SOMERVILLE (CBS) – Higher pay and bonuses are drawing in new lifeguards in Massachusetts this summer. “I feel like I’m a part of the solution and I’m helping people, and keeping the pool safe,” said lifeguard candidate Colin Tucci. State officials say after last summer’s lifeguard shortage and spike in drownings across Massachusetts, they’re bringing new incentives to the table to bring more candidates through the doors. “We are offering a $500 bonus to those lifeguards who stay through the summer season as well as $500 signing bonus,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen T ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – Somerville Police are looking into how an officer was wounded when their gun went off unintentionally. In a statement, police said the officer, who was not identified, was hurt “via an unintentional discharge of the officer’s duty weapon” Wednesday around 4 p.m. The injury was described as “non-life-threatening” and the officer was taken to a hospital, treated and released. “The officer’s firearm was holstered at the time of the discharge,” Police Chief Charles Femino said in the statement. The officer is expected to make a full recovery, police said. No other information wa ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – In the three-bedroom apartment she shares with her mom and son on Walnut Street, Vanessa Vela worries. “They sell the idea that it was going to be to the benefit of the working class,” Vela said. She’s talking about the nearby Green Line station that opened Monday in Somerville’s Union Square, where rents have been climbing since the planning stage, only to rapidly accelerate in the last year or so. “They have been selling all of the buildings around and raising the rents,” Vela said. Vela still has a deal with her old landlord, but the new owner has threatened to evict her ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – At the brand new Union Square MBTA stop in Somerville, Governor Charlie Baker and other local leaders cut a big red ribbon to signify its successful launch Monday. Then they boarded a train that ripped through another ribbon at the next new stop, Lechmere in Cambridge. Residents in both communities say it’s a game-changer. “I was switching constantly at North Station, so this way, you get on and you go,” said Carol Niemira. “This project is just absolutely thrilling,” said Betsy Larkin as she stepped onto a train with her three children. Crews in hard hats crowded a news con ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – The first phase of MBTA’s Green Line Extension is now open for riders. Union Square station in Somerville and a brand new Lechmere station in Cambridge both opened early Monday morning. They’re two of seven new stations in the $2.3 billion project that began back in 2018. It will add more than four-and-a-half miles of track north of Boston that will extend all the way to College Avenue in Medford. The other stations are expected to open later this year. “This is going to be a wonderful benefit for the people here. It’s going to give them direct access to the Green Line and y ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – Three people have been arrested after a shooting at the Mystic Housing Development in Somerville Tuesday afternoon. The shooting was reported at about 1:15 p.m. No injuries were reported. Police are searching for two additional suspects allegedly involved in the incident. A firearm was recovered from the area. The Healey School in Somerville was ordered to shelter in place for a short time ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – Police are looking for two people who left “hateful” graffiti on a Somerville business. Investigators released a surveillance photo Thursday and asked for the public’s help identifying the suspects. Graffiti suspects on Elm Street. (Image Credit: Somerville Police) Police did not specify what was written on the Elm Street business. Anyone who recognizes the pair is asked to call Somerville Police at (617) 625-1600 ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – Lowell designer Stephanie Munoz has always had a creative flair. From making handbags and backpacks out of denim jeans at a young age to designing menswear for New England’s biggest athletes, Munoz’s mission has always been to empower others – especially people of color. “I’ve been designing since I was eight years old,” Munoz told WBZ-TV. “I really use fashion as a way to instill confidence into my clients,” Munoz said from her new pop-up shop in Somerville. “It makes me feel amazing knowing that I was a part of that woman’s – or even that man’s journey, finding a job.” Mun ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) – State transportation crews spent some time inspecting a highway bridge in Somerville Tuesday, while a visitor from California counted his blessings. “I think I’m very lucky to not be injured,” said Leonard Brown. There was shattered glass all over his Audi, slivers sparkling on his jacket as he explained how a chunk of concrete fell from the bridge and hit his windshield. “It angled as it went through the windshield, so it came by like that,” he said, brushing his hand past his face. “I didn’t know what it was.” A piece of concrete smashed through the windshield of an SUV i ..read more

SOMERVILLE (CBS) — The city of Somerville will not adopt a COVID vaccine passport-style system that is in use in Boston and other communities. On Thursday night, the city’s Board of Health defeated the proposal by a count of two to one. In a statement, Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said that while she disagrees with the Board’s decision, she respects the consideration that went into it. “The important takeaway from last night’s hearing is that the Board and the City are in agreement that vaccination is critical to getting this virus under control,” Ballantyne said. “This decision will no ..read more