City of Cambridge to Advance to Phase IV, Step 1 on May 6, 2021, and Relax Outdoor Mask Requirements, Effective April 30, 2021
The City of Cambridge today announced that the city will advance to Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan, as set forth in Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 66 on May 6, 2021. The City has remained at a modified Phase III, Step 2 since March 22, 2021. Gathering limits in the city for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 outdoors on May 6, 2021, in accordance with Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 63 as amended on March 22, 2021.
Metabolic Approaches to Mental Illness: The Role of Ketogenic Therapies in the Treatment of Severe Mental Illness (Main)
Severe mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia have traditionally been understood through the lenses of neurotransmitters, psychology, and social stressors. Increasingly, however, research is revealing that metabolism—how the body and brain generate and use energy—plays a fundamental role in brain function and mental health.
This talk will explore the growing science linking metabolic dysfunction to psychiatric illness and introduce ketogenic therapies as a promising, evidence-informed approach for individuals with serious mental illness.
Drawing from clinical research and real-world experience, the presentation will examine how ketogenic interventions may influence brain energy metabolism, inflammation, and neural signaling—and how, for some people, these changes can reduce symptoms and even lead to remission and recovery for people with treatment-resistant SMI.
The goal of this talk is to provide education, context, and hope, while emphasizing that ketogenic therapies should be approached thoughtfully, safely, and in collaboration with qualified healthcare professionals.
Cambridge Adopts New Zero Waste Policies to Take Effect in 2027
On August 3, the City Council adopted several new and updated policies to help Cambridge reduce waste, lower trash disposal costs, reduce climate impacts, and address rodent activity.
The changes support goals in the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0, which City Council adopted in June 2025.
The new policies apply to residential and commercial buildings throughout Cambridge and will take effect on February 3, 2027.
Volunteers Sought to Serve on the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline 3-25-24)
The function of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and to promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and must live or work in Cambridge.