Newton's Year In Review: 2018 Top Stories

NEWTON, MA — This year just didn't stop in Newton. From the mysterious tacks showing up in bike lanes to the sad news that the new HR director passed away suddenly, there was plenty to talk about in the Garden City.

It seems like each year there are visitors from furry friends (Coyotes Spotted In Newton, Again) that merit some tips on what to do if you see a coyote in your area. This year the Garden City also had a visitor from a bear (Bear Up A Tree In Newton: Police Standing By), that got a lot of attention.

But the story that got the most attention was the polarizing question of what Newton should do when it comes to recreational marijuana. It split the city and ended with some passionate speeches in the City Council Chamber at City Hall. In the end: Newton voters ultimately rejected a proposed ban on recreational marijuana shops. They also poopooed limiting the number of shops

Another issue of note this year was when a Newton Judge was placed under investigation: The question at hand: Did She Help Someone Evade ICE?

What follows is the next 10 most read stories from the Newton Patch of 2018. If you have one to add, send it out way at Jenna.Fisher@Patch.com

1. Boston Harbor Cruise Ship Crashes, Newton 8th Graders Aboard
2. Best City To Live In In Massachusetts: Hint, It's Not Boston
3. Find Woman Who Threw Soup On Me: New England Soup Factory Owner
4. Man Drowns At Crystal Lake In Newton
5. Baker Calls For Newton Judge To Be Suspended Amid Probe
6. Mount Ida Closure Leaves Newton Students, Parents Scrambling
7. Newton's New HR Director Karen Glasgow Dies Suddenly
8. Man Who Jumped On School Bus In Newton In Court
9. Jury Finds Newton Man Guilty In Fatal Sweet Tomatoes Crash
10. Women Of The Newton City Council Speak Up, Highlighting New Era

Wondering what the top stories last year were? Check out the top 2017 stories here.

What were the top issues to your mind this year in Newton?

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Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff