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The New Era of Lords and Serfs

Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Ed Meek

Jodi Dean, an American political theorist and professor in the Political Science Department at Hobart and William Smith College, made the news last year when she lost her position because she expressed her pro-Palestinian stance on campus. She has since been reinstated. Although Bernie, AOC and the Squad, and other progressive democrats, are characterized by Republicans as radicals, they are really center-left politicians willing to work within the system to enact change. Jodi Dean is a radical who wants a different system. She is not alone. Many Americans on the left and right want major changes. Hence the return of Trump.

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Our poet writes: “I am Sahiba Mohammady, a poet and writer from Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. Currently, I am majoring in biotechnology with a minor in English at Endicott College. I work independently on poetry and journal writing, and I published two of my poems during high school at Governor’s Academy. Through my writing, I explore themes of identity, culture, and the experience of injustice, whether I have experienced it myself or have witnessed it in others.”

How happy are Somerville residents? The City of Somerville wants to know! 

Today, Monday, April 7, the City is launching its biennial Happiness Survey, a unique initiative that has helped shape City policies and programs since 2011. The survey measures resident satisfaction with life in Somerville, City services, neighborhood well-being, and more.

Join the Somerville Police at Target, 180 Somerville Ave on Tuesday, April 15, at 4 p.m. to have a conversation with an officer, ask questions, and get to know more officers in your community.

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The City of Somerville’s Inspectional Services and Communications Departments give you a quick public service announcement on how to keep rodents and critters off your property and out of your neighborhood.

Making Pi buttons at the Pi Night.

By Erica Voolich

Friday, March 14, was Pi Day (3.14). What better excuse is there to have a celebration of math with middle schoolers than π? On Monday before Pi Day, students, teachers, and high school Math Club members celebrated π at Somerville High School by eating pizza while spending an afternoon taking a math contest and then estimating, creating, answering questions, and ending with Table Talk Pies for everyone.

Local youth can apply for summer jobs at more than 20 city departments now through Wednesday, April 30

The City of Somerville is now accepting applications for the 2025 Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program, a six-week paid career readiness initiative for Somerville youth ages 14 through the summer of high school graduation.