SOMERVILLE_On Thursday, December 11th, Somerville Kiwanis Club members were joined by our good friends from the Somerville Rotary Club and Somerville Lions Club for our annual Toys For Tots luncheon meeting at the Burren Restaurant in Davis Square. Continue reading Kiwanis Club of Somerville Annual Marine Corps, Toys for Tots luncheon and Toy Donations to CAAS Head Start Children →

HELP SANTA (AND MPD) GET THESE SNEAKERS HOME 🎄👟

Do you recognize the individual pictured here?

During what should have been a routine holiday delivery in South Medford, this Amazon delivery driver decided to add themselves to Santa’s Naughty List by stealing a young girl’s Christmas present, a limited-edition pair of Stranger Things Converse sneakers.
Continue reading The Medford Police Department needs your help in identifying this Person →

Seven promotions for the Fire Department took place at the City Council meeting on Thursday, December 11. The promotions included one Deputy Chief, one District Chief, two Captains, and three Lieutenants.
Continue reading Somerville Fire Department Promotions →

Your thoughts?

After almost 10 years of local politics holding back development and bureaucracy it’s official! Patsy’s Pastry, the long abandoned building on Broadway, will be purchased again after the last owners were screwed by the city and now it will be converted into 100 percent affordable housing!
Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Patsy’s Pastry Building Being Developed After Years of Somerville Bureaucracy Tactics →

City Accepting Applications for One Vacancy

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is seeking one new member to join the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC). If you care about fairness, transparency, and community voice in local government, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Continue reading Join the Somerville Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee →

DECEMBER 9, 2025 NEWS AND ALERTS

In the early morning hours of October 29 and November 2, 2025, two vehicles were targeted, one on Main Street and one on College Avenue, with all four tires stolen from each. An additional attempt occurred on November 1, 2025, on Water Street, where the victim discovered the lug nuts had been removed but the tires were not taken.
Continue reading Medford: ARREST MADE IN RECENT MOTOR VEHICLE TIRE THEFTS →

Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville has taken everything from us →

Christine E. (Fleming) Martino, age 78, a former longtime resident of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully in the care of her loving family on Sunday, December 7, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late John R. Martino, to whom she was wed for forty-two years.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Christine E. (Fleming) Martino →

December 8th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online Early Edition December 8th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online Early Edition
Continue reading December 8th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online Early Edition →

Obituary
JAMES MCGREEVEY, 60, of Ipswich, MA, formerly of Medford MA, passed from this life onto his next adventure after kicking cancer’s ass for 28 months. He was a proud son, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor to many students. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering JAMES MCGREEVEY →

SOMERVILLE – The Somerville Department of Public Works (DPW) wishes to remind residents that the final days for yard waste collection this season are next week from Monday to Friday, December 8-12, 2025. Yard waste can be left out for pickup by DPW on residents’ scheduled trash collection days. Please note: yard waste cannot be collected if it is put in plastic bags. Continue reading Reminder: Deadline for Yard Waste Pickup is Next Week, Dec. 8-12 →

Park on the Odd Side During Winter 2025-2026 Snow Emergencies, Unless Otherwise Posted

SOMERVILLE– The City of Somerville is encouraging the community to get ready now for potential snowstorms by signing up for City Alerts and reviewing protocols for snow emergencies. Preparing now will help keep the community safe, as well as reduce ticketing or towing for snow emergency parking violations and ticketing for failure to follow shoveling requirements.
Continue reading Somerville Community Encouraged to Plan Ahead for Snowstorms →

Obituary
Joseph F. Morrison, 65, of Seminole, Florida (formerly of Medford, Massachusetts), passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on December 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joseph F. Morrison →

Obituary
Claire A. (Desrochers) Desaulniers, of Somerville, passed away surrounded by the love of her family, in the home she was born and raised, on December 4, 2025. She was 79. Born in Somerville, Claire was the youngest of seven born to Clara (Gelinas) and Alphonse Desrochers. In earlier years she worked for the Schrafft’s Candy Company and M.L. Fields before devoting herself to raising her family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Claire A. (Desrochers) Desaulniers →

Preview by Joe Viglione

“Well, you need patience. The secret is research, research and research, at least I’ve read that.” Clint Eastwood at Luther Whitney in Absolute Power. Continue reading Avatar 3 Preview, film in release December 19, 2025 →

Obituary
Henry Elie – Of Manchester, NH, formerly of Somerville and Cambridge, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025. He was 46 years young.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Henry Elie →

Robert W. Boudreau Obituary
Robert “Red” W. Boudreau, a resident of Hallandale Beach, FL and formerly of Medford, MA, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025. Robert was born on May 25, 1937, in Boston, MA, one of six children of Charles and Catherine (Murphy) Boudreau.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert W. Boudreau →

By Bob Katzen

“For so many residents, life and finances get in the way of completing a credential. This pilot brings residents guidance and support to return to college, grow their skills and complete the degree they once started.”
—Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler announcing a new pilot program to re-engage some 766,000 students who previously began, but did not complete, degrees and certificates at the state’s public colleges and universities. The program includes direct student outreach and coaching provided by ReUp Education at six institutions: Bunker Hill Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Greenfield Community College, MassBay Community College, Fitchburg State University and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee’s hearing also included legislation that would require public schools to pay substitute teachers 85 percent of what schools pay a beginning teacher who holds a bachelor’s degree; or the state’s current $15 per hour minimum wage – whichever is greater.
Continue reading ESTABLISH MINIMUM PAY FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS (H 580) →

By Bob Katzen

Another bill heard by the Education Committee would create a School Supplies for Teachers Program to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible teachers who purchase school supplies online, for their students or themselves, and pay out of their own pocket.

Continue reading PROVIDE FUNDS TO TEACHERS WHO PURCHASE SCHOOL SUPPLIES ONLINE (H 675/S 448) →

By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would give veterans an extra 5 points on the education licensing exam which must be taken by anyone applying for a teacher’s license.
Continue reading GIVE VETERANS AN EXTRA 5 POINTS ON TEACHER LICENSING EXAMS (H 570) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that would exempt situations when a person contracts a latent disease from asbestos-related or other toxic material exposure arising from property improvements, from the current statute of limitations, which limits the time period during which the person can file a lawsuit.
Continue reading STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES (H 4676) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would prohibit the state, the MBTA and cities and towns from constructing “hostile architecture” that supporters of the ban say targets the homeless and tries to push them out of certain areas. The bill defines hostile architecture as “any building or structure that is designed or intended to prevent unhoused individuals from sitting or lying on the building or structure at street level.”
Continue reading BAN HOSTILE ARCHITECTURE THAT TARGETS THE HOMELESS (H 3307) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation that would expand the current law which punishes anyone who commits assault and battery against a public employee including police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the state, such as workers employed by Keolis, the state’s contracted commuter rail operator. The bill would also add “assault and battery by means of a bodily substance including saliva, blood or urine” to the current law.
Continue reading PROTECT ALL PUBLIC TRANSIT WORKERS FROM ASSAULT AND BATTERY (S 2697) →

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration announced that the Trump Administration, after a month-long delay, released federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and that all applications can now be processed. LIHEAP is a federal program, referred to as the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Massachusetts, that helps more than 150,000 Massachusetts households, representing over 300,000 people, afford to heat their homes during the winter each year.
Continue reading HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE →

Recently the Housing Board in Medford spoke at the City council Meeting telling the statistics of housing in Medford….Singles, multi, renters, etc. We, sadly, have a Trust now for some reason. Cities like Somerville Lynn, and Newton have Trust Funds for Affordable Housing. Fund, In lay terms, to me, means donations. From who??
Continue reading As The City of Medford Turns:A Dysfunctional City Hall →

Do you suspect you are overpaying for city water?

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I am a homeowner and landlord of a 3 family house in Ward 7. My water meter was changed 3 years ago. This past summer I noticed something was wrong with the water meter. It was spinning back and forth. My plumber shut off the main and the water meter continued to spin. He indicated that the water meter was faulty. Continue reading Somerville Speak Up Line: SOMERVILLE’S WATER METER DISASTER →

For all you residents out there who are getting high water bills, check this out!

Outrageously High Water Bills? There’s a remedy!

By William Tauro

According to Chat GBT Grock when asked “Is it possible for a water meter model number VNLTE-M1 3120897 together a false reading and to also have false spikes causing faulty readings?”

Answer: Continue reading Should We Trust Our Somerville Water Meters? →

This week the Jr Mustangs Cheering students will travel off to a Champion week in a Carolina,
we will think of them with luck and good weather!
These division matches come after long hours and good work….some were off collecting last week like Lily Healey and Mom at our famous Colleen’s.

Continue reading As The City of Medford Turns:Hoorah! To Medford Jr Mustangs →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Were Italian immigrants coming from Italy forced to “Americanize” their names when coming thru Ellis Island to avoid persecution.

Sincerely,
Tony, shortened from (To NY)

Billy’s Answer: Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Were Italian immigrants coming from Italy forced to “Americanize” their names when coming thru Ellis Island to avoid persecution. →

On Tuesday, Medford officially swore in the newest member of the Medford Fire Department, Ian McCourt.
Continue reading Medford Swears In City’s Newest Firefighter →

December 2nd 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online December 2nd 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2) Continue reading December 2nd 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Center to provide hot meals, bathrooms, and safe sleeping spaces for adults experiencing homelessness Continue reading Somerville’s Emergency Overnight Warming Center Opens for 2025-26 Season on Dec. 8 →

Obituary
Nancy A. (Musto) Mears – Of Somerville, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, November 30, 2025. She was 86 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Nancy A. (Musto) Mears →

Obituary
Emanuela G. (Ataldo) Achin, of Somerville, passed away on November 30, 2025, she was 73. Known by many as “Mannie”, she was born in Verona, Italy the daughter of the late Maria (Magro) and Sergio Ataldo. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Emanuela G. (Ataldo) Achin →

Join us on Monday, December 15 for a ceremonial Menorah Lighting event on the City Hall Concourse (93 Highland Ave.) beginning at 6 p.m. with Mayor Ballantyne. Continue reading City of Somerville Menorah Lighting Event →

Obituary
Stewart Anderson – Of Medford, formerly of Somerville, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. He was 94 years old. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Roy H. and Eva M. (Sullivan) Anderson. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Stewart Anderson →

On Sunday evening, the Cabot Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts, was transformed into a warm, shimmering haven of nostalgia, musicianship, and pure holiday joy as Chris Isaak took the stage for a memorable hour-and-a-half performance. Continue reading Concert Review: Chris Isaak at the Cabot Theatre, Beverly, MA – November 30 (Gary Leavitt) →

Detour will be in place 24 hours a day to facilitate construction of raised crossing

SOMERVILLE – Beginning this upcoming Monday, December 1, City contractors plan to construct a raised crossing to improve safety at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Central Street. Continue reading Somerville Ave. Westbound Traffic Detoured at Park St., 12/1 – 12/4 →

City sharing tips and tools to help community
support local businesses all winter long

SOMERVILLE – One-of-a-kind gifts, tasty foods, great entertainment, artist markets, and fun events await this holiday season (and winter!) in Somerville, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne wants to be sure the community seizes these opportunities to support Somerville’s local businesses all winter long by shopping, dining, and going out local as part of the City’s “Loyal to Local” initiative.
Continue reading Somerville Residents Invited to Be “Loyal to Local” Businesses This Season →

FIrst, I cannot imagine a city would approve a Charter with a Mayor run that could be 16v years legally!!! Do not think we could want the same teacher, good or bad, sixteen years! Shows the New mentality of the City. Set aside, let us look back on some additions here for our TAX $$ or Grants during the past four-five years. Yes,—– and ______/ A new walking path…cheerio for the walkers and bikers…but nice scenically and socially. Continue reading AS MEDFORD TURNS: CALL THE PIED PIPER TO MEDFORD →

Robert T. Maher – Of Easton, passed away on October 31, 2025. He was 45 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert T. Maher →

Obituary
Barbara M. (Braudette) Lacey – Of Somerville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, November 28, 2025. She was 83 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara M. (Braudette) Lacey →

Elidia P. Sousa – Of Cambridge, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 26. She was 95 years old. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Elidia P. Sousa →

HI my name is Joe LoRusso a North Reading Resident and Ted Williams Camp Alum, Volunteer for the Jimmy Fund, and raising money for the Jimmy Fund, and have been for many years to help strike out cancer in Children & Adults. Continue reading KOWLOON COMEDY NIGHT FEBRUARY 27, 2026 →

By Bob Katzen

“The misinformation coming from the Trump administration about vaccines is dangerous and puts the health of our children and families at risk. We must continue to be clear: Vaccines – including the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns – are safe, effective and lifesaving. Massachusetts will continue to base our public health decisions on science and make sure that people have access to the vaccines that they want and need.”
—Gov. Maura Healey
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would designate the Jurassic Armored Mud Ball (JAMB) as the official sedimentary structure of the state.
Continue reading MAKE JURASSIC ARMORED MUD BALL THE OFFICIAL SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURE OF THE STATE (H 3438) →

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee’s hearing also included a measure that supporters say will protect the public from street takeovers by giving cities and towns the necessary tools to combat the Street Takeover Public Safety Crisis.
Continue reading COMBAT STREET TAKEOVERS (H 4736) →

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on legislation that would provide increased protection from harassment and discrimination on the basis of height, by adding height as a protected characteristic across Massachusetts civil rights and hate-crime laws.
Continue reading PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION BASED ON A PERSON’S HEIGHT (H 1820) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation designating April 5 as Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome Awareness Day.
Continue reading OKUR-CHUNG NEURODEVELOPMENT SYDROME (OCNDS) AWARENESS DAY (H 3366) →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would expand the current law which punishes anyone who commits assault and battery against a public employee including police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the state, such as workers employed by Keolis, the state’s contracted commuter rail operator. The bill would also add “assault and battery by means of a bodily substance including saliva, blood or urine” to the current law.
Continue reading PROTECT ALL PUBLIC TRANSIT WORKERS FROM ASSAULT AND BATTERY (S 2697) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a $2.3 billion fiscal year 2025 budget to close out the books on fiscal year 2025.
Continue reading $2.3 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4761) →

By Bob Katzen

House 153-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that supporters said would strengthen protections for health care workers, establish preventive and protective standards to reduce the risk of violence, improve health care facility incident reporting, enhance interagency coordination to safeguard privacy and create legal protections for certain employees harmed in the line of duty.
Continue reading WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES (H 4767) →

By Bob Katzen

House 146-5, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that funds the modernization of Bay State public colleges and universities by using the revenue from the 2022 voter-approved law, known as the Millionaire’s Tax, that imposes an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. Continue reading $3.65 BILLION TO MODERNIZE BAY STATE PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (H 4750) →

Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Emile Joseph announces his passing on November 23, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on April 20, 1947, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Emile lived a life marked by unwavering faith, dignity, devotion, and service to both his family and community.

Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Emile Joseph →

On 12/4, at 6:30PM, #MassDOT will hold an in person design public hearing for the #Somerville/#Cambridge – McGrath Highway (Route 28) roadway reconstruction project (McGrath Boulevard) Continue reading Design Public Hearing (Virtual) and Open House – Somerville / Cambridge – McGrath Boulevard What is happening? →

Somerville Police are actively investigating multiple residential break-ins that occurred in a section of Ward 2, specifically along Harold Street, Wyatt Street, and Dimick Street, between November 22 and November 23. Two of these incidents took place at night between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Public Safety Advisory: →

Today, the Somerville Police Superiors and Patrolmen’s Unions—joined by our partners in the Somerville Firefighters Local 76 Union and DPW Union—presented the Mystic Learning Center with checks to support the Somerville Police Community Affairs Unit’s 5th Annual Turkey Drive.
Continue reading Somerville PD News Updates: Another successful Turkey Drive in the books! →

Beginning this upcoming Monday, December 1, City contractors plan to construct a raised crossing to improve safety at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Central Street.
Continue reading Dedicated Bike Lanes Coming To Somerville Avenue →

Crime Log October 28 to November 3, 2025

Assault

25068532: On 11/2/25 at approximately 10:43 PM, Somerville Police responded to Assembly Row for report of a person stabbed. Upon arrival, officers located two juvenile males suffering from minor stab wounds. They stated they got into a fight and stabbed each other. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log →

November 25th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 25th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading November 25th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Continue reading Friday, December 12th, 2025 at 7pm The Medford Music Chorale →

City supporting two local holiday gift drives for children and teens

SOMERVILLE – In the giving spirit of the season, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing the City’s annual support of local holiday gift and toy donation drives. Toy and gift donation collection boxes will be placed at City buildings, libraries, and firehouses from Monday, December 1, through Wednesday, December 17. Donated gifts will support two community gift drives for families in need of gifts for children and teens this holiday season.
Continue reading Donate to Local Holiday Gift Drives at City Buildings Dec. 1-17, 2025 →

Obituary
Eleanor M. (Boeri) Dunne – Of Somerville, passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 101.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Eleanor M. (Boeri) Dunne →

A Thankful Month!!

When we are ready to wear out the word THANKS, something always occurs. It is set in tone on Nov 1 as we think of Thanksgiving. But, Reality thanks came in 2 events – an MHS 1965 Reunion with Sr Class PR and our fine Fr Maxwell from St. Joseph Church. Father mentioned a holy Spirit that was in our attendees that brought them to reunite.
Continue reading Medford Lions Club News:NEVER WEAR OUT THANKS →

Danvers, MA – November 25, 2025 – Kia North Danvers, part of the ICL Family of dealerships, is proud to celebrate its 1-year anniversary serving the North Shore community with a bold step toward environmental responsibility. In just one year, the dealership has become a trusted destination for quality Kia and pre-owned vehicles, Continue reading Kia North Danvers Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with a Commitment to Sustainability →

Annual Christmas tree (12/4) and menorah (12/15) lightings; Grand Union Flag Raising (1/1);
Join in or embark on a self-guided Illuminations tour, and…
Don’t forget the annual Holiday Gift Drive
Continue reading Community Invited to Somerville 2025 Holiday Celebrations →

Obituary
Francis A. Phillion – Of Brockton, formerly of Somerville, passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. He was 76 years young.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Francis A. Phillion →

Obituary
Walter T. Burns – Of Somerville, November 18, 2025. Passed away after a lengthy illness at the age of 71 on November 18th . He was born and raised in Somerville. He loved sports, Military History and cigars. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Walter T. Burns →

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is seeking four new volunteer members to join the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC). These vacancies are for volunteer members who are passionate about local pedestrian and/or transit issues.

What is the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee? Continue reading Join the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Billy please help this city I grew up in. Please run for mayor again it’s terrible what they have done to the city streets to accommodate bikers.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: please bring back Somerville →

By William Tauro

Somerville’s decision to strip away hundreds of on-street parking spaces for new bus lanes has hit local businesses hard and fast. Shops and restaurants along Broadway, Highland Avenue, and McGrath Highway rely on those curbside spots for the quick customer turnover that keeps registers ringing. When parking vanishes, regulars stop coming; owners watch lunch rushes shrink and evening take-out orders plummet as people drive instead to Medford or Everett where parking is still free and easy. These are not corporate chains—these are family-owned bakeries, pizza places, and hardware stores that now face real survival threats from a policy sold as “visionary.” Continue reading The Progressive Destruction Plan That’s Harming Local Businesses and Seniors Has Arrived In Somerville →

By Bob Katzen

Sen. Becca Rausch last week filed a bill that supporters say will enhance the safety and security of candidates for public office and other professionals by removing home addresses from ballots, nomination papers and other materials. Continue reading SAFETY OF CANDIDATES (S 2742) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that would protect the confidentiality of all modes of communications between labor unions and their union members, except in the rare circumstances where disclosure appears necessary to prevent injury from a crime or when legal claims are brought in formal proceedings against unions.
Continue reading PROTECT COMMUNICATIONS OF LABOR UNIONS (H 2087) →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey 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. If a lessee or operator of a leased vehicle already has a valid liability policy or equivalent financial security meeting the state minimum requirements, the lessor’s coverage obligation is considered satisfied. Continue reading CAR RENTALS (H 4705) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation designating September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The day acknowledges that suicide is an epidemic among service members and veterans and is designed to foster awareness and call for suicide prevention measures and support.
Continue reading SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE DAY (H 3888) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 11-26, rejected an amendment that supporters said would require that cannabis and cannabis product packaging include clear and accurate warning labels that address health risks, ensuring consumers are informed about potential effects. Continue reading WARNING LABELS (S 2722) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 11-26, rejected an amendment that supporters said would require that cannabis and cannabis product packaging include clear and accurate warning labels that address health risks, ensuring consumers are informed about potential effects. They noted that these effects include impairment, dependency or risks during pregnancy. Continue reading WARNING LABELS (S 2722) →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would ensure that the Cannabis Control Commissioners can maintain their ability to receive complaints and information regarding the quality, efficiency and integrity of the CCC’s programs and operations despite [this bill’s] new language that builds a stronger firewall between commissioners and ongoing investigations being conducted by CCC employees. Continue reading WHISTLEBLOWER (S 2722) →

By Bob Katzen

House 155-3, Senate 34-4, approved resolutions which would rescind all previous calls by the Massachusetts Legislature for a national Constitutional Convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.
Continue reading RESCIND CALLS FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (H 4692/S 2684) →

By Bob Katzen

House 149-9, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a $2.3 billion fiscal year 2025 budget to close out the books on fiscal year 2025.

Provisions include $1.67 billion for MassHealth, with a $303 million net cost to the state after federal reimbursements; $374 million for Steward hospital payments, with a $236 million net cost to the state; $10 million for Health Care For All to conduct a public awareness campaign to inform vulnerable populations about new Medicaid work requirements put in place by the recent federal spending bill; $5 million in for reproductive health care; $2.5 million for the Committee for Public Counsel Services for indigent persons; $60.7 million for snow and ice removal; and $50 million for the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund. Continue reading $2.3 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4761) →

Check out my exclusive one hour truthful debut on the JFK Podcast tonight regarding the Janice Downing murder regarding alleged in my opinion wrongfully accused Eddie O’Brien Junior who I think was wrongfully convicted of the murder!

It’s a long video but very well worth the wait if you’re interested in the truth! Continue reading The Absolute Truth by Billy Tauro On JFK Podcast Listen and You’ll agree or Not Agree! →

UPDATE: Thank you to a gentleman named Felix who lives on summer Street who found my dog Carolina and called me just now! 🙏 Carolina is back home again! Thank you to everyone who shared and commented on this post to help us find her! It’s very much appreciated!
————————————-

Breaking news and a plead for help!

My dog just escaped from Cedar Street in Somerville and yes she is very friendly! Continue reading Missing Dog In Somerville →

November 18th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 18th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading November 18th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

As Somervilles next mayor prepares to take over, he has familiar help: the city’s longest-serving mayor

As Mayor-elect Jake Wilson prepares to take office in January, he has tapped Joe Curtatone, the city’s former mayor, to lead his transition team.”
Continue reading Somerville’s Incoming Mayor Jake Wilson Is Enlisting ex-Mayor Joe Curtatone to Head up His Transition Committee →

SOMERVILLE— Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) are announcing that applications are now open for the new Rental Energy Microgrant (REM) Program, which offers $2,000 grants to support energy-efficiency upgrades in local rental housing. The program will provide funding for up to 25 rental units citywide. Applications are open now through December 6, 2025.
Continue reading Somerville Landlords Invited to Apply for New Rental Energy Microgrant Program →

SOMERVILLE – How happy are Somerville residents? According to the City’s latest biennial Happiness Survey, residents continue to report high levels of satisfaction with life in Somerville.

Conducted by SomerStat in spring 2025, the survey gathered nearly 1,400 responses from a representative cross-section of residents. Participants answered questions on topics ranging from concerns about rats and mice to availability of out-of-school activities for youth, providing insight into how daily experiences, community connections, and City services shape feelings of wellbeing and satisfaction across Somerville.
Continue reading Somerville 2025 Happiness Survey Released Spoiler: Somerville on average is still pretty happy →

Half mile of new lighting added to the path on either side of the East Somerville MBTA Station
to increase safety and visibility

SOMERVILLE— Just in time for winter’s shorter days, the City of Somerville has installed new lighting
on previously unlit segments of the Community Path Extension to deliver a safer and more comfortable experience for people using the path after dark.

Continue reading New Lighting on Somerville Community Path Extension Complete →

Obituary
George R. Famolare of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL, formerly of Arlington, MA, passed away on November 12, 2025, surrounded by family. He was the cherished husband of the late Susan P. Famolare and beloved father of Michelle Casey and her husband Jay of Medford, MA, Maria Salanitro of Laconia, NH, and the late Mark Famolare. He was a devoted grandfather to Michaela and Olivia Casey, Nicholas and Brianna Salanitro, and Mark Famolare, Jr. George was the loving son of the late Nancy and Alexander Famolare. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering George R. Famolare →

Obituary
Our beautiful mother Patricia (Pat) L. (Cole) Floyd of Woburn, MA passed away peacefully on November 09, 2025. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia L. Floyd →

Council votes to approve funding request to support local food organizations,

expand the Senior Taxi Program, and strengthen safety net

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne today announced that the City will use $975,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to address rising food insecurity across Somerville. The funding, approved by the City Council on November 13, will support a range of critical food access programs for individuals, families, children, and seniors. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Directs $975,000 to Food Security Programs Amid Growing Community Need →

By Bob Katzen

“We unleashed an industry that now promotes betting on anything and everything imaginable and unimaginable all over the world, 24 hours a day, every single day. I want to publicly apologize to those who’ve lost the opportunity to sit and watch a game just for the enjoyment of the game. I want to apologize to those who find themselves in the dark spaces of betting addiction and to those working through recovery and to their families and friends. I want to apologize to those who have lost loved ones to suicide because of gambling issues.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities would create a special commission to study the denial of rights and services of disabled persons.

Continue reading DENIAL OF RIGHTS AND SERVICES TO DISABLED PERSONS (S 2714) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a proposal that would replace the name of the current “Commission on Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging” (LGBT) with “LGBTQ” (the Q represents queer and questioning).
Continue reading COMMISSION ON LGBTQ AGING (S 2711) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation aimed at promoting urban agriculture and horticulture by allowing cities with a population greater than 50,000 and all Gateway Cities to exempt property taxes for land used for commercial urban agriculture. Continue reading PROMOTE URBAN AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE (H3130) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation, known as Marnie’s Law, which would integrate Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) education into the undergraduate curriculum of all approved nursing programs in the state. Continue reading INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER (H 2489) →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would establish September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The day would acknowledge that suicide is an epidemic among service members and veterans and would foster awareness and call for suicide prevention measures and support.
Continue reading SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE DAY (H 3388) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 7-30, rejected an amendment that would have implemented a 90-day time period for a determination on whether challenged material in school libraries is devoid of any educational, literary, artistic, personal or social value, or is not age appropriate. As written, the bill itself does not include a time period for a determination.
Continue reading 90-DAY TIME PERIOD (S 2696) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 37-0, approved an amendment to the section of the bill that gives students, parents and guardians the legal right to challenge a school board’s decisions to remove materials from a school library. The amendment extends that right to the authors and creators and also creates a right for residents, authors and creators to go to court to challenge the removal.
Continue reading AUTHORS AND CREATORS CAN CHALLENGE A SCHOOL BOARD’S DECISION (S 2696) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 35-3, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would require that school library materials be age-appropriate, serve an educational purpose and be chosen based on a teacher or employee’s professional training—leaving aside personal, political or doctrinal views which could affect their decision to place the book on the shelf.
Continue reading BANNING SCHOOL LIBRARY BOOKS AND MATERIALS (S 2696) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved legislation that would expand the current law which punishes anyone who commits assault and battery against a public employee. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the state, such as workers employed by Keolis, the state’s contracted commuter rail operator. The bill would also add “assault and battery by means of a bodily substance including saliva, blood or urine” to the current law.

Continue reading PROTECT ALL PUBLIC TRANSIT WORKERS FROM ASSAULT AND BATTERY (S 2697) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would establish a commission to study the challenges public libraries face with digital resources, including costs, access, privacy and licensing differences between digital and print materials. The commission would be required to submit a report with recommendations to improve digital resource sustainability, protect patron data and ensure equitable access across the state.
Continue reading DIGITAL AND PRINT MATERIALS IN LIBRARIES (S 2710) →

Obituary
Donovan, James P. – of Somerville, passed away on Sunday, November 9th after a very courageous battle with cancer. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering James P. Donovan →

Just in time for winter’s shorter days, the City has installed new lighting on previously unlit segments of the Community Path Extension to deliver a safer and more comfortable experience for people using the path after dark.
Continue reading New Lighting For Somerville Community Path Extension →

Continue reading Children’s Own School NOW ENROLLING →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Just a heads up that if you’re planning on walking down Broadway towards Sullivan Square today you’ll have to walk through several areas where sidewalks have been removed, exposing uneven ground and raised manholes. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:East Somerville Construction →

Claire Murphy Obituary
A funeral service for Claire M. (Delaney) Murphy of Cambridge will be held on Friday November 14, 2025, at 12 Noon in the MacDonald Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home, 270 Main St. Watertown

Continue reading Somerville/Medford/Cambridge Remembering Claire M. (Delaney) Murphy →

Please save the date for Somerville’s 2025 Toys for Local Children 20th Anniversary December 6th Dilboy Post Somerville 6pm-10pm tickets $20 Continue reading Somerville’s 2025 Toys for Local Children 20th Anniversary December 6th →

On November’s ballot, Somerville voters were asked whether the city should divest from Israel. While many voters saw it as a symbolic gesture, Question 3 remains extremely problematic. Its main sponsor Somerville for Palestine claims to stand for justice, but their rhetoric and continued agitation threaten Somerville’s unity.
Continue reading Somerville’s Question 3 Undermines Peace →

November 11th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 11th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading November 11th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Living art installation at Lou Ann David Park Will be on view (and growing) through Spring 2026.
Community invited to public reception on Saturday, November 8 Continue reading Somerville’s Newest Art Installation is Alive and Made From Your Neighbors’ Stories →

Obituary
Diane M. Bettosi – Of Medford, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025. She was 69 years young.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Diane M. Bettosi →

Rosanne M. Procopio – Of Somerville, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025. She was 82 years old.

Complete obit to be posted. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rosanne M. Procopio →

Obituary

Maria Arcangela ‘Angelica’ Paribello (née Vitiello), 83, entered into eternal rest surrounded by family on October 30, 2025, in Burlington, Massachusetts. Born on April 3, 1942, in Gaeta, Italy, Maria brought with her the warmth and enduring traditions of her homeland when she made a life in the United States with her family. For 51 years, Maria was a devoted wife to Guido Paribello, and together they made their home in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was a loving mother to her daughters Teresa Paribello and Rosanna Paribello. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Maria Arcangela ‘Angelica’ Paribello (née Vitiello) →

Community members are invited to honor the service of all those who have served in the U.S. military this Veterans Day. Continue reading Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony, November 11 →

Each year, Somerville gathers to remember the transgender and gender-diverse individuals whose lives have been lost to anti-trans violence, and to honor the strength and resilience of the trans community.
Continue reading Honor Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience on November 20 →

Obituary
Lawrence S. Bova Of Medford, passed away on November 6, 2025. Loving son of the late Anthony and Anna (Gruca) Bova. Devoted to his wife of 58 years, Maryann (Maguire) and daughter, Marie Bova of Stoneham. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Lawrence S. Bova →

Obituary
Monica M. (Campo) Stepanian – Of Somerville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, November 7, 2025. She was 58 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Monica M. (Campo) Stepanian →

Obituary
Dennis Connolly- Of Medford, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025. He was 79 years old.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St. Medford on Friday, November 14th at 10:00AM. Please meet directly at church.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Dennis Connolly →

Ribbon cutting for final swing installation at Hoyt Playground on Monday, November 17, at 10 a.m.

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, and the Somerville Parks and Urban Forestry Division (PSUF) are inviting community members to a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of an important accessibility project bringing 10 new inclusive swings to playgrounds across Somerville, increasing the percentage of City parks with inclusive swings from 39% to 83%.
Continue reading Somerville Adds 10 Inclusive Swings at Playgrounds Citywide; Ribbon Cutting 11/17 →

Ribbon cutting for final swing installation at Hoyt Playground on Monday, November 17, at 10 a.m.

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, and the Somerville Parks and Urban Forestry Division (PSUF) are inviting community members to a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of an important accessibility project bringing 10 new inclusive swings to playgrounds across Somerville, increasing the percentage of City parks with inclusive swings from 39% to 83%.
Continue reading Somerville Adds 10 Inclusive Swings at Playgrounds Citywide; Ribbon Cutting 11/17 →

Detours will be in place to facilitate final phases of intersection safety improvement project.
Continue reading Somerville Ave. (Park St. to Lowell St.) Travel Lanes Closed 11/13 Starting at 4 p.m. →

Members of the Somerville Police Department were honored to help serve the veterans of the Mass Bay Veterans Shelter at 2 North Street, giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Continue reading Somerville Police Department News Updates →

We’re looking for dedicated, motivated individuals ready to serve one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the Northeast. Continue reading The Somerville Police Department is Now Accepting Direct Hires! →

Medford Local 1032 are proud to induct 5 new members into our union. Fire fighters Matt Santos, Liam Brennan, Brian Paone, Cole Brennan and Paul Covelle. We will be also swearing in 3 others members at next union meeting due to working their 24 hour shift they could not make it. Continue reading Medford Firefighters Local 1032 News Updates →