Watertown News | Page 4 | Your Source for Local News

City Manager Outlines What it Would Take for Watertown to Afford to Rebuild the Middle School

By Charlie Breitrose | 4 hours ago

Watertown Middle School (Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

The City Council must soon decided on how to proceed with Watertown Middle School’s renovations: completely redo it or do basic repairs. The catch is a complete renovation (or rebuilt) would required cutting funds planned to go to other areas.

Budget Forecast: State Legislation Will Have Big Impact on Watertown’s FY27 City Budget

For several years, Watertown’s City has operated comfortably on a budget built on the 2.5 percent property tax increase allowed by the State and the added tax revenue from new developments. A mixture of economic uncertainty and the unknown of whether the State Legislature will approve Watertown’s tax relief request means residents could face a major tax increase next year.

Police Log: Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges, Business Scammed Out of $1.1 Million

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Watertown’s Project Save Hosting First Full Exhibition This Fall & Conversations on Photography

Astrig Agopian’s “Like There’s No Tomorrow”

The following announcement was provided by Project Save:

Project Save Photographic Archive, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the global Armenian experience through photography, announced today its lineup of fall programming, including its first major exhibition in the organization’s gallery and archive space, and two events in its popular “Conversations on Photography” series.

More Headlines

Watertown Library Releases Five Year Strategic Plan, See Details

Superintendent Reviewed Areas Where Watertown Fared Well in the State Accountability Results & Areas that Need More Focus

Police Log: Woman Busted for Texting While Driving, a Slew of Shopliftings

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Indigenous Peoples Celebration, Shakespeare, Eat Out in Coolidge Sq., Art Exhibit

By Charlo Maurer, Contributor | October 9, 2025

While all this work is going on building us a new improved Mt. Auburn St., let’s remember to support the shops and restaurants in Coolidge Square. I have heard from a few businesses that their clientele is down significantly, so let’s help them out! I highly recommend the brunch at Red Lentil. Take a look at their version of French toast! Uncommon Ground and the Deluxe Town Diner are also perfect destinations for a weekend breakfast out on the town. This weekend let’s show them some love.

Elections

See What the City Councilor At-Large Hopefuls Spoke About During the Candidate Forum

By Charlie Breitrose | October 8, 2025

The five candidates for City Councilor At-Large appeared at the candidate forum hosted by Watertown News and Watertown Cable. The replay of the forum is available from WCA-TV.

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Running December Vacation Program

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2025

December vacation 2025 is longer that most years, and the Watertown Boys & Girls Club will be offering limited daily programs during the school break. See more information provided by the WBGC, below.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosting Series of Parenting Workshops

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2025

Grace Chapel Watertown

Grace Chapel will hold a series of parenting workshops at the church in Watertown. See details provided by Grace Chapel, below.

Around Town

Wayside Staff Spotlight: Program Director Sophia Suarez-Friedman

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2025

Sophia Suarez-Friedman.

Sophia Suarez-Friedman, Wayside Multi Program Director, shared her favorite local spot in Watertown, career advice, and what keeps her rooted to Wayside Multi in the latest Wayside Staff Spotlight. See what she said in the Q&A provided by Wayside.

Government

State Rep. Owens Hosting Office Hours in October

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2025

State Rep. Steve Owens

Residents can meet with State Rep. Steve Owens during three office hours in the month of October, including two in Watertown. See details in the information provided by Rep. Owens’ Office, below.

Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Will Welcome Public at Open House

By Charlie Breitrose | October 7, 2025

The Watertown Fire Department will host an open house on Oct. 11.

Around Town

Hear About the Mass. Cultural Council, an Arts Roundtable & Watertown’s Oldest Home on Little Local Conversations

By Charlie Breitrose | October 7, 2025

Matt Hanna, the voice behind “Little Local Conversations” podcast, spoke with Michael Bobbitt, the executive director of the Mass Cultural Council; led an arts and culture roundtable; and the administrator of Historic New England which overseas the Browne House.