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🌱 Patch AM: Why did Cambridge abruptly cancel its license plate camera contract?

Spotted on the Cambridge calendar: Sunday RECREATIONAL BASEBALL INDOORS IN THE WINTER.

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Coffee in hand, Cambridge? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why did Cambridge abruptly cancel its license plate camera contract?
  • Why Congress is pressing MIT over antisemitism allegations in Cambridge
  • How Cambridge’s data centers fit into AI’s soaring power demands

Also on today's calendar: Sunday RECREATIONAL BASEBALL INDOORS IN THE WINTER. and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Cambridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Cambridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Snow and flurries, 1-2"; cold, with a high of 32 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Brisk and cold, temps: high: 29, low: 23.
  • Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 34 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cambridge cuts ties with Flock Safety after 2 unauthorized license plate cameras installed (wcvb.com) — Cambridge has fully terminated its contract with Flock Safety after technicians installed two automatic license plate reader cameras in late November without city approval, despite an earlier council vote to end the program. All Flock cameras have now been removed, and officials say they’ll launch a thorough review of ALPR technology, data privacy, and public safety before considering any future use in Cambridge.
   

2. Republican House Representative demands MIT share info on alleged antisemitic incidents (bostonglobe.com) — Federal scrutiny of MIT in Cambridge is intensifying as a Republican House member demands detailed information on alleged antisemitic incidents on campus, including so‑called “terror maps” and harassment of Jewish and Israeli community members. The letter questions whether these episodes created a hostile environment under the Civil Rights Act, adding new pressure on the university as investigations into campus discrimination continue.
   

3. Data center proliferation driving up power needs (lowellsun.com) — Cambridge is one of several Massachusetts communities already hosting data centers as AI-driven computing sends power demand soaring nationwide. The article explains how this growth could affect the state’s energy use, climate goals, and local impacts like water, noise, and pollution, while noting that high costs may limit massive new projects in Massachusetts compared with other regions.
   

4. Town receives $94,000 to improve Minuteman Bikeway at Ed Burns Arena and Ryder Street (yourarlington.com) — Improvements are coming to the Minuteman Bikeway, which runs through Cambridge, thanks to a $94,000 MassTrails grant funding upgrades near Ed Burns Arena and Ryder Street in Arlington. Planned changes include safer crossings, trail widening, new seating, bike racks, and plantings, with final designs expected by late summer 2026 after additional public input.
   

5. Feds withdraw funding notice just before hearing (cambridgeday.com) — Cambridge officials say a sudden federal move on homelessness funding could jeopardize millions of dollars that currently house hundreds of local residents. After HUD withdrew a key funding notice just before a court hearing, Cambridge remains part of lawsuits challenging new rules that could sharply cut support for permanent supportive housing and emergency rent vouchers serving families here.
   

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Ok Cambridge! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
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