News Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

Cambridge votes 5-4 for order to divest money from businesses involved with Israel’s actions against Palestinians

by Marc Levy October 28, 2026

Debate was over the thorny issues of singling out Israel even as other nations committed atrocities too, and whether that inflamed antisemitism, including in Cambridge.

NEWS

Composting is now available to all (with the QR code) at 10 bins placed across Somerville

by Marc Levy October 28, 2026

Somerville has planted 10 food waste drop-off bins across the city to make it easier for residents to compost food scraps.

NEWS

Even if Magazine Beach sports fields stay, Cambridgeport questions the value of plans for a CSO tank

by Marc Levy October 28, 2026

The state has backed away from a plan to take Magazine Beach land permanently and expressed openness to alternatives for burying a massive water tank.

NEWS

Finances look increasingly painful for homeowners through 2030, but Cambridge isn’t ready for early retirements

by Marc Levy October 27, 2026

Tough times are leading Cambridge to begin tilting its tax burden back toward homeowners from businesses, and to ask department heads to find $7 million in budget cuts.

NEWS

Strategy of avoiding high interest rates means fewer sure-thing projects in Somerville’s five-year plans

by Marc Levy October 26, 2026

If alternatives to borrowing money such as grants and state aid can’t be found to pay for a project, a Somerville official said, it might be changed in scope or delayed.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, Oct. 26-Nov. 2: Third meeting addresses divestment proposal

by Marc Levy October 25, 2026

Take part in meetings on the upcoming year’s education spending, divestment amid Middle East violence and Central Square as a transit hub.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, Oct. 26-Nov. 2: Empty storefronts and regulating AI and Airbnbs locally

by Marc Levy October 25, 2026

Take part in meetings on empty storefronts and double poles, regulating local AI and Airbnbs and paying for projects such as the ArtFarm park and museum care.

NEWS

Race discrimination lawsuit filed against Somerville in 2021 will be settled with $2.5M

by Marc Levy October 23, 2026

The lawsuit said a Black DPW foreman was called racial slurs by supervisors and deprived of needed tools, and colleagues who complained were retaliated against.

NEWS

Councilors seek to draw hard lines around the use of AI by City Hall, but the borders are already blurred

by Marc Levy October 23, 2026

A proposed ordinance begins by saying AI can't be used in law enforcement, yet staff say the city uses only one true AI product – and it is for police.

NEWS

A meeting eats and dances down Mass. Ave., giving a peek at the future of food from Central Square’s little castle (updated)

by Marc Levy October 22, 2026

More than 100 residents, city officials, business owners and nonprofit leaders toured Central Square with music, food and anticipation along the way.