Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced a new partnership with Project Linus to provide blankets to children in Middlesex County who experience an opioid-related, or other trauma.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Taking a closer look at this month’s notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

$2.33: That amount represents the cost per early voter for the city to offer early voting during the November 2016 election. In order to staff and coordinate early voting, the City spent a total of $38,278, but with the fourth highest turnout in the Commonwealth at 31 percent, Somerville’s early voting operations were much more cost effective than many of our neighbors (Boston spent $7.98 per early voter and Cambridge came in at $3.75). When comparing across the Commonwealth, higher spending  was not a strong predictor for larger turnout. We’re glad we helped set the bar on efficiency.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Somerville Times photographer, Claudia Ferro, visited the Construction Technology department at Somerville High School this week.

(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 the Editor:

I wanted to offer some questions I had after reading the paper. I just moved into my first apartment here the other day, so consider me a fresh set of eyes.

So, the mayor discusses 3 issues that don’t fit together, policy-wise. He discusses creating jobs (and economic development) for residents of Somerville, creating more affordable housing, and supporting illegal immigrants politically.

No other food conjures such intense feelings of loyalty as the 100-year-old Marshmallow Fluff.

Indeed, tens of thousands of people descend upon Somerville’s Union Square every September to celebrate the whimsy and wonder of this beloved product.

Join in on Thursday, March 2, at Somerville Brewing Company, 15 Ward Street, Somerville, as we celebrate the launch of Fluff: The Sticky Sweet Story of an American Icon by the fabulous Mimi Graney.

Some city residents have questioned how strictly the parking and shoveling regulations have been enforced during recent snow emergencies. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

At the latest regular meeting of the City of Somerville Board of Aldermen on Thursday, February 23, an order was brought forward asking that the Director of Traffic and Parking report the number of warnings and citations issued for snow covered vehicles following the 9:00 a.m. lifting of the snow emergency on February 13.

The fire that struck an Appleton St. home said to be listed as an AirBnb offering has raised questions about the safety and propriety of certain buildings being used in such a capacity. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Joe Ruvido

A fire ripped through a 3-family house on Appleton St. in late January, prompting people to jump from 2nd floor windows to safety. The fire department has kept a detail at the house around the clock since then.

Come celebrate Robyn Hitchcock’s 64th birthday this Friday at ONCE Ballroom, where he will perform a sold-out show with his personal and professional partner Emma Swift.

By Blake Maddux

Immersing oneself in the discography of English singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock is the aural equivalent looking through kaleidoscope eyes into a series of fun house mirrors.

It is a musical world is one populated by – among others – Antwoman, Balloon Man, Toadboy, Wafflehead, and Madonna of the Wasps.

By Jim Clark

Reports in the media have surfaced alleging that Somerville police officer Alex Capobianco is currently being investigated by authorities in Cambridge for paying a hotel bill with counterfeit money.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

The new bfresh grocery store opened its doors at Davis Square, 244 Elm St., Somerville, Mass., on Friday, February 24 at 9:00 a.m. Mayor Joseph Curtatone toured the store on Monday morning.