Daily brief · Porter Square, Cambridge, MA
Body found in Fresh Pond, police investigating
August 12, 2026
Top story
Body found in Fresh Pond, police investigate
Cambridge Police responded around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11 after a body was found in Fresh Pond, and State Police and the Middlesex District Attorney's office remained on scene. Officials said preliminary indications are that the body appears to have been in the water for an extended period. City spokesman Jeremy Warnick said residents need not be concerned about the city's drinking water, because water from the pond passes through Cambridge's Water Treatment Plant before reaching taps; police said more information would be released as it becomes available.
Cambridge Day
City: Fresh Pond drinking water safe after body found
Following the discovery of a body in Fresh Pond, the Cambridge Water Department says the city's drinking water remains safe and is protected by a multi-barrier treatment process.
City of Cambridge, MA
Cambridge drought downgraded to Level 2 Significant
State officials downgraded the Cambridge and Northeast region's drought status from Level 3 Critical to Level 2 Significant on Aug. 11, ending a Critical Drought designation in place since late May. Local water use restrictions remain in effect.
City of Cambridge, MA
Central Square Library screens documentary 'Sunú'
The Central Square Branch Library hosts a free screening of 'Sunú,' about Mexican maize producers, tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library
HAYLA plays The Sinclair tonight
HAYLA performs at The Sinclair in Harvard Square tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 8:00 p.m.; doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 18-and-over show.
The Sinclair
Economist Daron Acemoglu speaks at The Brattle
Harvard Book Store hosts MIT economist Daron Acemoglu at The Brattle Theatre tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 6:00-7:00 p.m., discussing his new book with Michael Sandel.
Harvard Book Store
Food Truck Wednesdays return at MIT
MIT's Food Truck Wednesdays run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 25 Carleton St.
MIT Events Calendar
Get the Porter Square, Cambridge brief in your inbox every morning, free.
Get the morning brief