THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“From the beaches of Cape Cod to the peaks of the Berkshire mountains, Massachusetts’ diverse landscapes support thousands of unique plant and animal species that are essential to the health of our environment. As a mom, I will always work to preserve for the next generation the natural resources, economic opportunity and public health benefits that come from the strong environmental protections the Trump Administration is attempting to strip away.”
—Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell who co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing two lawsuits to protect endangered and threatened species. The suits challenge new rules that gut essential protections for wildlife under the Endangered Species Act and threaten the survival of imperiled species.

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CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate in July approved two different versions of a primary care and health care affordability bill. The House version includes a provision that would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. The Senate version does not include that provision. A House-Senate conference committee is working on hammering out a compromise version of the two bills.
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$10 BILLION IN MARIJUANA SALES

By Bob Katzen

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) announced that Massachusetts marijuana establishments have exceeded $10 billion in all-time gross sales. The milestone comes nearly a decade after voters approved adult-use cannabis in the November 2016 election, and nearly eight years after the November 2018 opening of the state’s first two adult-use retail stores opened in Northampton and Leicester.
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BROWNSBERGER WINS RECOUNT

By Bob Katzen

Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) eked out a 35-vote victory in a recount of the votes in the Senate Suffolk and Middlesex District which consists of Belmont, Watertown and parts of Boston and Cambridge. Brownsberger, a key member of Senate President Spilka’s leadership team, also presides over most Senate sessions. He edged out challenger Daniel Lander of Boston who was backed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
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STREAMLINE NEW HOUSING

By Bob Katzen

The Pioneer Institute issued a report that it says identifies ten straightforward permitting and administrative changes that can be initiated by cities and towns without waiting for lawmakers on Beacon Hill to act. The report says action by cities and towns can “reduce the time and cost of building new homes, at a time when housing costs are helping drive residents to lower-cost states.”
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PERCENTAGE OF TIMES LOCAL SREPRESENTATIVES VOTED WITH THEIR PARTY’S LEADERSHIP IN 2026 THROUGH SEPT. 11

By Bob Katzen

The percentage next to the representative’s name represents the percentage of times the representative supported his or her party’s leadership in 2026 through September 11. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the representative opposed his or her party’s leadership.
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Somerville Recreation’s Fall Festival Returns October 3

Free festival welcomes fall with bounce houses, pumpkin decorating, a magician, and more

SOMERVILLE– Fall in New England means crunchy leaves, cooler temps, pumpkin spice everything and…Somerville Rec’s annual Fall Fest. Families are invited to the free celebration of the season on Saturday, October 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Founders Memorial Rink (8 Garden Court).
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Somerville Toasting What the Fluff? Festival Turning 21

Free festival celebrates 21 years of Union Square fluff-tastic with live music, local vendors, games, and fluff-focused treats

SOMERVILLE – Things are about to get sticky in Union Square as Somerville’s annual “What the Fluff?” Festival returns Saturday, September 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. (severe weather date: Sunday, September 20).
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Somerville Celebrating Welcoming Week

Explore immigrant stories with Somerville Public Library and join neighbors for food, music, and conversation on September 24

SOMERVILLE – This September, the Somerville Office of Immigrant Advancement (SOIA) invites neighbors of all backgrounds to celebrate Welcoming Week. Opportunities include a community gathering, reading lists, videos sharing immigrant stories, and more.
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City and Somerville Homeless Coalition Activate Emergency Fund for Fire Victims; Call for Community Donations

SOMERVILLE– Somerville residents need your help. On Tuesday, September 8th, a fire on Dartmouth Street left four households — including multiple vulnerable residents and their pets — without homes. Thankfully no life was lost, but most face significant hurdles to replacing their belongings, covering the cost of new or temporary housing, and rebuilding their lives. From medicine and clothes to food in the pantry, these residents are facing the difficult task of starting over. Continue reading City and Somerville Homeless Coalition Activate Emergency Fund for Fire Victims; Call for Community Donations →

Somerville Celebrates Latin American and Caribbean Heritage Month Saturday, September 26

All invited to free event with music, dance, and food celebrating the City’s Latin American and Caribbean communities

SOMERVILLE – Somerville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA), with support from the City’s Division of Equity and Belonging and the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), invites all community members to celebrate Latin American and Caribbean Heritage Month on Saturday, September 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.).
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City of Somerville, Firefighters Association Local 76 Sign Three-Year Agreement

New contract delivers annual wage increases, enhanced emergency medical response compensation, expanded leave benefits, and cancer-screening support

SOMERVILLE—The City of Somerville and the Firefighters Association of Somerville, Local 76, have signed a three-year successor collective bargaining agreement covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, that delivers enhanced wage, leave, and other benefits.
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