
By Dennis Fischman
Recently, I heard that Netflix had issued a new TV series, Dept. Q, based on a set of mystery novels that fall into the category of Nordic Noir. The first season is getting good reviews, and I thought I would go take a look at the books.
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You can help. On Sunday, July 6th, 26 people including two minors, as well as pets, were displaced by a fire on Wheatland Street that left two multifamily homes uninhabitable. Fortunately, everyone got out safely, but significant challenges remain for our neighbors who cannot return to their homes. Roughly a dozen City departments and a half-dozen partner agencies mobilized to set up temporary shelter and food, and are actively coordinating ongoing support, but your help is needed for what comes next.
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Update: Due to current forecasts, Somerville’s Disability Pride Month Flag Raising has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 24, at 5 p.m.
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), and the Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) invite all to a series of events this July to recognize Disability Pride Month and promote visibility, honor the contributions of people with disabilities, and foster an inclusive, empowered community. Highlights include the Disability Pride Flag Raising on Thursday, July 24; fun activities at the SCPD Art Beat Booth on Saturday, July 19; and a group trip to the ADA35 anniversary march and roll in Boston on Wednesday, July 23, and more.
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The City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee has proposed a change in the condo conversion ordinance that would benefit some long-term renters.
By Norah Doyle
The Somerville Legislative Matters Committee recently took steps to protect tenants affected by the condo conversions, which have led to the displacement of some long-term renters.
To address these displacements, Committee members proposed changes to the city’s condo conversion ordinance. This change in the ordinance proposal would extend the notice period for vacant rental units from 1 year to 2 years. This is essentially the window of time landlords need to give written notice to a tenant of their intent to change the property.
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By Harry Kane
Renter-paid broker’s fees are a thing of the past thanks to a new rule that eliminates these expenses for renters and shifts responsibility to landlords.
Gov. Maura Healey signed the FY26 state budget, which includes a provision that requires the party that hires a broker to pay the fee. The new rule will go into effect August 1.
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SomerMovie Fest returns July 10. The movies begin at dusk, and showtimes are approximate. Arrive early to grab a good spot, get comfortable, and enjoy the summer evening with neighbors and friends. The series kicks off with The Wild Robot on Thursday, July 10, at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Softball Field. For more information, please visit somervillema.gov/moviefest.
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I remember this salad from my childhood. A lot of people had gardens in the neighborhood and used to share their cucumbers and tomatoes with each other. This quick and easy salad is a fantastic addition to the summer salad repertoire since these ingredients are pretty much staples. So, if you’re looking for another recipe to use up your tomatoes and cucumbers that are ready for picking in your garden, give this a try.
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The city’s Food and Nutrition Services Department is once again engaged in its annual summer meals for Somerville youth program. Starting this week, kids under the age of 19 can get free meals at various locations throughout the city from now through August 22.
It’s a great way of making sure that the city’s youth get the nutritional support they need, regardless of financial or social standing.
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