A taxing week
Good afternoon! It’s reporter Nathan Metcalf taking the reins of this week’s newsletter.
They say the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. Around here, it’s newsletters and taxes, and this week we’ve got both. Cambridge property owners may see a tax hike after the City Council unanimously approved on Monday a tax rate increase of 21 percent increase for commercial property and four percent for residential property. Reporter Jane Petersen breaks down what the increase means for residents and businesses and the potentially tumultuous budget seasons ahead.
Also Monday, dozens of Cambridge educators rallied outside City Hall to urge the city to put more money toward their salaries. Supporters then packed Sullivan Chamber to demand better pay for paraprofessionals. But councillors said their hands were tied, punting responsibility to the School Committee. Our story explains the impasse.
We also talked with the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, John Deaton, covered a program to improve Cambridge’s most dangerous intersections, and Small Mart’s ban on AI.
Top stories
Council approves tax increase, warns of difficult budget season ahead
Cambridge city councillors unanimously ok city’s proposal to increase taxes by 6.9 percent.
Cambridge educators rally for better pay, city council defers to school committee
The sticking point for the teachers’ union is starting pay for paraprofessionals.
Deaton pitches himself as independent voice
Republican Senate candidate says his willingness to work with Trump would benefit the state.
More news
Developers of 1740 Mass Ave. will have to wait on injunction
A judge did not grant their request for a building permit, and said she would issue a decision soon.
Young adults in Mass. most likely to enter treatment for alcohol addiction
Dramatic drop in heroin admissions drives shift as fewer young adults are seeking care.
Davis Square vendor market Small Mart bans AI art
Artists who sell goods there applaud the decision, made after a vendor was selling AI-produced art.
Arts & Culture
Grabbing a Bite with Simon Stansbury
The AI governance pioneer and technology strategist on ecstatic dance, virtue ethics and why sci-fi is no longer fiction.
What we’re checking out of the library
The most popular books in Adult Fiction and Nonfiction this month at Cambridge public libraries.
Hult student helps organize earthquake relief
Natalie Ramirez has helped send nearly a ton of supplies to Balboa, Colombia.
A play returns, and an egg sandwich tour
In 2013, the play “Bouncers” was being performed at Cambridge’s Cantab Lounge when the Boston Marathon bombing happened. It caused the show to close early, but director Bill Doncaster and other Somerville artists have brought it back. It opens tonight.
Food writer Tom Meek created a mouthwatering tour of his favorite breakfast sandwiches across Cambridge and Somerville. From homemade English muffins to an egg bánh mì with a kick, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
There are scores of other events in our interactive calendar.
If you go to something, submit a photo to Community View.
Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week.
Nathan Metcalf
nmetcalf@cambridgeday.com
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