Business
Massachusetts’ Tax Free Weekend Will be in Late August
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A lot of money was raised and spent on the 2015 Watertown Election.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced that the sales-tax free weekend will take place on Aug. 29 and 30, 2020.
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
Drivers Can Renew Licenses Online, Upgrade Free to REAL ID
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The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is encouraging all eligible customers to renew their standard Massachusetts driver’s license or Massachusetts ID card online at Mass.Gov/RMV any time between now and August 12, 2020, in order to qualify for a free upgrade to a REAL ID credential in 2021.
Entertainment
NewRep Pushing Back Performances, Coming Up With COVID-19 Friendly Productions
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Watertown-based New Repertory Theatre announced this week that it will have to push back the performances of two plays, due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, Artistic Director Michael Bobbitt and his staff are busy coming up with new options for fans of live theater and performances during the pandemic.
Hosmer School
Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned to Kick Off Cunniff School Project
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The latest rendering of the new Cunniff Elementary School, with the solar array in the parking lot.
The first of Watertown’s new school projects will kick off Wednesday, June 24 with a groundbreaking ceremony at Cunniff Elementary School.
Elections
State Rep Candidate Earns Endorsement of Social Worker Organization
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Democratic activist and Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens is running for the State Representative seat that Jon Hecht will be leaving.
The following information was provided by the Campaign to Elect Steve Owens:
NASW – Massachusetts Chapter is committed to advancing professionalsocial work practice and the profession and to promoting human rights, social and economic justice, and unimpeded access to services for everyone. They are proud to announce their endorsement of Steve Owens, candidate for State Representative in the 29th Middlesex district.
Around Town
Watertown Library’s Pride Month Reading Picks & This Week’s Virtual Events
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Watertown Free Public Library
The Watertown Library provided the following announcement:
If you didn’t make it to the Summer Reading Drive-Thru last week, don’t worry. It’s easy to participate in the Library’s Summer Reading programs from home. Head to watertownlib.org/summerreading to learn more about our programs and prizes for children, teens, and grown-ups.
Business
See the Watertown Restaurants Approved for Outdoor Seating
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Deluxe Town Diner was one of several Watertown restaurants recently approved to have outdoor seating.
Ten Watertown restaurants have been approved to have outdoor by the Town as part of a the COVID-19 reopening.
Police/Fire
Police Log: Bikes Stolen from Storage Area, Attempted Scam Involving Dog for Sale
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department: