Daily brief · Porter Square, Cambridge, MA
Cambridge OKs $600K for SNAP, MassHealth aid
September 16, 2026
Top story
Cambridge approves $600,000 response to SNAP, MassHealth changes
Cambridge is devoting $600,000 to help residents navigate federal SNAP and MassHealth changes, with the City Council approving $500,000 and the Cambridge Community Foundation adding $100,000. The funds will boost outreach, application help, and case management as new rules tighten eligibility for immigrants and alter work requirements.
City of Cambridge
Cambridge backs MIT graduate workers in contract fight
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, City Council unanimously approved a policy order supporting MIT graduate workers represented by United Electrical Local 256, whose contract expired in June.
Cambridge Day
Saints Coffee planned near Porter Square
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, a report said Saints Coffee was under construction at 1726 Massachusetts Ave., near Porter Square, with plans for Salvadoran coffee, Cuban-style cheese rolls, ube drinks, and a launch before the end of 2026.
Cambridge | Somerville Independent
CRLS teams post strong early-season results
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Cambridge Day reported that CRLS girls’ soccer opened 3-1, football defeated Saugus 28-0, boys’ soccer earned its first win, and girls’ volleyball began with two victories before a loss to Natick.
Cambridge Day
Cambridge remains under significant drought restrictions
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the Cambridge Water Department listed the city and Northeast Massachusetts at Level 2, Significant Drought, with nonessential outdoor water use still banned except for limited permitted watering.
City of Cambridge
Planning Board held a hybrid public meeting Tuesday
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Cambridge’s Planning Board was scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall and online, with public comment and case materials available through the city’s meeting process.
City of Cambridge
Cambridge Arts promotes this weekend’s Open Studios
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Cambridge Arts highlighted the citywide Cambridge Open Studios weekend, with more than 70 artists listed and participating studios and venues expected to open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Cambridge | Somerville Independent
Makers and Vintage Market pops up at The Mix Porter Square
Today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 2 to 7 p.m., The Mix Porter Square at 23 White St. hosts an outdoor market featuring vintage goods, handmade products, local art, and rotating vendors.
The Mix Porter Square
Cambridge NITES brings comedy and Black Girl Magic to Harvard Square
Today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, beginning at 5 p.m., The Comedy Studio and Black Girl Magic present an evening of comedy, DJ sets, networking, and food and drinks at 5 John F. Kennedy St.
City of Cambridge
Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Group discusses Bradbury
Today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m., the Cambridge Public Library’s Main Library hosts its Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Group in the Rossi Room, discussing Ray Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles.
City of Cambridge
Cambridge library hosts after-school craft session
On Wednesday, September 16, the Cambridge Public Library’s Central Square Branch is scheduled to host After School Stories and Crafts from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The program is listed for children ages 5–11 and includes stories and a craft activity.
Cambridge Public Library
CRLS Sports: Girls’ soccer starts strong, three wins in four
In American football, Falcons shut out Saugus and Kymani Delice runs for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
Cambridge Day
Council votes for MIT graduate student union
Members of the union took their contract fight with the university to Sullivan Chamber.
Cambridge Day
Cambridge police cite low ICE activity in report
The U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reduced activity in Cambridge, according to Cambridge Police Department’s (CPD) bi-annual report presented to City Council Monday night.
Cambridge Day
Daily Log for September 12, 2026
An overview of the Cambridge Police Department's calls for service on September 12, 2026
City of Cambridge
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