Fall Festival Preview

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

Reeling from a president’s assassination, we said political violence was not the answer to the country’s struggles

May 4, 2026

Cantabrigians channeled their anger over Lincoln's killing, many seeing it as a symbol of a larger struggle between the forces of good and evil.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Go to the backdoor Roth IRA when there are limits at the front

May 4, 2026

Here’s a way to build tax-free retirement income and reduce future required minimum distribution concerns with create greater financial flexibility.

DEVELOPMENT

Healthpeak gets first approvals for 42 acres, but hears calls to speed up building a bridge to Alewife

May 3, 2026

With 42 acres of a new neighborhood expected to be developed over what may be decades, Planning Board were keen to hear about a bridge over train tracks.

OPINION

Tatte no way

May 3, 2026

Young professionals on this side of the river don’t talk about it, but none of us really go to Tatte. It’s a bit like going to a Hard Rock Cafe in New York.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, May 4-11: Budget season hearings begin and officials talk AI in schools

May 3, 2026

Take part in meetings on an Ellery Street multifamily plan, artificial intelligence in school, redesigned bus routes and Cambridge‘s next annual budget.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, May 4-11: Building a school and moving council meetings to Tuesdays (in 2028)

May 3, 2026

Take part in meetings on building a replacement school, filling crossing guard shortages, changes to meeting schedules and much more.

OPINION

Where are consuls as immigrants get seized for deportation? Not where they should be.

May 3, 2026

Why so little consular activity reported for thousands of people detained by ICE? It may be that the locations of consulates do not map the needs of the moment.

NEWS

ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology takes fire as surveillance that may not make Cambridge safer

May 2, 2026

The gunfire-detection technology used by Cambridge police is surveillance that has a high false alarm rate, residents and experts say.

FOOD

Owner plans to close S&S Restaurant in Inman this summer

May 1, 2026

S&S Restaurant owner Gary Mitchell hints at “other things” coming after the deli ends its 107-year run in Inman Square.

DEVELOPMENT

A developer’s ‘monolith’ and giant parking garage concept took an advisory group by surprise

May 1, 2026

“Admittedly, it’s probably too much parking,” a development company representative said. Another company proposed a large grass field instead.

ARTS

Groups align on reclaiming Davis Square as a home for everyday art, starting Friday with a concert series

April 30, 2026

Two efforts to revive the square as a community gathering place are at critical stages, starting with a Down in Davis concert series launching Friday.

EDUCATION

No immediate change in leadership is signaled at Graham & Parks, now the site of a discrimination lawsuit

April 30, 2026

A principal has seen two investigations into workplace toxicity and two discrimination lawsuits between two public school districts.

THEATER

Two theater projects promote transformative climate justice

April 30, 2026

“Now Is Still Here” to be staged outdoors at the Somerville Community Growing Center in late May.

HEAR FIRST

Jonny Tex: ‘Mustard Seeds’

April 30, 2026

Hear First discovers a more 'intentional' sound on the Cambridge musician's latest single.

FOOD

Taste of Cambridge, nearing end of early bird sales, adds six more sources of samples and sips

April 29, 2026

Surfside, Caffe Nero, Boston Burger Co., McCarthy’s and Toad, and Patco Brands join the June 17 endless-samples event.

ASK CHEF JJ

Yay! It’s time for spring produce: Asparagus, sunchokes, fiddleheads, ramps and rhubarb

April 29, 2026

We have only a few months of seriously good growing time here, so we need to come out of the gate running.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Fringe benefits: Coffee with something extra, somewhere else

April 29, 2026

This week, the journey began near Porter Square, thence near Union Square and finally to East Cambridge. Each had something off my radar to recommend it!

FOOD

Prepare for Nostalgia, where coffee and vintage clothing mix, and learn what happened to Nine Winters Bakery

April 29, 2026

Somerville welcomes a hybrid cafe and vintage clothing store called Nostalgia while the taste fades from the celebrated Nine Winters Bakery in Cambridge.

BITE

Shrimp hand pie at Chatty Patty

April 29, 2026

These Caribbean-style patties come out sizzling, with the kind of grease sheen that signals you’re about to enjoy yourself.

MUSIC

What’s up with Down in Davis?

April 29, 2026

A new Friday concert series debuts to give the community a fun, family-friendly place to gather.

MUSIC

The Indie Somerville Porchfest Preview

April 28, 2026

Your guide to all the noise you want and none you don't at the biggest Porchfest around.

BUSINESS

Two-day educator strike begins at Lesley University

April 28, 2026

Demands include livable wages, manageable workloads and a “successorship clause” to keep their contract if the school is sold.

DEVELOPMENT

Alternative Davis Square apartment designs are online from Copper Mill

April 28, 2026

The original design for the 500 units was a 26-story tower that found significant opposition in the community even among housing advocates.

HEAR FIRST

MOZZ: ‘Breadt’

April 28, 2026

Hear First spotlights the yin and yang of Mozz's latest EP 'Breadt.'

COMMUNITY

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

April 28, 2026

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

BUSINESS

Cambridge will see a budget bigger than $1B, spending that may land hard on residential taxpayers within two years

April 28, 2026

The next annual budget for the city of Cambridge will surpass $1 billion despite City Hall staff holding year-over-year growth to an austere 4.1 percent.

NEWS

Cambridge’s Garden Street will stay one-way for car traffic

April 28, 2026

Several blocks of Garden Street will stay one-way for car traffic toward Harvard Square, city councillors in Cambridge decided Monday in a 5-4 vote.

DEVELOPMENT

Copper Mill now says its alternative tower designs will be available Tuesday

April 27, 2026

There will be four options for a building at varying heights, reflecting controversy over the original 502-unit, 26-story version in a design many disliked.

NEWS

It’s DeRATification Week in Somerville, because rodents are springing back into action

April 27, 2026

A week of rat fighting began Monday in Somerville with a display of the city’s latest weapon: BurrowRx, which pumps carbon monoxide into burrows.

MUSIC

‘Taking it easy’ at the Wilbur Theater with a night of song

April 27, 2026

Charismatic Canadian songwriter Alan Doyle brings the NYC-based folk trio Bandits On The Run along for the ride.

DID YOU KNOW

Guess who was left out of the speeches in 1905 celebrating Cambridge’s 275th anniversary

April 27, 2026

“We cannot help but look forward with some anxiety to the future,” the president of Harvard said. “The Puritans no longer control Cambridge.”

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Missing the tax filing deadline isn’t cause for panic

April 27, 2026

To start with, if you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late. Even if you owe, missing a deadline shouldn't be fatal.

OPINION

New data privacy laws will have unintended consequences that hurt mom-and-pops and nonprofits

April 27, 2026

The bills gaining traction on Beacon Hill are well-intentioned but threaten to create unintended consequences for small businesses and nonprofits.

LIT

Author David Szalay in the flesh

April 27, 2026

The 2025 Booker Prize winner talks autonomy, audiobooks and Dua Lipa's book club in Harvard Square.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, April 27-May 4: Healthpeak shows its giant project in the Highlands

April 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on Healthpeak's plan for a new neighborhood in the Alewife Quadrangle, new homes on Ellery Street and big city projects.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, April 27-May 4: Developers vie for 90 Washington St. project

April 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on remaking 90 Washington St., surveillance technology, a teen center at Cummings School and Davis Square issues.

OPINION

Call it improvements, call it planning, delaying a development is a way to make it not happen

April 26, 2026

It’s doubtful any more meetings, planning, input, commentary, essays or shouting will facilitate a better decision about the Copper Mill project.

OPINION

Something about the design of this food hall was bothering me.

April 26, 2026

CanalSide looks toward a boisterous future of 600 people warming a giant space, forgetting the lessons from ghosted storefronts.

NEWS

Somerville Housing’s special officers are under the authority of city’s police chief in new home rule petition

April 25, 2026

Special police officers also won’t be excluded from union activities or civil service rules, city councilors were assured.

NEWS

Gilligan-Corsetti organizes a run for Somerville state rep; Azeem breaks for his wedding and a party

April 25, 2026

“I understand the struggles of working class people,” said Olivia Gilligan-Corsetti, eyeing a 27th Middlesex seat. Also: A “big South Asian dance party” calls.

LIT

Indie bookstores have a day

April 24, 2026

Crawl, walk, run to your local bookstore on April 25 for Independent Bookstore Day.

FASHION

The Garment District, where the old becomes new again, hits 40

April 24, 2026

The beloved thrift megastore finds surprising ways to reinvent itself in the age of influencers.

BUSINESS

President of Lesley University says she is leaving June 30

April 23, 2026

The president of Lesley University is stepping down after seven years, leaving the role at the end of June as her contract term expires, according to a university email sent Wednesday. Upon Janet...

ARTS

Life Drawing Boston draws love from its community along with an entertainment license

April 23, 2026

Life Drawing Boston is drawing life to Somerville’s Inner Belt and plans to add regular entertainment such as performances, dances and variety shows.

Korean fried chicken and two new Brazilian restaurants for Somerville; a cafe for Cambridge

April 23, 2026

On the Menu this week: A few announced and expected openings, from cafe fare to Korean and Brazilian grill and pães de queijo, and goodbye to the ArtBar.

NEWS

More than half of Riverbend Park won’t open this year, except to drivers

April 22, 2026

It’s closing Memorial Drive in Cambridge to car traffic that creates Riverbend Park every Sunday, yet this year much of the park closes to all uses except cars.

ASK CHEF JJ

Dining safely with allergies or celiac disease takes a village. Also: Where to start eating the rainbow

April 22, 2026

For the people trying to eat only “the good things,” there's no superfood waiting to swoop in. But we can help ourselves by going back the basics.

THEATER

‘Rhinoceros’ brings Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany and John Turturro to the Harvard Square stage

April 22, 2026

Hollywood comes to Cambridge this summer to star in “Rhinoceros” at the American Repertory Theater. One actor has even played a rhino before.

BUSINESS

Somerville is letting restaurants, bars and clubs expand their hours for the World Cup

April 22, 2026

For the coming summer weeks of World Cup soccer, businesses with alcoholic beverage licenses can opt in for 9 a.m. openings and 3 a.m. closings.

LECTURE

Making mushrooms magic again

April 22, 2026

Bay Staters celebrate the fifth anniversary of Somerville's decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Go to the backdoor Roth IRA when there are limits at the front

May 4, 2026

Here’s a way to build tax-free retirement income and reduce future required minimum distribution concerns with create greater financial flexibility.

DEVELOPMENT

Healthpeak gets first approvals for 42 acres, but hears calls to speed up building a bridge to Alewife

May 3, 2026

With 42 acres of a new neighborhood expected to be developed over what may be decades, Planning Board were keen to hear about a bridge over train tracks.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, May 4-11: Budget season hearings begin and officials talk AI in schools

May 3, 2026

Take part in meetings on an Ellery Street multifamily plan, artificial intelligence in school, redesigned bus routes and Cambridge‘s next annual budget.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, May 4-11: Building a school and moving council meetings to Tuesdays (in 2028)

May 3, 2026

Take part in meetings on building a replacement school, filling crossing guard shortages, changes to meeting schedules and much more.

NEWS

ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology takes fire as surveillance that may not make Cambridge safer

May 2, 2026

The gunfire-detection technology used by Cambridge police is surveillance that has a high false alarm rate, residents and experts say.

FOOD

Owner plans to close S&S Restaurant in Inman this summer

May 1, 2026

S&S Restaurant owner Gary Mitchell hints at “other things” coming after the deli ends its 107-year run in Inman Square.

DEVELOPMENT

A developer’s ‘monolith’ and giant parking garage concept took an advisory group by surprise

May 1, 2026

“Admittedly, it’s probably too much parking,” a development company representative said. Another company proposed a large grass field instead.

EDUCATION

No immediate change in leadership is signaled at Graham & Parks, now the site of a discrimination lawsuit

April 30, 2026

A principal has seen two investigations into workplace toxicity and two discrimination lawsuits between two public school districts.

FOOD

Taste of Cambridge, nearing end of early bird sales, adds six more sources of samples and sips

April 29, 2026

Surfside, Caffe Nero, Boston Burger Co., McCarthy’s and Toad, and Patco Brands join the June 17 endless-samples event.

ASK CHEF JJ

Yay! It’s time for spring produce: Asparagus, sunchokes, fiddleheads, ramps and rhubarb

April 29, 2026

We have only a few months of seriously good growing time here, so we need to come out of the gate running.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Fringe benefits: Coffee with something extra, somewhere else

April 29, 2026

This week, the journey began near Porter Square, thence near Union Square and finally to East Cambridge. Each had something off my radar to recommend it!

FOOD

Prepare for Nostalgia, where coffee and vintage clothing mix, and learn what happened to Nine Winters Bakery

April 29, 2026

Somerville welcomes a hybrid cafe and vintage clothing store called Nostalgia while the taste fades from the celebrated Nine Winters Bakery in Cambridge.

BITE

Shrimp hand pie at Chatty Patty

April 29, 2026

These Caribbean-style patties come out sizzling, with the kind of grease sheen that signals you’re about to enjoy yourself.

BUSINESS

Two-day educator strike begins at Lesley University

April 28, 2026

Demands include livable wages, manageable workloads and a “successorship clause” to keep their contract if the school is sold.

DEVELOPMENT

Alternative Davis Square apartment designs are online from Copper Mill

April 28, 2026

The original design for the 500 units was a 26-story tower that found significant opposition in the community even among housing advocates.

BUSINESS

Cambridge will see a budget bigger than $1B, spending that may land hard on residential taxpayers within two years

April 28, 2026

The next annual budget for the city of Cambridge will surpass $1 billion despite City Hall staff holding year-over-year growth to an austere 4.1 percent.

NEWS

Cambridge’s Garden Street will stay one-way for car traffic

April 28, 2026

Several blocks of Garden Street will stay one-way for car traffic toward Harvard Square, city councillors in Cambridge decided Monday in a 5-4 vote.

DEVELOPMENT

Copper Mill now says its alternative tower designs will be available Tuesday

April 27, 2026

There will be four options for a building at varying heights, reflecting controversy over the original 502-unit, 26-story version in a design many disliked.

NEWS

It’s DeRATification Week in Somerville, because rodents are springing back into action

April 27, 2026

A week of rat fighting began Monday in Somerville with a display of the city’s latest weapon: BurrowRx, which pumps carbon monoxide into burrows.

TAXONOMY

Tax tip of the week: Missing the tax filing deadline isn’t cause for panic

April 27, 2026

To start with, if you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late. Even if you owe, missing a deadline shouldn't be fatal.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, April 27-May 4: Healthpeak shows its giant project in the Highlands

April 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on Healthpeak's plan for a new neighborhood in the Alewife Quadrangle, new homes on Ellery Street and big city projects.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, April 27-May 4: Developers vie for 90 Washington St. project

April 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on remaking 90 Washington St., surveillance technology, a teen center at Cummings School and Davis Square issues.

NEWS

Somerville Housing’s special officers are under the authority of city’s police chief in new home rule petition

April 25, 2026

Special police officers also won’t be excluded from union activities or civil service rules, city councilors were assured.

NEWS

Gilligan-Corsetti organizes a run for Somerville state rep; Azeem breaks for his wedding and a party

April 25, 2026

“I understand the struggles of working class people,” said Olivia Gilligan-Corsetti, eyeing a 27th Middlesex seat. Also: A “big South Asian dance party” calls.

FASHION

The Garment District, where the old becomes new again, hits 40

April 24, 2026

The beloved thrift megastore finds surprising ways to reinvent itself in the age of influencers.

BUSINESS

President of Lesley University says she is leaving June 30

April 23, 2026

The president of Lesley University is stepping down after seven years, leaving the role at the end of June as her contract term expires, according to a university email sent Wednesday. Upon Janet...

Korean fried chicken and two new Brazilian restaurants for Somerville; a cafe for Cambridge

April 23, 2026

On the Menu this week: A few announced and expected openings, from cafe fare to Korean and Brazilian grill and pães de queijo, and goodbye to the ArtBar.

NEWS

More than half of Riverbend Park won’t open this year, except to drivers

April 22, 2026

It’s closing Memorial Drive in Cambridge to car traffic that creates Riverbend Park every Sunday, yet this year much of the park closes to all uses except cars.

ASK CHEF JJ

Dining safely with allergies or celiac disease takes a village. Also: Where to start eating the rainbow

April 22, 2026

For the people trying to eat only “the good things,” there's no superfood waiting to swoop in. But we can help ourselves by going back the basics.

BUSINESS

Somerville is letting restaurants, bars and clubs expand their hours for the World Cup

April 22, 2026

For the coming summer weeks of World Cup soccer, businesses with alcoholic beverage licenses can opt in for 9 a.m. openings and 3 a.m. closings.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Coffee in the great outdoors: Sidewalks are for sipping

April 22, 2026

The three outdoor places I review here are not like the Parisian café in the Jardin du Luxembourg, but they are what we have and we are happy to have them.

NEWS

Early morning driver crashes into empty Davis Square dental office

April 22, 2026

A driver reportedly experiencing a medical emergency crashed a car into the Davis Square Dental offices at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday.

NEWS

Body-worn cameras for Somerville police come with an annual cost near a half-million dollars

April 22, 2026

With budget cuts looming, some city councilors argued it wasn’t the time for police to get body-worn cameras costing around $450,000 annually.

BITE

Grilled cheese at Juicy Jay’s

April 22, 2026

This is the grilled cheese you’re thinking of: American and cheddar between slices of buttered brioche bread, right in an affordable comfort food sweet spot.

DEVELOPMENT

Company gets pushback in proposing to build Union Square homes instead of expected lab space

April 21, 2026

Up to 200 new homes with a park, library branch and other community benefits for Union Square made for a sweet pitch, but not all were convinced.

NEWS

A neighborhood group is forming to fill a gap in North Cambridge

April 19, 2026

Former city councillor Paul Toner joins a wave of organizing in West Cambridge, Neighborhood 9, Somerville’s Davis Square and by businesses around Porter Square.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, April 20-27: William Dawes rides again at a Patriots’ Day observance

April 19, 2026

Take part in a meeting with a new election commissioner and attend a Patriots’ Day observance.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, April 20-27: Police cameras and staying out late for World Cup games

April 19, 2026

Take part in meetings on water, sewage and cop cameras; plans for a month of World Cup; and remaking 90 Washington St.

FOOD

Somerville Plant-Based Restaurant Week has dishes and deals to help savor saving the Earth

April 18, 2026

There are bargains and special dishes at 19 restaurants for Plant-Based Restaurant Week, from new specialty pizzas to buy-one, get-one deals.

DEVELOPMENT

Cambridge Redevelopment Authority makes real estate moves in North and East Cambridge

April 17, 2026

The most prominent builder in North Cambridge may now be the quasi-governmental agency the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. Its board voted Thursday to put up six stories of mixed-income housing at...

TRANSPORTATION

Renovated outbound Kendall/MIT headhouse reopens Monday

April 17, 2026

Access to red line trains for the past year and 10 months has been through 325 Main St., access that ends as the new headhouse opens for use.

DEVELOPMENT

Developers are putting backyard cottages ‘on steroids’ to turn them into triple-deckers, former officials say

April 16, 2026

Developers are abusing the ability to create “backyard cottages” in Somerville, bringing crammed-in but unaffordable condos.

DID YOU KNOW

Reeling from a president’s assassination, we said political violence was not the answer to the country’s struggles

May 4, 2026

Cantabrigians channeled their anger over Lincoln's killing, many seeing it as a symbol of a larger struggle between the forces of good and evil.

OPINION

Tatte no way

May 3, 2026

Young professionals on this side of the river don’t talk about it, but none of us really go to Tatte. It’s a bit like going to a Hard Rock Cafe in New York.

OPINION

Where are consuls as immigrants get seized for deportation? Not where they should be.

May 3, 2026

Why so little consular activity reported for thousands of people detained by ICE? It may be that the locations of consulates do not map the needs of the moment.

ARTS

Groups align on reclaiming Davis Square as a home for everyday art, starting Friday with a concert series

April 30, 2026

Two efforts to revive the square as a community gathering place are at critical stages, starting with a Down in Davis concert series launching Friday.

THEATER

Two theater projects promote transformative climate justice

April 30, 2026

“Now Is Still Here” to be staged outdoors at the Somerville Community Growing Center in late May.

HEAR FIRST

Jonny Tex: ‘Mustard Seeds’

April 30, 2026

Hear First discovers a more 'intentional' sound on the Cambridge musician's latest single.

MUSIC

What’s up with Down in Davis?

April 29, 2026

A new Friday concert series debuts to give the community a fun, family-friendly place to gather.

MUSIC

The Indie Somerville Porchfest Preview

April 28, 2026

Your guide to all the noise you want and none you don't at the biggest Porchfest around.

HEAR FIRST

MOZZ: ‘Breadt’

April 28, 2026

Hear First spotlights the yin and yang of Mozz's latest EP 'Breadt.'

COMMUNITY

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

April 28, 2026

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

MUSIC

‘Taking it easy’ at the Wilbur Theater with a night of song

April 27, 2026

Charismatic Canadian songwriter Alan Doyle brings the NYC-based folk trio Bandits On The Run along for the ride.

DID YOU KNOW

Guess who was left out of the speeches in 1905 celebrating Cambridge’s 275th anniversary

April 27, 2026

“We cannot help but look forward with some anxiety to the future,” the president of Harvard said. “The Puritans no longer control Cambridge.”

OPINION

New data privacy laws will have unintended consequences that hurt mom-and-pops and nonprofits

April 27, 2026

The bills gaining traction on Beacon Hill are well-intentioned but threaten to create unintended consequences for small businesses and nonprofits.

LIT

Author David Szalay in the flesh

April 27, 2026

The 2025 Booker Prize winner talks autonomy, audiobooks and Dua Lipa's book club in Harvard Square.

OPINION

Call it improvements, call it planning, delaying a development is a way to make it not happen

April 26, 2026

It’s doubtful any more meetings, planning, input, commentary, essays or shouting will facilitate a better decision about the Copper Mill project.

OPINION

Something about the design of this food hall was bothering me.

April 26, 2026

CanalSide looks toward a boisterous future of 600 people warming a giant space, forgetting the lessons from ghosted storefronts.

LIT

Indie bookstores have a day

April 24, 2026

Crawl, walk, run to your local bookstore on April 25 for Independent Bookstore Day.

ARTS

Life Drawing Boston draws love from its community along with an entertainment license

April 23, 2026

Life Drawing Boston is drawing life to Somerville’s Inner Belt and plans to add regular entertainment such as performances, dances and variety shows.

THEATER

‘Rhinoceros’ brings Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany and John Turturro to the Harvard Square stage

April 22, 2026

Hollywood comes to Cambridge this summer to star in “Rhinoceros” at the American Repertory Theater. One actor has even played a rhino before.

LECTURE

Making mushrooms magic again

April 22, 2026

Bay Staters celebrate the fifth anniversary of Somerville's decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms.

MUSIC

Applications open May 4 as Cambridge cautiously expands for its second year of Porchfest

April 22, 2026

Cambridge is preparing to take applications for its second Porchfest, set for July 11-12 primarily in the Cambridgeport, The Port and Riverside neighborhoods.

COMEDY

Who won comedy last night: Addy Goldstein, whose mom died

April 21, 2026

At a College Comedy Showcase at The Comedy Studio, one comic got to the point quickly: “Try to keep it together,” she told the audience. “My mom just died.”

COMMUNITY

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

April 21, 2026

We have Tuesday office hours to hear story ideas, questions, concerns or complaints, and tonight they’re in Central Square.

DID YOU KNOW

Cambridge’s Humane Society changed its mission, then quit, as Cambridge changed

April 20, 2026

As the demographics of the poor community in Cambridge shifted, so too did the Cambridge Female Humane Society’s approach to meeting their needs.

OPINION

Letter to a traffic engineer

April 19, 2026

Even entities such as the City of Cambridge, which in theory should have been consulted in a Reid Overpass design process, are relegated to the inbox.

OPINION

Counter intuitive

April 19, 2026

There’s a special kind of pain in seeing projects go up thoughtlessly with flaws that will confront people for years or decades.

LECTURE

How to save the planet for the 99%

April 18, 2026

Philosopher Nancy Fraser critiques the capitalist underbelly of environmentalism at Harvard University lecture.

ART AND DESIGN

‘Your Light Is Central’ is an evolving LED art installation that makes a colorful square even more vivid

April 17, 2026

Art is meant to illuminate, and a series of installations called “Your Light Is Central” went live in Cambridge’s Central Square this week to make that literal.

MUSIC

Vinyl Heads, Rejoice

April 16, 2026

A roundup of our favorite records stores to visit on Record Store Day this April 18.

THEATER

The last three A.R.T. plays in Harvard Square share a theme for Trump’s America

April 15, 2026

Eugène Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros,” a rock opera about the abortion network called The Janes and an underground railroad tale called “Mexodus.”

OPINION

MWRA was created to solve a regional problem, and we need to push it to do so now

April 14, 2026

Now is the last time that Cambridge and Somerville are able to use MWRA funding to cover the cost of sewer infrastructure upgrades.

DID YOU KNOW

This spring, History Cambridge takes ‘History Hangs’ on the road

April 14, 2026

Walk, talk and learn more about West Cambridge, first the Brattle Street area and then Lowell Park and Mount Auburn Cemetery.

LIT

Step into the unknown with ‘The Flowers of Evil’

April 14, 2026

A course examining French poet Charles Baudelaire's seminal collection is coming to the Cambridge Community Center.

OPINION

It’s time for police oversight in Somerville

April 12, 2026

It is past time for the City Council to act on its 2020 commitment and create a police commission and a community police review agency.

OPINION

You can live without your creepy doorbell camera

April 12, 2026

By owning one of these doorbell surveillance cameras, you are not making yourself safer. You are making yourself useful.

OPINION

Closure overexposure

April 12, 2026

Psychologically, we warm up to things more when we encounter them a lot – as long as we don’t already dislike them. Like the misuse of words.

MUSIC

Prewn’s Izzy Hagerup delivers serious star power in a visit from Northampton

April 11, 2026

Izzy Hagerup, at the head of a four-musician Prewn, effortlessly commanded the attention of the room at Deep Cuts.

ARTS

Dancing through a cemetery and poems for a Vodou spirit are coming in Mount Auburn residencies

April 9, 2026

Four artists and organizations are named as Mount Auburn Cemetery’s new artists-in-residence for its record-breaking 11th year.

THEATER

‘Breaking the Code’ is not to be missed at Central Square Theater

April 8, 2026

Many of us have heard the name Alan Turing, but few know much more about him than his legacy as the father of computer science.

COMMUNITY

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

April 7, 2026

We have Tuesday office hours to hear story ideas, questions, concerns or complaints, and tonight they’re in Central Square.

MUSIC

Spring Festival Preview

April 6, 2026

A preview of the most exciting spring music festivals, from one-day local affairs to multiday out-of-towners.

DID YOU KNOW

Debate over Fugitive Slave Act raises questions of ‘lawful authority’

April 6, 2026

The federal mandate for Northern states to enforce the proslavery agenda of Southern states fueled the fires of division before the Civil War.

ART AND DESIGN

‘Starting From Scratch’ shares success secrets from self-made artists, including one venturing into software

April 5, 2026

It’s not easy making art for a living, but three self-taught creators in Somerville share stories in April about how they bootstrapped their way to a breakthrough.

OPINION