Entertainment

Watertown Man Competing in Finals of American Ninja Warrior

By |

Matt D’Amico will compete in the finals of American Ninja Warrior on Aug. 25. (Instagram Photo)

NBC will air the finals of the 2025 American Ninja Warrior competition, and Watertown’s own Matt D’Amico is one of the 32 finalists. D’Amico has competed in America Ninja Warrior in previous years, and also is a member of the Boston Celtics Dunk Team, according to his Instagram page. The athletes take on a course that challenges strength, speed, and agility.

Real Estate

10 Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week

By |

Three single-families, three condos, two townhouses, and a pair of two-family homes were sold this week. 52 York Ave. #52, $1,290,000, 4 bedroom 4 bathroom 2,074 sq. ft. Townhouse

149-151 Pleasant St., $1,505,000, 6 bedroom 2 bathroom 3,264 sq.

Police/Fire

Man’s Quick Action Saved Life of Driver Having Medical Emergency

By |

Watertown Police commended a 20-year-old man for helping a driver who was experiencing a medical emergency, and preventing any additional injuries and damage. Wellington Soares acted swiftly when he came upon an emergency situation at Arsenal Yards, according to a statement by Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan. “On Aug. 17, 2025, Mr. Soares was outside Chipotle on Arsenal Yards Boulevard when he noticed a vehicle drifting across lanes before striking a sidewalk planter,” Hanrahan’s statement said. “Recognizing that the operator was experiencing a medical emergency, Mr. Soares immediately ran to assist.”

Schools

Watertown High School to Pilot App That Would Disable Student Cellphones During Class

By |

Watertown High School students will use an app to disable cellphones during class beginning in the fall of 2025. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

Watertown High School plans to disable students’ cellphones during class using software that the school will be piloting during the 2025-26 school year. At Monday’s meeting the School Committee heard from parents who called one of the books on the recommended summer reading list “anti-Semitic.” The Committee also got more information on the changes to the Sexual and Sex-based Discrimination policy. Cellphone Pilot

WHS Principal Joel Giacobozzi told the School Committee on Aug.

Around Town

City Reminds Residents That Short-Term Rentals Are Prohibited

By |

Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

City officials recently reinforced that short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO are not allowed in Watertown. In April 2024, the City Council rejected a proposal that would have allowed short-term rentals on a limited basis, including for under 3 months a year. “The City’s zoning regulations prohibit the rental of properties for a period of less than 31 days, and those violating this ordinance are subject to fines,” the City’s announcement said. The announcement was part of the City’s education efforts around short-term rentals, said Tyler Cote, the City’s Community Engagement Specialist. “When the Council passed the ordinance, we worked with our Zoning and Code Enforcement team to develop an enforcement strategy, which includes this step of sending letters to identified properties around Watertown,” Cote said.