In MA First, City Moves To Decriminalize Psychedelics: Patch PM

It's Friday, Jan. 20. Here is what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.

Somerville Moves To Decriminalize Psychedelics

Somerville this month became the first Massachusetts community to move toward decriminalizing entheogenic plants, more commonly known as psychedelics. At its Jan. 14 meeting, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution placing a low priority on the enforcement of such substances.

The resolution says that city employees, including the Somerville Police Department, should not use city funds or resources to assist in enforcing laws surrounding the adult use of entheogenic plants.

It does not allow driving under the influence of such substances, selling them commercially or distributing them near schools.

Read more here.

Elsewhere in Middlesex County

Malden Man's Murder Conviction Upheld In Death Of Stoneham Vet

One of two men serving life in prison for the murder of an Army Ranger from Stoneham will not get a new trial. The state Supreme Judicial Court upheld the first degree murder conviction of Eugene Tate, who filed an appeal alleging prejudicial error on behalf of the prosecution.

Tate, who was 19 years old at the time of the murder in 2013, also argued his conviction should be reduced to murder in the second degree or voluntary manslaughter based on self-defense.

Encore Boston Harbor To Open 24-Hours A Day Starting Next Week

Encore Boston Harbor in Everett is extending its hours as Massachusetts gradually pulls back on coronavirus restrictions.

The casino will open from 9 a.m. to midnight on Monday and starting on Wednesday, the casino will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Reading Plans For 'Large-Scale' Vaccination Of Residents

The town is monitoring the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and preparing for the eventual vaccination of the public in Phase 3. There will be a "large-scale" vaccination of residents, and officials say they are working to ensure that doses are efficiently given when they arrive in Reading.

Phase 2 vaccinations are scheduled to begin in early February. Reading will offer clinics for all teachers and school department staff in Phase 2, officials say.

Arlington Sets Additional Vaccine Clinic For Healthcare Workers

The Arlington Health Department will hold a vaccination clinic for home-based and non-COVID-facing healthcare workers in Phase 1 next Wednesday, Jan. 27.

The town has also created a form for Arlington residents to provide their information and be alerted if, and when, a vaccination clinic is available for their priority group. Information may be submitted here.

Across Massachusetts

1,900 Coronavirus Vaccines Spoiled In Boston VA Freezer Mishap

A freezer's loose plug cost the VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plain 1,900 doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine.

Barbara Erickson, Groundbreaking Leader Of The Trustees, Dies

Erickson, President and CEO of The Trustees of Reservation, died after a years-long battle with a rare form of cancer. She was 42.

Salem Defense Lawyer Held Without Bail On Rape Charge

Gary Zerola, of Salem, had been charged with four sex offenses before his latest arrest.