Meet the Newest Member of the Somerville Police Department

Yes—you read that right! Our newest (and furriest) recruit doesn’t have a name yet, and we’re asking YOU to help us choose one.

This sweet pup will serve as the Somerville Police Department’s Community Comfort Dog, providing support to community members, victims, and officers during stressful or difficult moments. He is currently in training with the nonprofit Hero Pups, with frequent visits to Somerville, and is already hard at work learning how to be the very best boy in service of our community.
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Somerville Introduces Mattress Recycling Fee Program

Fees for state-required mattress and box spring recycling go into effect February 1, 2026

SOMERVILLE–The City of Somerville currently spends nearly $300,000 each year to cover the cost of recycling mattresses and box springs discarded by residents. Since November 2022, state law has required that all discarded mattresses and box springs be recycled to reduce pressure on landfills, significantly increasing municipal recycling costs statewide.

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Somerville/Medford Remembering Querino Federico, Jr.

Obituary

Querino Federico, Jr. 86, of Manchester-by-the-Sea and formerly of Somerville, passed away on December 27, 2025, he was the 2nd of 4 children, born in Boston, MA son of Carolina (DiPietro) and Querino Federico, Sr. After graduating from Somerville High School, he enlisted in the Army stationed out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and served from April of 1961 to 1964.
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The Perils of Entitlement: Right of Way Doesn’t Mean Invincibility

By William Tauro

In a humorous yet cautionary meme circulating online, a small sailboat glides confidently in front of a towering cruise ship, with the caption reading: “Don’t worry… According to the rules they have to give way to us.” Attributed to the “Old Boat Sailor,” this image cleverly captures a fundamental nautical principle: under international maritime rules (known as COLREGS), vessels under sail generally have the right of way over power-driven vessels like motorboats or massive ships. The logic is rooted in maneuverability—sailboats rely on wind and can’t stop or turn as quickly as powered craft. In theory, the cruise ship must yield. But as the meme implies, just because you can assert your right doesn’t mean you should without considering the risks. Continue reading The Perils of Entitlement: Right of Way Doesn’t Mean Invincibility