Boston Marathon Bombing
Watertown Group Joins Organization Opposing Militarization of Police
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A group from Watertown has joined a coalition of organizations opposing what they call militarization of law enforcement in the Boston area.
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
New Strategies to Fund Watertown Schools Sought
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Instead of relying on the state and town for money to run the schools, Watertown officials are searching for new ways to pay for equipment and even for staff.
Boston Marathon Bombing
Family Celebration Planned on Saturday in Watertown
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Watertown’s spirit will be celebrated at a family event on Saturday afternoon.
Around Town
Public Radio Talks to Watertown Residents about Events of April 19, 2013
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Watertown Residents shared their experiences during the lockdown and manhunt for the second Boston Marathon Bombing suspect on the Public Radio International program “The Takeaway.”
Government
School, Town Officials Hashing Out Watertown School Budget
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The Watertown School budget for Fiscal 2015 came in 16 percent higher than the previous year, but Town Manager Michael Driscoll planned for 3 percent increase. Now he and Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald are looking at how much the education budget can increase.
Around Town
Franklin St. Residents Reflect on the Capture of the Bombing Suspect
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A year ago, it seemed like every law enforcement officer was focused on Franklin Street with the second Boston Marathon Bombing suspect cornered in the now infamous boat. A year later, residents reflected on that evening.
Business
Grab Some Grub from Food Trucks in Watertown
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Need a bite to eat, try something new at the Commander’s Mansion, which will host food trucks five days a week beginning April 21.
Around Town
Arabic Classes in Watertown Schools Returning for a Second Year
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Watertown middle and high school students have a rare opportunity to learn the Arabic language, and they will be able to for at least another year.