The Somerville Police Department, in cooperation with other law enforcement partners, are actively investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, February 25th, at approximately 12:05 AM. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Seeking Public’s Help in Identifying Shooting Suspects
Daily Archives: March 4, 2025
Somerville Police Department Weekly CrimeLog
Shots Fired
25010429: On 2/25/25 at approximately 12:05 AM, Somerville Police responded to the area of Broadway and Alewife Brook Parkway for a report of shots fired. On scene, officers recovered several shell casings. Investigation is ongoing at this time. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly CrimeLog
$5.5 MILLION TO EXPAND STUDENTS’ BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
By Bob Katzen
The Healey Administration announced that it is awarding $5.5 million in grants to 60 school districts, educational collaboratives and charter schools across Massachusetts to improve student access to behavioral and mental health services and support. Continue reading $5.5 MILLION TO EXPAND STUDENTS’ BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
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
NOTIFY REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMITTEE POLLS AT LEAST 12 HOURS IN ADVANCE (H 2024)
By Bob Katzen
The House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require all joint committee members to be notified at least 12 hours in advance if the committee is going to poll members electronically. Continue reading NOTIFY REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMITTEE POLLS AT LEAST 12 HOURS IN ADVANCE (H 2024)
KEEP COMMITTEE POLLS OPEN FOR TWO HOURS (H 2026)
By Bob Katzen
The House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require joint committee polls to be open for at least two hours or until all committee members have voted. Committee polls are used to record which members favor or oppose a bill that was heard by the committee. Continue reading KEEP COMMITTEE POLLS OPEN FOR TWO HOURS (H 2026)
POST AUDITS ON LEGISLATURE’S WEBSITE (H 2046)
By Bob Katzen
The House 23-128, rejected an amendment requiring that if there are any audits of the Legislature by the state auditor, the results must be published on the Legislature’s website in a conspicuous place within 72 hours of receipt.
Continue reading POST AUDITS ON LEGISLATURE’S WEBSITE (H 2046)
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)
ADOPT JOINT HOUSE-SENATE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (H 2026)
By Bob Katzen
The House 128-23, adopted joint House-Senate rules on how the Legislature operates for the 2025-2026 session. The Senate has already approved its own version of joint rules and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration. Continue reading ADOPT JOINT HOUSE-SENATE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SESSION (H 2026)
$425 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (EA) SHELTER SYSTEM (H 61)
By Bob Katzen
The House 127-23, Senate 32-7, approved and Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that includes $425 million to fund the state’s emergency shelter system and make some changes to tighten eligibility for it.
Continue reading $425 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (EA) SHELTER SYSTEM (H 61)
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 Joan A. Farren (McLaughlin)
Obituary
Joan A. Farren (McLaughlin) of Medford born on July 17,1940 passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
She was the heart of her family, always offering love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joan A. Farren (McLaughlin)
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
Somerville/Medford Remembering Paul R. Andrews
Paul R. Andrews, 81, of Woburn, MA, passed away on Saturday, March 1st, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Paul R. Andrews
Somerville/Medford Remembering Russellyne H. (Pitcher) Robbins
Obituary
Russellyne H. (Pitcher) Robbins – Of Sudbury, formerly of Medford, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025. She was 86 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Russellyne H. (Pitcher) Robbins
Somerville/Medford Remembering John J. MacDonald
Obituary
John J. MacDonald of Somerville, MA, passed peacefully on February 27th in Wakefield, MA, surrounded by his loved ones.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering John J. MacDonald
Somerville Council on Aging March Press Outreach 3-1-25
Medical Equipment Program – Through the generosity of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and from the direction of Mayor Ballantyne, the Council on Aging can provide Durable Medical Equipment at no cost to Somerville residents. Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging March Press Outreach 3-1-25
Somerville/Medford Remembering Jerry “Jay” Denovellis
Obituary
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Jerry “Jay” Denovellis, age 58, of Saugus. He left this world peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief battle with cancer. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Jerry “Jay” Denovellis
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
Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Investigating Three Shootings Within 12 Hours
WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has confirmed the ongoing investigation into three shootings that occurred across the communities of Cambridge, Somerville and Belmont within 12 hours.
Continue reading Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Investigating Three Shootings Within 12 Hours
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













