Fall Festival Preview

Fall festivals, from one-day local affairs to multiday out-of-towners, that are worth getting off the couch for.

Tax tip of the week: You’ll need to give away $15M as gifts before the IRS cares

July 20, 2026

The federal gift tax system works somewhat like a lifetime ledger. In many cases, give a large gift and you need to report it – not write a check to the IRS.

THEATER

‘Paranormal Activity’ is scarily good at stagecraft, but a shaky script breaks the spell

July 19, 2026

Standing ovations for the technical team on this staged take on the horror-filled world of “Paranormal Activity.” Mixed reviews for the director and playwright.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 20-27: The council convenes a special meeting demanded after July 4 death

July 19, 2026

Take part in meetings on affordable housing zoning ideas, a project of six stories with 85 homes near Fresh Pond and an update on violence prevention.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 20-27: Debate about body-worn police cameras nears a decision point

July 19, 2026

Take part in meetings on demolitions toward development, swapping in a cannabis seller and the purchase and other costs of body-worn cameras on police.

OPINION

Empty and underused, 90 Washington St. drains Somerville’s lifeblood

July 19, 2026

I am honestly open to anything for the 4-acre parcel at 90 Washington St. – the city could build a zoo if it thought it would make the money back.

NEWS

Why Somerville’s American Flatbread saw salad sales rise during a U.S. food parasite outbreak

July 18, 2026

Across the nation, people have been on high alert for what's commonly known as “the diarrhea parasite.” We looked at why local diners aren't worried.

NEWS

AI, data centers, electricity bills and other cost of living issues get Senate candidate attention

July 18, 2026

Costs of living, especially electricity bills, were prominent in a five-way forum among progressives seeking a Senate seat in the 2nd Middlesex District.

NEWS

Fourth of July killing brings special Cambridge City Council meeting Thursday on tech and violence prevention

July 18, 2026

A special meeting will update the community on “current, planned and recommended public safety and violence prevention work” since the killing of Xavier Bautista.

OPINION

Treating health care as a business risks turning patients into profit rather than people

July 17, 2026

MUSIC

Cambridge Porchfest covers three neighborhoods and two squares as it expands in its second year

July 17, 2026

The community festival platformed local artists on a sleepy weekend in July.

BICYCLING

Tribute to bike safety advocate Louisa Gag draws hundreds and a surprise speaker: Boston mayor Wu

July 17, 2026

A vigil for a bicyclist killed by a truck included a group ride, remembrances and promises from Boston's mayor, who's drawn rebukes for stalled safety projects.

BUSINESS

Wait, are Matt and Ben looking to buy the Somerville Theatre properties? Agent talks about who’s touring

July 17, 2026

Eight potential owners toured a $40 million package of buildings that house the Somerville Theatre and Arlington Capitol Theatre within the first few days of a listing.

NEWS

With a deadline near on a grant for body-worn police cameras, Somerville’s mayor calls council back for a hearing

July 16, 2026

There’s a summer deadline on whether to equip Somerville police with body-worn cameras, an issue bouncing around council and committee meetings for months.

OPINION

Running for office convinced me Massachusetts has a democracy problem

July 16, 2026

I assumed my biggest problem running for office would be balancing childcare with campaign demands. Instead, my biggest problem is getting anyone to pay attention to the race.

DEVELOPMENT

Project replacing Winter Hill Star Market survived decades of development, and its 319 homes are due next year

July 16, 2026

A project in Somerville survived a series of challenges over the years that included federal policy shifts that threatened financing, tariffs and rising construction costs.

BUSINESS

Armory arts building tenants are announced, with Center for Arts at the Armory staying, Out of the Blue leaving

July 16, 2026

The Center for Arts at the Armory will remain the anchor tenant at the Armory, the Somerville-owned community arts building.

LET’S GET COFFEE

I’ll take the Highland: Wicked Cafe and Zaruma Gold

July 15, 2026

In a nod to the wonderful Tartan Army who’ve turned a lot of us into Scots, this weeks’ visits to the coffee shops Wicked and Zaruma Gold are a “Highland fling.”

BITE

Kimbap at H Mart

July 15, 2026

The kimbap or Korean sushi roll from the H Mart prepared foods section is a full meal, maybe or almost for two, for less than $10.

DEVELOPMENT

‘Back off’ on zoning that accelerates Cambridge homebuilding? Board members say let the laws work

July 15, 2026

Amendments to Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay zoning were presented as corrections that can’t wait. Planning Board members say they'll have to.

FILM

The ‘Evil Dead’ franchise gets back to its hyperviolent roots with ‘Evil Dead Burn’

July 15, 2026

The Deadites are back to torment a new family in search of a legendary dagger.

NEWS

The jury’s still out on efforts to revive Davis Square, but at least the jury’s out enjoying live music

July 14, 2026

Davis Square seemed to have lost its arty nature since the Covid pandemic and an influx of unhoused people. This summer saw an attempt at a turnaround.

BUSINESS

Until construction in 2028, Just A Start plans to run a commercial parking lot in Porter Square

July 14, 2026

A builder of all-affordable homes says running a parking lot can help cover costs as it prepares to bring 100 apartments to the neighborhood.

LIT

Reviewed: ‘Sourland’ sweats the details of weed farming and a fraught throuple

July 14, 2026

With dank prose as rich as the ripest bud, this is a dirty, sexy novel of ambition and alliances, hunger and lust, with notes of salt and blood on the tongue.

COMMUNITY

Tuesday office hour in Central Square (Toscanini’s, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

July 14, 2026

Bring story ideas, questions, concerns or complaints to one of our convenient locations – or, even better, come with proposals about how you can become part of a team.

FILM

The Boston French Film Festival celebrates 30 years with a summer of cinema

July 14, 2026

Francophiles and film lovers find their way to the MFA Boston in July and August for the long-running program.

DEVELOPMENT

Despite misgivings, Somerville decides to start a development process at 90 Washington St. site

July 13, 2026

A development process for homes, retail and other uses can move ahead at 90 Washington St. in Somerville’s Inner Belt, the 4-acre parcel that was once the Cobble Hill mall.

OPINION

A long meeting of Somerville’s City Council on police cameras, Inner Belt development and Disability Pride

July 13, 2026

The Somerville City Council had another exhausting meeting last week – a total of more than five grueling hours covering a variety of topics.

NEWS

Arrest is made in death of Xavier Bautista, killed by multiple men wearing masks

July 13, 2026

A Canton man has been charged in the fatal shooting of Cantabrigian Xavier Bautista, but officials say the arrested man is just one of several involved in the July 4 killing.

BUSINESS

Dance Complex takes a leap into membership fees, and most find the reason to be on point

July 13, 2026

Central Square’s Dance Complex is charging membership fees for the first time in its history as it takes on $3 million in improvements to a building from 1884.

DID YOU KNOW

Take a West Cambridge history tour spotlighting monuments, Fresh Pond by bike or great poets and authors

July 13, 2026

The health benefits of Fresh Pond, literature from Anne Bradstreet to T. S. Eliot and statues, plaques, and memorials – we're looking at all of it.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: That gift, if it was a real gift, is tax free

July 13, 2026

A true gift isn’t payment for work or services, and money or property inherited from a family member or friend is also generally not taxable income to the recipient.

COMMUNITY

Tall ships lead a joyful 250th parade and stay in Boston Harbor and Charlestown Navy Yard through Thursday

July 12, 2026

A grand parade of tall ships and vessels from 60 countries, led by the USS Constitution or “Old Ironsides,” made its way Saturday into Boston Harbor.

OPINION

The bank told me my pension paycheck was ‘held up by the feds.’

July 12, 2026

After more than 20 years, I had to go looking for a paycheck. I talked with a bank supervisor. The results sequentially astonished, alarmed and outraged me.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 13-20: Potential upset for Affordable Housing Overlay zoning

July 12, 2026

Take part in meetings and gatherings on progress in Carl Barron Plaza, possible changes for Affordable Housing Overlay zoning and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 13-20: After nearly two decades, a big step at the Star Market site

July 12, 2026

Take part in meetings on the development of the 90 Washington site, apartments in Porter Square and breaking ground at the old Star Market.

OPINION

In today’s real estate market, it’s all about the white chair with black metal legs

July 12, 2026

I’m interested in learning what kind of architecture results when a software engineer marries a lab technician, so that’s what we’re going to look at.

DEVELOPMENT

Building at 40 Thorndike and its tower of empty office space sells for $1 and assumption of $232M debt

July 11, 2026

The building opened its doors Oct. 8, 2024, and filled the 48 affordable residential units at its base – but never the 420,000 square feet of office and retail space.

COMMUNITY

The Independent’s locally themed crossword puzzle: Bumpy Road

July 11, 2026

The Independent’s second locally themed puzzle celebrates a facet of Somerville history that is, in a way, reflected in ancient Cambridge history.

MUSIC

Nice, a Fest returns to Davis Square, July 24-26, after a year hiatus

July 11, 2026

The Indie previews the acts (and pizza slices) we're most excited about at one of the premier indie music events of the summer.

NEWS

Silent vigil is held for Louisa Gag, bicyclist killed by a truck, and a gathering is planned for Sunday

July 10, 2026

Hundreds gathered for a silent vigil Friday for Louisa Gag, a bicyclist and transit advocate killed by a truck driver the previous day.

NEWS

State representative Connolly and challenger Miller agree on plenty in debate over good government

July 10, 2026

The race between five-term incumbent Mike Connolly and political newcomer Neil Miller for state representative in the Middlesex 26th district is an experiential and physical difference: Connolly has...

BICYCLING

Your routes during the red line shutdown July 21-30

July 10, 2026

How to get around when the MBTA red line closes July 21-30 Alewife in Cambridge and Park Street in Boston for infrastructure upgrades.

FILM

‘The Invite’ reminds us that middle age is coming for millennials

July 10, 2026

Olivia Wilde directs and stars in this dark comedy about an unhappy couple.

BUSINESS

Somerville Theatre and College Avenue building in Davis are for sale, along with Arlington Capitol Theatre site (updated)

July 10, 2026

The Somerville Theatre property is for sale, along with the Arlington Capitol Theatre site, affecting several tenants and potentiall a seismic change for cinema in the area.

NEWS

Decker and MacKay hold a forum on social justice that keeps slipping into a debate on good government

July 9, 2026

There were glimpses of issues-based ways voters might differentiate between candidates where office seekers are likely to all be progressive and pursue simiilar policies.

FILM

Harry Dean Stanton at 100

July 9, 2026

The Brattle Theater spotlights 13 of the beloved character actor's most impactful films on the centennial of his birthday.

BUSINESS

Sufi Boutique clothes the homeless from the porch of a rug shop and the memory of a newcomer’s struggles

July 9, 2026

From an enclosed front porch at Noor Oriental Rugs, Mohammad Nooraee provides donated clothing to his “street friends” seeking a sense of dignity.

NEWS

Scoffing that Cambridge is ‘safe’ after a shooting, plenty are ready to give up privacy for security (corrected)

July 9, 2026

Anger spilled over at a community meeting about the fatal shooting of Xavier Bautista, the latest in a string of deaths afflicting some parts of Cambridge and not others.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Tuesday into the Mystic River, Charles and Alewife Brook

July 8, 2026

Sustained rainfall Tuesday caused waste to flow into public waterways again. Members of a team behind the $1.3 billion fix will take questions Monday.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Roasting (coffee, but also the weather): Barismo and Broadsheet

July 8, 2026

This past week I visited two roaster-cafés. One pioneered local cold brew. The other provides the coffee for many of the cafés we frequent.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: You’ll need to give away $15M as gifts before the IRS cares

July 20, 2026

The federal gift tax system works somewhat like a lifetime ledger. In many cases, give a large gift and you need to report it – not write a check to the IRS.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 20-27: The council convenes a special meeting demanded after July 4 death

July 19, 2026

Take part in meetings on affordable housing zoning ideas, a project of six stories with 85 homes near Fresh Pond and an update on violence prevention.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 20-27: Debate about body-worn police cameras nears a decision point

July 19, 2026

Take part in meetings on demolitions toward development, swapping in a cannabis seller and the purchase and other costs of body-worn cameras on police.

NEWS

Why Somerville’s American Flatbread saw salad sales rise during a U.S. food parasite outbreak

July 18, 2026

Across the nation, people have been on high alert for what's commonly known as “the diarrhea parasite.” We looked at why local diners aren't worried.

NEWS

AI, data centers, electricity bills and other cost of living issues get Senate candidate attention

July 18, 2026

Costs of living, especially electricity bills, were prominent in a five-way forum among progressives seeking a Senate seat in the 2nd Middlesex District.

NEWS

Fourth of July killing brings special Cambridge City Council meeting Thursday on tech and violence prevention

July 18, 2026

A special meeting will update the community on “current, planned and recommended public safety and violence prevention work” since the killing of Xavier Bautista.

BUSINESS

Wait, are Matt and Ben looking to buy the Somerville Theatre properties? Agent talks about who’s touring

July 17, 2026

Eight potential owners toured a $40 million package of buildings that house the Somerville Theatre and Arlington Capitol Theatre within the first few days of a listing.

NEWS

With a deadline near on a grant for body-worn police cameras, Somerville’s mayor calls council back for a hearing

July 16, 2026

There’s a summer deadline on whether to equip Somerville police with body-worn cameras, an issue bouncing around council and committee meetings for months.

DEVELOPMENT

Project replacing Winter Hill Star Market survived decades of development, and its 319 homes are due next year

July 16, 2026

A project in Somerville survived a series of challenges over the years that included federal policy shifts that threatened financing, tariffs and rising construction costs.

BUSINESS

Armory arts building tenants are announced, with Center for Arts at the Armory staying, Out of the Blue leaving

July 16, 2026

The Center for Arts at the Armory will remain the anchor tenant at the Armory, the Somerville-owned community arts building.

LET’S GET COFFEE

I’ll take the Highland: Wicked Cafe and Zaruma Gold

July 15, 2026

In a nod to the wonderful Tartan Army who’ve turned a lot of us into Scots, this weeks’ visits to the coffee shops Wicked and Zaruma Gold are a “Highland fling.”

BITE

Kimbap at H Mart

July 15, 2026

The kimbap or Korean sushi roll from the H Mart prepared foods section is a full meal, maybe or almost for two, for less than $10.

DEVELOPMENT

‘Back off’ on zoning that accelerates Cambridge homebuilding? Board members say let the laws work

July 15, 2026

Amendments to Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay zoning were presented as corrections that can’t wait. Planning Board members say they'll have to.

NEWS

The jury’s still out on efforts to revive Davis Square, but at least the jury’s out enjoying live music

July 14, 2026

Davis Square seemed to have lost its arty nature since the Covid pandemic and an influx of unhoused people. This summer saw an attempt at a turnaround.

BUSINESS

Until construction in 2028, Just A Start plans to run a commercial parking lot in Porter Square

July 14, 2026

A builder of all-affordable homes says running a parking lot can help cover costs as it prepares to bring 100 apartments to the neighborhood.

DEVELOPMENT

Despite misgivings, Somerville decides to start a development process at 90 Washington St. site

July 13, 2026

A development process for homes, retail and other uses can move ahead at 90 Washington St. in Somerville’s Inner Belt, the 4-acre parcel that was once the Cobble Hill mall.

NEWS

Arrest is made in death of Xavier Bautista, killed by multiple men wearing masks

July 13, 2026

A Canton man has been charged in the fatal shooting of Cantabrigian Xavier Bautista, but officials say the arrested man is just one of several involved in the July 4 killing.

BUSINESS

Dance Complex takes a leap into membership fees, and most find the reason to be on point

July 13, 2026

Central Square’s Dance Complex is charging membership fees for the first time in its history as it takes on $3 million in improvements to a building from 1884.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: That gift, if it was a real gift, is tax free

July 13, 2026

A true gift isn’t payment for work or services, and money or property inherited from a family member or friend is also generally not taxable income to the recipient.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 13-20: Potential upset for Affordable Housing Overlay zoning

July 12, 2026

Take part in meetings and gatherings on progress in Carl Barron Plaza, possible changes for Affordable Housing Overlay zoning and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 13-20: After nearly two decades, a big step at the Star Market site

July 12, 2026

Take part in meetings on the development of the 90 Washington site, apartments in Porter Square and breaking ground at the old Star Market.

DEVELOPMENT

Building at 40 Thorndike and its tower of empty office space sells for $1 and assumption of $232M debt

July 11, 2026

The building opened its doors Oct. 8, 2024, and filled the 48 affordable residential units at its base – but never the 420,000 square feet of office and retail space.

NEWS

Silent vigil is held for Louisa Gag, bicyclist killed by a truck, and a gathering is planned for Sunday

July 10, 2026

Hundreds gathered for a silent vigil Friday for Louisa Gag, a bicyclist and transit advocate killed by a truck driver the previous day.

NEWS

State representative Connolly and challenger Miller agree on plenty in debate over good government

July 10, 2026

BUSINESS

Somerville Theatre and College Avenue building in Davis are for sale, along with Arlington Capitol Theatre site (updated)

July 10, 2026

The Somerville Theatre property is for sale, along with the Arlington Capitol Theatre site, affecting several tenants and potentiall a seismic change for cinema in the area.

NEWS

Decker and MacKay hold a forum on social justice that keeps slipping into a debate on good government

July 9, 2026

There were glimpses of issues-based ways voters might differentiate between candidates where office seekers are likely to all be progressive and pursue simiilar policies.

BUSINESS

Sufi Boutique clothes the homeless from the porch of a rug shop and the memory of a newcomer’s struggles

July 9, 2026

From an enclosed front porch at Noor Oriental Rugs, Mohammad Nooraee provides donated clothing to his “street friends” seeking a sense of dignity.

NEWS

Scoffing that Cambridge is ‘safe’ after a shooting, plenty are ready to give up privacy for security (corrected)

July 9, 2026

Anger spilled over at a community meeting about the fatal shooting of Xavier Bautista, the latest in a string of deaths afflicting some parts of Cambridge and not others.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Tuesday into the Mystic River, Charles and Alewife Brook

July 8, 2026

Sustained rainfall Tuesday caused waste to flow into public waterways again. Members of a team behind the $1.3 billion fix will take questions Monday.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Roasting (coffee, but also the weather): Barismo and Broadsheet

July 8, 2026

This past week I visited two roaster-cafés. One pioneered local cold brew. The other provides the coffee for many of the cafés we frequent.

BITE

Plantain burrito at Achilito’s Taqueria

July 8, 2026

There’s so much Mexican here that it’s been easy to miss Achilito’s, a Massachusetts family-owned chain that chose Cambridge for its third location in 2024.

NEWS

Crowdfunding campaign is underway for the family of Xavier Bautista, 32, killed on the Fourth of July

July 8, 2026

The goal is a “beautiful, dignified memorial” and support for the girlfriend and 5-year-old son who will bury Bautista on Sunday.

NEWS

Citing budget cuts and no action on oversight, a Somerville committee goes 4-1 against officer cameras (corrected)

July 7, 2026

The possibility of body-worn cameras on Somerville police officers isn’t so much working its way forward as it is lurching toward a decision a little backward and upside-down.

FOOD

Ihop has closed permanently in a Harvard Square that never found a reason to love it (updated)

July 7, 2026

The Ihop in Cambridge has closed quietly at 16 Eliot St. after 20 years, with even its all-day breakfast and and late-night hours failing to catch on in Harvard Square.

DEVELOPMENT

Tearing down a three-home triple-decker for three bigger homes is rejected on Roberts Road

July 6, 2026

The commission is supposed to take into account the goals expressed by the City Council in zoning changes. “Notably,” staff has said, “the need for more housing.”

NEWS

Officials call a community meeting to address Saturday’s fatal shooting in Cambridge

July 6, 2026

Representatives from the offices of the mayor, city manager, police department, City Council, DA’s Office and public health providers will be available.

NEWS

Groups make a Monday night push to get Beacon Hill stipend reform on November’s ballot

July 6, 2026

Things are down to the wire for political groups to get a nonbinding ballot question about state Legislature stipend reform onto the ballot in Cambridge.

NEWS

Police unions blame a shooting death on the City Council taking down ShotSpotter surveillance (updated)

July 6, 2026

Police unions said ShotSpotter sensors had detected gunfire “in that region of the city” where Xavier Bautista was killed, but without specifics about it helping.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Think capital gains, and give that asset a birthday party before you let it go

July 6, 2026

Before selling an investment that has increased in value, check how long you’ve owned it. Waiting more than one year may qualify you for a big tax break.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 6-13: On guard against multifamily zoning mischief

July 5, 2026

Take part in meetings on shuttle buses replacing the red line for 10 days, landmarking Lexington Avenue, ground-floor businesses and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 6-13: Voting a budget didn’t resolve the police body-camera issue

July 5, 2026

Take part in meetings on combining two public schools, remaking 90 Washington St., filling Arts Council leadership and the Armory arts building, whether police will get cameras, and more.

NEWS

Cambridge’s third gunfire incident of the year kills a Public Works employee (updated)

July 4, 2026

Though gunfire is relatively rare in Cambridge, the city has a history of it around the Fourth of July weekend.

THEATER

‘Paranormal Activity’ is scarily good at stagecraft, but a shaky script breaks the spell

July 19, 2026

Standing ovations for the technical team on this staged take on the horror-filled world of “Paranormal Activity.” Mixed reviews for the director and playwright.

OPINION

Empty and underused, 90 Washington St. drains Somerville’s lifeblood

July 19, 2026

I am honestly open to anything for the 4-acre parcel at 90 Washington St. – the city could build a zoo if it thought it would make the money back.

OPINION

Treating health care as a business risks turning patients into profit rather than people

July 17, 2026

MUSIC

Cambridge Porchfest covers three neighborhoods and two squares as it expands in its second year

July 17, 2026

The community festival platformed local artists on a sleepy weekend in July.

BICYCLING

Tribute to bike safety advocate Louisa Gag draws hundreds and a surprise speaker: Boston mayor Wu

July 17, 2026

A vigil for a bicyclist killed by a truck included a group ride, remembrances and promises from Boston's mayor, who's drawn rebukes for stalled safety projects.

OPINION

Running for office convinced me Massachusetts has a democracy problem

July 16, 2026

I assumed my biggest problem running for office would be balancing childcare with campaign demands. Instead, my biggest problem is getting anyone to pay attention to the race.

FILM

The ‘Evil Dead’ franchise gets back to its hyperviolent roots with ‘Evil Dead Burn’

July 15, 2026

The Deadites are back to torment a new family in search of a legendary dagger.

LIT

Reviewed: ‘Sourland’ sweats the details of weed farming and a fraught throuple

July 14, 2026

With dank prose as rich as the ripest bud, this is a dirty, sexy novel of ambition and alliances, hunger and lust, with notes of salt and blood on the tongue.

COMMUNITY

Tuesday office hour in Central Square (Toscanini’s, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

July 14, 2026

Bring story ideas, questions, concerns or complaints to one of our convenient locations – or, even better, come with proposals about how you can become part of a team.

FILM

The Boston French Film Festival celebrates 30 years with a summer of cinema

July 14, 2026

Francophiles and film lovers find their way to the MFA Boston in July and August for the long-running program.

OPINION

A long meeting of Somerville’s City Council on police cameras, Inner Belt development and Disability Pride

July 13, 2026

The Somerville City Council had another exhausting meeting last week – a total of more than five grueling hours covering a variety of topics.

DID YOU KNOW

Take a West Cambridge history tour spotlighting monuments, Fresh Pond by bike or great poets and authors

July 13, 2026

The health benefits of Fresh Pond, literature from Anne Bradstreet to T. S. Eliot and statues, plaques, and memorials – we're looking at all of it.

COMMUNITY

Tall ships lead a joyful 250th parade and stay in Boston Harbor and Charlestown Navy Yard through Thursday

July 12, 2026

A grand parade of tall ships and vessels from 60 countries, led by the USS Constitution or “Old Ironsides,” made its way Saturday into Boston Harbor.

OPINION

The bank told me my pension paycheck was ‘held up by the feds.’

July 12, 2026

After more than 20 years, I had to go looking for a paycheck. I talked with a bank supervisor. The results sequentially astonished, alarmed and outraged me.

OPINION

In today’s real estate market, it’s all about the white chair with black metal legs

July 12, 2026

I’m interested in learning what kind of architecture results when a software engineer marries a lab technician, so that’s what we’re going to look at.

COMMUNITY

The Independent’s locally themed crossword puzzle: Bumpy Road

July 11, 2026

The Independent’s second locally themed puzzle celebrates a facet of Somerville history that is, in a way, reflected in ancient Cambridge history.

MUSIC

Nice, a Fest returns to Davis Square, July 24-26, after a year hiatus

July 11, 2026

The Indie previews the acts (and pizza slices) we're most excited about at one of the premier indie music events of the summer.

BICYCLING

Your routes during the red line shutdown July 21-30

July 10, 2026

How to get around when the MBTA red line closes July 21-30 Alewife in Cambridge and Park Street in Boston for infrastructure upgrades.

FILM

‘The Invite’ reminds us that middle age is coming for millennials

July 10, 2026

Olivia Wilde directs and stars in this dark comedy about an unhappy couple.

FILM

Harry Dean Stanton at 100

July 9, 2026

The Brattle Theater spotlights 13 of the beloved character actor's most impactful films on the centennial of his birthday.

COMMUNITY

Match Day at Bow, Global Grooves and more: Celebrating the World Cup in Somerville and Cambridge

July 7, 2026

World Cup festivities are still kicking in Somerville and Cambridge as the global soccer competition enters its final weeks.

LIT

Reviewed: ‘Women’ is a feverishly adored cult classic deserving space among the queer canon

July 7, 2026

Exploring the glitter and grit of a first-time lesbian relationship in 2010s America, this novella is raw, sexy, and soul-stirringly haunting.

COMMUNITY

Tuesday office hour in Davis Square (Diesel, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

July 7, 2026

Bring story ideas, questions, concerns or complaints – or, even better, come with proposals about how you can become part of a team.

DID YOU KNOW

Cambridge’s bicentennial celebrations emphasized unity through diversity

July 6, 2026

Cambridge began to prepare for the 200th anniversary of the nation’s independence a full decade before the first event of the Bicentennial era.

OPINION

A missive from the Church of the Cambridge Licensing Commission, ca. 1851

July 5, 2026

“The sin of this son of Cambridge was in willful disobedience of the command of God to not imbibe more than one alcoholic drink every 30 minutes.”

MUSIC

Cambridge Porchfest is coming to a stoop near you next weekend

July 4, 2026

The local festival runs it back with a two-day schedule, spotlighting breezy sounds around the city on July 11 and 12.

BICYCLING

Ride along the Alewife Brook and Mystic River, a MassTrails 10 featured route

July 3, 2026

Experience wildlife and history along the 7-mile route, featured as one of the MassTrails 10 for 2026.

MUSIC

Solid Sound enchants with its music and location, nestled amid the Berkshires

July 3, 2026

Wilco fans flock to MASS MoCA for the band-curated festival, and a yo-yo world record gets broken.

HEAR FIRST

Pew Pew: ‘Purgatory’

July 3, 2026

The debut EP builds a ruminating atmosphere that feels simultaneously inevitable and uncertain.

FILM

‘The Death of Robin Hood’ reminds us that not all beloved stories need a gritty retelling

July 2, 2026

The Robin Hood mythology is bleakly dissected and subverted in Michael Sarnoski’s dramatic take on the famed outlaw.

OPINION

Green space is at risk in Camberville

July 1, 2026

A wonderful section of green space at the former Matignon high school has been enjoyed by the surrounding community for more than 50 years.

MUSIC

A sunny weekend of music in Marshfield

July 1, 2026

The Indie previews the Levitate Music and Arts Festival, returning to the South Shore with reggae and more on July 18 and 19.

COMMUNITY

A four-day heat emergency begins Wednesday, and officials are warning it’ll feel like 110 degrees

June 30, 2026

An extreme heat warning called by the National Weather Service for Wednesday through Saturday has drawn declarations of heat emergencies in Cambridge and Somerville.

LIT

Reviewed: Tension-filled ‘Caretaker’ has us rolling our eyes, but loving it

June 30, 2026

“The Caretaker” isn’t perfect, but it’s a tense and terrifying trip perfect for a cabin weekend, a long drive or just a few late nights hoping your lights don’t flicker.

OPINION

Lay down the weapons of rhetoric in housing conflict, pick up the tools of facts and data

June 30, 2026

The pace of housing development change requires officials to take the challenges brought on by multifamily zoning seriously, rising above Yimby and Nimby rhetoric.

FILM

The primitive meets the playground in Ben Rivers’ ‘Mare’s Nest’

June 30, 2026

A Moon, a Minotaur and Don DeLillo walk into a bar. Hilarity ensues!

OPINION

Somerville’s budget (2026 edition): Wrapping up a season with symbolic resolutions and symbolic ‘no’ votes

June 29, 2026

After approving a horribly constrained $394 million budget, the council went on to dish out a bit over $12 million in “free cash.”

OPINION

Beacon Hill’s reliance on private vendors is failing us. We need to save public services from outsourcing

June 29, 2026

Our government won't work with outsourcing and an emphasis on big, one-off initiatives instead of smart budgeting. A candidate for state representative says he has a better way.

DID YOU KNOW

The history of the future, predictions from the past, included a Cambridge with only 60,000 residents

June 29, 2026

A city of 60,000 people, “atomic factories,” women “of skirtly grace and draped modesty” and a much expanded MBTA were predicted at Cambridge anniversaries.

FILM

One bourbon, one scotch, one ‘Supergirl’

June 28, 2026

A drunken layabout with superpowers goes on a quest to save her dog, and maybe deliver justice along the way.

OPINION

Planners don’t know what you know, but you can tell them

June 28, 2026

We suffer street-level problems quietly, knowing it’s out of our control. But what if, when we had problems such as a half-mile of missing bike lane, we let planners know?

COMMUNITY

Try The Independent’s first locally themed crossword puzzle

June 27, 2026

Whether you’re looking across or down, everyone seems to have a puzzle these days – and so does The Independent, coming every other Saturday.

FILM

In ‘Rose of Nevada,’ filmmaker Mark Jenkin aims for authenticity and the stink of fish

June 27, 2026

The filmmaker shares thoughts about time, creativity and 'The Deadliest Catch' during a Q&A at the Coolidge Corner Theater.

BICYCLING

Borrow an e-bike, from folding models to family cargo haulers, from Community Pedal Power

June 26, 2026

Trying before buying is a common tip for people considering an e-bike. Community Pedal Power makes that possible from a Cambridge backyard.

LIT

Reviewed: ‘Plastic, Prism, Void: Part One,’ a sci-fi romance that invites the reader onto the page

June 25, 2026

A wild genre tornado of a novel will support many different readings on many different levels, satisfying, thrilling and perplexing many different readers.

CULTURE

Bridging the gap: an interview with a retired Pit Rat

June 23, 2026

Restaurant owner and Vigilantes member Fernando Strohmeyer reflects on the lessons learned and lifelong community gained from formative years spent at the bygone heart of Harvard Square.

OPINION

Somerville’s budget details (2026 edition): It’s Cut Night, when the cuts have been coming for months

June 23, 2026

With “cut night” starting at 6 p.m., the end is approaching rapidly for the 2027 fiscal year budget process in Somerville.

FILM

Queer film explores new landscapes

June 23, 2026

Comedy, horror, romance and mashups galore — four recent LGBTQ+ films that push outside the confines of character drama to reinvent queer film.

COMMUNITY

Take part through Saturday on price-match donation drive for the Union Square Farmers Market

June 22, 2026

With hunger growing, more than 1,500 families are expected to benefit from a dollar-for-dollar match, just $15 at a time, over the market season.

MUSIC

Hot summer days, cool jazz nights

June 22, 2026

The Indie highlights our favorite local jazz destinations for everything from dive bar jam sessions to top-shelf talent.