Sports
Watertown Enjoys Success at All State Track Meet
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The Raiders continued a successful track season at the All State Meet at Bridgewater State on Saturday.
Bodywork Businesses Shutdown by City, One Had “Items of Sexual Nature”
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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
The Watertown Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Watertown Police Department, Zoning & Code Enforcement Team, Inspectional Services Division, and with assistance from the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation — Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted inspections of bodywork establishments in Watertown on July 22, 2026, resulting in closure of multiple businesses due to violations of the City’s rules and regulations.
TREATY DAY 250: Pact Signed in Watertown in 1776 Remains Alive 250 Years Later
Members of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes traveled to take part in the celebration fo the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Watertown (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Hundreds packed a theater in Watertown on Saturday to celebrate an event that took place 250 years before. The town was the site of the signing of the United States’ first treaty with a foreign nation — the Treaty of Watertown. Descendants of the signers of the document from the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes emphasized that the agreement that was forged as a wartime alliance also created friendships and provided rights and protections for the signers that are still important in 2026.
UPDATE: Vehicle Strikes Pole on Main Street, Knocks Out Power in Area – Repairs to Take Until After 9 p.m.
A pole struck by a vehicle lies on top of power lines on Main Street. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A vehicle struck a utility pole on Main Street, snapping it in half and cutting off power for several hundred customers on Monday around noon.
Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate
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.
More Headlines
Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations
Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee
A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown
Government
Town Budget Includes Boost for Schools, but Not as Much as Requested
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The Town Council passed a budget Tuesday night that includes a $290,000 boost for special education costs, but not the $1 million requested last week by the School Committee or the amount requested by the Superintendent in April.
Police/Fire
Medical Examiner Releases Ruling on Deaths of 2 Boston Firefighters
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The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that the death of two Boston Firefighters – including Watertown-native Edward Walsh – was accidental.
Around Town
Man Busted on OUI When Making Late Night Drink Run
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A Mattapan man faces drunken driving charges after police spotted him speeding and trying to go to a liquor store after 2 a.m.
Government
State Rep. Hecht Hopeful About Getting More Special Ed Funds
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Watertown’s state representatives have been working to add more money to help the Watertown Public Schools deal with spiking special education costs, and State Rep. Jonathan Hecht said he is hopeful of getting some additional money.
Government
Night Teacher Conferences Could be Lost if School Cuts are Necessary
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The School Committee has asked for $1 million to be added to the $2.26 million increase proposed by Town Manager Michael Driscoll, but if that is not approved Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald said savings will have to be found.
Police/Fire
Watertown Police Cruisers Get New Look
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Some Watertown Police officers will be hitting the streets in cars with a new look.
Government
Watertown State Reps Pushing for Extra Special Education Funds
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{See the latest on this subject by clicking here.}
With Watertown facing higher than expected special education costs during the 2013-14 school year, the town’s State House delegation is asking for extra dollars from the state.