MIT shuts Building 18 over mercury spill report

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MIT Building 18 Closed After Suspected Dimethylmercury Spill

MIT Environment, Health, and Safety, the Cambridge Fire Department, and Pro EMS responded to a report of dimethylmercury exposure in Building 18, home to the chemistry department, around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, after a graduate student self-reported to a local emergency room and claimed to have synthesized the substance. The building remains closed for decontamination, though the Institute says the risk of further exposure is "very low" and that emerging information calls into question whether the compound was in fact synthesized. An initial blood test received Aug. 29 showed no sign of mercury exposure in the student, who is still under medical supervision.

The Tech

DA to Seek Inquest as Woodworth's Prior Arrest Surfaces

William Woodworth, fatally shot by Cambridge police on Temple Street, was arrested in Cambridge in January 2023 for unlawful firearm possession. The Middlesex District Attorney's office plans to seek a judicial inquest into the shooting.

The Harvard Crimson

Family Remembers William Woodworth After Fatal Police Shooting

Family members remembered William Woodworth, the 64-year-old Watertown man killed by Cambridge police in Central Square, as a handyman and artist who had struggled with mental illness since childhood.

The Boston Globe

Cambridge Under-18 Baseball Team Wins League Championship

Cambridge's under-18 summer baseball team captured the Lou Tompkins All Star League championship with an 18-1 record, capping the season with a 6-0 victory over Dracut.

Cambridge Day

Cambridge Public Library Announces Labor Day Weekend Closures

All Cambridge Public Library locations will be closed Sunday, September 6, and Monday, September 7, for Labor Day, Director of Libraries Maria McCauley announced.

City of Cambridge

Classical Indian Dancer Bijayini Satpathy Performs Solo Debut

Odissi dance artist Bijayini Satpathy will perform her solo production "Rāgachitra" on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Multicultural Arts Center in East Cambridge.

Multicultural Arts Center

Pete Smith to Perform Free Concert at Longfellow House

Pete Smith plays a free 3 p.m. concert on Sunday, August 30, 2026, on the East Lawn of Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site in West Cambridge, part of the Longfellow Summer Arts Festival.

National Park Service

Metal Bands to Play Middle East Upstairs

Heavy metal acts REZN, Lockstep, and Slow Quit perform at the Middle East - Upstairs in Cambridge on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Middle East Upstairs

Library to Host Free 10-Week Citizenship Prep Classes

A free 10-week citizenship preparation course, run with the St. Mark Community Education Program, begins at the Central Square Branch on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

City of Cambridge

State Rep Candidate Evan MacKay Hosts Door-Knocking Event

Supporters of Evan MacKay's campaign for State Representative in the 25th Middlesex District gather Sunday, August 30, 2026, at noon at Winthrop Park to knock on doors and engage local voters.

Evan for Cambridge

Harvard Square French Fry and Pairing Food Tour Kicks Off

A walking tour highlighting the best french fries in Harvard Square paired with non-alcoholic drinks runs Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Off The Beaten Path Food Tours

John Gorka Plays Two Club Passim Shows

Singer-songwriter John Gorka performs two shows at Club Passim in Harvard Square on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Club Passim

Harvard Square Book Circle Meets to Discuss Adjei-Brenyah

The August Harvard Square Book Circle meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Harvard Book Store to discuss Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's "Chain Gang All Stars."

Harvard Square Business Association

Waypoint Runs Sunday Dollar-Oyster Deal

Waypoint on Massachusetts Avenue, just outside Harvard Square, offers $1 oysters Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the dining room and at the bar.

Boston Chefs