Obituary
Alexis M. Killoren – Of Malden, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025. She was 36 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Alexis M. Killoren →

Take the Library Survey by October 15

SOMERVILLE – The Somerville Public Library is asking for community feedback to help shape its next five-year strategic plan. Residents, workers, and visitors are invited to share their ideas for how the Library can best develop its collections, programs, services, and spaces. Continue reading Somerville Public Library Invites Community Input for Strategic Plan →

Project, informed by community feedback, aims to improve key Gilman Square street

SOMERVILLE– The City of Somerville is working to make the western segment of Pearl Street between McGrath Highway and Medford Street safer and more accessible by redesigning and reconstructing the street. The project will include improved crosswalks, new trees, protected bike lanes, better bus stops, and traffic calming on Pearl Street and in the nearby area. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Invites Somerville Community to Western Pearl Street Open House Featuring Updated Design on Saturday, Oct. 4 →

 Thank you!
It has been an honor to serve as your Mayor.
I am deeply proud of the many things that we’ve accomplished together in four short years, and we have accomplished much together for Somerville!
My administration led our recovery from COVID. We made more affordable housing and good jobs, with fair pay. Our reforms and fiscal management earned Somerville’s first Triple A bond rating, just renewed for the third year in a row. Continue reading A formal farewell from Mayor Katjana Ballantyne →

Obituary
Joseph M. Fitzgerald – Of Somerville, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. He was 87 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joseph M. Fitzgerald →

Obituary
Daniel (Danny) M. Pereira, of Somerville, passed away peacefully after a year-long illness at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 17, 2025. He was 63 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Daniel (Danny) M. Pereira →

By Bob Katzen

“This day is not only about those who never came home, but also about the families who still wait and the survivors who endured captivity. POW/MIA flag does not fly as a symbol of loss alone, but as a promise—that we will never forget and we will never give up.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey announced that the state is awarding over $9 million in Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) continuation grants to 15 school districts as part of her Literacy Launch initiative. These grants enable districts to implement high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction through literacy materials, technical support, coaching and professional development. 
Continue reading $9 MILLION IN LITERACY LAUNCH GRANTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House legislation that would expand current law by including day habilitation programs contracted by MassHealth in the existing statewide registry that prevents individuals with substantiated abuse allegations from being hired in care positions.
Continue reading EXPAND NICKY’S LAW (S 165) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would exclude fentanyl test strips and fentanyl drug testing equipment from the definition of drug paraphernalia. Continue reading FENTANYL TEST STRIPS (S 1057) →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation setting next year’s state primary election date for Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Continue reading MOVE 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION DATE TO SEPTEMBER 1 (H 4531) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would align the Bay State with the majority of other states by updating car rental insurance requirements to maintain liability coverage on a secondary basis, making rental companies responsible only if the renter is uninsured or underinsured. Continue reading CAR RENTALS (S 2367) →

By Bob Katzen

House 148-1, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey $234 million supplemental budget that would provide financial relief to hospitals and community health centers across the state.
Continue reading FINANCIAL RELIEF TO HOSPITALS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS (H 4530) →