By Bob Katzen

“Expanding our mountain biking trail system will create destinations that connect visitors to our rural communities and the mountains and forests that surround them. It is without a doubt, that investing in accessible outdoor recreation is beneficial not only for our state’s regional economies but also for our health.”
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Massachusetts will receive more than $55 million to purchase more than 200 zero-emission vehicles through its first-ever Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.
Continue reading BAY STATE TO GET MORE THAN $55 MILLION FOR ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a new version of legislation, originally sponsored by Gov. Maura Healey, that would prevent commercial drivers from losing their licenses due to passenger vehicle offenses they committed prior to September 30, 2005. Continue reading COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES (H 5139) →

By Bob Katzen

Twenty-two newly elected state legislators, including 19 representatives-elect and three senators-elect, attended the biennial New Legislator Academy at UMass Amherst, which Senate President Karen Spilka’s office has described as “an opportunity for newly elected legislators to become familiar with experiences that they will encounter in the Legislature.” Continue reading FRESHMAN ORIENTATION – BACK TO SCHOOL →

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) →

Obituary
Rose M. Marinello, who passed away at home in Somerville, on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the age of 94. Rose was born in Watertown, MA, to the late Antonio and Jennie (Donato) Scaltreto, and spent her life dedicated to the love and care of her family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rose M. Marinello →

Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Joseph MacInnes, beloved son of Ernest MacInnes of Somerville and the late Irene (Chartrand) MacInnes. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Daniel Joseph MacInnes →

Center Provides Hot Meals, Bathrooms, and Safe Sleeping Spaces for Residents Experiencing Homelessness

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, together with the Somerville Office of Health and Human Services (HHS), is announcing the opening of the 2025 Overnight Warming Center to support adults experiencing homelessness. Continue reading Somerville Opens Overnight Warming Center for 2025 Winter Season →

Significant step forward moves school building planning into next phase

SOMERVILLE– The City’s work to deliver a state-of-the-art school project for Somerville students
is moving into the next phase in the state’s school building funding process. This afternoon, the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Board of Directors voted to move Somerville’s project forward. The vote by the MSBA Board is a required step
that occurs at several points throughout the multi-year process. Continue reading State Advances Somerville’s Funding Proposal for New PK-8 School Building →

Obituary
Camille A. Moretti, a longtime Somerville resident, passed away at her home on December 12, 2024, she was 88 years old. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of Henrietta (Castana) and Samuel Moretti. Camille was the devoted mother of the late Albert Moretti, who passed away in 2015. Dear sister of the late Mary Cataldo and Patrick Moretti. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Camille A. Moretti →

SOMERVILLE, MA — Councilor-At-Large Jake Wilson is launching a campaign for mayor in the 2025 Somerville municipal election. A two-term Councilor-At-Large, Wilson is looking to bring accessible, collaborative, and decisive leadership to the job.