The first-ever voluntary collection of DNA from Massachusetts residents had been scheduled for Saturday morning at Newton City Hall by the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. The event was promoted foremost as a means to solve crimes and identify human remains. In practice, the collected DNA would enable the state to instantly connect residents and their extended relatives to DNA evidence of interest. This could implicate them in crimes, identify them as anonymous whistleblowers by DNA left on a document or envelope, confirm their presence at protest rallies by DNA they leave in the air, or reveal genetic diseases. The event has been postponed.
Posts published in June 2023
Jean Carlo Contreras and Noelia Mendez have found Newton to be a great place to live. Jean Carlo moved here in 2013, and Noelia joined him in 2020. One thing they have missed, however, is the coffee from their native Costa Rica. In Noelia’s case, you might say that coffee…
Once an industrial and manufacturing area with large mills providing work for immigrants, Newton’s California Street is now a mix of single-family houses, small stores, unique small manufacturing enterprises, and an increasing number of multi-family buildings, including a 40B development on Los Angeles Street. Its assets include proximity to the…
Every Thursday from June 22 through July 27, The Allen Center (35 Webster Street, West Newton) will host Summer Pop-Ups, 11:30AM to 2:30PM, featuring lunch from a local restaurant, pop-up shops of local businesses, music, and kids’ craft activities. Orchestrated by Lauren Berman’s civic-minded marketing firm, ALL Over Newton, the…
Waban Resident Chris Pitts has been very active over the years to bring to Newton “outstanding cultural performances that not only entertain but also celebrate excellence.” Chris has been in the music business since the 1970s, both as a performer and a producer. Using his skills, he has taken Newton’s…
Anishka Srikanth, NNHS sophomore and Life Scout of Troop 209 Waban, placed a pencil case with marker, highlighter, and pencils into a backpack. She zipped it tight and put it into a box with four others like it. “Done.” By Saturday’s end, 200 such lime-green school bags would be complete.…
The Public Safety and Transportation sub-committee of the Newton City Council will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday at 7PM and discuss the security measures and any incidents during the 2023 Boston Marathon as the first item on the agenda. Ward 2 At-Large City Councilor Tarik Lucas, who co-docketed the item,…
Zoning Board of Appeals will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Thursday, June 22 at 7PM. The agenda includes a continued public hearing on the Northland 160 Charlemont, LLC, request for a Comprehensive Permit, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B, to construct a nine-story mixed-use development with…
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Thursday, June 22 at 7PM (see Agenda). The ZBA is scheduled to continue its public hearing on the Northland 160 Charlemont, Comprehensive Permit (Chapter 40B) request to construct a nine-story mixed-use development with…
The Ward 2 Ward councilor race just added a third candidate. Peter Bruce, former President of the Newtonville Area Council, has taken out nomination papers to run for the seat soon to be vacated by the current Ward 2 Councilor, Emily Norton. He joins David Micley and Daniel Gaynor, who…