technology Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

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

by Marc Levy 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

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

by Marc Levy June 22, 2026

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

BUSINESS

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

by Catalina Mena 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 8-15: Two zoning laws that speed home construction are targeted for changes

by Marc Levy June 7, 2026

Take part in meetings on calls to alter residential zoning and how to explain school incidents to families, and a roundtable about boosting business start-ups.

NEWS

A second vote against ShotSpotter leaves no room for pushback, and over a member’s complaint

by Marc Levy June 2, 2026

Councillors voted May 18 to turn off the system and remove its microphones within 90 days, and now again to ensure zero wiggle room for noncompliance.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, May 31-June 8: New homes, stopping the sewage and a gun buyback

by Marc Levy May 31, 2026

Take part in meetings on changes that can reshape Cambridge Street, 92 homes for Rindge Avenue and ending sewage outflow into public waters.

OPINION

Online safety shouldn’t come at the cost of access

by William Norton

Recent efforts by the House and the governor to create online protections for our state’s youth risk serious unintended consequences.

NEWS

Police union says it is ‘deeply disappointed’ in council quitting ShotSpotter tech, reiterates points from losing vote

by Marc Levy May 25, 2026

The organization spoke to fears that ShotSpotter audio could be used by federal agencies for surveillance but not a cited false-positive rate of 82 percent.

NEWS

Cambridge vote calls for ShotSpotter gunfire detection to be turned off and dismantled within 90 days

by Marc Levy May 19, 2026

Supporters made emotional pleas and tried a variety of ploys, but five councillors said they saw no evidence that the system keeps anyone safe.

NEWS

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

by Marc Levy May 3, 2026

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