Daily brief · Central Square, Cambridge, MA
Armyworms are stripping foliage across the city
September 20, 2026
Top story
Armyworms besiege Cambridge, raising historical pest concerns
Cambridge Day looked at the resurgence of true armyworm caterpillars chewing through foliage around the city, and at the infestations that came before — including an 1896 Cambridge Tribune report of devastated lawns on Brattle, Dana, Berkeley and Harvard streets, and later epidemics in 1914, 1919, 1954 and 2001. Despite the name, the armyworm is not a worm but the caterpillar of the true armyworm moth, Pseudaletia unipuncta, a tan-winged moth with a single white spot on each forewing. The adult moths migrate north from the southern United States each spring, and strong winds or unusual storms can sweep large numbers of them into New England.
Cambridge Day
Cambridge nearly completes 46-site outdoor AED rollout
Cambridge has installed nearly all of 46 new outdoor defibrillators in parks and public spaces, including Riverside Press Park, part of a $270,000 project to speed emergency treatment.
Cambridge Day
Eleanor Roosevelt one-woman play runs at Central Square Theater
Central Square Theater presents "Eleanor," a one-woman portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt starring Paula Plum, with a matinee today at 2 p.m. running through October 11.
Central Square Theater
Allan Chase Septet brings new jazz to The Lilypad
The Allan Chase Septet performs new compositions and jazz standards tonight at The Lilypad, doors at 6 p.m., music at 6:20 p.m., $15 admission.
The Lilypad
Nick Hakim plays The Sinclair on Sunday night
Nick Hakim plays The Sinclair tonight, doors at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. all-ages show, with Arima Ederra opening.
The Sinclair
'Turkeys in Public Space' App Explores Cambridge's Wild Turkeys
A postdoc researcher created 'Turkeys in Public Space,' a web app and print zine, to share his curiosity about the city's local turkeys.
Cambridge Day
Cambridge Braces for SNAP and MassHealth Cuts
Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill could cost Cantabrigians over $30 million in lost benefits
Cambridge Day
When everyone lies, does it create a truth of its own?
“The Award” spoofs Cambridge and especially the writers who live here.
Cambridge Day
Deaton has a plan for jumpstarting housing
In a letter to the editor, Deaton argues Cambridge's housing shortage persists because politicians benefit from the status quo, and calls for change.
Cambridge Day
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