By Bob Katzen

The Labor and Workforce Development Committee accepted written and video testimony on a bill that would create a legal presumption that any COVID-19 diagnosis of a front-line health worker is work-related. Continue reading FRONT LINE HEALTH WORKERS BILL →

By Bob Katzen

The seven justices of the state’s SJC penned an open letter to members of the Judiciary and attorneys across the state. Here are some excerpts:

“The events of the last few months have reminded us of what African Americans know all too well: that too often, by too many, black lives are not treated with the dignity and respect accorded to white lives. Continue reading SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT (SJC) WEIGHS IN →

Photo by William Tauro

By Bob Katzen

A bill filed last week by Sen. Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) would allow restaurants to sell sealed containers of mixed drinks with take-out and delivery orders. Continue reading MASS TO ALLOW RESTAURANTS TO SELL HARD LIQUOR →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, June 07, the 159th day of 2020 with 207 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:07 and sunset is @ 8:18. 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: 1494 – Spain and Portugal divided the new lands they had discovered between themselves. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

By Arthur Moore

I will start by saying this is just a personal view. As for the Floyd incident to trigger this off I am not sure we have all the facts yet to decide if it is even race related. It is said they knew each other. Continue reading Thoughts on Today’s Racism →

By William Tauro

Somerville under Covid19 pandemic restrictions and all going on while racial motivated riots with looting alerts throughout our city streets but the mayor wants change in the Somerville Police Department. If our police department is so expendable, why are they patrolling our streets at Assembly Row and Davis Square for looting and why in the world is Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone being escorted around the city in a chauffeured SUV driven by an armed Somerville police officer? Continue reading Practice What You Preach In Somerville Mayor Curtatone →

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

Mr. Tauro, I frequently walk highland ave with my granddaughter while my daughter and husband are working and trying to make ends meet during this difficult time. After seeing your post today and the Somerville official not wearing his required mandatory mask. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:My Kids Matter! →

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

This sign in located on the Bike path in Somerville. I thought Somerville is family friendly. I’m applauded that  my children are seeing this. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:BLM Sign/Foul Language on Community Path →

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

This is a PMA employee hired by the City of Somerville to oversee the operation he is on Highland Avenue  with no mask or face covering during this covid-19 pandemic. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville City Employee Breaking City’s Own Rules →

By Gene Brune

What have we learned listening and watching all that has happened and continuing today regarding the sad ending of the life of George Floyd? When I first watched on television the police officer holding down Floyd with his knee putting pressure on Floyd’s neck and listening to Floyd begging for him to stop as he couldn’t breathe, I immediately felt disgust for the police officer. Continue reading HAVE WE LEARNED ANYTHING? →

Mayor Curtatone Announces Next Steps in Ongoing Efforts to Provide Just, Unbiased, and Compassionate Community Policing

Establishment of Civilian Oversight Committee,
Continued Pursuit of Officer Body Cameras,
Changes to Asset Forfeiture Funding Policies,
Call for State-Level Special Prosecutor for Police Violence Cases, Continue reading Somerville to Officially Declare Systemic Racism a Public Safety and Health Emergency →

A fire early this morning, June 3, 2020 resulted in heavy damage to a vacant, two family dwelling located at 32 Webster Avenue. Continue reading Early Morning Somerville House Fire →

By Arthur Moore

We have upgraded the game since then. The students of games has started a new one called shared streets. Continue reading Somerville, The Good Ol Days Playing Dodge Ball →

Dear Editor,

Our leadership in Somerville just may be help causing these problems in the recent riots around the nation as well as here in Boston and soon in Somerville? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Elected Officials Enticing Riots →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of William “Bill” Gunning Sr on his passing.

Continue reading Somerville Remembering William “Bill” Gunning Sr →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, June 02, the 154th day of 2020 with 212 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:09 and sunset is @ 8:15. 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: 1537 – Pope Paul III banned the enslavement of Indians. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Congratulations to City of Somerville and the Somerville Police Department for doing a spectacular job tonight and an amazing show of power and strength tonight in diverting these culprits from destroying our city! Thank you!

Click on link below to read June 2nd, 2020 The Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Online: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q79KLAmtqxKUYZVmusENrRp-eu0kaD7S/view

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Joe Hall, Frank Olivieri, Larry Travaglione, Randy MacArthur, Leo Henry, Liam McCain, Darlene Kelly Dumond, Eddie Baldasaro, Bill Hill, Bill White, Lori Santos Santoro, Wai Lee, Luis Guzman, Antonio D. Agostino, Dorene Jenkins, Anthony P. Carvello, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

By William Tauro

Dozens of heavily armed local Somerville Police officers, Transit Police and Massachusetts State Troopers have surrounded Somerville’s Assembly Row this past Monday night. Continue reading Somerville’s Assembly Row Under Looting Alert →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law legislation that supporters say will provide additional unemployment insurance relief to low-income families, non-profit institutions and employers.

Provisions include ensuring 30 weeks instead of 26 weeks of unemployment compensation during any week in which there are Continue reading IMPROVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS →

By Bob Katzen

After several weeks of differences between the House and Senate, the two branches agreed on and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would require that the Department of Public Health (DPH) compile, collect and issue daily online reports on the number of people tested for COVID-19. Continue reading STATE TO COLLECT VITAL COVID-19 DATA →

By Bob Katzen

Representative Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury) filed legislation that would exempt facial coverings from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax.

Supporters said the demand for face masks to help prevent the spread of the virus is expected to increase dramatically with new workplace regulations going into effect. Continue reading EXEMPT FACE MASKS FROM THE SALES TAX →

By Bob Katzen

Attorney General Maura Healey’s office announced it will award $500,000 in grants to cities and towns to provide financial relief to small businesses impacted by closures and losses as a result of COVID-19. Continue reading $500,000 FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY COVID-19 →

By Bob Katzen

State Auditor Suzanne Bump urged the state to reimburse communities $727,169.37 to cover the costs of mandated early voting expenses in the 2020 presidential primary election. She also urged the Legislature to create a permanent process to fund this service automatically following each election.
Continue reading STATE OWES CITIES AND TOWNS $727,000 FOR EARLY VOTING EXPENSES →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, June 01, the 153rd day of 2020 with 213 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:09 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: 1533 – Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s new queen, was crowned. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’sFirefighters Memorial Sunday has been postponed. Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Local 76 Updates: Firefighters Memorial Sunday Postponed →

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

What would these liberal progressives do if a riot took place in Somerville and destroyed personal and public property?

Of course, I wouldn’t want that to happen because many of my friends are police officers, but I wonder what Joe and the city council would do. Would he order a stand down? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:What Would Curtatone Do If Riots Hit Home? →

By Arthur Moore

It appears this may just be the time for this. Defying state and country guidelines in this devastating time of the virus for no reason is certainly a big reason we should be considering this test. But killing off the small business sector just defies all logic and common sense.

Continue reading Is Competency Testing for Mayors an Option? →

“This week I was outraged, saddened, and then outraged again by the killing of George Floyd, who died begging for his life as a police officer knelt on his neck. Mr. Floyd joins the far too long list of black Americans who have been killed because they were black. Continue reading Statement from Mayor Curtatone on the killing of George Floyd: →

By Arthur Moore

After reading Mr. Tauro’s article on Union Square I wanted to address the problems. After my long experiences with Winter Hill I Know first hand that it is out of the hands of the people here. The city council has no bearing in this. They have no power over this. Continue reading The End of Somerville As A City →

By William Tauro

Since this pandemic hit us in March, the City of Somerville has lost a great amount of anticipated revenue on building permits alone that Mayor Curtatone was banking on to fuel  his taxpayer funded out of control spending spree. Continue reading Somerville’s Changing Dynamics and Future Up For Grabs To Highest Bidders →

With more than $2 million in CARES Act funds on the way for COVID-19 relief, City earmarks most for tenants in need

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone today announced an additional $1.5 million in rental assistance for Somerville residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Somerville Announces Additional $1.5 Million for Rental Assistance →

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 Somerville Memorialization Committee Seeks Two Resident Members →

Compliant Safety Plans, and adherence to State safety guidelines required;

Blow-drying initially prohibited as safety remains under review

SOMERVILLE, MA – After a collaborative effort by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, local salon and barbershop owners, the Somerville Board of Health, and City staff, a reopening timeline and safety requirements are now in place for Somerville hair service providers. Continue reading Collaborative Process Between City & Local Proprietors Sets Higher Safety Standards and June 1 Reopening Date for Somerville Salons & Barber Shops →

City buildings will remain closed to the public beyond Monday, June 1. In the coming weeks, some City offices may begin to reopen for in-person business. More details will be shared as they become available. Continue reading Somerville City Buildings to Remain Closed to the Public →

“FROM MY HEART TO YOURS”
WINS BEST DOCUMENTARY
BY THE ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY MEDIA

Video production by Somerville Media Center
focuses on the local impact of the opioid crisis

[SOMERVILLE, MA – June 1, 2020] SMC is pleased and honored to announce that it won Best Documentary in the Access Professional Category of the Alliance for Community Media Hometown Awards for the documentary “From My Heart to Yours”. Continue reading SMC Documentary on Opioid Crisis Wins Hometown Media Award →

On 05/25/2020 at 08:44 PM, the Somerville Police Department received several reports of gunfire in the area of Greenville Street and Boston Street. When officers arrived on scene they located evidence indicating that numerous shots had been fired at an occupied vehicle. Continue reading Suspect Sketch: Somerville Police Seeking Suspect in Shots Fired into Occupied Vehicle Incident →

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

Having parking problems with the construction worker from the Somerville High School project. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Mayor’s Office Gives Out 200 Green Parking Tags To Construction Project →

By William Tauro

Why is the mayor of Somerville and our Somerville City Councilors destroying businesses in Union Square by not allowing customers to park at local businesses? Continue reading Somerville Union Square Business Owners Get Final Nail In Their Coffins →

“Harley” went missing on 05/26/20 in the area of Stickney Ave. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING CAT →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Salvatore “Johnny” Sillari on his passing.

Salvatore “Johnny” Sillari was a wonderful man and friends to many of us here in Somerville where he will be sadly missed. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Salvatore “Johnny” Sillari →

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

You did a great job assisting in getting the Salvation Army to get off their ass’s and taking responsibility and cleaning their mess. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Goodwill Store Davis Square Needs To Clean Their Mess →

By William Tauro

During this week’s May 28th Somerville City Council Meeting, President of the Somerville City Council Matt McLaughlin’s quote unquote who states on a televised city council virtual meeting “Systemic Corruption Begins at the Top Down.” Continue reading Systemic Corruption Begins at the Top Down in Somerville →

By Arthur Moore

While the rest of the state opens up some business to help start to get things back to normal Somerville is lagging so very far behind. I have talked to hair dressers in other cities and they have already learned what and how to do things to keep things as safe as possible. In these desperate times why are so far behind? Continue reading Somerville Drops the Ball Once Again →

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

During this pandemic with all the restaurants closed and the rats not eating in dumpsters, the rat festation is doubling due to the escovating with the Somerville Greenline project the rats are scattering elsewhere to eat. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Plastic Trash Bins vs Metal Trash Cans →

Bill, I don’t know if your looking for this kind of info but FYI the school Custodians have been back to work full time since May 11th, 40 hours a week. They are doing their regular summer shut down work. I don’t know how the mayor can justify keeping the rest of Somerville closed. Even to this day the barber shops, bars,  restaurants and even churches still remain closed. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Dictator Curtatone Has Spoken →

By Arthur Moore

It is so hard to believe that giving churches only 10 people to make a congregation was even a remotely an intelligent idea. As per previous statements it can only mean getting his honor the mayor his picture in the paper again. Continue reading Somerville Makes Religion a 10 →

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

The Farmers Market can open in the city of Somerville but restaurants with outside seating cannot open nor barber shops cannot open and neither can all nail salons or restaurants cannot open are you f****** kidding me? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Mayor Open Up City Enough Is Enough! →

By Arthur Moore

After Memorial Day I see our traffic is starting to build up. Now Broadway is having occasional backups even with the light traffic. And now they are playing around with a shared street program to further make things more difficult and at a time when most cities are concentrating on the virus problem and reopening safely. Continue reading Automobiles, Somerville and the Virus →

This lop-eared rabbit was found by a resident in the area of Inman Square.
Please contact us at 617-625-6600 ext.2190 if this is your rabbit. Thank you!

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

See below. Only Registry of Deeds closed—Middlesex Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Registrar Curtatone Running Registry of Deeds Into Ground Attorneys Feed Up →

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, May 26, the 147th day of 2020 with 219 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:13 and sunset is @ 8:09. 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: 0017 – Germanicus of Rome celebrated his victory over the Germans.
1328 – William of Ockham was forced to flee from Avignon by Pope John XXII. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Click on link below to read:May 26th, 2020 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uqM_CnDtxTiWIyO4OsYHuXWrbv-7jxVr/view

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Frank Pasquarello, Shirley Foley, Lenny Silva, Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Marsha Cook, Kevin Tavares, David Miele, Mike Legee, Mark Murdza, Jaril Gauthier, Charles Roche, Tim Morine, Lewis Bacon, Bobby Addison, Marilyn Walsh, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

By William Tauro

Come on Somerville Salvation Army, you guys are better than this! This is the scene on Memorial Day 2020 at 10:00am Monday morning in front of that Salvation Army building that’s located on Somerville’s main roadway at 487 Broadway in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Salvation Army You’re Better Than This →

By Bob Katzen
The House 149-7, approved and sent to the Senate a $1 billion-plus information technology bond titled “An Act Financing the General Governmental Infrastructure of the Commonwealth.” Continue reading $1 BILLION-PLUS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BOND →

By Bob Katzen

The House 138-18, approved a consolidated amendment adding $101 million to the cost of the $1 billion-plus information technology bond. Continue reading $101 MILLION CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a bill that supporters say will provide additional unemployment insurance relief to low-income families, non-profit institutions and employers. Continue reading IMPROVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS →

By Bob Katzen

A payment that provides $1,000 to Massachusetts residents with a 1- or 2-person household earning up to $84,000 annually; 3-person household earning up to $105,000 annually; and 4 or more-person households earning up to $131,000 annually. Each household with a dependent would receive an additional $500 per dependent.

Continue reading ECONOMIC RELIEF →

By Bob Katzen

This Bill provides a stimulus check to taxpayers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number. Continue reading STIMULUS CHECKS TO IMMIGRANT TAXPAYERS →

By Bob Katzen

Bill (S 2586) – Exempts active duty military personnel from state income tax while based out of state.

“A military professional who spends a significant portion of their time serving our nation out of state should not be required to pay income tax for the time spent away from home on active duty,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “This weighs disproportionately on military homeowners and their families, who already sacrifice so much to defend our country. Continue reading EXEMPT ACTIVE OUT-OF-STATE MILITARY PERSONNEL FROM STATE INCOME TAX →

By Bob Katzen

This Bill prevents all increases in rent until 30 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted. Local cities and towns would also have the power to freeze rents in their local communities. Continue reading FREEZE RENT →

By Bob Katzen

 Attorney General Maura Healey today announced enhanced resources to allow workers to easily report workplace safety concerns related to COVID-19 to her office. Workers can fill out an easy complaint form at https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-unsafe-working-conditions-during-covid-19 or they can call the dedicated Fair Labor hotline at 617-727-3465. They have the option to file a complaint anonymously.
Continue reading REPORT WORKPLACE SAFETY CONCERNS →

The Somerville Shared Streets plan prioritizes creating routes that connect residents to critical services.

SOMERVILLE, MA – In late May, the City of Somerville will begin a Shared Streets pilot program in an effort to provide more walking and biking routes that allow for social distancing. Continue reading Somerville’s Shared Streets Pilot to Begin Next Month; Additional Measures Planned to Aid Contactless Pickup and Social Distancing →

By Matthew McLaughlin, Somerville City Council President

Every Memorial Day television networks show war movies filled with heroic acts and graphic violence. Continue reading Honoring Military Victims of Disease on Memorial Day →

A little ceremony for our fallen soldiers .. those representing our veterans posts in the city..
Norman Furtado Commander American legion post 19 Continue reading 2020 Somerville Memorial Day Ceremony Tribute for Our Fallen Soldiers and to Those Who Served and Still Continue to Serve →

Please join us on Monday to reflect on and honor our fallen service members, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and to recognize our Gold Star families and their continued sacrifice.
Continue reading City of Somerville, MA, Memorial Day Observances →

This very scared male was found today(05/23/20) in the area of Rhode Island Ave. Please contact us with any information at 617-625-6600 ext 2190. Thank you!

Dear Somerville News Weekly,

Below my signature and attached is a letter to the editor about a new tobacco law that will be taking effect ‪on June 1st‬ removing menthol, mint, and wintergreen flavored tobacco from stores across the state and some resources that are available. This is something that will be happening soon, and will interest your readers.

Continue reading Letter to the Editor: No Menthol. Know Why. →

photos provided courtesy of Photos Chateau de Raray photos, Raray France with NSB/Stacey Chicoine

The Northeast School of Ballet, home of the Northeast Youth Ballet, located in Reading, MA, and led by Artistic Director Denise Cecere, is one of many not-for-profit arts organizations that have been devasted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continue reading Non Profits Suffering Substantial Loss of Revenue From Covid19 Pandemic →

As we approach Memorial Day, I reflect becoming a Gold Star Family member in
2018. Memorial Day is special for our family. In 2005 my nephew lost his life
serving our country in “Operation Enduring Freedom”. He was 19 years old. His
sacrifice was not in vain as freedom is always worth fighting for. Continue reading Letter to the Editor:Memoria Day Injustices →

By Joe Viglione

JV: We’re talking to Richard Lee (nee Schamach) of Eden’s Children – see the Ed Symkus mini bio in the Music Museum of New England https://www.mmone.org/edens-children/

Richard, what was your original inspiration for becoming a musician? Continue reading RICHARD LEE (RICHARD ‘SHAM” SCHAMACH)) and EDEN’S CHILDREN:An Interview With Richard Lee →

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

I recently saw this on a Facebook posting and it absolutely caught me undivided attention and definitely raises a serious health concern for public safty! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Blue Bikes Should Be Sanitized or Shut Down But Instead Get Free Pass →

As more activity resumes, Mayor cautions coronavirus remains an active threat

Local schedule allows for continued new case count decline, expanded testing capacity, and launch of mobile testing unit to quickly identify potential new outbreaks Continue reading Somerville Sets Official Schedule for First Phase of Reopenings →

A Three Alarm fire heavily damaged a two unit dwelling at 2 Quincy Street on Wednesday evening, May 20, 2020. The fire was reported at 10:07 pm and arriving firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the upper floors and flames threatening to spread to an adjacent home at 4 Quincy Street. Continue reading 2 Quincy Street Somerville 3 Alarm Fire →

By Arthur Moore

We are beginning to open this state back up. Good idea or bad? I am not expert enough to know the answer. Continue reading Stop Grandstanding and Get Down to Business! →

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

Notice now the city is finally getting to doing something about the masks and gloves people are finding all over the streets and parking lots. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Working City Councilors Needed to Combat Discarded Gloves and Masks →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Richard E. “Richie” August on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Richard E. “Richie” August →

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

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Pauline M. (McKinnon) D’Aurora on her passing.

Pauline M. (McKinnon) D’Aurora was a wonderful lady who will be sadly missed here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Pauline M. (McKinnon) D’Aurora →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, May 19, the 140th day of 2020 with 226 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:18 and sunset is @ 8:02. 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: 1535 – French explorer Jacques Cartier set sail for North America.
Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

Click on link below to read May 19th, 2020 The Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Onlin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yvmSPsyx4MLUa6ColNHsznzuAMC1D5Cz/vie

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and around the Square! Happy Birthday to Lindsay DiPasquale, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

Construction, hospitals and medical services, and curbside retail to reopen on state timeline

Citing regional differences in COVID-19 impacts, warnings from experts, and need for greater clarity on issues such as worker protections, City to review remaining State reopening plan before implementation Continue reading Somerville to Phase In Reopening on More Cautious Timeline Than State →

After approval of safety plans, a limited number of essential projects to be allowed to restart May 18, others to phase in during June and July

Continue reading Somerville Announces Timeline for Phased Construction Restart Under Strict COVID Safety Protocols and Additional Business Updates →

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

On Friday, May 15, 2010, I, Officer Kim, was working patrol in marked police cruiser West 6. At approximately 21:15 hours I was dispatched to the 711 Store, located at 4 College Avenue, for a report male who had broken a glass window of the store. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Paul PHANEUF (Defacement, Disorderly, Resisting Arrest) (Concord Warrants) →

05/15/2020 21:14:00
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Arrest Log 5/11/20 – 5/17/20 →

By Gina Castiello

As we approach Memorial Day, I reflect becoming a Gold Star Family member in
2018. Memorial Day is special for our family. In 2005 my nephew lost his life
serving our country in “Operation Enduring Freedom”. Continue reading Memorial Day Editorial →

Honda North earns Top Honda Dealership for the 13th Time overall

Danvers, Mass. – March 10, 2020 – Honda North, a member of the International Cars, Ltd. family of dealerships, has been named a recipient of the President’s Award for 2019 by American Continue reading Honda North Receives The American Honda President’s Award for the 10th Consecutive Year →

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) Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Public’s Help Needed to Identify Somerville Burglar →

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

First, I hope that you and your family, friends and loved ones are healthy and enduring the stay-at-home restrictions as well as possible.

As I am sure you have heard, things are starting to open up a bit in some places around the country. It seems that there may be some changes in Massachusetts starting next Monday, May 18th. Continue reading Somerville Ward 5 City Councilor Mark Niedergang:Starting May 18: Some Somerville construction & utility work to resume →

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

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, May 18, the 139th day of 2020 with 227 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:19 and sunset is @ 8:01. 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: 1302 – The weaver Peter de Coningk led a massacre of the Flemish oligarchs. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer →

By Bob Katzen
The House 157-0, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Governor Charlie Baker a bill that would authorize the state treasurer to borrow billions of dollars needed to keep the state running through the end of June. Continue reading ALLOW THE STATE TO BORROW BILLIONS OF DOLLARS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker announced that he is preparing to distribute up to $502 million from the state portion of the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to local cities and towns for their costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading $502 MILLION FOR CITIES AND TOWNS FOR COVID-19 COSTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Elections Laws Committee held a virtual online hearing and heard testimony on several bills from many participants who weighed in on what changes to make in the voting procedures for this year’s Sept. 1 primary and Nov. 3 General Election. Continue reading VOTING IN THE AGE OF COVD-19 →

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee is looking at a measure that would provide immunity to contractors and sub-contractors from any suit or civil liability for damages that occur during the period of the COVID-19 and six months after that. Continue reading IMMUNITY TO CONTRACTORS →

By Bob Katzen

The Labor and Workforce Development Committee is considering legislation that would guarantee all workers at least 10 additional 8-hour days of job-protected paid sick time for use by employees who are not covered by a similar federal program during the COVID-19 pandemic or future public health emergencies. Continue reading EMERGENCY PAID SICK TIME →

By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Public Health Committee would allow the Department of Public Health (DPH) to take control of a nursing home during a public health emergency, inspect a nursing home at any time and require nursing home employees to undergo COVID-19 and other disease testing as well as temperature monitoring as a condition of reporting for work. Continue reading DPH TO TAKE CONTROL OF NURSING HOMES →

By Bob Katzen

“We are committed to creating a response to this pandemic that protects all residents of Massachusetts while addressing treatment and outcome disparities among communities of color,” said House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Karen Spilka in a joint statement in mid-April. Continue reading STATE TO COLLECT VITAL COVID-19 DATA →

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

You need to ride their asses on this one. They are social engineering their political agenda through COVID-19. You should do an article that the city of Somerville is stealing people’s freedoms. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: SHARED STREETS PILOT COMING TO SOMERVILLE →

In an effort to provide more walking and biking routes that allow for more social distance, the City’s Mobility Team has been developing a shared streets plan based on international best practices and customized to Somerville’s public health needs. Continue reading Shared Streets Pilot Coming to Somerville →

City buildings will remain closed to the public until at least Monday, June 1. Further delays are possible, and we will share updates as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis. Continue reading Somerville City Buildings to Remain Closed until June 1 →

By Arthur Moore
Last week as I was driving around in New Hampshire with my brother I got a chance to look at the places that are reopening. It appears to me as a non-expert that they are doing a pretty good job of it so far. Continue reading Time for Our Local Politicians to go to Work Vacation is Over →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Diana Elizabeth Benton on her passing.

Diana Elizabeth Benton was a very nice lady who will be sadly missed here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Mrs. Diana Elizabeth Benton MARCH 6, 1935 – MAY 14, 2020 →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends on Ann M. Metivier on her passing. Continue reading Somerville/Cambridge Remembering Ann M. Metivier →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Barbara Ann Ackerley on her passing.

Barbara Ann Ackerley was a very nice lady who will be sadly missed here in Somerville.

Continue reading SOMERVILLE REMEMBERING BARBARA ANN ACKERLEY →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Wayne A. Snow on his passing.

Wayne was a wonderful and very well liked man who made many friends here in the city. Many of us here at the News Weekly have very fond memories of Wayne from the King Soloman’s Masonic Lodge in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Wayne A. Snow →

COVID-19 cases distributed throughout the city;

local case counts still necessitate caution

New mobile COVID-19 testing unit to begin operation

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the citywide state of emergency due to the threat of the COVID-19 virus will continue beyond Monday, May 18. Continue reading Somerville’s Health Emergency Will Remain in Place Beyond May 18th →

In these stressful times, it is important to be open about mental health issues and to reach out for help. Continue reading Somerville Mayor Curtatone Speaks About Mental Health Awareness Month →

Street sweeping is set to resume on Monday, May 18th. It is not mandatory to move your vehicle, though the City asks people to do so if they feel they can. Tickets will not be issued for vehicles in street sweeping zone, and the City will provide advanced notice before it starts enforcement in the future. Continue reading Somerville Street Sweeping Resumes Monday May 18 →

Posted by Somerville Police Department

Lost THEN Found Story—-The SPD would like to share the following lost and found story. During these difficult economic times, the following story deserves recognition:
Mr. Adam C., came into the station on May 3, 2020 to turn in a wallet that he had found. There was $767 in cash, plus cards and ID, in the wallet. The ID belonged to Eric M. in Somerville. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Good Deeds In Somerville →

Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Fermina Eleanor (Vagnati) Zaganjori on her passing. Continue reading Somerville/Cambridge Remembering Fermina Eleanor (Vagnati) Zaganjori →

Fire heavily damaged a single family home at 40 Everett Avenue on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. The fire was reported at 12:38 p.m. The first floor suffered extensive fire damage with smoke and water resulting in heavy damage elsewhere. Continue reading Somerville House Fire 40 Everett Ave →

30 yard Dumpster Only $595.00 for 2 tons and 1 week rental. CALL TODAY 781-395-1200
http://www.powersweeping.com/services-roll-off-dumpsters/

Doesn’t have to get this bad. Homeowner special 30 yard dumpster 2 tons for 1 week ONLY $595.00

By Caroline Colarusso
Last week I lost my dear aunt after she tested positive for the Coronavirus. She was 89 years old,and was living in a nursing home. She was in relatively good health, had all her faculties, could walk and take care of herself and had a very high quality of life. She was widowed in mid-life, had 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Continue reading MA Nursing Homes Failures & the Coronavirus →

Photos provided by Somerville Firefighters Local 76

Congrats to Fire Captain Girard Gover on his retirement from the Somerville Fire Department after 35 years of dedicated service. Continue reading Somerville FD Captain Girard Gover Retires After 35 years of Dedicated Service →

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Billy Sperlinga on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Billy Sperlinga →

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

“I call upon Elizibeth Warren, Ayanna Pressley, Katherine Clark, Ed Markey, Patrica Jehlen, Denise Provost, Christene Barber, Mike Connlley, and the US Congress and Massachusetts State Representatives to publicly call for an investigation into sexual assault allegations made against Joe Biden by his former staffer Tara Reade. Tara Reade is entitled to the process she deserves. Time to end the hypocrisy.” Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:”Time to end the hypocrisy.” →