Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Read with Pumpkin the Therapy Dog from Dog B.O.N.E.S.! Therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins a week in advance. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019).
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins a week in advance. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019).
Man Charged for Role in July 4th Fatal Shooting in Cambridge
CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Pauline Wells have announced that Rayquon Brown, 29 of Canton, has been arrested and charged with murder, carrying a firearm without a license, being an armed career criminal, and conspiring to commit murder. On July 4, 2026, at approximately 5:24 AM, the Cambridge Police Department received a call from pedestrians who, while out on a walk, found a man, later identified as Xavier Bautista, lying in a pool of blood in the area of Norfolk Street and Broadway Street.
Rayquon Brown was arraigned today at Cambridge District Court and ordered held without bail. The next date in this case is Friday, July 17, 2026.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Cambridge Police Department at (617) 349-3300.
Anonymous tips can be shared with the Cambridge Police Department through phone, text or e-mail. Instructions for doing so are available on the CPD website
Apply to DHSP Afterschool Lottery
The Dept. of Human Service Programs offers afterschool programs for Cambridge children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Open seats are filled by lottery.
Homebound (i.e, in-home) Vaccination Eligibility
The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) will be vaccinating homebound residents once the vaccine is available from the state. Currently, CPHD is working with Cambridge Housing Authority, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Council on Aging, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, and other City departments to identify, screen, and register homebound individuals for their vaccines, and hopes to begin in-home vaccinations for those eligible sometime in April. This program is for people who would not otherwise be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine unless they receive it in their home. It does not include individuals who are temporarily homebound; and/or able to leave the home with adequate assistance; or those who would prefer to get a vaccine in their home.
New to Medicare (Central Square)
New to Medicare is a workshop presented by a Minuteman Senior Services state-certified Medicare benefits counselor. This program is aimed at people who are turning 65 or leaving an employer group health plan due to retirement. Topics include Medicare benefits and coverage gaps, when to apply for Medicare, how to apply for Medicare, health insurance plans that work with Medicare, understanding premiums, deductibles and maximum out of pocket costs, and choosing the right supplement plan. It also covers special considerations and the consequences of not enrolling at the right time.
This workshop will be led by Marion Severynse, a Cambridge resident and certified Medicare benefits counselor. Marion volunteers for Minuteman Senior Services SHINE program helping people with their Medicare related questions.
This is a free service funded, in part, by the Administration for Community Living.
Light lunch provided. Please call 617-349-4014 with any dietary restrictions by September 10. Registration helpful.
COVID-19 Case Increase in July
New infections among Cambridge residents have increased in July, with 83 confirmed and probable cases reported so far this month (July 1-20), according to the Cambridge Public Health Department. The City and the Public Health Department are closely monitoring COVID-19 case trends in Cambridge and the Commonwealth, and will continue to issue updates and critical information to the community.