West Nile virus found in local mosquitoes

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West Nile virus detected in Cambridge mosquito populations

The Cambridge Public Health Department confirmed Aug. 14 that state officials detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in the city, raising the local risk level to "moderate" — meaning infection is likely or has already occurred. No human cases have been reported in Massachusetts so far this summer. Health officials urge residents to use insect repellent, cover up from dusk to dawn, drain standing water and keep window screens tight-fitting, noting people over 60 and those with certain chronic conditions face higher risk of severe illness.

Cambridge Public Health Department

ShotSpotter still not reactivated a week after council vote

More than a week after the City Council voted to temporarily reinstate ShotSpotter for 90 days and form a civic assembly to assess it, officials still have no timeline for turning it back on, as of Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.

Cambridge Day

Harvard academic workers vote to authorize strike

On Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, unionized Harvard academic workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, escalating pressure on administrators after nearly two years of bargaining without agreement. No strike date has been set.

Cambridge Day

Two-alarm fire displaces nine residents on Roberts Road

Early Thursday morning, Aug. 13, 2026, a two-alarm fire heavily damaged the third floor of a multi-family residence on Roberts Road, displacing nine residents and two dogs.

Cambridge Patch

Lovestruck Books hosts all-day Bookstore Romance Day bash

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, Lovestruck Books & Cafe in Harvard Square hosts trope-themed wine tastings, blind date books, and tarot readings for Bookstore Romance Day.

Meet Boston

Bookstore Romance Day book swap runs at Harvard Book Store

Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Harvard Book Store hosts a free Bookstore Romance Day book swap with The Amora Experience.

Harvard Book Store

CanalSide to host free 'Pups + Pints' outdoor social

On Saturday, Aug. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m., CanalSide Food + Drink hosts rescue dog meet-and-greets, local pet vendors, live music, and lawn games.

eventbrite.com

MIT Museum opens immersive 'Crochet Coral Reef' exhibition

The MIT Museum in Kendall Square opened 'Crochet Coral Reef' on Aug. 14, a community-driven fiber art and mathematics exhibition exploring climate-related ocean degradation.

MIT Museum

John Kuntz's satirical play 'Starf*ckers' runs this weekend

Written and performed by John Kuntz, the celebrity-obsession satire 'Starf*ckers' plays at Central Square Theater on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Central Square Theater

City reverses course to keep natural grass at Ahern Field

Cambridge reversed a plan to install artificial turf at Ahern Field, opting instead for a natural grass makeover after community pressure, according to an analysis published Aug. 13, 2026.

CommonWealth Beacon

Cambridge chef Erin Miller named to James Beard cohort

On Aug. 13, 2026, the James Beard Foundation named chef Erin Miller of Urban Hearth in Inman Square to its 2026-27 TasteTwenty culinary cohort.

Patch

Visitor center to celebrate National Massachusetts Day

The Cambridge Office for Tourism will host a celebration with free Peet's Coffee and Charles Hotel donuts on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at the KiOSK in Harvard Square.

Patch

Cambridge man charged with cyberstalking and death threats

On Aug. 13, 2026, federal prosecutors charged Cambridge resident Patrick McDonald, 33, with cyberstalking and transmitting threats after he launched a harassment campaign following a failed startup venture.

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts

War Memorial Recreation Center closes for late-summer break

Starting Saturday, Aug. 15, the War Memorial Recreation Center is closed through Monday, Aug. 31, and is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Sept. 1.

City of Cambridge