Daily brief · Porter Square, Cambridge, MA
Council reactivates ShotSpotter for 90 days
August 5, 2026
Top story
Council votes 6-3 to reactivate ShotSpotter for 90 days
Councillors voted 6-3 on Monday to temporarily restore the acoustic gunshot detection system that Cambridge police used for more than a decade before its shutdown earlier this summer. Under the compromise, ShotSpotter runs for 90 days while the city convenes a panel of residents to recommend whether to keep the technology. Debate reignited after the July 4 shooting death of DPW employee Xavier Bautista near Sennott Park, about a month after the Council voted 5-2-2 to decommission the system over surveillance and over-policing concerns.
Cambridge Day
Cambridge nears final phase of 25-mile separated bike lane goal
A city report discussed Aug. 3, 2026 shows Cambridge built or started 3.28 miles of separated bike lanes this past year, bringing the total to 18.78 miles, with more than six miles still needed to meet the Cycling Safety Ordinance's November deadline.
Cambridge Day
North Cambridge meeting on 350 Rindge Ave housing proposal
Developers Boston Communities and AHSC host a public meeting Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at 362 Rindge Ave. on a proposed 100% affordable, roughly 92-unit rental development with retail space at 336-350 Rindge Avenue.
City of Cambridge
Sarah J. Jackson discusses 'A Second Sight' at Harvard Book Store
Author Sarah J. Jackson speaks Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. about her book on the history of Black mediamakers and their impact on American democracy.
Harvard Book Store
Romance author Alissa DeRogatis at Lovestruck Books & Cafe
Romance author Alissa DeRogatis discusses her new romantic comedy, 'How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle,' at Lovestruck Books & Cafe on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 7-9 p.m.
Harvard Square Business Association
Free lunchtime concert with Club Passim at Urban Park Roof Garden
The Urban Park Roof Garden in Kendall Square hosts a free lunchtime concert curated by Club Passim on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from noon-1 p.m.
Kendall Center
Tray Wellington Band brings bluegrass to Club Passim tonight
Banjo player Tray Wellington and his band perform bluegrass and roots music at Club Passim in Harvard Square on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.
Club Passim
City announces roadway paving enhancements starting August 10
The City of Cambridge will begin roadway milling and paving improvements on several streets starting Monday, Aug. 10.
City of Cambridge
Cambridge outlines voting options for September 1 state primary
The Cambridge Election Commission released details on voter registration deadlines, mail-in ballot applications, and early in-person voting for the Sept. 1 state primary.
City of Cambridge
Shark Orienteering scavenger hunt at Richard McKinnon State Park
Navigation Games hosts a shark-themed orienteering scavenger hunt and tag game for families at Richard McKinnon State Park on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 6-7 p.m.
navigationgames.org
Council seeks more flexible late-night alcohol rules
On Aug. 3, 2026, Cambridge councilors backed steps toward more flexible nightlife rules, asking the city manager to study the economic impact of looser World Cup-era alcohol policies and to advocate for state action.
Cambridge Day
Social Housing Task Force meets today
The Cambridge Social Housing Joint Task Force meets at City Hall Annex on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 3-5 p.m., with public viewing via Zoom and no public comment planned.
City of Cambridge
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