NEWS

Demolition detours end Friday so traffic can return to normal around the site of former Riverview condos

April 13, 2026

With teardown complete at 221 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge is about to reopen the surrounding Sparks and Mount Auburn streets after 272 days.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Your employer can contribute to a kid’s Trump Account starting July 4

April 13, 2026

Unlike your contributions, which are after-tax, employer contributions come pretax, similar to how a company might contribute to a retirement plan.

NEWS

Order around appointing special police in Somerville, including at Housing Authority, paused for questions

April 12, 2026

Legislators warn that time is running out to make sure of passage on Beacon Hill, putting pressure on action when an order returns April 23.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, April 13-20: Another zigzag on Garden Street and social housing

April 12, 2026

Take part in meetings on a massive energy project, social housing, traffic changes (or not) on Garden Street and Gold Star Mothers park.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, April 13-20: Displacement and affordability, a change of use in Union Square

April 12, 2026

Take part in meetings on finances for the school district, displaced people and creation of affordable homes and a wish not to build Union Square offices.

NEWS

Somerville is beefing up its Welcoming Community Ordinance against Trump policies

April 11, 2026

A law that spells out Somerville’s resistance to federal oppression is being strengthened, including protections for First Amendment expression.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Deal offers a chance for Somerville to own instead of rent at its months-old Assembly Square fire station

April 10, 2026

With a sudden $7 million bond appropriation by the City Council, Somerville can go from renter to owner at its Assembly Square fire station.

FOOD

Where to gorge at all-you-can-eat buffets in Cambridge and Somerville

April 10, 2026

One appeal of the buffet is not having to make hard choices. The wealth of Cambridge and Somerville buffet options perform that role on a broader scale.

NEWS

March’s rain and snow helps Northeast leave significant drought, but it’s still important to conserve

April 10, 2026

The region has been downgraded to a mild drought from significant drought. Dry conditions have persisted since August and could worsen again.

ADVERTISEMENT

DEVELOPMENT

Approval to tear down an Ellery Street home followed the process correctly, commissioners say

April 10, 2026

An early 1900s home assessed as being in “excellent condition” continues on a path to demolition after a neighbors’ appeal was rejected.

FOOD

Somerville Plant-Based Restaurant Week could encourage new menu items but has a bigger purpose

April 9, 2026

A Plant-Based Restaurant Week set for April 18-25 follows City Council endorsement of changes to Somerville policies about meat.

NEWS

The innovators of Kendall Square are going to war or escaping to Europe: A conversation

April 8, 2026

The average resident might be shocked at where things are headed in the gleaming towers of our innovation district.

ADVERTISEMENT

BUSINESS

In preparing for World Cup soccer, goals range from moneymaking to surviving a hooligan siege

April 8, 2026

Public safety officials are bracing for the World Cup – first an onslaught of licensing needs and then a possible invasion of hooligans.

ASK CHEF JJ

Edible flowers: Beautiful and, naturally, delicious (so long as you choose the safe ones)

April 8, 2026

Nasturtiums are edible, and popular, as you might have noticed, in fancy salads. There are lots of flowers that are edible and easy to come by here. 

LET’S GET COFFEE

Three cafes as diverse as Central Square 

April 8, 2026

Today’s Central Square is truly the center, the convergence point for Cambridge’s diverse cultures and lively commerce.

ADVERTISEMENT

BITE

Sweet frank roll at H Mart

April 8, 2026

Of course the cultish Korean grocery store has plused the impulse buys before you get to the checkouts – sweet, savory or both, like this.

DEVELOPMENT

Affordable housing and space for Public Works are priorities at six Cambridge-owned properties

April 7, 2026

Affordable housing and room for a squeezed Department of Public Works was top of mind at a Monday roundtable in Cambridge. 

NEWS

Homeless shelter at church is approved by a judge, found to be part of a ‘broader religious project’ (updated)

April 7, 2026

Some neighbors worried about the effects on the area and property values from crime, drug use and noise from a 26-bed shelter near Davis Square.

ADVERTISEMENT

DEVELOPMENT

Ellery Street building design is still in flux in a changing Mid-Cambridge

April 7, 2026

A project to put up a six-story building with more than 30 condos at 88 Ellery St. was continued to a future meeting despite better-liked designs.

FOOD

June brings Taste of Somerville and Taste of Cambridge, seemingly endless nibbles from around cities

April 6, 2026

Early bird sales to the Taste of Somerville are live through April 14, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce said Monday. The discounts means 15 percent off access to the...

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Trump Accounts aren’t tax free, but some kids can get $1,000 to start

April 6, 2026

The advantage to these new financial tools comes from tax-deferred growth, early investing and a $1,000 government contribution.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

No one likes the state’s first attempts at a Reid Overpass redesign

April 5, 2026

More than a dozen organizations have nearly identical conclusions about redesigns of a nearly 90-year-old Cambridgeport traffic overpass.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, April 6-13: Police cameras and a new two-school campus

April 5, 2026

Take part in meetings on progress toward a new school, police body camera funding and bike lanes at the Elm-Beacon Connector project.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, April 6-13: Ellery Street projects put multifamily housing under a microscope

April 5, 2026

Two projects on one street are among those shaped by multifamily housing zoning the City Council passed last year, and the experts are watching.

ADVERTISEMENT

EDUCATION

Like and subscribe: Cambridge School Committee prepares to push publish on a newsletter (but endorses a podcast)

April 3, 2026

There’s caution about overwhelming Cambridge families who already get too much information about the goings-on in their school district.

DEVELOPMENT

‘Shocked’ by low assessed value at 90 Washington, agency members head off the map

April 2, 2026

Members of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority were dismayed to find a $3.8 million assessment at a lot that’s cost the city around $35.3 million.

EDUCATION

Tufts has chosen its commencement speaker in venture capital health head Ken Frazier

April 2, 2026

Commencement at Tufts University is 9 a.m. May 17 on the academic quad of Tufts’ Medford-Somerville campus.

ADVERTISEMENT

BUSINESS

Porter Square Shopping Center makes space for a business between Cafe Zing and Cambridge Naturals

April 1, 2026

“Cafe Zing 2.0” is expected to open in three months in Porter Square, but what opens in the remaining space won't be Cambridge Naturals.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Three destination cafes where no compromise is needed between high-quality food and coffee

April 1, 2026

There's not always a need to pair prized coffee with a generic muffin or croissant or wash down a to-die-for pastry or bagel with a lesser brew.

BITE

Napoli pastry at Yafa Bakery & Café

April 1, 2026

At Yafa, the pistachio is a major food group that appears on or in many of the treats. With the cone-shaped, chocolatey Napoli, it’s both.

ADVERTISEMENT

ASK CHEF JJ

Spice, spice, baby: Racking up some jarring insights about what gives life flavor

April 1, 2026

For starters, how often do you throw out spices? If you are my mother, the answer is never.

NEWS

Azeem’s ads have exciting news for riders of the MBTA (in the 1940s)

April 1, 2026

Those ads about a giant expansion of the MBTA – the red line into Lexington, the green line to Woburn and so on – are accurate. In a way.

BUSINESS

Clover restaurant chain may shut down without a buyer

March 31, 2026

Less than two years after exiting bankruptcy protection, the Clover chain of restaurants is seeking a buyer and may lay off 182 workers.

ADVERTISEMENT

DEVELOPMENT

Davis Square Neighborhood Plan could be done by fall, becoming a factor in tower decision

March 31, 2026

Work on a Davis Square Neighborhood Plan will ramp up in early May and finish within three to six months, extending into fall as needed.

FOOD

Your next cookbook can be found April 11 at a Curio-hosted benefit for World Central Kitchen

March 31, 2026

The World Central Kitchen, which goes to the front lines of crises to provide fresh meals, gets a little boost April 11 from a sale of used cookbooks.

NEWS

Worry sets in about new tech’s toll on Cambridge in power and water

March 31, 2026

AI has begun its creep into municipal business and data centers are coming that can’t be regulated because the new tech isn't in the city’s table of uses.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Resident parking permits in Cambridge will be $75 next time, unless the driver cites a hardship

March 30, 2026

Most Cambridge drivers could be asked to pay $75 for their next resident parking permit, up from $25, under a policy order passed Monday after four weeks awaiting action...

MENU

Get a $5 burger at Cambridge Common like it’s 1996 again

March 30, 2026

Also on the Menu this week: The Big Papi Burrito helps fund a charity at Anna's and Wonder says to wonder no longer about its 500 options.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Maybe this is the year you should itemize deductions

March 30, 2026

With the cap rising it $40,000, more taxpayers may now find that itemizing results in a larger deduction than taking the standard deduction.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Cambridge has surpassed its 1950s population peak, with housing, wealth and race effects

March 29, 2026

The Human Rights Commission heard findings on age and sex; households and families; race and ethnicity; immigration; income and poverty.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, March 30-April 6: Affordable homes overlay zoning … and doughnuts

March 29, 2026

Take part in meetings on 90 Washington and new school plans, affordable homes overlay zoning and hours a Winter Hill Dunkin’.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, March 30-April 6: The city is using AI and talking data centers and turning 400

March 29, 2026

Take part in meetings on changes to community benefits, tech, events and tourism issues and the future of city-owned properties.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Protect Act passes in state House of Representatives ahead of weekend Trump protests

March 28, 2026

An Act Protecting Access to Justice comes “in response to the ongoing fascist ICE crackdown,” state representative Mike Connolly said.

NEWS

A moment of silence honors Olympian Reavis, who set records at Somerville High and nationally

March 27, 2026

Olympian Phil Reavis was mourned Thursday in Somerville, where he lived and is honored as the namesake of a high school athletic field.

DEVELOPMENT

Plan for affordable homes on Porter Street is a capstone as Johnston retires from CHA

March 26, 2026

Amid speeches, work got done, including moves toward developing land at 16-28 Porter St., Wellington-Harrington, near the Somerville city line. 

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

In Brownsberger-Lander race for senate, incumbent touts governor’s endorsement

March 26, 2026

The reelection campaign of state senator Will Brownsberger was endorsed Thursday by governor Maura Healey as “crucial” to state initiatives.

FOOD

Friendly Toast menu makes some moves under a CEO brought over from Tatte

March 26, 2026

The menu is getting a minor update at The Friendly Toast, an all-day brunch and bar spot in Cambridge’s Harvard Square.

FOOD

Cheesecake as an act of meditation with Duly Lee of Korean Momma

March 25, 2026

To indulge in the custom Basque cheesecakes of Korean Momma, a customer can expect to wait. And maybe to engage in five minutes of “therapy.”

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Entering a budget cycle $5.9M in the red, Somerville city councilors are united on priorities

March 25, 2026

Somerville city councilors know their wish lists for the city might not happen, but the shared themes were deemed “really striking.”

ASK CHEF JJ

Crispy pie: Secrets for homemade pizza, including the gluten-free kind

March 25, 2026

Very strong opinions from a former pizzamaking instructor who never mastered a perfectly round crust (because it doesn't matter).

BITE

Scallion biscuit at Phinista Cafe

March 25, 2026

$4.25 A group of us set out to find the best banh mi in Cambridge and Somerville and discovered along the way another treat everyone loved – a savory, sweet and...

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

After a ‘particularly brutal winter,’ Somerville urges pothole reports and prepares road repairs

March 24, 2026

The repaving of streets and other road improvements are mentioned as budget priorities in memos filed with mayor Jake Wilson by five city councilors.

NEWS

Water and sewer bills, drought, ‘forever chemicals’ and a Charles River footbridge get council action

March 24, 2026

A bike lane and footpath bridge across the Charles River got a thumbs up from Cambridge city councillors, while concern greeted water issues.

NEWS

Looking at this winter convinces a councillor that Cambridge needs a snow corps to call in for help

March 23, 2026

A wild winter with extreme outcomes for city workers and finances leads to exploration of a volunteer “snow corps”; another idea emerges from Somerville.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

City gains confidence about finding money for a bridge over train tracks to Danehy Park

March 23, 2026

Staff are confident that money to pay for a bridge over Fitchburg Line train tracks will be found after designs are in place, which could be in around 18 months.

NEWS

Cambridge Housing Authority, now a regional force in affordable homes, appoints a chief executive

March 23, 2026

Clara Fraden, a Cambridge resident who has been at the Cambridge Housing Authority eight years, is the agency’s new chief executive.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: The IRS sends refunds before it finishes checking what you file

March 23, 2026

A refund isn’t the finish line. Your return is generally “closed” only once the IRS statute period expires.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Somerville meetings, March 23-30: Public school upkeep and budget priorities

March 22, 2026

Take part in meetings on setting budget priorities, maintaining public schools, Mystic River sewage and affordable-unit rent collection.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, March 23-30: Designing a train tracks bridge, adding Twin Cities affordable housing

March 22, 2026

Take part in meetings on a bridge over rail tracks; snow season's costs; Central Square planning; and affordable homes in two parts of the city.

BUSINESS

Nicotine users will have even fewer choices by May after a Somerville clampdown

March 21, 2026

Somerville is taking more aggressive action against tobacco products that have sneaked onto store shelves without explicit government approval.

ADVERTISEMENT

EDUCATION

Options for East Cambridge’s closed school will be seen in May; better busing brings changes

March 20, 2026

Three to six options for the future of 158 Spring St. are expected to be presented to Cambridge Public Schools families in May, district superintendent David Murphy told...

NEWS

Democratic Socialists seek more state seats but fell short of endorsing Uyterhoeven, its sole incumbent

March 19, 2026

The DSA fell a few votes short of endorsing Erika Uyterhoeven, who is running without its field team, and the issue was largely not about policy.

BUSINESS

Mourning Dove: No lease renewal offered by shopping center, Sign of the Dove artists need a new home

March 19, 2026

“For people in the community who are looking to support local artists and purchase local artwork, losing these spaces makes it harder for them to do that.”

ADVERTISEMENT

ASK CHEF JJ

Vegetarian chili you can make for 10 after learning how to scale recipes up, up, up

March 18, 2026

How do you cook for a lot of people in a home kitchen? A little math, some careful measuring, savvy and splitting and the right storage.

BUSINESS

How a ‘420 friendly’ club hopes to light up Union Square without social-consumption laws in place

March 18, 2026

A pot-friendly, no-alcohol comedy and music club got licensing to open in Somerville’s Union Square but must walk a very fine line.

BITE-OFF

We tried Cambridge and Somerville banh mi and found our favorite (for tofu, anyway)

March 18, 2026

Five Vietnamese restaurants sell banh mi in Cambridge and Somerville, and on a recent Sunday a group of us tried them all to help direct diners to the best. The sandwich...

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Man used violence, stalking and fraud to force women into sex, U.S. Attorney’s Office says

March 18, 2026

Daniel Rodriguez, 36, was arrested on state charges in January after leading the police on a high-speed chase in Randolph.

BITE

Fried mozzarella at Si Cara

March 18, 2026

This is a very firm layer of panko over the smoothest, mildest, most innocuous of mozzarellas all but rescued by the choice of sauce.

NEWS

Derrick Neal is out as head of Cambridge Public Health

March 18, 2026

Neal was appointed during the Covid pandemic after withdrawing from a job in California and spent a little over four years with the department.

ADVERTISEMENT

EDUCATION

Unhappy over a confusing process, Somerville officials embrace a future with a 925-seat school

March 17, 2026

A combined campus on Winter Hill means closing the Benjamin G. Brown School on Willow Avenue and less walkability in West Somerville.

DEVELOPMENT

Streamlining the permitting process? Cambridge did this in 2024

March 16, 2026

Getting projects into construction is urgent, especially for housing, so staff expects to report as soon as mid-June on how to speed that up.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Four reasons to file taxes with low income, some that put money in your pocket

March 16, 2026

In many cases, filing a tax return can put money back in your pocket even when income is relatively low – including from prior years.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Somerville meetings, March 16-23: Lessons from winter’s snowfall and affordable-housing zoning

March 15, 2026

Take part in meetings on building school campuses and maintaining current educational facilities and a postmortem on winter snow clearing.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, March 16-23: Cutting student screen time, and the future of the K-Lo campus

March 15, 2026

Take part in meetings on student screen time, busing and the K-Lo school campus, and city finances and micromobility.

ASK CHEF JJ

To broil or not to broil? Here’s a dry rubbed pork tenderloin for when the heat is on

March 14, 2026

When you use the broiler setting on an oven, do you leave the door ajar? This question opens up a lot having to do with this high-heat cooking.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Cambridge looks to MBTA and mall owner to take lead in updating the Alewife area

March 13, 2026

What wasn’t on the list of Cambridge housing and zoning priorities presented this week to city councillors: A few untouched parts of Alewife . 

NEWS

Bill stopping ICE’s courthouse seizures wins support in Somerville as a Cambridge family mourns

March 13, 2026

Somerville city councilors became the first in the state to vote in support of a bill on Beacon Hill that protects courtgoers from seizure by ICE.

DEVELOPMENT

Somerville YMCA project has a friendly neighborhood meeting, getting swole without breaking a sweat

March 12, 2026

After another year of permitting and two years of construction, a project of 130,000-plus square feet will add affordable housing and amenities.

ADVERTISEMENT

BITE

Veggie mini mandu at K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken

March 11, 2026

While it’s the wings that are most exciting about this restaurant in the former Cantina Mexicana space, these dumplings have a lot going for them.

DEVELOPMENT

Copper Mill promises alternative designs within 30 days for its Davis Square tower proposal

March 11, 2026

Renderings of a 26-story, 502-apartment building drew scoffs even from project supporters, and the developer agreed it missed the mark.

FOOD

Nagomi Bento’s expansion into Cambridge means more snacks, bowls, drinks and happiness

March 10, 2026

Less than two years after opening in Somerville’s Bow Market, Nagomi Bento is expanding to Cambridge. The Japanese restaurant, between Harvard and Porter squares, is...

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Police budget in Cambridge draws attention to overlap with social services and unarmed response team

March 10, 2026

There were no “defund the police” calls, but overlaps in services were examined critically in a Finance Committee hearing.

NEWS

Political climate change pushes Ig Nobel Prize ceremony to Europe after 35 years

March 10, 2026

The Ig Nobel Prize ceremony is moving to Europe, and its Sept. 3 awards – the 36th First Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony – take place in Zurich.

NEWS

Cambridge will pay $400,000 over a gun discharge rather than risk paying more after a trial

March 10, 2026

Cambridge plans to settle a settle a lawsuit filed by retired police lieutenant, who said his weapon fired because of a manufacturing flaw.

ADVERTISEMENT

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: The IRS has three years on its audit clock. Get it started by filing on time.

March 9, 2026

The IRS has a limited time to review and challenge a tax return. Filing a return promptly helps ensure this clock begins running as early as possible.

NEWS

There’s already debate, over the Legislature’s work ethic, as Miller challenges Connolly in the 26th

March 8, 2026

A seat encompassing East Cambridge and East Somerville is getting its first Democratic political primary – and race of any kind – since 2016.

NEWS

As weather warms, cities wait to see how long until their biggest snow piles melt away

March 8, 2026

Somerville city staff compare this year with 2015, when “the snow piles lasted until May,” and a Cambridge spokesperson eyed early summer.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Somerville meetings, March 9-16: Merged schools, Davis Square tower and a new YMCA

March 8, 2026

Take part in meetings on a merged school campus, a proposed apartment tower, a YMCA on Highland Avenue and Elm-Beacon road plan.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, March 9-16: A consolidated housing department and police budgeting

March 8, 2026

Take part in meetings on combining housing and homeless services into one department; the police budget; disability services and planning; and more.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Space, time and coffee

March 7, 2026

An occasional feature mapping our sipping in visits to cafes in Somerville and Cambridge – this time Imagine, Forge and Three Little Figs.

ADVERTISEMENT

DEVELOPMENT

Assembly Row hotel promises its new rooftop deck won’t be open late

March 6, 2026

If someone wants to party on a rooftop deck, ”there are plenty of options in The Seaport,” the developer of Assembly Row told the Planning Board.

NEWS

Belief in the success of the Black Lives Matter movement fell by 31% at a formal debate

March 6, 2026

As Black History Month came to a close, a civic organization reflected on one of the most defining and divisive movements of the digital era. 

ASK CHEF JJ

First tomato soup, and gluten-free tricks for a béchamel sauce

March 5, 2026

This week we're faking things: tomato soup when neither tomatoes nor basil are in season, and a flour-based sauce without flour, for those avoiding gluten.

ADVERTISEMENT

FASHION

These walking sleeping bags are our cocoons when we can’t nest

March 5, 2026

The new outerwear mood on the streets this winter is hard to miss: the ankle-length puffer coat, a full-on down cocoon reaching nearly to the ground.

FOOD

Veggie Galaxy, maker of comfort food in Cambridge, is called Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant in America

March 5, 2026

Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge has been named the best vegan-friendly restaurant in America in a VegNews reader survey.

DEVELOPMENT

Union Square developer, struggling to fill lab space, is open to speeding up hotel or homebuilding

March 5, 2026

USQ, master developer of a 20-acre, $2 billion project in Union Square, has been wooing AI, life sciences, robotics and other sectors.

ADVERTISEMENT

EDUCATION

Designs for a merged Winter Hill-Brown school on Sycamore Street are presented in Somerville

March 5, 2026

Students and educators are expected to return to 115 Sycamore St., with a merged Winter Hill and Brown schools set for a 2031 move-in. 

BITE

Pita and hummus at Life Alive

March 4, 2026

There’s a delicious base of creamy hummus complemented by cucumber slices, crispy dried chickpeas and tangy olives. Is there enough pita, though?

RETAIL

Somerville’s seller of environmentally friendly stuff is expanding with a crowdfunding campaign

March 4, 2026

Somerville’s eco-friendly housewares and bath and body shop, Green Tiger & Co., is expanding at Somerville’s Bow Market.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Ewen-Campen declares for Uyterhoeven’s state rep district after Uyterhoeven announces a Senate run

March 3, 2026

Ewen-Campen said his goals as a state representative will be familiar from his work as a councilor, including housing, safe streets and immigrant protections.

TRANSPORTATION

Rise in parking permit fees to $75 stalls in Cambridge with misunderstanding about seniors

March 3, 2026

A proposal to raise the cost of most Cambridge resident parking permits was paused Monday amid a misunderstanding that the change affects every senior.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Life is easier with electronic filing

March 3, 2026

Technology doesn’t just make tax filing easier – it makes it safer. A few simple digital tools can dramatically reduce fraud, delays and costly surprises.

ADVERTISEMENT

BUSINESS

An 8-year-old lawsuit against Cambridge from former business owners may be headed for trial

March 2, 2026

Linnane vs. City of Cambridge springs from former practices of the License Commission, including telling businesses to buy licenses they could get for free.

BUSINESS

Second day of protest is planned against Citizens Bank over support of for-profit ICE prisons

March 2, 2026

Four local branches of Citizens Bank are due for protests Saturday over the bank’s involvement with for-profit prison companies working with ICE.

RETAIL

Circle’s local bankruptcy auction is March 10, another loss to Cambridge’s furniture history

March 1, 2026

Shoppers can still pick up deals at Circle, even though the bankrupt chain closed abruptly in December after nearly 74 years in business.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Somerville meetings, March 2-9: Winter Hill and Brown schools, 90 Washington

March 1, 2026

Take part in a week of plenty of meetings about replacing Somerville’s two oldest schools and a mixed-use project on Cobble Hill.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, March 2-9: Clearing snow, setting standards for third graders (and principals)

March 1, 2026

Take part in meetings on clearing snow from sidewalks and declaring school snow days, standard for students and school leaders and more.

FASHION

Rise of the expressive puffer coat

February 27, 2026

This winter, the puffer isn’t just a coat, it’s a mood, and Cambridge and Somerville have been deep in it.

ADVERTISEMENT

TRANSPORTATION

Bus changes starting April 5 gives more access to Arlington and Burlington

February 27, 2026

Six bus routes see changes starting April 5, including the CT2, 85 and 87 that are serving riders in Cambridge and Somerville.

DEVELOPMENT

Adding mass timber tech to zoning means more affordable housing for Somerville, councilor says

February 27, 2026

A zoning change to allow mass timber and all-affordable buildings to go to eight stories from seven goes to a Land Use Committee in March.

BUSINESS

J. August reopens Friday in Harvard Square with its familiar university merch

February 26, 2026

J. August opened in 1891 in a building owned by an all-male Porcellian Club at what was then an all-male Harvard. Its mission is different now. 

ADVERTISEMENT

BITE

Thai chili lemonade at Saigon Tiger

February 26, 2026

All weather is ice cream weather, and why not the same for lemonade? This one has a bright flavor, not too sweet or acidic, and a surprise spiciness.

FOOD

Eye-tricking viral pastries at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts Cafe now include the Strawberry

February 25, 2026

The Mango is not a mango. The Lemon is not a lemon. Starting this week, the Strawberry is not a strawberry. Here's how a cafe does it.

DEVELOPMENT

Lab market and the economy complicate Healthpeak’s vision for a new Cambridge Highlands neighborhood

February 24, 2026

A campus of 20 buildings is planned for parcels assembled by the company Healthpeak and due for a formal application in March.

ADVERTISEMENT

ASK CHEF JJ

My roast chicken recipe, and how to make spinach soufflé for a sandwich spread

February 24, 2026

It started with an idea for a sandwich and how it might be executed. But first I feel I must start with roasting a chicken.

NEWS

We have Tuesday office hours, and tonight they’re in Central Square

February 24, 2026

As part of its mission of community, The Independent plans weekly “office hours” at two convenient locations, and the hours start this week. 

DEVELOPMENT

Developer is back talking with the public about its Davis Square tower proposal

February 23, 2026

The developer proposing a tower with hundreds of apartments in Somerville’s Davis Square plans a meeting in March with updates and answers.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Mass transit is slowed by snowstorm and cleanup, MBTA warns

February 23, 2026

The MBTA warned that extreme snowfall and a massive cleanup effort will result in “a number of service changes” for travel through Tuesday.

FOOD

Somerville’s Michette bakery is opening in Cambridge near Inman Square and adding lunch

February 23, 2026

After three years serving French breads and pastries to East Somerville, Thomas Ferté will take advantage of added square footage in Cambridge.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Don’t leave your side hustle off when you file with the IRS

February 23, 2026

Q: Should I include “side hustle” income and expenses on my tax return? A: Yes, absolutely. Reporting your side hustle isn’t just a rule – it often gives you clarity and...

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Somerville meetings, Feb. 23-March 2: Kennedy yard improvements and new school ideas

February 22, 2026

Take part in meetings about the McGrath Boulevard project, school improvement plans and funding for school and playing field projects.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, Feb. 22-March 1: CambridgeSide project sees delays, Healthpeak advances

February 22, 2026

Take part in meetings on school district budgeting, bike lanes on part of Broadway and developments in East Cambridge and the Alewife Quad.

NEWS

What you need to know about the Sunday snowstorm in Cambridge and Somerville

February 21, 2026

A blizzard may dump between 1 and 2 feet of snow between 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Tuesday, with gusts of up to 60 mph and whiteout conditions.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Survey notes rise in anti-Zionism among Jews in the area, now home to a non-Zionist synagogue

February 21, 2026

There’s been an 8 percent increase in area Jewish households since 2015 – and among them, 38 percent of their inhabitants identify as anti-Zionist.

NEWS

When Donald Trump shut down Snap benefits, it ended talks for a new Central Square grocery store

February 20, 2026

Opening a city-run grocery store was part of Ayah Al-Zubi’s successful run last year for Cambridge City Council. While she campaigned, a group that included Cambridge...

NEWS

Immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis wants Governor’s Council seat to appoint better judges

February 20, 2026

While most immigration proceedings are federal, a path to citizenship for unaccompanied minors is determined at the state level, the candidate notes.

ADVERTISEMENT

BUSINESS

After around a decade of construction, the Beacon Suites Hotel is expected to open this spring

February 19, 2026

A city-line hotel under construction for around a decade is accepting reservations for mid-April after a sale by the initial developer.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Wintry mix, the seasonal coffee of choice

February 19, 2026

An occasional feature mapping our sipping in visits to cafes in Somerville and Cambridge, including Simon’s, Pepita and Cicada Coffee Bar.

FOOD

Kupel’s will bring its ‘god-tier bagels’ to a long-empty Somerville space

February 19, 2026

Kupel’s Bagels is expanding to Somerville from Brookline, creating just its second location since opening nearly five decades ago.

ADVERTISEMENT

BITE

Tequeños at Carolicious

February 19, 2026

You get five of these breadsticks with a center of queso blanco, a semifirm white cheese, served hot from the air fryer like hearty pigs-in-a-blanket.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, Feb. 17-23: Surveillance technologies and McGrath changes

February 17, 2026

Take part in these meetings on surveillance technologies, later serving hours and new eateries, McGrath Highway changes and more.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, Feb. 17-24: Traffic infrastructure and school budgets

February 17, 2026

Take part in these meetings on Reid Overpass reconstruction, Mount Auburn Street changes, school district budgeting and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

We have Tuesday office hours, and they launch in Davis Square

February 16, 2026

As part of its mission of community, The Independent plans weekly “office hours” at two convenient locations, and the hours start this week. 

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Why you got a 1099, and what it really means

February 16, 2026

Over time, 1099s have expanded to cover nearly every type of income the IRS wants to track, including gig work or eBay sales.

NEWS

Somerville Arts Council leader Jenkins is asked to leave by mayor

February 14, 2026

The longtime leader of the Somerville Arts Council said he is leaving at the request of new mayor Jake Wilson after nearly 25 years.

ADVERTISEMENT

BITE-OFF

In a giant-cookie battle of Chip City vs. Crumbl, Harvard Square wins big, even a little too big

February 14, 2026

Two over-the-top chain cookie sellers came to Cambridge a couple of years ago to compete from neighboring squares. Which is for you?

BUSINESS

Last-minute (and thoughtful) Valentine’s Day gifts in Cambridge and Somerville

February 12, 2026

Because love shouldn’t feel like a CVS candle aisle panic.

BUSINESS

How to love your Valentine’s Day in Cambridge and Somerville

February 11, 2026

A list of restaurants and experiences that couples, throuples, singles who seek or the self-satisfied can enjoy all weekend long for Valentine’s Day.

ADVERTISEMENT

FOOD

Valentine’s, Galentine’s, as long as it’s chocolate: An anthropologist’s quick history of a holiday

February 11, 2026

Anthropologists love to say “Bet you didn’t know this!” about cultural history and the origins of things in human use – including for Valentine’s Day.

BITE

Egg salad sandwiches at 7-Eleven

February 11, 2026

The company that owns 7-Eleven is trying to change its culinary reputation. It’s started that work with egg salad sandwiches.

NEWS

Cambridge gets its first gunfire incident of the year, followed by an arrest

January 28, 2026

Two vehicles exchanged gunfire and drove off in opposite directions, witnesses told police in recounting a Cambridge gunfire incident.

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWS

Homeland Security searches a Lesley University residence hall

January 15, 2026

A federal search of a Cambridge building ignites debate over police cooperation and transparency.

NEWS

Massive file from J6 insurrection trials goes live on the Internet Archive

January 8, 2026

Nearly 3 terabytes of material being uploaded, so much material that it may take days for it all to go live.

BITE

Fried delicata squash at La Brasa

January 7, 2026

When french fry fatigue and onion ring ennui sets in, find relief at La Brasa, with its fried delicata squash in thinly sliced rounds with a lime crema dipping sauce.

ADVERTISEMENT