The Somerville City Council approved the use of a state grant to purchase and implement body-worn cameras for police officers.

By Christa Lee

City of Somerville’s City Council held a public hearing on July 27 and approved using a $231,635 state grant on police body worn cameras, which expires on August 31. The grant and other funds saved for this reason are expected to cover all costs for the 2027 financial year.

(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)

The Somerville Human Rights Commission (HRC) released its 2025–2026 Annual Report on the State of Human Rights in the city, finding that while most indicators show that Somerville is a city with many strengths, significant disparities persist. The Commission is urging city leaders, community organizations, and residents to work together to address these inequities through targeted investments and policy action.

The city is inviting residents, artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses to help shape what could become the first Municipal Cultural Trust in Massachusetts, a new tool designed to protect affordable creative space and prevent artist displacement. Community members can give feedback during a three-part meeting series that begins Wednesday, August 5, at the Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) at 6 p.m. Each meeting will focus on a different stage of the Cultural Trust discussion. Full schedule: https://www.somervillema.gov/news/somerville-seeks-community-input-first-its-kind-cultural-trust

Eagle Feathers #360 – Checkmate

Chess is thought to be almost as old as civilization itself. This two-person strategy and tactical board game dates back at least fourteen hundred years. Game pieces and game boards survived the ancient world from India, China, and Egypt.

Somerville firefighter Robert Whelan in court on Monday. — Photo courtesy of Somerville District Court

A Somerville firefighter, Robert Whelan, has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged World Cup ticket scam. Prosecutors say the firefighter is accused of larceny and forgery after allegedly selling fraudulent tickets to multiple buyers. The firefighter pleaded not guilty in court and was released pending further hearings. City officials have stated that the matter is under internal review, and the case remains under investigation.

After Saturday’s Somerville Democratic Party debate at Somerville High School, City Councilor Will Mbah stopped by a block party on Whitman St., where he was met with supporters.

The Somerville Health and Human Services recently reported that testing by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected from Somerville. However, Somerville remains at a “Moderate” risk level for WNV.

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Reviewed by Lee Varon

Jean Flanagan’s latest collection of poetry, The Language of Two, brings us breathtaking poems of remembrance, loss, acceptance, and paying homage. Her finely crafted lyrics help us see how to live a rich and fulfilling life, despite intense moments of grief.

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Our poet Barbara Reynolds writes: “These were inspired by my frequent visits to Bloc Cafe. One day I was taken with the sensual act of eating a muffin, which led to memories of the 1940 film Fantasia. Another time led to recurring dreams of a coffee shop existing exclusively for raspberry muffins.”