On Saturday December 17, 2022, at approximately 10:20 a.m., Somerville Police responded to a business located in East Somerville for a report of an armed robbery and indecent assault and battery. Police met with a female store clerk who told police that she noticed the robbery suspect pacing back and forth while peering in the store window moments before entering the store where he displayed a handgun during the robbery. The suspect received an undisclosed amount of cash from the clerk and fled the area on foot. Continue reading Somerville Police Investigate An Armed Robbery →

By William Tauro

This story is still developing…
Continue reading More Bomb Threats Tufts Medford. Happening Now →

At approximately 10:10am on Monday, December 19, 2022, the Medford Police Department responded to Medford High School (489 Winthrop Street) for a report of a person that had been stabbed.
Continue reading Stabbing at Medford High School →

On December 12th, 2022, at 11:57pm, Somerville Police Control received a call that a silver sedan (unknown plate number) was stopped in the middle of the street near the intersection of Temple and Ten Hills Road and had been idling for a few minutes. I, Officer Barton, assigned to marked unit East 4, along with Officer Morel, assigned to marked unit East 1, were dispatched to that location. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:OUI Liquor Arrest →

By Bob Katzen

GOV. BAKER MOVES ON TO THE NCAA — Gov. Baker was appointed to be president of the NCAA beginning in 2023. Here are some of the things he said following his appointment: Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would require that the autopsy report for a child under the age of two be reviewed and approved by the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death. Changes to the autopsy report would also have to be reviewed and approved by the Chief Medical Examiner.

Continue reading DEATH OF A CHILD UNDER 2 (H 5422) →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved a Senate-approved measure that requires standardized certification of an estimated 1,800 Bay State hospital technicians by a nationally accredited organization. These 1,800 technicians are responsible for ensuring that surgical instruments are safe and sanitary to protect patients from possible infection. Continue reading REQUIRE CERTIFICATION FOR TECHNICIANS WHO STERILIZE AND MAINTAIN HOSPITAL SURGICAL EQUIPMENT (S 2933) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow a candidate for public office to use campaign funds for childcare while the candidate is campaigning on his or her own behalf or attending events directly related to his or her campaign. Continue reading ALLOW USE OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS FOR CHILD CARE FOR CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE (S 3152) →

By Bob Katzen

Chip Ford, the executive director of CLT announced that the group will end its 48-year operation at the end of the year.

“It’s a new era, time for new energy to move the tax limitation movement forward in Massachusetts,” said Ford. “For going on half a century CLT has carried the burden of leadership in that indispensable mission. The time has come to pass the tax limitation torch on to another generation. Continue reading CITIZENS FOR LIMITED TAXATION (CLT) CLOSES DOWN AND HANDS OFF TO THE MASS FISCAL ALLIANCE →

By Bob Katzen

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that effective March 1, 2023, Gov. Charlie Baker will serve as the next NCAA President, assuming the role effective March 2023. Continue reading GOV. BAKER APPOINTED TO BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE NCAA →

By Bob Katzen

The House 154-0, Senate 39-0, approved and the governor signed into law a bill that would require the state to develop and implement a Women’s Rights History Trail Program. Continue reading CREATING WOMEN’S RIGHTS HISTORY TRAIL PROGRAM (S 2802) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 143-9, Senate 38-2, approved and Gov. Baker signed into law legislation that would expand the clean energy industry and reduce emissions from the transportation and building sectors across the state with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Continue reading CLEAN ENERGY AND REDUCED EMISSIONS (H 5060) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 137-16, Senate 40-0, approved and Gov. Baker signed into law a bill designed to further protect reproductive health care and those who perform abortions in the Bay State. Continue reading REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE (H 5090) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, Senate 40-0, approved and Gov. Baker signed into law a bill that would prohibit any person or entity including educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces from implementing any policy that would explicitly target someone who wears their natural hairstyle. The measure defines natural hairstyle as “hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles including braids, locks, twists and other formation.” Continue reading FORBID DISCRIMINATION AGAINST A PERSON WITH A NATURAL HAIRSTYLE (H 4554) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 119-36, Senate 32-8, gained the two-thirds vote necessary to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of legislation that would allow, starting July 1, 2023, undocumented/illegal immigrants to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license. Continue reading LEGISLATURE OVERRIDES BAKER’S VETO OF BILL ALLOWING DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (H 4805) →

FTX founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was arrested in the Bahamas Monday and charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering, just one day before he was scheduled to testify before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee (HFSC). HFSC oversees all components of the nation’s housing and financial services sectors including banking, insurance, real estate, public and assisted housing and securities. Continue reading Letter to the Editor: The shameless Democrats! Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) Keeping Bankman-Fried Money →

Review by Joe Viglione

9 tracks of music, eight titles (the wonderful “Meet Your Maker” has an exquisite Dink Pinkerman DubMix to conclude the CD) Greg Walsh’s New Ghosts offer 25 minutes of music. Continue reading Artist:Greg Walsh’s New Ghosts CD Title:YOU TOOK MY SOUL BUT I KEPT THE HEART album. →

Letter from the Editor:Meters on Somerville Side Streets, You Got What You Voted For!

By William Tauro

Here we go for the new extreme Somerville parking experience! Continue reading Parking Meters in Front of Residential Homes on Somerville Side Streets is Here! →

Continue reading Pennyworth’s Famous Brands of Affordable Prices! →

By Arthur Moore

Number one: Billy Tauro who has been there for the people of Somerville. Always there for the seniors, vets, homeless and the hungry, and the small businesses so badly in need of help. Someone that so many of the good things he does never gets mentioned or is known about.

Number two: The seniors of Somerville who have made this a great city. Their deeds and helping each other giving this city a great name. Now prisoners in their own home town having their freedoms taken away from them by of all things the mobility department. Continue reading My 12 Somerville Merry Christmases →

LUIS’ OBITUARY

Barbosa, Luis Of Somerville, passed away at home on Thursday, December 15, 2022. He was 95.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Luis Barbosa →

The City of Somerville Traffic Board will hold a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, December 20, regarding the Somerville Traffic Regulations Article 12-1 (“Pedestrian crossing ways or roadways”). Continue reading Traffic Board Public Hearing on Jaywalking Regulations, December 20 →

Donations Total $55,000
Local banks are helping to address one of the most difficult challenges facing our community: financial management. Continue reading Banks Team with Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) to Support Financial Stability →

Vincent C Dabenigno
June 26, 1926 – December 21, 2014

Vincent C. Dabenigno–88, A lifelong resident of Somerville passed away on December 21, 2014.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Vincent Dabeningno →

By Karen Glover

Once again, Brad Rawson, Somerville’s Liason to this MBTA Committee, neglected to upgrade the service of the #89 bus which arrives and departs from Clarendon Hill Towers Mon – Fri…but NO service between the hours of 9 am – 3pm.
and we have NO #89 Bus Service whatsoever departing and arriving from Clarendon Hill Towers on weekends. Continue reading MBTA Redesign Proposal Committee Approved City-Wide Bus Route Service Upgrades, BUT… →

TuftsAlert: There is a BOMB THREAT on the Medford/Somerville Campus.

December 14, 2022 | Category: Urgent Message
TO: Faculty and Staff, Medford/Somerville
All buildings have been checked and no threats have been identified. You may resume normal activity. The incident remains under investigation. Continue reading Bomb Threat Tufts University →

Obituary

Sheila Doyle Russell of Cambridge and Hull, Massachusetts passed away Monday, December 12th peacefully at home. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Sheila Doyle Russell →

DETAILS: At approximately 9:06pm on Monday 12/12/2022 the Medford Police responded to 22 Doane Rd. on a report of an attack inside that house. The reporting person informed the dispatcher that a known household member had just attacked another household member. This assault occurred in front of the house and in the driveway. Continue reading Stabbing 22 Doane Rd. Medford →

Christine (Romano) Hardy passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband of 7 years, Kevin Hardy of Stoneham along with her closest family and friends, on Friday December 9, 2022. She was 49 years of age. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Christine A. (Romano) Hardy →

Review by Joe Viglione

Do you remember that TV episode of Ozzie and Harriet guest-starring on Lloyd Bridge’s Sea Hunt? Of course you don’t. No one would be crazy enough to film it. Continue reading AVATAR 2: THE WAY OF THE WATER →

Melrose, MA – On Saturday, December 10, 2022, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a USPS letter carrier was delivering mail in the vicinity of Orchard Lane when they were approached by two armed suspects. The suspects robbed the letter carrier before fleeing on foot. Continue reading Robbery of USPS Letter Carrier →

Click on link below to read December 13th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online December 13th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Photos: Jeremy Ruth Howes NYB’s company photographer.

The Northeast Youth Ballet, under the direction of Denise Cecere, is a Reading based school and company that performed The Nutcracker this past weekend at the J. Everett Collins Center for the Performing Arts in Andover. The ballet was so well received that the young cast of 85 dancers, known for their talent and professionalism, had the enthusiastic audience on their feet when the curtain closed. Continue reading BRAVO Northeast Youth Ballet on a Magical Production! →

By Bob Katzen

“My wife is really looking forward to having me around a little more, so I don’t think I’ll be a candidate in ‘24 for anything. I will certainly try to be involved in a positive way.”
—Gov. Charlie Baker when asked if he plans to run for president in 2024. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously to award Everett’s casino, Encore Boston Harbor, the first sports wagering operator license in the state’s history. “Next on the agenda is that the Everett casino now must obtain a certificate of operations and meet additional conditions before bets can actually be accepted.
Continue reading HISTORIC FIRST SPORTS BETTING LICENSE GOES TO ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would call for renowned Cape Cod artist and sculptor David Lewis to construct, at no expense to the state, a memorial display in the likeness of Mercy Otis Warren, an important and underrepresented historical woman of the American Revolution from Barnstable. The bust would be displayed in the Massachusetts Statehouse.
Continue reading HONOR MERCY OTIS WARREN (H 4281) →

By Bob Katzen

Secretary of State Bill Galvin signed the final certification of the new constitutional amendment, approved by voters as Question 1 in November. The amendment would allow a graduated income tax in Massachusetts and impose 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 GALVIN CERTIFIES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT HIKING TAXES ON MILLIONAIRES →

By Bob Katzen

The House 156-0, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, approved a $1.6 billion supplemental budget that contains $700 million for COVID-19 related expenses including $432 million for COVID-19 testing, $72 million for treatments, $45 million for expanded vaccination access and $25 million for personal protective equipment.
Continue reading $1.6 BILLION SPENDING PACKAGE (H 4532) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 150-10, (Senate on a voice vote without a roll call) approved legislation that would extend many of the measures instituted in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 state of emergency that expired when the original emergency declaration ended. Continue reading COVID-19 POLICY EXTENSIONS (S 2475) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 0-158, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, rejected Gov. Baker’s amendment that would exclude municipal employees from the emergency COVID-19 paid leave program.
Continue reading EXCLUDE MUNICIPAL WORKERS (H 3771) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 132-27, Senate 37-3, overrode Gov. Baker’s veto of a section that authorizes the commissioner of corrections, if it can be done safely, to release, transition to home confinement or furlough prisoners with prioritization given to populations most vulnerable to serious medical outcomes from COVID-19. Continue reading EARLY RELEASE OF PRISONERS (H 4002) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 157-0, Senate 40-0, approved a bill that would provide qualified workers with up to five days of paid leave for COVID-19-related emergencies including workers who are sick with the virus, under a quarantine order, recovering from receiving a vaccine or caring for a family member ill with the virus. Continue reading COVID-19 EMERGENCY SICK LEAVE AND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CHANGES (H 3771) →

PAUL’S OBITUARY
Silva, Paul E. — Of Somerville, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Beth Israel Hospital. He was 77. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Paul E Silva →

Culminating an eleven-week program in which middle schools partnered with legal mentors from area law offices, law schools, and state offices, Medford students will present their cases about the Fourth Amendment at an in-person Mock Trial at the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston.
Continue reading Medford Middle School Students to Participate in Discovering Justice Mock Trial →

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

Subject: Social Security thieves Please publish my letter Thank you. CRB

December 10, 2022

To: Re: Social Security Thieves

A woman whose husband died on Thanksgiving day, is bereft not only because of her and her family’s great loss, but at the beginning of
December, the Social Security monthly check of her husband was withdrawn, instead of hers which was smaller and her bank of more than twenty years closed his account with no notice.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Social Security Thieves →

 
Photo1:Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah’s hand is victoriously raised with Massachusetts Dental Society President-Elect Dr. Abe Abdul in front of the Grand Staircase of the Massachusetts State House – moments after “Question 2” was signed into law by Secretary of State William Galvin.
 

Photo2:MA Secretary of State, William Galvin, signs Question 2 into law, as Question 2 author Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah and numerous supporting leaders from the American Dental Association and Massachusetts Dental Society stand by.

By William Tauro
 
Why is Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah our person of the year?  This Boston Globe Article linked below explains Rizkallah’s remarkable 2022 accomplishments:  Massachusetts is now “the Birthplace of a Dental Revolution….Rizkallah’s crusade sparked a fire….often how a revolution starts…. one passionate person…..with a cause that can win the hearts of many.”    
  Continue reading Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah -Our “Person of the Year” (2022) →

City of Cambridge Traffic and Parking Engineer arrested by Federal Agents on a warrant on Thursday afternoon 12/07/22 in the Cambridge Traffic and Parking, parking lot located at 344 Inman Street in cambridge on child pornography charges.
Continue reading City of Cambridge Traffic and Parking Engineer Arrested by Federal Agents on Child Pornography Offenses →

Beginning 12/12/22 contractors will begin underground utility improvements along Highland Ave. Here’s what you need to know ahead of your commute:
Continue reading Highland Ave. (School St. to Central St.) Westbound Traffic Detour →

FRANCES’ OBITUARY

Frances (Taddeo) Jarnagin, a lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away on December 6, 2022, she was 90. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Frances Jarnagin →

ALBERT “ALBIE”‘S OBITUARY

DiZoglio, Albert F. “Albie” — Of Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, December 8, 2022. He was 63 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Albert “Albie F Dizoglio →

Lulu was reported to be accidentally left behind along with a cell phone at 7-11 on Chelsea Street in Everett after visiting Copley Plaza with her owners estranged family member. Continue reading LOST DOG EVERETT- also seen Copley Plaza Boston →

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

Brad Rawson. I never knew his name until the great Winter Hill Broadway disaster. Which to this day is not corrected. Mostly unused bike lane where rarely is seen a bike. Where parking is still removed from the small businesses and of all things the Somerville retirement board where some to this day still can no longer go due to this mostly unused bike lane. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: The Grinch That Stole Somerville →

SOMERVILLE – Ahead of the Green Line Extension opening next week, the School Street bridge in Somerville’s Gilman Square is expected to reopen to all users this Saturday, December 10. The bridge has been closed since April 2020 to support GLX construction.
Continue reading School Street Bridge Reopens Saturday, December 10 →

After a year of community engagement, data analysis, and policy research, the City of Somerville has published a draft of Somerville’s first Bicycle Network Plan. The Bicycle Network Plan is a visioning document intended to guide the next few decades of work to improve and expand Somerville’s bicycle facilities.
Continue reading Somerville Publishes Draft Bicycle Network Plan Plan Establishes Vision for an 88-Mile Network of Connected Bike Facilities Citywide →

SOMERVILLE: On Thursday, December 8th, the Kiwanis Club of Somerville, along with our friends from the Somerville Lions Club and Somerville Rotary Club hosted our annual Toys For Tots luncheon at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. Gunnery Sergeant Curtis Dunham and Private Matthew Rankey of the United States Marine Corps, joined us as we collected toys donated by members of the three clubs for the Toys For Tots campaign. Continue reading SOMERVILLE KIWANIS CLUB HOST TOYS FOR TOTS LUNCHEON →

DeMedeiros, Rui P., of Arlington, December 5, 2022, at age 57. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering RUI P. DEMEDEIROS →

Looking for full or part time help Custodial/ Handyman McCarthy Self Storage Medford contact Maria (781)396-7724 Continue reading Help Wanted Custodial/ Handyman →

After decades of advocacy and planning, the Green Line Extension is finally here. Join Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City staff to celebrate this historic milestone on Monday, December 12, at an opening day celebration at Ball Square station from 7 to 8 a.m. Continue reading The Green Line Extension is Finally Here →

Friday December 9th at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 10th at 2:00pm
Saturday, December 10th at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 11th at 2:00pm

Eleven local residents cast in the highly anticipated production. Continue reading Local Residents to Perform in Northeast Youth Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER →

By William Tauro

After almost 3 decades of community service to the City of Somerville, Patrolman Ross O’Meara is retiring. Continue reading Somerville Police Officer Ross O’Meara is Retiring After 29 Years →

Community Celebration with music, kid’s choo-choo train, food truck and more at Somerville High School, Saturday, December 17

Opening Day Celebration with music at Ball Square Station, Monday, December 12 Continue reading Somerville to Celebrate Green Line Extension Opening →

SOMERVILLE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Chief of Police Charles Femino have confirmed that Darien Burns, 53 of Somerville has been arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury in connection with the fatal stabbing of Joseph Muzzi, 33 of Weymouth that occurred last night inside a laundromat on Main Street in Somerville. Continue reading Man Arraigned in Connection with Fatal Stabbing in Somerville →

By Karen Glover

  This past Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, was a bright, sunshiny day. I took a walk to Holland St. to see what Brad, our Transportation Monster, did, if anything, about his now notorious “Senior Citizen Sitting Duck Bench.” This bizarre bench, situated in the middle of traffic, was recently and predictably, demolished by a traffic accident. The Mayor, Brad, Brad’s boss were warned in print, in person at the Ward 7 meeting that this bench in the middle of traffic was an accident waiting to happen. Continue reading TO:SOMERVILLE CITY HALL FROM:CLARENDON HILL TOWERS RESIDENTS, BUS RIDERS and ALL CITIZENS RE: OUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST →

Enjoy reading December 6th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online December 6th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) (1)

MARY’S OBITUARY

Mary C. (Stone) Carr, of Medford, passed away on November 30, 2022, she was 90 years of age.
Born in New York City she was the daughter of the late Josephine (Merner) and James Stone.
Beloved wife of the late William J. Carr who passed away just last year. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary C. Carr →

CARLA’S OBITUARY
Carla A. (Willey) Lincoln, of Somerville, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on December 3, 2022, she was 72. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the only daughter born to Edith A. (Barker) and Richard Willey.
Carla was the beloved wife of 47 years to Stephen Lincoln. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Carla A. Lincoln →

SOMERVILLE—The Somerville City Council Special Committee on Charter Review will hold a virtual (online) public hearing on the City of Somerville Charter Review process on Wednesday, December 7, starting at 6 p.m. There are two ways residents can submit testimony and be heard: Continue reading Somerville City Council Special Committee on Charter Review Public Hearing, Wednesday, 12/7 →

In a Boston Globe Op-Ed, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne advocates for Massachusetts to plan not only for safe, reliable transit but to create a world-class public transit system for our citizens by connecting the dots between public transit and public good. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne’s Boston Globe Op Ed Calls for a Broader Vision for Public Transit →

The City Charter governs the structure and functions of our local government. The City Council Special Committee on Charter Review is examining the Charter and will recommend changes to the Mayor and Council. Continue reading Somerville City Council Charter Review Committee Public Hearing Old Powder House 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2022 →

The City’s Inclusionary Housing Program has two income-restricted rental opportunities:
Continue reading Restricted-Income Rental Opportunities: 126 Cross Street & 29 Alpine Street →

An MBTA Green Line train welcomes passengers at the Union Square platform Continue reading The Green Line Extension is Finally Here – Join Us to Celebrate! →

By William Tauro

The Beginning of the End for Businesses on Highland Avenue. Continue reading The Beginning of the End for Businesses on Highland Avenue →

Interview by Karen Glover

As Clarendon Hill Towers Maintenance Supervisor and head of the maintenance team, our top priority is 100% safety of every detail of the physical layout of this sizable property. We work very hard to accomplish this goal, especially so with the extra challenges presented during inclement winter weather. Safety precautions are our paramount concerns. Continue reading THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE: TIME TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND MAINTAIN All ASPECTS OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE SIDEWALKS SPANNING THE LENGTH OF THE CLARENDON HILL TOWERS PROPERTY →

The Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations Tour is back this year and will include an online map featuring local carolers and the best and brightest holiday displays. Highlights include citywide caroling on Thursday, December 15, and an illuminations bike tour on Saturday, December 17. Continue reading The Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations Tour is back →

Friday December 9th at 7:30pm Saturday, December 10th at 2:00pm Saturday, December 10th at 7:30pm Sunday, December 11th at 2:00pm
85 local residents cast in the highly anticipated production. Continue reading Local residents to perform in Northeast Youth Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER →

By Bob Katzen

The State House News Service has compiled a numbers profile of the senators and representatives as a result of the November electtion. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The state’s Commission on Clean Heat, established by Gov. Baker, issued its final recommendations and report. Continue reading COMMISSION ON CLEAN HEATING ISSUES REPORT →

By Bob Katzen

The Baker administration announced the state has awarded $2.5 million to 32 cities and towns to increase the number of police who wear body cameras.
Continue reading STATE AWARDS $2.5 MILLION TO 32 BAY STATE POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR BODY-WORN CAMERAS →

By Bob Katzen

A bill lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 in the city of Boston for local municipal elections will soon be on its way to the Legislature after being approved 9-4 by the Boston City Council. This “home rule petition” needs the signature of Mayor Michelle Wu, approval by the House and Senate and finally the signature of Gov. Baker before it becomes law. Continue reading LOWER VOTING AGE TO 16 →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a Senate-approved bill declaring every October 2nd as School Custodian Day, in recognition of “the dedicated contributions provided by school custodians to ensure children of the commonwealth have clean, healthy and safe learning environments.” Continue reading SCHOOL CUSTODIAN DAY (S 2126) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would allow Massachusetts residents who are serving in the armed forces overseas and their families as well as any Massachusetts citizen living in a foreign country, to cast their vote electronically through a secure online portal.
Continue reading OVERSEAS VOTING →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 12-26, rejected an amendment that would require all employers to give each worker two hours of paid time off per election to vote. The employee could use that two hours to vote early in-person, vote by mail or vote on Election Day. The amendment would replace a current law that is narrower and requires the worker to apply for a leave of absence in order to vote and only allows the worker to vote during the two hours after the polls open on Election Day. Continue reading GIVE WORKERS PAID TIME OFF TO VOTE (S 2545) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 7-31, rejected an amendment that would allow voters to choose to become a permanent voter by mail for all future elections, a temporary voter by mail for all elections in a calendar year or a temporary voter by mail for one specific election. Continue reading PERMANENT VOTING BY MAIL OPTION (S 2545) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 13-25, rejected an amendment that would require each city and town to have at least one ballot drop box for voters to deposit their ballots from the day the ballots are printed and available to voters until the polls close on Election Day. Continue reading DROP BOXES FOR VOTERS (S 2545) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 37-3, approved and Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a conference committee version of a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the bill and a conference committee hammered out this compromise version which did not include the section allowing same day voter registration that was in the Senate version but not in the House one. Continue reading ELECTION LAW CHANGES (S 2924) →

Open Positions: Three

Term: Three years; with a possibility of renewing for up to one more three-year term. Continue reading Somerville Arts Council Seeks Three New Seeks Members →

BARRY’S OBITUARY
Hiltz, Barry H. -Of Wilmington, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, November 30th. He was 64. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barry H. Hiltz →

JULIE’S OBITUARY
Julie J. Daniels, of Lynn and formerly of Somerville, passed away on November 25, 2022, she was 58. Born in Cambridge and raised in Somerville, Julie was the cherished daughter of the late Dorothy (Appleby) and John “Sonny” Joseph Daniels, Jr. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Julie J. Daniels →

ELIZABETH’S OBITUARY
Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Petagna) Silvestri, of Somerville, passed away on December 2nd, 2022 peacefully at her home. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Elizabeth A. Silvestri →

By Arthur Moore
 
Since we have so many committees for almost anything here, it would be one that if Somerville continues on it’s currant trend of making the seniors and handicapped lives miserable here and not allow them the everyday freedoms they need and deserve then they should at least help them to relocate to a place where they can regain their freedom and pursue a chance to have some quality of life. Continue reading Somerville Committee For Relocation for Seniors and Handicapped →

Let Russo’s Flooring and Interiors help educate you on your next flooring project.
Here is a look at halls and stairs in Malden Ma.
This is not your traditional look commercial Carpet.
This is a multi color carpet installed over a 40oz synthetic pad which give a great feel when walking and long-term wear and tear. This carpet incorporates the colors in your home. Continue reading Russo’s Flooring and Interiors →

Boston and Somerville can have Prince William and Princess Kate, we have Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Olaf and Santa!

What an incredible Winter Extravaganza! Huge thank you to everyone who celebrated the season with us. Continue reading Medford Winter Extravaganza →

By William Tauro

What ever happened to the old saying “Measure twice and cut once? Well this is what’s going on at Holland Street in Somerville! Apparently they put the wrong grade level on the asphalt only a few months ago after the job had been done, and now they are cutting it up and doing it again!

I say fire the incompetent asshole Somerville project supervisor from Somerville who approved it! Continue reading Measure Twice And Cut Once Is A Thing Of The Past In Somerville →

By William Tauro

Looks like the city couldn’t take the heat! 😝 Yes … there is a Santa Claus … and a whole lot of Christians still in Somerville – there will be a Christmas Tree Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Somerville Will Now Have A Christmas Tree →

Looking to have your property plowed this season? Contact me at @str8edge_services for a free quote and seasonal flat rate deals before it cost you more once the snow hits the floor…. Commercial Lots & Residential Driveways… #str8edgeservices #str8edgeplowing #plowingservices #somervillema #cambridgema #commercial #residential Continue reading STR-8-Edge Plowing Services (617)792-3666 →

By William Tauro

Accident here last night (Wednesday) on top of Cameron Ave…
Just imagine if a person was sitting on the bench or even standing on that island? These ridiculous useless and dangerous islands are being constructed all across our city putting motorist and pedestrians in danger everyday! Continue reading New City Islands Posing Dangerous Threats To Motorist and Pedestrians Across City →

What started as a love affair with cars as a young boy working at his father’s gas station has turned into 50 years of serving the greater Boston community with all of their automobile
needs. Continue reading Johns Auto Sales Celebrating 50 Years of Business! →

Continue reading Royals visit Somerville street closures for this coming Thursday →

A few years ago The MHS Class of 1965
Initiated the BuspassBookbag Fund for selected students for Bus Passes to school and school supplies. The group maintains the Fund annually by a Brunch and donations remembering tough times. Continue reading Medford Lions Club News: MHS 1965 Bus pass Group/ Lions Join Paws!! →

By William Tauro

Since when does the city become landlords? The city is overstepping it’s boundaries! That’s how corruption begins! Continue reading Letter from the Editor: The City of Somerville Overstepping It’s Boundaries →

Photos provided by Somerville Firefighters Local 76 Post

Throughout this week all companies are rotating through familiarization training with the new Green Line MBTA stations in preparation for their opening in a few weeks. Each station presents its own unique challenges that our firefighters are planning for in order to be of best service to MBTA riders. Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Familiarization Training With New Green Line MBTA Stations →

By William Tauro

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and patients of Dr. David Menon on his sudden passing this past Monday. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Dr. David D. Menon, MD →

November 29th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 29th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Continue reading Massachusetts State Police Exam 2023 →

By William Tauro

This will be the first year in Somerville’s history without a Christmas tree at the City Hall Concourse! When will this madness end?

First they took away our Veteran’s Monuments, then our Memorial Day Parade, our parking spaces, then they’re trying to take away our cars and now they’ve taken away our City Hall Christmas Tree! What’s next? Continue reading Letter from the Editor: NO TREE FOR YOU! →

Holiday Lighting & Santa Visit, Menorah Lighting,

Self-Guided & Bike Illuminations Tours, and Citywide Caroling

SOMERVILLE – All are invited to join Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City staff for Somerville’s 2022 holiday celebrations throughout the month of December.

Holiday Lighting & Santa Visit

We’ll kick off on Thursday, December 8, with the Holiday Lighting on the City Hall Concourse, followed by a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in the Somerville High School Cafeteria. All children who attend will receive a special gift from Santa and will have an opportunity to take a photo with Old St. Nick. Activities begin at 5:00 p.m. with live entertainment prior to the official lighting of the City Hall Concourse. Santa Claus will, as always, be escorted by the Somerville Fire and Police Departments making his grand entrance atop a shiny red fire truck. Light refreshments will be served. Continue reading Celebrate the Holidays in Somerville in December →

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Housing Division are pleased to announce two affordable rental opportunities: one 4-bedroom unit at 126 Cross St. and one 2-bedroom unit at 29 Alpine St. Income-eligible households with a combined gross income at or below 50% of the Median Family Income (Cross St.) or between 81% and 110% of the Median Family Income (Alpine St.) will be eligible to apply.

About 126 Cross St.: One income-restricted four-bedroom unit is available at 126 Cross St., a three-story, six-unit building near the new East Somerville MBTA Green Line station and the Capuano Early Childhood Center. Amenities include in-unit laundry, central A/C, stainless steel appliances, white granite countertops, modern tiled bathrooms, and a private deck. Common areas include an entryway mail area and a bike storage room. Residents will have access to a basement, and storage units are planned to be added in the future. All utilities are included in the rent. On-street parking is available by permit. Continue reading Two Affordable Rental Opportunities: 126 Cross St. and 29 Alpine St. →

Because this winter begins in an even-numbered year, snow emergency parking will be on the even side of the street all winter, unless posted signage says differently. Check street signs in your neighborhood so you know where you can park ahead of winter weather. Continue reading Prepare for the 2022/2023 Snow Season by Reviewing Parking Rules, Signing Up for Alerts →

By Bob Katzen

“As energy costs go up this winter, we want to make sure families know that help is out there to put food on the table and keep the lights on in their homes. We’re grateful to Project Bread and our regional food banks and pantries for partnering with us to educate residents on how they can access the financial assistance and support they need.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate gave final approval to and sent to Gov. Baker legislation that would repeal current state laws which create professional licensure consequences for anyone who defaults on their student loan. Under existing law, a borrower’s state-issued professional or occupational certificate, registration or license can be suspended, revoked or cancelled if the borrower is in default on an education loan. Continue reading PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES (H 5195) →

By Bob Katzen

Bill (S 691) – Shipped off to a study committee was a bill that would permit pharmacists to issue insulin to patients in emergency situations, which is described as an event in which authorization for the dispensing of insulin may not be readily obtained from a doctor or other practitioner. The pharmacist would be limited to providing the insulin every six months per individual.

Continue reading ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO GIVE INSULIN IN AN EMERGENCY →

By Bob Katzen

The House 32-126, rejected an amendment to a current law that imposes up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to a 5-year prison sentence on anyone who knowingly engages in any type of voting fraud including illegally registering to vote; illegally voting or attempting to vote; voting more than once; and aiding and abetting a person who is illegally voting. The amendment would raise the fine to up to $20,000. Continue reading RAISE PENALTIES FOR VOTER FRAUD →

By Bob Katzen

The House 32-126, rejected an amendment that would require voters to show a federal or Massachusetts picture identification at their polling places in order to be allowed to vote. The state would also be required to establish a waiver of the fee for obtaining the ID for indigent persons. Continue reading REQUIRE VOTER ID (H 4359) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 32-126, rejected an amendment that would require voters to show a federal or Massachusetts picture identification at their polling places in order to be allowed to vote. The state would also be required to establish a waiver of the fee for obtaining the ID for indigent persons. Continue reading REQUIRE VOTER ID (H 4359) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 31-127, rejected an amendment that would prohibit any city or town from requiring that a voter show proof of vaccination as a condition of entering a polling place to vote or to register to vote. Continue reading PROOF OF VACCINATION →

By Bob Katzen

The House 93-64, approved an amendment to a measure that would implement same day registration (SDR) that allows people to register to vote at the polls on Election Day and on any of the early voting days prior to the election. The amendment would replace SDR with a requirement that Secretary of State Bill Galvin complete a study that would analyze the cost of the proposed policy to the state, cities and towns and what it would take for local city and town clerks to implement SDR. Continue reading REPLACE SAME DAY REGISTRATION PROPOSAL WITH A STUDY (H 4359) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 126-29, approved and Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a conference committee version of a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the bill and a conference committee hammered out a compromise version which did not include the controversial section allowing same day voter registration that was in the Senate version but not in the House one. Continue reading ELECTION LAW CHANGES (S 2924) →

By Karen Glover

As we all have been made very aware, The Woke People are quite hypersensitive regarding semantics. They focus on meaningless semantics that have no relevance to the harsh reality of complex issues; but that being said, let’s be cognizant to the hypersensitive virtue signaling sensitivity of The Woke People. The Woke People spend a great deal of time and energy posting commentaries chastising the rest of us rude, insensitive, horrible people to never to refer to homeless people as “homeless.” The Woke People think (and this is using the word “think” loosely) the word “homeless” is insulting and demeaning. Continue reading SOMERVILLE REDLINE DAVIS SQUARE MBTA TRAIN AND BUS STATION DOUBLES AS A “ROUND THE CLOCK” CLUBHOUSE FOR “PEOPLE WHO LIVE OUTSIDE”{OUR HOMELESS POPULATION) →

Rita F. Doty Obituary

We are sad to announce that on November 22, 2022, at the age of 77, Rita F. Doty of Cambridge, Massachusetts passed away. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rita F. Doty →

By Arthur Moore
 
Our mayor wants us to do our Christmas shopping here in Somerville. Like shop in the squares of Somerville. Now this is something we did here many years ago which many of us older folks remember well. Continue reading The Mayor and Christmas Shopping in Somerville →

Now until in of year Christmas special 25’ flagpole complete with revolving truck 4” gold ball 4×6 American flag installed $1250 . Looking for that unique gift. Continue reading Old Glory Flagpole Company →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Why Is Somerville Brainwashing Our Students With a “White Washed“ version of THANKSGIVING?

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

Did you see this message that was sent out to all parents today from the West Somerville Neighborhood School (WSNS)?

It’s an email we received from west Somerville neighborhood school from the principal of the school! I’m bullshit Billy! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Why Is Somerville Brainwashing Our Students With a “White Washed“ version of THANKSGIVING? Seriously? →

NANCY’S OBITUARY

Nancy L. Fennelly of Malden, died on November 7, 2022, at Winchester Hospital, less than five months from the death of her beloved wife Donna Gildersleeve. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Nancy L. Fennelly →

EDWARD’S OBITUARY

Smith, Edward W. of North Reading formerly of Cambridge, passed away on November 18, 2022 at the VA Hospital in West Roxbury. He was 76.
Born and raised in Cambridge to the late John E. Smith and Margaret (McCusker) Hughes and her husband John. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Edward W Smith →

John E. Elwell – of Somerville, passed away on November 16, 2022, he was 36. Born in Melrose and raised in Somerville he was the beloved son of the late John and Catherine Joyce (Moran) Elwell. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering John E. Elwell →