Natick's Freedom Team Responds To Rise In Hate Incidents

Natick's Freedom Team is stepping up its response as the town sees a rise in reported hate incidents, Natick Patch reports. The town's News Flash confirms 2026 roadway improvement work resumes the week of July 27, and crews began demolishing the Charles River Dam spillway on July 23 wit…

Lexington Woman Charged With Wire Fraud in $10 Million Ponzi Scheme

A Lexington woman faces federal wire fraud charges in an alleged $10 million Ponzi scheme that burned roughly 200 investors. Barbara Hirshfield, 83, is due for an initial federal court appearance on five wire fraud counts, according to Townhall's "Massachusetts Woman Charged in $10 Mill…

Reading Launches Let Grow Summer Independence Challenge For Kids

Reading is rolling out the free Let Grow Summer Independence Challenge for kids this summer, town officials announced this week. The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project is also running truck-mounted spraying across town to control mosquito populations, and Town Hall is asking reside…

Newton Library Hosts "Poop Museum" Science Saturday For Kids

Newton Free Library hosts a "Poop Museum" science program for kids Saturday morning as Patch flags possible changes to the city's overnight parking rules. Susie Maguire of the Poop Museum leads Science Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon on July 25, one of five library programs that day incl…

Governor Endorses Ravi Simon In Wayland-Area State House Race

Massachusetts' governor throws support behind Ravi Simon in the race for Wayland's Statehouse seat. The endorsement follows Rep. Carmine Gentile's decision not to seek re-election in the 13th Middlesex District, according to Wayland Patch's "MA Governor Endorses Ravi Simon In 13th Middl…

Interim Police Chief Defends License Plate Reader Program

Interim Police Chief Van Raalten told the Select Board that license-plate cameras have proven a benefit, MetroWest Daily News reports. The debate over the Flock Safety camera network comes as nineteen candidates compete to become Hopkinton's next permanent police chief this summer, foll…

Holliston Schools Post New Community Letter, Continuing Summer Update Run

Holliston Public Schools posted a new Community Letter online July 24, continuing Superintendent Susan Kustka's summer update run. It follows a letter from the Holliston School Building Committee on facilities plans a day earlier, July 23. The Select Board and Housing Trust meet Monday,…

Framingham Man Granted Parole After Nearly 30 Years in 1996 Killing

Damien Lockhart, convicted in the 1996 Framingham murder of 17-year-old Kimberly Bolton, has been granted parole after nearly 30 years. MetroWest Daily News broke the news Friday morning in an exclusive story headlined "Framingham MA man guilty in girl's '96 slaying gets parole," closin…

Patch Report Questions Safety of Main, Walden Street Changes

A Patch report questions whether recent changes to Concord's Main and Walden streets are truly improving safety for residents. The Town of Concord's roadway contractor will expand next week's construction beyond Old Bedford Road and Bedford Street to include Lowell Road, working July 27…

Carlisle Sets November 16 Date for Special Town Meeting

Carlisle officials confirmed a Special Town Meeting will convene Nov. 16 in the Corey Auditorium and cafeteria at Carlisle Public School. The state has also designated Carlisle part of a Level 3 – Critical Drought region, the Board of Health announced this week, and the Community Preser…