Daily brief · Porter Square, Cambridge, MA
St. Augustine's minister ousted over abuse claims
July 30, 2026
Top story
St. Augustine's minister ousted following sexual abuse accusations
Black History in Action Cambridge, the nonprofit restoring St. Augustine's African Orthodox Church in Cambridgeport, said Wednesday it has removed and barred Charles Eccles, who led the church for more than a decade. Board members say they learned in the last six months that at least three people have accused Eccles of sexually abusing them as minors, and they have also come to question whether he is an ordained minister. A draft statement attributes his departure to "false representations and other serious and disturbing matters," and says the board determined new leadership was necessary.
Cambridge Day
Hot, summery day expected in Cambridge today
Cambridge is forecast to hit a high near 89°F today, well above the month's average of 80, with overnight lows around 65.
AccuWeather
Warrant issued for scooter operator in Vassar Street hit-and-run
Cambridge police issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for a suspect accused of striking a child on July 9 while riding an electric scooter on Vassar Street and fleeing the scene.
Boston 25 News
State Senate candidate Tom Hopcroft withdraws from 2nd Middlesex race
Tom Hopcroft withdrew Wednesday from the 2nd Middlesex District state Senate race, leaving four candidates ahead of their upcoming debate.
Cambridge Day
Board of Zoning Appeal to hear curb-cut variance requests tonight
The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal meets virtually Thursday at 6 p.m., including a Cambridge Housing Authority request for two nonconforming curb cuts at 1 Corcoran Lane on Thingvalla Avenue.
City of Cambridge
Final deadline today for 2026 Cambridge Arts Open Studios applications
Artists who live, work, or study in Cambridge have until 5 p.m. today to submit free applications for the September Open Studios.
City of Cambridge
Harvard swimmer William Mulgrew wins national title in 1500m free
Harvard rising sophomore William Mulgrew won the 1500-meter freestyle Tuesday night with a personal-best 14:58.50 at the Toyota National Championships.
Harvard Athletics
Adaptive kayaking program offered at Charles River Reservation today
Mass DCR's Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure host an adaptive kayaking session at Magazine Beach in Cambridge today from 1 to 3 p.m.
Mass.gov
Judge denies disqualification of lawyer in Lee Street condo case
A Massachusetts Land Court judge rejected a motion Thursday to disqualify a Burlington attorney representing unit owners in an ongoing property damage and covenant dispute at 52 Lee Street Condominium.
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Author Lizzie Buehler discusses debut novel at Harvard Book Store tonight
Lizzie Buehler discusses her debut novel, "The Obsessed," with Joanna Rakoff tonight at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store.
Harvard Book Store
Human-Centered Design Lab hosts 'Designing for Death' workshop tonight
The Human-Centered Design Lab hosts an interactive workshop, "Designing for Death," tonight at 6 p.m. at The Foundry in Cambridge.
Eventbrite
License Commission meets online this morning
The Board of License Commissioners holds an online public meeting today from 10 a.m. to noon; the agenda is linked from the city's event notice.
City of Cambridge
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