Government
Closures in Watertown for the Juneteenth Holiday
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The City of Watertown’s facilities will be closed Friday for the Juneteenth holiday. See more information from the City of Watertown, below.
Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate
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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.
Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations
Watertown residents will see an increase of 4.5% in both the water and sewer rates for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2026, which is slightly higher than forecasted a year ago. However, the future increase could be significantly higher than projected due in part to an error made calculating future year revenues.
Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee
The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)
An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone.
A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown
Those looking to join other soccer fans in Watertown to catch the World Cup Final have two choices of venues to catch Sunday’s big game.
More Headlines
Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos
City Council Moving Out of City Hall for July 14 Meeting
Mutual Aid Group Delivers Air Conditioners in Watertown During Heat Wave
Sports
Young Watertown Cancer Survivor Takes Part in World Cup Pre-Game Ceremony
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Watertown’s Graham Phillips and his father Jonathan in the stands for the June 13 World Cup game after Graham was a flag bearer in the pre-game ceremony. (Contributed Photo)
The eyes of soccer fans around the globe caught a glimpse of a 13-year-old boy from Watertown as he took part in the pre-game ceremony on June 13 before the Scotland-Haiti game in Foxborough.
Entertainment
Grab a Scoop of Ice Cream and Support the Watertown Arts Market
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Support the Watertown Arts Market (WAM) and get a tasty treat during an upcoming ice cream fundraiser. See more details provided by WAM, below.
Elections
State Senate Candidate Endorsed by Working Families Party
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Daniel Lander.
The following announcement was provided by The Lander Committee:
Daniel Lander announced today that his campaign was endorsed by the Working Families Party, demonstrating his commitment to building a status quo that fights for working people in Massachusetts. The endorsement highlights Daniel’s vision for a Massachusetts where everyone can build a good life.
Around Town
Watertown Group Protests Bank for Link to ICE Detention Centers
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Some of the protesters at Watertown’s De-ICE Citizens Bank Campaign on June 13. (Contributed Photo)
The following article was submitted by Indivisible Progressive Watertown:
On Saturday, June 13, Indivisible Progressive Watertown hosted its third stand out this year in front of the East Watertown Citizens Bank branch at 630 Mt. Auburn St. Twenty-five people gathered to protest Citizens Bank’s connections to ICE prisons.
Around Town
Inside the City’s 311 Service Center, Where Staff Fields the Public’s Questions, Requests & More
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311 Service Center staff — Constituant Service Director Laura Murray (left) and Constituent Services Representative Stephanie Owens — outside their office City Hall. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Inside a small office in the back corner of City Hall sits the heart of Watertown’s 311 Service Center. The two-woman operation fields calls, texts, emails, and other messages about potholes, people trying to reach a City employee, and occasionally to report something strange they have just witnessed.
Government
Lawmakers Discuss Changes to Health Care System, Including State Rep. John Lawn
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State Representative John Lawn spoke on a panel about primary care reform at the 2026 Health Equity Trends Summit at UMass Boston on June 2. (Photo credit: Piper Brown Photography)
Watertown State Rep. John Lawn joined a panel of lawmakers speaking about trends in health care in a time when federal policies are changing the system. See more information in the announcement from Health Care Compact, below.
Charity
Watertown Community Foundation Challenge to Raise $25,000; Gifts Doubled Until June 26
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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:
The Watertown Community Foundation has launched a matching gift campaign to raise $25,000 in community donations and unlock up to $25,000 in matching funds. Through June 26, 2026, all gifts to support the work of the Watertown Community Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar — thanks to WCF’s Board of Directors.