Obituary
John M. Feeney of Somerville passed away at home on Monday, February 24, 2025. He was 71 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering John M. Feeney →

Obituary
John T. Connelly, affectionately known as JC, of Somerville, passed away peacefully at Lahey Hospital in Burlington on February 25, 2025, at the age of 75. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering John T. Connelly →

http://www.ktmmodulars.com/

Continue reading @ ktmmodulars.com →

February 25th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online February 25th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) Continue reading February 25th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Public hearing scheduled for March 26 as CPA Committee prepares for FY26 funding round

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is inviting residents to help shape the future of Community Preservation Act (CPA) investments by participating in the CPA Annual Review process. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has launched a survey to gather public input on community needs and priorities for CPA funding. The survey is open through March 31, 2025, and can be accessed at this link. Continue reading Somerville Seeks Community Input on CPA Priorities; Annual Review Survey Open Through March 31 →

Assault
25008776: On 2/16/25 at approximately 6:10 AM, Somerville Police responded to 376 Mystic Ave for an assault. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated he got into an altercation with a male party while shoveling snow in the parking lot. During the altercation, the suspect punched and kicked the victim then grabbed what was believed to be a firearm from his vehicle and made a racking motion. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log 2/11/25 – 2/17/25 →

By Bob Katzen

U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s unveiled its annual “Failing the Fix” scorecard which rates laptop and cell phone brands based on their “fixabilty.” The scorecard gives companies that make it easy for users to fix their devices a good grade, and those that do not, a poor grade.
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Carol Doherty (D-Taunton) passed away last week after battling pancreatic cancer. Doherty was first elected to the House in 2020 and was re-elected in the recent November 6, 2024 election. Continue reading STATE REP. CAROL DOHERTY DIES AT 82 →

By Bob Katzen

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell joined a coalition that includes 23 other state attorneys general, to warn against efforts by the Trump Administration to defund and disband the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). On February 9, the Trump Administration directed the CFPB to stop all its ongoing work and to not begin any new investigations. Continue reading AG CAMPBELL OPPOSES THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DEFUNDING OF THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU →

By Bob Katzen

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s effort to help make government work better by investigating, fraud, abuse and illegal acts involving public assistance benefits across the state uncovered more than $2.5 million in fraudulent spending. Her office investigated a total of 814 cases and found overpayment in 207 cases with identified fraud. Continue reading AUDITOR DIZOGLIO UNVEILS MORE THAN $2.5 MILLION IN PUBLIC BENEFITS FRAUD →

By Bob Katzen

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition responded to the Trump Administration’s plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in August for up to 500,000 Haitian immigrants – thousands of whom reside in Massachusetts. Continue reading BAY STATE COALITION OPPOSES ELIMINATION OF PROTECTED STATUS FOR 500,000 HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 6-31, rejected an amendment that would require that all Senate roll call votes, publicly published by the state, include “Virtual Vote” (VV) alongside any member’s name if the senator was not in the chamber and voted remotely from his or home, office or other location.
Continue reading REQUIRE THE SENATE RECORD TO REVEAL WHEN A SENATOR HAS VOTED REMOTELY (S 14) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 6-31, rejected an amendment that would prohibit the Senate from meeting beyond midnight. The amendment would replace the current rule that allows the Senate to meet after midnight if two-thirds of the Senate votes to do so.
Continue reading BAN SESSIONS AFTER MIDNIGHT (S 14) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-32, rejected an amendment that would change the current rule that allows a senator, who is not physically at the session in the Senate chamber, to vote remotely from any location and without giving a reason for his or her absence from the Senate chamber.
Continue reading TIGHTEN RULES FOR REMOTE VOTING (S 14) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, adopted a set of Senate rules for the 2025-2026 session.

Rules include requiring that the votes senators take in joint committees be published online; requiring in-person or written testimony received by Senate members of a joint committee be published online; requiring Senate committees to make bill summaries available online for legislation reported favorably out of the committee; and requiring every senator and Senate employee to undergo cybersecurity training every two years. Continue reading ADOPT SENATE RULES (S 14) →

Obituary
William P. Rixon, of Salem, NH, formerly of Medford, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born in Cambridge and raised in Medford, William was the beloved son of the late Walter C. and Edna L. (Murphy) Rixon. He was a cherished father, papa, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering William P. Rixon →

Obituary
Kathleen M. Murphy, It is with deep sadness that our family shares the news of the passing of Kathleen M. Murphy, age 73, of Stoneham, MA on December 17, 2024. She was born on August 6, 1951 in Somerville, MA and was the beloved daughter of the late Eugene J. and Margaret A. Murphy.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kathleen M. Murphy →

Obituary

Dorothy F. (DiTullio) Capone- Of Woburn, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the age of 94.

Dorothy was born in Medford to the late Silvio and Celia (DiGirolamo) DiTullio. She was a lifelong resident of Woburn and dedicated much of her time to enriching the lives of others. Dorothy’s vibrant spirit was evident in all she did, whether it was volunteering at the Woburn Senior Center, supporting the Sons of Italy, or actively participating in the Red Hats Club. She served as a board member of the Senior Center for many years and cherished the opportunity to make a difference in her community. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Dorothy F. (DiTullio) Capone →

SOMERVILLE – Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and learning, and this year, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) are inviting the community to join a series of events designed to engage, inspire, and connect the Somerville community. Continue reading Honor Black History Month in Somerville: Join a Community Panel, Take a Virtual Tour, and Explore Black Voices →

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is looking for community members to help test an innovative, non-toxic approach to reducing the local rat population. Continue reading Help Test a New, Non-Toxic Approach to Rat Control in Somerville →

Project aims to improve safety on streets that serve as key connections to civic life

SOMERVILLE – If you want to see how people move around Somerville, visiting Elm Street by the Kennedy
School on any weekday morning would be a good place to start.

Continue reading Join Open House Sharing Somerville Elm-Beacon Connector Project Design Plans on Monday, March 10 →

Obituary

George F. Rogers – Of Somerville, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. He was 60 years young.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering George F. Rogers →

BOSTON—Two sanctuary cities in Massachusetts—Chelsea and Somerville—filed a federal lawsuit today challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to coerce them into participating in mass deportation efforts. Represented by Lawyers for Civil Rights, the Cities assert that the Administration’s heavy-handed tactics—threatening to strip sanctuary cities of federal funding and prosecute them for failing to bend to the President’s will—violate their Constitutional rights. Continue reading Massachusetts Sanctuary Cities Sue To Stop Trump From Entangling Them In Federal Immigration Enforcement →

By Joe Viglione

Back in the early days of the Boston Rock and Roll Scene it was James Isaacs’ Cellars by Starlight and Rory O’Connor at the Real Paper who ran weekly columns that benefited our music scene greatly. Along with those pioneers was Ms. Janis Reed’s monthly column in Musicians’ Magazine, which migrated to The Beat in the 1980s.

As I managed Janis and she is somewhere in South America, I decided a few years back to resurrect the column in Billy Tauro’s Somerville/Medford News Weekly. Continue reading HOTLINE TO THE UNDERGROUND →

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

Bill, A story for the Newspaper from a former resident of Somerville. The book is out: A book written by Ed Leonard, Author. The Ted Williams Alumni are in this book who came to our Jimmy Fund Event 7-13-24. A great read for Ted Williams Camp Alum, and Baseball Historians. The title is: “The Overlooked Legacy of Ted Williams”. It is available for purchase on Amazon . It is a non-fiction book. It is printed as a hard cover for $28 and a soft cover for $20. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: The Ted Williams Alumni →

Robert Skerry Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Dello Russo Funeral Home – Medford on Feb. 19, 2025.

Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr. (Bob), age 74, a lifelong resident of Medford and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 13, 2025, after a 2-year courageous battle with cancer. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert Skerry →

NYB’s final performance of the Realm of Imagination performance season, Ethereal Space (March 8–9), is inspired by the boundless beauty and elegance of romantic short stories. The program will take place at the J. Everett Collins Center of the Performing Arts. Continue reading Northeast Youth Ballet’s Spring Series: Ethereal Space →

February 18th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) Continue reading February 18th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

The Medford Community Chorale & Youth/Young Adult Chorus will host a Restaurant Fundraiser at The Ford Restaurant on Tuesday, February 25th, to benefit the Chorale & Youth/Young Adult Chorus (please see attached flyer) The fundraiser is valid from 3PM – 10PM at The Ford, located at 61 Locust Street here in Medford (across from Wegman’s), and includes both dine-in and takeout. The Ford will donate 10% of the proceeds from your purchase back to the chorale!
Continue reading ”THE FORD RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT MEDFORD COMMUNITY CHORALE & YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT CHORUS – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 2025! →

By Joe Viglione

Hummingbird Syndicate will be at the Tavern at the End of the World in Boston with Low Spark on March 9th at 4:30 pm 5pm – 6pm Hummingbird Syndicate 6:20pm – 7:30pm Low Sparks. Hear 5 minutes of pure Pop with “Gracefully” from Lynn Shipley, Steve Gilligan, Jon Macey and the gang. You tube here: https://youtu.be/kd7cH79K0wA It’s a gorgeous video and a classy, memorable guitar line that Macey has been known for from his days in Fox Pass, Mercury Records’ Tom Dickie and the Desires and Macey’s Parade. Continue reading The Joe Vig Top 40 www.joevigtop40.com →

Obituary
Kathleen M. Murphy, It is with deep sadness that our family shares the news of the passing of Kathleen M. Murphy, age 73,
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kathleen M. Murphy →

Dorothy Flora (DiTullo) Capone – Of Tewksbury, formerly of Woburn, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. She was 94 years old.

Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Dorothy Flora (DiTullo) Capone →

Obituary
Melvin R. Caton, of Cambridge, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, following a brief illness at the age of 68. Born in Cambridge, he was the cherished son of Melvin L. and Lillian (Perry) Caton. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Melvin R. Caton →

Obituary
Marie Lucille Frongillo (Romano), Of Medford, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82. Born on December 13, 1942, she was the cherished daughter of Salvatore and Rose (Serio) Romano.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie Lucille Frongillo (Romano) →

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

Subject: Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community
From SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

To:
Date Today at 10:33 AM
A message from SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL
DISTRICT Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Message from SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT to parents on Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community. Your Thoughts? →

Person of Interest: Motor Vehicle Vandalism

The Somerville Police Department is actively investigating five incidents of vehicle vandalism over the past 12 months that occurred in the Flint Street area. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Identification Wanted →

By Bob QUOTABLE QUOTES – BY THE DOLLAR EDITION

The state’s Office of Campaign and Political Finance released figures showing that committees that supported or opposed the five questions on the November 5 ballot spent a total of $25.2 million. Here is the breakdown:
Question 1 (passed): Give State Auditor the Authority to Audit the Legislature
Supporters: $414,808
Opponents: $0 Continue reading QUOTABLE QUOTES Beacon Hill →

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, along with twelve other Attorneys General, filed a lawsuit challenging the exercise of executive power by Elon Musk. The lawsuit argues that President Trump has violated the United States Constitution by creating a new federal Department without Congressional approval and by granting Musk sweeping powers over the entire federal government without seeking the advice and consent of the Senate.
Continue reading AG CAMPBELL JOINS LAWSUIT TARGETING ELON MUSK →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment to a rule that would prohibit legislators from purchasing, directly or indirectly, the stock or other securities of any corporation or association, knowing that there is pending before the Legislature any measure specially “granting the corporation or association any immunity, exemption, privilege or benefit or any measure providing for the creation of, or directly affecting any, contractual relations between the corporation or association and the state.”
Continue reading XPAND CONFLICT OF INTEREST BAN (S 15) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 9-29, rejected an amendment that would require that a roll call vote be held on all conference committee versions of a bill.

Continue reading REQUIRE ROLL CALL ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would allow members 48 hours to read the conference committee version of a bill. A conference version of a bill is the compromise version that is hammered out by a joint House-Senate committee when the House and Senate approve different versions of legislation. Continue reading MORE TIME TO READ CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, adopted and sent to the House for consideration joint House-Senate rules for the 2025-2026 session.
Continue reading ADOPT JOINT HOUSE-SENATE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (S 15) →

By Bob Katzen

INVESTIGATE SECURITY LAPSES AND SHORTCOMINGS (S Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would require the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight to investigate the emergency housing assistance program’s security lapses and shortcomings which amendment supporters say have compromised public safety, health and security. Continue reading INVESTIGATE SECURITY LAPSES AND SHORTCOMINGS (S Senate 6-32 →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would have required an independent review of the emergency assistance housing program by the Inspector General, to help identify savings and potential cost recovery.
Continue reading INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF SHELTER PROGRAM (S 15) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would require that to be eligible for benefits under the emergency assistance shelter program, an applicant must have resided in Massachusetts for twelve Continue reading 12-MONTH RESIDENCY REQUIRED (S 15) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 8-30, rejected an amendment that would require that the state prioritize giving long term shelter to legal Massachusetts residents whose initial cause of homelessness and application for shelter occurred while they were residing legally in Massachusetts.”
Continue reading PRIORITY TO BAY STATE RESIDENTS (S 15) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police, to study the feasibility of conducting a National Crime Information Center background check for each adult or beneficiary applying for the emergency shelter program. Continue reading BROADER BACKGROUND CHECKS (S 16) →

City Again Earns Highest Long-Term Debt Rating from S&P Global Ratings

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is proud to announce that for the third year in a row, the City of Somerville has received the highest possible long-term debt rating of ‘AAA’ from S&P Global Ratings. This rating reaffirms the City’s financial strength and ensures lower borrowing costs for critical infrastructure investments that benefit residents. Continue reading Somerville Achieves AAA Bond Rating for Third Consecutive Year →

Scott Gamble Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Dello Russo Funeral Home – Medford on Feb. 14, 2025.
Publish in a newspaper Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Scott Gamble →

Your thoughts?

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

Hi Billy,
How you doin?

The City of Boston is removing the bus lane on Boylston St. The bus and bike lanes on busy streets in Boston and Somerville has to go. Imagine what it cost the Boston taxpayers to add the bus lane (against many taxpayers’ and business owners’ wishes) then remove it and put the parking back. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville’s Broadway Bus Lane Should Go As Well →

Assault
25006942: On 2/7/25 at approximately 12:58 AM, Somerville Police responded to Assembly Row for a fight. Upon arrival, officers observed an unconscious male on the ground suffering from multiple injuries. Officers spoke with several witnesses who stated the victim was involved in a fight with two males and one female. During the fight, the suspects repeatedly punched and kicked the victim then fled the area. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log →

February 11th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online February 11th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) Continue reading February 11th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

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

Hi bill going to to send you of two HP spots magoon square parking lot this was noticed by me yesterday and still not cleared yet my understanding these lots are supposed to be cleared by the city. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Speakup Line: Handicap Parking Spots Blocked In →

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

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story.

Local teacher here! I entered the ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’ contest run by Reader’s Digest this past fall aftering seeing the contest advertised online. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:America’s Favorite Teacher →

By Bob Katzen

“The loss of these three workers is not just a statistic. It is a devastating reminder of the human cost of inadequate safety practices.”
— Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Executive Director Tatiana Sofia Begault on recent reports that three Massachusetts workers died in less than two weeks. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and a coalition of twelve other attorneys general issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care following a recent executive order by the Trump Administration. Continue reading ATTORNEY GENERAL CAMPBELL ON PROTECTING ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE →

By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey announced more than $850,000 in grants to fund several organizations that provide job training, employment placement and post placement services for 119 young adults with disabilities. Continue reading $850,000 TO HELP YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES →

By Bob Katzen

In a radio interview on WGBH Radio (89.7 FM) with talk show hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, Gov. Healey said she plans to run for reelection in 2026.
Continue reading GOV. MAURA HEALEY ANNOUNCES SHE WILL RUN FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2026 →

By Bob Katzen

The House 128-24, supported the ruling of the chair that a proposed amendment that would have required the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to collaborate with ICE regarding detainers issued for dangerous criminal aliens, was beyond the scope of the shelter bill and should not be allowed on the House floor for debate. Continue reading RULING OF THE CHAIR ON ICE DETAINER AMENDMENT(H 57) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 152-0, approved an amendment that would require the Healey administration to report the number of families exiting the emergency assistance housing program each week because of a durational limit. Continue reading REQUIRE REPORTS (H 57) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 26-126, rejected an amendment that would require that in order to be eligible for benefits under the emergency assistance shelter program, an applicant must have resided in Massachusetts for twelve consecutive months immediately prior to the date of application. The applicant must also provide an acceptable form of verification such as tax returns; a MA REAL-ID; a utility bill, lease or mortgage; or pay stubs showing Massachusetts employment. The residency requirement would not apply to victims of domestic violence or to any person whose living situation has been affected by a fire or other natural disaster that occurred in the Bay State.
Continue reading 12-MONTH RESIDENCY REQUIRED (H 57) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 26-126 rejected an amendment that would reduce funding for the emergency assistance shelter program from $425 million to $200 million.
Continue reading REDUCE FUNDING FROM $425 MILLION TO $200 MILLION →

The House 26-125, rejected an amendment that would expand the background checks that the state must conduct on emergency assistance shelter applicants by mandating universal criminal background checks that include criminal records at the state, federal and international levels; immigration or residency status; and presence on international or domestic criminal watch lists.
Continue reading BROADER BACKGROUND CHECKS (H 57) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 126-26, approved and sent to the Senate a fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that includes $425 million to fund the state’s family shelter system and make some changes to tighten eligibility. The vote was almost strictly along party lines with all Repubicans voting against it and all but two Democrats voting for it. The Democrats say the measure makes major reforms while the GOP says the bill does not go far enough. Continue reading $425 MILLION FOR SHELTER SYSTEM (H 57) →

Maffa Way/Mystic Avenue Bridge
Superstructure Replacements Project
Public Information Meetings

What is happening?

MassDOT is hosting two in-person Public Information Meetings on February 24 in Charlestown and February 26 in Somerville. The project team will provide an overview of upcoming revisions to traffic alignments, bike paths and bus lanes at Lombardi Street, as well as an update on plans for Phase 2 construction and the Orange Line shutdown in May 2025. The meetings will feature a presentation after which attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Identical information will be presented at each meeting. Continue reading Maffa Way Mystic Ave Public Information Meetings Feb 24 and Feb 26th →

Obituary
Marie Lucille Frongillo (Romano), Of Medford, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82. Born on December 13, 1943, she was the cherished daughter of Salvatore and Rose (Cerio) Romano.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie Lucille Frongillo (Romano) →

Obituary
Nancy B. Quinlan Of Medford, formally of Somerville passed away after a brief illness on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late Eli and Irene (Walsh) Marks. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Nancy B. Quinlan →

Obituary
Rose M. (Perkins) Caterino, of Somerville, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in Cambridge and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late Rose G. (Savina) Perkins.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rose M. (Perkins) Caterino →

Obituary
Joan M. Marks of Somerville passed away on February 3, 2025, at the age of 84. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Marks. Joan was a devoted mother to Robert Marks and his wife Christine, Doreen Warren, Richard Marks, and the late David J. Marks, whose surviving wife is Catherine Marks. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joan M. Marks →

Obituary
Testa, Margaret (Rebello) – Of Loxley, Alabama formerly of Medford and Cambridge, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. She was 83.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Margaret (Rebello) Testa →

Obituary
David Meichle passed away unexpectedly January 31, 2025 at the age of 37. He is survived by his parents, Linda Barton, and Michael Meichle (Kathy), brother John Meichle (Stacy), niece Isabelle Meichle, grandmother Lois Barton, uncles Kim Meichle and Mark Barton (Patricia), aunts Deborah Meichle Brucker (Tom), Sonja Meichle Johnson (Dave), and various cousins.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering David Meichle →

By Barbara Allys

“I love getting people of different ages and backgrounds together to sing,” says Stacie Clayton, founder and director of the annual Community Gospel Choir concerts, which have been held in honor of Black History Month almost every February since 2005. Continue reading COMMUNITY GOSPEL CONCERTS CELEBRATE THEIR 20TH YEAR →

The annual Community Gospel Choir Concert in honor of Black History Month will take place Sunday, February 23, 5 pm at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Avenue, Davis Square in Somerville. Continue reading Black History Month Event In Somerville →

It is with great sadness Vera Marie D’Angeli (Jennings) passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025. Vera was predeceased by her parents Evelyn and Harold Jennings. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Vera Marie D’Angeli (Jennings) →

After a highly successful December debut, PR Productions is thrilled to announce the return of Broadway Supper Club, an exciting live entertainment and dining experience celebrating the music and stories of Broadway performers. The next performance will take place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 8 PM at Premiere on Broadway, located at 517 Broadway, Somerville, MA. Tickets are available for $35. Continue reading “Broadway Supper Club” Returns to Premiere on Broadway Somerville with an all new show! →

February 4th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online February 4th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) Continue reading February 4th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Obituary
Margaret M. (Henebury) Figgins of Medford, formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025 after living a full and wonderful life. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Margaret M. (Henebury) Figgins →

Obituary
Barbara (Kearns) Oliphant, 93, of Bedford NH, formerly of Somerville and Medford MA, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Bedford Hills, in Bedford NH.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara (Kearns) Oliphant →

Obituary
Charles P. Howard – Of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Born in Boston, he was the son beloved of the late Frank L. Howard and Gladys (Bradly) Howard.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Charles P. Howard →

Obituary
Rita M. Gearon, a lifelong resident of Somerville, MA, passed away on January 29, 2025. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the beloved daughter of the late John Gearon and Margaret Corbett. Rita was a devoted sister to her eight late siblings: Patrick Gearon, John Gearon, Alice Robinson, Margret Furlong, Agnes Tracy, Mary Stanton, Anna Gearon, And Francis (Sonny) Gearon. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rita M. Gearon →

Obituary
Joan M. (Shaw) Coakley, RN -Of Woburn and Falmouth formerly of Somerville, 81,January 30th.

Beloved wife of 57 years to Paul G. Coakley. Devoted mother of Kevin P. Coakley and his wife Paula of Woburn, and Brian G. Coakley and his partner Sarah Hebert of Newry, ME. Cherished grandmother of Katarina Coakley and Olivia Coakley. Dear sister-in-law of Ellen E. Smith and aunt of Michael Smith and Maureen Homan. Dearest lifelong friend of Nancy Welch of Naples, Fl.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joan M. (Shaw) Coakley →

Arrest
25003929: On 1/22/25 at approximately 12:46 PM, Somerville Police responded to East Cambridge Savings Bank (285 Highland Ave) for a robbery. Upon arrival, officers were given a suspect description and were informed that the suspect left in a taxi cab. Officers quickly located the taxi and conducted a stop. The suspect was identified placed under arrest. Officers confiscated a knife from the suspect and recovered $80 tucked in the seats of the taxi.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Report →

By Bob Katzen

“The number one issue facing the American people is high costs. The President’s tariffs represent nothing more than a giant price hike on the cost of groceries, clothes, phones, housing and energy. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen
The Healey Administration today announced $325,000 in grants to restore approximately 520 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is awarding grants to several organizations through the Habitat Continue reading $325,000 TO RESTORE CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT →

By Bob Katzen

The Healey administration and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute announced $19 million in grants to support participants of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program. The funds will support active digital equity projects focused on delivering training, resources and broadband infrastructure to Massachusetts residents.
Supporters say these projects will distribute upwards of 500 devices, expand the Apartment Wi-Fi program by 4,000 units and increase digital access for nearly 20,000 residents across the state. Continue reading $19 MILLION FOR STATEWIDE DIGITAL EQUITY EFFORTS →

By Bob Katzen

State Treasurer Deb Goldberg announced that February 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day. She urges all residents to go to findmassmoney.gov or call 888-344-MASS (6277) to see if they can claim any of the $3.4 billion the state is holding in unclaimed money. Continue reading CELEBRATE” UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DAY →

By Bob Katzen

Tech Goes Home (TGH) and Ameelio, two non-profits dedicated to closing the digital divide, announced the receipt of a $6 million grant with more than $4 million earmarked to bring digital skills courses to more than 3,600 adults and youth housed in county jails and Department of Youth Services facilities in the Bay State.
Most prisons have limited and outdated technology, making it difficult for individuals to acclimate to the rapidly advancing digital world upon release. Continue reading $6 MILLION FOR PROVIDING PRISONERS WITH TECH SKILLS →

By Bob Katzen

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT – Join Massachusetts energy leaders in government, industry and advocacy at the MCLE in Boston on March 26 for an important discussion about the state’s energy policy and its goals for a net-zero future, hosted by the State House News Service. With the return of a new Trump administration and policies hindering wind power development, the state’s plan to expand its offshore wind portfolio faces uncertainty. Continue reading DON’T MISS THIS EVENT – Join Massachusetts energy leaders in government, industry and advocacy at the MCLE in Boston on March 26 →

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration announced the awarding of $712,500 to support the wellbeing of first responders. The grants are designed to ensure that services are available to members of law enforcement and other emergency responders in the aftermath of a traumatic incident in the line of duty. Continue reading $712,500 FOR WELLBEING OF FIRST RESPONDERS →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation, dubbed by her as the Municipal Empowerment Act, that would allow cities and towns to increase local taxes on meals, lodging and vehicle registration; Continue reading LOCAL OPTIONS INCLUDING TAX HIKES FOR CITIES AND TOWNS →

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. The House took no action on the bill and it died. 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.” The House took no action on the bill and it died.
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. The House took no action on the bill and it died. Continue reading MAKE OBTAINING ID CARDS EASIER FOR HOMELESS PERSONS (S 2251) →

Obituary
Michael F. Cannon, aged 61, of Arlington/Brighton, was a dedicated finish carpenter, avid skier and a proud Marine Corp veteran. He was predeceased by his loving parents, William F. and Elinor L. (Moloy) Cannon of Arlington. Michael is survived by his siblings: Cynthia and Ralph Brogna of Woburn, William and Sandra Cannon of Burlington, Susan Cannon of Woburn, Denise and David Castle of Ossipee, NH, and Barbara and Galvin Murphy of Malden. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as longtime friends Mason (“Sully”), Sean (“Vinny”), Patrick (“Dots”), and Chuck. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Michael F. Cannon →

Due to cost escalation from legal settlement, use to shift from public safety headquarters to housing and mixed use

SOMERVILLE–Today, the City of Somerville announced a recalibration of redevelopment plans for 90 Washington Street following a recent legal decision that significantly increased the cost of the property. Continue reading Somerville Adjusts Redevelopment Plans for 90 Washington St. →