Lucky’s Picks: Magic Lab, birthday quests and graphic novels galore

The Indie highlights an open mic for magicians, poetry workshop, healing through humor and Side Quest celebrating two years.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Time’s almost up for a free sundae from Gracie’s in Union Square

July 3, 2026

Also on the Menu this week: Somerville’s Mobile Farmers Market returns next week, Anna’s Taqueria has shrimp and Ten One Tea House has a big to-go box.

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.

RETAIL

Low rents in a CRA program offer expansions to Cini Coffee, Momma’s Grocery and the eco-friendly Green Tiger

July 2, 2026

Small businesses face displacement pressures too, but the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority intends to push back with entrepreneur-friendly leases.

BUSINESS

It’s the Atomic age of laundry in East Cambridge, making Apple Pay finally an advertised amenity

July 2, 2026

Plenty of local laundromats have apps and free Wi-Fi, but a new Atomic Laundry in East Cambridge is leading the way back to 2014, the year Apple Pay was introduced.

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.

NEWS

Plea to the Banneker school keeps field access for now, giving dog owners a chance to keep it clean

July 1, 2026

Dog owners can save their pets’ off-leash time at the former Matignon school field, and other residents who feared losing their lawn have good news too.

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.

BITE

Samosas at the Davis Square Farmers Market

July 1, 2026

Go with SamosaMan's spicy chicken: This hand pie was packed to bursting with meat with a good burn to it – sort of a signifier of spice without making the eater’s eyes water.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Aroma-ing around Somerville to Michette and Hearth & Hug

July 1, 2026

When pastry and coffee are good and conjoin their aromas, that makes for a peak experience. But humor was another sense tapped this week.

DEVELOPMENT

Amid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fire

July 1, 2026

Along with 100 affordable homes in a pair of buildings, there could be a new park, community room and retail center to replace two underused parking lots.

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.

BUSINESS

Licensers officially take back ideas on limiting alcohol sales, with months of process yet to come

June 30, 2026

Unpopular ideas for Cambridge bar regulations have been pulled back formally by the License Commission, including rules around last call and time between drinks that customers can order.

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.

EDUCATION

Cambridge Friends School now plans to close Tuesday, a year ahead of schedule

June 29, 2026

The Cambridge Friends School expected to run for another year but closes this week after 65 years. Many questions remain unanswered.

NEWS

It’s experienced veteran versus energetic newcomer in Suffolk and Middlesex state Senate race

June 29, 2026

Democrats in the Suffolk and Middlesex District must make a choice Sept. 1 they have not had to make in more than a decade: who to seat in the state Senate.

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.

BUSINESS

Full housing needs study for Cambridge is due in early 2027

June 29, 2026

Data on affordability, demographics and demand for Cambridge housing will be gathered for the first time in 10 years to see what lies ahead.

TAXONOMY

Personal finance tip of the week: You can withdraw your own Roth IRA contributions

June 29, 2026

The goal is usually to leave the money invested for the long term, but it’s helpful to know your original contributions might be available if life throws a curveball.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, June 29-July 6: Apartments instead of parking lots near Porter

June 28, 2026

Take part in meetings on expanding a preschool program, a serene new tea shop and other licensing issues, affordable homes near Porter and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, June 29-July 6: Hot-button issues from Palestine to police tech

June 28, 2026

Take part in meetings on water and sewer billing issues, procurement policy, police tech and oversight, public drug use in Davis Square and more.

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.

DEVELOPMENT

Margaret Fuller House project wins approval, with a food pantry upgrade and housing replacing a parking lot

June 26, 2026

A mixed-income housing project can go forward at the Margaret Fuller House community center in a $3.8 million deal with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

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.

BUSINESS

Cambridge wants to give its small businesses a tax break on the stuff in their offices

June 24, 2026

Small businesses could benefit from a 50 percent increase in the city’s personal property tax exemption – to $30,000 in assessed value from $20,000.

ASK CHEF JJ

What’s in your pantry? Part 2: Garlic and onion, oil and vinegar, jams and jellies and more

June 24, 2026

The things I think are essential to cooking at home add spice, a squeeze of citrus, a bite of onion or garlic or a dash of oil and vinegar.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Sipping cousins: Coffee as a common language

June 24, 2026

George Bernard Shaw said that England and America are two countries divided by a common language. Coffee brings us together.

BITE

$4.50 Until recently, I hadn’t spent much time at Assembly Row – it’s a little out of the way for me – but found myself camping out while awaiting the launch of a summer farmers market. That let me...

TRANSPORTATION

Cambridge drivers will see parking situation get tougher as needs are balanced, with no relief in school lots

June 23, 2026

There’s no relief for on-street parking coming from Cambridge’s public school parking lots, even as a city report suggests tougher times ahead for drivers as city officials and staff try to balance the needs of a growing population.

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.

BUSINESS

Pour one out for short-lived changes to drink restrictions, as officials would rather reform what led to them

June 23, 2026

The License Commission has retreated from universally disliked ideas on limiting how much patrons can drink in bars and restaurant, including an idea to allow only one drink every half-hour.

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.

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.

Time’s almost up for a free sundae from Gracie’s in Union Square

July 3, 2026

Also on the Menu this week: Somerville’s Mobile Farmers Market returns next week, Anna’s Taqueria has shrimp and Ten One Tea House has a big to-go box.

RETAIL

Low rents in a CRA program offer expansions to Cini Coffee, Momma’s Grocery and the eco-friendly Green Tiger

July 2, 2026

Small businesses face displacement pressures too, but the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority intends to push back with entrepreneur-friendly leases.

BUSINESS

It’s the Atomic age of laundry in East Cambridge, making Apple Pay finally an advertised amenity

July 2, 2026

Plenty of local laundromats have apps and free Wi-Fi, but a new Atomic Laundry in East Cambridge is leading the way back to 2014, the year Apple Pay was introduced.

NEWS

Plea to the Banneker school keeps field access for now, giving dog owners a chance to keep it clean

July 1, 2026

Dog owners can save their pets’ off-leash time at the former Matignon school field, and other residents who feared losing their lawn have good news too.

BITE

Samosas at the Davis Square Farmers Market

July 1, 2026

Go with SamosaMan's spicy chicken: This hand pie was packed to bursting with meat with a good burn to it – sort of a signifier of spice without making the eater’s eyes water.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Aroma-ing around Somerville to Michette and Hearth & Hug

July 1, 2026

When pastry and coffee are good and conjoin their aromas, that makes for a peak experience. But humor was another sense tapped this week.

DEVELOPMENT

Amid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fire

July 1, 2026

Along with 100 affordable homes in a pair of buildings, there could be a new park, community room and retail center to replace two underused parking lots.

BUSINESS

Licensers officially take back ideas on limiting alcohol sales, with months of process yet to come

June 30, 2026

Unpopular ideas for Cambridge bar regulations have been pulled back formally by the License Commission, including rules around last call and time between drinks that customers can order.

EDUCATION

Cambridge Friends School now plans to close Tuesday, a year ahead of schedule

June 29, 2026

The Cambridge Friends School expected to run for another year but closes this week after 65 years. Many questions remain unanswered.

NEWS

It’s experienced veteran versus energetic newcomer in Suffolk and Middlesex state Senate race

June 29, 2026

Democrats in the Suffolk and Middlesex District must make a choice Sept. 1 they have not had to make in more than a decade: who to seat in the state Senate.

BUSINESS

Full housing needs study for Cambridge is due in early 2027

June 29, 2026

Data on affordability, demographics and demand for Cambridge housing will be gathered for the first time in 10 years to see what lies ahead.

TAXONOMY

Personal finance tip of the week: You can withdraw your own Roth IRA contributions

June 29, 2026

The goal is usually to leave the money invested for the long term, but it’s helpful to know your original contributions might be available if life throws a curveball.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, June 29-July 6: Apartments instead of parking lots near Porter

June 28, 2026

Take part in meetings on expanding a preschool program, a serene new tea shop and other licensing issues, affordable homes near Porter and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, June 29-July 6: Hot-button issues from Palestine to police tech

June 28, 2026

Take part in meetings on water and sewer billing issues, procurement policy, police tech and oversight, public drug use in Davis Square and more.

DEVELOPMENT

Margaret Fuller House project wins approval, with a food pantry upgrade and housing replacing a parking lot

June 26, 2026

A mixed-income housing project can go forward at the Margaret Fuller House community center in a $3.8 million deal with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

BUSINESS

Cambridge wants to give its small businesses a tax break on the stuff in their offices

June 24, 2026

Small businesses could benefit from a 50 percent increase in the city’s personal property tax exemption – to $30,000 in assessed value from $20,000.

ASK CHEF JJ

What’s in your pantry? Part 2: Garlic and onion, oil and vinegar, jams and jellies and more

June 24, 2026

The things I think are essential to cooking at home add spice, a squeeze of citrus, a bite of onion or garlic or a dash of oil and vinegar.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Sipping cousins: Coffee as a common language

June 24, 2026

George Bernard Shaw said that England and America are two countries divided by a common language. Coffee brings us together.

BITE

Cheese boureka at Tatte

June 24, 2026

TRANSPORTATION

Cambridge drivers will see parking situation get tougher as needs are balanced, with no relief in school lots

June 23, 2026

BUSINESS

Pour one out for short-lived changes to drink restrictions, as officials would rather reform what led to them

June 23, 2026

The License Commission has retreated from universally disliked ideas on limiting how much patrons can drink in bars and restaurant, including an idea to allow only one drink every half-hour.

NEWS

There won’t be a legal fight over the rejection of ShotSpotter in Cambridge

June 22, 2026

Objections to the shutdown of ShotSpotter gunfire-listening technology faded on the part of two Cambridge city councillors.

TAXONOMY

Personal finance tip of the week: Look for the paycheck advance risking the least damage

June 22, 2026

Unexpected expenses happen. If you find yourself relying repeatedly on advances between paychecks, it may be a sign a longer-term solution is needed.

NEWS

Endorsement by Boston’s mayor Wu is another boost for Lander run for state Senate

June 22, 2026

Boston mayor Michelle Wu has endorsed her former senior aide, Daniel Lander, in his campaign against Will Brownsberger for the Suffolk and Middlesex state Senate seat.

BUSINESS

Deregulation, faster permitting, being more fun: Cambridge hears how it can help Kendall Square and itself

June 21, 2026

After almost a decade of letting a strong Kendall Square “kind of run itself,” there’s a troubled environment and calls for collaboration with Cambridge City Hall.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, June 22-29: Drinking and driving (and parking)

June 21, 2026

Take part in meetings on drinking, ticketing drivers and parking permits; e-bike and scooter safety; expanding the preschool program; and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, June 22-29: Final budget votes and a Ward 2 pizza party

June 21, 2026

Take part in meetings on funding the next fiscal year and socializing with the mayor, city staff and city councilors.

NEWS

Candidates for state Senate have harsh criticisms of bill bundling, legislative leader pay and secrecy

June 20, 2026

Candidates vying for state senator Pat Jehlen’s seat in the 2nd Middlesex District agreed at a forum that big reforms are needed in the state Legislature.

NEWS

After three tries at rent caps in recent years, Somerville’s ‘best chance’ is statewide compromise, mayor says

June 19, 2026

Wilson joins governor Maura Healey and Boston mayor Michelle Wu in saying he is “strongly” in support of compromise legislation on rent stabilization.

BUSINESS

A bike path cafe called Parlor Bird has many excited to come craft to the sound of acoustic music

June 19, 2026

Parlor Bird, a community cafe and bar, won licensing approval for an under-construction building in Somerville, but the business isn’t likely to open until 2027.

NEWS

Erika Uyterhoeven emphasizes affordability at Union Square campaign stop in state senate bid

June 19, 2026

The candidate highlights two recent legislative achievements and a record of pushing for voting transparency in government.

LABOR

Now playing at a theater near you: class warfare

June 18, 2026

The board files an unfair labor practice charge against the union in the latest development of the two-yearlong contract negotiation.

FOOD

Five foods to follow out of the Taste of Cambridge

June 18, 2026

Leaving this sampling event full is easy. Returning to the tastes outside its borders isn't always possible: Not every item is at brick-and-mortar settings.

NEWS

Lander’s run against Brownsberger for state Senate draws a powerhouse endorsement from Elizabeth Warren

June 18, 2026

Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren endorsed Daniel Lander in the Suffolk and Middlesex District state Senate race, choosing a young first-time candidate over 14-year incumbent Will Brownsberger.

ASK CHEF JJ

What’s in your pantry? Part 1: Salts

June 17, 2026

Staples. Not talking about the big box store, but rather things that I reach for so often that I feel they are essential to my cooking life. I’m a spice hoarder. I have whole shelves of tiny jars and...

LET’S GET COFFEE

Worn wood, comfort and ease: At home at the Circus Cooperative and Café Zing

June 17, 2026

Coffee in a good setting keeps me there. The place, as you know if you read these columns, matters, almost as much as the coffee. I’m lucky that I can almost always find coffee that keeps me seated....

BITE

Buffalo chicken pizza at Ernesto’s

June 17, 2026

The location of this Boston mainstay at Assembly Row, opened in 2015, is careful to warn customers that they’re at risk of getting a great deal.

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.

DID YOU KNOW

Cambridge’s long history with ‘the beautiful game’ of soccer highlights immigrant contributions to the city

June 22, 2026

In its earliest days in Cambridge, soccer was a way to offer Harvard students a sport they could play, but not enjoy overly much. How times have changed.

OPINION

Scots’ introduction to Bunker Hill Day, from Revolutionary War reenactors to SpongeBob

June 21, 2026

Are we just war and cartoons? I hope the Scottish people visiting our little slice of purgatory know that Boston, and the United States, is more.

BICYCLING

Celebrating Kittie Knox, the Black cyclist who rode her way through the barriers of the 1800s

June 19, 2026

Katherine T. “Kittie” Knox was a pioneering cyclist who challenged racial and gender barriers. MassBike celebrated her Friday with the fifth annual Kittie Knox ride.

ARTS

With preservation of art studios, Somerville becomes the state’s flagship art city, group says

June 18, 2026

The preservation of Somerville’s Central Street Studios was marked with a ceremony that, like all art, helped people see their surroundings in a new way.

FILM

Premium fight choreography in ‘The Furious’ brings a visual clarity to the action

June 17, 2026

A vengeful father and an amateur journalist employ a very particular set of skills to fight their way through a human trafficking ring.

MUSIC

Prayers up for global jazz at Regattabar in Harvard Square

June 16, 2026

The Ize Trio celebrate the release of their latest album 'Global Prayer' with special guest saxophonist Gregory Groover, Jr.

COMMUNITY

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

June 16, 2026

DID YOU KNOW

Today’s Glacken Field results from a series of struggles and unexpected wins, and JFK plays a cameo

June 15, 2026

Before children could run and play on Glacken, the city had to create it from untamed marshes that were a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

FILM

Spielberg back on his alien grind in ‘Disclosure Day’

June 15, 2026

A narrative thread of ponderous pop theology doesn't dampen the fun of this extra terrestrial action thriller.

OPINION

The bottom of ‘Swan Lake’

June 14, 2026

All the talent on display in the American Repertory Theater musical “Black Swan” needs to be backed by a good story.

FILM

Author Foster Hirsch introduces us to the dark side of the screen

June 13, 2026

“Noir City Boston” returns to the Brattle, delivering tough guys, blonde bombshells and fugitives from justice through Monday.

MUSIC

They Might Be Giants play the hits for the hometown crowd

June 13, 2026

The veteran duo out of Lincoln, Massachusetts mix gimmickry with musicianship at House of Blues.

FILM

‘Masters of The Universe’ is better than average nostalgia slop

June 12, 2026

The long lost Prince Adam returns to his home planet of Eternia to do battle with the evil Skeletor in a campy reboot of the 80s franchise.

BICYCLING

Boston Cafe Bikers fulfill the promise of their name weekly and are expanding their destinations

June 12, 2026

Boston Cafe Bikers go weekly to cafes and other destinations, with many starting or ending in Cambridge and Somerville.

COMMUNITY

How to enjoy the World Cup in Cambridge and Somerville

June 11, 2026

World Cup soccer has arrived in Somerville and Cambridge, with its Cambridge United series of outdoor soccer screenings and community celebrations.

COMMUNITY

How to handle the National Weather Service’ two-day heat advisory

June 11, 2026

With Thursday’s high heat and humidity continuing over the coming days, the city of Somerville passed along an alert and tips on staying cool, healthy and safe.

OPINION

Somerville’s budget details (2026 edition): School and police budgets offer plenty to puzzle through

June 10, 2026

The budget does not account for pending agreements with police unions and includes strong-arm tactics over just $600,000 for the schools.

MUSIC

Ize Trio make global jazz their own at Regattabar on Sunday

June 9, 2026

Pianist Chase Morrin talks about the mentors and faith that inspired the trio's latest album "Global Prayer."

FILM

‘Power Ballad’ is a no from me, dawg

June 9, 2026

Paul Rudd's charm can't save this stinker about a struggling wedding musician who believes his original work was stolen by a global pop star.

COMMUNITY

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

June 9, 2026

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

MUSIC

Someday Festival is twice as nice with a second day of music

June 8, 2026

At Warehouse XI, you're going to like the way local music sounds, we guarantee it.

DID YOU KNOW

Jerry’s Pit and North Cambridge’s industrial past are spotlighted in the week’s History Hang

June 8, 2026

At the mid-1840s height of the industrial revolution, there were clay pits and brickyards all over the area. The most extensive brick plant was in North Cambridge.

FILM

Streaming with Pride

June 7, 2026

A shortlist of recommended movies that inspire with LGBTQ+ themes (and are available at the click of a button).