Business
Watertown Lifts Construction Ban, Reusable Bags Banned; Town COVID-19 Cases up to 24
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The latest orders from the Governor and Town officials changed the situation for construction projects and reusable shopping bags.
Robotics Company Builds on Watertown’s History of Manufacturing in Former Mill Building
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Tutor Intelligence’s Data Factory 1, which has 100 AI robots performing tasks, is part of the company’s new headquarters at Riverworks in Watertown (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A building along the Charles River in Watertown where textiles were once made has a new tenant involved in manufacturing. Tutor Intelligence creates AI robots that are used by companies from coast to coast.
School Committee Update: Budget, Fees, Cell Phones in Schools, Special Ed Strategy
By Kendra FoleyChair, Watertown School Committee
The Watertown School Committee has been busy over the last two months tackling budget decisions, discussing policy changes, and reviewing educational data that affects our school community.
Lafayette Celebrated (Again) in Watertown for Contributions to American Revolution
Watertown officials celebrated the new historical marker in honor of General Lafayette. From left, Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli, Council President Mark Sideris, Marilynne Roach of the Historical Society, City Manager George Proakis, Julien Icher of the Lafayette Trail, Joyce Kelly from the Historical Society, and City Councilor Caroline Bays. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
On a drizzly, cool morning, a small crowd of Watertown history buffs came out to celebrate a Frenchman who played an important role in winning the American Revolution. During the ceremony, Watertown’s newest historical marker was unveiled, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, who served as a general in the American Army.
Police Log: Multiple Shoplifters Arrested, Fake Trial Scam Costs $14K and Illegal Dumpings
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
More Headlines
JIM’S VIEW: Boston Renegades Beep Baseball Team Plays At Fenway Park For The First Time
Fire Hits East End Home, Residents Evacuated by Alert Witnesses
BOSTON MARATHON: See How the 39 Watertown Runners Fares in the 2026 Edition
Around Town
Two Watertown Groups Get COVID-19 Grants from Tufts Health Plan Foundations
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The following information was provided by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation:
Tufts Health Plan Foundation has identified the first 21 organizations to receive support from the $1 million it has committed to community efforts on behalf of older people affected by coronavirus in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Police/Fire
Watertown Firefighters, Police Taking Steps to Reduce Exposure to COVID-19, Need Supplies
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Watertown firefighters and police officers have begun taking extra steps to protect themselves from the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and both departments have found it hard to keep supplies of equipment to protect them from the virus.
Department of Public Works
LETTER: Residents Thankful for Quick Response by Public Works Employees
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A Watertown Department of Public Works snow plow.
To the Editor:
We are writing to thank the Watertown Public Works Department, and to commend two of its workers for the outstanding service they recently provided to us.
Around Town
Watertown Health Department’s Tips for Staying Healthy During COVID-19
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Health Department:
The purpose of this notice is to remind our Residents here in Watertown of specific provisions and procedures that can be put in place in light of the New Coronavirus (COVID-19). We as a Health Department take great pride in the safety and well-being of our residents.
Schools
Watertown Schools Look to Adjust to Extension of School Closings for COVID-19
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The following letter was sent out on Wednesday by the Watertown Public Schools Administration:
Good evening,
I want to provide you with the recent announcement this afternoon by Governor Charlie Baker that Massachusetts schools will remain closed until May 4. We will follow up later this week with further information about the implications of this extended closure, but be assured we will continue with the excellent plans in place for the WPS community. As we learn more about the opportunities as well as the limitations that remote learning presents, we will all become more skilled as partners on this journey to keep the learning moving forward even when our school buildings are closed. Attached you will find a joint statement from the twelve communities that comprise the Middlesex League about our shared vision and goals for the extended closure. Our primary goal for the remainder of this week is to identify students who still need access to online learning and to provide continued support for all of our families. Originally, our focus was on families with limited access to devices or the internet.
Child Care
Gov. Baker Extends School, Child Care Closure Until Early May
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Massachusetts State House.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that K-12 schools and non-emergency child care facilities in the Bay State will remain closed until May 4 as a precaution due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Transportation
Three MTBA Bus Drivers Test Positive for Coronavirus
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The following announcement was provided by the MBTA (Note the Cabot bus facility is located in South Boston):
Following three confirmed employee cases of COVID-19, the MBTA took immediate steps to protect its workforce and riders by enacting its facility maintenance protocols to clean and disinfect all exposed work areas, vehicles, and equipment at the T’s Cabot bus facility. The three confirmed cases are MBTA Bus Operators and were reported yesterday.