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FORBID DISCRIMINATION AGAINST A PERSON WITH A NATURAL HAIRSTYLE (H 4554)

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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) →

LEGISLATURE OVERRIDES BAKER’S VETO OF BILL ALLOWING DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (H 4805)

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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) →

Letter to the Editor: The shameless Democrats! Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) Keeping Bankman-Fried Money

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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 →

My 12 Somerville Merry Christmases

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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 →

MBTA Redesign Proposal Committee Approved City-Wide Bus Route Service Upgrades, BUT…

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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… →

BRAVO Northeast Youth Ballet on a Magical Production!

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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! →

HISTORIC FIRST SPORTS BETTING LICENSE GOES TO ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR

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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 →

HONOR MERCY OTIS WARREN (H 4281)

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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) →

GALVIN CERTIFIES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT HIKING TAXES ON MILLIONAIRES

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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 →

$1.6 BILLION SPENDING PACKAGE (H 4532)

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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) →

COVID-19 EMERGENCY SICK LEAVE AND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CHANGES (H 3771)

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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) →

Medford Middle School Students to Participate in Discovering Justice Mock Trial

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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 →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Social Security Thieves

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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 →

Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah -Our “Person of the Year” (2022)

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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 Child Pornography Offenses

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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 →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: The Grinch That Stole Somerville

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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 Publishes Draft Bicycle Network Plan Plan Establishes Vision for an 88-Mile Network of Connected Bike Facilities Citywide

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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 KIWANIS CLUB HOST TOYS FOR TOTS LUNCHEON

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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 →

Man Arraigned in Connection with Fatal Stabbing in Somerville

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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 →

TO:SOMERVILLE CITY HALL FROM:CLARENDON HILL TOWERS RESIDENTS, BUS RIDERS and ALL CITIZENS RE: OUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

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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 →

Somerville City Council Special Committee on Charter Review Public Hearing, Wednesday, 12/7

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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 →

Mayor Ballantyne’s Boston Globe Op Ed Calls for a Broader Vision for Public Transit

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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 →

Somerville City Council Charter Review Committee Public Hearing Old Powder House 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2022

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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 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

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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 →

GIVE WORKERS PAID TIME OFF TO VOTE (S 2545)

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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) →

ELECTION LAW CHANGES (S 2924)

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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) →

Somerville Committee For Relocation for Seniors and Handicapped

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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 →

Russo’s Flooring and Interiors

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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 →

Measure Twice And Cut Once Is A Thing Of The Past In Somerville

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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 →

New City Islands Posing Dangerous Threats To Motorist and Pedestrians Across City

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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 →

Somerville Firefighters Familiarization Training With New Green Line MBTA Stations

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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 →

Letter from the Editor: NO TREE FOR YOU!

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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! →

Celebrate the Holidays in Somerville in December

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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 →

Two Affordable Rental Opportunities: 126 Cross St. and 29 Alpine St.

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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. →

Prepare for the 2022/2023 Snow Season by Reviewing Parking Rules, Signing Up for Alerts

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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 →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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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 →

PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES (H 5195)

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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) →

ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO GIVE INSULIN IN AN EMERGENCY

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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 →

RAISE PENALTIES FOR VOTER FRAUD

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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 →

REPLACE SAME DAY REGISTRATION PROPOSAL WITH A STUDY (H 4359)

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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) →

ELECTION LAW CHANGES (S 2924)

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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) →

SOMERVILLE REDLINE DAVIS SQUARE MBTA TRAIN AND BUS STATION DOUBLES AS A “ROUND THE CLOCK” CLUBHOUSE FOR “PEOPLE WHO LIVE OUTSIDE”{OUR HOMELESS POPULATION)

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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) →

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

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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? →

THE RATS!!! SOMERVILLE, MA OUR REAL LIFE RODENT HORROR STORY!!!

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By Karen Glover

Sound Familiar? … as in…THE BIRDS…the 1963 fictional horror film by the Master, Alfred Hitchcock. Maybe your initial reaction is this comparison is certainly far-fetched…but is it? Hopefully, after reading the observations and facts gleaned from various published articles and commentary, you may readily agree with thousands of Somerville Citizens who are victimized on a daily basis by this out-of-control diseased RAT infestation. Continue reading THE RATS!!! SOMERVILLE, MA OUR REAL LIFE RODENT HORROR STORY!!! →

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:(A&B w/ Dangerous Weapon) Victim Struck In Face With Shovel

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On Saturday, November 19th, 2022, Somerville Police control received a call for a fight occurring at Montaje apartments, located at 449 Canal Street. Officers Campers, Pavao, Lorenti, Messaoudi, and I were all dispatched to that location. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:(A&B w/ Dangerous Weapon) Victim Struck In Face With Shovel →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: RE: 90 Washington St. City Plan

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

Dear Mayor Ballantyne:

At several of the city’s Envisioning 90 Washington Street listen sessions you encouraged attendees to “think like a Mayor.” I am intrigued by this encouragement as I was when your predecessor used to encourage his development staff to “be abnormal”? Both Mayoral encouragements are top of mind in writing you this request.

If I were to think like a Mayor, I would take to heart the words of Albert Einstein when he said, “whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: RE: 90 Washington St. City Plan →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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“If you or anyone you know has interest in serving on a committee or working with us in this administration, I encourage you to get involved. I will say out loud, we are not above poaching. So if you have talent, be prepared to share.”
—Lt. Governor-Elect Kim Driscoll, head of the Maura Healey transition team planning for the transition from the Baker Administration to the Healey Administration. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

PRIVACY OF LOTTERY WINNERS (S 223)

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By Bob Katzen

Legislation that would allow Lottery winners to request that their name, address and other identifying information not be disclosed by the Lottery Commission has died in a study committee. The measure also requires the Lottery Commission to inform a winning ticket holder of their right not to have their personal information disclosed to the public. Another provision gives winners the right to refuse to perform any public action in connections with the awarding, payment or collection of prize money. Continue reading PRIVACY OF LOTTERY WINNERS (S 223) →

CELL PHONE SAFETY (S 187)

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By Bob Katzen

A bill that would require all mobile phones sold or leased in Massachusetts to disclose the dangers of mobile phones clearly and conspicuously on product packaging has died after being shuttled off to a study committee. The notice to consumers would read: “To assure safety, the Federal Government requires that cell phones meet radio frequency (RF) exposure guidelines. Continue reading CELL PHONE SAFETY (S 187) →

SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS (H 5094)

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By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law a bill that would allow fully licensed speech pathologists to be granted a provisional license to practice in Massachusetts during their 36-month fellowship. Currently, Massachusetts is one of only eight states that does not provide a provisional license that allows their students to begin practicing during their fellowship. Continue reading SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS (H 5094) →

PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES IF A PERSON DEFAULTS ON A STUDENT LOAN (H 5195)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved 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. The House has already approved the measure and only final approval is necessary in each branch prior to the measure going to Gov. Charlie Baker.
Continue reading PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES IF A PERSON DEFAULTS ON A STUDENT LOAN (H 5195) →

TAX CUTS BILL #(S 4)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 10-30, rejected a tax reduction amendment that would provide a 3-month suspension of the 24-cents-per-gallon gas tax; reduce from 12 percent to 5 percent the short-term capital gains tax rate; double the dependent care tax credit from $240 to $480 for one qualifying individual and to $960 for two or more individuals; increase the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $5,000; increase the threshold for “no tax status” to $12,400 for single filers and $24,800 for joint filers; and double the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Credit. Continue reading TAX CUTS BILL #(S 4) →

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Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding the suggestions and recommendations made at Mass Publishing Inc.. TRADEMARKS Mass Publishing Inc. and all page headers, custom graphics and button icons are service marks, trademarks, and/or trade dress of Mass Publishing Inc. and may not be used in connection with any product or service that is not offered by Mass Publishing Inc. in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among customers, or in any manner that disparages or discredits Mass Publishing Inc.. All other trademarks, product names and company names or logos cited herein are the property of their respective owners. DISCLAIMER MASS PUBLISHING INC. IS PROVIDING THIS SITE AND ITS CONTENTS ON AN "AS-IS" BASIS AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATION OF THIS SITE, THE INFORMATION, CONTENT, MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS, INCLUDED ON THIS SITE. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MASS PUBLISHING INC. DISCLAIMS ALL SUCH REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, INCLUDING FOR EXAMPLE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN ADDITION, MASS PUBLISHING INC. DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THE INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE VIA THIS SITE IS ACCURATE, COMPLETE OR CURRENT. Price and availability information is subject to change without notice. MASS PUBLISHING INC. WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THIS WEB SITE. THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY THAT APPLIES TO ALL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF DATA, INCOME OR PROFIT, LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES. APPLICABLE LAW This site is created and controlled by Mass Publishing Inc. in the State of Massachusetts, U.S.A. As such, the laws of the State of Massachusetts will govern these disclaimers, terms and conditions, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of laws. Mass Publishing Inc. reserves the right to make changes to its Web site and these disclaimers, terms and conditions at any time. PRICING INFORMATION All pricing on Mass Publishing Inc. is in US dollars unless specifically indicated otherwise. Errors and omission excepted. FRAUD PROTECTION PROGRAM As part of our order processing procedures, we screen all received orders for fraud or other types of unauthorized or illegal activity. We reserve the right to refuse to process any order due to suspected fraud or unauthorized or illegal activity. If such is the case, we may reject your order or our Customer Service department may call you at the phone number you provided to confirm your order. We also reserve the right to cancel any account or refuse to ship to certain addresses due to suspected fraud or unauthorized or illegal activity. We take these measures to protect our customers as well as ourselves from fraud or other unauthorized or illegal activity. COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS Mass Publishing Inc. welcomes your comments and feedback regarding this Web site, and Mass Publishing Inc. products and services. Any information, materials, suggestions, ideas or comments sent to Mass Publishing Inc. will not be treated as confidential, proprietary or trade secret information and, by submitting such information, you are granting Mass Publishing Inc. an irrevocable and unrestricted license to use, modify, reproduce, transmit, display and distribute such information for any purpose whatsoever. If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, or the content or practices of our website, you can contact Mass Publishing Inc. directly at: Wmtauro@aol.com WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS · What our Privacy Policy Covers · What Personal Information is Collected · How We Protect Your Information · How We Use Your Personal Information · Who Views Your Personal Information · Making a Purchase · Children Under 13 · Website Cookies · Questions About This Policy WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS Thank you for visiting our site. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy covers any personal information that we obtain from you when you use services on our site. This policy does not cover the practices of companies that we do not own or control, or the actions of people that we do not employ or manage. Our Privacy Policy may change in the future. We invite you to check back periodically to see if we have made any changes. By using this site, you agree to the terms of our policy. For more information about the terms of use for this site, please visit our legal page. WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION IS COLLECTED Depending on how you use our site, we may ask you to share personal information with us. Whether you choose to give us this information is completely up to you, but keep in mind that if you withhold information, you may not be able to use some of our services. We will ask you for information, including some personal information, when you Make a purchase. When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information. HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION We realize that our customers trust us to protect their personal information. We take that task seriously. We never display your full credit card number once it has been entered. We urge you to protect your own privacy. We recommend that you do not share your password with anyone or share your password in an unsolicited phone call or e-mail. Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts, there is always a risk that third parties may unlawfully intercept transmissions. This reality is true of all Internet use. As a result, we cannot ensure the security of any information you transmit, and you transmit all information at your own risk. HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION We collect personal information primarily to make our services more rewarding for you to use. We usually use this information for internal purposes, such as studying our customers' preferences. We may also use your information to contact you for account and promotional purposes. WHO VIEWS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION We may share your personal information with companies that perform services for us, such as delivering packages, sending postal mail and e-mails, processing credit card payments, investigating fraudulent activity, and providing customer service. They have access to personal information needed to perform their functions, but may not disclose your personally identifiable information for other purposes. Some personal information is stored on servers owned by other companies. Only our personel and our websites have the right to access this information. We do not currently sell or license personal information and have no plans to do so. Your personal information will only be used by this site. At this time, we do not share any personal information with marketing affiliates. It is unlikely that this policy will change in the future. If we do decide to share information with our affiliates, we will post a notice in this Privacy Policy. MAKING A PURCHASE When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information. By making a purchase, you become a registered user. You can choose to store information needed to make a purchase, such as your shipping and billing addresses in the My Account — Profile page. Your credit card information is NEVER stored in our databases and is used only for the duration of the purchase transaction. This data is always transmitted securely to the merchant bank and immediately erased from our systems. CHILDREN UNDER 13 Our site is not designed for children. We do not wish to collect personal information from children under 13. This policy is designed to protect children. Federal law requires us to take special steps to safeguard children's privacy. If you register with us and we discover that you are under 13, we will delete your registration. We will send you a message if we do this. If you are under 13 and want to make a purchase, please ask a parent to place the order for you. WEBSITE COOKIES We collect some anonymous information about how you use the site by setting and accessing cookies on your computer. These cookies track information such as how often you visit our web site, what pages you view, and where you go after you leave the site. The cookies track your computer, not you. They are not connected to any personal information about you. QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POLICY If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or the content or practices of our website, you can contact us directly at: Mass Publishing Inc. wmtauro@aol.com Terms & Conditions/ Cancellation/return policy:If unsatisfied with subscription 7 day money back cancellation return policy on monthly subscriptions. 30 day money back cancellation return policy on yearly subscriptions. Contact Email: Somervillenewsweekly@yahoo.com