The Cambridge Historical Society and Cambridge Local First have joined forces to find out how the pandemic has affected small businesses, starting with City Girl Café, Harding House and Joie de Vivre.

Overall, planning has been fitful and opaque here, with developers nurturing political connections to city councillors in exchange for approval of projects on an ad hoc basis. What if we leveraged our strengths toward a better approach?

Between two thick, golden slices of airy sourdough oozed mild, aged cheddar. It was simple and needed nothing else. No mustard. No nothing. I ate outside and I ate it fast, not because it was cold, but because it was that good.

Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to enact “Laura’s Law” Friday, requiring every hospital emergency department in the state to have entrances monitored properly by security, clearly marked and easily accessible, particularly to patients in distress.

The development company that bought more than 26 acres from the former W.R. Grace in July – including the polluted Jerry’s Pond and more than 10 acres of surrounding natural areas – plans a virtual community meeting Jan. 21 to share its plans for the land.

After being told repeatedly of an “anti-aid amendment” that prevents the city from giving direct financial help to residents and businesses, on Monday city councillors demanded specifics.

Public meetings this week look at why the city can’t grant direct Covid-19 aid, affordable housing work citywide under Covid-19, public schools’ approach to remote learning and in-person classes, development at large hazardous waste site and much more.

Cambridge reported 63 new Covid-19 cases Thursday, another post-spring high, bringing new orders for managers and employees; and a look at the rollout of vaccines citywide and how to measure infection rates.

The state Legislature has passed “Laura’s Law” to require every hospital emergency department to have entrances that are monitored, clearly marked and easily accessible. The law was inspired by Laura Levis, 34, who died of an asthma attack just steps from an emergency-room door in 2016.

In this notebook about dining options during Covid-19: Healthy tofu to go from Bon Me, House of Chang and The Smoke Shop.