Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

By Joe Viglione

Salem and Rockport enjoyed the presence of a musical giant best known for a song that must have over 1,000 “cover versions” at this point in time, the immortal “Sunny.” On Aug. 3 2010, just a week and a day after his 72nd birthday, we lost this unique, wonderful and quite amazing human being: Bobby Hebb. Continue reading Remembrance: The great Bobby Hebb, ‘Sunny’ and beyond – Ten Years After the Passing of this Musical Giant →

SONY DSC

SOMERVILLE, MA, August 3, 2020 – Earlier today, Legacy Building and Development announced it is now offering tours of 519 on Broadway, Somerville’s newest residences with sophisticated modern amenities. Continue reading LOCAL DEVELOPER BRINGS EXTRAORDINARY LIVING TO MAGOUN SQUARE SOMERVILLE →

The Council on Aging recently celebrated the retirement of Cindy Hickey, longtime director and advocate for older adults and welcomed Ashley Speliotis, LICSW, ME.d, CCM, as interim director. Continue reading Somerville COA Updates →

By Bob Katzen

The House 33-126, rejected an amendment to a section of an economic development bill that legalizes sports betting. Continue reading STRIKE 1 PERCENT FOR OWNERS OF TEAMS AND STADIUMS →

By Bob Katzen
The House 29-130, rejected an amendment giving cities and towns the option to impose on the buyers a tax between .5 percent and 2 percent on the purchase of real estate to be used by the city or town’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Purchases by government entities or charitable organizations would be exempt. Continue reading ALLOW LOCAL TAX ON REAL ESTATE PURCHASES AMENDMENT REJECTED →

By Bob Katzen

The House 23-136, rejected an amendment that would repeal the 1994 law that prohibits rent control from being implemented by local cities and towns. Rent control places limits on the rent that a landlord may charge. The Bay State outlawed rent control on a 1994 voter-approved ballot question that was approved 51 percent to 49 percent. At that time, only Boston, Cambridge and Brookline had implemented rent control. Continue reading ALLOW RENT CONTROL AMENDMENT REJECTED →

By Bob Katzen

The House 159-0, approved a measure providing for the installation and maintenance of a plaque in the House chamber containing a portion of the address which Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered to a joint convention of the Massachusetts House and Senate in April 1965. The Senate approved the measure on a voice vote and sent it to Gov. Baker. Continue reading MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLAQUE APPROVED →

By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved a bill designed to boost participation rates in school breakfast programs in high-poverty schools. The measure would require that breakfast be offered only after the school day begins, through a variety of ways including breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go and second-chance breakfast. Continue reading BREAKFAST AFTER THE BELL →

By Bob Katzen

The House 62-94, rejected an amendment that would have made all frontline medical staff who get diagnosed with COVID-19 automatically eligible for workers’ compensation. Continue reading FRONTLINE MEDICAL WORKERS AND WORKERS’ COMP REJECTED →

By Bob Katzen
The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House bill that would require all public universities to offer ways for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or developmental disabilities to participate in programs that provide academic, career and independent living skills alongside students who do not have disabilities. Continue reading BILL APPROVED FOR STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE →

The City of Somerville Council on Aging is now accepting donations of new games, puzzles, books, arts and craft supplies, and other fun items to deliver some cheer to local seniors. Sudoku books, word searches, adult coloring books, sketch pads, playing cards, and stationery are especially popular. Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Seeking Donations of New Games and Art Supplies for Seniors →

There are two ways residents can submit testimony:
To attend and be heard, enter the following link into your internet browser at any time before the meeting: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6975948688038741262. You will be asked to register for the meeting, and after registering, you will receive an email with instructions to join the meeting/webinar when it starts.
Continue reading Public Hearing on Tufts Reopening Plan, 8/5 The Somerville City Council will hold a public hearing on Tufts University’s reopening plan on Wednesday, August 5, starting at 7 p.m. →

Officials cite concerns over COVID-19 case trends, overall testing capacity, and State contact tracing weaknesses

10-person indoor and outdoor gatherings limit remains in effect

City supporting outdoor options for gyms and fitness centers

SOMERVILLE, MA – As members of the medical community note rising case counts and urge a rollback of the State’s phased reopening, Somerville’s Phase 3 Step 1 reopening will remain on hold. Local officials continue to review the situation in two-week intervals, with the next update coming on or before Monday, August 17. Continue reading Phase 3 Reopening in Somerville Remains on Hold, Outdoor Fitness Alternatives Allowed →

There will be a Public Hearing before a Special Meeting of the Somerville City Council on Wednesday, August 5, at 7 PM. The public hearing will address Tufts University’s re-opening plans, and the public is welcome to attend and be heard. Continue reading Somerville Notice of Special City Council Meeting & Public Hearing →

House Passes Police Reform Bill 93-66
BOSTON​– Representative Christine P. Barber of Medford and Somerville voted in favor of H.4860​: An Act Relative to Justice, Equity and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth​, an omnibus police reform bill. Continue reading Representative Barber Votes in Favor of Omnibus Police Reform Bill →

(Somerville, MA) Naveo Credit Union’s Scholarship Committee awarded three scholarships of $1,500 each to local students attending a college or university this fall. Scholarship recipients for the 2020-2021 school year were Liana Tarte of Cambridge, Richard John McNamara of Wilmington and Ashley Cadet of Everett. Continue reading Naveo Credit Union awards $4,500 in scholarships to recipients of the Carlos Faria and Victor Da Silva Memorial Scholarship Fund →

By William Tauro

This past Sunday morning at around 2:00AM, Somerville police officers were having trouble dispersing over one hundred low riders that had assembled at 43 3rd Avenue in Somerville.

Continue reading Somerville PD Calling For Assistances Dispersing Over 100 Low Riders →

By Arthur Moore

They started on Jacques Street with this silly idea which has no chance on being used. The put in sawhorses and moveable poles. All of which were destroyed promptly. Mostly because there is no room for them, street is too narrow. No one walks in the middle of the street here unless it is Winter. Continue reading Silly Shared Streets Gets Sillier →

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

This parakeet was seen yesterday(07/31/20) on Wigglesworth St. The resident was unable to catch the bird but believes it may come back for her bird feeder. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: PARAKEET SIGHTING →

Click on link below to view video:

www.facebook.com/1418920448327455/posts/2749461121940041

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

Please explain how this can be built? Seriously 91 units 26 parking spots and 85 bike spaces….

Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Is A Former Alderman/Attorney /Developor & His Mayoral Partner Trying to Sneak in a 91 Unit Developent at 28-44 Broadway? Must Attend Meeting August 4th →

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

You know the city took body cameras off of the negotiations last time when we were in negotiations. It wasn’t us. The unions are not against body cameras. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:SPD Officers In Favor of Body Cameras →

By William Tauro

At about 1:30PM on Wednesday afternoon, Somerville Fire and Police Department crews were called to the intersection of Bow Street at Walnut Street for a collapsed power utility cable. Continue reading Power Cable Line Collapse Union Square Somerville →

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, July 29, the 211th day of 2020 with 155 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:33 and sunset is @ 8:08. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1588 – The English defeated the Spanish Armada in the Battle of Gravelines.

Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Photo:Former Mayor Gene Brune organized a Farewell Drive By “Thank You” for the Little Sisters of the Poor located at 186 Highland Avenue. The procession was led by Somerville Fire Department and Somerville Police Department Honor Guards with SFD Engine 7 and C3 participating. Shown below (L-R) Gene Brune & District Chief Jay Keane.

By Gene Brune

It was a sad day on Sunday when about 100 cars turned out to do a drive by at the home of The Little Sisters on Highland Ave. The drive by was lead by Police motorcycles, the Somerville Police and Fire Honor Guards, Fire Engine’s, Cataldo’s Ambulance Service, Bishop Reed, and about 100 cars all decorated with balloons donated by Susan and Joann Fontano, and signs thanking the Sisters for the 150 years of service to Somerville and greater Boston.

Continue reading Somerville Thanking Little Sisters of the Poor With Farewell Drive By →

July 28th, 2020 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qy_pNK4hJiCl6_MgCycUTHkkPpZWpoQ2/view

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Jimmy DelPonte, Joanne Gallo, Jake Connors, Bruce Rollins, Marisa Tauro, Salvatore Caruso, Erin Henry, Joey Kreimeyer, Cadence Brooke Medeiros, Sarah Gauthier, Michael Giso, Ray Robinson, Jason Dorant, Anne Collette Piques, Craig S Freni, Miriam Buda, John P. Ferranti, Bill Brouck, Mary Haley, Thomas Gouveia, Vivaldo Meneses, Anna Buonopane, Janice Delory, Linda Marie MC, Judy Hagerty Halloran, Jennie Aho, Edward Killoren, Mark Niedergang, Corey Norton, Doti Wedge-Metivier, David Bunton, Daniel Bowden, Patricia Parks Coleman, John Coyne, Gavin Tan, Michael Delicato, Robert Carnes, Mario Luis, Lenny Russel, Kay Camara , Jennifer Jones, Ernestina Cunha, Robert Leung, Rosemarie Sousa, Robert Leung, AcAc aka Anthony Cataldo, Charles Casella, Stephan Abele, Jack Walsh, Marlene Foster Bouchard, Giuseppe Albanese, Darlene DeFrancesco, Tommy O’Connor, Joseph Szulewski, Barbara Spindler, Charlie Gravell, Viviana Dragani, Margo Aalsh, Suzanne Lograsso, Paul Bellino, Mike Morrison, Jim Hughes, Dominic Marcellino, Camille Stiles, David Badger, Mark Tauro, Stephen Pesci Ferrara, Suzy Callan Scalezse, Ronnie Bagnera, Tony Cataldo and Nicholas Oliveira
Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

“Mittens” went missing on 07/26/20 in the Mason St area. She is not wearing a collar and is an indoor cat. Please contact her owner Cora at 614-203-8786 with any information. Thank you!

Photos by Al Nevaras

By William Tauro

Somerville firefighters arrived on location midday on Monday to an active scene of a house fire located in Somerville at 84 Lowell Street.
This story is still developing…

“Ozzy” went missing on 07/25/20 next to the Somerville Courthouse on Middlesex Ave/McGrath Hwy. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING DOG →

SOMERVILLE –East Somerville Main Street’s new Pick-up Market is taking place now through August!

Order from local businesses including Deano’s Pasta, Tex Mex Eats’ tamales and salsa, Wild Fox Pierogis, chocolates, cookies, granola and more! Continue reading Support Local Businesses and Shop Safe at East Somerville’s Pick-up Market →

By Bob Katzen

The House 38-121, rejected an amendment that would ban the use of tear gas by law enforcement officers in Massachusetts. Continue reading TEAR GAS USE AMENDMENT REJECTED →

By Bob Katzen

The House 93-66, approved a bill making changes in the state’s policing system. The measure creates a Police Officer Standards and Accreditation Committee (POSAC)—an independent state entity composed of law enforcement professionals, community members and racial justice advocates—to standardize the certification, training and decertification of police officers for misconduct including bias, conviction of a felony, submission of false timesheets and use of excessive force. Continue reading STATE APPROVES CHANGES IN POLICING →

By Bob Katzen

The House 44-115, rejected an amendment to a section of the bill which provides for the de-certification of a police officer for, among other offenses, “unprofessional police conduct.” Continue reading STATE DEFINES UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT →

By Bob Katzen

The House 83-76, approved an amendment to a section of the bill which sets the rules under which a judge can issue a “no-knock warrant” that does not require a law enforcement officer to knock and announce his or her presence and purpose before forcibly entering a residence. Continue reading NO-KNOCK WARRANT AMENDMENT APPROVED →

By Bob Katzen

The House 43-115, rejected an amendment that would strike a section of the bill that allows an attack on a person by a police dog to be the basis of an inquiry into an officer that can lead to his or her decertification. Continue reading POLICE DOG AMENDMENT REJECTED →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow first responders to transport stroke patients to the facilities best equipped to treat them, rather than the closest, as currently required. Continue reading STROKE PATIENTS BILL APPROVED →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say will resolve a decade-long distribution dispute between beer brewers and wholesalers in the Bay State. The measure is a compromise that was reached by The Massachusetts Brewers Guild, representing craft breweries, and the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts Continue reading SMALL BREWERS/WHOLESALERS DISTRIBUTION DISPUTE RESOLVED →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a measure, already given the nod by the House in December 2019 providing for the installation and maintenance of a plaque in the House chamber containing a portion of the address which Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered to a joint convention of the Massachusetts House and Senate in April 1965. Continue reading MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL PLAQUE APPROVED →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker extended the moratorium on most residential, commercial and nonprofit evictions and foreclosures for 60 days until October 17. The moratorium, approved by the Legislature and signed by Baker on April 20, was set to expire on August 18. The April law gave the governor the power to postpone the expiration in increments of up to 90 days. Continue reading EXTEND MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURES →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law legislation that would grant additional tools to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to combat mosquito-borne illnesses including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Continue reading MASS MOSQUITO CONTROL →

By Bob Katzen

Governor  Baker signed into law a bill that would allow restaurants to sell sealed containers of mixed drinks with take-out and delivery orders. A law passed in April allows restaurants and bars to sell limited quantities of beer and wine, in their original containers, with takeout and delivery orders. The order did not include mixed drinks. Continue reading ALLOWING RESTAURANTS TO SELL HARD LIQUOR →

By Arthur Moore

Here are your tax dollars at work. Shared streets on Jacques St. They first tried saw horses, Saw horses in splinters. Silly poles with signs kept disappearing. So now we install those plastic thingies. Continue reading Somerville Shared Street Silly →

This is the most obsurd and dangerous idea yet and all about the adminstratiion and Tufts concern about the lack of revenue by students families instead of being focused on the safety of our neighborhoods. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:My Response to Somerville Ward 7 Councilor Katjana Ballantyne About Tufts and Covid →

Four Town Halls to focus on Covid-19 Planning for Somerville Public Schools

SOMERVILLE, MA – The Somerville Public Schools and the City of Somerville will jointly host four online School Planning Town Halls (two in English, two multilingual) on local efforts to prepare for the 2020/2021 school year amid the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading Town Halls on School District COVID-19 Planning Announced →

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

How much do you know about this Actblue thing? Looks like something in need of some sunlight. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:(BLM) Is a big legal money-laundering scheme with its headquarters right here in Somerville? →

By Arthur Moore
Since sports players have started their kneeling protest there are many now protesting that as it is disrespectful to the American flag. People have been giving up watching or buying any products that are related to the NFL. And now for any sport that the players do not follow proper flag etiquette. I am 100% behind the boycott. Continue reading Sports Boycotts Over American Flag Growing Strong →

Rayla is a native of Boston who grew up in Scituate. Rayla has resided in Randolph for the last 13 years and maintains strong family ties to the communities of Mattapan, Milton, Dorchester, Mission Hill, Roslindale, and W. Roxbury. Continue reading Elect Rayla Campbell for Congress MA-7 →

Please visit my website: https://colarussoforcongress.com

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

Good morning Billy hope this is helpful to you and to me

May 3,2020
North St Somerville

While I went out shopping at 1:00 pm, my apartment was being robbed. It seemed as if the thief knew exactly where to go (my bedroom) where he stole most of my jewelry (VALUABLE and all of my SENTIMENTAL) ones given to me by my parents. Every time they would go to Italy, they would bring something home for me and this jewelry given to me as well as by my husband was now stolen from me. Continue reading SOMERVILLE/MEDFORD NEWS WEEKLY SPEAKUP LINE:PUBLIC’S HELP NEEDED TO IDENTIFY SOMERVILLE MAY 3RD BURGLARY-(Reward Offered) →

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

Dear taxpayers, our past water bills have been recently hijacked. Unless you pay your bill online, you will not know that your previous bills that were once retrievable on line, have disappeared. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Past Water Bills Recently Hijacked →

I’m second generation born in America from Sicily, who has very deep roots in the city of Revere, Massachusetts. Growing up in Revere which was a suburb of Boston, now has morphed into a large metropolitan community. Continue reading An Editorial by Gina Castiello →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Colonel (RET.) Joseph W. Mercuri on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Colonel (RET.) Joseph W. Mercuri →

By Arthur Moore

When the constitution was written we had some brilliant minds draw it up trying to write in everything they could to help this country get going. Continue reading Freedom of Speech Now Gone In Somerville Too? →

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, July 22nd, the 204th day of 2020 with 162 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:26 and sunset is @ 8:14. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1376 – The legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin leading rats out of town is said to have occurred on this date. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Shaun M. Halloran on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Shaun M. Halloran →

1. Yesterday, the Somerville Licensing Commission voted unanimously to extend to 11:30 PM the closing time for restaurants to provide outdoor dining service to their patrons. Previously, the closing time had been set at 10:00 PM.
Continue reading Licensing Commission Advisory: Outdoor Dining Hours Extended, Cocktails to Go Approved →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Melvin (Mel) Bennett on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Melvin (Mel) Bennett →

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

Why is the Assembly Sports Club located at Assembly Row in Somerville the only gym allowed to be open in the city? Why aren’t the other Somerville gyms and fitness centers allowed to be open as well where I workout?
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Are They Legally Beating the System or is Curtatone Playing Fitnesses Center Favoritism →

Click on link below to read July 21st, 2020 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10I0H15Q6llPF7gYr4G-UNQkeywZ08kB3/view

Congratulations to Somerville Council on Aging Director Cindy Hickey on her retirement from the City of Somerville  after 27 years of service with the city. Continue reading Somerville COA Director Cindy Hickey Retires After 27 Years With City of Somerville →

Photo 1
the album cover. Photo credit would be: © Ron Gordon
Photo 2 photo credit : ©2018 Tim Brown (timbrownphoto.com)

Conducted by Joe Viglione

In a world where DVD and CD sales have fallen off and a new generation embraces the Internet and free music, musician/author Stephen Wade has put together a one-disc, information-packed description of the banjo with music and word that is absolutely essential. Continue reading An Interview with Stephen Wade →

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Drew Valera, Holly Hayes, Samantha Ravanis, Jake Sarver, Bianca Tauro, Katie Quinlan Gauthier, Mrs Cheung Choi, Kristen Glejzer, Anne-Marie Lyons, Mike James, Lillian Cole, John Buccelli, Millie Allwood, Cheryl Chaille Horan, Deborah Lawrence Ferragamo, David Furtado, Brian Doherty, Angela M Campbell, Terri Denton, DJ Fullerton, Margi Frattura, John Casey, John Northrup, Debbie Brune Cabral, Joanne Blundon, Sheila May Haines, Eddie Bevans, Chuck Frey, Dan Vaudo Jr, Patrice McClintic, Patricia Talbot, Ronny Aylward, Richard Joseph, Ed Farin, Michelle Price-Capone, Kim Adams, Jacqueline Harbinson-Lamb, Frank Tello Jr, Joan Campo McKenna, Caroline Collarusso, Carol Powers, Karen Roccz , John Bun Kelly, Ada Lam, Jacques Fleury, Remington Swinson, Peter Petruzziello, Justin Klekota, Kristin Davis, Anne T. Zaya, Jason Dorant, David W. Somero, Doc D’Errico, John Serpico, Ella Almas Dion, Kaitlin McGovern, Ron Racca, Bobby Biagiotti and Mark A Tocci

Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

STONEHAM, MA. Stoneham Selectwoman Caroline Colarusso officially announced her campaign for U.S. Congress in the Massachusetts 5th Congressional District to unseat incumbent Katherine Clark. Continue reading Colarusso Officially Announces Candidacy for U.S. Congress →

As of Monday, July 20, the COVID-19 testing site previously located at the Somerville Hospital has moved to 133 Middlesex Avenue (near the former Kmart site) in Assembly Square. Continue reading Somerville’s Cambridge Health Alliance Testing Site Moved to Assembly Squar →

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

Recently Somerville city officials handed out several bottles of “Blumen Hand Sanitizer” to hundreds of Somerville seniors as a kind gesture/political stunt opportunity. The city distributed the toxic product not knowing that the hand sanitizer is defective and contains undeclared amounts of Methonol and the city is trying to figure out the best way to tell the public without creating a citywide panic. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Are City Officials Forgetting To Tell Somerville Seniors Something About A life Threatening Deadly Problem? →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mike Devereaux on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Retired Police Captain Mike Devereaux →

“Without all of the hustle and bustle of heading into Boston, why not just head locally right in Winchester at TAVOLA RESTAURANT where a little piece of Italy is waiting for you!”
Continue reading A TAVOLA RESTAURANT WINCHESTER OPEN FOR OUTDOOR PATIO DINING & TAKEOUT ORDERS: (781)729-1040 34 CHURCH STREET WINCHESTER →

Continue reading Antonio’s Cucina Italiano Boston (617)367-3310 →

The Somerville Health Foundation, part of Cambridge Health Alliance, serves to promote and support educational, research and outreach programs that improve primary care and preventive health services for residents of Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Health Foundation Request for Preventative Health Proposals →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 16-24, rejected an amendment striking a section of the bill which sets new limits on qualified immunity protections that currently shield police and other government officials from civil suits. Continue reading STUDY QUALIFIED IMMUNITY →

CHANGES IN POLICING (S 2800)
Senate 30-7, approved and sent to the House a bill making major changes in the state’s policing system. Continue reading CHANGES IN POLICING →

By Bob Katzen

BAN ALL CHOKEHOLDS (S 2800)

The Senate 16-23, rejected an amendment that would completely ban police officers from using a chokehold under any circumstances. The amendment would replace an existing section of the bill that was a compromise reached by the working group that helped draft the measure. Continue reading STATE BANS ALL CHOKEHOLDS (S 2800) THEN ALLOWS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 36-4, approved an estimated $16.9 billion bond bill authorizing spending on transportation projects and infrastructure. Continue reading $16.9 BILLION IN TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 8-31, rejected a motion to strike from the bill a section that allows cities and towns and regions to raise local taxes to fund transportation projects outside of Proposition 2½, which limits property tax increases in cities and towns. Continue reading ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO RAISE TAXES FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 14-25, rejected an amendment that would allow any city or town to install and operate live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring systems to enforce violations against the owner of a motor vehicle whose vehicle failed to stop for a school bus when required to do so by law. Continue reading INSTALL CAMERAS ON SCHOOL BUSES →

$1.1 BILLION FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE (H 4853) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a bill that would provide $1.1 billion to cover expenses related to response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading $1.1 BILLION FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE →

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (H 4606) – The House gave initial approval to a bill making it a crime to perform female genital mutilation on anyone under the age of 18. Continue reading FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor legislation that would grant additional tools to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to combat mosquito-borne illnesses including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Continue reading MOSQUITO CONTROL BOARD TO COMBAT MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a proposal that would allow a court to order mandatory use of an interlock device for any driver who operated a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or greater. Continue reading DRUNKEN DRIVING LAWS REVISED ALLOWING USE OF MANDATORY INTERLOCK DEVICE →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would allow restaurants to sell sealed containers of mixed drinks with take-out and delivery orders. Continue reading STATE TO ALLOW RESTAURANTS TO SELL HARD LIQUOR →

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

Its pretty bad when the Emporer decides to compete with Media Marty for coverage every week. Sadly its at the expense of every business and property owner in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Stands Still at a Price →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Josephine Vendetti on her passing.
Continue reading Somerville/Cambridge Remembering Josephine Vendetti →

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, July 18, the 200th day of 2020 with 166 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:23 and sunset is @ 8:17. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 0064 – The Great Fire of Rome began. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Photo by William Tauro

By Arthur Moore

I am wondering what game this is? Are they picking numbers out of a hat to see what day to open here? Continue reading Somerville’s August 3rd Maybe Opening? →

Photo:Somerville DPW’s Eddie Hardy shown retrieving the eight ducklings that were trapped in the storm drain.

By William Tauro  Continue reading Somerville DPW and SPD Rescue Eight Ducklings at Assembly Row →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Joseph A. (Palmisano) Palmer on his passing.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joseph A. (Palmisano) Palmer →

– Citing concerns over metro region case numbers, State contact tracing weaknesses, and risk of new surge, Somerville postpones Phase 3 by at least another two weeks

Continue reading Phase 3 Business Reopening in Somerville Pushed to August 3 — At Earliest →

By William Tauro

Last week at 7:30 AM one morning, an off duty Massachusetts State Trooper was getting coffee at 7:30 AM at Dunkin’ Donuts on Middlesex Avenue in Somerville. He was astonished when he witnessed a lady opening a Somerville News Weekly news box and taking out a full stack of just under one hundred newspapers and then walking away with them.

Continue reading Stolen Somerville News Weekly Newspaper Thief Bagged & Shamed →

By Arthur Moore

This is getting so absurd here. The mayor delays opening by one week. Like we are all of a sudden going to get a cure for the virus while waiting. Continue reading Somerville Mayor’s Broken GPS →

By Arthur Moore

As we are trying to cope on several levels here in Somerville we have another problem happening to cripple our local businesses here even more. Continue reading Warning, Somerville Bike Safety Committee is out to Screw More Businesses! →

Click on link below to read July 14th, 2020 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rJIzOcBX_-kMxk5i-WZMWCtA5PtQ6dZy/view

The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week
Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Alexia Ferreira, Gina Frauneni, Kelly Clark, Paul DeSantis, Chris Fiore, Jerry Sears, John Grimes, Linda Sauer McSorley, Ed Farinato, Janeen Mobilia, Gerly Adrien, Joe E Vanessa, Sissy Doherty, Linda Brietzke, Renee Santangelo, Rob Assarian, Jacky Normile, Jason Laporta, Tommy Colon, Robbie Harts, Donna Langill, Anne Vigorito, Corinne Brune Dellanno, Jeannie Casazza, Michael Alsup, Stephen M Post, Mike Jarjaura, Georgia Cutulle Okerholm, David Lucker, Mary Collette Shannon, Paul Burke, Susan Martini Bratton, Santi Grullon, Lesley Conway, Steve Soares, Junior Lacriox, Louie Direnzo, Mark McCabe, Eileen Costa, Kenny Manzi, Ken Goodwin, Christine Desrochers-Broderick, Mike Cohen, Marc Zappulla, Orlando Maffucci, Paul Valentino Sr, Delio Susi Sr, Michelle McCallem Dasilva, Margaret Menard, Al Rose, Debra O’Brien, William O’Brien, Peter Kerger, Kathleen Burak, Joe Cottier, Dianne DesRoches, Andre Green, Cheryl Cottis Ricci, Happy 14th Birthday to Harleigh Marie LaRose and Happy 93rd Birthday to Charlie Siciliano
Sent in by our readers!

Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

The following narrative is a supplemental report regarding my involvement in incident # 20031689.
I Officer Prophete was working my assigned 8 AM-4 PM shift. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Steven HIXON (Larceny Over $1200)(Stolen Bicycle) →

Relief measure provides key stimulus funding to address budgetary shortfalls and assist individuals, families, and businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 Pandemic Continue reading Donato Announces House Passage of $1billion Supplemental Budget →

By Arthur Moore

Photo by William Tauro

It is time we realize it is time to increase the funding for the Somerville Police Department. For those of us who live here in this city we need the best line of defense we can get against the criminal element. When a problem occurs 911 is the number we call for help. Every single day 24 hours a day someone is there to answer the call. Continue reading Increase Funding for the Somerville Police Department →

By William Tauro

With Somerville Police Chief Dave Fallon’s retirement announcement date to step down in December fast approaching, we are now hearing that one of the current deputy chiefs is being pressured to retire as well. Continue reading Somerville Deputy Police Chief Wars →

By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved a bill that would grant additional tools to the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board to combat mosquito-borne illnesses including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Continue reading HOW THE STATE IS COMBATING MOSQUITO CONTROL →

By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would require the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to meet new reporting requirements and be more accountable. The department’s job is to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. Continue reading MORE ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved a bill that would allow restaurants to sell sealed containers of mixed drinks with take-out and delivery orders. A law passed in April allows restaurants and bars to sell limited quantities of beer and wine, in their original containers, with takeout and delivery orders. Continue reading ALLOW RESTAURANTS TO SELL HARD LIQUOR →

By Bob Katzen

The state Department of Unemployment Assistance announced that it has verified 58,616 fraudulent unemployment claims through June 20. The department has not yet released how much money was paid out in error. Continue reading MASS 58,616 FRAUDULENT UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS →

By Bob Katzen

Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) and Rep. Jon Santiago (D-Boston) of Boston have filed legislation creating a commission that would review the Bay State’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and make recommendations on how Massachusetts can better prepare in the future. Continue reading INVESTIGATE AND REVIEW BAY STATE’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC →

By Bob Katzen

Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and Rep. Dan Sena (D-Acton) have filed a jobs bill to help residents economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading MASSACHUSETTS JOBS BILL FILED →

All Massachusetts voters will be able to vote by mail in both the September 1 State primary and the November 3 general election this year. By July 15, the Secretary of State will mail all eligible voters (who have not already requested an absentee ballot) a vote by mail ballot application. Continue reading Somerville: Keep an Eye on Your Mailbox: Vote by Mail Ballot Applications Are Coming →

Phase 3 Business and Gatherings in Somerville to Reopen July 20

Guidelines and requirements for reopening to be announced

SOMERVILLE, MA – Phase 3 Step 1 business establishments in Somerville will be allowed to reopen on Monday, July 20, assuming all safety protocols are met. New indoor and outdoor gathering guidelines will also go into effect on July 20 with additional restrictions beyond those imposed by the State. Continue reading Somerville to Delay Phase 3 Open Date Until July 20 →

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, July 12, the 194th day of 2020 with 172 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:18 and sunset is @ 8:21. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1096 – Crusaders under Peter the Hermit reached Sofia, Bulgaria. There they met their Byzantine escort, which brought them safely the rest of the way to Constantinople. by August 1. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

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

For those who wish to defund the police. Can you explain to me why police and 911 operators have been coming to work daily since covid 19 started and civilians work in domestic violence, detail office, crime analysis and computers have been allowed to stay home. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:911 Dispatcher’s Lives Matter →

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

I’m reading your prior article correctly, the Deputy Chiefs are receiving a $10K pay raise. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Justifiable Deeds Go Unappreciated, Unjustifiable (politically connected) Deeds Get Pay Raises/Bonuses →

Dear Billy T and Somerville News Weekly Speak Up Line,

I wasn’t sure if you were aware that the Director of Fleet Management Ron Bonney, his wife Iwana Bonney, a research doctor at Tufts Medical is on the Somerville Redevelopment Authority! Talk about a conflict tenfold! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville City Council unanimously voted to cut the fleet manager position →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Paul Cook on his passing.
Continue reading Somerville Remembering Paul Cook →

Looking for the public’s help in identifying this vandal from June 28th on College Avenue in Somerville.  This is a video of the vandal carrying a green laundry sack who then goes into a private driveway and scratching the word “pig” into a victim’s truck because the victim’s daughter is a police officer and lives there. Continue reading Looking For Public’s Help In Identifying Somerville Vandal →

Click on link below to read July 7th, 2020 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yo7mu7u9mO1UqI6Y1qY9znr3C3s2UdpK/view

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Cindy Hickey, Mayor Gene Brune, Lucia Jorge, Mary Sullivan, Steve Simard, Mama DiRusso, Kimberly Haines, Jason Brewer, Daniela Nagel, Gayle Baldasaro, Mrs. Clifford, Arete Pascucci, David Deveney, Lois O’Brien, Lance Covert, William Tauro, Mike Cirella, Frederick Federico, Mark Verderber, Jeff Whalen, Carol Parrella, Chris Coughlin, Karen Nooch Egidio, Robert Wallace, Bill Harland, Joe Spinosa, Tim O’Malley, John Aube, Mark Healey, Paul Kouroyen, Linda Tabbi-Dunn, Charles Zammuto, Mary Walker, Laura A Frisoli, Ronnie White Jr., Monica Deleon, Maria TK, Dan Strange, Kristen Ross, Daniel Sullivan, Ed Byrne, John Monte, John Stamatakis, Bill Slason, Robert Bent, Frank Augello, J Rod, Michael Terrio, Michean Seumas, Joseph Szulewski, Margaret Power, Dom DeVito, Mary Lorden, Denise Baker, Ryan Rucki, James Burdulis, Tony Scaparotti, Joan Spartichino, Anthony DePinto, Charlie Zammuto and Happy 4th Birthday to Angelina Miele
Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

The City of Somerville’s newly formed Memorialization Committee, which will name public assets like buildings, streets, and parks, is accepting applications for two resident positions. Continue reading Memorialization Committee Seeks Two Resident Members →

New Bill Would Temporarily Halt MassHealth Estate Recovery during COVID Pandemic

BOSTON– Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford has filed new legislation to protect the family members of people who have received long-term care services through MassHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Senator Jo Comerford of Northampton. Continue reading Representative Barber Files Bill to Protect Families Receiving Long-Term Care Services →

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

Have you looked at the new police budgets? Apparently the two deputy chiefs just got a ten thousand dollar raise each ?? Wtf?? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Deputy Police Chiefs Both Get $10,000.00 Pay-Raises Each →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of retired former Somerville Police Captain Frank Pisani on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Retired Somerville Police Captain Frank Pisani →

Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Arrest Log 7/22/20 – 7/5/20 →

By Arthur Moore

Here it is July 6th, my wife who is a gym rat ran off this morning to go to the gym after all this time closed. The good part is the gym she went to is in Medford which opened today. So with my wife finally happy things will be nicer at my house. Continue reading Somerville In Last Place Again, and Again, and Again →

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, July 06, the 188th day of 2020 with 178 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:13 and sunset is @ 8:24. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1483 – King Richard III of England was crowned. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-1, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Governor  Charlie Baker a bill that would direct Secretary of State Bill Galvin to send applications for a mail-in ballot to every registered voter by July 15 for the September 1 primary and by September 14 for the November 3 general election. Continue reading STATE TO MAKE IT EASIER TO VOTE BY MAIL →

By Bob Katzen

The House 159-0, Senate 39-0, reduced from $300 to $200 million Chapter 90 funding for cities and towns for the maintenance, repair and improvement of local roads and bridges. Continue reading $300 REDUCED TO $200 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES →

By Bob Katzen

The House 159-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a special 23-member commission to examine and make recommendations to reduce or eliminate racial disparities in the death of mothers before, during and after childbirth. Continue reading RACIAL DISPARITIES IN MATERNAL MORTALITY →