DEVELOPMENT Developers are putting backyard cottages ‘on steroids’ to turn them into triple-deckers, former officials say by Marc Levy April 16, 2026 Developers are abusing the ability to create “backyard cottages” in Somerville, bringing crammed-in but unaffordable condos.
BUSINESS Lesley University faculty say they are ready to strike, and they want protection if the school shuts or sells by Marc Levy April 16, 2026 Faculty say they are fighting for fair compensation, manageable workloads and contract retention in the event of an acquisition or shutdown.
NEWS Cambridge Police Department sees an abrupt turnover as Christine Elow retires as commissioner by Marc Levy April 16, 2026 Cambridge Police Department commissioner Christine Elow has announced her retirement after 30 years with the city. Her last day is Friday.
BUSINESS Inman Eats & Crafts street fair May 17 is the start of a powerful event rotation for the all-local square by Marc Levy April 15, 2026 Inman Eats & Crafts is a celebration of everything Inman Square – “eclectic retailers, fabulous makers, our casual eats and culinary treats.”
BUSINESS Cambridge city councillor McGovern urges a boycott of Citizens Bank over its support of ICE by Marc Levy April 15, 2026 Pressure against Citizens Bank for its political investments has grown to include Cambridge city councillor Marc McGovern.
THEATER The last three A.R.T. plays in Harvard Square share a theme for Trump’s America by Marc Levy April 15, 2026 Eugène Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros,” a rock opera about the abortion network called The Janes and an underground railroad tale called “Mexodus.”
BITE Herb roasted potatoes at Veggie Grill by Marc Levy April 15, 2026 A visit that started off poorly, with an $8 burger that was secretly a $12 burger. Things got better when searching the menu for side dishes.
MENU Get a peek at the new Urban Hearth; Bon Me has a meal subscription; Assembly Row adds farmers market by Marc Levy April 15, 2026 See the new Urban Hearth and get a last meal at the location that’s closing; meals by chef Ali Fong at home; a new June-to-October farmers market.
NEWS Political notes: Get to a Barber campaign kickoff, meet new candidates, see endorsements and fundraising by Marc Levy April 14, 2026 There’s a campaign kickoff in Medford for state representative Christine Barber and news about Burhan Azeem, Daniel Lander, Evan MacKay and more.
NEWS Calls to keep real grass on Ahern Field were ignored, East Cambridge residents say by Marc Levy April 14, 2026 Decisions made months ago about Ahern Field in East Cambridge are causing upset among residents realizing the intent of city staff: Part of the $7.5 million appropriated for redesign and construction...