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The Heights
The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
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.
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.
The seal the councilors voted on Tuesday incorporated a design of Newton City Hall from across the ponds in front of it. (Photo Courtesy of Sebastian Elliot Ebarb)

Newton City Council Approves New City Seal In Contested Vote

Riley Del Sesto • February 23, 2025
On Tuesday evening, the Newton City Council approved a new city seal following four years of discussion and planning.
Norton called the event “Democracy in Peril.” (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Mayor Fuller Says City Is Strong in Final State of the City Address

Riley Del Sesto • February 4, 2025
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said the city was strong in her eighth and final State of the City Address at Newton City Hall Monday evening.
The council put off voting on an ordinance that would require buildings to report environmental impacts. (Image Courtesy of Mass General Brigham)

Newton City Council Exempts Newton-Wellesley Hospital From Emissions Reporting Mandate

Genevieve Morrison • December 4, 2024
The council voted to exempt Newton-Wellesley Hospital from an ordinance that will make buildings report and reduce their carbon emissions.
(Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

Newton’s Finance Committee Approves Funds for Homeless Student Transportation, Public Schools’ Stabilization Program

Riley Del Sesto • November 17, 2024
Newton Finance Committee approved $338,119 for Homeless Student Transportation and $2 million for Newton Public Schools’ Stabilization Fund
The Programs and Services Committee of the Newton City Council met Wednesday. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

Superintendent Asks for More Funding for Newton Schools

Paige Folli • November 8, 2024
Newton Public Schools Superintendent Anna Nolin asked for more NPS funding at a Programs and Services Committee meeting on Wednesday.
The Newton City Council Finance Committee met Monday and approved funding for human resources research. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

Newton Approves Use of Grant Money for Human Resources Study

Genevieve Morrison • October 30, 2024
Newton City Council’s Finance Committee approved the use of grant funding for a study into Newton’s public employment system on Monday.
(Nicole Vagra / Heights Editor)

Mayor Fuller Outlines Capital Improvement Plan at City Council Meeting

Sarah Vergura • October 24, 2024
Mayor Fuller presented at Newton’s City Council meeting, providing her and Jonathan Yeo’s Capital Improvement Plan for the next five years. 
The combined meeting was delayed due to the teachers’ strike earlier this month. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

City Council and School Committee Discuss Budget, New Communication Platform in Joint Meeting

Brendan O’Friel • February 14, 2024
Newton's City Council and School Committee discussed budgeting and a new communication platform for parents in a joint meeting Monday night.
Noel said this was not the first time Lipof had behaved unprofessionally toward her. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

City Council Committee Discusses Ethics Policy Following ‘Unwelcome’ Text Exchange Between Members

Genevieve Morrison • December 7, 2023
The committee discussed creating an oversight process after a councilor claimed she received inappropriate texts from a colleague.
The council is nearing a final vote on the zoning plan, which will occur by the end of the calendar year. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

Newton City Council Finalizes Proposed Amendments to City’s Zoning Plan

Genevieve Morrison • November 17, 2023
The city council must pass a new zoning ordinance by Dec. 31 in order to comply with the MBTA Communities Law.
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