Looking to hear the next great classical pianist perform? You won’t have to travel across the globe to faraway concert halls: Newton’s 11-year-old piano prodigy, Rui Gong, performs a lot closer to home. Video of his solo recital at Newton’s Scandinavian Cultural Center on September 7 provides a glimpse of…
Posts published in September 2025
Clark Zeigler will retire as Executive Director of Massachusetts Housing Partnership next February. He has been with MHP since its inception in 1985 and has been chief executive since it became a quasi-public state agency in 1990. During his tenure, MHP has delivered financing for more than 33,500 units of affordable rental housing,…
We updated DPW Open House presents update on Newton Highlands Village Enhancement Project to incorporate the Open House presentation that DPW posted after our initial publication.
Please accept my compliments on the excellent series of interviews of School Committee candidates that you have published. Competition for these important municipal positions is good for the city and also for the candidates themselves. You’ve done an important public service in helping us learn about their backgrounds, interests, and…
Newton’s Land Use Committee held its first hearing Tuesday on Mark Development’s proposed revision to its approved development planned at the Riverside MBTA station. Reflecting market movement away from commercial development, the revision would reduce office space and increase residential units from 550 to 750. The meeting included presentations from…
Ed. Note: During August, Fig City News conducted interviews with each of the 10 School Committee candidates who are running in competitive elections. This notice was sent to all candidates prior to the interviews. All interviews were completed before any were published. Your website highlights your career in anti-poverty advocacy and justice…
Ed. Note: During August, Fig City News conducted interviews with each of the 10 School Committee candidates who are running in competitive elections. This notice was sent to all candidates prior to the interviews. All interviews were completed before any were published. Why did you decide to run for School Committee? I’m…
It’s fitting that an ophthalmologist with an eye for detail recently earned first place in the Newton Art Association (NAA) 2025 Members Show, which is on display at the Newton Free Library now through the end of September. Dr. Deborah Schlossman’s oil painting, Garden Roses, which features blooms from her…
Thanks to Fig City News for the article, Impact of revisions to Newton’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (9/1/25). For the past year, Mothers Out Front Newton (MOFN) has studied the impact of Newton’s Tree Preservation Ordinance. MOFN knows that losing mature trees can reduce the quality of life, resilience, and livability of a whole…
JJ Kazakoff-Eigen, a first-time candidate challenging incumbent Maria Greenberg for the Ward 1 Councilor seat, sent an email on September 15, saying he is suspending his campaign. This leaves Ms Greenberg without an active opponent in this race, meaning she will almost certainly retain that seat on the City Council.…






