2026
MIT Professor takes on Congress
MIT has asked a court to dismiss the first count of a lawsuit filed against it by Michel Anne-Frederic DeGraff, a linguistics professor at the university. DeGraff in March sued MIT, the U.S. House Committee on Education & Workforce and chair of the committee Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) for violating his First Amendment and civil […]
A new kind of close encounter with the aliens among us
“Disclosure Day” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 4. When Steven Spielberg makes a movie about aliens, it’s a good idea to pay attention. His latest, “Disclosure Day,” brings the Spielbergian pop mystique, while also being one of the most singularly weird original blockbusters in ages. Josh O’Connor plays Daniel Keller, an operative who goes rogue […]
‘We’re walking on eggshells,’ say some Graham and Parks staff
For the second time in three years, Graham and Parks School Principal Kathleen Smith faces allegations of creating a toxic culture and calls for a change in leadership by parents and staff. Read more The many names of the wood louse Similar allegations were made in 2024, when parents’ complaints led to an external investigation […]
The many names of the wood louse
There are quite a few types of wood lice, but the Armadillidiidae family of wood louse is unique in that it can roll up into a ball, or conglobate (pronounced “con-glow-bate”). Many nonscientists have acknowledged this unique trait with their own descriptive names: pill bug, roly poly, basketball bug or curly bug. Read more Winding […]
Winding down with old friends at Tampopo
When 2025 became 2026, Yasumasa Ito decided 34 years was long enough and it was time to shut down Tampopo, the venerable Japanese noodle and donburi bowl bodega in the Lesley Building in Porter Square. Cambridge Day posted an appreciation piece highlighting our favorite dishes, and lauding Ito for maintaining high quality over the years. […]
Fifty years since recombination debate ushered in biotech in Cambridge
This month marks 50 years since Cambridge city councillors, scientists, and residents debated the safety of DNA recombination. The fiery deliberations at city hall elevated the role of the public in scientific research, which resulted in the nation’s first local ordinance regulating genetic experimentation, and led to the biotech boom in Kendall Square. Read more […]
Cambridge Local first to host second annual 617 Day small business summit
Cambridge Local First will host its second annual Small Business Summit for 617 Day, an event sparked both by the local area code and the date. Read more Events this week in Camberville: Wax museum, Fresh Pond Day, & soccer watch parties On June 17, the nonprofit network of 400 small business owners will bring […]
Events this week in Camberville: Wax museum, Fresh Pond Day, & soccer watch parties
Thursday, June 11 Noon to 12:45 p.m.Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square. Gallery Performance: Celtic Art Across the AgesFree. Harpist and historian Nancy Hurrell will perform Irish music on an 1820s Egan harp and a modern Celtic harp. She will also share the history of the Celtic harp. Read more ‘Birds Up Close,’ […]
‘Birds Up Close,’ and other picks for what to read
We asked the staff at the MIT Press Bookstore for some recent book recommendations. Head over to 314 Main St., Kendall Square, to continue the conversation. Read more Ahern Field shows why community engagement matters “Birds Up Close: An Engineer Explores Their Hidden Wonders,” by Lorna Gibson. MIT Press, 2026. How do birds fly? Why […]
Ahern Field shows why community engagement matters
I am grateful that the City Manager has decided that Ahern Field will remain a natural grass field with improved drainage and irrigation. This decision reflects the voices of residents from East Cambridge and across the city who took the time to attend meetings, sign petitions, ask questions, and participate in the public process. Read […]