The Independent’s locally themed crossword puzzle: Frankenwords

The Independent’s third locally themed puzzle celebrates the combining of thoughts into a new thing, or even the combining of things into a new thought.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 27-Aug. 3: Deciding whether ShotSpotter gets turned back on

July 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on lengthening a narrow East Cambridge home built in 1855; Bus Network Redesign proposals; and ShotSpotter and crisis response.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 20-27: Debate about body-worn police cameras arrives

July 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on body-worn cameras on police and their expense; adding three stories to an East Somerville building; and bus route changes.

OPINION

The hater’s guide to Inman Square

July 26, 2026

With the closing of the S&S Restaurant, the deli and Jewish spot serving Inman Square since 1919, there has been some friendly debate over what should replace it.

BICYCLING

Before a 343-mile fundraising ride to New York’s 9/11 Memorial, bicyclists gather in Cambridge

July 25, 2026

Cambridge is the starting point for a 343-mile bicycle ride to New York for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, raising money for organizations serving first responders and cancer survivors.

COMMUNITY

The Independent’s locally themed crossword puzzle: Frankenwords

July 25, 2026

The Independent’s third locally themed puzzle celebrates the combining of thoughts into a new thing, or even the combining of things into a new thought.

FOOD

Rosebud diner in Davis square closes officially as operator says it’s negotiating to buy the property

July 24, 2026

The operators of Somerville’s iconic Rosebud diner say they are negotiating to buy its building, and might have to move on to let someone else take over the space.

NEWS

Haitians and Syrians sheltered in U.S. brace for disaster from change of status, with consequences for economy

July 24, 2026

Protections for 45,000 Haitians and almost 300 Syrians across Massachusetts are set to expire as soon as Monday after a second short delay by a judge.

MUSIC

The sights of Solid Sound 2026

July 24, 2026

The stars and the stages captured during three days spent with Wilco and friends in the rolling green hills of the Berkshires.

NEWS

Chris Affleck, teacher and activist whose kids won Oscars, dies at 83

July 24, 2026

The death of Chris Anne Affleck, 83, was announced Friday by the family. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December and died June 2.

NEWS

A ShotSpotter gunfire detector reboot is back for Cambridge City Council debate

July 24, 2026

Whether ShotSpotter gunfire detectors will return is to be voted in August, delayed by a protest over focusing on tech instead of addressing the root causes of violence.

NEWS

‘Quite something’: U.K.’s speaker of the House of Commons visits Harvard’s 1215 Magna Carta

July 23, 2026

Tucked away at Harvard Law School is a 1215 copy of the Magna Carta. Librarians took it out for a special visitor from the U.K. Parliament's House of Commons.

NEWS

Cambridge and Somerville risk levels for West Nile Virus are raised to ‘moderate’

July 23, 2026

Risk levels for West Nile Virus in Cambridge and Somerville were raised to “moderate” on Thursday by the state, along with Boston, Newton and Brookline.

BUSINESS

Clover shrinks to five restaurants, opening a historic Harvard Square location to new tenants

July 23, 2026

The healthy fast food chain discovered during 2015 renovations that the original tile walls and floor were intact from the Waldorf Lunch diner, opened in 1916.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Wednesday into the Mystic and Charles rivers

July 23, 2026

Wednesday saw the second day in a row of combined sewer overflow, the term for releasing waste into public waterways when sewer and water systems get overwhelmed.

NEWS

School playground and ArtFarm seek $6M, already more than Somerville’s available preservation funds

July 23, 2026

Tough decisions will have to be made this year by Community Preservation Committee members, who heard from the first of nine projects looking for funding.

OPINION

Before a special Cambridge meeting in response to the killing of Xavier Bautista

July 22, 2026

NEWS

Political notes: Boston mayor kicks off Cambridge canvass; McLaughlin’s ‘Good Will’ ad

July 22, 2026

Michelle Wu makes it across the river for Daniel Lander, her former aide, and there's candidate news about Matt McLaughlin, Christine Barber, Will Brownsberger, Mike Connolly, Ben Ewen-Campen and Will Mbah.

NEWS

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

July 22, 2026

Rainfall on Tuesday caused a combined sewer overflow, the term for releasing waste into public waterways when sewer and water systems get overwhelmed.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Jugaad, or coffee any way possible

July 22, 2026

How coffee lovers can enjoy coffee when there's no coffee around to love.

BITE

Breakfast sandwich at Angelina’s Pizzeria

July 22, 2026

It’s hard to make a sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich stand out, but it helps to have been running a griddle for 72 years.

DEVELOPMENT

Birch Street project is coming back for design issues, but not about traffic and parking concerns

July 22, 2026

A six-story building with 85 apartments got generally positive reviews from Planning Board members, while residents were focused on cars, parking and traffic.

DEVELOPMENT

Petition takes a second hit because it would affect projects of all affordable homes

July 21, 2026

Most councillors agreed action is needed to tame some reactions to recent zoning changes, which is leading to a rash of demolitions by eager developers.

FOOD

Why three Cambridge restaurants in three years have switched to private events

July 21, 2026

There are limits as well as benefits to moving to events from walk-in dining – a threat of oversupply if more restaurants go this route, and a risk for newcomers.

LIT

Reviewed: ‘When You’re Brave Enough’ doesn’t simplify middle-school hurt

July 21, 2026

“When You’re Brave Enough,” about coming out as a lesbian in middle school, is sure to be beloved by young people figuring out what bravery means to them.

NEWS

West Nile Virus is detected in Somerville mosquitoes, but city and region are at low risk

July 20, 2026

Only a small number of mosquitoes are infected at any given time, and there have been no animal or human cases of the virus reported in the state.

DID YOU KNOW

Corcoran Park plans take into account floods and sinkholes from 10,000-year-old Great Marsh

July 20, 2026

The decision to build housing on such low-lying land has left the city with no choice but to remedy the situation, now on a second attempt.

FILM

Christopher Nolan gives ‘The Odyssey’ the Hollywood treatment

July 20, 2026

The blockbuster director steamrolls your senses with a Matt Damon-led adaptation of Homer's epic poem.

NEWS

David Solet, who quit the Middlesex DA’s office, has plenty of support in his bid to run it

July 20, 2026

It’s unusual for police unions to get involved in a district attorney’s race, but they put their weight behind a newcomer: David Solet.

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.

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.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 27-Aug. 3: Deciding whether ShotSpotter gets turned back on

July 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on lengthening a narrow East Cambridge home built in 1855; Bus Network Redesign proposals; and ShotSpotter and crisis response.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 20-27: Debate about body-worn police cameras arrives

July 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on body-worn cameras on police and their expense; adding three stories to an East Somerville building; and bus route changes.

FOOD

Rosebud diner in Davis square closes officially as operator says it’s negotiating to buy the property

July 24, 2026

The operators of Somerville’s iconic Rosebud diner say they are negotiating to buy its building, and might have to move on to let someone else take over the space.

NEWS

Haitians and Syrians sheltered in U.S. brace for disaster from change of status, with consequences for economy

July 24, 2026

Protections for 45,000 Haitians and almost 300 Syrians across Massachusetts are set to expire as soon as Monday after a second short delay by a judge.

NEWS

Chris Affleck, teacher and activist whose kids won Oscars, dies at 83

July 24, 2026

The death of Chris Anne Affleck, 83, was announced Friday by the family. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December and died June 2.

NEWS

A ShotSpotter gunfire detector reboot is back for Cambridge City Council debate

July 24, 2026

Whether ShotSpotter gunfire detectors will return is to be voted in August, delayed by a protest over focusing on tech instead of addressing the root causes of violence.

NEWS

‘Quite something’: U.K.’s speaker of the House of Commons visits Harvard’s 1215 Magna Carta

July 23, 2026

Tucked away at Harvard Law School is a 1215 copy of the Magna Carta. Librarians took it out for a special visitor from the U.K. Parliament's House of Commons.

NEWS

Cambridge and Somerville risk levels for West Nile Virus are raised to ‘moderate’

July 23, 2026

Risk levels for West Nile Virus in Cambridge and Somerville were raised to “moderate” on Thursday by the state, along with Boston, Newton and Brookline.

BUSINESS

Clover shrinks to five restaurants, opening a historic Harvard Square location to new tenants

July 23, 2026

The healthy fast food chain discovered during 2015 renovations that the original tile walls and floor were intact from the Waldorf Lunch diner, opened in 1916.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Wednesday into the Mystic and Charles rivers

July 23, 2026

Wednesday saw the second day in a row of combined sewer overflow, the term for releasing waste into public waterways when sewer and water systems get overwhelmed.

NEWS

School playground and ArtFarm seek $6M, already more than Somerville’s available preservation funds

July 23, 2026

Tough decisions will have to be made this year by Community Preservation Committee members, who heard from the first of nine projects looking for funding.

NEWS

Political notes: Boston mayor kicks off Cambridge canvass; McLaughlin’s ‘Good Will’ ad

July 22, 2026

NEWS

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

July 22, 2026

Rainfall on Tuesday caused a combined sewer overflow, the term for releasing waste into public waterways when sewer and water systems get overwhelmed.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Jugaad, or coffee any way possible

July 22, 2026

How coffee lovers can enjoy coffee when there's no coffee around to love.

BITE

Breakfast sandwich at Angelina’s Pizzeria

July 22, 2026

It’s hard to make a sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich stand out, but it helps to have been running a griddle for 72 years.

DEVELOPMENT

Birch Street project is coming back for design issues, but not about traffic and parking concerns

July 22, 2026

A six-story building with 85 apartments got generally positive reviews from Planning Board members, while residents were focused on cars, parking and traffic.

DEVELOPMENT

Petition takes a second hit because it would affect projects of all affordable homes

July 21, 2026

Most councillors agreed action is needed to tame some reactions to recent zoning changes, which is leading to a rash of demolitions by eager developers.

FOOD

Why three Cambridge restaurants in three years have switched to private events

July 21, 2026

There are limits as well as benefits to moving to events from walk-in dining – a threat of oversupply if more restaurants go this route, and a risk for newcomers.

NEWS

West Nile Virus is detected in Somerville mosquitoes, but city and region are at low risk

July 20, 2026

Only a small number of mosquitoes are infected at any given time, and there have been no animal or human cases of the virus reported in the state.

NEWS

David Solet, who quit the Middlesex DA’s office, has plenty of support in his bid to run it

July 20, 2026

It’s unusual for police unions to get involved in a district attorney’s race, but they put their weight behind a newcomer: David Solet.

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.

OPINION

The hater’s guide to Inman Square

July 26, 2026

With the closing of the S&S Restaurant, the deli and Jewish spot serving Inman Square since 1919, there has been some friendly debate over what should replace it.

BICYCLING

Before a 343-mile fundraising ride to New York’s 9/11 Memorial, bicyclists gather in Cambridge

July 25, 2026

Cambridge is the starting point for a 343-mile bicycle ride to New York for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, raising money for organizations serving first responders and cancer survivors.

COMMUNITY

The Independent’s locally themed crossword puzzle: Frankenwords

July 25, 2026

The Independent’s third locally themed puzzle celebrates the combining of thoughts into a new thing, or even the combining of things into a new thought.

MUSIC

The sights of Solid Sound 2026

July 24, 2026

The stars and the stages captured during three days spent with Wilco and friends in the rolling green hills of the Berkshires.

OPINION

Before a special Cambridge meeting in response to the killing of Xavier Bautista

July 22, 2026

LIT

Reviewed: ‘When You’re Brave Enough’ doesn’t simplify middle-school hurt

July 21, 2026

“When You’re Brave Enough,” about coming out as a lesbian in middle school, is sure to be beloved by young people figuring out what bravery means to them.

DID YOU KNOW

Corcoran Park plans take into account floods and sinkholes from 10,000-year-old Great Marsh

July 20, 2026

The decision to build housing on such low-lying land has left the city with no choice but to remedy the situation, now on a second attempt.

FILM

Christopher Nolan gives ‘The Odyssey’ the Hollywood treatment

July 20, 2026

The blockbuster director steamrolls your senses with a Matt Damon-led adaptation of Homer's epic poem.

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.