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The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
Brodt is running against fellow first-time candidate Jonathan Greene. (Image Courtesy of Mali Brodt)

Ward 6 School Committee Candidate Mali Brodt Wants To Rebuild Community Trust in NPS

Patrick Lundregan • October 5, 2025
With a background in education, Ward 6 Newton School Committee candidate Mali Brodt hopes to use her experience to repair what she sees as a damaged relationship between teachers, parents, and the school committee.
Greene is running against Mali Brodt for the Ward 6 seat. (Image Courtesy of Jonathan Greene for School Committee)

NPS Graduate Jonathan Greene Emphasizes Student Investment in Ward 6 School Board Run

Danica Bergen • October 5, 2025

Jonathan Greene grew up in the Newton Public Schools (NPS) system. Now, the first-time candidate is running for the Ward 6 school committee seat in an effort to improve the institution that has made such...

Charm is running unopposed. (Image Courtesy of Brittany Hume Charm)

In Ward 5 City Council Bid, Brittany Hume Charm Advocates for Staying True to Newton’s Values

Daniel Linnehan • October 5, 2025
First-time candidate Brittany Hume Charm is seeking a Ward 5 at-large Newton City Council seat, aiming to be a voice for Newton Public School (NPS) parents in city hall and to retain Newton’s values amid today’s federal climate.
The existing driveway was overgrown with vegetation and had sunken into the ground. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Land Use Committee Moves Forward on Clark Street Home’s New Driveway

Patrick Lundregan • October 5, 2025
Newton’s Land Use Committee approved adding parking to a historic two-family home at 65 Clark St. on Tuesday because the driveway had sunken into the ground and become overgrown with vegetation.
Irish is currently the president of the Upper Falls Area Council and previously volunteered with the Newton Parent Teacher Organization. (Image Courtesy of Julie Irish)

Julie Irish Views Speaking With Constituents as a Privilege in Ward 5 City Council Run

Riley Del Sesto • October 5, 2025
Julie Irish, a researcher running for the Ward 5 Newton City Council seat, loves knocking on doors.
Proponents of the ordinance’s removal also argue that the lengthy process deters people from opening businesses in Newton. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Officials Weigh Cutting Parking Requirements To Boost Business Growth

Thomas Kenneally • October 3, 2025
Local landlords and entrepreneurs urged Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee on Monday to eliminate mandatory parking requirements, stating they stifle commercial growth.
The updated Climate Action Plan will serve as a crucial road map for the next five years of Newton’s environmental policies. (Natalie McDonnell / For The Heights)

Newton Unveils Draft Climate Action Plan at Newton Free Library

Natalie McDonnell • October 2, 2025
On Monday night, community members and elected officials gathered at the Newton Free Library to hear a panel of local environmental representatives discuss their current projects and next steps, including a presentation of the draft for Newton’s updated Climate Action Plan. 
The original ordinance was implemented in August of 2019 and, as per state requirements, requires a reevaluation every five years. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee Addresses Amendments to Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance

Henry Eig and Patrick Lundregan • September 28, 2025
Newton's Zoning and Planning Committee (ZAP) met Thursday to discuss a reevaluation to the city’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, deciding on changes to legislation regarding inclusionary rental and ownership projects in the context of housing trends and affordability. 
The film emphasizes how recovery doesn’t end with sobriety—instead, that’s where the hard work begins. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Screening of Local Film ‘Recovery City’ Highlights Women’s Journeys Through Addiction and Recovery

Grace Duffy • September 28, 2025
At the Newton Free Library on Wednesday evening, filmmaker Lisa Olivieri screened her award-winning documentary, Recovery City, alongside a panel of local healthcare experts who discussed the importance of support for addiction recovery.
Dahmubed believes his education and professional experience have equipped him with a distinctive skill set. (Image Courtesy of Cyrus Dahmubed)

Cyrus Dahmubed Urges Affordability and Strategic Growth in Ward 4 City Council Candidacy

Samuel Lee-Papastavros, Sophie Chamberlain • September 28, 2025
Dahmubed believes his background in architecture, urban design, and policy gives him a unique understanding of design thinking and spatial dynamics—skills he argues are essential to solving Newton’s affordability crisis. 
Miara faces Ben Schlesinger in the race for the Ward 5 seat. (Image Courtesy of Jenna Miara)

Jenna Miara Hopes To Bring Legal Experience to Ward 5 Newton School Committee Seat

Sophia Gallon • September 28, 2025
Newton resident, Newton Public Schools (NPS) alumna, and mother Jenna Miara, running for the Ward 5 seat on the Newton School Committee, hopes for the opportunity to provide strong leadership for NPS.
The bakery specializes in Chinese desserts, everything from mochi to mooncakes. (Sophie Bai / For The Heights)

Crystal Bakery Is Newtonville’s Hidden Gem

Sophie Bai and Katherine Kline • September 28, 2025
Crystal Gao and Mark Chen began Crystal Bakery as an online business in a small studio, but the Chinese-style patisserie has blossomed into a recognizable spot for inventive pastries in Newtonville. 
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