Beacon Hill Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

Groups make a Monday night push to get Beacon Hill stipend reform on November’s ballot

by Marc Levy July 6, 2026

Things are down to the wire for political groups to get a nonbinding ballot question about state Legislature stipend reform onto the ballot in Cambridge.

OPINION

Beacon Hill’s reliance on private vendors is failing us. We need to save public services from outsourcing

by Neil Miller June 29, 2026

Our government won't work with outsourcing and an emphasis on big, one-off initiatives instead of smart budgeting. A candidate for state representative says he has a better way.

NEWS

Candidates for state Senate have harsh criticisms of bill bundling, legislative leader pay and secrecy

by Sasha Ray June 20, 2026

Candidates vying for state senator Pat Jehlen’s seat in the 2nd Middlesex District agreed at a forum that big reforms are needed in the state Legislature.

OPINION

Online safety shouldn’t come at the cost of access

by William Norton

Recent efforts by the House and the governor to create online protections for our state’s youth risk serious unintended consequences.

OPINION

New data privacy laws will have unintended consequences that hurt mom-and-pops and nonprofits

by Diane S. Nahabedian April 27, 2026

The bills gaining traction on Beacon Hill are well-intentioned but threaten to create unintended consequences for small businesses and nonprofits.

NEWS

Somerville Housing’s special officers are under the authority of city’s police chief in new home rule petition

by Marc Levy April 25, 2026

Special police officers also won’t be excluded from union activities or civil service rules, city councilors were assured.

NEWS

Gilligan-Corsetti organizes a run for Somerville state rep; Azeem breaks for his wedding and a party

by Marc Levy April 25, 2026

“I understand the struggles of working class people,” said Olivia Gilligan-Corsetti, eyeing a 27th Middlesex seat. Also: A “big South Asian dance party” calls.

NEWS