February 2026 - Page 2 of 6 - Cambridge

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

by Marc Levy 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.

ARTS

Somerville gets a cabinet-level arts czar in addition to a new leader for Arts Council in mayor’s plan

by Marc Levy February 24, 2026

Reassurances came Tuesday for people worried about the direction of creative culture in Somerville, where longtime Arts Council executive director Greg Jenkins steps down March 6.

ASK CHEF JJ

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

by JJ Gonson 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

by Marc Levy 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

by Marc Levy 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.

MUSIC

Who’s in the tour van to rep us at the New Colossus Festival

by Michael Gutierrez February 23, 2026

A handful of local musicians head to New York City for the seventh edition of the New Colossus Festival, running March 3-8.

NEWS

Mass transit is slowed by snowstorm and cleanup, MBTA warns

by Marc Levy 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

by Julia Carpi 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

by Vincent Hicks 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 can even improve your tax outcome. Even part-time gigs, freelancing, consulting, reselling or weekend projects are considered...

ARTS

Letter-writers worry there won’t be an open process when Somerville replaces Arts Council director

by Marc Levy February 22, 2026

An abrupt departure by a longtime champion has artists wondering who will lead the Somerville Arts Council and how they will be chosen.