District-wide event includes “Welcome to SHS” for incoming students

Somerville Public Schools (SPS) will welcome students and families back for the start of the new school year with its annual Back to School Fair on Tuesday, August 25, from 4pm to 6pm at Somerville High School.

The MBTA is  reminding riders that Orange Line service will be suspended between Oak Grove and Back Bay for 11 consecutive days, August 20 – 30, previously announced on July 15.

Citywide inspection program ensures hydrants are ready in case of fire; Temporary water discoloration may occur, but water is safe to drink

The Somerville Fire Department will begin its annual inspection and testing of all fire hydrants citywide on Monday, August 17, concluding on or around Saturday, August 29. This important annual maintenance program keeps the community safe by helping to ensure hydrants will work properly when needed to put out a fire.  

Want to learn street hockey or archery as an adult? Join a free teen volleyball clinic and grab a Neighborhood Restaurant sandwich after practice. Explore a new adaptive arts-and-crafts program or enjoy a Friday teen night out with games, pizza, and friends?

Somerville’s 2026 Fall Program Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of ways for residents of all ages and abilities to move, learn, play, and connect this season.

The phone rang and the world changed.

That call, made in 1877 to the home of Charles Williams Jr in East Somerville was the world’s first phone call to a residence.

This year, that “first” is the inspiration for the Somerville Museum’s annual fundraiser PICK UP! on Thursday, September 10 from 6 to 8 pm at the Crystal Ballroom in Davis Square.

By Dennis Fischman

One of the great things about reading a mystery that’s set in a different time and place is that it makes you learn, in an enjoyable way, what’s normal and expected then and there. Without knowing that, you wouldn’t be able to see what was out of place, and a clue! That is one of the pleasures of Enigma of China, by Qiu Xiaolong.

State Representative Christine Barber

Retiring senator, who rarely endorses in legislative races, backs Barber to succeed her in the 2nd Middlesex

State Senator Pat Jehlen has endorsed State Representative Christine Barber in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Middlesex Senate seat, which Jehlen has held for more than twenty years and is leaving at the end of this term.