THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts continues to demonstrate why it is one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business. From the nation’s top-ranked education system and our unmatched talent to our leadership in industries like life sciences, robotics, AI and advanced manufacturing, we’re building an economy that attracts investment, creates jobs and strengthens our competitiveness.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

USE OF PSYCHEDELICS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE (H 5562)

By Bob Katzen

Tucked into the House Economic Development bill approved by the House is a proposed new law that would establish a pilot program under the Department of Public Health, to explore the use of psychedelics in mental health care. The proposal authorizes a maximum of three specialized mental health clinics, excluding any tied to the cannabis industry, psychedelic development or pharmaceutical companies, to use psychedelics under strict supervision. Participating clinics are tasked with reporting patient outcomes to contribute to the development of refined treatment protocols and regulatory frameworks for psychedelic use in mental health care.
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CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT (H 5562)

By Bob Katzen

House 145-6, approved a lengthy amendment that consolidated 29 amendments into one. The consolidated amendment includes the controversial section that allows cities and towns to adopt a local tenant right of first refusal for the sale of multifamily residential properties, giving tenants the opportunity to purchase their building after receiving notice of the owner’s intent to sell.

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$561 MILLION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE (H 5562)

By Bob Katzen

House 148-2, approved and sent to the Senate a $561 million economic development bond bill that supporters say will strengthen key innovation sectors, support small businesses, expand housing opportunities and position the state for long-term economic growth and competitiveness. They note that the measure makes targeted updates across dozens of state programs to improve efficiency, encourage investment, reduce barriers to economic development and better prepare Massachusetts for emerging industries and workforce needs.
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Somerville Breaking Ground on 299 Broadway + 15 Temple Street

Long-awaited redevelopment will bring 300+ homes, including significant affordable housing, to Winter Hill

Community invited to groundbreaking ceremony with free refreshments on Thursday, July 16

SOMERVILLE – When you wish upon a star (market), dreams really do come true. On Thursday, July 16, the Somerville community is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony marking the long-vacant former Star Market site’s transformation into 319 new homes, including 136 affordable units.
Continue reading Somerville Breaking Ground on 299 Broadway + 15 Temple Street

City of Somerville to Join Development Partners for Groundbreaking of Transformative Mixed-Income Community in Winter Hill

Thursday, July 16th, from 11:30am-12:30pm at 299 Broadway, Somerville

Somerville, MA – Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson, members of the City Council and state officials will join Mark Development, Beacon Communities, Rise Together, and Samuels & Associates to celebrate the official groundbreaking of 299 Broadway and 15 Temple Street.
Continue reading City of Somerville to Join Development Partners for Groundbreaking of Transformative Mixed-Income Community in Winter Hill

Heat Advisory for Somerville Tuesday and Wednesday, July 14-15: Take Precautions to Stay Safe and Cool


  
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday with feels-like temperatures around 100 degrees

SOMERVILLE— High heat and humidity are expected in Somerville and the region over the coming days with feels-like temperatures expected to be around 100 degrees. At this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 14-15. Community members are encouraged to review ways to stay cool, healthy, and safe. The forecasted conditions can cause heat illness if proper precautions are not taken.
Staying Cool in Somerville Continue reading Heat Advisory for Somerville Tuesday and Wednesday, July 14-15: Take Precautions to Stay Safe and Cool

Man Charged for Role in July 4th Fatal Shooting in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Pauline Wells have announced that Rayquon Brown, 29 of Canton, has been arrested and charged with murder, carrying a firearm without a license, being an armed career criminal, and conspiring to commit murder. On July 4, 2026, at approximately 5:24 AM, the Cambridge Police Department received a call from pedestrians who, while out on a walk, found a man, later identified as Xavier Bautista, lying in a pool of blood in the area of Norfolk Street and Broadway Street.
Continue reading Man Charged for Role in July 4th Fatal Shooting in Cambridge