Watertown News | Page 49 | Your Source for Local News

Watertown Historian Backs Bill Exonerating People Accused of Witchcraft Prior to Salem Trials

By Charlie Breitrose | 23 minutes ago

Marilynne Roach, center-right, and State Rep. Steve Owens, center-left, at the State House on the day that Roach spoke during a hearing about exonerating the victims of witch trials before the ones in Salem. (Photo by Caroline Enos / The Salem News)

Watertown historian and author Marilynne Roach who has researched the Salem Witch Trials recently testified at the State House for a bill that would exonerate the eight people, including two with ties to Watertown, found guilty of being alleged witches before the Salem 1692 panic.

Watertown Community Foundation Distributes $43,000 in Donations to Food Pantries

Food collected from multiple locations across the City during theCommunity Food Drive, running through December 31, 2025.

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation received $43,000 in donations to support Watertown’s food pantries since the City of Watertown’s Community Food Drive began on October 31. These funds have been distributed to the Watertown Food Pantry and Watertown Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry to purchase and distribute food at each pantry.

Two Killed in Multi-Vehicle Accident, Victims Were Returning to Church After a Funeral

Two people died Tuesday during a multi-vehicle accident in East Watertown. The crash occurred after a funeral service in Watertown.

Watertown Band, Dolata, Releasing First EP & Hosting Listening Party

Dolata, from top left counter clockwise, Madi Donlan, Joe Froeber, Reilly Somach, and Amelia Allison.

Dolata, a band out of Watertown featuring dual lead singers, recently released its debut single, and will soon host a listening party for its first EP.

More Headlines

Watertown Model UN Earns Honors at Boston Latin Conference

Watertown Bids Farewell to China Rainbow, a Dining Destination for More than Half a Century

Three Watertown High Athletes Sign Letters of Intent to Play Sports at College Level

Around Town

Watertown Filmmaker’s Documentary Following Women in Recovery Airing on PBS

By Guest Writer | September 24, 2025

The following announcement was provided by PBS World:

Watertown filmmaker Lisa Olivieri is thrilled to announce that Recovery City will have its National Broadcast Premiere on PBS WORLD Channel on Sept. 29th at 8 p.m. Filmed over the course of four years in Worcester, Massachusetts, Recovery City is a raw exploration of what it means to be in recovery as seen through the eyes of four women whose lives share a common thread: addiction.

Government

State Rep. Lawn Thanks Governor, Legislature for Passing Bill to Provide Funding for Hospitals, Community Health Centers

By Guest Writer | September 23, 2025

Massachusetts State House (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The following announcement was provided by the Healey-Driscoll Administration:

On Sept. 22, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act making appropriations for fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects to ensure critical funding for hospitals and community health centers in Massachusetts while also reimbursing for services for uninsured and underinsured residents.

Schools

Watertown Students Earn Honors, Graduate & More

By Charlie Breitrose | September 23, 2025

Watertown students at MCPHS, Hamilton College, Holy Cross, SNHU, Rhode Island, and Muhlenberg College have received honors, graduated or had other achievements.

Government

State of the City Address Will Take Place on September 30

By Guest Writer | September 23, 2025

City Council President Mark Sideris and City Manager George Proakis will provide their annual update about the City of Watertown at the end of September. See the details in the announcement sent out by the City of Watertown below.

Government

State Rep. Owens Hosting 3 Office Hours to Meet with the Public in September

By Guest Writer | September 23, 2025

State Rep. Steve Owens.

Residents can meet with State Rep. Steve Owens on Sept. 29. The office hours will be held at one of Watertown’s cafes. See details in the information provided by Owens’ office.

Government

Council Gives City Manager High Marks in Review, Also Some Suggestions

By Charlie Breitrose | September 22, 2025

Watertown City Manager George Proakis.

City Manager George Proakis received a high rating from the City Council in his annual review for Fiscal Year 2025, though members of the Council had some constructive criticism, too.

Letters

LETTER: Mass. Deserves Better — Support the Corporate Fair Share Act & Close the Tax Loophole

By Guest Writer | September 22, 2025

Dear Editor,

Massachusetts is facing a critical moment. Federal budget cuts are threatening to devastate essential services — Medicaid, SNAP, education, mental health care, and more. These cuts could strip healthcare and food assistance from up to 350,000 residents, blow a $3.5 billion hole in our state budget, and harm over 1 million students. We must act now to protect our communities.

Sports

Gold Kings Hockey Hosting Exhibition Game, Free Admission

By Charlie Breitrose | September 22, 2025

The champions return to the ice in Watertown on Sept. 27 for an exhibition game against the Salem Sasquatch. Admission is free for the game, which begins at 8:35 p.m.