Newton's Most-Read Stories: 2020 Year In Review

Newton, MA — If there's one thing to say about 2020, it's that it was a year unlike any other.

While the coronavirus pandemic undoubtedly dominated the headlines this year, other stories caught our readers' attention, including from the updates on the closings and openings of businesses, to local Black Lives Matters rallies and the sudden resignation of the police chief amid calls for reform.

Before we step into 2021, Patch looked back over 2020 and, using reader input and online data, identified the top stories of 2020:

Chris Evans' 'Defending Jacob' Filmed In Newton Set To Air ...

Author William Landay, a Newton resident, set his 2012 best-seller "Defending Jacob," right here in the city. The show's producers of the crime drama miniseries decided to film here, too.

Jake Auchincloss: Candidate Profile 4th Congressional District

Nearly a dozen candidates, including eight Democrats and two Republicans, threw their hats into the race to represent the Massachusetts 4th Congressional District as Rep. Joe Kennedy planned to challenge Sen. Ed Markey for his seat in the senate. In the end, Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss won the democratic primary and then the race. Upon winning, his no 1 priority? Coronavirus Response, he said. His win left an opening on the Newton City Council, and a few residents gearing up to run in March For the Special City Council Election.

Newton City Councilor Jay Ciccone Dies Unexpectedly At 55

Newton City Councilor Jay Ciccone had served on the city council since 2007, coached baseball and was a member of the St. Carmen Society. His passing also left a vacant seat on the council.

Blackbird Doughnut Shop Opens In Newton

Who doesn't love a good doughnut?

Newton Coronavirus: Residents Band Together To Help Amid Pandemic

At a time when residents are practicing social distancing to stay physically healthy, Newton neighbors also want to help one another.

Newton Teen Creates Tool For Black Lives Matter Era

The Newton South junior said she created it as a resource for those wanting to demand justice from law enforcement in Minneapolis.

Amid Frustration, Newton To Allow Expanded Al Fresco Dining

After weeks of planning, Newton will allow restaurants to expand dining outdoors at the recommendation of a commission designed to help businesses in the city. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the expanded outdoor dining phase "Newton Al Fresco," in an effort to help support local businesses.

Newton Together: City To Rally During Different Kind Of Marathon

One resident wanted to do something uniquely "Newton" to stoke pride at a time when the city won't be celebrating the Boston Marathon. This piece about how a Boston Marathon Runner Sculpture took form along the route also caught a lot of attention.

Newton Parents Protest New Return to School Model

Newton parents came with signs to protest outside of Newton South and then City Hall a day after the school committee announced it was considering voting on a new reopening plan in August. Parents, teachers, the school committee and the administration went back and forth about the best path forward when it came to a reopening plan amid a fluid pandemic. Amid that, a separate group of Newton Parents who were doctors or scientists who worked with virus testing asked that the school district perform testing on students and staff. They made headway in December applauding first steps, but pushing for more.

Newton To Rethink City Seal, Flag

People have been stepping over it as they walk into Newton City Hall for the past 88 years, but the world has changed drastically since the city's seal was first created in 1865. Now, the mayor is asking a group to consider if it's time for a new one.

Other stories that caught people's eyes:

• Woman's Body Found Inside Newton Home
• Newton's Central Restaurant To Become Sushi Restaurant...
• Newton Police Draw Gun On A Former Northeastern Athletic Director
• Boston College Student Hit By Commuter Rail Train In West Newton ...

What was the Newton story that impacted you the most in 2020? Tell us in the comments below.