Some readers have times in their day when they can listen but not read. Now they can use that time for catching up on local news instead of following the endless national news cycle. Fig City News is now publishing audio podcast episodes of selected articles — sometimes roundups of…
Fig City News
On Monday, January 5, recreational hockey enthusiasts, those struggling to find balance, and even a few four-legged cold-weather fans enjoyed a rare day on the ice at Auburndale Cove, the only authorized outdoor skating area in Newton. “I like outdoor skating better [than an indoor rink],” said Mae Franklin, 11,…
The Ward Councilor for Ward 2, David Micley, and his wife plan to move from Ward 2 to Ward 6 in mid-January to accommodate their growing family. Under the Newton City Charter, Micley is allowed to remain in office for his elected term (through 2027), and he says he intends…
The Fig City News iPhone app, launched in April 2023, gave Apple iPhone & iPad users quick access to Fig City articles, Newton restaurants, community announcements, and local government meeting calendars. More than two years later, a major update transforms it into a daily companion for staying connected to Newton. And by…
Newton officially entered a new chapter in City government on January 1 as a packed City Hall gallery gathered for the inauguration of the City’s new administration. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey attended the event to help usher in the new Mayor, City Councilors, and School Committee members. Healey noted that…
The inauguration of Newton’s new Mayor, City Council, and School Committee took place at noon on January 1. See this year’s gallery at https://photos.figcitynews.com/2026/2026-City-of-Newton-Inauguration/n-PHstRm. Photos by Jack Prior.
From a historic mayoral transition to school budget battles, from Bachelor watch parties to weekly protests, 2025 was a year that reminded Newton residents why local news matters. Fig City News published 435 news articles in 2025 tracking the stories that shaped our community. Here’s a look back at the…
On her second-to-last day in office, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller reflected on her eight years leading Newton through a global pandemic, political polarization across the country, and ongoing development in the city, ahead of Marc Laredo taking office Thursday. In an interview with Fig City News, when asked what advice she…
As I write this, it’s been eight weeks since the world lost Setti Warren at the appallingly unfair age of 55. To me, he was a friend, mentor, boss, and big brother. Right until the day he passed, I spoke with Setti just about every day for the 20 years…
“I’ve always been part of the community,” Newton Police Chief McMains told Fig City News two weeks before his scheduled retirement on January 8, 2026. His first community was Dunlap, Iowa, where he was born and raised on his family’s farm in a rural town where people helped one another. …