became an SBA-approved lender when the economy started to be impacted by COVID-19. Soon after their SBA approval, Naveo launched an internal CARES ACT PPP Loan Processing team who would streamline the process for applicants.
Continue reading Naveo Credit Union Assists Over 50 Local Small Businesses Through the Paycheck Protection Program in Just Two Weeks →

SOMERVILLE– State Representative Christine P. Barber (D-Somerville & Medford) filed legislation to provide state-funded financial support to immigrants who were excluded from the federal s8mulus bill, in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Continue reading Representative Barber Files Legislation to Support Immigrants During COVID-19 Pandemic →

By Bob Katzen

HOUSE RULES FOR REMOTE SESSIONS – The plan was for the House to vote last Wednesday on a temporary emergency set of House rules that would allow members to “attend” formal sessions remotely and to debate and vote from home by use of their telephones. Formal sessions are where debate and roll call votes are held in the House. Continue reading MASS STATE HOUSE RULES FOR REMOTE SESSIONS →

By Bob Katzen

Backers of four ballot questions that still have a chance to make it on the November 2020 ballot got a break last week when Supreme Judicial Court Justice Barbara Lenk ruled that the groups will be allowed to collect the 13,347 additional signatures they need electronically by online means as well as in person. Continue reading POSSIBLE 2020 BALLOT QUESTIONS GET A BREAK →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a bill that authorizes a notary public to notarize documents via electronic video conferencing in real time as long as both the notary and each principal involved in the transaction are physically located within Massachusetts. Continue reading VIRTUAL NOTARY PUBLIC COMING TO MASSACHUSETTS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law a bill to improve the delivery of public health services through enhanced collaboration between local boards of health and regional health districts. Continue reading IMPROVEMENTS TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM →

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury) filed a bill that would allow consumers to sue for up to triple damages any travel company, travel agency, tour business or travel agent that fails to provide a full refund of money to the consumer for any school-related educational trip, tour or excursion canceled as a result of COVID-19 or other declaration of emergency. Continue reading REFUNDS FOR CANCELLED SCHOOL TRIPS →

By Bob Katzen

Raise Up Massachusetts is the group leading the charge for legislation that would provide 10 additional workdays (80 hours) of job-protected paid sick time for immediate use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading PAID SICK TIME →

By Bob Katzen

The Gaming Commission voted 5-0 to extend the closing of the state’s three casinos until at least May 18. Continue reading CASINOS WILL STAY CLOSED AT LEAST UNTIL MAY 18 →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval in March to a measure that would give motorcycle owners 10 days, instead of the current seven days, to get their vehicle inspected. Continue reading STATE TO CHANGE MOTORCYCLE INSPECTIONS →

By Bob Katzen

Also currently tied up in the Bills in Third Reading Committee, after receiving House approval in March, is legislation that would ban checkpoint safety stops that are based on the type of vehicle or adornment of the vehicle and/or its operator. Continue reading BAN SINGLING OUT MOTORCYCLES AND TYPES OF CARS AND DRIVERS AT CHECKPOINTS →

FOUND CAT

This very friendly cat has been frequenting a resident’s house in the Winter Hill area. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates:Lost & Found Pets →

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Carmen A. D’Aurora on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Carmen A. D’Aurora →

Somerville Open Studios was scheduled for this weekend, but of course we will not be able to hold the event as originally planned.

While nothing can replace the experience of meeting artists at their own homes and studios, we have created a virtual SOS with two components:
Continue reading Somerville Open Studios 2020 →

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Ronald R. “Ronnie” Tauro on his passing this past week.

Ronnie was a great guy with a heart of gold who loved everyone.
Continue reading Somerville/Cambridge Remembering Ronald R. Tauro →

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, April 29, the 120th day of 2020 with 246 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:41 and sunset is @ 7:41. 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: 1289 – Qala’un, the Sultan of Egypt, captured Tripoli. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Let’s do this and help her get over the hump and get her the needed signatures before May 6th! Help spread the word sign online. NOW is the time, take a stand with me. http://www.Raylaforcongress.com or on Facebook @RaylaForCongress.

Continue reading Signatures Needed Here To Send Rayla Campbell To The U.S. Congress →

Click on link below to see video:

Click here below to sign Rayla’s papers: https://www.raylaforcongress.com/

Click on link below to read April 28th, 2020 The Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Online:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1flZQbGP-cUNXlxcSHGlmMpFYMh9vpgfA/view

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

The Somerville MA City Council plans to attempt to have the Somerville Police Dept issue $300 tickets for not wearing a face covering, an edict that isn’t legal anyway.

Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: $300 tickets for not wearing a face covering →

Needham’s GOLD DUST still rocking…
Twenty tracks on the blue and gold Hard Love album from Gold Dust offer an audio display that sizzles as driving as 80’s Ozzy Osborne, Motley Crue, Ratt and other hitmakers from metal’s glory days. “Journey Through the Darkness” is a terrific opener with David Kiah’s lead vocals and bass working alongside drummer Jay Couper’s solid time-keeping and his twin brother Scott Couper offering blazing guitar. Continue reading Hotline to the Underground April 27, 2020 By Joe Viglion →

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Herb Vargus, Gianna Ferrera, Olivia Yarasitis, Michael W Stewart, Patrick Oconnell, Joseph Cirinna, Paige Hardy, Stephen Hardy, Alyssa Augello, John Cessna, Billy Williams, Jackie Piques, Jillian Marie Franklin, Vincent Migliore, Graziano Mallone, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

On 03/08/2020, while assigned to marked unit East-2, I responded to a Motor vehicle stop. A bolo had been called out for A MA registration xxxxx for a check condition. The operator, Edward Atwell was believed to be intoxicated, I would note that Mr. Atwell’s license is also suspended. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: RE: Edward ATWELL (OUI Liquor 2nd Offense, Op MV with License Suspended) →

“Scout” went missing on 4/11/20 from the area of Highland Road. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING CAT →

Order goes into effect Wednesday, April 29; Grace period will be granted to allow community time to comply

Monday, April 27, 2020
“It’s encouraging how many residents are already wearing masks, and we will work with understanding to help others do so as well.” –Chief of Police David Fallon Continue reading Somerville Requires Mask or Face Covering in All Indoor and Outdoor Public Spaces →

Cherish Health and Health eVillages Launch Partnership at Veterans Center by Mitigating COVID-19 and Impact of Long-Term Health Conditions Continue reading Biosensor Pilot at Somerville Veterans Home to Support Vulnerable Residents →

Plan Includes Testing Partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance that Opens Free Testing to All Residents With and Without Symptoms Continue reading Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone Launches COVID-19 Mitigation Plan with Community-Wide Testing, Tracking, Contact Tracing, and Safe Social Isolation Plan →

Help Caroline, Rayla and Helen get on the ballot with your signature below. Fighting for you! Continue reading Unenrolled and Republican Voters – HELP US GET ON THE BALLOT →

7th Congressional District – Rayla Campbell
To Nominate Rayla, go to: https://www.raylaforcongress.com/

Where is the 7th Congressional District?

Chelsea, Everett, Milton: Precincts 1, 5, and 10, Randolph, Somerville Continue reading Rayla U.S. Congress →

2020 has been an unprecedented year. Many of us have suffered great losses, but we still maintain our resiliency as Americans. We carry the American spirit. I am asking you to help me qualify for the Congressional ballot. Due to a court decision we are allowed to collect signatures electronically. I need 1500 signatures by May 5th in order to qualify. This is a major undertaking so please sign electronically by clicking Continue reading Caroline Colarusso For Congress →

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced the launch of a new dedicated text line for victims. This line will provide victims with direct access to a victim witness advocate via text message. Continue reading Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Launches Non-Emergency Text Line for Victims →

Probationary Firefighters Randy Oliver and Daniel Roche successfully graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on Friday, April 24, 2020. Continue reading Somerville Fire Department Recruits Graduate →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a bill that would authorize a notary public to notarize documents via electronic video conferencing in real time as long as both the notary and each principal involved in the transaction are physically located within Massachusetts. Continue reading STATE TO ALLOW VIRTUAL NOTARY PUBLIC →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a bill to improve the delivery of public health services through enhanced collaboration between local boards of health and regional health districts. Continue reading IMPROVEMENTS TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would require long-term care facilities, assisted living residences, elderly housing facilities and the Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke to report daily to local departments of health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and residents’ families and guardians the number of known COVID-19 positive cases and mortalities among residents and staff at the facility. Continue reading REQUIRE REPORTING OF COVID-19 CASES →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that temporarily eliminates the maximum countable assets that a welfare family is allowed to have in order to qualify for state funding for people who have lost incomes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading HELP MORE WELFARE RECIPIENTS QUALIFY FOR FUNDS →

By Bob Katzen

Hospital executives from across the state along with Gov. Baker made it clear that the state’s health care system can still treat other conditions as it works its way through the surge in COVID-19 cases. Continue reading HOSPITALS HAVE BEDS FOR NON-COVID-19 PATIENTS →

By Bob Katzen

The new bill provides a stimulus check to taxpayers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number. Continue reading STIMULUS CHECKS TO IMMIGRANT TAXPAYERS →

By Bob Katzen

A bill proposed prohibits retail food stores from accepting the bulk return of any groceries and other household goods purchased by a consumer during, and for 30 days following, a declared state of emergency resulting from a pandemic or other public health emergency. Continue reading PROPOSED BILL TO STOP HOARDING DURING EMERGENCY →

By Bob Katzen

The bill (S 2655) requires insurance companies to cover businesses’ costs if they close down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE BILL PROPOSED ON BEACON HILL →

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Orazio Petrosillo who passed away this past weekend in the hospital after contracting the Covid19 Coronavirus. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Orazio Petrosillo →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, April 26, the 117th day of 2020 with 249 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:46 and sunset is @ 7:38. 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: 1478 – Pazzi conspirators attacked Lorenzo and killed Giuliano de’Medici. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

This chicken was seen earlier Sunday (04/26/20) on Thorpe St. Thank you!

“Jet” went missing on 04/21/20 near the Armory on Highland Ave. He is microchipped and was last seen with his collar/tags on. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING CAT →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of George Anthony Manzelli Sr. on his passing.

George Anthony Manzelli Sr. was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Remembering George Anthony Manzelli Sr. →

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

Hope all is well, we need your help to expose this. Continue reading Counterfeit Respirators/Masks Putting Healthcare Workers At Serious Risk of Covid19 →

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Paul Ronty on his passing.

Paul was a great guy and a living legend who was friends with many of us here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Former Boston Bruin Paul Ronty →

By William Tauro
The lack of Personal Protective Equipment with the now familiar acronym PPE has become one of the most familiar concerns that we hear concerning the care of COVID-19 patients and the medical teams who treat them. Continue reading Lack of Personal Protective Equipment Where Needed →

By Arthur Moore

First, I am not an expert. It’s only my opinion based on life’s experiences and common sense.

I believe a lot of places may be able to reopen even if not at full capacity. I think there should be a coordinated effort with the business and health department. If this can be worked out to make it safe the same method can be applied to others of the same kind or type. Continue reading Reopening America →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, April 23, the 114th day of 2020 with 252 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:50 and sunset is @ 7:34. 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: 1348 – The first English order of knighthood was founded. It was the Order of the Garter. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Plans must include provisions for cleaning, ending non-essential visits, and stopping gatherings within the building.

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health issued an order requiring senior housing facilities to share existing COVID-19 safety plans or formally create plans and policies Continue reading Somerville’s Senior Buildings Ordered to Share COVID-19 Safety Plans →

Somerville Public Schools nears 100% connectivity for families through targeted interventions, personalized approach

Somerville, MA – By the end of next week, Somerville Public Schools officials anticipate that close to 100% of families in the district will have internet access, thanks to intense and coordinated efforts by SPS and other City staff members, working in partnership with local service provider, Comcast. Continue reading Coordinated Somerville Community Effort Leads to Closing of Digital Divide for Public School Students →

Somerville Public Schools and the City’s Emergency Food Pantry are serving a growing number of residents each week.

SOMERVILLE, MA – This week the City of Somerville distributed 4,000 facial masks to residents in senior living facilities across the city. Continue reading 4,000 Masks Distributed to Senior Buildings in Somerville/21,000 Ready-to-Eat Meals Provided to Residents →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, April 22, the 113th day of 2020 with 253 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:52 and sunset is @ 7:33. The New Moon is exact @ 10:27 PM EDT. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1500 – Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral discovered Brazil. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

By Representative Donald Wong
Monday, April 20, 2020
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
It was a honor to witness ROC / Taiwan donating 100,000 surgical masks to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Continue reading ROC / Taiwan Donating 100,000 surgical Masks To Commonwealth →

Click on link below to read April 21st, 2020 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y3Rwq2ikafoLOS9-wIZt7M-x8ZH7UlKq/view

Video of the week goes to the legendary Peter Calo, former Somerville resident these days up on Croton-on-the-Hudson. It’s from his Time Machine albums and features lyrics by wife Marianne Calo with video directed and edited by Gordon Bahary go to tiny url dot com / every ordinary day

Continue reading Hotline to the Underground April 20, 2020
By Joe Viglione →

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Jay Forestier, Susan Abbott Hickey, Daniel Tamburello, Nicole Streeter, Nicole Dello Russo, Joan Dwyer, Dina Benevides, Mena Tuccinardi, Jack Connolly, Frank Bakey, Jimmy Loveless, Kathy Coakley Dion, David A. McNeil, Kathy Peckham, Fran Palmisano Salamone, Patti DiPaola-Covelle, Bob DiGuardia, Dawn LaValley, Nancy Beach Bunny Shea, William Beatty, Geoff Diehl, Cathy DeStefano, Debby Bartolomeu, Celia Miller-Saltman, Tina Kneeland, Helen King, Jenny Moura, Hirsh Gardner, Bob Medeiros, Matt Cyrus, Karen Chaille Lima, Joey McEdmunds, Michael David, George Dicicco, Augustus Walsh, Richard Scirocco, Former Somerville Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay, Nancy Medeiros, Bill Decologero, Joe Rogers, Karl Bloedow, Cynthia Oldham, Gary Messina Sr., Joann Cetrullo, Frank Donato, Thomas Leyne, Johnny Scarpelli, Happy birthday thambi, Koda Denk, Ricky Colarusso, Carol Duffy, Anita Lynn, Happy 16th Birthday to Antonio Michael Anderson, Happy 73rd Birthday to Mrs. Gambino and Happy 80th Birthday to Mr. Ferranti

Sent in by our readers!

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

We here at the Somerville/Medford News Weekly have taken temporary steps in order to help protect our workers/delivery crews from the spread of Covid19 by limiting newspaper deliveries to newspaper boxes and to selected businesses only throughout both cities.

Continue reading New Temporary Delivery Standards for Somerville/Medford News Weekly →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, April 20, the 111th day of 2020 with 255 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:55 and sunset is @ 7:31. 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: 1139 – The Second Lateran Council opened in Rome. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Governor Charlie Baker legislation that would make health care professionals and health care facilities immune from lawsuits and civil liability for any damages alleged to have been sustained by an act or omission by the health care professional or health care facility in the course of providing health care services during the period of the COVID-19 emergency. Continue reading NO COVID-19 LIABILITY →

By Bob Katzen

A bill proposed last week would provide monthly cash assistance of $1,500 per month for persons over age 65 who are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) but stopped working as a result of a pre-existing condition placing them in a high-risk category for COVID-19’s most serious symptoms or death. Continue reading $1,500 PER MONTH FOR SOME SENIORS →

By Bob Katzen

Senator Becca Rausch and Representative  Adrian Madaro have filed bills to permit voting by mail for all state primaries and general elections. Under the bill, which would be effective beginning with the 2020 election, the secretary of state would send every registered voter affiliated with a party a ballot by mail with a prepaid return envelope 18 days before the Sept. 1 primary election and the Nov. 3 general election. Continue reading VOTE BY MAIL? →

By Bob Katzen

A Bill, (H 4986), on Beacon Hill establishes up to $10,000 grants for small community churches in the gateway cities of Massachusetts with parishioners of less than 100 members. Continue reading MASS CHURCHES ONLINE →

By Arthur Moore

There seems to be too much common sense lacking in this city as of late. This virus has shown us how many things are in need of a change. Continue reading This Crazy Time In Somerville, Maybe Time To Think Of Changes →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved a conference committee version and sent to Gov. Baker legislation putting a moratorium on most residential, commercial and nonprofit evictions and foreclosures until 45 days after the end of the state of emergency, or 120 days after passage of this new law, whichever is sooner. Continue reading MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURES →

By Bob Katzen

On Friday, April 17, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruled that the number of required signatures for all elected offices in the September 1 primary be reduced by 50 percent because of the difficulty and health risks of collecting signatures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading COURT REDUCES THE NUMBER OF SIGNATURES REQUIRED TO GET ON THE BALLOT →

By Bob Katzen

On April 16, the day before the SJC ruling, the Senate approved and sent to the House a bill which mirrors the SJC decision except it did not reduce the signatures required for candidates for the state Legislature. Continue reading SENATE APPROVED A BILL THAT DIDN’T LOWER THE NUMBER OF SIGNATURES FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE STATE LEGISLATURE →

Restaurants can sell grocery items as part of pick-up and/or delivery services.

SOMERVILLE, MA – In an effort to both expand resident access to groceries and help restaurants affected by the COVID-19 crisis, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health have issued an order allowing restaurants to sell grocery items for the duration of Somerville’s local state of emergency. Continue reading Mayor Curtatone & Board of Health Issue Order Allowing Restaurants to Sell Groceries →

Mayor Curtatone orders CDBG funds be made available for emergency small business support

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone today announced the launch of a $1 million Somerville Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide financial support of up to $10,000 to Somerville small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Somerville Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund Announced →

Mayor Curtatone and the Board of Health issue quarantine order for 65-unit building with 8 confirmed COVID-19 cases

Saturday, April 18, 2020
Residents of the Mt. Pleasant senior apartment building in Somerville have been placed under a mandatory minimum 14-day quarantine after eight cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at the residence. Continue reading Mt. Pleasant Senior Apartments Somerville Placed Under Mandatory Quarantine →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, April 17 the 108th day of 2020 with 258 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:59 and sunset is @ 7:27. 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: 1492 – Christopher Columbus signed a contract with Spain to find a passage to Asia and the Indies. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

By Caroline Colarusso

How many of you remember voting for class President in High School? I do. How many of you remember this election being the choice between two candidates? You heard their platform; you weighed your decision and you voted for the person of your choice, and that’s the way it should be. Continue reading Challengers Not Welcome on Beacon Hill →

Dear Sir,
Coronavirus cases are been identified in thousands of nursing homes everywhere in the U.S., over 3,800 so far. Some states report that more than half of their facilities have residents infected with coronavirus. We may never know the full scope of this because the CDC admits it is not keeping track of deaths in nursing facilities. Continue reading Letter to the Editor: Nursing Homes →

Please publish this letter if you have room. Stan Klein was a resident of Somerville.

“My hero died today” Stan Klein was just another guy when suddenly struck by a virulent case of Prostate Cancer twenty-five years ago. Continue reading Letter to the Editor: “My hero died today” →

By Arthur Moore

I drive around the city and I see that maybe 1/3 of the people are not wearing masks when around other people. Continue reading Why Are People In Somerville Not Taking This Virus Seriously?? →

Click on link below to read:April 14th, 2020 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iNtnaTdPt2Nc8Cmz0VR3pPRdhY10ywbg/view

Before our interview and a review of music by Jack Phillips, first a word about the worldwide situation updending just about everything.
Continue reading Hotline to the Underground April 13, 2020
By Joe Viglione: AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST KEITH BROWN →

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Rob May, Alex Ruiz, Ken Foley, Susan Cranfill, Linda Rock Coutoumas, Leah Trasher, Larry Rogers, Paul Anderson, Jean Carozza Poole, John Diaz, Steve Pascucci, Kathy Webber, Virginia Hussey, Charlie Femino, Darlene Gorman, Melissa Cap, Annemarie Rooney, Libby Fulgione, Stephanie Muccini Burke, Mark Moss, Ron Tauro, Lorraine StThomas, John McCormack, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

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

These people are only a small part of the real underpaid workers here in Somerville. I am sure they are handling lots of virus stuff in those barrels. Same dangerous conditions the health care works have and other people who put themselves on the line for us.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Trash Collectors Only a Small Part of the Real Underpaid Workers →

Dear Editor,

We all know that smoking is harmful to one’s lungs. As our lives are disrupted by the coronavirus, this fact raises concerns about the damaging impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) may have on those who smoke or vape. Continue reading Letter to the Editor:Now is an Important Time to Consider Quitting Smoking and Vaping →

Sanitation workers are still working during the coronavirus outbreak and they’re busier than ever. They deserve an extra big thank you as well.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of James Reeves on his passing.

James was a wonderful person who had many friends here in Somerville and Medford and especially here at the Somerville/Medford News Weekly. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering James “Jim” Reeves →

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Thomas J Simas on his passing.

Thomas J Simas, a Somerville High School graduate and friends to many of us here in Somerville will be sadly missed here in the city.

Obituary of Thomas J Simas Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Thomas J Simas →

In an audit released today, State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump strongly recommended that the Board of Registration in Medicine (BORIM) formalize its relationship with Physician Health Services (PHS), the commonwealth’s physician health program (PHP) provider.
Continue reading Audit Shows State’s Board of Registration in Medicine Lacks Oversight of Health Services for Physicians →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved different versions of legislation putting a moratorium on most residential and commercial evictions and foreclosures until 30 days after Governor Charlie Baker lifts the ongoing state of emergency. Continue reading MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURES →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and the governor signed into law a proposal that would allow changes to the state’s high school standardized testing requirements. Continue reading CHANGES TO HIGH SCHOOL STANDARDIZED TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND THE T →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker filed legislation that would protect health care professionals, including doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, and some health care facilities from liability and suit when the care that they provide is impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. Continue reading HELP HEALTH CARE WORKERS AVOID LAWSUITS →

SOMERVILLE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Chief of Police David Fallon have confirmed an investigation into a fatal stabbing that occurred Saturday at Clarendon Hill Apartments in Somerville. Continue reading Fatal Stabbing Under Investigation in Somerville →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker issued an executive order that would require each grocery store to limit occupancy by customers and store employees to 40 percent of its maximum permitted occupancy level. Continue reading LIMIT THE NUMBER OF SHOPPERS AT ONE TIME IN SUPERMARKETS →

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Patrick Kearney (D-Scituate) filed a bill which lowers the number of signatures candidates must obtain in order to get on the ballot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SIGNATURES TO GET ON THE BALLOT →

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik (D-Gardner) has filed legislation that would allow acting mayors to act with full mayoral authority for the duration of the governor’s declared state of emergency concerning COVID-19. Continue reading COVID19 PREPARATION FOR ACTING MAYORS →

By Bob Katzen

Attorney General Maura Helaey and government regulators are calling upon auto insurance companies to give partial rebates or discounts to policyholders because of the sudden decline in driving caused by COVID-19 restrictions. Continue reading REDUCE AUTO INSURANCE RATES DUE TO COVID19 →

Mayor Curtatone and Governor Baker held a press conference this past Saturday to demonstrate the new mask sterilization facility in Assembly Square. Continue reading New Mask Sterilization Facility in Assembly Square Somerville →

The start of street sweeping has been pushed back until at least May 4th. Residents do not need to move their cars and no tickets will be issued for being parked in a street sweeping zone. Continue reading City of Somerville Environmental Services Covid19 Updates →

All members of the public above the age of 2 urged to wear a face-covering when outside their homes in order to prevent transmission of the coronavirus.

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health have issued a public advisory that, starting immediately, everyone in Somerville should Continue reading Mayor Curtatone Calls for Face Coverings in All Places of Business and Public Areas →

Expert, Trained Volunteers to Provide COVID-19 Health and Human Service Support via Virtual 311 Call Center

From Quarantine Guidance to Unemployment Access to Pothole Repairs: For 311 in Somerville, It’s Still “One Call to City Hall” Continue reading SOMERVILLE EXPANDS 311 SERVICES WITH NEW COVID-19 COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM →

To the editor,
I am a retired healthcare executive living here in Somerville and the author of the book – “Dying Well Prepared; Conversations and Choices”.

There is a looming elephant in the room with this COVID 19 pandemic – our for-profit healthcare delivery network is fragile enough to fail and if not then it will need drastic action to recover on the other side. Continue reading Letter to the Editor: Survival of US Healthcare Delivery →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, April 12, the 103rd day of 2020 with 263 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:08 and sunset is @ 7:22. 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: 1096 – Peter the Hermit gathered his army in Cologne. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

So many things I thought
as to why I stay awake
The memories of pain
the war from what it takes
My brother was a fighter
a man of many words Continue reading A Poem by Albie Cremin “ Fallen Marine” →

MISSING CAT!! PLEASE SHARE!!

“Max” went missing in the area of Robinson St. on the morning of 4/8/20. He is not wearing a collar, is neutered, and is microchipped. If you see him, do not approach as he is very shy. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING CAT →

During these challenging times, the good people and businesses have really shined. Continue reading Somerville Police & Fire Department Updates of Community Generosity →

Dear Editor:

During these challenging times, postal employees are working hard to ensure residents stay connected with their world through the mail. Whether it’s medications, a package, a paycheck, benefits or pension check, a bill or letter from a family member, postal workers understand that every piece of mail is important. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Letter to the Editor on:Social Distancing →

Residents of Somerville, on behalf of the members of the Somerville Police Department I want to ensure you that we are working tirelessly with our partners in Public Health and across every City Department to do everything we can to ensure your health and safety. Continue reading Message From Somerville Police Chief David Fallon:Covid19 Crisis Update →

April 7th, 2020 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly 40 Page Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WZyiEfkhyUJV6rSkVSkCLDG_9u63Lyy5/view

SOMERVILLE – Today Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that residents and property owners will have extra time to pay their property tax, excise tax, and water bills. He also announced that all City-sponsored or permitted public events and large gatherings will be canceled in Somerville through June, including the City’s annual Fourth of July fireworks. Continue reading Somerville Deadline for paying property taxes, some bills extended Somerville Public Events and Large Gatherings Canceled Through June →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, April 07, the 98th day of 2020 with 268 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:16 and sunset is @ 7:16. The Full Pink Moon is exact @ 10:36 PM EDT. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1712 – A slave revolt broke out in New York City. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

By Joe Viglione

In this brave new world of COVID-19 musicians are reaching out to audiences on Facebook Live. Continue reading Hotline to the Underground April 6, 2020 →

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Stephen O’Donnell, Lindsey Hardy, Rich Gordon, Mikey Sabatino, Barbie Melo, Crystal Moschella-Cabral, Jason Costa, Caroline DeMaria, John White, Dan Mosher, Elizabeth Catavolo, Jim Yonker, Robert Campbell, Doreen Martel, Debra Messana, AmberRose Osiris, Sean P Reardon, Brandon Bernyk, Jim Totosky, Stephanie Martins, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

Housing slated for medical personnel, first responders, and patients, with campus segmented into separate zones for different types of populations

In partnership with local health-care providers and its host communities, Continue reading Tufts to Make Residence Halls Available to Local Hospitals and Host Cities →

By Bob Katzen

There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

Once again, the main focus on Beacon Hill last week was the COVID-19 pandemic. Only a handful of legislators and staff along with the House and Senate Clerks and some of their staff were at the House and Senate sessions. Continue reading THIS WEEK IN THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE AND SENATE →

HELP CITY AND TOWN GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS (H 4617) – The House and Senate approved and Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a bill designed to help cities, towns, businesses and individuals solve some of the problems created by the COVID-19. Continue reading HELP CITY AND TOWN GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation putting a moratorium on most residential and commercial evictions and foreclosures until 30 days after Gov. Baker lifts the ongoing state of emergency. Continue reading MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURES →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a proposal that would allow changes to the state’s high school standardized testing requirements. Continue reading CHANGES TO HIGH SCHOOL STANDARDIZED TESTING REQUIREMENTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that sponsors say will provide additional unemployment insurance relief to low-income families, non-profit institutions and employers.

Continue reading IMPROVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker announced that in order to reduce large concentrations of people at beaches during the COVID-19 outbreak, the state is closing the parking lots at beaches managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Continue reading GOVERNOR BAKER CLOSES BEACH PARKING LOTS →

By Bob Katzen

“We know that … the COVID-19 crisis has caused major disruptions for the careers of individuals who earn income through their work in the cultural sector,” says the Mass Cultural Council as it announces the launch of the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals. Grants of $1,000 will be available to Continue reading MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL COVID-19 RELIEF FUND →

By Bob Katzen

Education Fund released a guide with tips for how consumers can negotiate with their banks to lower interest rates, waive overdraft fees and agree on payment plans to provide more financial peace of mind in the months to come.

Continue reading MASSPIRG’s GUIDE ON HOW CONSUMERS CAN NEGOTIATE WITH BANKS – MASSPIRG →

By Bob Katzen

The Supreme Judicial Court heard testimony in the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts, Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) asking the court to take immediate action to limit outbreaks of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people who are incarcerated in Massachusetts jails, prisons and houses of correction. Continue reading MASSACHUSETTS CONSIDERING EARLY RELEASE FOR PRISONERS →