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 →

By Bob Katzen

To no one’s surprise, Gov. Maura Healey and President Donald Trump had sharply different views of last week’s elections. Here are some of their post-election quotes.

“[The elections were] a resounding rejection of Donald Trump.”
—Gov. Healey. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Elections Laws Committee held a hearing on legislation that would allow any city or town to adopt and implement ranked choice voting for local elections just by approving a local bylaw to do so — without having to go through the current process which requires a city or town to first pass a local home rule petition and then requires approval by the Legislature. Continue reading RANKED CHOICE VOTING (S 531) →

By Bob Katzen

The State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee’s hearing included a proposed measure that would repeal the state’s current law that allows for professional licenses to be revoked from, denied to or refused to be renewed for individuals due to a delinquent student loan. Under the terms of the proposed measure, with the exception of the Division of Banks, no state board of registration or agency would be permitted to revoke, deny or refuse to renew any professional license.
Continue reading PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF, DENIAL OF OR REFUSAL TO RENEW A STATE-ISSUED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AS A RESULT OF STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT DELINQUENCY (S 2139) →

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on legislation that would exempt breastfeeding mothers from jury duty.
Continue reading BREASTFEEDING AND JURY DUTY (H 2021) →

By Bob Katzen

PROHIBIT The Transportation Committee’s agenda also included a bill, known as Charlie’s Law, which would prohibit anyone from video recording or broadcasting live while driving a vehicle.
Continue reading RECORDING OR BROADCASTING WHILE DRIVING →

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would require any State Department of Transportation highway employees who find deceased dogs or cats with identification, to either attempt to directly contact the owner or to notify local animal control officers or the police department.
Continue reading DECEASED ANIMALS ON STATE HIGHWAYS (H 3678) →

By Bob Katzen

Another bill heard by the Financial Services Committee would allow the holder of a life insurance policy to update their beneficiaries using an online tool if one is provided by the life insurance company, as long as the company takes reasonable steps to verify that the identity of the requester matches the holder of the policy. This bill would abolish a current law that requires all beneficiary changes to be made in person, with a “wet” signature and witness present.
Continue reading LIFE INSURANCE (S 760) →

By Bob Katzen

The Financial Services Committee held a hearing on a measure that would strike the exclusion of graduate student workers from the definition of “employee” in order to allow for graduate student workers to have access to paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance.

Continue reading GRADUATE STUDENTS AND FAMILY LEAVE AND UNEMPLOYMENT (S 747) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require that Massachusetts National Guard service members undergo training on their obligation to follow only lawful orders and that they receive guidance on how to respond to orders that violate Americans’ constitutional or statutory rights.
Continue reading GUARD MEMBERS MUST FOLLOW ONLY LAWFUL ORDERS (S 2675) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say would clarify the duties of the state’s Adjutant General. The measure provides that the Adjutant General, Massachusetts’ highest-ranking military office, has command of all troops in the state National Guard while carrying out the orders of the governor. The bill also brings state laws about the National Guard chain of command into line with the model used by the vast majority of other states.
Continue reading DUTIES OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL (S 2675) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say would provide enhanced safety, stability and educational opportunities for military families, and position the Bay State for greater federal defense investment and economic growth around its six military bases.
Continue reading MORE SUPPORT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES (S 2709) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 153-1, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would establish a licensure process for home care agencies that supporters say will ensure that consumers receive quality non-medical services, and that home care workers are protected.

Continue reading HOME CARE (H 4706) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 152-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would modernize and remove archaic language in state laws to reflect the evolution of terminology relating to persons with disabilities. The Senate has already approved a different version of the measure, and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Continue reading CHANGE ARCHAIC LANGUAGE REFERRING TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (H 4704) →

November 4th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 4th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading November 4th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

2025 Somerville Election Results:
Continue reading Jake Wilson Elected New Mayor of Somerville: 2025 Somerville Election Results →

Rosita Legerme Oriol from Nashua, New Hampshire

Born in Petit Goave, Haiti, on October 20, 1931, Rosita Legerme Oriol passed peacefully in her sleep at Community Hospice House in Merrimack NH on October 28, 2025 at 4:32am. Rosita is Survived by her children, Gerald and his wife Kettly Gelin Oriol of Windham NH , Margarette Oriol Getant and her husband Jean Claude Getant of Nashua NH.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rosita Legerme Oriol →

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is seeking one new youth member to join the Somerville Urban Forestry Committee. If you’re passionate about protecting and cultivating our local urban forest, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.
Continue reading Join the Somerville Urban Forestry Committee →

SOMERVILLE—Help us honor our local veteran community and all those who have served in the U.S. Military this Veterans Day. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services invite community members to attend a Veterans Day Wreath-Laying ceremony at the George Dilboy VFW Post 529 (351 Summer St.), on Tuesday, November 11. Continue reading Somerville Honoring Veterans Day 2025 Ceremony and wreath-laying on Tuesday, November 11 →

Obituary
Ernest Ramon Morrison, affectionately known as Ernie, passed away peacefully at his home in Somerville, Massachusetts, on October 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 19, 1938, in Summerville, West Virginia, to Lizzie and Anthony Morrison, Ernie was the tenth of eleven children. He cherished his childhood memories of hunting and fishing with his brothers on Lone Mountain. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Ernest Ramon Morrison →

Bring and smash your Halloween pumpkins (or smash one provided) at this family-friendly event on November 8th 10:30-1pm.! Continue reading Somerville Pumpkin Smash →

Congratulations to Fire Lieutenant James Piwinski on his retirement for the Somerville Fire Department (effective February 2025)
Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Local 76 News Updates →

Continue reading TIM FLAHERTY Cambridge City Council →



Tim Flaherty | Priorities
https://share.google/bFPh4cPw8AJZiAmHL
Continue reading Tim Flaherty for Cambridge City Council! →

By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts’ innovation economy is the foundation of our competitiveness. It fuels discovery, drives growth and sustains good jobs in every region of the state. Through the DRIVE Initiative, we are taking action to protect our leadership in science and technology and support the institutions and workers that make it possible and ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in solving the world’s hardest problems.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Another bill before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight would create an 11-member permanent Commission on the Status of People who practice Islam.
Continue reading CREATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE ISLAM (H 3351) →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on a bill that would require state boards and commissions to have, or explain why they do not have, a minimum percentage of members who are female, LGBTQ+ or an underrepresented minority. The percentages would change over time to match census data to reflect the population of Massachusetts.
Continue reading ENSURE GENDER PARITY AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY ON PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (S 2160/H 3398) →

By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would allow a state employer to offer their employees health insurance on day one of their new job. Currently, there is a gap in insurance coverage when new state employees begin their jobs.
Continue reading EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES (S 822) →

By Bob Katzen

A bill heard by the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would prohibit cities and towns from publishing the name of a veteran who owes the municipality taxes. Instead, the Veterans’ Service officer (VSO) of the city or town would contact the veteran privately and provide him or her with information regarding their overdue tax situation. Many cities and towns currently publish the names of their taxpayers, including veterans, who owe the municipality back taxes.
Continue reading PROHIBIT PUBLISHING OF NAMES OF VETERANS WHO OWE TAXES (H 3869) →

By Bob Katzen

The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a new regulatory structure for and legalize peer-to-peer cardrooms in which people play against each rather than the house. The measure would allow licensed “pari-mutuel” facilities, like horse racing tracks, to operate cardrooms featuring poker and dominoes. The regulatory authority would be the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Division of Racing, which would oversee licensing, operations and taxation.
Continue reading PEER-TO-PEER CARD GAMES AND DOMINOES (H 3177) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the eligibility for disabled veterans to receive a veteran’s plate, without a charge, to include veterans who suffer from a mental disability by reason of service in the armed forces.
Continue reading VETERANS DISABILITY LICENSE PLATE (H 3657) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved two separate measures urging action from the state and federal government to provide funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – the federal food security program that provides food to more than 40 million United States residents, including 1 million residents of Massachusetts.
Continue reading THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND SNAP AND OTHER BENEFITS AND PROGRAMS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 133-22, approved an amendment requiring that each school district report annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the number of reading specialists, reading interventionists, literacy coordinators, school librarians, library aides, education support professionals and other staff employed by the district that directly support student reading and literacy development.
Continue reading SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST REPORT ANNUALLY (H 4672) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 132-22, approved an amendment to a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy.

Continue reading STUDY EDUCATION WORKFORCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (H 4672) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. It also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s list of high-quality curricula, provided DESE verifies that it uses evidence-based literacy instruction.
Continue reading TEACHER PREPARATION AND STUDENT LITERACY (H 4672) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it easier for students to receive a State Seal of Biliteracy which is awarded by school districts to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. The seal appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future college admission and employers.
Continue reading STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY (H 4671) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a Financial Literacy Trust Fund for educating middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy. The funds would be used for procurement, development and distribution of personal financial literacy educational resources and materials, as well as professional development opportunities, including training, seminars, conferences and materials for educators to use in teaching personal financial literacy.
Continue reading FINANCIAL LITERACY (H 4670) →

Obituary
Earnest R. Morrison of Somerville passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 31, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Mary C. (Nardella) Morrison. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Earnest R. Morrison →

Continue reading George Dilboy VFW Post 529 for Alzheimer’s Support →

SOMERVILLE – November SNAP benefits could be delayed if the federal government doesn’t resolve the shutdown or provide emergency funding. SNAP provides about $212 million each month to Massachusetts residents. Benefits are issued between the 1st and 14th. Both SNAP recipients as well as grocery stores and farmers (who will see decreased food purchases) will be affected.
Continue reading SNAP Delay: Food Resources in Somerville and How to Help →

SOMERVILLE– Your city, your voice, your vote. Next week on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the City of Somerville will hold its Municipal Election, open to all registered voters in Somerville.
Continue reading Somerville Sharing Final Reminders for Nov. 4 Municipal Election →

Survey and focus group data will help inform the Construction Advisory Group’s Recommendations
to Mayor Ballantyne on Location and Scope of the Project

SOMERVILLE– The results of an extensive community engagement process regarding the City’s plans for a
new prekindergarten through eighth grade (PK-8) School Building were shared at Monday (10/27) night’s Construction Advisory Group (CAG) meeting and are now available online.

Continue reading Survey and Focus Group Input on New PK-8 School Building Released →

SOMERVILLE—Help us honor our local veteran community and all those who have served in the U.S. Military this Veterans Day. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services invite community members to attend a Veterans Day Wreath-Laying ceremony at the George Dilboy VFW Post 529 (351 Summer St.), on Tuesday, November 11. Continue reading Somerville Honoring Veterans Day 2025 Ceremony and wreath-laying on Tuesday, November 11 →

Obituary
Jeanette D. Conley, affectionately known as “Jan”, passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 29, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Conley. Jan was a devoted mother to Kevin Conley and his wife Cindy of Haverhill and Georgetown, ME, and Kathy Conley and her partner Bob Dacey of Boston. She was predeceased by her son Mark Conley, and is survived by his wife Marcy of Stow, MA. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Jeanette D. Conley →

“Congratulations to Fire Lieutenant Blanca Alcaraz on her retirement from the Somerville Fire Department Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Local 76 News Updates →

This service change is taking place to continue work to install Green Line Train Protection System infrastructure.
Continue reading Green Line Will Be Suspended Between Park Street and Union Square, Medford/Tufts from November 4 at 8 PM Through November 13 →

Residential Breaking and Entering
25065663: On 10/21/25 at approximately 12:19 PM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on Lincoln St for report of a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated someone broke into her residence and stole cash and jewelry. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log →

Project Created and Funded by Community in Participatory Budgeting Process

SOMERVILLE– Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin invite community members to join the City of Somerville for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new shade structure at Capuano Playground. The event will take place on Thursday, October 30, at 3 p.m., at Capuano Playground (150 Glen St).
Continue reading New Shade Structure Funded by Participatory Budgeting Process to Open With Ribbon Cutting 10/30 at Capuano Playground →

For all your computer needs! Continue reading Somerville Computers The Best Of The Best →

October 28th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online October 28th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) Continue reading October 28th 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Somerville Firefighters Local 76 is proud to endorse these candidates for the upcoming election.
Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Local 76 Endorsements →

Last day for hazardous waste drop-off Saturday 11/8
Last week for yard waste pickup 12/8-12/12

SOMERVILLE – The Somerville Department of Public Works (DPW) wishes to remind residents that the last days for hazardous and yard waste collection this season are quickly approaching. DPW collection of these materials will resume in Spring 2026 as per the usual seasonal cycle.
Continue reading Somerville’s Hazardous and Yard Waste Pickup Deadlines Approaching →

Obituary
Marie (Boucher) Bolger, of Somerville, passed away on October 25, 2025. She was 71. Born and raised in Somerville, Marie was the daughter of the late Janet (Baril) and Robert Boucher. A graduate of Somerville High School, Marie went on to work in healthcare as a nursing aide before raising her family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie (Boucher) Bolger →

Obituary
Marie (Pierre) Calixte – Of Cambridge, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 18, 2025. She was 90 years young.

Complete obit to be posted. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie (Pierre) Calixte →

Obituary
Brayton, Ellen K. (KisKaddon). Beloved wife of 76 years to James F. Brayton, she was a former long-time resident of Little Compton, RI, and Westport, MA. She was the cherished daughter of the late Margaret and Charles Kiskaddon. A loving mother, she is survived by her son Flint Brayton and his wife Phyllis of Silver Spring, MD, and her daughter Leslie Brayton and her husband Greg Hagan of Somerville, MA. She was predeceased by her son Dana Brayton and his wife Erin. She was the sister of the late Graham, Robert, and William Kiskaddon.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Brayton, Ellen K. (KisKaddon) →

Obituary
In life all good things must eventually come to an end, and it is with heavy hearts that we say, we lost our beautiful Mom, Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Haker Gramolini Cronin. She instilled the sun into our hearts, and the music and the bright light that we as a family have always felt, together and apart. She went peacefully and quickly, with family at her side. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Dorothy A. (Haker) Cronin →

Obituary
Roseanne Mitrano, of Arlington, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on October 22, 2025, she was 66. Born in Somerville, she was the cherished daughter of Eleanor (Fustolo) Mitrano of Arlington and the late Vincent Mitrano.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Roseanne Mitrano →

Obituary
Walter T. “Trax” Pietrzak, 83, of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, also affectionately known as Władzu, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, October 20, 2025. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, to Stanley and Jane (Zinkiewicz) Pietrzak, he embodied the values of his Midwestern roots—humility, hard work, and kindness toward others. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Walter T. “Trax” Pietrzak →

Reminders for voter registration, vote-by-mail, and absentee ballot application deadlines

SOMERVILLE—Make your voice heard, on your schedule. Early voting for the City of Somerville’s Municipal Election begins next week from Tuesday, October 28, to Thursday, October 30, at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) during regular business hours. Full schedule is below:
Continue reading Vote Early in Somerville’s Municipal Election at City Hall Oct. 28-30 →

The Three Stooges Meet Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice
BY JOE VIGLIONE

Joe Viglione Review: People love the juvenile, violent humor of the Three Stooges though I grew out of it rather quickly. The sophomoric domestic abuse Moe Howard would exact on his brethren…and Howard would make excuses on the Mike Douglas Show how the Westerns were even more violent, well, this kind of over the top insanity infiltrates the 2025 Splitsville and this critic thinks that it distracts. Continue reading Splitsville – the interview Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin double as the writers and stars of the film →

Somerville’s Risk Level Remains at Moderate Level

SOMERVILLE— The Somerville Health and Human Services Department is sharing that Massachusetts Department
of Public Health (DPH) officials today announced the season’s ninth human case of West Nile virus (WNV) diagnosed in a man in his 50s with exposure in Middlesex County.
Continue reading Community Health Alert: Ninth Human Case of West Nile Virus Identified in Massachusetts →

City Accepting Applications Until Wednesday, November 26th

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is seeking three (3) new members to join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD). If you’re passionate about making sure the vital protections in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with disabilities are preserved, this is a great opportunity to make an impact. Continue reading Join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities →

q

PSA:
Over the past several months, Somerville has taken 86 car break reports. These breaks have occurred throughout the city. Continue reading Somerville Police Department News Update →

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

The three unit building adjacent to mine is under the oversight of a property management company that, unfortunately, seems to struggle with maintenance. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Rat Problem →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would prohibit a manufacturer from selling any cosmetic product in the Bay State that the manufacturer knew, or reasonably should have known, that animal testing was used to produce the product.
Continue reading BAN COSMETICS WHICH USE ANIMAL TESTING (S 263) →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would mandate that all grocery food stores offering digital coupons also offer identical paper coupons to shoppers. It also requires digital coupons to be automatically applied to the purchases of any consumer over the age of 65, or any consumer who asks about available digital coupons. Violators would be fined $2,500 for the first offense and $5,000 fine for each subsequent offense.
Continue reading DIGITAL GROCERY COUPONS (H 470) →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would exempt flavored and menthol hookah tobacco from the 2019 law that prohibits the sale of any flavored or menthol tobacco products.
Continue reading FLAVORED HOOKAH TOBACCO PRODUCTS (S 270) →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would prohibit municipal Boards of Health from banning the sale of any legal consumer product by authorized retailers without authorization of the local town meeting or city council.
Continue reading PROHIBIT HEALTH BOARDS FROM UNILATERALLY BANNING THE SALE OF LEGAL PRODUCTS (H 371) →

By Bob Katzen

A bill heard by the Judiciary Committee would create a legal assumption about whether there has been smoking in a non-smoking apartment. The assumption relies on the fact that there is no legitimate reason why a renter should take down, unplug or cover their smoke detectors. If a renter does this, they will be assumed to have been smoking. Continue reading SMOKING IN NON-SMOKING APARTMENTS (S 1137) →

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a hearing on legislation that would establish a special commission to study the feasibility of setting time limits for handicapped parking placard use in metered spots. The commission would include legislators, state officials and appointees of the governor, who would be tasked with gathering input from experts and the public. Its purpose is to explore potential benefits, impacts and options such as reduced or standardized fees after time limits expire.
Continue reading HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE (H 3613) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would reinstate the requirement that the Healey Administration submit a biweekly report on the cost and occupancy of the emergency assistance family shelter system. The previous requirement of reports lapsed at the end of fiscal year 2025.
Continue reading REQUIRE REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FAMILY SHELTER SYSTEM (S 2655) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would reinstate the requirement that the Healey Administration submit a biweekly report on the cost and occupancy of the emergency assistance family shelter system. The previous requirement of reports lapsed at the end of fiscal year 2025.
Continue reading REQUIRE REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FAMILY SHELTER SYSTEM (S 2655) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved a $2.3 billion supplemental budget to close out the books on state government for fiscal year 2025. The actual cost to the state will be $795 million after revenue from federal reimbursements has been sent to the state. The House has approved a different version of the supplemental budget and a House-Senate conference committee will eventually hammer out a compromise version.
Continue reading $2.3 BILLION FISCAL 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (S 2575) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, override Gov. Healey’s $1,530,735 veto reduction (from $39,250,384 to 37,719,649) in early intervention services.
Continue reading $1.5 MILLION FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, overrode Gov. Healey’s $2.5 million veto reduction (from 8,864,721 to $6,364,721) in programs for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.
Continue reading $2.5 MILLION FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, overrode Gov. Healey’s $300,000 veto reduction (from 8,864,721 to 8,564,721) in programs for the blind.
Continue reading $300,000 FOR PROGRAMS FOR THE BLIND (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, override Gov. Healey’s veto of the entire $1.5 million for the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund which was established in 1993 to help reduce the rising costs of sewer services in the Bay State.
Continue reading $1.5 MILLION FOR SEWER RATE RELIEF (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 159-1, approved an amendment to ensure that DCF social workers have union representation on the state’s child fatality review team.
Continue reading UNION REPRESENTATION (H 4645) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 159-1, approved and sent to the Senate a proposal that supporters say would strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability within the state’s child welfare system.
Continue reading ENHANCE CHILD WELFARE PROTECTIONS (H 4645) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 160-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would expand the current law which punishes anyone who commits assault and battery against a public employee.
Continue reading PROTECT PUBLIC TRANSIT WORKERS FROM ASSAULT AND BATTERY (H 1877) →

Crime Log September 30 to October 13, 2025
Assault

25061340: On 10/2/25 at approximately 7:59 AM, Somerville Police responded to Broadway & Garrison for an assault. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated she was approached by a male party who proceeded to punch her in the face.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log →

October 21st 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online October 21st 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
Continue reading October 21st 2025 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →