Click on link below to read this week’s February 27th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online February 27th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading February 27th, 2024 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

By Bob Katzen

“Nearly 70 percent of those deaths took place where we should feel safest – at home. Tragically, more than half of those deaths took place in homes without working smoke alarms. And about two-thirds of last year’s fatal fire victims were adults aged 65 or older.”
—State Fire Marshal Jon Davine on the 45 Massachusetts residents who died in fires last year. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee gave a favorable report to and recommended passage of a measure that would require that American Sign Language (ASL) be taught in all Bay State public elementary and secondary schools to increase interactions between hearing persons and deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, as well as children with autism. Current law allows but does not require schools to teach ASL. Continue reading AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (S 2589) →

By Bob Katzen

Another proposal given a favorable report by the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee would create a pilot program to provide free diapers to low-income families at food pantries. Continue reading FREE DIAPERS (H 149) →

By Bob Katzen

The Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee gave a favorable report and recommended passage of legislation that would declare racism as a public Continue reading DECLARE RACISM AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS (S 1412) →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Cannabis Policy has given a favorable report and recommended passage of a measure that would require the Cannabis Control Commission and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to study and report to the Legislature on the barriers that first responders face about their legal right to use cannabis.
Continue reading MARIJUANA AND FIRST RESPONDERS (S 48) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill designating the Friday of the third full week of September as Noah Fernandes Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Day, in recognition of the Team Noah Foundation, whose goal is to alleviate the financial and emotional stress by providing transportation and home improvements to families with children who are affected by Mitochondrial Disease and other developmental disabilities.
Continue reading NOAH FERNANDES MITOCHONDRIAL AWARENESS DAY (H 4140) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would modernize written state laws to reflect the evolution of terminology relating to persons with disabilities. Continue reading CHANGE ARCHAIC LANGUAGE REFERRING TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (H 4396) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would allow cities and towns to increase the current $300 maximum fine for parking illegally in a parking space reserved for handicapped persons. That $300 fine is set by the state and goes into the municipalities’ General Fund. Continue reading INCREASE FINES FOR VIOLATING HANDICAPPED PARKING (H 3261) →

By Bob Katzen

On November 15, 2023, the Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say would make major changes and reforms to the state’s pharmaceutical system by “lowering the cost of drugs at the pharmacy counter and improving oversight of the pharmaceutical industry.” Continue reading PHARMACEUTICAL ACCESS, COSTS AND TRANSPARENCY (S 2520) →

By Bob Katzen

On October 26, 2023 the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer a short-term supply (60-days once in a two-year period) of HIV prevention drugs, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to a patient without a prescription.
Continue reading HIV PREVENTION DRUGS (S 2480) →

By Bob Katzen

On October 26, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would require all prisons, homeless shelters and K-12 schools to maintain free menstrual products, including sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners in private and public restrooms and to make them available in a “convenient manner that does not stigmatize any persons seeking the products.”
Continue reading MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS (S 2491) →

By Bob Katzen

On July 27, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation that would make it easier for homeless youth and adults to secure free state ID cards. Continue reading MAKE OBTAINING ID CARDS EASIER FOR HOMELESS PERSONS (S 2251) →

By Bob Katzen

On July 27, 2023, the Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow Bay Staters to choose the gender-neutral designation “X” in lieu of “male” or “female” on their birth certificates and marriage certificates.
Continue reading GENDER X (S 2429) →

The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of Somerville/Medford News Weekly, Boston News Group’s News Publications belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville/Medford News Weekly, Mass Publishing and Boston News Group, it’s publications, its staff or publishers.)

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

You spend so many hours, adding up the days; stuck in traffic. What previously took five to seven minutes, now takes twenty to thirty or more. Construction at every corner. Roads reduced to less than one working lane, if any. POTHOLES that eat half your car. Instead of absorbing the intended stress, I observe what’s around me – Like WHO paid for the extra M’s in SoMerville?
When working construction in the 1980’s into 2000’s, I ordered signs for our projects. Every square inch and letter had a cost of ~$10., back then. Sitting in traffic for HOURS, almost EVERY one of these construction signs around us had an extra M. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Many M’s in Somerville? By Robert L. Peters →

Obituary

Lynn Stevens, 79, of Somerville Massachusetts, died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 19. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Lynn George Stevens →

“In recent months, we’ve seen droughts, flooding, and wildfire smoke across our region.
The climate crisis is very much here.” EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. Continue reading Another Year of Record Flooding and Drought →

Obituary

Theresa (Pelagio) Oppedisano, of Somerville, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on February 24, 2024, she was 97. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Theresa Oppedisano →

Obituary

Baby Boy Eliel Adombroso-Yoofi Koomson – Beloved son of Philip Koomson and Grace Amidu. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Eliel Adombroso-Yoofi Koomson →

Late Saturday evening into Sunday morning, Medford firefighters fought a stubborn three-alarm fire in a two family home, at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Pleasant Street. Continue reading Medford Firefighters Local 1032 Updates:Three Alarm Fire Medford →

Many long-time Somerville and Medford residents are probably frustrated with the current state of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. I sure am — and that’s why I’m running for a leadership position in the state party. We need change!
Let me explain what’s wrong and why. Continue reading Elect Rand Wilson for Democratic State Committee →

Happy 100th Birthday to retired Somerville Firefighter William Griffiths. Bill retired in 1982 and was a proud member of Engine Company 2 running out of the Cross Street Firehouse then moving with the company to open their “new” quarters at Headquarters on Broadway. Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Local 76 News Updates: Happy 100th Birthday to retired Somerville Firefighter William Griffiths →

Obituary

Richard V. McDevitt, Jr. passed peacefully on February 23, 2024 at 83 after a 20-year battle with cancers. He was son of Richard McDevitt, Somerville Fire Dept. who died in the line of duty, and Bertha E (Walsh) McDevitt. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Richard V. McDevitt, Jr. →

Continue reading PuroClean® (857) 995-6440 →

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

FYI further fallout. People buying and selling homes in Medford has ceased. Without a fire chief the personnel in fire prevention cannot sign off on any smoke certificates. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:More Chain Reaction Fallout In Medford With Mayor and Fire Department →

Click on link to read February 20th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online February 20th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Jimenez, Ana E. (Montero) – Of Somerville, passed away on Friday, February 16th surrounded by her loving family. She was 74. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Ana E. Jimenez →

Obituary

Happas, Christopher Of Somerville, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, February 18, 2023. He was 59 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Christopher Happas →

By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts has the opportunity to be a global leader in Applied AI – but it’s going to take us bringing together the brightest minds in tech, business, education, health care and government. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee would ban the purchase and/or consumption by all Massachusetts consumers and entities of any product made in Russia.
Continue reading BAN ALL PRODUCTS MADE IN RUSSIA (H 343) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would eliminate the current state law requiring that all fortune telling applicants must have lived in the city or town in which they are seeking their license to practice for at least one continuous year prior to filing their application.
Continue reading FORTUNE TELLERS (H 3893) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that makes online sales of cars subject to the same law as if the sales were executed at the dealership’s physical place of business.
Continue reading ONLINE CAR SALES (H 351) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 3-36, rejected an amendment that would maintain the current 90/5/5 law under which 90 percent of the capital gains tax collections exceeding $1 billion goes to the Rainy Day Fund, 5 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund and 5 percent to the State Pension Liability Fund. The amendment would replace a pending 60/20/20 proposal that would send, in fiscal 2024 only, 60 percent of the $1 billion excess to the Rainy Day Fund while sending 20 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund and 20 percent to the State Pension Liability Fund.
Continue reading SEND 90 PERCENT OF CAPITAL GAINS TAX REVENUE ABOVE $1 BILLION TO THE RAINY DAY FUND (S 3) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would remove a section in the budget that exempts tax revenue generated from the recently voter-approved Millionaire 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) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would increase from $1 million to $5 million the amount of money that is tax exempt from the value of a person’s estate when calculating the state’s estate/death tax that a person is required to pay following their death before distribution to any beneficiary. The increase to $5 million would be implemented over ten years. Continue reading INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 2397) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-32, rejected an amendment that would reduce the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent.
Continue reading REDUCE SHORT TERM CAPITAL GAINS TAX (S 2397) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 33-5, approved an amendment that would require Massachusetts couples who file income tax returns jointly at the federal level do the same at the state level.
Continue reading FILE TAXES JOINTLY (S 2387) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-1, approved a tax relief package that supporters said will provide $561.3 million in tax relief in fiscal year 2024 and $1.02 billion per year in subsequent years.
Continue reading TAX RELIEF PACKAGE (H 4104) →

Obituary

Covino, Jr. James J. – Of Tewksbury, formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He was 86. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering James J Covino, Jr →

Obituary

Maria Angelina de Freitas Terra Alvernaz, of Medford, Massachusetts, passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024, she was a young 95. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Maria Angelina Alvernaz →

Obituary

Ellen J. Maloney, affectionately known as Josie, formerly Healy, a cherished wife, mother, Nana, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 16. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Ellen “Josie” Maloney →

Obituary

Austin, David N. “Ozzie” – Of Somerville, passed away peacefully holding his beloved partner Gail’s hand on Thursday, February 15, 2024. He was 69 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering David N. Austin →

Obituary

Hegarty, Paul E. a resident of Peabody and formerly of Cambridge, Arlington and Cape Cod passed away at home peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Paul E Hegarty →

Obituary

Mecrones, Anne Marie – Of Medford, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2024 after a courageous battle with dementia. She was 90 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Anne Marie Mecrones →

The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of Somerville/Medford News Weekly, Boston News Group’s News Publications belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville/Medford News Weekly, Mass Publishing and Boston News Group, it’s publications, its staff or publishers.)

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

If I were recently found guilty of a few crimes, awai􏰀ng sentencing that totals a few decades incarcerated, crimes I CLEARLY committed; I would be seeking ANY way to reduce those years to see my loved ones before we all leave the planet. ANYTHING to make that a free me sooner, ANYTHING.
Maybe if I owned a piece of land I would find a way to work the system. A system I had only ever learned to play. I never studied hard or learned the rules, because I never thought they would apply to me or my friends. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Good Friends Playing Musical Chairs, LLC By: Robert L. Peters →

Click on link below to read February 13th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online February 13th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) Continue reading February 13th, 2024 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

By Bob Katzen

“Because of a successful vaccination campaign that effectively eliminated measles in the United States in 2000, many people may not be aware that measles, which is transmitted via exposure to contact with airborne droplets, is highly contagious and can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. Children and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Would prohibit landlords from requiring their tenants to re-sign a lease more than three months in advance of the termination of their current lease.
Continue reading RE-SIGNING LEASES (H 264) →

By Bob Katzen

Would allow cities and towns to permit restaurants that are licensed to serve alcohol to offer discounted prices on alcoholic beverages during dates and time periods specified by the city or town. The measure prohibits any alcohol from being discounted after 10 p.m.
Continue reading REVIVE “HAPPY HOURS” (S 157) →

By Bob Katzen

Would require grocery stores to apply all available digital coupons to the orders of senior citizens over 65, even if the person does not have the digital coupons on their phone.
Continue reading DIGITAL COUPONS FOR SENIORS (H 4154) →

By Bob Katzen

Would restrict telemarketing companies doing business in the state by allowing businesses to sign up for a “Do Not Call” list and fining companies up to $5,000 if they call a business on the list. Current law only allows individual consumers to sign up for the list.
Continue reading ALLOW BUSINESSES TO OPT INTO “DO NOT CALL” LIST (S 202) →

By Bob Katzen

The Public Health Committee’s hearing included legislation that would create the Veteran Breakthrough Treatments Program to support the development and deployment of treatments that have been designated as “breakthrough therapies” for veterans and first responders. Breakthrough Therapy designation is given by the FDA to treatments that clinical evidence has shown to be extremely promising.
Continue reading VETERANS BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT PROGRAM (H 4218) →

By Bob Katzen
A bill heard by the Higher Education Committee would require public state colleges to provide students and employees with mental health awareness and prevention programming. This would cover vital topics including signs of mental health issues and substance abuse, where to access mental health resources and crisis intervention strategies. Continue reading MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS (H 4142) →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on a measure that would create an emergency disaster relief program managed by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and funded with $250 million from excess capital gains revenue that would otherwise be transferred to the Rainy Day Fund.
Continue reading CREATE EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM (S 2506) →

By Bob Katzen

Nomination papers are now available for candidates who are planning to run for office in the September 2024 primary election and November 2024 general election. Under state law, candidates are required to gather a certain number of signatures in order to qualify for the ballot. Papers are available in the Office of the Secretary of the State’s Elections Division, located at 1 Ashburton Place in Boston and Galvin’s other offices in Springfield and Fall River. Continue reading NOMINATION PAPERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2024 CANDIDATES →

By Bob Katzen

(No bill number yet assigned) – The Committee on Higher Education has given a favorable report to and recommended passage of a bill that would prohibit public and private colleges in the Bay State colleges from using “legacy admissions” – a tradition that gives to a boost in a prospective student’s odds of admission to a college just because the applicant is related to a current student or alumnus.
Continue reading PROHIBIT “LEGACY” COLLEGE ADMISSIONS →

By Bob Katzen

The House has given initial approval to a bill that would require that any group or individual soliciting contributions for a charitable organization by mail or telephone, to inform potential donors what percentage of contributions go directly to the charity.
Continue reading CHARITABLE DONATIONS (H 2280) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0 (No House roll call), approved Gov. Maura Healey’s reorganization plan that would split the current Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development into two separate cabinet level departments: the new Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities and the renamed Secretary of Economic Development.
Continue reading NEW CABINET POSITION: SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES (H 43) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 132-26, (Senate on a voice vote without a roll call vote), approved a proposal that beginning on December 1, 2023, would provide free phone calls and video calls for all prisoners in Massachusetts. Continue reading FREE PHONE CALLS FOR PRISONERS (H 4051) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-1, Senate 38-1, approved a tax relief package that supporters say will provide $561.3 million in tax relief in fiscal year 2024 and $1.02 billion per year in subsequent years.
Continue reading TAX RELIEF PACKAGE (H 4104) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 157-0, Senate 38-0, approved a bill that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. Continue reading $375 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES (S 2375) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 153-0, Senate 39-0, approved a $388.6 million fiscal 2023 supplemental budget.
Continue reading $388.6 MILLION FISCAL 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 3548) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 156-2, Senate 39-0, approved a $56.2 billion fiscal 2024 state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2023. The price tag represents a $3.8 billion increase over last year’s fiscal 2023 budget. Continue reading $56.2 BILLION FISCAL 2024 STATE BUDGET (H 4040) →

Obituary

Paul A. Stone, of Somerville, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family on February 6, 2024. He was 70 years old. Born in Cambridge, Paul is one of six children born to Hazel (Currier) and Albert Stone.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Paul A. Stone →

Captain Mark Matthews was promoted to the rank of District Chief at the February 8th City Council meeting. Continue reading Somerville Fire Department Promotion →

Obituary

Tomlinson, Doris- Of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024. She was 99 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Doris Tomlinson →

Obituary

O’Hare, Thomas J. – Of New York, formerly of Somerville, passed away by his loving family on Thursday, February 8, 2024. He was 77 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Thomas J. O’Hare →

Obituary

O’Callaghan, Diane D. (Rugoletti) – Of Somerville suddenly February 8, 2024.

Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Diane D. O’Callaghan →

(Somerville, MA) Naveo Credit Union is pleased to announce the addition of Karen Yee as their new Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer (CLO). Yee joins the Naveo executive team with extensive risk and compliance experience in financial services. Yee fills in for long-time Senior Lender and Senior Vice President of Lending, Albert Pinho who retires in March.
Continue reading Naveo Credit Union Announces Karen Yee as their Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer →

Obituary

Mary B. Lonergan, 91, of Nashua, NH, passed in the comfort of her Nashua Crossings home on February 9, 2024. Known as Bridget to her friends, she was born in Malden, MA to Mary Catherine (Brancato) and Dennis Fowler and grew up in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary B. Lonergan →

Move vehicles by 11 p.m. on Monday, February 12 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)
Continue reading Somerville Declares Snow Emergency Effective Mon., Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Move Cars by 11 p.m. →

Vasta, Salvatore- Of Somerville, died on Sunday, February 11, 2024. He was 80 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Salvatore Vasta →

We are looking for sponsors to cover expenses associated with event, which is a luncheon and silent auction. Your company/business will be acknowledged in various forms. All proceeds will pay for these expenses and the rest of the proceeds will go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund. Continue reading The Ted Williams Camp Alumni & Friends Jimmy Fund Benefit 7-13-24 →

Dear Billy T and Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

So a childhood friend from St Joe’s had his family’s house in Somervile go into receivership. He said once it did, he was getting called constantly by Maria Curtatone begging him to sell it to her. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Registra Maria Curtatone’s Unethical Predatory Actions →

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

I said when I checked all my facts with the Fire Dept post I made the other night I would spread the information so people can actually get some transparency around here. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: 5am Laidlaw Medford dumpster fire blast →

On Wednesday, February 7th 2024, our Community Affairs Unit was able to partner with the City’s Race and Social Justice Department. Continue reading Somerville Police Collect Donations for Unhoused Population →

Click on link below to read February 6th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online February 6th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading February 6th, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

By Bob Katzen

“For years, Publicis Health’s marketing schemes helped fuel the nationwide opioid crisis, which has shattered some of our most vulnerable communities, while creating significant financial strain on our state systems. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee has recommended passage of a bill that would direct the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Toxics Use Reduction Institute, to create and publish a list of toxic chemicals in children’s products; a list of high priority chemicals in children’s toys and other products; and a list of safer alternative chemicals that can replace chemicals on the high priority chemical list. Continue reading TOXIC CHEMICALS IN CHILDREN’S TOYS (S 2564) →

By Bob Katzen

Another measure heard by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee would require that mobile carnival rides which use enclosed pods, cabins, compartments or other enclosed passenger areas as part of a ride have a safety restraint system that includes seat belts. Violators would be subject to up to a $1,000 fine and/or 1-year prison sentence.
Continue reading REGULATE RIDES ON MOBILE AMUSEMENT CARNIVALS (H 3896) →

By Bob Katzen

The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on a bill that would amend current law which imposes a fine between $10 and $100 on anyone convicted of illegal possession or use of fireworks. The bill would increase the penalty, in areas with a population density of 1,000 or more persons per square mile, to a fine of between $200 and $500 and/or a prison sentence or up to six months. Continue reading ILLEGAL FIREWORKS (H 3634) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would prohibit employers from obtaining the credit reports of existing or potential employees except in certain circumstances including hiring for a position that requires national security clearance; a position for which a person is required by federal or state law to obtain a consumer report; and some executive or managerial positions at a financial institution.
Continue reading BAN EMPLOYERS FROM ASKING FOR CREDIT REPORTS (H 2372) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment to clarify that certain guns legally bought prior to 2016 are “legacy” weapons, and can still be legally held, though this new Senate bill would make new purchases of such weapons illegal.
Continue reading LEGACY” GUNS (S 2572) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 37-2, approved an amendment that would allow firearm companies to “design, advertise, market, import or sell at wholesale or retail a firearm industry product in a manner that recommends or encourages persons under the age of 18 to participate lawfully in hunting or shooting sports.” Continue reading MARKETING GUNS TO PEOPLE UNDER 18 (S 2572) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 9-31, rejected a motion to send the firearms bill to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security in order to have a public hearing on it.
Continue reading SEND BILL BACK TO COMMITTEE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING (S 2572) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 37-3, approved a bill that would change some of the state’s gun laws. The House has already approved a different version of the measure and a House-Senate conference committee will try to hammer out a compromise version.
Continue reading APPROVE FIREARMS BILL (S 2572) →

Obituary

Drew, Patricia A. – Of Medford, passed away on January 20, 2024 at the Sawtell Hospice House. She was 78. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia A. Drew →

Interested Community Members Can Learn More at Informational Session on Tuesday, February 6
Primary Will Be Held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Continue reading Somerville Hiring Polling Place Workers for 2024 Presidential Primary →

Obituary,

Patricia A. (Mack) – Of Medford, formerly of Somerville passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 29, 2025. She was 88.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia A. Carbone →

Obituary

Barbara (Walsh) Cotreau – Of Somerville, passed away on February 1, 2024. She was 85. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara Cotreau →

Obituary

Vilma Ferri Sullivan passed away on January 29, 2024. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Vilma Ferri Sullivan →

SOMERVILLE – The Presidential Primary election for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is Tuesday, March 5. The primary election is open to all registered voters in Somerville. Somerville voters can vote early in person or by mail.

Register to Vote by February 24
You can register one of three ways: Continue reading Somerville Early Voting and Voting by Mail Information for Massachusetts Presidential Primary Election →