Keeping personal information safe during a pandemic

On May 7, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

— Photo © SeventyFour / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Americans are spending more time at home, which means they’re likely spending more time online. While their attention is focused on staying healthy, they shouldn’t forget to stay vigilant about cybersecurity either.

The FBI recently warned that cybercriminals are taking advantage of the current environment to steal personal information and money. The scams come in various forms, including fake emails from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization claiming to offer new information on the virus; emails asking users to verify personal information for an economic stimulus check from the government; and emails selling counterfeit COVID-19 related products or treatments.

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Green Line Extension (GLX) Project update

On May 7, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

GLX and the Green Line Transformation (GLT) Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation Project are working concurrently to rebuild and restore historic structure for enhanced future service

Bus Replacement Service – Lechmere to North Station

GLX improvements will require Green Line service between Lechmere and North Stations to be interrupted for approximately one year beginning May 24, to remove, rebuild, and relocate a section of viaduct and construct a new Lechmere Station.

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Somerville man dies in bicycle crash in Arlington

On May 6, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Arlington Chief of Police Julie Flaherty have confirmed the investigation into a fatal bicycle crash that occurred yesterday in Arlington.

On May 5, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Arlington Police responded to the intersection of Appleton Street and Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a crash involving two bicyclists and a motor vehicle. Upon arrival, police located two bicyclists, a 32-year-old female and a 27-year-old male identified as Charles Proctor of Somerville. Arlington Rescue transported Mr. Proctor to Lahey Hospital where he subsequently died from injuries sustained in the crash. The female victim was also transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

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The Somerville City Council passed a resolution last week expressing its support for bills put forward in the state House and Senate calling for equal stimulus funds for immigrant taxpayers.

By Jim Clark

A resolution was put forward at the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council offering its support of HD.5036 and SD.2916: An Act to provide equal stimulus checks to immigrant taxpayers.

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Somerville band Nowhere Lights will be joining the roster of local musicians participating in the alternative CouchFest online event this Saturday.

By Isabel Sami

Somerville’s annual PorchFest is back this year as CouchFest, the same basic event for local musicians to perform at home for audiences, but this year from a safe distance, broadcasting online. Since 2012, PorchFest has been a day-long event where musicians can sign up to perform on their porches or front lawns where audiences come listen to them play.

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Newstalk – May 6

On May 6, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Last week Gov. Charlie Baker announced that starting Wednesday, May 6, face coverings will be required in public in all cities and towns throughout the state. The statewide order does not apply to anyone under the age of two or anyone who is medically unable to use a face covering. Last week Somerville officials put an order mandating the wearing of face masks in public. Everyone age 2 or older must cover their faces in any public indoor or outdoor space. A scarf, bandana or any clean cloth will meet the city’s requirement. The city may impose fines of $300 on those who “willfully refuse to comply” with the face-covering order. For more on face coverings, see the “Prevention and Preparation” section of somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

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Thirty-fourth Middlesex District State Rep. Christine Barber.

State Representative Christine P. Barber (D-Somerville and Medford) filed legislation to provide state-funded financial support to immigrants who were excluded from the federal stimulus bill, in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Rep. Barber recently filed HD5036, An Act to Provide Equal S3mulus Checks to Immigrant Taxpayers with State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield). This bill would provide a state-funded stimulus check to Massachusetts ITIN holders who file taxes but are not eligible to receive federal relief under the recent Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

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Six steps to get your CARES Act funds fast

On May 6, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

— Photo © fizkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Millions of U.S. residents will receive government stimulus payments (also known as Economic Impact Payments) under the CARES Act. Payments to eligible recipients will arrive by either direct deposit or a paper check.

Here are some helpful tips from Wells Fargo that may help you access your funds as soon as possible.

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Our View of the Times – May 6

On May 6, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

In the midst of the darkness of these troubled times, there is one particular beacon of goodness and light that pierces through the gloom to warm our hearts and lift our spirits – Mother’s Day.

While life as we know it has been far from normal in recent months, this is one occasion that can restore a bit of normalcy and order for us as we pause to honor the beloved matriarchs of our families.

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Little Sisters of the Poor medical request

On May 6, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The Metro East MRC has received a request for the following medical support at the Little Sisters of the Poor rest home and skilled nursing center in Somerville:

• RN/LPN
• CNA/PCA
• EMT

 All volunteers must have an active medical license. Compensation is available.

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