The Heights

Newton YMCA Purchases Branch Location With $3 Million Donation

Isabella Pieretti • March 29, 2022

The West Suburban YMCA will open a second location in the City of Newton in the fall of 2022 following a $3 million donation. The second site will offer greater access to recreational and health services for community members.

Ward 4 Offers Artisan Food and Drinks to a Tight-Knit Auburndale

Francesca Giangiulio • March 27, 2022

After six years of planning and building, a pair of Auburndale residents finally achieved their dream and opened Ward 4 in June 2021, cheekily named after the fourth voting ward of Newton, where the community restaurant sits.

Newton Book Club Talks About Russian History Book In Context of Current Geopolitics

Caitlin Clary • March 27, 2022

The History Book Club of Historic Newton hosted a discussion among Newton residents on Stephen Smith’s book, Russia in Revolution, focusing on the similarities between violent actions of Russian regimes in the 20th century and today.

Politicians Call for Greater Sanctions, Humanitarian Aid at Newton Rally for Ukraine

Victor Stefanescu • March 27, 2022

“I think it's important to understand that everyone’s lives are impacted—that it's not somebody else's world,” Kissin said. “The whole free world needs to step up.”

Newton Historical Commission Rejects Nomination to Landmark Newton Senior Center

Gavin Zhang • March 25, 2022

The Newton Historical Commission voted to not nominate the existing Newton Senior Center building as a landmark, removing an obstacle against its demolition for a brand new Newton Center for Active Living building.

Newton City Council Discusses Ordinance to Reduce Building Emissions

Sahithi Thumuluri • March 24, 2022

At the Newton City Council’s meeting as the Committee of the Whole on Monday, the Newton Citizens Commission on Energy presented a plan to create a Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) resembling the one Boston implemented in 2013.

Local Ukrainian Immigrants Face Uncertainty, New Challenges Following Russian Invasion

Victor Stefanescu • March 21, 2022

“But even—the interesting thing—even here, I'm not feeling safe now, just because of one crazy guy that has nukes in his power,” he said.

Newton Public Schools Face Potential Job Cuts Despite Increased Budget

Sahithi Thumuluri • March 20, 2022

David Fleishman, superintendent of Newton Public Schools (NPS), warned the NPS community at a March 8 budget presentation that the district may cut as many as 74 jobs next year as a result of declining enrollment rates and a budget gap.

Boston-Area Supermarket Chain Ceases Stock of Russian Products

Gavin Zhang • March 20, 2022

BazaAr Supermarkets announced that it will cease imports of Russian products on Feb. 28 in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

New YMCA Site Will Not Affect NewCAL Plans Says Public Building Commissioner

Gavin Zhang • March 20, 2022

The City of Newton will not make major changes to its plans for the Newton Center for Active Living (NewCAL) project despite the YMCA’s recent announcement that it will open a second site in Newton, according to Public Buildings Commissioner Josh Morse, who spoke at a NewCAL community meeting on Thursday.

Ernest Rozzi and Crazy Dough’s Pizza Serve The Community, Even When Nobody Else Can

Shruthi Sriram • March 20, 2022

Over 18 inches of snow buried Chestnut Hill during a blizzard on Jan. 26, but that didn't stop a Commonwealth Ave. pizza parlor from opening its doors.

As COVID-19 Cases Plummet in Newton, Residents React to a Changing Pandemic Environment

Victor Stefanescu • March 20, 2022

“I think Newton’s done a great job,” she said. “I think the mayor’s done a great job of communication of information.”