Monthly Archives: April 2025

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts has some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, and it takes all of us to preserve them for generations to come. In honor of Earth Day, it’s nice to get outside and celebrate our natural spaces.”
—Gov. Maura Healey who along with First Lady Joanna Lydgate, visited Torbert MacDonald State Park in Medford to celebrate Earth Day.
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

HEALTH CARE SURROGATE (S 1047)

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By Bob Katzen

Would create a process for handling the care of incapacitated patients who don’t have a health care proxy. The measure would allow attending physicians to appoint surrogate decision makers and identifies several candidates for that role, including the incapacitated patient’s spouse, unless legally separated, parent, adult child or adult sibling.
Continue reading HEALTH CARE SURROGATE (S 1047) →

REPRESENTATIVES WHO LIVE 50 MILES FROM THE STATEHOUSE ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE TO PAY A REDUCED OR NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX ON THEIR LEGISLATIVE SALARY

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By Bob Katzen

For many years until recently, representatives who live more than 50 miles from the Statehouse were eligible for a special federal tax break. A 1981 federal law allowed them to write off a daily expense allowance when filing their federal income tax return. The complicated system determined a daily amount, ostensibly for meals, lodging and other expenses incurred in the course of their jobs, which can be deducted for every “legislative day.” Continue reading REPRESENTATIVES WHO LIVE 50 MILES FROM THE STATEHOUSE ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE TO PAY A REDUCED OR NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX ON THEIR LEGISLATIVE SALARY →

EXTRA PAY FOR 108 REPRESENTATIVES

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By Bob Katzen

One hundred and eight of the state’s 160 representatives receive an additional stipend, ranging from $7,776.07 to $119,631.81, above the $82,044.31 base salary, for their positions in the Democratic and Republican leadership, as committee chairs, vice chairs and the ranking Republican on some committees. The stipend is increased or decreased every two years based on data from the BEA that measures the quarterly change in salaries and wages. Continue reading EXTRA PAY FOR 108 REPRESENTATIVES →

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log

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Arrest
25020761: On 4/16/25 at approximately 6:28 PM, Somerville Police responded to YMCA for a weapons call. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated he got into a physical altercation with another male. After the altercation, the male suspect pointed a firearm at the victim’s door. Officers then conducted a search of the suspects room and located a semi-auto handgun with a defaced serial number and .45 caliber ammo. The suspect was then placed under arrest.

Shots Fired Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log →

“On Air with Billy Tauro “

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It’s now on YouTube as well so enjoy! As always the truth with no filter! Follow Us On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/william.tauro.54
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Episode #16 “On Air with Billy Tauro” 04/28/2025 discussing multiple anonymous letters, inboxes and weird stuff I’m getting in the mail. Today celebrating Trump‘s first 100 days in office with 100 overnight arrests of your illegal immigrants at a nightclub which involved drugs, prostitution and green-cards!

Continue reading “On Air with Billy Tauro “ →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Citizens Concerned Over Growing Gun Violence In Somerville

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

Billy!!!!! Hope you are well sir!

Just another lifelong very concerned citizen and parent absolutely fed up and livid about the continued gun violence in this city and in particular East Somerville. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Citizens Concerned Over Growing Gun Violence In Somerville →

Somerville/Medford/Cambridge Remembering Sandra L. Saltman

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Mrs. Sandra L. Saltman
Category: Obituaries Published: April 22, 2025
Sandra L. Saltman WebsiteSandra L. “Cookie” Saltman (Dobbins) passed away on April 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 78.
Devoted mother of Cynthia “Cyndi” Saltman and her fiancé John Jepson, and the late Leonard “Leo” Saltman Jr. Continue reading Somerville/Medford/Cambridge Remembering Sandra L. Saltman →

Woman Sets Up Blankets In Makeshift Maternity Ward in Star Market Ladies Room for Her Dog to Give Birth

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By William Tauro

On Wednesday morning about 9:15 AM a woman walked into the Porter Square Star Market with two dogs and a blanket. She proceeded to enter the ladies restroom and was noticed by store employees and that she hadn’t come out of the for a while with the two dogs. Continue reading Woman Sets Up Blankets In Makeshift Maternity Ward in Star Market Ladies Room for Her Dog to Give Birth →

“HERSTORY” PHOTO EXHIBIT HONORING TRAILBLAZING WOMEN

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By Bob Katzen

Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) announced the opening of HERstory, a photo exhibit honoring 91 trailblazing women who have shaped the history of Massachusetts and the nation. The exhibit will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, in Spilka’s ceremonial office on the third floor of the Massachusetts Statehouse, directly outside the Senate Chamber. Continue reading “HERSTORY” PHOTO EXHIBIT HONORING TRAILBLAZING WOMEN →

LIQUOR LICENSE SUSPENSION (H 390)

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By Bob Katzen

Current law suspends the liquor license of and closes down for a period of time, any package store that is found guilty of selling to a minor or an intoxicated individual. However, in big box stores, supermarkets, gas stations and other places in which liquor sales are not their primary business, a violation results only in the closing of the liquor department. Continue reading LIQUOR LICENSE SUSPENSION (H 390) →

DIVEST STATE RETIREMENT FUNDS FROM FIREARMS COMPANIES (H 49)

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By Bob Katzen

A bill heard by the Public Service Committee would require the Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board to divest direct investments with companies that derive more than 15 percent of revenues from the sale or manufacture of ammunition, firearms or firearm accessories used for civilian purposes. Continue reading DIVEST STATE RETIREMENT FUNDS FROM FIREARMS COMPANIES (H 49) →

“Slice of the City” Pop-Up Series Returns to Somerville Wards This May

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Connect with Mayor, City Officials, and neighbors over free pizza, refreshments, and kids’ activities
in a Somerville park near you

SOMERVILLE– Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City Council are excited to announce the return of “Slice of the City,” a pop-up event series that aims to bring City Hall to local green spaces for evenings of pizza, conversation, and community connection.

Continue reading “Slice of the City” Pop-Up Series Returns to Somerville Wards This May →

SustainaVille Week 2025: Mayor Ballantyne Celebrates Climate Progress, Announces New Policies

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Free, Family-Friendly Events May 3–9 Highlight Local Sustainability Efforts

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites residents to celebrate SustainaVille Week 2025, a weeklong series of free events from May 3–9 showcasing Somerville’s climate progress and engaging the community in the next steps toward a carbon net-negative future. Continue reading SustainaVille Week 2025: Mayor Ballantyne Celebrates Climate Progress, Announces New Policies →

Medford Police Seeking Information Following Fatal Crash on Route 93 in Medford

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MEDFORD – The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred around 6:30 p.m. on April 17, on Route 93 North in the area of the Roosevelt Circle exit in Medford. The preliminary information suggests that a black Toyota Camry may have been operating erratically prior the multi-car crash. Continue reading Medford Police Seeking Information Following Fatal Crash on Route 93 in Medford →

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log 4/8/25 – 4/14/25

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Arrest
25019004: On 4/8/25 at approximately 12:57 PM, Somerville Police responded to 165 Broadway for a fight. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated she got into an argument with a male party. During the argument, the male punched her in the face. Officers located the male nearby and he was placed under arrest. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log 4/8/25 – 4/14/25 →

S 1 E 8 Acapulco S 1 E 9 Bat Signal Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) looks like an older Ted Black (Stephen Amell) but L.A. Suits Still Doesn’t Work TV Review by Joe Viglione

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When they name a criminal David Bowie it seems desperate. The loud voices, the bad scripts, the overacting, how wonderful Daredevil Born Again seamlessly brought the viewers back from Netflix to the reborn show on Disney, how inevitable that Law and Order: Organized Crime crossing over with Law and Order: SVU would have their fanbase back on Peacock, and how awful that Comcast/NBC’s Suits L.A. cannot do anything right. Continue reading S 1 E 8 Acapulco S 1 E 9 Bat Signal Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) looks like an older Ted Black (Stephen Amell) but L.A. Suits Still Doesn’t Work TV Review by Joe Viglione →

Somerville Veterans Wreath Placing 250th Anniversary of Historical Significance to the Start of American Revolution

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This past Friday April 18th, a group of Somerville veterans placed American flags and remembrance wreaths at 4 sites around the city commemorating the 250th anniversary of historical occurrence’s that took place on April 18th and 19th, 1775 at those locations in recognition of their significance to the start of the American Revolution. Continue reading Somerville Veterans Wreath Placing 250th Anniversary of Historical Significance to the Start of American Revolution →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“Everything from gas to housing to taxes is too expensive. Too many kids aren’t receiving the education they need to compete in a global economy. Our transportation system is still broken. The unspeakable violence in migrant shelters is a human tragedy and a national embarrassment. Our beacon on a hill has become a beacon in the rearview mirror. I’m running for governor because I believe in the unlimited potential of our state through the power of our people.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

CONTRIBUTE VIA A MASSACHUSETTS TAX RETURN TO COUNTRIES COPING WITH GLOBAL WARMING (S 1922)

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By Bob Katzen
The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a measure that would give Massachusetts residents the option, on their Massachusetts income tax form, to contribute to a special United Nations Fund — the Least Developed Countries Fund — to help developing countries cope with the effects of global warming. Continue reading CONTRIBUTE VIA A MASSACHUSETTS TAX RETURN TO COUNTRIES COPING WITH GLOBAL WARMING (S 1922) →

TRANSGENDER STUDENTS AND SCHOOL SPORTS

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By Bob Katzen

During the debate on the surtax, Freshman Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver) proposed an amendment that would prohibit any public school from allowing a biological male athlete to participate on a girls’ sports team and also prohibit a biological female athlete from participating on a boys’ sports team. Any school found not in compliance with this ban would forfeit all games which violate the ban.
Continue reading TRANSGENDER STUDENTS AND SCHOOL SPORTS →

50 MILLION TO CITIES AND TOWNS FOR LOCAL ROADS (H 4005)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 25-125, rejected an amendment that would reduce funding for the MBTA by $50 million (from $818 million to $768 million) and instead give the $50 million to cities and towns for roads using a formula based strictly on each municipality’s local road mileage. Currently, communities receive roads funding based on their population, employment and total road miles. Continue reading 50 MILLION TO CITIES AND TOWNS FOR LOCAL ROADS (H 4005) →

$1.3 BILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION AND EDUCATION (H 4005)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 140-14, approved and sent to the Senate a $1.3 billion supplemental budget that uses funds generated from the recent surtax imposed on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually, to fund $353 million for education-related projects and $828 million for transportation-related ones. It also includes non-surtax spending that pushes the combined bottom line to roughly $1.3 billion. Continue reading $1.3 BILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION AND EDUCATION (H 4005) →

Somerville/Medford Remembering Grace Mckenna Schwartz

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Obituary
Grace Mckenna Schwartz, born on April 20, 1929, in Boston, passed away on December 17, 2024. She grew up in Somerville, MA, and graduated from Somerville High in 1947. In her youth, Grace was a talented dancer, performing at various events throughout New England, from the Boston Opera House to Jacob’s Pillow. Later, she shared her passion for dance by teaching at the Studio of Kathrine Dixon and was a longtime member of the Dance Teachers Club of Boston. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Grace Mckenna Schwartz →

Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara J. Synan

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Obituary
Barbara J. Synan, of Somerville passed away on April 7, 2025. She was 85. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the cherished daughter of the late Patrick and Ellen (Hanlon) Whalen. She was the beloved wife of 58 years of the late James M. Synan. Loving mother of James (Colleen) of Leland, NC, Denise of Wakefield and Michael (Donna) of Lexington. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara J. Synan →

Somerville Delivers on Anti-Displacement Task Force Recommendation: City Launching Guide to Help Small Businesses Secure Favorable Leases

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SOMERVILLE – Small businesses face many challenges, which is why roughly one out of five businesses fail in the first year, and about half close in the first five years nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continue reading Somerville Delivers on Anti-Displacement Task Force Recommendation: City Launching Guide to Help Small Businesses Secure Favorable Leases →

Somerville Installs Nation’s First Outdoor Dual Sharps Disposal Kiosk

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The City of Somerville has installed the nation’s first outdoor dual sharps disposal kiosk at Seven Hills Park, behind the Davis Square MBTA station. This innovative installation supports the City’s harm reduction and public safety goals by offering a discreet way to safely dispose of sharps that is accessible by foot, bike, and car.

Continue reading Somerville Installs Nation’s First Outdoor Dual Sharps Disposal Kiosk →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“It’s an honor to host high school students in the House Chamber as they participate in Student Government Day. It’s very important to engage our young people in our democratic process, and I encourage all of the students participating to become active in state government.”
—House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) on more than 350 high school juniors and seniors from across the state gathered at the Statehouse last week to participate in Student Government Day, an annual program organized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

MIKE PENCE WILL BE AWARDED JFK PROFILE IN COURAGE AWARD

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By Bob Katzen

The 2025 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award will be presented to former Vice President Mike Pence “for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6, 2021”. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award is presented annually to public servants for making a courageous decision of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences. JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy and her son Jack Schlossberg will present the award at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on May 4, 2025 in Boston. Continue reading MIKE PENCE WILL BE AWARDED JFK PROFILE IN COURAGE AWARD →

NON-LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (S 6)

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By Bob Katzen

The Election Laws Committee held a hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a non-legislative redistricting commission to replace the current commission made up exclusively of state legislators. The commission, like the current commission, would be responsible for creating congressional districts, 160 representative districts, 40 senatorial districts and eight councilor districts every ten years based on the national census. Continue reading NON-LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (S 6) →

HOME EQUITY THEFT LAW

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By Bob Katzen

Last year, the House and Senate approved and the governor signed a law, as part of the state budget, that prohibits cities and towns that foreclose on properties on which the owner owes back property taxes, from keeping all of the profits when the city or town sells the property at auction. Prior to passage of this law Massachusetts law allowed this practice. The new law allows the city or town to keep only the amount owed in back taxes and send the remainder to the owner.
Continue reading HOME EQUITY THEFT LAW →

TOTAL SALARY FOR SENATORS

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By Bob Katzen

SENATORS ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR PER DIEMS – Legislators are no longer entitled to collect “per diems” to reimburse them for mileage, meals and lodging expenses for travel from their home to the Statehouse. These reimbursements were discontinued in 2017. They were not taxable income and ranged from $10 per day for legislators who reside in the greater Boston area to $82 for Western Massachusetts lawmakers and $100 for those in Nantucket.

Here is the total annual salary for local senators, including the three categories of base pay, stipends and general expense pay allowance.

Continue reading TOTAL SALARY FOR SENATORS →

SENATORS WHO LIVE 50 MILES FROM THE STATEHOUSE ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE TO PAY A REDUCED OR NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX ON THEIR LEGISLATIVE SALARY

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By Bob Katzen

For many years until recently, senators who live more than 50 miles from the Statehouse were eligible for a special federal tax break. A 1981 federal law allowed them to write off a daily expense allowance when filing their federal income tax return. The complicated system determined a daily amount, ostensibly for meals, lodging and other expenses incurred in the course of their jobs, which can be deducted for every “legislative day.”
Continue reading SENATORS WHO LIVE 50 MILES FROM THE STATEHOUSE ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE TO PAY A REDUCED OR NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX ON THEIR LEGISLATIVE SALARY →

PARKING SPACES

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By Bob Katzen

Legislators are entitled to a parking space inside the Statehouse garage or at the nearby McCormack State Office Building. For 2025, the first $325 in monthly value of the space is a tax-free benefit under federal and state guidelines that apply to all public and private employees, not just state legislators. Any value of the space above this amount is treated as taxable income.

Continue reading PARKING SPACES →

EXTRA PAY FOR ALL 40 SENATORS

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By Bob Katzen

All 40 senators receive an additional stipend, ranging from $30,207.04 to $119,631.81, above the $82,046 base salary, for their positions in the Democratic and Republican leadership, as committee chairs, vice chairs and the ranking Republican on some committees. The stipend is increased or decreased every two years based on data from the BEA that measures the quarterly change in salaries and wages.
Continue reading EXTRA PAY FOR ALL 40 SENATORS →

City of Somerville Accepting Applications for New, Consolidated

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Affordable Housing Waitlist

Starting Thursday April 3, families and individuals can apply for hundreds of available
and affordable units with one rental application

SOMERVILLE, MA – Starting Thursday April 3, 2025, the City of Somerville will begin accepting applications for its new ‘Consolidated Waitlist for Inclusionary Housing,’ allowing families and individuals to apply for hundreds of available rental units with one Continue reading City of Somerville Accepting Applications for New, Consolidated →

Celebrate Fair Housing Month with Two Community Events in Somerville

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SOMERVILLE– April is Fair Housing Month, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is inviting residents to learn about housing rights, discrimination, and how we build a more inclusive community at two free events hosted by the Fair Housing Commission and the Department of Racial and Social Justice.Both events are free, open to all, and include food and refreshments.
Continue reading Celebrate Fair Housing Month with Two Community Events in Somerville →

Somerville Installs Nation’s First Outdoor Dual Sharps Disposal Kiosk at Seven Hills Park

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SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville has installed the nation’s first outdoor dual sharps disposal kiosk at Seven Hills Park, further advancing its harm reduction
and public safety initiatives. Located behind the Davis Square MBTA station, the kiosk is accessible by foot, bike, and car, with nearby access from Meacham Road. Continue reading Somerville Installs Nation’s First Outdoor Dual Sharps Disposal Kiosk at Seven Hills Park →

Applications Now Open for the Somerville Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program

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Local Youth Can Apply for Summer Jobs at More Than 20 City Departments Now Through Wednesday, April 30

SOMERVILLE– The City of Somerville is now accepting applications for the 2025 Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program, a six-week paid career readiness initiative for Somerville youth ages 14 through the summer of high school graduation. Continue reading Applications Now Open for the Somerville Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program →

Somerville’s 2025 Happiness Survey Launching Monday, April 7

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SOMERVILLE – How happy are Somerville residents? The City of Somerville wants to know!

Today, Monday, April 7, the City is launching its biennial Happiness Survey, a unique initiative that has helped shape City policies and programs since 2011. The survey measures resident satisfaction with life in Somerville, City services, neighborhood well-being, and more.

In April and May, nearly 17,000 randomly selected households will receive either a postcard or a survey packet, inviting one household member to participate online or on paper. The City encourages all selected households to participate, including new Somerville residents.

Participation is anonymous. Demographic information will only be used to make broad comparisons and ensure the survey results represent our community.

Surveys will be available in multiple languages. Residents who need translation assistance can contact 311 or the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs. Survey results will be shared later this year. Continue reading Somerville’s 2025 Happiness Survey Launching Monday, April 7 →

Somerville PD vs Somerville FD Annual“Guns And Hoses” Charity Hockey Game

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On Friday March 21st The Somerville Police Department faced off against the Somerville Fire Department in the annual “Guns And Hoses” charity hockey game. The Boston Bruin’s own Todd Angilly sang the National Anthem. The ceremonial puck drop was conducted by the Police Department’s Chief Shumeane Benford.
Continue reading Somerville PD vs Somerville FD Annual“Guns And Hoses” Charity Hockey Game →

Friends of Deanna Cremin

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Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan to Attend This Thursday’s (04/10/25) Somerville City Council Meeting to Provide Current Update on Unsolved Murders of Deanna Cremin and Charline Rosemond
SOMERVILLE, MA – April 7, 2025 – Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan will appear before the Somerville City Council at its upcoming meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025, to provide an update on the ongoing investigations into the unsolved murders of Deanna Cremin and Charline Rosemond. Continue reading Friends of Deanna Cremin →

Why I Believe In Legal Immigration Enforcement

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By William Tauro

If my grandmother Caterina Tauro was still alive she would’ve turned 132 years old today. She passed away 32 years ago in 1993 at the age of 99 years old. She married my grandfather Antonio Tauro who was four years younger than her and who was born here in the United States shortly after my great grandparents legally immigrated from Italy with their family and which automatically made my grandfather an American citizen as well. Continue reading Why I Believe In Legal Immigration Enforcement →

HONOR ABIGAIL ADAMS AND ELIZABETH FREEMAN

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By Bob Katzen

Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) announced that busts of women’s rights leader and first lady Abigail Adams, as well as freedom fighter Elizabeth Freeman, the first enslaved woman to successfully sue for her freedom in the U.S., will be commissioned and placed in the Massachusetts Senate Chamber. Adams and Freeman will be the first permanent busts depicting women in the Massachusetts Statehouse. Continue reading HONOR ABIGAIL ADAMS AND ELIZABETH FREEMAN →

NO NEW TAXES ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

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By Bob Katzen

The House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) said the House will not include in its budget proposal Gov. Healey’s plan to add new taxes on prescription drugs. Mariano told pharmaceutical leaders at MassBio’s “State of Possible” conference that the House would drop this tax idea that Healey included in her $62 billion annual budget bill in January. He also indicated to reporters after his speech that the House would likely not pursue Healey’s idea to apply the state’s sales tax to candy. Continue reading NO NEW TAXES ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS →

$75.8 MILLION FOR STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

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By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration will be distributing an additional $75.8 million in student loan repayment awards to more than 1,700 behavioral health and primary care providers throughout the state as part of the MA Repay Program. Recipients include primary care physicians, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, inpatient mental health workers, substance use disorder treatment professionals and school-based mental health providers. Continue reading $75.8 MILLION FOR STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS →

ALLOW REMOTE ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS (H 62)

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By Bob Katzen
Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation that would extend, until June 2027, the current law that allows cities and towns to offer remote participation at public meetings. The option, first adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent state of emergency, was due to expire on March 31. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.
Continue reading ALLOW REMOTE ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS (H 62) →

BROADER BACKGROUND CHECKS (S 16)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 12-26, 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 as well as immigration or residency status. Without the amendment, the bill limits background checks to crimes committed in Massachusetts.
Continue reading BROADER BACKGROUND CHECKS (S 16) →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:School Department Playing Games With My Livelihood

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

I’m a lunch aide in Somerville. I used to work every day now they put me on call me on call for no reason. They’re not telling me why I haven’t worked for three weeks. They haven’t call me but I tried to call them. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:School Department Playing Games With My Livelihood →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Homeless Shelter Masquerade as the Warming Shelter on Prescott St at the Cummings Elementary School

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

Dear Billy,

I am writing this as a considered resident of Somerville. I would like to remain anonymous regarding my concerns.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Homeless Shelter Masquerade as the Warming Shelter on Prescott St at the Cummings Elementary School →

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan Adds Former Belmont Chief of Police Richard McLaughlin to Her Team

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WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced that she has added experienced law enforcement leader Richard McLaughlin to her team to serve as Law Enforcement Liaison working with police departments to improve training, increase transparency and strengthen the collaborative work of the District Attorney’s Office with local police departments. Continue reading Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan Adds Former Belmont Chief of Police Richard McLaughlin to Her Team →

Message from Mayor Ballantyne on Tufts Student Detainment and Mass Deportation

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Dear Community,

We should all be deeply concerned that on Tuesday a Somerville resident and Tufts student with a valid student visa was taken away by federal agents for what appears to be the exercise of free speech rights. Whether you agree with anyone else’s opinion or not, Continue reading Message from Mayor Ballantyne on Tufts Student Detainment and Mass Deportation →

Somerville Street Sweeping, Yard Waste Pickup, and Hazardous Waste Drop-off Begin in April

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SOMERVILLE– Spring has sprung, and with it, essential seasonal services for our residents. Mayor
Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Parking Department, and the Department of Public Works want to remind everyone of important upcoming services.

Continue reading Somerville Street Sweeping, Yard Waste Pickup, and Hazardous Waste Drop-off Begin in April →