Elections

LETTER: Why Progressives Should Vote for Brownsberger in Sept. 1st State Primary

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As a former board President of Progressive Massachusetts and one of PMs first members, I have fought for Progressive legislation for many years and I understand how legislation gets passed. 

So when Will Brownsberger and Dan Lander both called me and asked for my endorsement (as a Watertown City Councilor), despite the fact that Lander and I are more aligned ideologically, I knew the decision was clear — Brownsberger was my choice. 

And if you are a progressive who wants to see progressive legislation actually passed at the state level, Brownsberger should be your choice too. 

After many years of watching how the statehouse works, I have come to understand it is all about power and relationships. 

Over the years, Brownsberger has demonstrated his competence, knowledge, and commitment to his fellow Senators, which is why he now holds the Senate’s second highest position as President Pro Tempore. 

The respect and friendship doesn’t just benefit him personally. It is why he is so effective at rallying the support he needs to pass bills. And I am talking about bills that Progressives support, such as the Affordable Homes Act of 2024, the 2018 Criminal Justice Act, and the Gun Reform Act of 2024 

I have always appreciated how honest my Senator is with me and we have argued, debated, and clashed over issues. But we have agreed with each other on the vast majority of issues, such as criminal justice reform, housing, climate issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and many more. 

It would be shortsighted to throw my support to a challenger who would enter the statehouse as a novice starting from the ground floor. I want a senator who I know will fight — and win — many of the battles I support at the statehouse. 

And as for those issues we might argue about, I know I might be able to change his mind. I know he will listen and investigate issues we don’t agree on. 

You know the section of the 2018 Criminal Justice Reform Act on solitary confinement?

Sports

August Madness Returns — Watertown Summer Basketball League Playoffs Begin

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The Papas Elite Summer Basketball League playoffs are underway. Pictured is action from the 2025 finals. (Photo by Watertown Recreation)

Watertown’s Papas Elite Summer Basketball League tipped off the post season on Tuesday night, with the winners moving on to the best-of-three semifinals. The league features current and former college basketball players. Game 1 of the semifinals series will be played on Wednesday evening at the outdoor courts at Saltonstall Park, behind the Watertown Boys & Girls Club.

Elections

AFL-CIO Endorses State Senate Candidate

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Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Daniel Lander for State Senate:

The AFL-CIO of Massachusetts has endorsed Daniel Lander’s campaign, marking the first time in years that the organization has endorsed against an incumbent in a democratic primary. The endorsement spotlights Daniel’s commitment to the labor movement, but also highlights Senator Brownsberger’s opposition to supporting unions in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO represents over 800 local unions representing nearly half a million union members across the state. It comes at a critical time in this race, days from the start of early voting, and makes clear that voters are ready to move past the failed Beacon Hill status quo.

Entertainment

Mosesian Arts Artist-in-Residence to Premiere Spoken Word Album Created During Residency

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Mosesian Center for the Arts will host a listening party for a new album by artist in residence Lyrical Faith. See more information in the annoucement form the MCA, below. The Mosesian Center for the Arts invites audiences to celebrate the culmination of artist Lyrical Faith’s residency with a special Album Listening Party on Tuesday, Sept. 1, featuring the first public presentation of a spoken word album developed and recorded during her time as an Artist-in-Residence. From April through June 2026, Lyrical Faith transformed her Mosesian Arts studio into an active creative workspace, writing, recording, and refining an original spoken word album in collaboration with producer and musician Citixen Joy.

Elections

Gov. Healey Endorses Candidate for 10th Middlesex State Rep.

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The following announcement was provided by the John Lawn Campaign:

Representative John Lawn announced that he has received the endorsement of Governor Maura Healey in the 10th Middlesex race for state representative. “I’m honored to have Governor Healey’s support. Together, we’ve fought to protect access to affordable health care and stand up for working families here in Watertown and across the Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing that work for another term,” Lawn said. “John is a thoughtful, proven leader who gets things done for working families.

Schools

Watertown Student’s Artwork Chosen as a Winner of UMass Lowell’s “Cool Science” Program

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A Watertown 11th grader will have her artwork displayed on buses in Lowell after being selected as one of the winners of the Cool Science programs, sponsored by UMass Lowell. Keeva Angstadt, a homeschooled junior from Watertown, had her artwork selected as one of the winners of the contest. “Many people in my neighborhood view urban trees as annoyances or liabilities. As the climate warms, heat islands are becoming more extreme. The shade provided by trees makes it possible for people to travel outside safely,” Keeva said in a statement about her artwork.

Around Town

New Registration Policy for Watertown Senior Center Programs

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The Watertown Senior Center is ready for St. Patrick’s Day. The Watertown Senior Center announced a change for all events, classes, programs, and trips. See more information provided by the Department of Senior Services, below. Policy Update Announcement

Important Update: Pre-Registration Now Required Effective immediately, pre-registration is required for all events, fitness classes, programs, and trips.

Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses Brownsberger for State Senate

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In the upcoming State Senate primary I will be voting for Will Brownsberger. There are three important reasons why. First, we need a Senator who will put the needs of Watertown and Belmont front and center in their consciousness, rather than focus on Boston. Watertown is a textbook example of a streetcar suburb. Indeed, the Watertown that we now know was brought about in the early 20th century by the electrification of the streetcars which ran along our main thoroughfares.