August 26th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online August 26th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading August 26th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

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SOMERVILLE – Are you passionate about supporting the well-being of seniors in Somerville? The Somerville Council on Aging Board of Directors is actively seeking three new members, two of which must be age 60 or older, and we invite all eligible residents to consider applying.
Continue reading Join the Somerville Council on Aging Board of Directors →

Mayor Ballantyne and Rec Department invite community to annual fall celebration
Continue reading Somerville Annual Fall Festival Returns September 13 →

Rita L. (Smith) Ciarletto – Of Somerville, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, August 25, 2025. She was 91 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rita L. (Smith) Ciarletto →

Continue reading CLASSIC MUSCLE CAR SHOW ON THE MYSTIC →

City of Somerville Mayor, Katjana Ballantyne, and the Somerville Police Department would like to welcome four new police officers! Continue reading Somerville Welcomes Four New Police Officers →

SOMERVILLE – This year, Somerville block parties are getting even more fun. Funded by Mayor Ballantyne’s FY26 budget, the Block Party Play Kits are free, borrowable kits filled with games and equipment to help neighbors turn their street into a playground. Continue reading Ballantyne Administration Launching Free Block Party Play Kits →

Fernando Carreiro of Everett passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 24, 2025, at the age of 87. Continue reading Somerville/Medford/Cambridge Remembering Fernando Carreiro →

Obituary
Geraldine M. “Gerry” Nestor passed away peacefully at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford on August 24, 2025, she was 83. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Geraldine M. “Gerry” Nestor →

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts
BOSTON – A Somerville, Mass. man was arrested today and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. During a search of the defendant’s residence today, it is alleged that numerous privately made firearms (PMF’s) otherwise known as, “ghost guns;” firearm suppressors; 3D printers; and ammunition in varying calibers were found.
Continue reading Massachusetts Man Arrested After Numerous “Ghost Guns” Discovered →

Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Claire Pierre, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us peacefully on August 21st, 2025, one day shy of her 75th birthday. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Claire Pierre →


By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts is moving faster to create reasonably-priced housing and revitalize our downtowns. This new tax credit helps communities turn empty commercial space into homes – bringing people, energy and small-business customers back to main streets while tackling our housing shortage.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that would prohibit grocery stores from suggesting items or adjusting the prices of any item directly or indirectly based on the biometric data of individuals collected on the premises of a grocery store. Grocery stores would be allowed to use biometrics to allow customers to voluntarily verify their identity at the point of sale. Continue reading PROHIBIT GROCERY STORES FROM USING BIOMETRICS TO INCREASE PRICES OR SUGGEST ITEMS (H 99) →

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 4275) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would make changes in some of the state’s alcohol permitting laws.

Continue reading ALCOHOL LICENSES (H 4285) →

SOMERVILLE—Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA), in proud partnership with the Brazilian Women’s Group, invite community members to celebrate 203 years of Brazilian independence at the third annual Brazil flag raising on Thursday, September 4, on the City Hall concourse (79 Highland Ave.) at 3 p.m. Rain date: Thursday, September 9.
Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Invites Community Members to Brazilian Flag Raising Ceremony on September 4 →

Annual ceremony to honor lives lost and those who served

SOMERVILLE–To mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services invite all community members to a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, September 11, at 6 p.m. in Davis Square. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville Veterans’ Services to Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony →

Peter H. Vermilye, Jr., 73, died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Somerville on August 10.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Peter H. Vermilye, Jr. →

Obituary
Kathleen Flora McAteer – Of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025. She was 81 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kathleen Flora McAteer →

Obituary
Claire Pierre- Of Somerville, passed away with her beloved family by her side on Thursday, August 21, 2025. She was 74 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Claire Pierre- Of Somerville →

City celebrating immigrant inclusion, community connection, and cultural exchange

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) are announcing Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Announcing Welcoming Week 2025 in Somerville →

Obituary
John David Williams – A lifelong resident of Medford, affectionately known to many as Johnny, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Thursday, August 21, 2025. He was 65 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering John David Williams →

Obituary

Kourtney E. McLean – Of Reading, formerly of Somerville, passed away on Tuesday, August 19th at the age of 34. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kourtney E. McLean →

Residential Breaking & Entering
25049522: On 8/14/25 at approximately 3:41 PM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on Flint St for a past breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated a male party entered her shed and stole a tool.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log →

SOMERVILLE_ On August 19th, the final step in our annual school supplies / backpack drive before final delivery was completed at the Somerville headquarters of PUMA North America. A great group of Kiwanis members, assisted by some friends and an amazing group of PUMA employee volunteers were able to stuff all 200 high quality backpacks with needed school supplies in less than an hour. After a quick group photo, the boxed backpacks were loaded onto member vehicles for delivery to Somerville High School and Prospect Hill Academy.
Continue reading Kiwanis Club of Somerville News Updates →

Overnight on Wednesday, companies operated at a 3rd Alarm Fire at 71 Thurston Street. This proved to be another challenging fire as the original fire building was under construction and fully involved in fire upon arrival, extending to the two neighboring houses. Group 1 was on duty. Photos courtesy of Boston 492 Fire Photos.
Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Local 76 News Updates →

August 19th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition OnlineAugust 19th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2)

By William Tauro

Manchester-by-the-Sea, a picturesque coastal town in Massachusetts, is embracing cutting-edge technology to manage parking at its popular beaches. New automated parking camera devices are now in use, designed to enforce the town’s two-hour parking limit with precision.
Continue reading New Parking Camera Devices Enforce Two-Hour Limits at Manchester-by-the-Sea Beaches May Be Coming To Your City of Town Soon →

Obituary

MaryLou Priscilla (Stancato) Paduano – Of Haverhill, formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was 91 years old. Leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth and devotion to her family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering MaryLou Priscilla (Stancato) Paduano →

Obituary
David J. Desmond, a life long Somerville resident, passed away at home on August 9, 2025, he was just 45 years young. David was born in Boston the cherished son of Mary Lou Johnson of Arlington and the dear brother of the late Daniel R. Johnson, who passed away in March of last year.

Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering David J. Desmond →

At approximately 8:34 AM Monday, SPD 911 received a call for a possible stabbing at the MBTA Davis Sq Red line stop. Upon arrival, responding Officers discovered one male suffering from an apparent stab wound. Continue reading Early Morning Stabbing In Davis Square Somerville →

By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts has over 25,000 culverts, most of which are undersized. By replacing these outdated culverts with larger, safer structures, we can better prepare our communities for severe weather. Investing in these projects now will save our cities and towns money on disaster recovery in the future.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration announced a package of $46 million for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the buildout of EV chargers across Massachusetts. Supporters said that the funding will help address gaps identified by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council, including the need for more chargers along secondary corridors and to support medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Continue reading $46 MILION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING →

By Bob Katzen

Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s Citizen Information Service has compiled information about new financial aid programs available to Massachusetts students at public colleges and universities. Continue reading LOWER COST OPTIONS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery will hold a hearing on September 15 on legislation that would require government entities to supply first responders with Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, or another opioid antagonist which is used as an emergency treatment used for the complete or partial reversal of an opioid overdose. Continue reading FIRST RESPONDERS MUST HAVE NARCAN AVAILABLE (S 1410) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow local licensing authorities to issue temporary licenses to charities in order for the charities to accept donations of wine, beer and alcohol for their charitable events.
Continue reading ALCOHOL DONATIONS FOR CHARITIES (H 442) →

By Bob Katzen

A new law that took effect on August 1 requires landlords, instead of renters, to cover the cost of broker fees unless a renter is the one to hire the broker first. The law was part of the $60.9 billion fiscal 2026 that was signed by Gov. Maura Healey in July. Continue reading LANDLORD MUST PAY REAL ESTATE BROKER’S FEE →

On Friday, two of our patrol officers officially stepped into leadership roles as they were promoted to the rank of sergeant. Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Chris Kelly and Sergeant Rich Iozza! Continue reading Medford Police Department News Updates →

2900-5700 housing units, up to $17M in annual tax revenue among potential benefits

Plan sets vision for housing, job, revenue, and public space improvements through sustainable growth

SOMERVILLE, MA – By unanimous vote, the Somerville Planning Board at their July meeting adopted the Ballantyne Administration’s Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan, marking a significant milestone in the City’s efforts to guide sustainable development Continue reading Somerville Planning Board Adopts Ballantyne Administration’s Transformative Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan →

SOMERVILLE — The City of Somerville’s Department of Public Space and Urban Forestry (PSUF) is sharing
updates to its Tree Preservation Ordinance, reinforcing the City’s commitment to protecting trees on both public and private land. The
Continue reading Ballantyne Administration Strengthens Tree Preservation Ordinance to Better Protect Urban Canopy →

SOMERVILLE– You can help. On Sunday, August 10, 18 Somerville residents including three children, as well as pets, were displaced by a fire on Powderhouse Boulevard that left nine apartments at Clarendon Hill Housing uninhabitable. Continue reading Mayor and Somerville Homeless Coalition Activate Emergency Fund for Somerville Fire Victims; Call for Community Donations →

SOMERVILLE, MA– On Friday, July 25, Somerville’s own Bonny Carroll was awarded a special citation from
the Massachusetts House of Representatives for her work as a dedicated leader in tobacco prevention and longtime champion for youth and families in Somerville.
Continue reading City of Somerville Staff Member Honored by Massachusetts House of Representatives for Decades of Service →

Crosswalk sign initiative brings more accessible street navigation Somerville residents

SOMERVILLE— Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is pleased to announce that more accessible signage is coming
to streets around Somerville. As part of ongoing work to make Somerville’s streets safer and more accessible, the City will be installing new signage featuring braille and raised text at intersections around Somerville. A total of 200 new signs will be installed Continue reading Ballantyne Administration Brings Braille & Raised Text Street Signs to 200 Somerville Intersections →

SOMERVILLE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Chief of Police Shumeane Benford have confirmed that Luis Carlos Ramos Teixeira, age 27, of Brockton has been charged with rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over fourteen. The defendant, a Lyft driver, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a female passenger over the weekend. Continue reading Lyft Driver Arrested in Somerville After Alleged Sexual Assault on Passenger →

Five new Somerville firefighters graduated from the Boston Fire Academy on Wednesday, August 13. Continue reading Somerville Fire Department News Updates →

At about 6:15 this past Wednesday morning Medford Fire received multiple calls from neighbors for a fire at 134 Fern Rd. Continue reading Medford Firefighters Local 1032 News Updates →

On Friday, August 8, seven firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow and received their assignments from Chief Breen. The new firefighters are Christopher Carvalho, Steven Flythe, Jake Hardy, Todd Headley, Kerry Kahn, Gavin Tierney, and Matthew White.
Continue reading Somerville Fire Department News Updates →

August 12th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online Screenshot 2025-08-13 at 8.32.56 AM
Continue reading August 12th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Obituary
Cheryl Ann (Cameron) Scully, passed away at her home in Somerville surrounded by the love of her family on August 1, 2025, at the age of 67. Born and raised in Somerville, Cheryl was one of six children born to Etta (Henderson) and Archibald Cameron. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Cheryl Ann (Cameron) Scully →

Obituary
Ellen D. (Murray) Conway – A lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. She was 85 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Ellen D. (Murray) Conway →

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council, in partnership with producer Yvette Wilks of Wilks Productions Consultancy, invite community members to the eleventh annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival on Saturday, August 23, (rain date: August 24), from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Union Square Plaza. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Invites the Community to the Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival in Union Square →

SOMERVILLE – The Somerville Police have charged two juveniles, ages 16 & 17, for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 22, 2025 in the area of 495 Grand Union Boulevard.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Charges Two Juveniles in July 22 Shooting at Grand Union Blvd →

Earn $240 for the workday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SOMERVILLE– The City of Somerville is seeking polling place workers and standby poll workers for the upcoming Preliminary Election on Tuesday, September 16. Many poll workers are needed to support operations and conduct a successful election. Continue reading Somerville Seeks Polling Place Workers for Preliminary Election Tuesday, September 16 →

The City of Somerville is planning to build a new PK-8 public school building, and the Construction Advisory Group (CAG), Mayor Ballantyne, and Somerville Public Schools want to hear from you.
Continue reading Somerville Community Invited to Take Survey on New PK-8 School Building Options →

“Here we go Again, But I Hear No Trumpets Blow Again.”SOS at the Medford City Council last Tuesday. Sad for all who hang on to homes with rising taxes and gaining nothing from long, tedious,nonCity related bases. I usually try and offer an idea or two, but went home.
Continue reading Here We Go Again Medford →

Recently Council President Zach Bears made a public statement to change the schedule and create a vision for the re-zoning changes in Medford. He started by praising the work the city council has conducted on the proposed re-zoning plan.
Continue reading Zoning In Medford – A RESET or an ELECTION DODGE →

At 11:05 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, the Somerville Fire Department was alerted to a fire at 268 Powderhouse Boulevard. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire in a second-floor apartment with multiple occupants reportedly trapped. A second alarm was called. Continue reading Somerville Fire Department News Updates →

We are investigating a hit and run that occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at approximately 1:20am. A pedestrian was struck while in the crosswalk in front of Alexander’s (277 Main Street). The driver fled southbound on Main Street toward Somerville. The victim sustained serious injuries. Continue reading Hit & Run Investigation – Information Needed →

Medford Police, Medford Fire, and State DCR responded to two separate fires in the wooded area behind Medford High School; one on Friday, 8/8 around 3:30pm and another just after midnight today, 8/10. Continue reading Medford Police Department SEEKING INFORMATION ON POTENTIALLY SUSPICIOUS FIRES →

By Bob Katzen

“Our investments in public lands and outdoor recreation are paying off big. We are dedicated to promoting local economic growth through targeted grants for destination mountain biking and inclusive outdoor recreation events, which create more opportunities for communities to discover and enjoy the outdoors.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced that her office has reached a settlement with online grocery-delivery company Weee, resolving allegations that it violated Massachusetts employment laws pertaining to employee classification and earned sick time. As part of the settlement, Weee has agreed to pay over $865,000 in citations, including restitution for over 160 impacted workers and penalties.

Continue reading $865,000 SETTLEMENT FOR VIOLATING BAY STATE EMPLOYMENT LAWS →

By Bob Katzen

Another bill before the Education Committee would establish a 17-member task force to review and investigate indoor air quality in public school buildings that provide education for K-12 children. Continue reading INVESTIGATE AIR QUALITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (S 351) →

By Bob Katzen

LA bill before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight would require Massachusetts to be on Daylight Savings Time all year, meaning people would no longer change the clocks in the spring and fall.
Continue reading MAKE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME PERMANENT (S 2157) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would increase the amount of funds that a school district can stash away in a reserve account during good fiscal times to help alleviate the fiscal burden of paying for special education during difficult fiscal times. The measure would increase the amount allowed from 2 percent to 5 percent of the district’s annual budget.
Continue reading SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING (H 2302) →

By Bob Katzen

Sponsors of possible ballot questions for the November 2026 election faced their first deadline last week in the long process to get their proposed law on the ballot. Sponsors had until August 6 to submit their proposals and the signatures of ten citizens to Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office. Continue reading POSSIBLE 2026 BALLOT QUESTIONS →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law the “Shield Act” which would prohibit state agencies, employees and law enforcement from cooperating with investigations by other states or the federal government, into reproductive or gender affirming health care that is legally protected in Massachusetts.

Continue reading REPRODUCTIVE AND TRANSGENDER CARE PROTECTIONS – THE SHIELD ACT (H 4271) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a $1.2 billion transportation bond bill that includes authorizing $300 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. Continue reading $300 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES (H 4307) →

By Bob Katzen
L
Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment to the current law, known as the MBTA Communities Act, which according to the state’s website, requires that an MBTA community “must have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria including minimum gross density of 15 units per acre; and a location not more than 1/2 mile from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. No age restrictions can be applied and the district must be suitable for families with children.”
Continue reading APPEAL MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (S 3) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for the Department of Mental Health (DMH) by $3.5 million (from $15.5 million to $19 million) to support diversion programs that offer treatment alternatives to incarceration for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. It also directs the DMH to update regulations to improve discharge protocols for patients leaving mental health and substance use facilities that are overseen by the state.
Continue reading 3.5 MILLION FOR DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH (S 3) →

House 150-6, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a $259 million fiscal 2025 supplemental budget.
Continue reading 259 MILLION FISCAL 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (S 2575) →

August 5th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online August 5th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
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After 34 Years of service to the Citizens of Somerville, August 13th will be Captain Tom Gorman’s last shift with the Somerville Fire Department. Continue reading Somerville Fire Department’s Captain Tom Gorman Retires →

By Bob Katzen

“This funding round is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people. Whether it’s a formerly homeless individual in Boston, a senior in Topsfield or a working family in Easthampton, the homes we’re supporting will change lives. These projects exemplify the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s belief that everyone in Massachusetts deserves a safe, stable and affordable place to live.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Would prohibit the sale of energy drinks or other beverages that exceed a caffeine content of 71 milligrams per 12 ounce serving and contains taurine and glucuronolactone. Continue reading NO ENERGY DRINKS FOR PEOPLE UNDER 18 (H 1908) →

By Bob Katzen

Would prohibit any restaurant or retail stores from being liable for civil damages for any injury arising out of the condition of the food it donates to any individual. The measure only exempts the restaurant or stores if at the time of donation, the food is not misbranded and is not adulterated and has not been manufactured, processed, Continue reading LIABILITY FOR DONATIONS OF FOOD (S 1091) →

By Bob Katzen

Would create a registry of Massachusetts residents convicted of abusing animals and require the abusers to register. A first conviction of failure to register would be punishable by a $1,000 fine or ten days in prison. Subsequent convictions would result in a 5-year prison sentence.
Continue reading ANIMAL ABUSE REGISTRY (H 1764) →

By Bob Katzen

The Municipalities and Regional Government Committee held a hearing on legislation that would prohibit cities and town from imposing additional financial penalties on a person who does not pay their parking ticket by the due date.
Continue reading BAN LATE PAYMENT PENALTIES FOR PARKING TICKETS (H 2278) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 38-2, approved and sent to the House legislation that would ban student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during classes. The measure would require all public schools and districts in Massachusetts to implement, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, policies for student use of these devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities. Continue reading BAN USE OF CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS (S 2561) →

By Bob Katzen

House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would mandate human trafficking training for all hotel, motel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment employees in the Bay State, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, Continue reading MANDATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING IN MASSACHUSETTS HOTELS (H 4360) →

By Bob Katzen

House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would extend benefits for retired teachers who are later hired to work for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (EOE) or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The bill would allow these employees to retain the status of “teacher” and remain in the Teachers’ Retirement System.
Continue reading TEACHERS’ RETIREMENT (H 4361) →

By Bob Katzen

House 156-0, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a $1.2 billion transportation bond bill that includes authorizing $300 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. Continue reading 300 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES (H 4307) →

By Bob Katzen

House 132-24, Senate 37-3, approved and sent the “Shield Act” to Gov. Maura Healey. The measure would prohibit state agencies, employees and law enforcement from cooperating with investigations by other states or the federal government, into reproductive or gender affirming health care that is legally protected in Massachusetts.
Continue reading REPRODUCTIVE AND TRANSGENDER CARE PROTECTIONS – THE SHIELD ACT (H 4271) →

SOMERVILLE–Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) are pleased to announce the resale of one deed-restricted condominium to eligible, first-time homebuyer households at a below market price through the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program. This unit will be offered to households with a yearly gross income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Continue reading Ballantyne Administration Sharing Homeownership Opportunity at 411 Norfolk Street →

SOMERVILLE– Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council, in proud partnership with Circle Squared, are excited to present ‘24 Hours of Culture’, a celebration amplifying the diverse cultural heartbeat of the Somerville and Greater Boston on Saturday, August 16 (Rain date: August 17), at Union Square Plaza and Stone Park, from 4 to 10 p.m. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Inviting Community to ‘24 Hours of Culture’ on August 16 to Celebrate BIPOC Arts, Community, and Culture →

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing the successful negotiation and signing of new collective bargaining agreements with the SEIU Local 3 Custodians and the Somerville Police Superior Officers Association (SPSOA). These agreements reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to fair compensation, organizational improvement, and public service excellence.
Continue reading Ballantyne Administration Reaches New Agreements with Somerville Police and Custodians Unions →

SOMERVILLE– On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the City of Somerville will hold its City Preliminary Election, which will narrow the candidate pool before the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4.

The offices on the ballot for this election include: Continue reading Somerville Voting Information for City Preliminary Election →

Obituary
Mary (Leonard) Canty, of Somerville, passed away on August 1, 2025. She was blessed with 90 years of age. Born and raised in Reengaroga, Baltimore, County Cork, Ireland, she was one of twelve children born to Ellen (Driscoll) and Paddy Jack Leonard.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary (Leonard) Canty →

Daniel G. Hovanesian of Somerville, passed away on May 9, 2025 at the age of 78. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Daniel G. Hovanesian →

Obituary
Regina A. (Bahan) Vigorito, of Medford, passed away on July 31, 2025, she was 87 years of age. Born and raised in Somerville, Regina was one of seven children born to Grace (Sullivan) and George E. Bahan. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald V.A. Vigorito. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Regina A. (Bahan) Vigorito →

Peter Trant– A lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away on Saturday, July 26,2025. He was 68 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Peter Trant →