Council OKs police body cameras in 7-4 vote

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City Council Approves Somerville Police Body Camera Program

The City Council voted 7-4 at a special virtual meeting Monday night to adopt the Somerville Police Department's body-worn camera policy and accept a $231,635 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research. The approval lets the city meet an Aug. 31 deadline to accept the funding and begin purchasing equipment. The special meeting followed a request from 89 residents for a public hearing on body-worn cameras in June, capping a years-long effort that began with the city's 10-point plan on systemic racism in 2020 and a unanimous council endorsement in 2021.

Patch

Veterans' Commission Holds Remote Meeting on Monuments Today

The Somerville Veterans' Commission on Monuments, Memorials and Dedications meets remotely today from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., open to residents via Zoom registration.

City of Somerville

Rooted In Somerville Campaign Launches to Fund Affordable Housing

Nonprofits CAAS and Somerville Community Land Trust launched Rooted In Somerville on July 30, asking real estate buyers and sellers to donate 0.5% of purchase price toward tenant protections and affordable housing; the campaign kicks off July 31 at American Flatbread in Davis Square.

The Somerville Times

Tom Hopcroft Withdraws from 2nd Middlesex State Senate Race

Winchester School Committee member Tom Hopcroft withdrew July 29 from the state Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Patricia Jehlen, leaving four candidates in the running.

Cambridge Day

Boston Tap Party 2026 Kicks Off Today

The tap dance festival begins today at 10 a.m. and runs through August 2, bringing workshops, open classes and showcase performances to the Center for Arts at the Armory.

DanceUs.org

Assembly Square Walk Audit Set for August 4

The Somerville Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee and Assembly Connect host a community walk audit August 4 from 6 to 8 p.m., starting at The Lawn, to assess pedestrian safety in Assembly Square.

City of Somerville

Police Report Violent Bottle Assault at Chuckie Harris Park

Somerville Police say a victim was left covered in blood after three young males struck him with a bottle at Chuckie Harris Park on July 29.

Hoodline

Obituary: João M. 'John' De Medeiros, Former Bakery Technician

Former Winter Hill Portuguese Bakery technician João M. 'John' De Medeiros died July 21 at age 72; his obituary and celebration of life were shared July 29.

The Somerville Times

Lyrical Somerville Features Poetry of Rachel Kushner

The July 29 poetry spotlight featured 'But Hope—' by Union Square resident Rachel Kushner, whose work draws on her day job as a public pre-K data analyst.

The Somerville Times

Adaptive Sports Clinic Empowers Children in Somerville

Somerville Parks and Recreation's summer Adaptive Sports Clinic holds its next session today, giving children with disabilities a supportive environment to learn sports.

SPED Child and Teen

Curling 101 Program Begins at Veterans Rink

The North End Curling Club's five-week Curling 101 program starts today at Veterans Memorial Rink in Somerville.

North End Curling Club

Crooked Diehl Performs Live at The Burren Tonight

Local act Crooked Diehl plays a live concert tonight at 7 p.m. at The Burren in Somerville.

StubHub