Watertown News | Page 11 | Your Source for Local News

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

By Charlie Breitrose | 14 hours ago

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.

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

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Poet Laureate Speaks at Packed Unity Breakfast; Award Given to Group Monitoring Immigrant Enforcement

Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson recited several of his poems at the 2026 Unity Breakfast. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Massachusetts’ Poet Laureate inspired the crowd at the 26th annual Unity Breakfast. During the event on Monday, awards were presented to a group monitoring immigration enforcement and supporting immigrants rights in Watertown, and a man who has been a big part of keeping the Unity Breakfast going through the Pandemic.

Watertown Schools May Tap City’s Special Ed Fund, Add Athletics Fees to Make up Budget Deficit

The Watertown Public Schools may ask the City to tap the Special Education Stabilization Fund created several years ago for a rainy day. The 2026-27 School Budget may be stormy, as the district faces a shortfall of $2.5 million as of Monday’s School Committee meeting. Other ways to make up shortfalls may include reinstating athletics and extracurricular fees.

More Headlines

Watertown Property Owners Were Not Overcharged on Property Taxes, Confusion Caused by Change in Software

New Watertown High School Opening Pushed to September

Police Log: 2 Cart-Loads of Items Stolen from Home Depot, Man Inadvertently Turns Himself In

Around Town

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

By Guest Writer | December 25, 2025

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.

Around Town

Affordable Condo in Watertown Going on Sale

By Guest Writer | December 25, 2025

An affordable rate condo in Watertown will be sold. See more information provided by the City of Watertown below.

Around Town

Winners of the Watertown Business Coalition’s Holiday Decorating Contest Announced

By Guest Writer | December 24, 2025

The results are in for the of the first annual Watertown Business Coalition Holiday Decorating Contest. Honors were handed out by a both a panel of WBC judges and by the vote of the public. See more details in the announcement from the Watertown Business Coalition, below.

Around Town

Charles River Watershed Association Hosting Screening of Dam Removal Documentary at Watertown Library

By Guest Writer | December 24, 2025

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam.

The following announcement was provided the Charles River Watershed Association:

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will host a free premiere screening on Jan. 8 at the Watertown Free Public Library of its new short documentary, Reconnecting Rivers.

Police/Fire

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

By Charlie Breitrose | December 24, 2025

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

Entertainment

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

By Charlie Breitrose | December 23, 2025

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.

Around Town

Grand Opening Planned for New Watertown Preschool

By Guest Writer | December 23, 2025

Four Seasons Preschool’s Mt. Auburn Campus will have a grand opening on Jan. 1, 2026. See more information provided by the preschool, below.

Obituaries

OBIT: Louise Nugent, 94, Beloved “Grammy,” Artist, Served in the Navy’s WAVES

By Guest Writer | December 23, 2025

Louise Nugent

Louise M. (Roche) Nugent, of Watertown, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 21, just three days shy of her 95th birthday.