Week in Review: Republicans Eye Markey, Work on the Orange Line, Unemployment Stats

Medford Unemployment on Steady Decline: Medford's unemployment dropped slightly in April compared to March, in line with a steady decline seen statewide in 2012, according to recent data. The unemployment rate in Medford was measured at 5 percent in April by the state's labor office, according to data released earlier this week. That's down from 5.2 percent in March, and below the statewide average of 5.9 percent, according to the data. Medford's unemployment rate has dropped a full percentage point since the start of 2012, according to the data.

Republicans Take Aim at Markey, Prep for Congressional Contest: Two Republican candidates for Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District say 36 years is enough for Democrat Edward Markey, and they want to cut spending by the Federal government and improve the economy. Lexington’s Jeff Semon and Frank Addivinola of Malden met with GOP supporters in Watertown this week at a . Both are vying this election year to take on Markey, Medford's representative in the U.S. House. "Markey says environmental regulations stimulates job growth,” Addivnola said. “I object to that – regulations impede progress.”

SNAP/EBT Cards Get an Extra Boost at Medford Farmers Market: The Medford Farmers Market accept payments from state subsidized food-buying cards this year, with a little kicker. Through a grant from Medford Health Matters, individuals on the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive up to a $20 match on any purchases from the market, according to a press release from health matters.

Medford Police to Host Sex Offender Registry Information Session: The Medford Police Department will hold an information session for residents interested in understanding sex offender registry policy. Charles McDonald, Director of Communications for the state's Sex Offender Registry will speak at the event, which will be held Wednesday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the Medford Police academy, according to a police press release.

Orange Line Bus Diversions Start June 9: Construction on the new Assembly Square Orange Line stop in Somerville will lead to periodic bus diversions at Wellington Station and other stops along the line beginning in June and until the station is complete in fall of 2014.