Government
Watertown Class Sizes May Not Shrink Under Proposed Budget
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Keeping class sizes small is one of the School Committee’s goals each year, but Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald said the budget may prevent lowering class sizes.
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
Around Town
2 Celtics Make a Special Visit to the Watertown Boy’s & Girl’s Club
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The Watertown Boy’s & Girl’s Club welcomed some special visitors Friday when a current and a former Boston Celtics player stopped by.
Business
New ‘Vape’ Store Opens in Watertown
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Users of e-cigarettes now have a local spot to get the equipment and supplies.
Government
See What Concerns and Ideas Residents Have About the MBTA
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Crowded buses and new ways to pay bus fares came up as issues facing users of public transportation at the first Watertown Task Force on Public Transit meeting.
Police/Fire
Fire Department Douses Small Fire in Watertown
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The Watertown Fire Department put out a fire that started in mulch beds at a condominium building on Coolidge Avenue Sunday afternoon.
Sports
See Photos from Watertown Baseball and Softball Opening Day!
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A parade of young ballplayers marched down through town to Casey Field Saturday morning for the opening day of Watertown Baseball and Softball.
Schools
These Watertown Math Students are Tops in the Nation!
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Members of the Lowell School’s Math League Team tested their skills and came out top in the nationwide competition.
Around Town
Police Log: Shoplifters Busted at Target, Tires Slashed in Watertown
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department:
Arrests
April 21, 5:35 p.m.: A woman was spotted taking numerous clothing items from Target and tried to leave the store. She had $200.49 worth of clothing. Police arrested a 58-year-old Belmont woman on charges of shoplifting over $100. April 21, 4:48 p.m.: An officer on patrol on Main Street stopped a car and discovered the driver had an outstanding arrest warrant. A 36-year-old Dedham man was arrested on the warrant out of Dedham District Court.