TRANSGENDER STUDENTS AND SCHOOL SPORTS

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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.

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