Schools
Students from Watertown Make Dean’s List at Three Colleges
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Local students made the dean’s list at Georgia Tech, Northern Essex Community College, and Salve Regina.
Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate
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Watertown City and State officials appeared before a joint committee at the State House on Jan. 27, 2026, to discuss the City’s Home Rule Petition. Pictured, from left, Steve Owens, George Proakis, John Lawn, Earl Smith, and Mark Sideris.
The City of Watertown’s effort to prevent a tax hike for residential property owners, which could be as high as 18%, cleared a major hurdle when it was approved the the House of Representatives on Beacon Hill.
Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations
Watertown residents will see an increase of 4.5% in both the water and sewer rates for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2026, which is slightly higher than forecasted a year ago. However, the future increase could be significantly higher than projected due in part to an error made calculating future year revenues.
Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee
The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)
An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone.
A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown
Those looking to join other soccer fans in Watertown to catch the World Cup Final have two choices of venues to catch Sunday’s big game.
More Headlines
Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos
City Council Moving Out of City Hall for July 14 Meeting
Mutual Aid Group Delivers Air Conditioners in Watertown During Heat Wave
Government
Tree Hearing Planned for Proposed Removal of 4 Trees
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A Public Shade Tree Hearing will be held about the proposed removal of four trees on public property on Channing Road, Elmwood Avenue, Fairview Avenue, and Webster Street. See more information from the Watertown Tree Warden, below.
Real Estate
21 Open Houses Around Watertown This Weekend
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See the properties hosting homebuyers this weekend in Watertown.
Obituaries
OBIT: Carolyn Beach Tolman, Nurse Practitioner, Grew Up in Watertown & Married Her High School Sweetheart
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Carolyn Beach Tolman
Carolyn Beach Tolman of Watertown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on July 13 after a long and valiant battle with cholangiocarcinoma. She spent the final few weeks of her life surrounded by loved ones.
Transportation
MBTA Will Suspend Red Line for 10 Days, Shuttles to Replace Subway Temporarily
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The MBTA announced that Red Line service will be suspended between Alewife and Park Street for 10 consecutive days, July 21 – 30.
Entertainment
WEEKEND FUN: Treaty Day 250, Outdoor World Cup Watch Party, Historic Mansion Tour, Art Exhibits, Crafts for Kids
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On Saturday, Watertown will celebrate the 250th anniversary of a historic first for our nation which happened in town back in 1776. Join the Library’s outdoor World Cup Final watch party on Sunday. Tour the historic Gore Mansion on Friday and learn about chamber pots and hygiene in the early 1800s. Stop by the Armenian Museum of America to see a pair of art exhibits. Kids can craft at the Library on Friday.
Around Town
Local Podcast Features 250th Treaty Day, Creative Chats Conference
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The Little Local Conversations Podcast released a pair of special episodes recently. One is on the upcoming 250th anniversary of Treaty Day, and the other comes from the recent Creative Chats Conference.
Elections
Mass. Teachers Association Backs State Senate Candidate
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Daniel Lander.
The following announcement was provided by Dan Lander for State Senate:
Daniel Lander is proud to announce that his campaign for State Senate was endorsed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the union representing 117,00 educators throughout the state, including hundreds in Watertown, Cambridge, and Belmont. The endorsement highlights that the status quo is failing working people in Massachusetts, and that educators are ready for a state senate that fights for better public schools, better pay for teachers, and better conditions for students.