Meryl Kessler is stepping into her new role as director of Newton’s new Arts and Culture Department with a focus on strengthening connections across the city’s arts community. The department – and her position leading it – received final approval in the January 20, 2026 City Council meeting. Kessler told…
Posts published in January 2026
Sixty-eight protesters, organized by the First Unitarian Society in Newton (FUUSN)’s Action for Democracy task force and Indivisible Newton, gathered in 22°F weather in West Newton to participate in the January 20 nationwide Stand Up and Stand Out event in support of democracy. The crowd lined both sides of Washington…
For Newtonians who treasure the Newton Free Library and the librarians who staff it, the powerful new documentary, The Librarians, by award-winning director Kim A. Snyder, may come as a shock and a wake-up call. The film notes that librarians around the country are “emerging as first responders in the…
Originally, the City of Newton had planned to have no delay in recycling/trash collection this week, despite the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday on Monday. But now the City has said: Due to the winter storm over the weekend, trash and recycling services are delayed one day this week…
In a room where the audience sits just feet from the actors, Newton Theatre Company’s winter production of the classic American play Our Town asks viewers to slow down and consider the routines and relationships that quietly shape a life. This production, playing through January 31, is dedicated to the…
Newton’s economy has changed over the last 25 years. In 2000, commercial property taxes were 20% of total property taxes; in 2026, they are less than 8%. Recognizing that “economic development is critical for the health of our city,” Mayor Laredo has asked the City Council to move economic development…
Bucknell University has named the following to its Dean’s List for the fall semester of 2025-26: Caroline Keller (Economics), Emily Nauen (Economics), and Gigi Wagner (Political Science). Saint Anselm College has named the following to its Dean’s List for the fall semester of 2025-26: Christopher Claflin (Criminal Justice). University of…
UPDATE: City of Newton says: Due to the winter storm over the weekend, trash and recycling services ARE delayed one day this week for all residents. Highlights this week: City Council City Council will meet on Tuesday and is expected to vote on the following (see Reports Docket): The New…
The Finance Committee met on January 12and took the following actions (see the report and watch the meeting video): Approved Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Bixby, Charm, Greenberg, Krintzman, Malakie, Micley, and Silber. City staff: Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux, Chief Operating Officer Josh Morse, Comptroller Steve Curley, Director of Cultural…
The Zoning & Planning Committee met on January 12, 2026 and took the following actions (see the report and watch the meeting video): Approved Held Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Wright, Albright, Gordon, Oliver, Dahmubed, Getz, and Kalis. Also Present: Councilors Roche, Block, Farrell, Greenberg, and Malakie. City staff: Katie Whewell,…