Watertown News | Page 17 | Your Source for Local News

School Officials Outline Strategies to Improve Watertown’s Special Education Program

By Charlie Breitrose | May 1, 2026

A study of the Watertown Public Schools’ special education found a number of areas of concerns, including a lack of uniformity, a need for better communication with families, and a distrust among parents of students in the program.

City Hall Annex at Parker Building to Temporarily Close

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City’s Parker Building at 124 Watertown Street will be temporarily closed from May 2-12, 2026, to undergo electrical service upgrades in the building.

Restaurants Won’t be Allowed to Automatically Include Plastic Utensils Under New Ordinance

Restaurants in Watertown will not longer be able to automatically include packets of plastic utensils with takeout or deliver orders. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A new ordinance approved by the City Council prohibits restaurants from automatically including plastic utensils with takeout orders, however customers can request these items when they order or pick up their food.

Council President Outlines City’s Protections for Undocumented Immigrants, Does Not Favor an Executive Order

City Council President Mark Sideris. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

After receiving questions about and requests to protect immigrants in Watertown in recent weeks, City Council President Mark Sideris emphasized the steps being taken by the City to provide safety and security, but said he does not favor the City Council passing a resolution or executive order regarding immigrants in Watertown.

More Headlines

Watertown Eco Fest will Feature Sustainable Vendors, Demonstrations & Activities for All Ages

Robotics Company Builds on Watertown’s History of Manufacturing in Former Mill Building

School Committee Update: Budget, Fees, Cell Phones in Schools, Special Ed Strategy

Letters

OP-ED: Calling All Everyday Citizen Heroes for the Watertown Square Meeting

By Guest Writer | March 30, 2026

If Past is Prologue …

Big Development Plans for Watertown Square on April 6th!

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Calling All Everyday Watertown Citizen Heroes!

Well, it’s that time of the month in Watertown again … the time that the next large development plan will be hauled out and introduced, but this one’s been a long time in the making. Put the Library on April 6th at 6 p.m. in your calendar, because this promises to be a doozy!

Around Town

Traffic on School Street at Mt. Auburn Street to be Redirected Starting This Week

By Guest Writer | March 29, 2026

The Mt. Auburn Street Project will impact traffic patterns temporarily beginning this week. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.

Real Estate

Five Homes in Watertown Were Sold This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | March 29, 2026

A single family, a townhouse, and three condos were sold this week.

Around Town

See When Early-Bird Hours Start at Mount Auburn Cemetery

By Guest Writer | March 28, 2026

Mount Auburn Cemetery.

The following announcement was provided by Mount Auburn Cemetery:

This spring, Mount Auburn Cemetery is bringing back Early-Bird Hours, offering a unique opportunity to experience its beauty in a whole new morning light. The Cemetery’s Main Entrance (580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge) will open daily at 6 a.m. in April and May, allowing visitors to experience the serene beauty of the Cemetery in the quiet, early morning hours.

Entertainment

Meet “Abigail Adams” at Historical Society Event at Library

By Guest Writer | March 28, 2026

The following announcement is provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society & Watertown Free Public Library Present “Abigail Adams – Liberty & Legacy” performed by Sheryl Faye on Sunday March 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library – Watertown Savings Bank Room, 123 Main St., Watertown.

Entertainment

Cartoon: Small Saves Takes a Shot at Broadcasting

By Guest Writer | March 28, 2026

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net.

Around Town

Watertown Receives Statewide Award for Arsenal Park Renovation

By Charlie Breitrose | March 27, 2026

The sign welcoming people to Arsenal Park.(Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s newest park renovation received a statewide award at the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association Conference in Springfield this week.

Elections

Gov. Healey Endorses State Sen. Will Brownsberger for Re-Election

By Guest Writer | March 27, 2026

Will Brownsberger

The following announcement was provided by the Will Brownsberger Campaign:

Governor Maura Healey announced her support for State Senator Will Brownsberger in his re-election effort. Brownsberger represents the Suffolk and Middlesex district, consisting of Belmont, Watertown, West Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and Fenway.