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See Why the City Council Narrowly Rejected a Nuclear Disarmament Resolution

By Charlie Breitrose | 15 hours ago

Tuesday night, a citizens group presented the City Council with a petition to support a resolution encouraging the federal government to seek nuclear disarmament in the United States and the other eight nations that have nuclear weapons. The proposal split the Council, which rejected it down by one vote.

Watertown Schools Looking for Ways to Close $2.5 Million Gap, Deal with Increasing Special Ed Costs

Increasing costs of special education tuition has contributed to the sharp increase in the school budget over the past few years, Superintendent Dede Galdston told the School Committee on Monday night, and for budget for the 2026-27 school year the district will have to find ways to close a multi-million dollar deficit.

Farm Inside a Freight Container Provides Produce for Watertown School Lunches, Program Praised by Lt. Governor

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll takes a look around the Watertown Public Schools’ Freight Farm. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The white box container sitting in the parking lot of the Watertown Public Schools’ administration building has smooth metal walls on the outside, but inside the walls have a lush floor-to-ceiling covering of green plants. The freight container is not just a teaching tool but also provides fresh produce for students around the district.

Watertown’s Wayside Multi-Service Center Had a Scare with Threatened Cut of Federal Grant

The Wayside Multi-Service Center is located on North Beacon Street in Watertown. (Courtesy of Wayside)

The Wayside Multi-Service Center momentarily saw one-third of its budget disappear, with the removal of a federal grant. While the grant was restored within days, Sophia Suarez-Friedman, Program Director for Wayside Multi-Service Center, said it was both a stark reminder and a heartening response.

More Headlines

Council Roundup: Councilor Elected Head of Statewide Board, DPW Equipment Funded, Contracts Approved

Watertown’s Shana Gozansky Directing “Little Women” at the Mosesian Center for the Arts

Watertown City Officials Join State Reps. on Beacon Hill to Ask for Residential Tax Relief

Government

Residents Express Concerns About Using Flock License Plate Reading Cameras in Watertown

By Charlie Breitrose | January 22, 2026

Members of the Watertown Police Department discussed different technology used by the WPD, including a proposal to use the Flock Safety cameras. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A room full of residents expressed their concerns about the Watertown Police Department’s proposed use of Flock Safety cameras in town, with the biggest issues about how the images collected by the license plate capturing system would be used outside Watertown and who would have access. As the debate over whether cameras should be used in the City, legislation at the state level could help reduce concerns.

Sports

JIM’s VIEW: Watertown Faced Arlington in a Matchup of Top Middlesex League Girls Basketball Teams

By Jim Vershbow, Contributor | January 22, 2026

Tuesday’s game versus Arlington was likely one Watertown Coach Mike Tempesta had circled on his schedule, especially after Watertown made it to this game 6-2 in league play and Arlington 7-1. It would surely be a chance to measure one’s success to date, and figure out what kind of team he had when facing the strength of the league.

Entertainment

2 Watertown Residents Performing in Gilbert & Sullivan Play in Sudbury

By Guest Writer | January 22, 2026

The cast of the Sudbury Savoyards The Gondoliers includes two performers from Watertown, Santo Mammone, who is playing Giuseppe, and Karen Powers who is in the chorus of the Gilbert and Sullivan play. See more details in the announcement from the Sudbury Savoyards, below.

Around Town

Webinar on the Nuclear Disarmament Resolution: Why Now & Why It’s a Local Issue

By Guest Writer | January 22, 2026

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:

The Watertown Citizens for Peace and Common Security Committee is holding a webinar on the Nuclear Disarmament Resolution in order to better inform the public about this issue which is on the City Council calendar for February 10, 2026.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Caught Breaking Into a Vehicle, Fraudulent Health Insurance Policy Opened in Resident’s Name

By Charlie Breitrose | January 21, 2026

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Letters

LETTER: Wayside Multi-Service Center Gives Thanks for Support During Difficult Times

By Guest Writer | January 21, 2026

As we reflect on the holiday season, we are reminded that while this time of year is often filled with joy and celebration, many families in our community continue to face growing financial pressures that make the holidays especially difficult.

Schools

Registration Open for Perkins School for the Blind’s 2026 Early Connections Conference

By Guest Writer | January 21, 2026

Perkins School for the Blind will host the 43rd annual Early Connection Conference. Registration is now open. See details provided by Perkins, below.

Around Town

Watertown Human Rights Commission Hosting Workshop on Building Effective Community Conversations

By Guest Writer | January 21, 2026

The Watertown Human Rights Commission will team with Human Rights Commissions in the area to host an online workshop on Building Connections: Effective Tools for Community Conversations in March. See details about the workshop and how to register in the announcement from the HRC below.