Obituary
Paul E. Crowe, a lifelong resident of Somerville, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, with his beloved son, Daniel and his partner Cheryl, by his side. Born on November 19, 1937, in Somerville, Paul lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and pride in those he loved most.
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Daily Archives: December 27, 2025
Somerville/Medford Remembering Louise M. Casparriello (Puopolo)
Obituary
Louise M. Casparriello (Puopolo) of Somerville passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on December 25, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Salvatore Casparriello. Complete notice to follow. A funeral procession will commence from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Louise M. Casparriello (Puopolo)
THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL
By Bob Katzen
“I’m a no, because if you look at the studies — if you look at the studies, you effectively halt production. I will tell you that investors in housing have already pulled out of Massachusetts because they’re concerned about rent control.”
—Gov. Healey on her opposition to a possible 2026 ballot question that would impose rent control by establishing a limit on any annual rent increase — capping the increase to an amount not to exceed the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5 percent, whichever is lower.
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL
5 POSSIBLE BALLOT QUESTIONS FOR NOVEMBER 2026 ELECTION CLEAR ANOTHER HURDLE
By Bob Katzen
Secretary of State Bill Galvin announced that petitions for five potential ballot questions have been determined to contain the 74,754 certified signatures needed to advance another step toward going on the November 2026 ballot for voters to decide. Continue reading 5 POSSIBLE BALLOT QUESTIONS FOR NOVEMBER 2026 ELECTION CLEAR ANOTHER HURDLE
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN COMMEMORATION (H 3306)
By Bob Katzen
The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would establish the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day “in recognition of the service and sacrifice during World War II of the Black pilots, bombardiers, navigators, flight surgeons, nurses, mechanics, instructors, crewmembers and all support personnel who changed the course of history.”
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TAX RELIEF FOR PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS (PCAs)
By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey announced that an estimated 18,000 of the state’s 60,000 of live-in PCAs who take care of MassHealth members will no longer pay state or federal income taxes on their wages, under a new IRS ruling that was sought by the Healey administration. PCAs are health care professionals who help people with disabilities keep their independence by aiding with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. The exemption, projected to save a PCA $5,000 or more per year in taxes, applies only to PCAs who live in the same household as the individual receiving the care. Continue reading TAX RELIEF FOR PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS (PCAs)
Grand Union First Flag Raising, January 1
Ring in the new year on Thursday, January 1, 2026 as we raise the Grand Union Flag on Prospect Hill to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first flag raising.
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Attend the 2026 City of Somerville Inauguration Ceremonies Next Week
Somerville City Hall
As Somerville embarks on its next legislative term, community members are invited to attend the 2026 inauguration ceremonies next week on Friday, January 2, and Saturday, January 3.
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Somerville/Medford Remembering James J. “Jim” Holmes
Obituary
James J. “Jim” Holmes of Mansfield, formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Despite his illness, Jim never lost his sense of humor or positive attitude, always making his visitors laugh and never losing his beautiful smile. Jim’s children were the light of his life.
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