I am sorry indeed to hear of Barney Frank’s impending demise. Our world will be poorer without him in it. Still, to hear of his criticism of progressive Democrats and not an apology for the impotence of Dodd-Frank nor his subsequent taking of a job with a large bank, rankles…
Posts published in May 2026
Barney Frank, Newton’s Representative in the U.S. Congress from 1981 to 2013, has entered hospice care at his home in Ogunquit, Maine, due to impending congestive heart failure, as reported in Politico. In that article and in other recent interviews, he has expressed concern that progressive Democrats were right to…
As promised, Mayor Marc Laredo ordered the controversial double-yellow lines on Adams Street removed and replaced with the traditional green-white-red stripe of the Italian flag. Residents of Adams Street were notified that the work would begin at 9PM on Monday, May 4 and would cease by 5AM. If the work…
Finding high-quality goods for a low price is nice …but getting them for free is even better, especially when you’re helping the environment. Jenna Firshein knows the joy of paying zero for essentials since she’s a regular at the Swap Shop at Newton’s Resource Recovery Center. The volunteer-run group was…
For the second year in a row, the LigerBots, Newton’s dual-high school FIRST Robotics team, not only qualified for the FRC World Championship but in that competition also won a Division championship, placing the team among the top 24 to 32 teams worldwide. Last year, the LigerBots alliance won the Hopper…
Residents across Newton gathered in teams, once again on the first Sunday in May, to participate in NewtonSERVES, a City-sponsored annual day of community service. This year, the weather was a bit raw for May. Despite a cool, gray morning, volunteers turned out — some in winter hats and heavy…
On Saturday night, May 2, Newton’s Theodore D. Mann Library hosted loyal fans at its annual fundraising Spring Fling gala. The audience of about 200 people including Library members, Trustees, Friends of the Library, and elected officials mingling, enjoying food from Baker’s Best and music performed by WeJazzUp, and buying…
As David Chang’s kids Brienna, 8, and Ian, 5, busied themselves creating art, the Brookline dad had more pressing issues on his mind – namely, when he’d be able to satisfy his craving for the classic Taiwanese street food that translates to “Small sausage in a large sausage.” Chang and…
On May 1, about 250 supporters of the mission of the annual John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club gathered for its 2026 gala on the theme, “Creating Tomorrow’s Future.” Inspired by personal stories of lives transformed by the Club, they raised funds to continue its more than 125 years…
I had accepted the narrative that Newton Public Schools (NPS) would have been fully funded, had “unforeseen costs” not arisen. A closer look at Mayor Laredo’s FY27 budget reveals this is a fiction. The numbers simply do not add up. While Mr. Laredo touted an increase for NPS of over…
Newton Police on May 4 released photos of a suspect believed to have vandalized a group of “We Stand With Israel” signs between April 16-17. The four incidents included bags of dog feces being left underneath the signs, police said. According to police, the images, captured by a Fenno Road…
Highlights this week… City Council City Council will meet on Monday. The Reports Docket includes: There is no New Docket this week. FY27 Budget Reviews: City Council committees are reviewing aspects of these proposals by the Mayor: Zoning & Planning Committee will meet Tuesday regarding: Programs & Services Committee will…