By Ryan DiLello

A TikTok Trend called the “Kia Challenge” is encouraging teens to steal certain makes of cars with a USB cord, and to document it on the social media platform. This week, the trend reached Somerville.

On the morning of Wednesday, January 26th, Christina Longo (30) of Somerville, was getting ready to drop her dog at daycare and head to work when she noticed her car, which she had parked around the corner from her home, was gone.

All city buildings except libraries and all  Somerville Public Schools buildings will be closed.

The National Weather Service is warning of dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills in Massachusetts Friday through early Sunday, February 3 – 5. The coldest period is forecast for Friday evening into Saturday when wind chills could reach up to 30 degrees below zero.

Mayor Ballantyne and Emergency Management staff urge all community members to take precautions to keep themselves and others safe. Review the following information to prepare for this weekend. Please also check on the elderly and persons with disabilities, and request Police assistance via 911 for unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness.

On January 30, Somerville came out fast and aggressive scoring 4 goals in the first period. Cambridge got within 2 towards the end of the third period, so they pulled their goalie as they went on the offensive. Richie Gaskin scored the empty netter to seal the deal for Somerville with 45 seconds left. SHS won 6-3. the Somerville Youth Hockey
League had their “5 minutes of fame” between the first and second period with the Bruins mascot, Blades.
~ Photos by Alex Fredette

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Is it my imagination or are they trying to squeeze all traffic from Somerville? Disappearing meters etc. here’s what Somerville says:

“Notice how the curbs on the unnecessary islands and bottlenecks they’re installing are extra high and extra sharp? They WANT you to get a flat. They want you to stop driving!”

A number of Somerville residents have raised concerns about the proposed inclusion of a police station as part of the new public safety building.

By Ryan DiLello

After sustained community pushback, The Somerville Redevelopment Authority has agreed to acknowledge public concern and policy debates around policing in the next version of the RFQ for plans to build a public safety building at 90 Washington Street.

Winter Walk Boston, taking place on February 12, was among three upcoming events discussed at the recent meeting of the Somerville Human Rights Commission.

By Ana Celerier Salcedo

On Wednesday, January 25, the Racial and Social Justice Department Human Rights Commission of the City of Somerville met virtually to discuss the upcoming Boston Winter Walk, Spring into Action event, and Turtle Island project.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Marianne Walles

Somerville has been considered a leader in addressing the housing crisis that faces its residents. Policy makers and elected officials talk often about affordable housing, increasing the housing stock, tenant protections, and rent control. All of these are critical, important policies that will help ameliorate our housing crisis.

Be a part of the selection process for the Somerville Arts Council’s next Artist of the Month.

The Somerville Arts Council (SAC) is looking for the next Artist of the Month. Nominations for Artist of the Month are for Somerville based artists. They want to recognize creators of all artistic disciplines and types (artists, writers, dancers, musicians, etc.) in the community and to spread the word about who they are and what they do. Artists must live, work, or volunteer in Somerville, MA. Nominate someone whose work you admire.