The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in an animal this year.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Yart Sale is back. Somerville’s citywide creative yard sale returns this summer, and applications are now open. Whether you’re selling art, vintage finds, art supplies, tools, frames, zines, or handmade crafts, this is your chance to be part of this Yart Sale. Event date is Saturday, August 9, 12 – 6 p.m. For locations, visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org/yart-sale/yart/

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the City of Somerville will hold its City Preliminary Election, which will narrow the candidate pool before the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4.

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Last year I invested in an electric pressure cooker, otherwise referred to as an Instant Pot. I have used the traditional stovetop pressure cooker in the past and let me just say, this is a game changer! Extremely safe and easy to use.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced that the West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year.

While no human or animal cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been reported, they are strongly encouraging community members to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. Among their recommendations:

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Somerville photographer and master color printer Carol Fondé told me that she loves Somerville, the community, the artists, and the supportive people in her life. I met Carol Fondé at the Nave Gallery in Somerville, to discuss her life and work. Her exhibit at the Nave had ended, but much of her work was still on display, before it would be removed for another exhibition.

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Marc D. Goldfinger has been published in more places than he can remember. He’s the Poetry Editor and a regular columnist for the Spare Change News, a member in good standing of the Highway Poets.

Residents are invited to this annual citywide yard sale for art

Once again Somerville’s porches, driveways, and front yards will transform into mini galleries and pop-up markets as Yart Sale returns on Saturday, August 9, (rain date: August 10) from noon to 6p.m.  

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) are pleased to announce the resale of one deed-restricted condominium to eligible, first-time homebuyer households at a below market price through the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program. This unit will be offered to households with a yearly gross income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).