Somerville Seeks Standby Polling Place Workers for State Primary Election Tuesday, September 1

Earn $250 for the workday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SOMERVILLE– The City of Somerville is seeking standby polling place workers for the upcoming State Primary Election on Tuesday, September 1. Many poll workers are needed to support operations and conduct a successful election.
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Somerville/Medford Remembering James F. Shannon, Jr.

Obituary
James F. Shannon, Jr., 90, of Somerville, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. James was the son of the late James and Mathilda Shannon and will be remembered for his genuine love for his family. Even at 90, he amazed those around him with his clear mind, perceptive observations and unmistakable wit.
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Somerville/Medford Remembering Carl A. Cotreau

Obituary
Carl A. Cotreau – A longtime reside of Somerville, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He was 93 years old.

Beloved husband of 64 years to the late Barbara (Walsh) Cotreau who passed away in February of 2024. Devoted father of Ken Cotreau and his wife Kim of Beverly, the late Kevin Cotreau and his surviving wife Laura of Haverhill and the late Keith Cotreau. Cherished and loving grandfather of Ben, Patric and Christopher. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
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THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“Reliable, well-maintained harbors are essential for the communities and industries that depend on them every day. These grants will help cities and towns move forward with critical dredging projects that improve safety, support commercial fishing and recreation, and keep our waterfronts strong and competitive.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing a new round of funding to help Massachusetts coastal communities advance critical dredging projects that improve navigational safety, strengthen working waterfronts and support the state’s maritime economy.
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POSTURAL SCREENINGS FOR STUDENTS (H 2517)

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a proposal amending a current law that requires every child in public schools and for children in private schools, at the request of their parents or guardians, to be tested for postural defects at least once annually in grades five through nine. The amendment would reduce the mandated frequency of testing to at least once in grades five through nine.
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ALCOHOL DONATIONS FOR CHARITIES (H 5351)

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. These licenses were previously allowed under 1997 legislation, but the authorization has since expired.
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NOW YOU CAN BUY MASS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE

By Bob Katzen

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

The Lottery has launched Mass Lottery Online, featuring a variety of both new and old games that registered players age 21 or older can play on the Mass Lottery app and website on a mobile device, computer or tablet. Profits generated from online sales will be used to fund a grant program to support early childhood education and care.
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PROTECT THE PRESS WITH A SHIELD LAW (S 3200)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 40-0, approved an amendment creating the Press Shield Law that would prohibit government bodies from compelling journalists to reveal their sources, except in certain limited circumstances and only with clear and convincing evidence that the source disclosure is necessary and there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure.
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ABORTION (H 5595)

By Bob Katzen

House 119-35, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would loosen restrictions on abortions that can be performed after 24 weeks of gestation. The bill removes existing requirements that limit abortions at 24 weeks of pregnancy or later to four specific medical circumstances, and instead allows licensed physicians and providers to rely on their best medical judgment when caring for patients.

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BANNING SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKS AND MATERIALS (H 5489)

By Bob Katzen

House 156-1, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to the governor a bill that supporters said would protect people’s access to library materials and guard against politically motivated book bans in Bay State school libraries and public libraries. The bill requires local policies to be developed using nationally recognized library standards and lays out a process around challenges to library materials. The measure also protects librarians and school library professionals from retaliation.
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THE “PROTECT ACT” (H 5620

By Bob Katzen

House 137-21, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Healey the PROTECT Act that supporters said would establish statewide standards governing interactions between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. They said the measure would create among the strongest protections in the nation for residents who have immigrated to their communities; strengthen due process protections; limit civil immigration enforcement in courthouses, public school grounds, hospitals and other sensitive locations; expand protections for victims of crime; and increase transparency, accountability and clarity for correctional facilities and law enforcement relative to civil immigration enforcement.
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Medford Lions News: Lions GROW with Summer

This week Lions PR Sharon Deyeso offered help to clean up, adorn, and continue watch on two small isles on Salem St, E. Medford. The area is walked on, trodden on, ridden on and facing many small businesses. The thought is to involve businesses who would kindly honor discounts for Charity for a needed City appearance. She maintains for her family then large isle at Governors Avenue but very much wanted to
Offer aid from LIONS CLUB.
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