(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By State Senator Pat Jehlen

There is so much happening in the legislature (not to mention the world) the last two weeks of July!  Conference committees are resolving differences between many bills that have passed both houses. 

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

To Whom It Concerns:

I am writing to express my frustration with the ongoing construction projects in Somerville, particularly those on Summer Street, Highland Avenue, and Washington Street between Beacon Avenue and Union Square. The overlap of these significant projects is lowering the quality of life for anyone living near these projects, which cover a significant area of town.

OPENAIR Circus presents “Wild Discoveries,” where students of circus arts show off what they’ve learned in summer classes. You’re invited to watch stilters, jugglers, yoga-acrobats, and more. The shows will be at Prospect Hill Park in Somerville, on Friday, August 2, at 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4, at 2:30 p.m.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Have you seen those robot looking things all over the city? The one in the photo is on Holland St. in front of Harvard Vanguard. I hear they are all over the city. Supposedly it takes a photo of illegally stopped or parked in a no parking zone. We are quickly running out of precious parking spaces in Somerville.

Melvyn Blanchard, in wheelchair. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. — Photos courtesy of Commonwealth of Massachusetts

By Harry Kane

The City of Somerville won another victory in an ongoing battle for veterans’ welfare, as a $6.7 million award of federal funds trickles down to veteran service organizations statewide in a campaign to eradicate homelessness and enhance outreach for the mission at hand.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Last week, Governor Maura Healey announced sweeping changes to the Emergency Housing Assistance shelter system, with families facing homelessness due to no-fault eviction now among other groups receiving prioritization.

On July 24, 2024 the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation entitled An Act promoting access and affordability of prescription drugs, which protects patients and makes prescription drugs more affordable.

A provision that reduces copays for people with chronic conditions, filed as a bill this session by Representative Christine Barber (D-34th Middlesex) of Somerville and Medford, was included in the bill that passed the House.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Somerville Police Department, and Somerville Recreation invite community members to National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, at Trum Field (541 Broadway) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy music and family-friendly activities, meet local officers, and more. National Night Out occurs annually and nationwide to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Learn more and register to attend at somervillema.myrec.com. Registration is not required.