Lottery open for affordable units at Newton Crossing

Newton Crossing, a highly anticipated housing development on West Newton’s Washington Street, is now accepting lottery applications for its affordable units. The 292-unit rental complex includes 73 un...

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Honey bees stir debate over conservation in Newton

In the last six years, honey bees have become an unlikely source of debate in Newton. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many residents took up backyard beekeeping to entertain themselves, and found the ho...

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Ridwell sparks debate over paid recycling -- part of the solution, or part of the problem?

Can consumers recycle their way out of the plastic pollution crisis, or to meet climate goals, must they simply use less plastic in the first place? That question was at the center of a lively discuss...

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Green Newton Exchange podcast brings local climate conversations to residents

When Green Newton board co-chair Brian Hodgson launched the Green Newton Exchange podcast in February 2025, he wasn’t trying to create another environmental news source. Instead, he wanted to make con...

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Are Newton conservationists killing trees? Yes!

The Amur cork tree is a native of Eastern Asia and was originally planted as an ornamental. Now considered invasive, it has spread into natural areas across the Northeast and is expanding rapidly in C...

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Newton celebrates nation’s 250 years with public reading of Declaration of Independence

In honor of the 250th anniversary of United States independence, the Declaration of Independence was read publicly in a ceremony at the War Memorial Auditorium at City Hall on Wednesday, July 8.  Acco...

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After 4-year hiatus, Upper Falls "Walk Through Time" again gives life to local history

On June 7th, members of the Upper Falls Neighborhood Area Council and local volunteers shone a spotlight on the hidden history behind several buildings in Upper Falls that many Newton residents pass b...

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Replacing gas street lights with solar on Prescott Street

The Newtonville Historic District Commission’s review of a proposal to replace four gas-powered street lamps on Prescott Street with solar-powered LED fixtures was postponed last week due to lack of a...

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Newton’s Welcome Home offers welcome relief to both downsizers and those in need

While some who are downsizing or weeding through the estate of a loved one may feel they are drowning in accumulated decades of “stuff,” others don’t even have the bare necessities to make their house...

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Newton celebrates America’s 250th, day and night on 4th of July

Newton celebrated the 4th of July on Saturday, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Despite impending storms in nearby towns, celebrations in the Garden City went on with gusto, fea...

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Backstage at Newton's fireworks display

Throughout the day of July 4th, Tony Gentile — Newton’s “Master of Fireworks” — and his crew of four set up the fireworks for Newton’s annual display over Albemarle Field — just as they have done for ...

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Newton changes zoning to ease placement of raised garden beds

Newton homeowners will have more flexibility in where they can place raised garden beds after the City Council approved a zoning amendment on June 15 changing how the City regulates this increasingly ...

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NTA files Step 3 grievance over leaky roofs in schools

The Newton Teachers Association (NTA) filed a Step 3 grievance with the Newton School Committee on June 22, alleging that leaking roofs and water damage continue to create unsafe conditions in six New...

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Analysis: NPS finds math progress is non-linear (Part II)

This article, about the Newton Public Schools (NPS) 7th grade math assessment results and their aftermath, follows Part I published on June 23, which analyzed the lead-up and broader curricular contex...

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Update on Newtonville Commuter Rail Project raises hope and concerns

The MBTA announced that construction of a new, accessible, fully bidirectional Newtonville Commuter Rail station will begin in November 2026. The station is expected to be closed December 2026 to Apri...

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Newton Fire Dept. Pancake Breakfast, 2026

There was a very large turnout at Newton Fire Department headquarters for the annual Pancake Breakfast on June 28. High demand for free pancakes with all the toppings, served by those elected to serve...

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Newton people in the news...

Many honored and promoted for their achievements, character, and what they bring to the community.

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Sen. Creem and Chief of Staff Hanson speak at State House on pension obligation bonds

On June 23, State Senator Cynthia Creem and Mayor Marc Laredo’s Chief of Staff, Dana Hanson, spoke before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government in favor of Senate Bill 3092, a ...

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Analysis: NPS finds math progress is non-linear (Part I)

“Giving every student what they need” is a common saying among Newton Public Schools (NPS) leadership and School Committee members. This spring’s revision of the NPS middle school math program illustr...

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Newton advances stormwater efforts with $4.3M loan, Cheesecake Brook restoration

Newton is moving forward with major investments in stormwater infrastructure after City officials accepted a $4.3 million low-interest state loan to fund projects designed to reduce pollution entering...

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Juneteenth celebration honors Newton North’s Principal Turner

With exuberant dance performances, Double Dutch demonstrations, and a variety of vendors and information booths, the sixth annual Newton Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 was a joyous, multifaceted ev...

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Newton Community Farm has nourished city for 20 years

When Greg Maslowe started working as manager of Newton Community Farm (NCF) in 2006, there was no tractor, greenhouse, or even any seeds. However, much has changed at this “small but mighty” nonprofit...

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Bullough’s Pond dam: Laredo Administration presents updated options

In recent weeks, the Laredo Administration has resumed discussions about repairs to Bullough’s Pond dam that, under former Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, sparked tensions and ultimately went unresolved. Lared...

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Patriots rookies join Newton students for Juneteenth clinic, raising funds for scholarships

More than 200 students joined members of the New England Patriots rookie class at Newton North High School on June 19 for a Juneteenth football clinic that raised more than $6,000 for Newton Community...

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Newton Rotary awards grants to 17 local nonprofits and 3 student leaders

The Rotary Club of Newton recognized local nonprofit organizations and graduating Newton North High School seniors at its annual Grant Recipients and Technical Scholarship Recognition Luncheon on June...

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City inaugurates Linda Plaut Arts & Culture Center at Brigham House

Amid the festivities of Newton Highlands Village Day on Sunday, June 14, City officials, arts leaders, and community members gathered outside the historic Brigham House to celebrate its next chapter a...

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Newton Highlands Village Day brings community together for 49th year

Pony rides, inflatable attractions, local vendors, environmental advocates, and eager residents filled Lincoln Street on Sunday, June 14 as Newton Highlands Village Day returned for its 49th year, bri...

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New Art Center seeks $100,000 for June 30 match to protect community programs

A $100,000 matching challenge ending June 30 could help secure the future of some of the New Art Center’s most impactful programs. The Newton-based nonprofit arts organization has launched an emergenc...

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Indulge! celebrates 35 candy-coated years

Newton Highlands’ Indulge! opened its doors on a warm Sunday in mid-June 1991. Thirty-five years later, the iconic neighborhood candy shop is still a go-to favorite for assorted chocolates, bulk candy...

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Newton Food Pantry debuts Rumford Avenue facility

After a 10-year tenure in the basement of Newton City Hall, the Newton Food Pantry cut the ribbon on its new building at 131 Rumford Avenue in Auburndale on Friday, June 12. The building features 5,00...

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