Moderna's Cambridge Vaccine Unit Wins FDA Approval For New Flu Shot
CAMBRIDGE — The FDA's approval of a new mRNA flu vaccine from Cambridge-based Moderna was the biggest news touching the city this week, landing alongside a City Hall announcement that a new round of grant funding for local nonprofits is on the way.
TOWN HALL
The City of Cambridge, through its Community Benefits Advisory Committee, gave nonprofits advance notice Thursday of an upcoming competitive round of grant funding intended to address critical needs of Cambridge residents. The city did not release an application timeline or funding amount in its announcement.
Separately, the city's Free Seed Library is now open inside the Public Works building at 147 Hampshire Street, where residents can take seed packets at no cost. The Heat Advisory the city declared for Thursday, Aug. 6, a story this outlet covered Wednesday, took effect as forecast, with the National Weather Service citing hazardous heat conditions for the day.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Cambridge Plays is sponsoring Tai Chi Under the Tree on Saturday, Aug. 8, according to Cambridge Patch's community calendar.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"FDA approves Moderna mRNA flu shot mFlusiva," CNBC reports. The FDA this week approved a new mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna, whose Cambridge headquarters has anchored the company's growing vaccine pipeline, according to CNBC (read it at https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/08/06/fda-approves-moderna-mrna-flu-shot-mflusiva.html).
"Cullinan Therapeutics: Q2 Earnings Snapshot," CTPost reports. Cambridge-based Cullinan Therapeutics posted a $53.7 million net loss for the second quarter, according to a CTPost wire report on the company's latest earnings (read it at https://www.ctpost.com/business/article/cullinan-therapeutics-q2-earnings-snapshot-22376880.php).
"Massachusetts spot was named among 'best Brazilian restaurants' in US," MetroWest Daily News reports. Cambridge restaurant Muqueca made a national best-of list for its fish and shrimp moqueca dishes, according to the paper's dining coverage published Friday (read it at https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/08/07/muqueca-best-brazilian-restaurant-in-us-cambridge-ma/91151289007/).
"Patch AM: New Inman Square spot brings Levantine flavors and hookah to Cambridge," per Cambridge Patch. A new restaurant serving Levantine food and hookah has opened in Inman Square, according to Patch's morning roundup (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/cambridge).
COMING UP
The city's contractor, Newport Construction, is set to begin roadway milling and paving work across several city streets starting Monday, Aug. 10, weather permitting.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.