Attorney General Maura Healey has issued a bulletin to remind the public and employers about the increase in the minimum wage that went into effect on Jan. 1.

“Employers must be aware of their obligations under the new minimum wage law that will go into effect this week,” AG Healey said. “This increase in the minimum wage provides some additional security for our lowest paid workers, but there is still much more work to be done to fight poverty and advance economic security for Massachusetts families.”

Somerville Neighborhood News looks back at the top stories of 2015 and ahead at what they mean for the ‘Ville in the coming years. The Green Line Extension has lost momentum, can the MBTA and the Department of Transportation get it back on track? Plans for Union Square are moving forward, how will Green Line delays affect the progress? As Assembly Square development continues, just across the river Wynn resorts continues to gain approvals for its resort casino. But that doesn’t mean Somerville isn’t fighting back.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to a College Ave. location on Christmas Day in response to reports of a dispute in progress.

Upon arrival, officers observed a cab parked at the location with the driver sitting in the front seat. A woman who was reportedly sitting in the back seat with her door open was throwing her belongings from the cab to the sidewalk.

A New Year In The Ville

By Mike Browne

A New Year in the Ville is upon us again
The City we love is thriving amen
The seeds we have planted are growing ten fold
Our future is bright the truth be told

— Photo by Bobbie Toner

A roof collapsed at 13 Tufts St, Somerville on December 31, 2015. The house was in the process of being renovated at the time, no injuries were reported. Because of the danger of the walls, the home had to be demolished.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville High School’s Center for Career, and Technical Education (CTE) are proud to announce the Advanced Manufacturing Training Program (AMTP), an expansion upon the CTE’s successful youth programming. Funded with a grant by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Housing Economic Development, The AMTP will target Somerville residents aged 18-24 and focus on preparing them for high paying careers in the manufacturing industry.

I interviewed Harris Gardner at the famed literary cafe – Bloc 11 – in Union Square Somerville. There he revealed his plans for the Boston National Poetry Festival in April (2016), and talked about his years as poetry editor of Ibbetson Street, and his involvement in the First and Last Poetry Series at Somerville Arts Armory

This Friday City offices will be closed for New Year’s Day. If your trash and recycling are normally collected on Friday, put everything out on Saturday instead.  Parking meters will not be enforced on Friday.

With contact football-related injuries on the rise nationally, Somerville joins growing list of communities making the switch to flag football for younger residents

Courtesy of Somerville Recreation

Somerville Recreation announced this week that, following a national trend due to increased risk of injury, and due to declining enrollment, the City’s Youth Football program will be discontinued and will switch to a non-contact Flag Football Program for Somerville youth in grades one through eight.