City Politics
Cambridge Historical Commission Allows Harriet Jacobs House Remodel to Continue
The Cambridge Historical Commission hesitantly voted to allow the redevelopment of the Harriet Jacobs House on Thursday, on the condition that developers continue to meet with the CHC to address “clear concerns” from neighbors over the proposed height and size.
Trump Wants to Control South Station. Local Leaders Aren’t on Board.
The Trump administration has set its eyes on Boston’s South Station, hinting at a federal takeover similar to Union Station in Washington, D.C. But federal officials face an uphill battle to control the state-run transportation hub.
How Cambridge Is Fighting the Trump Administration in Court
The city of Cambridge has joined two lawsuits against the Trump administration’s attempts to condition federal grants on cooperation with immigration agents and the repeal of DEI efforts.
City Council Approves Compromise in $21M BioMed Deal After Backlash From Nonprofit Coalition
The Cambridge City Council approved a compromise to redistribute part of the $21 million in community benefit funding that BioMed Realty initially agreed give to East End House, a community center serving low-income Cambridge residents.
Cambridge City Council Strengthens Sanctuary City Ordinance
The Council voted unanimously to tighten the city’s Welcoming Community Ordinance, a 40-year-old policy limiting cooperation between the Cambridge Police Department and federal law enforcement on immigration-related matters.
Cambridge Plans To File Amicus Brief Supporting Harvard in Lawsuit Over International Students
The City of Cambridge plans to file an amicus brief supporting Harvard’s lawsuit against attempts by President Donald Trump and the Department of Homeland Security to revoke its ability to enroll international students.
City Councilors Learned of Allegations Against Toner Long Before Brothel Charges Became Public
Five members of the Cambridge City Council were notified in January 2024 that Paul F. Toner had allegedly patronized a brothel network — more than a year before Toner was publicly named in the case.
DHS List Names Cambridge, Boston Among 200 Sanctuary Cities It Says Are Obstructing Immigration Enforcement
Cambridge and Boston are among the hundreds of sanctuary cities nationwide that the Department of Homeland Security accused of defying federal law on a list designed to expose localities that the Trump administration says are obstructing its immigration crackdown.
Cambridge Super PACs: The Biggest Names Not on the Ballot
Local super PACs, through fundraising and endorsements, have reshaped political discourse throughout Cambridge, raising the stakes — and the price tag — of the city's elections.
Garber Defends International Students, Pledges Continued Support Amid Legal Battle
Harvard President Alan M. Garber ’76 vowed to defend the University’s international students in an interview Friday morning after the Department of Homeland Security moved to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll them.
Community Safety Department Director To Resign Amid Tension With Cambridge Police Department
The director of Cambridge’s Community Safety Department is resigning after more than two years in the role — the latest turn for a department that has found itself embroiled in behind-the-scenes turmoil with the city’s police department.
People’s Forum on Graduation Readiness Held After Vote to Eliminate MCAS
After a November ballot measure eliminated the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System as a state graduation requirement, officials on Beacon Hill are developing new guidelines to define graduation readiness. Cambridge and Somerville residents are working to ensure their voices are heard in the process.
Amid Uncertainties for Boston PILOT, Harvard Fails To Fulfill Payment for 13th Year
Harvard failed to fully make its requested Payment in Lieu of Taxes payment for the 13th year in a row last year, according to City of Boston data released last week.
Behind Closed Doors, A Turf War Over ‘Alternative Response’ to Policing in Cambridge City Hall
The Cambridge Police Department and the city’s Community Safety Department developed parallel ways to reimagine public safety. They’ve struggled to work together since.
CIRC Discusses Increasing Legal Aid Resources for Immigrants, ICE Protocol in Weekly Meeting
The Cambridge Commission for Immigrant Rights and Citizenship met Tuesday to discuss the challenges facing immigrants under the Trump administration.
