Swastika-adorned Nazi Germany-made boiler discovered in library basement

by Newton News Editor | Apr 8, 2024 | Newton Beacon

As the city grapples with a rise in hate crimes and antisemitism, it turns out there has been a non-functioning, Nazi Germany-made boiler in the basement of the Waban Library Center for an undetermined amount of time—perhaps nearly a century—with a 3-inch raised-iron...

Community stands large against hate at wall display rededication

by Newton News Editor | Apr 8, 2024 | Newton Beacon

On Sunday afternoon, scores of residents—police estimate almost 2,000 people—gathered on Homer Street to re-dedicate a display honoring Israelis held hostage by Hamas exactly six months earlier. The display had been defaced in one of many reported hate crimes aimed at...

Newton School Committee approves new vendor for school cafeterias

by Newton News Editor | Apr 8, 2024 | Newton Beacon

The following first appeared on The Heights, an independent, nonprofit newspaper run by Boston College students, with which the Newton Beacon has formed a partnership. Stories produced by The Heights have been written and edited by The Heights. The Newton School...

Newsmakers: A lifetime achievement, a promotion and more

by Newton News Editor | Apr 6, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Editor’s note: Newsmakers is a new weekly feature spotlighting accomplishments of Newton community members, businesses and organizations. PAARI names Newton’s Maureen Bilek as chief development officer The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative has...

Newton South girls’ tennis looks to serve strong 2024 season

by Newton News Editor | Apr 4, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Newton South’s girls’ tennis team is back in the swing of things. Led by the strong leadership of head coach Noura Guermazi, the group eyes another fun and successful season. The team, which reached the 2023 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association playoffs...

Cash buyers have driven Newton’s home prices into the cosmos

by Newton News Editor | Apr 4, 2024 | Newton Beacon

If you’re selling a single-family or multi-family home in Newton, the odds are that you’re now a millionaire. Planning on buying a single-family home in the one of the city’s 13 villages? A very large bank account is almost mandatory. Newton’s housing market has...

Five things to do in Newton this weekend

by Newton News Editor | Apr 4, 2024 | Newton Beacon

April’s here, that random awful nor’easter is behind us, and spring in Newton awaits. This weekend has a mixed bag of family fun and enrichment activities. Go on a wilderness adventure. take in a concert. Help stand up against hate. Here are five things to do in...

Defaced display honoring Israeli hostages to be restored, unveiled Sunday

by Newton News Editor | Apr 4, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Last month, a display at a home along Homer Street showing photos of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7 was vandalized. Someone had sprayed black paint on much of the display and ripped many pf the photos to shreds. This weekend, community members are fighting...

Deputy secretary of state to lead China Town Hall in Newton on April 9

by Newton News Editor | Apr 4, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Next week, a U.S. State Department leader will be in Newton to talk about China. The New England Chinese American Alliance will host a China Town Hall on Tuesday, April 9, at Newton City Hall and War Memorial. The featured guest speaker will be U.S. Deputy Secretary...

New website can tell you if your property qualifies for an accessory dwelling unit

by Newton News Editor | Apr 3, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Accessory dwelling units—detached cottage structures and attached “in-law apartment” additions—are often cited as an antidote to Newton’s housing shortage. But Newton’s rules regarding ADUs are complicated, like everything else zoning-related, and many people don’t...