BAY STATE SCORES BIG ON ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey announced that a third of students who graduated from Massachusetts public high schools in 2024 scored a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam, the state’s highest percentage ever and the highest in the nation for the second year in a row, according to results released by the College Board. A score of 3 out of 5 on an AP exam shows a student’s ability to complete work for an introductory college-level course in that subject area. Most colleges will award students credit for AP scores of 3 or higher when enrolling in college. Continue reading BAY STATE SCORES BIG ON ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

$1 MILLION IN INNOVATION CAREER PATHWAYS GRANTS

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration announced $1 million in Innovation Career Pathway grants to 29 school districts. This funding enables districts to plan and implement pathway programs that provide students with coursework and experience in high-demand STEM industries before they graduate high school, including in health care, technology, manufacturing, life sciences and environmental sustainability. Continue reading $1 MILLION IN INNOVATION CAREER PATHWAYS GRANTS

HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP TEAMS APPOINTED

By Bob Katzen

House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) and Senate President Karen Spilka announced their leadership teams for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

The vast majority of the House leadership team remains the same including Rep. Michael Moran of Brighton as majority leader; Rep. Kate Hogan of Stow as speaker pro tempore; Rep. Alice Peisch of Wellesley as assistant majority leader; Rep. Frank Moran of Lawrence as second assistant majority leader; Rep. Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough as First Division chair and Rep. James O’Day of West Boylston as Fourth Division chair. Continue reading HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP TEAMS APPOINTED

ALLOW STATE AUDITOR TO AUDIT THE HOUSE (H 2024)

By Bob Katzen

The House 24-127, rejected an amendment that would require the state auditor, currently Diana DiZoglio, to conduct an annual audit of the House. This requirement was approved by the voters on Question 1 on the November 2024 ballot. The amendment would replace a House rule that the state auditor would recommend a firm to conduct an annual audit of the House and the business manager of the House would hire that firm.
Continue reading ALLOW STATE AUDITOR TO AUDIT THE HOUSE (H 2024)

ADOPT HOUSE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (H 2024)

By Bob Katzen

The House 128-23, approved a set of House rules under which the House will operate in 2025-2026.

Provisions include requiring, to the extent practicable, summaries provided by committee chairs of bills to be posted online before the House takes them up for a vote; prohibiting committee members from participating in a hearing remotely and requiring that they be physically present at a hearing in order to participate; allowing the public to testify remotely at a hearing; and requiring how each individual member votes on polls conducted by the committees to be posted online. Continue reading ADOPT HOUSE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (H 2024)

Somerville/Medford Remembering John Charles Doherty

Obituary
John Charles Doherty, originally of Somerville, MA, passed away on March 2, 2025, at home, surrounded by the love of his family. For many years, John fought long and hard against several medically complex illnesses in order to be there for his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith Doherty. He was the proud father of two sons and one daughter, Connor Doherty, Seamus Doherty and Kerry Doherty. He is also survived by his four beloved grandchildren- Caitlin, Anja, Liam, and Gavin. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering John Charles Doherty

Learn About Somerville’s Upcoming Consolidated Affordable Housing Waitlist at March Information Sessions

First info session will be held Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. All community members are welcome.

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is launching a Consolidated Rental Waitlist to simplify the application process for income-restricted rental units. To help residents navigate the new system, the Housing Division will host a series of information sessions in March. To reach the most The sessions will alternate between virtual and in-person meetings. Continue reading Learn About Somerville’s Upcoming Consolidated Affordable Housing Waitlist at March Information Sessions

Somerville/Medford Remembering Silvano Garcia-Martinez

Obituary
Silvano Garcia-Martinez – Of Somerville, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 55.

Silvano Martinez-Garcia, born in El Salvador to Concepcion Martinez and Elida Garcia, was a devoted family man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Silvano’s greatest joy came from spending time with his loved ones, especially on long car rides where laughter and conversation filled the air.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Silvano Garcia-Martinez

Boston Comedy Festival Returns 25th Year of Laughter and Unforgettable Performances

Boston, MA – [Date] – The Boston Comedy Festival is back, bringing together some of the best comedians from across the country for a week of non-stop laughter. Set to take place from April 1 to April 5, this year’s festival promises to deliver unforgettable performances, legendary headliners, and the rising stars of stand-up comedy. Continue reading Boston Comedy Festival Returns 25th Year of Laughter and Unforgettable Performances

Somerville Families Invited to Enjoy Free Pizza and Start Planning Summer Fun at 2025 Summer Camp and Activities Fair

The 2025 Summer Camp and Activities Fair will take place on Thursday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School gymnasium
SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Superintendent Rubén Carmona are inviting Somerville families to the 2025 Summer Camp & Activities Fair. Continue reading Somerville Families Invited to Enjoy Free Pizza and Start Planning Summer Fun at 2025 Summer Camp and Activities Fair

Somerville Unveils First-Ever Cultural Capacity Plan, A Roadmap for a Thriving, Inclusive Arts Community

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, in partnership with the Somerville Arts Council and an extensive network of artists, cultural workers, and community members, is proud to announce the release of the Somerville Cultural Capacity Plan (SCCP), the City’s first-ever comprehensive plan to strengthen, support, and sustain Somerville’s vibrant arts and culture ecosystem. Continue reading Somerville Unveils First-Ever Cultural Capacity Plan, A Roadmap for a Thriving, Inclusive Arts Community