Council weighs temporary ShotSpotter return

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Council debates temporary return of ShotSpotter gunshot detection

At its Aug. 3 special summer meeting, the City Council took up whether to temporarily reinstate ShotSpotter, the gunshot-detection system it ended three months ago over privacy and effectiveness concerns. The debate follows the July 4 killing of city public works employee Xavier Bautista, 32, who was shot twice near his home; no one called it in and his body was not found for more than an hour. Police unions argue a working system might have brought help sooner, while critics point to false positives, sensor concentration in low-income and immigrant neighborhoods, and the city's refusal to disclose sensor locations.

The Mass Brief

Cambridge nears completion of separated bike lane network

A progress report at the Aug. 3 Council meeting shows the city built or began 3.28 miles of separated bike lanes over the past year, bringing its total to 18.78 miles.

Cambridge Day

Affordable Housing Overlay report lists 15 active developments

The annual Affordable Housing Overlay report, presented at the Aug. 3 Council meeting, lists 15 affordable housing developments currently underway in Cambridge.

csindie.com

Summer networking drinks planned on CIC Terrace

Women in World Trade New England hosts a networking and social event on the CIC Terrace at One Broadway in East Cambridge, Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Eventbrite

Tufts suspends on-campus MyTERN classes after Cambridge shooting

Tufts University announced Monday it is suspending all on-campus classes for its MyTERN re-entry program for the 2026-27 academic year while reviewing the program following a May shooting involving a former participant.

The Tufts Daily

Valente Branch starts youth graphic novel series

The Valente Branch Library kicks off its three-session youth graphic novel workshop Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 3-5 p.m., teaching teens ages 10 to 18 visual storytelling and illustration.

City of Cambridge

Planning Board hearing covers short-term rental zoning

The Cambridge Planning Board meets remotely Tuesday, Aug. 4 for a hearing on the Short-Term Rental Zoning Petition, listed as CMA 2026-188.

Cambridge Community Development Department

Black Business Month kickoff celebration held in Kendall

Cambridge CDD and BECMA host a National Black Business Month networking celebration Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Eastern Edge Food Hall, featuring appetizers from Black-owned food businesses.

Cambridge Community Development Department

Free Froca Fitness class held in Kendall Square

Canal District Kendall hosts a free Froca Fitness class Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at South Plaza, featuring African and Caribbean music and dance.

Canal District Kendall

Trivia night held at Saguaro Garden Bar

Saguaro Garden Bar hosts a free Trivia Tuesdays night Aug. 4 from 7-9 p.m. for teams of up to six, with prizes and no RSVP required.

Canal District Kendall

Cambridge remains under Level 3 critical drought status

Cambridge and the wider Northeast region remain under Level 3 critical drought status, up from Level 2 significant drought, prompting continued water-use caution.

City of Cambridge

Free Tuesday evening concerts by local musicians continue

The city's summer concert series featuring local musicians continues on Tuesday evenings, a run that began July 1 and includes tonight's show, Aug. 4.

City of Cambridge

City seeks volunteers for parking, immigrant rights and police boards

Cambridge is seeking residents to fill vacancies on the Commercial Parking Control Committee, the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship, and the Police Review & Advisory Board, with applications due Aug. 21.

City of Cambridge

Virtual overdose prevention training set for Aug. 4

The Cambridge Public Health Department holds a virtual Overdose Prevention and Response Training session Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 3-4 p.m. to teach residents how to recognize an overdose and administer Narcan.

Cambridge Public Health Department

Main Library parking garage reopens after closure

The parking garage at the Cambridge Public Library's Main Branch is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Aug. 4 after a temporary closure for construction along Broadway that began July 31.

City of Cambridge