Cambridge Region Elevated To Critical Drought Status

Cambridge and the surrounding region have been elevated to Level 3 Critical Drought status, the state's next-most-serious drought classification, while the License Commission separately signed off on seasonal alcohol-to-go sales and extended bar hours to support local businesses.

TOWN HALL The Commonwealth raised Cambridge and the broader Northeast region from Level 2 Significant Drought to Level 3 Critical Drought, according to the city's News Flash feed, a step up in severity that typically signals tighter outdoor water-use guidance for the area as dry conditions persist.

Separately, the License Commission approved a package backed by the City Manager's Office allowing permitted businesses to sell alcohol-to-go within designated open-container and public-consumption districts, and granting approved bars and restaurants a one-hour extension of alcohol sales hours. City officials framed the move as support for local businesses during the summer season.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS "More Than 180 Restaurants Offer Deals For Restaurant Week: MA Cheap Eats" — Prix fixe menus with prices starting at $27 have returned to restaurants across Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts, including Cambridge spots, for the statewide dining promotion, Cambridge Patch reports (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/cambridge/s/kkvj1/more-than-180-restaurants-offer-deals-for-restaurant-week-ma-cheap-eats).

COMING UP Free live music continues at Danehy Park each Tuesday evening this summer, with the next concert set for Tuesday, Aug. 4, per the city's News Flash feed.

The MA 5th Congressional District Candidates Forum will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 5, according to the Cambridge Patch community calendar.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.