Fig City News

figcitynews.comLottery open for affordable units at Newton CrossingNewton 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...

Lottery open for affordable units at Newton Crossing www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/lott...

figcitynews.comHoney bees stir debate over conservation in NewtonIn 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...

Honey bees stir debate over conservation in Newton www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/hone...

figcitynews.comRidwell 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...

Ridwell sparks debate over paid recycling — part of the solution, or part of the problem? www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/ridw...

figcitynews.comGreen Newton Exchange podcast brings local climate conversations to residentsWhen 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...

Green Newton Exchange podcast brings local climate conversations to residents www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/gree...

figcitynews.comAre 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...

14 July

Are Newton conservationists killing trees? Yes! www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/are-...

figcitynews.comNewton celebrates nation’s 250 years with public reading of Declaration of IndependenceIn 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...

10 July

Newton celebrates nation’s 250 years with public reading of Declaration of Independence. State Delegation presents historically accurate printing of the document to the City of Newton. www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/newt...

figcitynews.comAfter 4-year hiatus, Upper Falls "Walk Through Time" again gives life to local historyOn 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...

8 July

After 4-year hiatus, Upper Falls “Walk Through Time” tour again gives life to local history. www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/afte...

figcitynews.comReplacing gas street lights with solar on Prescott StreetThe 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...

8 July

Replacing gas street lights with solar on Prescott Street. Balancing sustainability and historic value. www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/repl...

figcitynews.comNewton’s Welcome Home offers welcome relief to both downsizers and those in needWhile 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...

8 July

Newton nonprofit "Welcome Home" offers welcome relief to both downsizers and those in need. Learn how to donate -- and how to volunteer... www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/newt...

figcitynews.comNewton celebrates America’s 250th, day and night on 4th of JulyNewton 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...

7 July

Newton celebrates America’s 250th, day and night on 4th of July www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/newt...

figcitynews.comBackstage at Newton's fireworks displayThroughout 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 ...

Backstage, preparing for Newton's annual Fourth of July Fireworks display. Here are scenes from last year's careful work... www.figcitynews.com/2026/07/back...

figcitynews.comNewton changes zoning to ease placement of raised garden bedsNewton 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 ...

Newton changes zoning to ease placement of raised garden beds www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNTA files Step 3 grievance over leaky roofs in schoolsThe 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...

Newton Teachers Association files Step 3 grievance over leaky roofs in schools www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/nta-...

figcitynews.comAnalysis: 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...

Analysis: NPS finds math progress is non-linear (Part II) www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/anal...

figcitynews.comUpdate on Newtonville Commuter Rail Project raises hope and concernsThe 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...

29 June

MBTA update on Newtonville Commuter Rail Project raises hope and concerns www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/upda...

figcitynews.comNewton Fire Dept. Pancake Breakfast, 2026There 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...

29 June

Newton Fire Dept's annual Pancake Breakfast -- photos www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNewton people in the news...Many honored and promoted for their achievements, character, and what they bring to the community.

One of these honored Newtonians has published a first-person account of a famous event that took place exactly 150 years ago this week! Read about that person... and the many others honored and promoted for their achievements, character, and contributions. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comSen. Creem and Chief of Staff Hanson speak at State House on pension obligation bondsOn 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 ...

Sen. Cynthia Creem and Mayor's Chief of Staff Dana Hanson speak at State House on Sen. Creem's Home Rule Petition that would authorize Newton to issue pension obligation bonds... www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/sen-...

figcitynews.comAnalysis: 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...

Adam Bernstein's analysis: of NPS Math Pathways: NPS finds math progress is non-linear (Part I) www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/anal...

figcitynews.comNewton advances stormwater efforts with $4.3M loan, Cheesecake Brook restorationNewton 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...

Newton advances stormwater efforts with $4.3M loan, Cheesecake Brook restoration www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comJuneteenth celebration honors Newton North’s Principal TurnerWith 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...

Newton's Juneteenth celebration honors outgoing Newton North HS Principal Henry Turner www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/june...

figcitynews.comNewton Community Farm has nourished city for 20 yearsWhen 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...

20th anniversary and changing of the guard at Newton Community Farm. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comBullough’s Pond dam: Laredo Administration presents updated optionsIn 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...

23 June

Bullough’s Pond dam: Laredo Administration presents updated options. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/bull...

figcitynews.comPatriots rookies join Newton students for Juneteenth clinic, raising funds for scholarshipsMore 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...

23 June

Patriots rookies join Newton students for Juneteenth clinic, raising funds for Newton Community Education scholarships www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/patr...

figcitynews.comNewton Rotary awards grants to 17 local nonprofits and 3 student leadersThe 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...

Newton Rotary awards grants to 17 local nonprofits and 3 student leaders www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comCity inaugurates Linda Plaut Arts & Culture Center at Brigham HouseAmid 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...

City inaugurates Linda Plaut Arts & Culture Center at Brigham House www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/city...

figcitynews.comNewton Highlands Village Day brings community together for 49th yearPony 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...

Newton Highlands Village Day brings community together for 49th year www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNew Art Center seeks $100,000 for June 30 match to protect community programsA $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...

New Art Center seeks $100,000 for June 30 match to protect community programs www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/new-...

figcitynews.comIndulge! celebrates 35 candy-coated yearsNewton 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...

Indulge! celebrates 35 candy-coated years in Newton Highlands... www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/indu...

figcitynews.comNewton Food Pantry debuts Rumford Avenue facilityAfter 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...

Newton Food Pantry debuts Rumford Avenue facility ...opening June 24. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNewton people in the news...One into the Hall of Fame, another on the Village Bank board, another a new Eagle Scout, and four NNHS sprinters heading to the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, OR.

Newton people in the news.... One into the Hall of Fame, another on the Village Bank board, another a new Eagle Scout, and four NNHS sprinters heading to the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, OR. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comLockheart restaurant headed to Newton Centre's former train stationAfter nearly four years dark, the historic former railroad station beside the Newton Centre Green Line stop (70 Union Street) is set to become a restaurant again. The new restaurant will be another Lo...

15 June

Lockheart restaurant headed to Newton Centre’s former train station www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/lock...

13 June

Yes, we have a pressing issue! To celebrate the 4th anniversary of Fig City News, we have published yet another print edition. It's now available -- free-- in dozens of locations across the city.

figcitynews.comAll 5 Piccadilly Square properties are on the market in Newton CentreAfter five decades of owning five prominent commercial properties leasing to over 40 businesses in Newton Centre, the Zussman family has decided to sell them all, preferably to a single buyer. The pro...

All 5 Piccadilly Square properties are on the market in Newton Centre. Home for about 40 retail tenants plus offices above. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/all-...

figcitynews.comNewton Asian Mart cleared to open after stop-work orderNewton Asian Mart, the Asian supermarket in the former Walgreens space in Newton Centre, has received a temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the City, clearing the way for the store to open after a...

Newton Asian Mart is now cleared to open after stop-work order. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNPS names Jesse Krotick as its first Director of Mental Health and Well-BeingOn June 9, Newton Public Schools announced via press release the appointment of Jesse Krotick, M.Ed. in the newly created NPS position of Director of Mental Health and Well-Being, effective July 1. Mr...

NPS names Jesse Krotick as its first Director of Mental Health and Well-Being www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/nps-...

figcitynews.comFUUSN installs the first wind phone in NewtonNewton received its first wind phone on Sunday, June 7, installed on the front lawn of the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton Square, dedicated in a small but intima...

FUUSN installs the first wind phone in Newton. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/fuus...

figcitynews.comLGBTQ+ Newton group builds intergenerational communityThe 1967 Beatles classic hit, With a Little Help from my Friends, emphasizes the importance of having social networks to avoid loneliness – a problem that has become a growing concern nowadays, especi...

LGBTQ+ Newton group builds intergenerational community www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/lgbt...

figcitynews.comNewton South Lions graduate, leaving strong legacy in NewtonThursday, June 4, 2026 marked the 66th annual graduation of Newton South High School, when students, parents, and educators alike gathered in the school gym to participate in an essential rite of pass...

Newton South HS graduation.... www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNewton Public Schools History, Part 14: Proposition 2 ½ and technology in the classroomThe School Committee of the 1980s was more harmonious than that of the 1970s, even though it continued to make difficult, unpopular decisions about building closures and staff reductions. Despite fina...

Newton Public Schools history, Part 14: The 1970s into the 1980s. Proposition 2 1/2 and new technology in the classroom. www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNewton raises the rainbow flag for Pride MonthAs her daughters enjoyed the sun and some cookies during the Pride flag raising ceremony on June 3 outside City Hall, resident Ali Haas reflected on how much it meant to her that Newton has been a welcoming place to live. “It’s nice to be surrounded by community,” she said…

7 June

Newton raises the rainbow flag for Pride Month www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/newt...

figcitynews.comNPS names interim principals for both high schoolsNewton Public Schools (NPS) has named current employees as interim principals for Newton North and Newton South High Schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. Newton North HS Lisa Gilbert-Smith, M.Ed. ...

5 June

NPS names interim principals for Newton North and Newton South high schools www.figcitynews.com/2026/06/nps-...