Now in his third run for Mayor of Newton — twice against Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and currently against Marc Laredo — Al Cecchinelli believes Newton “is going in the wrong direction.” An opponent of high-density residential development, he argues that it “creates a bad atmosphere” and robs villages of their…
Fig City News
Marc Laredo has served on the Newton School Committee for eight years and was its chair. He then served on Newton City Council for fourteen years and is its president. Now, he’s running for another city office – Mayor. He notes that he will be the first Newton Mayor with…
Mayor Fuller’s address introducing the City’s Long-Range Financial Plan to the City Council on October 6 (also transmitted in her newsletter) contained the same contradiction that we hear from this Mayor in every fiscal address: The City’s financial health is very strong and yet doomed at the same time. Setting…
In the early 20th century, Newton was known throughout the state and nation for its innovative public school system, with high educational standards and cooperative officials. In 1930, Boston University’s School of Education contracted with Newton Public Schools (NPS) for their students “to see progressive principles of education at work…
This year, Newton voters will finally have the opportunity to repeal Newton’s Overnight Parking Ban, which prohibits overnight parking on every street in Newton from December through March. Dating back to 1936, this outdated and nonsensical law is a burden to many Newton residents. Despite decades of concerns from residents,…
I am writing as a long-time Newton resident, not as a Newtonville Area Councilor. Initially, I was ready to support the repeal of the winter overnight parking ban. I even signed the petition outside the Star Market, believing that asking the people was the best way to handle City policy.…
Perfect weather and a large crowd came out for Newtonville Village Day in 2025. See the gallery at https://photos.figcitynews.com/2025/2025-Newtonville-Village-Day
From vintage doorknobs, typewriter keys, and spools of thread — to Fenway Park, the Prudential building and the old and new Newton North High Schools — photographer Sharon Schindler has captured striking images of both everyday objects and well-known area landmarks. The Newton Free Library is exhibiting 21 of her…
Johnny’s Luncheonette committed to donate 10% of its revenue on Saturday, October 4 (8AM-8PM) to help fund the construction of a new barn at Red Fire Farm after the original barn burned down 19 months ago. Kay Masterson, co-owner of the Newton Centre restaurant, told Fig City News this was…
As in 2023 and 2024, Dr. Anna Nolin met with Fig City News at the start of this school year for a lengthy discussion of academics, the district’s goals for the upcoming school year, and the current topics of interest to the community. The following interview has been edited for…
Garry Miller is a first-time candidate running for Ward Councilor in Ward 5. He and his husband have lived in Upper Falls for nearly twenty-seven years, where he has been a volunteer with Newton Serves and the Newton Conservators and is a member of the Northland Neighborhood Liaison Committee. He…
Julie Irish, President of the Newton Upper Falls Area Council and longtime community activist, is running for Ward Councilor in Ward 5, which also includes Waban and some of Newton Highlands. As an Area Council member and now its president, Ms. Irish has been involved in the Needham Street Northland…