Bryan McGonigle

2 days ago | newtonbeacon.org | Bryan McGonigle

All 24 members of the City Council managed to agree on something this week: They don’t like the president coming after the city over federal immigration enforcement. The councilors co-signed statement declaring their opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s recent accusation that Newton and the whole state of Massachusetts as being non-compliant with federal law. “As City Councilors, we note for the record that this is false,” the City Council statement responds.

2 days ago | newtonbeacon.org | Bryan McGonigle

Newton parent, longtime local volunteer and marketing executive Linda Swain is running for School Committee, and she’s the first candidate to be publicly endorsed by the person whose seat they’re aiming for. Swain is running—unopposed so far— for the Ward 2 seat currently held by Chair Chris Brezski, who announced this week that he would not seek reelection this year. In his announcement, Brezski endorsed Swain for his seat.

3 days ago | newtonbeacon.org | Bryan McGonigle

Scott Hayes, the Framingham man charged with shooting a man at a pro-Israel demonstration last summer, will avoid trial and have his case dismissed after a probationary period of around three months. “If Hayes abides by the probationary conditions his case will be dismissed in September, 2025,” Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Newton Police Chief George McMains said in a joint statement Wednesday.

3 days ago | newtonbeacon.org | Bryan McGonigle

It looks like we’re in for our 12th or 13th Saturday (who’s counting, really? It’s just cruel) in a row. But Sunday looks like it’s going to be a beauty. And Newton has plenty of fun indoors and outdoors. And if there’s break in the rain on Saturday, there’s a nice walking tour of pollinator flowers you might like. Newton will also have Porchfest on Saturday, and Newton Highlands will have its Village Day on Sunday, so it’s a great weekend to meet new neighbors and say hi to the ones you know.

3 days ago | newtonbeacon.org | Bryan McGonigle

It’s been quite a couple of years for School Committee Chair Chris Brezski, and he’s had enough. “After much thought I have decided not to run again for the Ward 2 School Committee seat in November’s election,” Brezski announced to supporters on Wednesday morning. “It has been a pleasure to serve the students of NPS the past four years.”Brezski, who was first elected to the committee in 2021, became chair in 2024 and has had a tenure marked by unprecedented hurdles.