The Worcester County District Attorney's Office said Solomon, 58, had not been located as of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, more than 24 hours after police began searching for her.

Authorities have described Solomon as presumed armed and dangerous and are asking anyone who sees her to immediately call 911.

A large law enforcement presence was reported near Coes Pond Wednesday morning as local, state and federal agencies continued the search.

Police release new video

Worcester police released additional images and surveillance footage of Solomon shortly before noon Wednesday.

The video appears to show a woman police identified as Solomon walking along a street around dawn. Authorities have not publicly identified the location where the footage was recorded.

Police previously said Solomon was last seen Tuesday wearing pajama shorts and a tank top and walking toward Wescott Street.

She is described by police as a white woman with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees her is urged to call 911 or Worcester police at 508-799-8606. Police have cautioned the public not to approach her.

How the search began

The investigation began early Tuesday after police responded to a report of a person down at a Wildwood Avenue residence.

Kurt Solomon, 57, was found dead at the home shortly before 5:40 a.m.

Authorities later identified Karen Solomon as the person they were seeking in connection with his death.

The search quickly expanded, with multiple law enforcement agencies joining the effort.

Timeline

Tuesday, Aug. 18

• Shortly before 5:40 a.m.: Worcester police responding to a report of a person down found off-duty Officer Kurt Solomon dead at a Wildwood Avenue home.
• 5:41 a.m.: Surveillance footage appears to show Karen Solomon walking while wearing sandals, shorts and a T-shirt.
• 11:14 a.m.: Worcester police publicly announced a search for Karen Solomon and described her as armed and dangerous. Police said she was last seen walking toward Wescott Street.
• 3:20 p.m.: Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said investigators were seeking Solomon for questioning and that local, state and federal agencies were participating in the search.
• 6:24 p.m.: The New England Police Benevolent Association publicly identified Kurt Solomon and recognized his more than three decades of service.
• 11:38 p.m.: First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit co-founded by Karen Solomon, issued a statement acknowledging the investigation and expressing condolences to Kurt Solomon's family and colleagues.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

• 10:30 a.m.: The Worcester County District Attorney's Office confirmed that Karen Solomon had not been located.
• Around 11 a.m.: A significant police presence was reported near Coes Pond as the search continued.
• 11:52 a.m.: Worcester police released additional photos and video that appeared to show Solomon walking along a street around dawn.
• Noon: Authorities said Solomon remained at large and presumed armed and dangerous and again urged anyone who sees her to call 911.

Who is Karen Solomon?

Karen Solomon is the founder and president of First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing mental health stigma among first responders and helping them access mental health support.

The organization's biography identifies her as the wife of a police officer.

First H.E.L.P. issued a statement Tuesday night acknowledging that its co-founder was the subject of an active search. The organization expressed condolences to Kurt Solomon's family, friends and colleagues and said its mission of supporting first responders and their families would continue.

The organization said its board was working to maintain its programs and services but would not provide additional comment about the investigation.

Worcester City Councilor Khrystian King also offered condolences to the Solomon family and the broader Worcester community.

King urged residents to support one another while authorities continued their search.

Investigation remains active

As of Wednesday afternoon, Karen Solomon had not been located, according to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Kurt Solomon's death.

It is the way Solomon treated people.

“He was patient, he listened and he was empathetic at the same time,” Farber said.

Solomon, 57, was found dead Tuesday morning inside his Wildwood Avenue home. Authorities have released limited information about the circumstances of his death and have identified his wife, Karen Solomon, 58, as a suspect.

A search for Karen Solomon was continuing Wednesday as law enforcement officers searched areas of Worcester. Authorities had warned that she should be considered armed and dangerous.

Amid the investigation, Farber remembered Solomon as a police officer who spent much of his career building relationships with the people he served.

A career built around community policing

Solomon was a lifelong Worcester resident and graduated from South High Community School, according to Farber.

Before joining the Worcester Police Department, he served as a U.S. Army military police officer in Germany. He graduated from the Worcester Police Academy in 1996.

He initially worked cruiser patrol, including assignments along Route 12 and Main Street.

Around 2009, Solomon moved to the department's bike unit, where he became partners with Farber.

The assignment allowed the two officers to take a different approach to policing. They spent time in Main South and downtown Worcester, getting to know residents and business owners and attending neighborhood Crime Watch meetings.

They also remained available for calls throughout the city.

When a nearby emergency call came over the radio, the officers would often volunteer to respond on their bicycles.

“Whether we were on the east side or the west side, if there was a call that was close by and we were on bikes, we would volunteer and take the call,” Farber said. “Kurt really enjoyed doing that.”

Farber said Solomon was meticulous about his work, routinely arriving early and making sure his reports were completed properly.

But his former partner said Solomon's greatest strength was the compassion he showed people during difficult encounters.

'He'd rather help' than make an arrest

Farber said Solomon often looked for alternatives to arrest when dealing with people accused of relatively minor offenses.

In cases involving people struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, Farber said Solomon would sometimes seek medical or mental health assistance instead of simply taking someone to jail.

“Putting somebody in jail for a small amount of time so they’ll get bailed out — it’s not really gonna help somebody,” Farber said.

Solomon believed connecting people with appropriate care could do more good, Farber said.

That approach became a defining part of the officer's career and reflected the community-policing philosophy he and Farber practiced together.

In 2017, the two officers transferred to foot patrol in downtown Worcester.

Farber retired from the department in 2020. Solomon continued working for the Worcester Police Department and was assigned to the Union Station area before his death.

Remembered beyond the police department

Farber said Solomon's commitment to helping others extended beyond his police work.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and enjoyed golf and mountain biking. He also placed a strong emphasis on fitness and encouraged friends to take care of their health.

Farber recalled that Solomon would sometimes criticize his eating habits — something he now remembers as another example of his friend's concern for others.

“He would scold me for eating bad food all the time,” Farber said. “That was because he cared about me.”

Solomon was also a father to two adult sons, Nick and Brandon.

Farber said he sees many of the same qualities in them that he admired in their father.

“They’re very compassionate kids, they’re intelligent kids, and they’re both hard workers — just like their father was,” he said.

Search for Karen Solomon continues

The investigation into Solomon's death remained active Wednesday, with a substantial law enforcement presence reported near Coes Pond.

Authorities have also released surveillance footage that they said appeared to show Karen Solomon walking along a street early Tuesday morning. Police previously said she was last seen traveling toward Wescott Street.

Karen Solomon is the founder and president of First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit organization that works to address mental health stigma among first responders and connect them with mental health resources.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive or provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding Kurt Solomon's death.

From an outdoor jazz concert and a Polish cultural festival to the city's first kite festival and a pair of rock tribute acts, residents have several options for live music, food and family-friendly activities.

Here are five events happening Friday through Sunday.

1. Jubilee Gardens returns to WCUW

Jubilee Gardens returns Sunday, Aug. 23, for an evening of original music and a fundraiser benefiting WCUW 91.3 FM.

Singer-songwriter Jubilee Connolly will perform with a large ensemble featuring guitar, keyboards, violin, oud, harp, bass, drums and percussion. The music will draw from folk, world, pop and rock influences.

Gang of 3, featuring John Solaperto, Evan Harriman and Dan Hunt, will open the show.

The concert begins at 6 p.m. at WCUW, 910 Main St. A minimum donation of $20 is suggested at the door, with cash and Venmo accepted. Light refreshments will be available, and guests may bring their own.

2. Love Dogs headline outdoor jazz concert

The Love Dogs will headline the ninth annual Jazz+ Live behind The Hanover Theatre on Friday, Aug. 21.

The seven-piece group performs jump blues, New Orleans R&B and early rock 'n' roll, with a lineup that includes horns, piano, guitar and vocals.

Gates open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m.

The picnic-style outdoor event will feature food trucks and cash bars. Guests may bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages.

General admission tickets are $30 in advance and include space for guests to bring their own chairs. Tickets increase to $35 on the day of the event. A stage-front VIP table for four costs $175.

3. Polish Festival brings food, music to Canal District

The White Eagle will host its fifth annual Polish Festival Saturday, Aug. 22, in Worcester's Canal District.

The noon-to-6 p.m. celebration will feature Polish and American food, vendors, traditional music and dance.

Performances include the Piast Children Folk Dancers at 12:30 p.m., Krakowiak Folk Dancers at 1:30 p.m. and the EFO Polka Band from 2 to 6 p.m.

Organizers are also planning a possible pączki-themed contest.

The festivities continue Saturday night with DJ Voy inside the White Eagle from 8 p.m. to midnight.

4. Worcester hosts its first kite festival

Institute Park will become the center of a new community celebration Saturday as Worcester hosts its first-ever kite festival.

The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature synchronized kite flying, a kite contest, art displays, live music, performances, vendors and food trucks.

One of the day's highlights will be the unveiling of a 15-foot community-created kite inspired by the Guatemalan barrilete, a traditional kite associated with Guatemalan culture.

The festival brings together several local organizations, including Technocopia, Guardians of Traditions, the Southeast Asian Coalition of Massachusetts, the Guatemalan Center of New England, The Village and the No Evil Project.

5. KISS and Poison tribute bands take the stage

Fans of classic glam and arena rock can head to Ralph's Diner Saturday, Aug. 22, for an evening featuring tribute performances honoring KISS and Poison.

KISS Forever will recreate the music and theatrical style associated with the iconic rock band, while Nothing But a Good Time will perform songs associated with Poison and the glam-metal era of the 1980s.

The outdoor show is for guests 21 and older and costs $15 at the door.

The pool had originally been scheduled to close Saturday, Aug. 22. The Worcester Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Department announced Tuesday that it will instead remain open for another week as summer winds down.

The extension applies only to Crompton Park Pool. The city's beaches are still scheduled to close Aug. 22.

Worcester recreation schedule

Residents looking to make the most of the final weeks of summer can find the following schedule:

• Crompton Park Pool: Open through Aug. 29.
• Worcester beaches: Scheduled to close Aug. 22.
• Spray parks: East Park, Greenwood Park, University Park and Tacoma Street Playground are scheduled to remain open through Labor Day, Sept. 7.

The extended pool season gives residents another option for swimming as Worcester's seasonal recreation schedule begins winding down.

City officials reminded residents to swim only at locations where lifeguards are on duty and to use caution around waterfront areas.

Councilor-at-Large Gary Rosen filed an order during the Aug. 18 City Council meeting asking City Manager Eric Batista to provide recommendations for reducing recurring summer closures at the two recreational lakes.

The order passed the council and comes after repeated restrictions related to cyanobacteria, along with separate water-quality incidents at other Worcester waterways.

“There must be some way we can get these beaches under control so we don’t have to close them down during the months of July and August when they see the most use during summer vacation,” Rosen said.

Rosen suggested Worcester could work with Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study possible long-term solutions.

“It would be good if we can take some steps, and we have WPI always looking for projects,” Rosen said. “There’s two locations for them, I would think these would be good projects for the students over there.”

Coes Reservoir faces repeated closures

Coes Reservoir has experienced several cyanobacteria-related closures this summer after avoiding such a closure in 2025.

The city first closed the reservoir July 22 after testing showed cyanobacteria levels above the state's recreational public health threshold.

Follow-up testing allowed the reservoir to reopen July 31. It was temporarily closed again Aug. 3 for a preventive treatment and placed under another public health closure Aug. 7 after testing once more showed elevated cyanobacteria levels.

Indian Lake was also under a cyanobacteria advisory during that period.

The city had already applied copper sulfate to Coes Reservoir and Indian Lake on July 6 as a preventive measure intended to control algae growth.

The contrast with 2025 is notable. Worcester's water-quality report for that year found cyanobacteria concentrations increasing at Coes in July, but levels remained low after preventive treatment and the reservoir did not close because of a cyanobacteria bloom.

Coes has experienced much longer closures in the past. In 2022, the reservoir was closed for 78 days because of cyanobacteria blooms.

Why cyanobacteria can spread

Scientists say there is no single explanation for why one lake develops a cyanobacteria problem while another nearby waterway does not.

Pamela Weathers, a biology and biotechnology professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, said nitrogen and phosphorus entering waterways can provide nutrients that encourage cyanobacteria growth.

Runoff from lawns, for example, can carry fertilizer nutrients into a lake. Heavy rainfall can also overwhelm stormwater systems and transport additional nutrients into waterways.

“Cyanobacteria love that and along with heat and the water in which they live, it stimulates their growth and reproduction,” Weathers said.

Weather patterns may further complicate the problem.

Katie Liming, Worcester's lakes and ponds coordinator, said changing temperatures and precipitation patterns, combined with increased urban development, can increase the amount of nutrients entering waterways.

Periods of drought followed by intense rainfall can contribute to erosion and runoff, she said.

Weathers noted that warmer average summer temperatures could also encourage more cyanobacterial growth when sufficient nutrients are present.

Indian Lake also affected

Indian Lake exceeded the state's recreational cyanobacteria threshold in early August, prompting the city to close the lake Aug. 4.

Testing identified several types of cyanobacteria, including Microcystis, Planktolyngbya and Aphanocapsa, which have the potential to produce toxins.

Massachusetts uses cyanobacteria cell counts as one measure in determining whether a recreational public health advisory is warranted. One threshold cited by the city is more than 70,000 cells per milliliter.

Residents also receive information from the Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative, a volunteer group that samples waterways in Worcester and surrounding communities.

The collaborative's Aug. 3 results rated potential cyanotoxin exposure risk as High at Indian Lake's Clason Beach and Elevated at Coes Reservoir and Salisbury Pond.

City officials emphasize that the volunteer monitoring is not a substitute for official public health testing.

Liming said residents should follow city health advisories when they are issued and avoid recreation in affected areas.

Not every closure was caused by cyanobacteria

Worcester's water-quality problems this summer have not all had the same cause.

Smith Pond Beach was temporarily closed after testing detected elevated levels of E. coli. The beach later reopened after subsequent testing produced acceptable results.

Lake Quinsigamond faced a separate issue in July when a sanitary sewer overflow led to temporary swimming and fishing restrictions in part of the lake. Those restrictions were lifted July 28 following additional testing.

The different incidents underscore the variety of factors that can affect Worcester's urban waterways.

City already working on broader water-quality plan

Worcester's Lakes and Ponds Program already monitors local water quality and works on projects designed to reduce nutrient pollution before it reaches waterways.

The city is also developing Project Blue Worcester, an initiative intended to establish water-quality targets for phosphorus, bacteria and dissolved oxygen and identify ways to reduce pollution, including potential stormwater improvements. Rosen's latest order puts a more immediate focus on keeping Coes Reservoir and Indian Lake available for recreation during the summer.

The fraud unfolded in 2023 after Worcester-based Stutman Contracting hired Hussey Seating Company to provide and install seating at the arena. The subcontract was valued at about $1.09 million.

Hussey completed the work and invoiced Stutman for a total of $731,861. But instead of reaching Hussey, three wire payments were sent to a bank account controlled by an unidentified fraudster, according to court records.

U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman addressed the dispute in a July 29 decision in the federal case between Stutman and Hussey.

Fraudster impersonated both companies

The scheme began after an unauthorized party gained access to at least one Stutman employee's Microsoft email account in July 2023, according to the court.

The person behind the scheme also registered internet domains designed to resemble those belonging to Stutman and Hussey. Investigators found that an email rule had been created to divert legitimate messages from Hussey away from their intended recipient.

The fraudulent emails appeared to come from Hussey employees and told Stutman that the seating company had changed its banking information.

The scammer then provided new wire-transfer instructions for an account that did not belong to Hussey.

According to the court record, Stutman did not independently confirm the banking change with Hussey before sending the money.

The fraudulent domain was particularly similar to Hussey's legitimate web address. Hussey uses husseyseating.com, while the fraudulent messages came from addresses using husseyseatnig.com, with letters in “seating” transposed.

The scammer also impersonated Stutman in communications with Hussey, creating the appearance that the two companies were communicating normally.

More than $731,000 was transferred

Stutman sent the first payment — $178,634 — on Aug. 8, 2023.

Two additional wire transfers followed between August and October, bringing the total sent to the fraudulent account to $731,861, according to the court.

At the same time, the fraudster continued communicating with Hussey while posing as a Stutman employee and indicating that payment was being made.

The deception was discovered Oct. 12, when Hussey contacted Stutman about the unpaid invoices. The companies then realized that a third party had been impersonating them.

Stutman reported the incident to police, and the U.S. Secret Service became involved in the investigation.

Court records also describe an incident in which someone posing as a Stutman employee obtained payroll information from Hussey. Investigators said that information was subsequently used to make the fraudulent communications appear more credible.

Companies disputed who was responsible

The loss led to a legal dispute between Stutman and Hussey over who should ultimately bear responsibility for the missing money.

Hussey sought payment through a bond obtained by Stutman to protect payments owed to subcontractors and suppliers. Stutman subsequently sued Hussey, alleging, among other claims, breach of contract, negligence and violations of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act.

Hussey denied responsibility and argued that weaknesses in Stutman's computer security contributed to the fraud. The company also maintained that its own systems had not been compromised.

A forensic examination found evidence that a Stutman employee's email account had been accessed without authorization. A separate cybersecurity review found no evidence that Hussey's systems had been breached.

Judge says Hussey was still owed payment

Guzman ruled that Hussey had not breached its subcontract by seeking payment from Stutman.

The judge found that the contract obligated Stutman to pay Hussey for the work it performed. Sending money to an account controlled by someone impersonating Hussey did not satisfy that obligation.

The ruling means the fact that Stutman transferred the money to the fraudulent account did not eliminate its contractual obligation to Hussey.

The district presented its initial scenarios this month as part of its School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project, an effort aimed at addressing uneven enrollment across school buildings and simplifying student feeder patterns.

No changes have been finalized.

WPS plans to gather additional feedback from families and residents before making a final recommendation later this year. The district previously said it expects additional public hearings from September through November, with a recommendation scheduled for consideration in December.

Magnet schools could become neighborhood schools

Among the most significant proposals are changes involving Jacob Hiatt Elementary School and Worcester Arts Magnet Elementary School.

Under the initial scenarios, both schools could move away from their current citywide magnet models and become neighborhood schools.

The proposed change is part of a broader effort to better match enrollment with available classroom space. WPS has said the project is intended to move students out of buildings operating above capacity while making greater use of schools with available space.

Jacob Hiatt currently serves students in prekindergarten through sixth grade and is officially listed as a magnet school by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The district is also considering moving arts-related programming from Worcester Arts Magnet to another elementary school as part of the proposed realignment.

Elementary and middle school assignments could change

The scenarios would affect several other schools as WPS attempts to create more consistent feeder patterns.

Some elementary schools that currently have different middle-school or high-school pathways could be assigned to a single sequence of schools. The goal is to make it easier for families to understand which middle and high school students will attend based on where they live.

WPS has described improving feeder patterns as one of the central purposes of the project. The district also wants school programming and building use to better correspond with enrollment and community needs.

One proposal would also move the Gerald Creamer Center to the Fanning Building and use the facility for a neighborhood PreK-6 school.

Other scenarios could change assignments involving Rice Square, Grafton Street, Worcester East, City View, Belmont Street and other schools.

Because the district is still reviewing multiple scenarios, individual assignments could change before a final plan is presented.

District examining three-tier school schedule

The boundary proposals are being considered alongside a possible overhaul of school start and dismissal times.

The proposed three-tier schedule would divide schools into different start times, with some secondary and specialized programs beginning earliest, followed by middle schools and some elementary programs, and then a later group of elementary schools.

District officials have said the schedule could help expand transportation availability.

The scheduling discussion is part of the broader alignment project, which also examines transportation, preschool access and the relationship between school buildings and student enrollment.

Full-day preschool expansion also proposed

WPS is also considering expanding full-day preschool, with a goal of offering at least one full-day preschool classroom at every elementary school.

The expansion would occur over multiple years and depend in part on available funding.

The district is separately reviewing its process for admitting students to vocational-technical programs. That review comes as Massachusetts has implemented changes requiring blind lotteries for oversubscribed Chapter 74 career vocational technical education programs beginning with the 2025-26 application cycle for students entering in fall 2026.

Public can weigh in before decisions are made

The district's boundary project began after WPS identified differences in enrollment and building capacity across the school system.

WPS selected Dillinger Research and Applied Data to conduct the boundary and realignment analysis. City procurement records identify the firm as the selected consultant for the project.

The district has already held community meetings and surveys and plans additional public forums during the fall.

The city has scheduled a Sept. 2 community forum at Belmont Tower Apartments as part of the public-input process.

Residents will be able to review proposed boundaries and provide feedback before the district moves toward a final recommendation.

The district has emphasized that the current maps are scenarios rather than final decisions. Any changes ultimately approved would affect where students attend school, how they move between grade levels and potentially which schools operate as neighborhood or citywide programs.

The council's meeting came hours after the death of an off-duty Worcester police officer prompted a major law enforcement investigation elsewhere in the city. Councilors postponed scheduled discussions involving the proposed Civilian Review Board and the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to close its investigation into the Worcester Police Department.

Instead, much of the meeting focused on other public-safety issues.

Council sends speed-camera proposal to committee

Councilor Gary Rosen asked the council to consider holding public hearings on speed enforcement cameras if Massachusetts legislation allowing their use moves forward.

Rosen said the cameras could be considered as a tool to address speeding on Worcester roads. He emphasized that the proposal would involve speed enforcement rather than red-light cameras or Flock surveillance technology.

Under the legislation Rosen referenced, Worcester could eventually be permitted to operate as many as 40 speed cameras on municipal roads and in school zones, with violations issued to drivers traveling at least 11 mph above the posted speed limit.

Rosen said he was not taking a position for or against the cameras yet. Instead, he wanted residents to have an opportunity to weigh in before the city considers any formal action.

The council referred the matter to its Traffic and Parking Committee.

The discussion comes after Worcester lowered its statutory speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph on most city streets. The city's 2026 Mobility Action Plan says the Department of Transportation and Mobility has been evaluating the effects of the lower limit on traffic speeds.

Councilor Luis Ojeda also asked city officials about the effectiveness of the 25 mph limit.

City Manager Eric Batista said officials already have speed data from some areas and expect to provide additional information to the council as the evaluation continues.

Councilors debate Worcester Common safety

Councilor Satya Mitra separately requested a report examining public safety, cleanliness, maintenance and enforcement at Worcester Common and nearby streets.

Mitra said previous disturbances at the Common had raised concerns about safety and asked the administration to outline what measures have been taken.

Councilor Kathleen Toomey proposed expanding the report to include information about previous incidents and arrests, along with the work of the city's crisis intervention and quality-of-life teams.

The request prompted concern from Councilor Robert Bilotta, who argued that the council should avoid creating the impression that Worcester Common is an unsafe place.

Bilotta pointed to the number of festivals and other activities held at the Common and said the city has successfully increased activity in the downtown area.

Council Vice Chairman Khrystian King expressed a similar concern, arguing that regular community use of public spaces can itself contribute to safety.

Immigration enforcement signs rejected

The council later considered a proposal from King to place signs on city-owned property stating that the property could not be used for civil immigration enforcement activities.

King pointed to similar signage in Lynn and said Worcester could use the signs to reinforce an existing city policy concerning federal immigration enforcement.

City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis cautioned that the city might have limited authority to enforce such a restriction against federal officials.

She said the signs could nevertheless serve as notice of the city's policy. Federal immigration authorities retain certain powers to enter property and conduct enforcement activities, depending on the circumstances and applicable legal authority.

Councilor Morris Bergman questioned what practical effect the signs would have and raised concerns about whether the policy could create confusion when federal authorities are investigating criminal activity.

King said the proposal specifically concerned civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations.

Bilotta supported the measure, saying many immigrants in Worcester are fearful of federal immigration enforcement and that the city should make its position clear.

King's proposal failed on a 5-5 vote. Councilor Tony Economou was absent.

The vote did not enact a restriction on federal immigration enforcement. Instead, it rejected the proposed signage measure.

Katrina Maclean pleaded guilty in December 2025 to interstate transportation of stolen human remains, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Federal prosecutors said Maclean bought remains she knew had been stolen from Harvard's Anatomical Gifts Program and transported some of them from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. She also sold stolen remains to other people, including Pennsylvania man Jeremy Pauley.

The case centers on Cedric Lodge, the former manager of Harvard Medical School's morgue. Prosecutors said Lodge stole organs and other portions of donated cadavers between 2018 and 2022, before the remains were scheduled to be cremated.

Lodge sometimes transported the remains from Boston to his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife, Denise Lodge, sold them to Maclean, Joshua Taylor and others.

According to federal prosecutors, transactions were arranged through cellphones and social media. Maclean and Taylor were also allowed on some occasions to enter the Harvard morgue and examine cadavers before purchasing remains.

Maclean subsequently sold some of the remains for profit, including to Pauley in Pennsylvania.

Another source of stolen remains

Investigators also uncovered a separate supply of human remains connected to Candace Chapman Scott, a former Arkansas mortuary and crematorium employee.

Prosecutors said Scott stole remains that were supposed to be cremated, including portions of cadavers used for medical research. She also admitted stealing the remains of two stillborn babies that were supposed to be returned to their families after cremation.

Scott later pleaded guilty in Arkansas and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Pauley, who bought stolen remains from multiple sources and resold some of them, also pleaded guilty in the Pennsylvania case.

Maclean's sentencing status

Maclean's guilty plea resolved the criminal charge against her, but her sentence had not yet been imposed in the latest official federal update available.

A July 28, 2026, announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office said Joshua Taylor had been sentenced to 24 months in prison the previous day. The same announcement listed Maclean among the defendants who had pleaded guilty but specifically stated that she was awaiting sentencing.

Other defendants have received prison sentences. Denise Lodge was sentenced to eight years, while Cedric Lodge received one year. Andrew Ensanian received six months, Matthew Lampi received 15 months and Angelo Pereyra received 18 months, according to federal prosecutors.

The investigation involved the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, East Pennsboro Township Police Department and the Cumberland County District Attorney's Office.

Police were called to the home shortly before 5:30 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a person down and found Solomon deceased, according to Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been released.

Authorities are continuing to search for 58-year-old Karen Solomon, who they describe as a suspect in the investigation and want to question about what happened inside the home.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said Tuesday that the case involves domestic violence. Officials have not publicly detailed the relationship between Karen Solomon and the officer.

The search has involved Worcester police as well as Massachusetts State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshals Service. Investigators have also used K-9 and aerial units.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the Wildwood Avenue residence as part of the investigation.

Police said Karen Solomon is presumed to be armed and dangerous. She was last seen wearing pajama shorts and a tank top and walking toward Westcott Street.

Anyone who sees her is urged not to approach her. Police are asking residents to call 911 or the Worcester Police Department at 508-799-8606 if they have information about her whereabouts.

The New England Police Benevolent Association said Solomon spent more than three decades with the Worcester Police Department and was respected by colleagues as a dependable officer and friend.

The union said he leaves behind two sons, two brothers, his mother and other family members and friends.

Karen Solomon is also known for her work supporting first responders. She founded First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit focused on reducing mental-health stigma among first responders and connecting them with support.

The warning is part of the department's ongoing Ride Smart Medway campaign, which aims to help families understand the laws and safety requirements surrounding e-bikes and other motorized devices.

Police are encouraging families to do their research before purchasing a bike or motorized device. Among the factors to consider are the vehicle's maximum speed, motor power and whether it has operable pedals.

Families should also determine whether the device is designed and permitted for use on public roads and what requirements apply to the person operating it.

Depending on the type of device, riders may face different rules involving licensing, registration and helmets.

Police said understanding exactly what type of vehicle a rider is using is an important first step toward following Massachusetts law and staying safe on the road.

The work is expected to continue through this week and could extend into next week as crews advance through a major remaining phase of the long-running corridor project.

Town Hall, the Parks and Recreation Department and the library remain open, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said. However, residents may encounter limited parking and more difficult access while construction crews are working.

Residents who want to avoid the construction area can use online options for several town services.

Those who need to visit a municipal department and have questions about getting there can call Hopkinton Town Hall at 508-497-9700 for assistance.

The Rock of Salvation Pentecostal Church at 829 Main St. has received an offer from a prospective buyer, according to Christian Negron Rivera, the seller's real estate agent. Rivera said a closing could take place in October.

Church Pastor Jose Perez, however, said the church's board of directors has not yet formally accepted the offer. Perez, who serves on the board, said the church remains willing to consider additional offers.

The potential buyer's identity and the amount offered have not been disclosed.

The church had been listed for sale since August with an asking price of $1.6 million. The property has an assessed value of about $1 million and is located in an area zoned for business-industrial use.

Church has deep Worcester roots

The building was constructed in 1905 and has served as the church's home since 1972, when the congregation purchased it from the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

Perez's parents founded the church in the 1960s. He said the congregation was Worcester's first Hispanic church.

Before moving to Main Street, the church had locations on Beacon Street and at 89 Austin St.

Now, the congregation has about 40 members, a significant decline from the hundreds who attended in previous decades.

Perez said changing patterns in worship and the decline of large congregations since the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the decision to consider selling the property. He also pointed to larger congregations splitting into smaller churches.

For Perez, the potential sale is particularly difficult because of his family's long connection to the church.

“This is very difficult,” Perez said, describing the prospect of selling a church that has been part of his family for decades.

He said the trend toward smaller congregations is not limited to Worcester.

“We're seeing smaller churches all over the state,” Perez said.

Large building could remain a church

The prospective buyer plans to continue using the property as a church, Rivera said.

The building contains nearly 20,000 square feet, including a large main hall and an expansive basement, according to Rivera.

The property is listed with the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Webster police responded to the crash at about 11 p.m. and found the man unconscious at the scene.

Officers and Webster firefighters performed life-saving measures before the man was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. He remained in critical condition, according to police.

The man's name has not been released.

Police have not released information about the condition of the other driver involved in the crash.

The derailment happened at about 8:40 p.m. near the 200 block of Franklin Street, according to CSX.

No injuries were reported.

Video of the incident shows one railcar leaving the tracks, followed by several others that also derailed. One of the cars came to rest nearly perpendicular to the rail line.

CSX crews were working at the scene to remove the derailed cars. Cranes were brought in to lift the railcars back onto the tracks.

In response to growing public concern, the Grafton Town Administrator issued an 18-page memorandum proposing several infrastructure and policy enhancements to mitigate traffic risks at high-volume intersections and hazardous stretches throughout town.

A central proposal in the document recommends the creation of a town-wide Local Road Safety Action Plan. If approved, the comprehensive framework would establish a structured, long-term strategy for analyzing collision data, identifying high-risk roadways, and securing state or federal grant funding for targeted safety upgrades.

Strategic Infrastructure Review

The memorandum highlights several key corridors and intersections across Grafton where physical improvements could be implemented, including:

• Speed Management: Enhanced speed limit signage, digital driver-feedback signs, and targeted traffic enforcement in densely populated neighborhoods.

• Intersection Design: Potential site-line adjustments, upgraded traffic signals, and improved pedestrian crosswalk markings.

• Roadway Engineering: Structural pavement markings and potential geometric modifications at high-frequency incident locations.

Municipal officials emphasized that the proposed memorandum serves as an initial roadmap for discussion rather than a finalized policy.

The Grafton Select Board and local department heads are slated to review the recommendations in upcoming public sessions before determining which projects will move forward into formal planning and budgeting phases.

The first incident occurred around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday along Jones Street. Young resident Janessa Williams was riding her bicycle with friends when an aggressive fox approached and charged at her without warning.

The animal bit into Williams' leg, knocking her off her bike, before attacking her arm and inflicting deep tissue injuries.

Second Attack on Nearby Porch

Less than 13 hours later, around 9:45 a.m. Thursday, a second attack was reported on a porch along nearby Granite Street.

Local resident Zena Bottom stepped outside after family members alerted her to a wild animal in the yard. The fox immediately lunged at Bottom, clamping onto her foot. Bottom reported having to physically pry the animal off her foot before it disengaged.

Emergency responders provided treatment to both victims, who are now recovering from their injuries at home.

Animal Euthanized and Sent for Rabies Testing

Following the second incident on Granite Street, Worcester police officers located a fox in the immediate vicinity. Authorities safely euthanized the animal and transferred it to public health officials for rabies testing.

Police have not officially confirmed whether the same animal was responsible for both incidents, though the close geographic proximity and short timeframe suggest a single rabid or highly aggressive fox was involved.

Local animal control officials urge residents in the area to exercise caution with young children and pets outdoors while test results remain pending.

Morning temperatures starting near 66°F will climb steadily through the afternoon, reaching a high near 80°F under clear skies. Light northwesterly winds around 5 mph, paired with clean air quality, make for ideal outdoor conditions throughout the day.

Weekend Outlook

Unusually dry and comfortable air will persist into the weekend:

• Saturday: Expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching a high of 79°F and an overnight low of 56°F. Rain chances remain minimal at 3%.

• Sunday: Cloud cover will gradually build throughout the day, holding high temperatures near 79°F with late-day precipitation chances under 10%.

Rain Returns Early Next Week

A shift in weather patterns will bring moisture back into Worcester County starting Monday morning:

• Monday: Scattered morning showers are expected, with a 67% chance of rain before skies begin to clear later in the afternoon. Highs will hover near 79°F.

• Tuesday & Wednesday: A brief mid-week warm-up brings mostly sunny to partly cloudy conditions, pushing afternoon highs into the low 80s.

• Thursday: Another localized system moves into the area, bringing a 68% chance of afternoon thunderstorms and high temperatures near 83°F.

Outdoor planners should take advantage of the dry conditions through Sunday afternoon before keeping umbrellas handy for Monday's commute.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. on August 11, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop after identifying the driver as operating with a suspended license.

Upon stepping out of the vehicle, the driver, identified as 44-year-old Johnathan Rome of Worcester, was immediately placed into custody for the license violation.

During a search incident to the arrest, officers recovered eight small baggies containing crack cocaine on Rome's person.

Following the discovery, police formally charged Rome with:

• Distribution of a Class B Substance (crack cocaine)

• Possession of a Class B Substance (crack cocaine)

• Operating a Motor Vehicle After License Suspension

Rome is expected to face arraignment in Worcester District Court.

Emergency crews and law enforcement officers responded shortly before 9:00 p.m. to the intersection of North Main Street and Moore Street. Responding units taped off the area and temporarily restricted traffic while investigators processed the scene late into the night.

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella confirmed Thursday morning that a physical fight had occurred, resulting in one victim receiving 8 to 10 stitches to his leg at a local hospital.

Following a overnight search, law enforcement officers—with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police—located and apprehended a male suspect in connection with the incident early Thursday morning.

Rail Trail Safety Reassurances

Because the police response was concentrated near a major recreational hub, city leadership addressed public safety concerns regarding the popular walking and biking path.

Mayor Mazzarella clarified that while the law enforcement perimeter was established near the intersection, the altercation itself was an isolated incident unrelated to the recreational path itself, emphasizing that the trail remains safe for public use.

Details regarding formal charges, bail, and court appearances for the suspect have not yet been released by the Leominster Police Department as the investigation remains ongoing.

Emergency crews responded shortly before 5 p.m. to the eastbound lanes of I-290 near Exit 30 by Solomon Pond Road. Responding Marlborough firefighters discovered a widespread debris field spanning all three lanes following a collision between a white SUV and a black SUV.

Both occupants of the white SUV were ejected from the vehicle during the rollover and were pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the black SUV, which came to rest off the roadway in the median, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

First responders also located two dogs inside the wreckage of the white SUV. One dog survived without visible injuries and was turned over to Marlborough Animal Control, while state police transported a second injured dog to Tufts Animal Hospital for emergency care.

A Known Danger Zone

As the Massachusetts State Police collision analysis and reconstruction unit investigates the cause of the crash, local fire officials pointed to recurring hazards along that stretch of highway.

The roadway leads directly into the interchange for I-495, where sudden lane shifts and merging traffic frequently lead to high-speed rear-end collisions and lane-change accidents. Marlborough Fire Department Battalion Chief John Ayotte noted that while clear signage warns drivers that the highway branches off, distracted driving remains a significant factor at the junction. Drivers often fail to anticipate the exit until the last moment, causing frantic, high-speed lane changes into traffic.

The crash forced authorities to close all eastbound lanes for several hours, creating severe regional traffic delays through the evening commute. Tow crews cleared the remaining wreckage shortly after 7:15 p.m., and state police fully reopened the highway around 7:30 p.m.

Authorities are withholding the names of the victims pending formal identification and family notification.

The player claimed a $1 million grand prize on Monday after purchasing a winning "LOTERIA" instant scratch ticket at Corner Store on Worcester's main strip, state lottery officials confirmed.

Hitting the top tier in the "LOTERIA" game is a rare feat, carrying odds of 1 in 2,688,000. Out of the three total $1 million grand prize tickets printed for the game, two have now been claimed, leaving just one top-tier ticket remaining in circulation statewide.

The Worcester ticket was part of a major wave of state lottery wins at the start of the week. Another $1 million prize was claimed Monday in Three Rivers from the "$100X" instant game. Across Massachusetts, players claimed 688 prizes worth $600 or more on Monday alone, including 16 in Worcester, 15 in Springfield, and 67 in Boston.

So far this year, the largest single jackpot claimed in the Commonwealth remains a massive $25 million payout from a "$25,000,000 Mega Money" ticket purchased at a Cumberland Farms in Turners Falls.

The victim was identified as Yunio Ciromine Antonio Chaparro by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.

Emergency crews rushed to the Sunset Beach area of Lake Quinsigamond around 3:30 p.m. Sunday after receiving 911 calls reporting a man possibly drowning in the water. Initial responders launched boats and conducted shoreline sweeps, but were unable to locate Chaparro before suspending operations late Sunday night due to poor visibility.

The search resumed early Monday morning with expanded resources, including dive teams from the Shrewsbury Fire Department, Worcester Fire Department, Fire District 14, and Massachusetts State Police. Searchers deployed side-scan sonar equipment and underwater drones to navigate the lake bed.

Search teams located and recovered Chaparro’s body shortly before 11:00 a.m. Monday.

The exact circumstances leading up to Chaparro entering the water remain under active investigation by the Worcester County District Attorney's Office and state police.

Wednesday morning opened with clear skies and comfortable temperatures starting near 19°C (66°F). As the afternoon progresses, temperatures are expected to peak around 28°C (82°F) under partly sunny skies with mild westerly winds around 5 km/h (3 mph).

Extended Seven-Day Forecast

The warm trend will continue through Thursday, matching Wednesday's high of 28°C (82°F) with light winds and minimal rain chances.

A slight shift in airflow toward the end of the week will bring slightly cooler air to the Heart of the Commonwealth:

• Friday: Highs reaching 26°C (79°F) with a low near 13°C (55°F) under partly cloudy skies.

• Saturday & Sunday: Consistent weekend conditions with highs hovering around 26°C (79°F) and evening lows dropping to 14°C (57°F).

• Early Next Week: Temperatures rebound on Monday, reaching up to 29°C (84°F) before settling back into the mid-to-upper 27°C (81°F) range by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Overall, precipitation chances remain negligible across Central Massachusetts over the coming days, offering ideal conditions for outdoor events and summer recreation.

Officers with the Milford Police Department dispatched to the intersection of Tyler and Purchase streets after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting an erratic driver in the neighborhood.

Patrol officers located the vehicle nearby and observed it weaving across lane markings before executing a traffic stop. Upon approaching the car, officers discovered two young children riding as passengers.

Police arrested the driver, identified as Max Escobar, at the scene.

Escobar has been formally charged with fourth-offense Operating Under the Influence (OUI), Child Endangerment While OUI, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and a Marked Lanes Violation.

Worcester Police Department Gang Unit officers stopped the vehicle near 40 Great Brook Valley at about 9:21 p.m. Aug. 9 as part of the department's Summer Impact patrol, according to police.

Officers identified the driver as Liam Nolan, 21, of Manchester, New Hampshire.

Police said Nolan was uncooperative when officers approached and had to be removed from the vehicle. During the investigation, officers allegedly found two loaded firearms under the driver's seat.

Police also said Nolan had a ski mask and gloves in his possession and did not have a valid Massachusetts license to carry a firearm.

Nolan was charged with two counts each of carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a large-capacity firearm and possession of a large-capacity feeding device.

He also faces charges of possessing ammunition without a firearm identification card and resisting arrest.

The traffic stop came after Worcester police reported that their ShotSpotter system detected gunfire in Great Brook Valley at about 4:21 a.m. Sunday. Gang Unit officers were later assigned to the area for targeted patrols, according to the department.

Police have not said whether the firearms recovered during the traffic stop were connected to the earlier report of gunfire.

The arrest was part of the Worcester Police Department's Summer Impact initiative, which uses additional patrols and targeted enforcement in areas identified through crime analysis.

Carlos Almonte Palmers, 45, was convicted June 26 in Manhattan Supreme Court of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree following a two-week trial.

He was sentenced Aug. 5 to 14 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

The case began March 13, 2024, when members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force monitored a Jeep Grand Cherokee associated with Palmers as it traveled from Lawrence, Massachusetts, toward New Jersey.

Investigators followed the vehicle to the Alexander Hamilton Travel Plaza in Secaucus, New Jersey, where Palmers briefly pulled alongside a tractor-trailer before leaving the area, according to prosecutors.

The vehicle later traveled into New York City and the Bronx. Police stopped Palmers near the Cross County Parkway exit in Yonkers and searched the SUV.

Investigators found a large duffel bag containing rectangular packages. Testing by the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory determined that the packages contained approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine, prosecutors said.

Evidence presented during the trial also showed that Palmers had previously made similar same-day trips from Massachusetts to the New York City area, according to prosecutors.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said the sentence reflects the seriousness of large-scale drug trafficking and the risks associated with the illegal cocaine trade.

Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call at about 9:59 p.m. reporting a gray Hyundai Elantra being driven erratically near the Tyler Street area of Purchase Street.

About four minutes later, Milford police officers stopped the vehicle after reportedly observing several marked-lane violations.

Officers found two juvenile passengers inside the vehicle during the traffic stop, according to police.

Max Melendez Escobar, 38, of Milford, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fourth offense; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; child endangerment while operating under the influence; and a marked-lanes violation.

Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino said the presence of children in the vehicle made the incident particularly concerning.

“Driving under the influence puts everyone at risk,” Tusino said, adding that the alleged decision to drive with children in the vehicle raised additional safety concerns.

Operation Yellow Card was led by the U.S. Marshals Service District of Massachusetts in partnership with Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Police Department.

The children, who ranged in age from 12 to 17, were considered at heightened risk of human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, violence and other forms of victimization, officials said.

Investigators followed leads across Massachusetts and into several other states. Some of the children were located outside Massachusetts and safely returned.

The operation also resulted in investigations involving alleged kidnapping, child exploitation, human trafficking and other related offenses.

U.S. Marshal Dennis Matulewicz said the recoveries represented 48 children who were no longer missing and credited investigators and law-enforcement partners with continuing their searches until the children were located.

Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said protecting endangered children remains a central mission of the agency's High Risk Victims Unit.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox said the operation demonstrated the importance of cooperation among local, state and federal agencies when investigating crimes involving vulnerable young people.

The operation brought together numerous agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, Boston Police Department Human Trafficking Unit, federal investigators, several district attorneys' offices, the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families and the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.

Victim-service providers and other organizations also assisted with the effort.

Officials said Operation Yellow Card has ended, but investigations stemming from the operation and efforts to locate endangered missing children will continue.

The U.S. Marshals Service said its Missing Child Program has helped recover thousands of endangered missing children nationwide since 2015.

O’Day, D-14th Worcester, has represented the district since 2007 and is preparing for his first primary challenge in 19 years.

Rajeshkumar has secured endorsements from Mayor Joseph Petty, District 1 Councilor Tony Economou, District 5 Councilor Jose Rivera and Councilors-at-Large Morris Bergman, Kate Toomey and Satya Mitra.

O’Day has the support of Councilor-at-Large Khrystian King, District 2 Councilor Robert Bilotta and District 4 Councilor Luis Ojeda, according to his campaign.

District 3 Councilor John Fresolo and Councilor Gary Rosen have said they are not endorsing either candidate.

The race pits O’Day's nearly two decades of legislative experience against Rajeshkumar's argument that the district needs stronger advocacy for local funding and greater accountability on Beacon Hill.

Rajeshkumar, who has served on the West Boylston Select Board since 2016, said he believes Worcester and West Boylston deserve greater attention from the state.

He criticized O’Day's record on securing earmarks and said he would push for more state funding for the district.

“He could have gotten some earmarks year after year,” Rajeshkumar said, while acknowledging that O’Day has secured some funding for the district.

O’Day's campaign rejected the criticism and pointed to the representative's record on state funding and legislation.

The campaign highlighted O’Day's role in sponsoring the Fair Share Amendment, which established an additional 4% state income tax on annual income above $1 million to fund education and transportation.

The campaign also pointed to increases in state funding for local road and bridge maintenance, saying those funds rose from $200 million in 2018 to $300 million in both 2025 and 2026.

O’Day said his endorsements reflect his relationships with local officials, labor organizations and community leaders.

“I’m proud of my endorsements because they reflect years of working alongside elected officials, labor, community leaders, and organizations to deliver results for the residents of Worcester and West Boylston,” O’Day said.

Audit proposal becomes campaign issue

Several of Rajeshkumar's Worcester supporters have cited his position on auditing the Massachusetts Legislature as a reason for backing his campaign.

Rivera said he supports Rajeshkumar because of the challenger's call for greater transparency and an audit of the Legislature.

Massachusetts voters approved a 2024 ballot question giving the state auditor authority to examine the Legislature. The issue has since become the subject of a legal dispute involving Auditor Diana DiZoglio and legislative leaders.

Economou also cited the audit issue when explaining his endorsement.

He additionally criticized O’Day's handling of a dispute involving Worcester and Holden over sewage charges, saying he believed more could have been done to resolve the matter.

O’Day's supporters, meanwhile, have emphasized his legislative record and experience.

Bilotta praised O’Day for supporting legislation affecting people with disabilities and said the representative has consistently been available to the community.

King also pointed to O’Day's work on the Fair Share Amendment and described him as a legislator willing to take difficult positions.

“He shows up when it is uncomfortable, but necessary,” King said.

O’Day has also received endorsements from several other Worcester-area elected officials, including state senators Michael Moore and Robyn Kennedy and state representatives Dan Donahue, John Mahoney, David LeBoeuf and Mary Keefe.

Leominster police obtained the warrant from Leominster District Court on July 14, authorizing officers to search 28-year-old Sebastian West and his apartment at 19 State St. as part of an investigation into suspected fentanyl and cocaine distribution.

Police executed the warrant at about 4 a.m. with assistance from several local, state and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Federal Drug Task Force, the DEA Special Response Team, the North Worcester County Drug Task Force, Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit and a Gardner Police Department K-9 officer.

Officers entered Apartment D and found West in the hallway and his girlfriend, 29-year-old Tyesha Wayts, in the living room, which also served as a bedroom, according to Detective Jonathan Monahan's report.

Police said both West and Wayts were advised of their Miranda rights and declined to answer questions.

Drugs, Cash and Scales Seized

According to the police report, investigators seized several substances during the search, including:

• About 21.96 grams of suspected cocaine found on the kitchen stove.
• About 0.43 grams of suspected crack cocaine from the living room/bedroom table.
• About 0.23 grams of suspected crack cocaine from the kitchen table.
• Nearly 3 grams of suspected fentanyl or heroin-fentanyl, found in separate locations in the apartment.
• 14 blue pills believed to be oxycodone.
• One pill believed to be clonazepam.
• $886 in cash.
• A digital scale.
• Two boxes of sandwich bags.

Police said the combination of suspected narcotics, cash, a scale and packaging materials was consistent with drug distribution based on the detective's training and experience.

Officers completed the search and left the apartment at approximately 5:45 a.m.

Charges Filed

West, of Apartment D at 19 State St., was charged with:

• Trafficking cocaine, 18 grams or more but less than 36 grams
• Possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance, subsequent offense
• Two counts of possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance, subsequent offense
• Possession of a Class C substance

Wayts was charged with:

• Trafficking cocaine, 18 grams or more but less than 36 grams
• Two counts of possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance
• Possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance
• Possession of a Class C substance

Security cameras have long been used to record activity and provide evidence after an incident. Newer artificial intelligence tools can go a step further by analyzing video, identifying certain objects or movements and helping users locate potentially relevant footage more quickly.

For a city already using technology to support public safety operations, those capabilities could eventually change how organizations manage and investigate security incidents.

From Recording Video to Analyzing It

Traditional surveillance cameras primarily serve as recording devices. When an incident occurs, someone typically has to review hours of footage to determine what happened.

AI-powered video analytics can automate portions of that process.

Depending on the system, software may be able to identify people, vehicles, objects or movement and organize footage around specific events. An investigator looking into an incident could potentially narrow a search to a particular time, location or type of activity instead of reviewing every minute of recorded video.

The technology does not eliminate the need for human judgment. Rather, its potential benefit is allowing security personnel to find relevant information more efficiently.

Worcester Already Uses Video Technology

Worcester Police already has technology infrastructure designed to help officers and investigators access information during public safety incidents.

The Worcester Police Department operates a Real Time Crime Center, which provides officers and detectives with information and investigative support. The city also maintains a voluntary Camera Collaborative, through which residents and businesses can register privately owned security cameras with police.

Registering a camera does not mean police automatically receive a live video feed. Instead, investigators can determine whether a registered camera is located near an incident and contact the owner if footage could assist an investigation.

That system provides an existing framework for using privately owned video as an investigative resource.

AI analytics could potentially add another layer by making large amounts of recorded footage easier to search and organize.

What It Could Mean for Worcester Businesses

Businesses with multiple cameras can accumulate enormous amounts of footage.

A retailer, for example, might have cameras monitoring entrances, parking areas, storage rooms and loading docks. If damage or theft is discovered hours after it occurred, employees could face the time-consuming task of reviewing recordings from several cameras.

Video analytics could help narrow that process by identifying activity that matches a search request.

Similar applications could be useful in warehouses, office buildings, apartment complexes, parking facilities, healthcare settings and other properties where security cameras are already in use.

The potential benefit is not necessarily having more cameras. It is getting more useful information from cameras that are already operating.

Faster Searches Could Aid Investigations

One of the technology's most practical applications is video search.

Consider a business that discovers damage shortly after opening in the morning. Employees may know the incident occurred sometime overnight but have no precise time.

Instead of manually reviewing an entire night's recordings, an analytics system could potentially help locate activity around a particular entrance or identify vehicles or people appearing during a specified period.

The technology still requires people to evaluate the results and determine what actually occurred. But reducing the amount of footage that investigators need to review could save significant time.

Privacy Remains a Major Concern

More sophisticated surveillance also raises questions about privacy and the handling of information collected through cameras.

Organizations using advanced video analytics should have clear policies covering what is monitored, who can access recordings, how long footage is retained and when information can be shared.

Accuracy is another consideration. AI systems are not infallible, and a technology-generated alert should not automatically be treated as proof that someone committed wrongdoing.

Those concerns become particularly important when surveillance systems operate in public or semi-public environments.

For Worcester residents, discussions about expanding the use of surveillance technology should therefore include questions about transparency, oversight and safeguards.

AI Is Not a Substitute for People

Artificial intelligence cannot replace police officers, security professionals, emergency personnel or community relationships.

Effective public safety still depends on trained people, adequate lighting, secure buildings, emergency planning and residents and businesses knowing how to respond to problems.

AI can potentially serve as another tool.

Used appropriately, video analytics could help authorized personnel identify important events sooner, search recordings more efficiently and gain a clearer understanding of what happened during an incident.

For Worcester, the challenge will be finding the right balance between technological capabilities, public safety and individual privacy.

The crash occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m., prompting several Massachusetts State Police cruisers to respond to the scene.

At least two other vehicles were involved, including a Honda Civic and a Toyota Camry, according to reports from the scene. The Honda sustained significant visible damage.

Authorities had not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured or provided details about what caused the crash.

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.

Police said emergency dispatchers received the report at approximately 3:27 p.m. Shrewsbury police and firefighters, along with Worcester EMS, responded to the lake but were unable to locate the man.

Additional emergency agencies were called in to assist with the search, including dive teams from Hopkinton, Worcester and Northborough.

Authorities said crews searched the area using multiple methods, including shoreline searches, surface vessels, divers and underwater drones. Airborne drones from police departments in Shrewsbury, Berlin, Grafton and Westborough also assisted in the operation.

The search was still underway as of 8:45 p.m., when police reported that the man had not been located.

People at the lake described seeing a large emergency response shortly after the incident was reported.

Bryan Louro, who was fishing and riding a jet ski with friends, said he noticed police rushing toward the dock as emergency vehicles arrived.

Another witness, Maicol Cruz, said emergency crews began arriving shortly after he pulled his jet ski from the water.

Police said they were using every available resource in the effort to locate the missing man and emphasized their commitment to safety around Lake Quinsigamond.

No additional information about the man's identity or the circumstances surrounding the reported drowning was immediately available.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced that Berkshire County and Martha's Vineyard have returned to normal water conditions following above-average rainfall across much of the state in July.

Two other regions also improved their drought classifications.

The Northeast Region, which includes Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk counties, improved from Level 3 — Critical Drought to Level 2 — Significant Drought.

The Southeast Region, covering Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth counties, improved from Level 2 — Significant Drought to Level 1 — Mild Drought.

Despite those improvements, several parts of the state continue to face significant water shortages.

Worcester County, Cape Cod, Nantucket and the Connecticut River Valley Region remain under Level 2 — Significant Drought. The Connecticut River Valley Region includes Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties.

Massachusetts communities recorded between approximately 4.5 and 9.5 inches of rain during July, with totals exceeding normal levels in many areas. The rainfall helped replenish rivers, streams and groundwater supplies.

State officials cautioned, however, that drought recovery takes time. Eastern Massachusetts continues to face substantial long-term precipitation deficits, with Nantucket among the areas experiencing the greatest shortages.

Drought classifications are established by the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force based on longer-term environmental and water-supply trends rather than rainfall from a single month.

Officials are encouraging residents to continue conserving water while drought conditions remain in place.

Residents can help monitor conditions by reporting dry environmental conditions through the state's Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter.

How Massachusetts Residents Can Conserve Water

State officials recommend several measures to reduce household and business water consumption:

• Check water bills for unexpected increases that could indicate a leak.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes promptly.
• Run dishwashers only when they are full.
• Take showers instead of baths and limit shower time.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Avoid unnecessary water use when washing dishes by hand.
• Consider replacing older fixtures and appliances with more water-efficient models.
• Use Massachusetts' household water-use calculator to identify opportunities to reduce consumption.

Although July's rainfall brought welcome improvement to several regions, state officials say continued conservation will be important as Massachusetts works toward a broader recovery from drought.

Caleb Butler, 26, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, suffered fatal injuries after his vehicle collided with another car in Uxbridge around 10:45 p.m., according to details released by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.

State and local emergency personnel responding to the scene found that Butler’s Honda Accord had struck a Tesla near the highway corridor. The impact of the collision ejected Butler from his sedan. Emergency responders provided immediate care at the scene before rushing him to a nearby hospital, where medical staff later pronounced him dead.

Two occupants inside the Tesla were also injured in the wreck. Paramedics transported both individuals to a regional medical center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Portions of Route 146 were temporarily restricted Saturday night as crash reconstruction teams gathered evidence and cleared the roadway. The cause of the collision remains under active investigation by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police.

The former textile mill complex, located on Rivulet Street in North Uxbridge, dates back to 1814 and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. McGovern MHQ, which specializes in customizing and outfitting vehicles for law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services, purchased the property to significantly increase its regional production capacity.

According to company officials, moving operations into the Uxbridge facility will allow McGovern MHQ to double its truck equipment footprint compared to its current leased facility in nearby Oxford.

Specific renovation plans and timelines for adapting the 200-year-old historic structure for modern emergency vehicle manufacturing have not yet been released. However, the move marks a key industrial expansion in Worcester County while returning an iconic piece of Central Massachusetts textile history back to active commercial use.

Wednesday morning opened with mostly cloudy conditions and a lingering early humidity level near 87% across the city. Winds remained light out of the west at approximately 3 mph (5 km/h), while chances of precipitation hovered at a low 9% through the early hours.

Temperatures are forecasted to climb rapidly throughout Wednesday afternoon, reaching a daytime high near 84°F (29°C) under partial cloud cover before dropping to an evening low around 63°F (17°C).

Multi-Day Temperature Outlook

Local conditions will trend noticeably warmer through the end of the workweek as high pressure maintains warm air across the Worcester area:

• Thursday: High of 88°F (31°C), low of 72°F (22°C) with elevated humidity.

• Friday: Peak warmth for the week with a projected high of 91°F (33°C) and an overnight low of 72°F (22°C).

• Saturday & Sunday: Daytime highs holding steady around 88°F (31°C) with low evening temperatures ranging between 64°F and 70°F (18°C–21°C).

• Early Next Week: Moderating slightly into Monday and Tuesday with consistent daytime highs near 84°F (29°C).

Residents planning outdoor activities or travel across Worcester County should prepare for humid conditions through Friday and stay hydrated during peak afternoon hours.

The hiring push focuses on attracting clinical professionals capable of managing high-acuity medical emergencies across Central Massachusetts' largest city. According to Worcester EMS, successful applicants will operate under an expanded scope of clinical practice granted through special state project waivers, allowing paramedics to perform advanced interventions in the field.

Beyond frontline pre-hospital care, incoming personnel will have access to specialized career tracks within the department. Opportunities include training for tactical paramedicine, serving on the service’s Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) committee, and leading clinical education programs.

The recruitment effort comes as regional health systems and emergency services continue working to strengthen advanced life support (ALS) coverage and keep pace with emergency response demands. Applications are currently being accepted directly through Worcester EMS.

The emergency meeting was prompted by a recent mechanical failure that rendered the dam entirely inoperable. Community members and board officials weighed three distinct paths forward for the site: full structural repair, complete removal of the dam, or an extensive modern redesign.

Public comment stretched over several hours as residents, business owners, and local stakeholders voiced competing priorities regarding environmental impacts, historical preservation, and project costs. Supporters of dam removal emphasized river restoration and ecosystem health, while advocates for repair cited the landmark's historical value and localized water level management.

Ultimately, the board approved a motion directing officials to repair the structure and immediately begin soliciting competitive contractor bids for the restoration work.

With the vote finalized, municipal staff will now draft specifications to initiate the formal bidding process. Timeline estimates and finalized cost projections for the repair work will be presented once contractor proposals are received and reviewed.

The move to Worcester establishes a brand-new hub site and starting line for the iconic bike-a-thon, replacing the event’s traditional long-time departure point in Sturbridge. The flagship 177-mile route takes riders on a demanding two-day trek across the Commonwealth, ending at the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown.

As the single largest contributor to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Pan-Mass Challenge directs 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly toward lifesaving cancer research and clinical treatment. The addition of the Holy Cross campus provides expanded logistics, lodging, and infrastructure to accommodate the thousands of cyclists and volunteers participating in the event.

Beyond providing expanded facilities, hosting the start in Worcester connects the ride to the city’s deep cycling legacy. Local leaders noted the significance of welcoming the ride to the home of Marshall "Major" Taylor, the world’s first Black cycling world champion, who lived and trained in Worcester at the turn of the 20th century.

Participants faced steep early elevation as they pedaled out of the city's hills before heading east toward the coast. Organizers anticipate that the upgraded facilities and community support in Worcester will help drive continued growth for the fundraiser in the years ahead.

Achieving healthy, radiant skin requires more than an occasional trip to a spa or clinic. According to Angela Boisseau, founder of Ageless Medical Aesthetics, maintaining long-term skin health is a daily commitment—making your home care regimen just as critical as the professional treatments you receive in the office.

By combining tailored clinical procedures with science-backed, medical-grade home care products, Ageless Medical Aesthetics helps clients protect their skin investment, accelerate healing, and target specific skin concerns with precision.

The Power of At-Home Maintenance: Why Products Matter

Professional treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and laser therapies lay the foundation for skin renewal, but daily maintenance dictates how well those results hold up.

Using non-irritating, high-performance skincare at home ensures the skin barrier remains supported, hydrated, and protected against environmental stressors. To provide the best possible outcomes for every skin type, Ageless Medical Aesthetics curates top-tier product lines tailored to individual needs:

• Epicutis (Holistic & Fragrance-Free): Designed with a holistic approach, Epicutis is completely fragrance-free and formulated to calm inflammation. It serves as an ideal solution for post-procedure recovery, compromised skin barriers, and individuals with ultra-sensitive skin.

• Skin Better Science (Advanced Active Ingredients): Formulated with potent active ingredients, Skin Better Science delivers clinical-level results at home. This line targets a wide array of specific skin concerns, including fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, and loss of firmness.

"Home care for your skin is just as important as the treatments you receive. Pairing the right post-procedure support with active daily products ensures your skin continues to improve between clinic visits." — Angela Boisseau, Ageless Medical Aesthetics

Personalized Skincare Strategies Tailored to You

No two skin types are identical. At Ageless Medical Aesthetics, every consultation focuses on building a balanced, comprehensive skincare plan. Whether recovering from an aesthetic treatment with calm-restoring formulas like Epicutis or actively targeting aging and discoloration with Skin Better Science, clients receive expert guidance every step of the way.

Located conveniently on Brussels Street, the practice provides a welcoming space where clients can access professional aesthetic expertise alongside proven at-home product recommendations.

Connect with Ageless Medical Aesthetics

Ready to transform your daily skincare routine or schedule a consultation with Angela Boisseau? Get in touch with the team today:

• Business Name: Ageless Medical Aesthetics

• Contact: Angela Boisseau

• Address: 3 Brussels Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 302

• Phone: (508) 713-5337

• Email: agelessbyangela@gmail.com

• Website: www.agelessinspired.com

• Instagram: @ageless_medspa

• Facebook: Ageless Medical Aesthetics

Finding time to pause, recharge, and connect with local community resources is essential for holistic health. Psalm Wellness, rooted in Cherry Valley, Massachusetts, is dedicated to providing local residents with inspiring opportunities to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

To bring this mission to life, Psalm Wellness is hosting a special Wellness Retreat on Saturday, August 15, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Leicester, MA. Designed as a high-energy, community-centered gathering, this event offers local residents a dedicated space to focus on health, explore regional wellness artisans, and enjoy a day filled with uplifting activities.

What to Expect at the Psalm Wellness Retreat

Led by founder Stacey Novia, Psalm Wellness has curated a dynamic lineup of experiences designed for wellness enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to invest in their well-being.

Key event highlights include:

• Interactive Wellness Classes: Experience hands-on sessions designed to rejuvenate your physical health and promote peace of mind.

• Curated Local Vendors: Explore unique offerings from regional makers, local artisans, and health practitioners.

• Engaging Community Activities: Participate in group sessions built around connection, mindfulness, and healthy living.

• Local Food Trucks: Enjoy delicious food and beverages available on-site throughout the event.

Whether looking to try a new wellness practice, support local small businesses, or enjoy an afternoon with neighbors, the Psalm Wellness Retreat delivers an inviting atmosphere for all fitness levels and backgrounds.

How to Register & Event Details

Space for specialized classes and retreat activities is limited, and pre-registration is required to secure a spot.

• Event Date: Saturday, August 15

• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Leicester, MA

• Registration: Sign up directly through the Vagaro App (search for Psalm Wellness).

• Accepted Payment Options: Venmo and Cash App are accepted for registration and vendor purchases.

Stay Connected with Psalm Wellness

In addition to seasonal retreats and special events, Psalm Wellness operates out of Cherry Valley, serving surrounding areas with holistic health services and community programs.

• Business Name: Psalm Wellness

• Owner/Founder: Stacey Novia

• Address: 190 Main Street, Cherry Valley, MA 01611

• Email: Psalmwellness@gmail.com

• Social Media: Connect with Psalm Wellness on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for upcoming events, class schedules, and wellness tips.

For homeowners across Central Massachusetts, finding a reliable home service provider means choosing a team that isn’t just working in the area—but actively invested in the community. Heritage Home Service continues to demonstrate that dedication by pairing top-tier home services with a passion for supporting local culture, sports, and family-friendly events.

As a proud partner of the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), Heritage Home Service is bringing its commitment to quality and community straight to Polar Park and into the hearts of Worcester County residents.

A Strong Presence at Polar Park

Walk into Polar Park on game day, and you’ll see the energy and excitement that defines the Worcester community. Look toward the outfield, and you’ll also spot Heritage Home Service’s prominent signage—a visible symbol of the company’s ongoing support for local sports and regional traditions.

However, Heritage’s involvement goes far beyond brand visibility. The partnership reflects a shared dedication between Heritage Home Service and the WooSox to create memorable experiences for local families and sports fans throughout Central Mass.

"Investing in local organizations isn't just a marketing initiative for us—it's about building genuine, lasting relationships with the neighbors and families we serve every single day." — Camden Smith, Heritage Home Service

Bringing the Community Together Game After Game

Beyond outfield signage, Heritage Home Service takes an active, hands-on approach to fan engagement. During select WooSox home games, the Heritage team hosts live tabling activations right inside the stadium, creating a fun, interactive space for game-goers.

At these events, attendees can expect:

• Direct Interaction with Local Technicians: Meet the skilled professionals who keep Central Massachusetts homes running smoothly.

• Exclusive Promotional Giveaways & Branded Swag: Fun items for fans of all ages to enjoy during and after the game.

• Family-Friendly Conversations: Opportunities to ask home service questions or simply chat with friendly local experts in a relaxed, festive environment.

These game-day appearances give residents a chance to connect with the Heritage team on a personal level, reinforcing the company's approachable, neighborly reputation.

More Than Home Services: Investing in Central Massachusetts

Whether providing heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical expertise, Heritage Home Service views its work as essential to the health and comfort of the community. Headquartered conveniently in Auburn, Massachusetts, the company serves as a dependable partner for homeowners across Worcester County and surrounding regions.

By aligning with prominent regional organizations like the WooSox, Heritage continues to strengthen the local fabric, proving that business success and community engagement go hand in hand.

Connect with Heritage Home Service Today

Looking for trusted home service solutions or want to learn more about Heritage’s community initiatives? The team is always ready to help.

• Business Name: Heritage Home Service

• Contact Representative: Camden Smith

• Email: camden.smith@justcallheritage.com

• Phone: 508-426-8611

• Website: www.justcallheritage.com/massachusetts

• Address: 109 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501

The emergency rules, announced by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, build on restrictions first introduced in 2025 along portions of northern and eastern Cape Cod.

Under the regulations, anglers may not use a wire or metal leader measuring 18 inches or longer in combination with a hook featuring a gap greater than 5/8 of an inch. State officials say the gear has been associated with intentionally targeting white sharks.

Nantucket was initially exempt from the restrictions because officials found little evidence that shoreline anglers there were specifically pursuing white sharks. However, the state has now determined the regulations should also apply to the island.

According to the Division of Marine Fisheries, the expanded rules are intended to improve public safety while protecting white sharks, a federally protected species frequently seen along the Massachusetts coastline.

Officials said the restrictions will also make it easier for environmental police and fisheries officers to distinguish between accidental catches and intentional efforts to target white sharks.

State wildlife officials noted that shore-based fishing aimed at white sharks can draw the animals closer to beaches, potentially increasing risks for swimmers while also exposing the sharks to injury or death.

The emergency regulations are scheduled to remain in effect for 90 days, although state officials are considering extending them into 2027.

Violations of Massachusetts fishing regulations can result in fines of more than $400, depending on the offense.

The new rules do not prohibit recreational anglers from targeting other shark species that may legally be caught under existing Massachusetts fishing regulations.

Following a bench trial in Central District Court on Aug. 3, Judge Michael Welsh convicted Webb of trespassing and sentenced him to 30 days in jail, with credit for time already served. Webb was acquitted of separate charges of disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct.

Webb's attorney, Samantha Beauchamp, said her client intends to appeal the conviction.

During the trial, prosecutors called Worcester City Solicitor Alexandra H. Kalkounis, Worcester Police Officer Adam B. Sthay and City Hall security officer Aaron Gagne to testify. Webb waived his right to a jury trial, allowing the judge to hear the case.

According to testimony, Webb was issued a no-trespass order on May 25, 2025, prohibiting him from entering or accessing Worcester City Hall and surrounding city property after officials alleged he repeatedly harassed municipal employees. The order, originally scheduled to expire in May 2026, was later extended through May 27, 2027.

Gagne testified that during a Pride flag-raising ceremony on Sept. 5, 2025, he observed a small drone flying about five feet above a crowd gathered outside City Hall. He identified Webb as the drone's operator and told the court he was concerned the aircraft's low altitude and erratic movements created a potential safety risk for those attending the event.

The no-trespass order covers City Hall, nearby offices, entryways, plazas, parking areas and surrounding sidewalks.

The defense argued that Webb never physically entered restricted property and maintained that operating a drone did not constitute trespassing. Beauchamp also contended that drone operations are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration and fall outside state enforcement authority.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Grieco argued that the federal aviation regulations were not at issue in the case. Instead, she asserted that Webb's operation of the drone within the restricted area amounted to a violation of the no-trespass order because the drone functioned as an extension of his presence.

Judge Welsh agreed with that argument, ruling that Webb exercised direct control over the aircraft and that its operation constituted trespassing under the circumstances.

Separate Criminal Case Remains Pending

Webb also remains jailed without bail in a separate criminal matter stemming from a June 15 incident at Polar Park.

Authorities allege Webb flew a drone at a low altitude over a closed police mass-casualty training exercise, prompting organizers to suspend activities while the situation was investigated.

In that case, Webb faces charges including disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct. A judge later revoked bail that had previously been granted in several pending cases, including a June 10 arrest in which police alleged Webb interfered with officers during their duties.

Those charges remain pending, and Webb is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

According to court records, Sean T. Carnes, 48, of Worcester, was arrested following the June 30 incident, during which police allege he entered two separate residences before stealing a homeowner's vehicle and fleeing from officers.

Investigators said the first break-in occurred at a home on Stonybrook Lane, where Carnes allegedly entered an attached garage through an unsecured door. Police said he got into a parked minivan before leaving the property. Authorities have not determined whether anything was taken from the vehicle.

Later that day, Carnes allegedly entered another attached garage at a home on Melody Lane through an unsecured garage door before making his way inside the residence.

According to police, Carnes removed a laptop case containing a computer and other personal documents before encountering the homeowner on the second floor. The homeowner directed him to drop the laptop case, and investigators said Carnes complied before allegedly taking the homeowner's vehicle keys and driving away in the family's SUV.

Shrewsbury police later located the stolen vehicle traveling west on Route 9 near Oak Street. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but authorities said Carnes accelerated away, prompting a pursuit.

Police allege Carnes drove at speeds exceeding 90 mph in areas posted for 30 and 40 mph, struck three vehicles without stopping, traveled in the breakdown lane along Route 9, ran multiple red lights and attempted to ram a Shrewsbury police cruiser during the chase.

Investigators also allege Carnes was operating the vehicle while his driver's license was revoked.

Carnes has been charged with breaking and entering for a felony, two counts of breaking and entering for a misdemeanor, assault with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle after license revocation, two counts of attempting to commit a misdemeanor, three counts of leaving the scene of property damage, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, failing to stop or yield, speeding and a marked lanes violation.

He was arraigned in Westborough District Court on July 1, where bail was set at $10,000 cash. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for July 31.

The allegations against Carnes remain unproven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Halligan's Bar, located at 889 Southbridge St., announced in July that longtime owners Steve Bertel and Paul Brosnihan planned to retire and close the business following its final scheduled day on Dec. 12.

Those plans changed after the business was sold to Dan Raymond and Mike and Katie Langway, owners of Days End Tavern in Oxford. The ownership transition was announced Aug. 1 through Halligan's official Facebook page.

According to the announcement, the new owners will officially take over operations on Jan. 1, ensuring the Auburn establishment continues serving customers without interruption.

The post also confirmed that Halligan's current staff will remain in place and that previously scheduled live music performances and events will continue as planned.

Bertel and Brosnihan have operated Halligan's since 2015, building the venue into a popular destination for live entertainment and community gatherings. The bar regularly hosts regional bands and tribute acts, attracting music fans from across Central Massachusetts.

When announcing their retirement, the owners said they planned to step away from the business after more than a decade to spend time traveling.

In their message announcing the sale, they expressed confidence in the new ownership team and optimism about the venue's future.

The owners also thanked customers for their continued support, saying they are excited to see Halligan's remain a gathering place for friends, live music and the local community for years to come.

The free event is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4 at Fuller Family (YMCA) Park, 104 Murray Ave., bringing together families, neighborhood groups and first responders for an evening focused on strengthening community relationships through informal, family-friendly activities.

Organizers expect another strong turnout after an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people attended last year's event, with hopes of welcoming even more visitors this year.

National Night Out will feature bounce houses, horse rides, a petting zoo, face painting and a Touch-a-Truck display, while food trucks will be on site offering food for purchase.

Worcester Police officers will be joined by members of several specialized units throughout the evening. The department's Traffic Division will provide child car seat installations, while visitors can also explore the department's negotiator vehicle and meet comfort dog Sheruff Barkley.

Several other public safety agencies are also expected to participate, including the Worcester Fire Department, Worcester Emergency Medical Services, Worcester Emergency Management, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office and the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Police departments from Shrewsbury, Quinsigamond Community College, Clark University and Assumption University are also scheduled to attend.

Worcester Police officials said the annual event provides officers and residents with an opportunity to interact in a relaxed setting, helping build trust and strengthen relationships outside of emergency situations.

National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign organized by the National Association of Town Watch. Since its launch in 1984, the initiative has encouraged partnerships between law enforcement agencies and neighborhoods through block parties, festivals, safety demonstrations and other community events held each year on the first Tuesday in August.

Parking for Worcester's event will be available at 12 Hammond St., where shuttle service will transport attendees to Fuller Family Park. Additional parking will be available at Chandler Elementary School.

According to Massachusetts State Police, first responders were dispatched during the overnight hours following reports of a severe collision in the southbound lanes of Route 146, just south of Exit 1.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered that the 26-year-old driver had been ejected from his vehicle. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where medical staff subsequently pronounced him dead. Authorities have withheld his name pending formal family notification.

Two occupants in a Tesla involved in the collision—the driver and a passenger—sustained injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Both were taken by ambulance to a nearby medical center for evaluation and treatment.

State Police collision reconstruction specialists and local fire crews temporarily closed portions of Route 146 South overnight to clear debris and map the crash scene.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police.

Officers responded to the Walmart at 20 Soojian Drive around 3:17 p.m. on July 7 following reports that a man in a black hooded sweatshirt had passed all points of sale with roughly $400 in stolen merchandise.

Coordinated Search and Bus Interception

Upon arrival, Leicester Police Officer Matthew Fenuccio checked a nearby bus stop before expanding the perimeter search. Communication with Walmart Asset Protection revealed the primary suspect was accompanied by a second man wearing a gray sweatshirt.

Sergeant Travis McCauley and Officer Nicholas Wilson located the second suspect, identified as 37-year-old Jose Garcia-Alicea, walking along Main Street near 1643 Main St. Garcia-Alicea was detained while officers continued searching for the primary suspect.

Moments later, store surveillance monitored the primary suspect boarding a Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) bus still on the Walmart property. Officer Fenuccio, joined by a Massachusetts State Trooper carrying a surveillance photo, boarded the vehicle and located 30-year-old Pedro Juan Murillo-Ortega of Worcester seated inside. Unpackaged store merchandise and a stolen backpack were recovered at his feet.

Confession and Additional Charges

Both men were brought to the store’s Asset Protection office for questioning. During a search of the recovered backpack, officers located approximately a dozen stolen items. Store personnel also recovered pop-up tents left behind when the suspects initially fled.

According to police narratives, Murillo-Ortega admitted to the theft during questioning. Additionally, when shown security footage from a previous incident at the same store on June 20, Murillo-Ortega identified himself, adding $409.44 in previously stolen goods to the investigation.

The total value of merchandise stolen during Tuesday's incident was determined to be $513.78.

Court Charges and Release

Despite initially claiming no prior criminal history in Massachusetts, a records check revealed Garcia-Alicea had faced 32 previous criminal charges in the state, while Murillo-Ortega had faced 23.

Both men were transported to the Leicester Police Department and charged as follows:

• Pedro Juan Murillo-Ortega, 30, of Worcester: Larceny under $1,200 by Single Scheme (two counts).

• Jose Garcia-Alicea, 37, Homeless: Larceny under $1,200 by Single Scheme (one count).

Both defendants were issued formal two-year trespass notices from all Walmart locations, granted personal recognizance bail by a bail clerk, and released pending court appearances.

Worcester police officers were initially dispatched shortly after 8 p.m. to Winslow & Pleasant Park—commonly known as Peace Park—following a report of an ongoing assault on Pleasant Street.

Upon arrival, responding officers found no active altercation. Instead, they observed a man lying on the ground surrounded by personal items and an open container of alcohol.

Unlicensed Firearm and Narcotics Recovered

While inspecting an unzipped backpack near the suspect for additional alcohol contraband, an officer located a loaded handgun alongside a package of suspected fentanyl.

Members of the Worcester Police Department Crime Scene Unit were called to the scene to secure and process the weapon. Investigators confirmed the firearm was a "ghost gun"—a privately assembled handgun lacking a serial number, making it untraceable through standard registry databases.

Authorities identified the suspect as 48-year-old Robert McMahan of Worcester. Police confirmed McMahan does not possess a valid Massachusetts license to carry firearms.

Criminal Charges Filed

McMahan was taken into custody without incident. He faces multiple charges, including:

• Carrying a firearm without a license

• Possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition

• Possession of a Class A substance (fentanyl)

• Carrying a loaded firearm without a license

• Open container alcohol violation in a public park

McMahan is expected to be arraigned in Worcester District Court.

Marcus Payne was arrested by Northborough police officers following an incident reported around 12:28 p.m. on July 21 at the 7102 Shops Way retail center.

According to court documents, a female customer was in the store's shoe department when Payne allegedly exposed himself. The victim immediately fled the area to notify store personnel, who subsequently contacted law enforcement.

Failure to Register as Sex Offender

During the subsequent investigation, Northborough officers discovered that Payne is designated as a Level 3 sex offender in Oregon—the state's highest risk category for reoffense. Investigators determined Payne had been staying locally in Northborough without registering his presence with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, as mandated by state law.

Following his arrest, Payne was charged with:

• Open and gross lewdness

• Failure to register as a sex offender

• Disturbing the peace

Payne was arraigned the following day in Westborough District Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty to all counts. He was subsequently released after posting bail pending future court appearances.

On Tuesday, June 16, a Shrewsbury Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a green 2010 Subaru Forester near the Boston Turnpike after observing that the vehicle lacked a valid state inspection sticker.

The driver was identified by police as 34-year-old Matthew Peltier of Worcester.

Narcotics Recovery and Charges

During a roadside investigation, officers located a knotted plastic baggie containing approximately 1.07 grams of suspected cocaine in Peltier's possession.

Peltier was taken into custody without incident and officially charged with:

• Possession of a Class B Substance (Subsequent Offense)

Court Appearance and Next Steps

Peltier was arraigned the following day, June 17, in Westborough District Court. A judge ordered Peltier released on personal recognizance following the hearing.

He is scheduled to return to Westborough District Court for a pretrial hearing on August 28.

Rolando Eloy Figueredo, 38, died on June 3, 2026, after spending approximately a week at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. His relatives said an independent forensic pathologist later told them that a sinus infection that progressed into meningitis was likely responsible for his death.

The official cause of death remains pending, according to the Worcester City Clerk’s Office.

Figueredo was serving a two-year sentence for domestic assault at MCI-Shirley when he became seriously ill. His family says he repeatedly sought medical help while experiencing worsening symptoms, including severe ear pain and pressure in his head.

They now allege that delays in treatment contributed to his death and are calling for a review of the healthcare system provided to incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts.

Family Says Symptoms Worsened Over Weeks

Figueredo’s father, Marcos “Benjamin” Rosario, said he encouraged his son to serve his sentence, return home and rebuild his life.

Instead, the family is now trying to understand how his incarceration ended with his death.

Relatives said Figueredo spent weeks describing symptoms that began like a cold before progressing into severe pain.

His brother, Alex Rosario, said Figueredo described the pressure as feeling like his face was “going to explode.” Family members said fluid was coming from his ears and that he told them during regular phone calls from prison that he felt increasingly unwell.

On Mother’s Day, relatives said Figueredo told his grandmother he feared he might die and asked her to pray for him.

The family said Figueredo requested medical care several times and specifically asked about antibiotics. They allege he was initially given only Tylenol before later receiving ear drops shortly before his hospitalization.

“Did they even bother to check his ear?” his father said, questioning whether additional medical evaluation could have changed the outcome.

DOC Reviewing Death

The Massachusetts Department of Correction said it cannot discuss individual medical cases because of privacy laws but confirmed that a mortality review is being conducted.

“The Massachusetts Department of Correction extends its condolences to Mr. Figueredo’s family and loved ones,” the agency said in a statement.

The DOC also said the health and safety of people in its custody remains a priority.

Figueredo’s family has criticized both the DOC and its private healthcare contractor, VitalCore Health Strategies, which provides medical services at multiple state correctional facilities under a five-year contract valued at approximately $770 million.

Questions About Prison Medical Response

According to DOC policies, incarcerated individuals requesting healthcare should have their requests processed within 24 hours and generally should be evaluated by a healthcare provider within seven days.

A previous state audit in 2020 found that healthcare response requirements were not consistently met under an earlier medical provider.

The family says Figueredo’s case raises concerns about whether serious medical complaints inside prisons receive timely attention.

Family Says Hospital Doctors Found Severe Complications

Relatives said doctors at UMass Memorial Medical Center later explained that the pressure Figueredo experienced was linked to swelling affecting his brain and spinal cord.

The family said physicians told them he had suffered irreversible brain damage.

“No person in the United States should die of meningitis as an adult,” said Rachel Castillo, one of Figueredo’s aunts.

The circumstances surrounding Figueredo’s death remain under review. The final determination of the cause of death and whether any failures contributed will depend on official medical findings and further investigations.

The National Weather Service reported that 4.56 inches of rain fell at Worcester Regional Airport on Wednesday, July 29 — the highest rainfall total ever recorded in the city on that date.

The previous July 29 rainfall record was set in 1980, when Worcester received 1.82 inches of rain, according to weather service data.

July Rainfall Totals Nearly Double Last Year’s Amount

The latest storm also pushed Worcester’s rainfall total for July to 9.84 inches, roughly twice the amount recorded during the same month last year.

In July 2025, Worcester received 4.82 inches of rain, according to National Weather Service records.

Wednesday’s storm became the wettest day of the month so far. The second-highest daily rainfall total occurred on July 7, when 2.41 inches of precipitation was measured.

More Rain Possible as Wet Conditions Continue

Additional rainfall was expected Thursday, though forecasters predicted conditions would be less severe than Wednesday’s storm.

While no flooding advisories were active in Worcester at the time of the forecast, officials warned that more rain could worsen already saturated ground conditions and increase the risk of localized flooding.

The National Weather Service forecast called for improving conditions later in the week, with sunshine expected Friday during the day. However, there remained a chance of evening showers. Partly sunny weather was forecast for Saturday.

Residents were encouraged to remain aware of changing weather conditions as the region continues to recover from the unusually wet stretch.

According to the Shrewsbury Police Department, officers carried out the warrant on June 24, 2026, at the Gulf gas station located at 22 Maple Ave. The investigation focused on Iman Kaveh, 42, of Worcester, who was taken into custody after arriving at the business for work.

Search of Vehicle Led to Arrest

Police said detectives detained Kaveh shortly after he arrived at the gas station in a white Honda CR-V.

Investigators reported that an initial search of the convenience store did not uncover any illegal items because Kaveh had not yet entered the building at the start of his shift.

According to the police report, officers then observed an unzipped green gym bag inside Kaveh's vehicle that allegedly contained multiple packaged pills. Based on those observations, police arrested Kaveh and advised him of his rights before executing the search warrant.

The vehicle was later towed to the Shrewsbury Police Department so investigators could complete the search in a controlled setting.

Police Report Seized Drugs and Cash

According to police, the search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of:

• Approximately 4.49 grams of cocaine packaged in multiple small bags.
• Approximately 78.52 grams of Adderall pills packaged individually.
• Approximately 0.5 grams of oxycodone in packaged form.
• Four tan pills and 10 black pills identified by investigators as Viagra, a Class E controlled substance under Massachusetts law.
• $1,765 in cash, which authorities said has been submitted for asset forfeiture proceedings.

Police also reported that Kaveh's Honda CR-V was seized as part of the ongoing investigation and has been submitted for potential forfeiture through the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

Multiple Drug Charges Filed

Kaveh faces several criminal charges, including:

• Trafficking cocaine.
• Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
• Possession of a Class A controlled substance with intent to distribute.
• Possession of a Class E controlled substance.

The charges are allegations, and Kaveh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Court Appearance

Kaveh was arraigned in Westborough District Court on June 25, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Court records show Judge Jennifer Stark set bail at $50,000 cash and ordered Kaveh held in custody. His next scheduled court appearance is a pretrial conference on July 31, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The two discoveries occurred less than a mile apart near the river areas connecting Turners Falls and Greenfield, but officials said there is currently no evidence confirming whether the incidents are related.

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office said both cases remain under investigation.

Worcester Man Dies After River Drowning

One of the victims was identified as Hermes Mariano Almonte, 21, of Worcester, who authorities said drowned in the Connecticut River on Saturday.

Emergency crews were called around 6 p.m. to the area near Migratory Way in Turners Falls, a location commonly known as the “Rock Dam,” after receiving reports of a person in the water.

Almonte was recovered from the river and taken to Baystate Franklin Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Officials said there was no indication of foul play in that incident, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Second Body Found Near Smead Island

In a separate incident, emergency responders recovered another body Tuesday near Smead Island, an area of the Connecticut River between Greenfield and Turners Falls.

Authorities said responders were dispatched after receiving reports of a person found along the shoreline. The adult male was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene.

The individual’s identity has not been released.

Investigations Continue

The Massachusetts State Police and Montague Police Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding both deaths.

The state medical examiner’s office will determine the official causes of death, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities have not announced any connection between the two cases and said further details will be released as the investigations continue.

The longtime fundraiser will launch its primary route from the campus of the College of the Holy Cross on Saturday, Aug. 1, replacing the previous starting location in Sturbridge, where riders began the journey for many years.

PMC founder Billy Starr said the move has been years in development and reflects Worcester’s growth as a regional hub for business, healthcare and community events.

Worcester Chosen as New Starting Hub

Starr said organizers had been considering Worcester as a potential starting point for years because of the city’s size, renewed development and history with cycling.

The city’s location and growing network of community partners made it an attractive option for expanding the event while improving logistics for riders, volunteers and sponsors.

Holy Cross will serve as the event headquarters, providing facilities for thousands of participants preparing for the ride.

The new setup will accommodate approximately 2,800 riders departing from Worcester, while another group of cyclists will begin at Babson College in Wellesley before the routes combine and continue toward the Cape.

New Route Reduces Distance and Elevation

The Worcester starting point will shorten the first route to Provincetown by about nine miles.

The previous Sturbridge route covered roughly 109 miles with about 4,600 feet of elevation gain. The Worcester route will be approximately 100 miles with around 3,800 feet of climbing.

While still a demanding endurance ride, organizers said the slightly shorter and less difficult course should provide a more manageable experience for participants while maintaining the challenge that defines the PMC.

Event Continues Mission of Cancer Fundraising

Since its creation in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised more than $1.125 billion for cancer research and patient care, according to the organization.

The event attracts thousands of cyclists each year and raises funds primarily for cancer treatment and research efforts.

Organizers said the Worcester transition represents a new chapter for the ride while preserving its long-standing mission.

Temporary Road Closures Planned in Worcester

Worcester officials said traffic impacts from the event are expected to be limited.

A section of McKeon Road between Riverside Drive and Blackstone River Road will temporarily close beginning at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, with the closure expected to last about 30 minutes as riders depart.

Residents and motorists in the area are encouraged to plan accordingly during the start of the event.

Jayden Montes, 23, of Port Richey, Florida, appeared in Worcester Central District Court on Wednesday, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf before Judge Jaclyn R. Greenhalgh. The court ordered Montes held without bail, without prejudice, pending future proceedings.

The case stems from the death of 17-year-old Jazmin Rosario, who was shot on the morning of Jan. 15, 2022, in the parking lot of the Big Y supermarket on Mayfield Street in Worcester.

Arrest Followed Years-Long Investigation

Authorities arrested Montes in Florida on July 1 after investigators with the Worcester Police Department and the Worcester County District Attorney's Office said they developed probable cause to charge him in Rosario's killing.

Members of Worcester Police's unresolved homicide unit traveled to the Tampa area to assist with the arrest and coordinate the defendant's return to Massachusetts.

Court Records Outline Allegations

According to a statement of facts included in court records, investigators allege a confrontation between two women escalated before Montes allegedly produced a firearm and shot Rosario.

The same court document states that Rosario and Montes allegedly had a history of conflict before the shooting.

Investigators also reported that a witness present during the incident identified Montes from a photographic lineup as the alleged shooter. Those allegations have been presented by prosecutors, and the case has not yet been adjudicated in court.

Families Attend Arraignment

Family members from both Rosario's and Montes' families attended Wednesday's arraignment.

Several relatives of Rosario wore shirts displaying her photograph along with the phrase "Justice for Jazmin," while members of Montes' family were also present in the courtroom.

Defense attorney Paul J. Davenport represented Montes, while Assistant District Attorney Timothy Westerman appeared for the prosecution.

At the request of the defense, the judge permitted Montes to participate in the arraignment through a partially opened doorway to limit public visibility during the proceeding.

Next Court Date Scheduled

Prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that Montes should remain held without bail pending further court action, and Judge Greenhalgh approved the request.

Montes is scheduled to return to Worcester Central District Court on Sept. 29 for the next stage of the criminal proceedings.

Additional court officers were assigned to the courtroom as a precaution, although the arraignment concluded without incident.

Under Massachusetts wildlife regulations, private ownership of pet skunks is not allowed.

The state has some of the stricter exotic animal laws in the country, limiting which wild and non-domestic species residents can legally keep.

Are Pet Skunks Legal in Massachusetts?

No. Skunks cannot legally be kept as personal pets in Massachusetts.

The state regulates ownership of wild mammals through Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131 and related wildlife regulations. Certain exotic animals are specifically allowed under state exemptions, but skunks are not included on the approved list.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, commonly known as MassWildlife, maintains rules governing possession of wildlife species. Animals that are not listed as exempt generally cannot be kept by private residents without specific authorization.

Skunks are considered wild mammals under state law, meaning a person cannot simply purchase one from a breeder, bring one into Massachusetts from another state, or keep one as a household pet.

Can You Get a Permit for a Pet Skunk?

For most residents, the answer is no.

Massachusetts does issue certain wildlife-related permits, but these are generally intended for purposes such as research, education, conservation, rehabilitation or licensed commercial activities.

A private individual who simply wants a skunk as a companion animal would not qualify for a permit.

Organizations such as licensed wildlife facilities, educational institutions or approved rehabilitation programs may have different requirements, but those situations do not apply to ordinary pet ownership.

Why Are Skunks Restricted?

Restrictions on skunk ownership are largely based on public health, wildlife management and animal welfare concerns.

One major issue is rabies. Skunks are among the wildlife species associated with rabies transmission, and there is no federally approved rabies vaccine specifically recognized for pet skunks.

Because of this, authorities face challenges when a captive skunk bites a person. Unlike dogs and cats, skunks do not have the same established vaccination and quarantine framework.

State officials also consider the potential risks of escaped or released exotic animals affecting native wildlife populations.

Can You Buy a Skunk in Another State and Bring It to Massachusetts?

No.

Even if a person purchases a skunk legally in another state, bringing the animal into Massachusetts for private ownership would still violate state law.

Some states allow pet skunks under certain conditions, but those rules do not apply once the animal enters Massachusetts.

Residents should be cautious of sellers or breeders who claim a skunk can legally be imported into the state. Wildlife laws vary significantly, and Massachusetts regulations prohibit private possession.

What Happens If Someone Illegally Owns a Skunk?

Authorities can seize prohibited wildlife kept in violation of Massachusetts law.

Illegal possession may result in fines, legal penalties and the removal of the animal. Depending on the circumstances, violations involving prohibited wildlife may also lead to additional enforcement actions.

The consequences can also create serious welfare concerns for the animal, especially if owners cannot provide legal veterinary care or proper housing conditions.

What Exotic Pets Are Legal in Massachusetts?

While skunks are prohibited, Massachusetts does allow some unusual pets under specific rules.

Examples of animals that may be legally kept include certain:

• Hedgehogs
• Chinchillas
• Some reptiles
• Certain birds
• Captive-bred mink under qualifying conditions

However, residents should always confirm current requirements before obtaining any nontraditional pet. State rules and local ordinances can change, and municipalities may have additional restrictions.

What Should You Do If You Find a Wild Skunk?

Wild skunks are common in Massachusetts and should be treated as wildlife, not potential pets.

Residents should avoid handling wild skunks, especially if the animal appears sick, unusually aggressive, disoriented or active during unusual times.

Anyone who encounters a potentially sick or injured skunk should contact local animal control officials or the Massachusetts Environmental Police for guidance.

The Bottom Line

Although pet skunks may be legal in some parts of the country, Massachusetts does not allow private residents to keep them as companion animals.

Anyone considering an unusual pet should check state wildlife regulations before purchasing or adopting an animal. In Massachusetts, a pet skunk is not a legal option.

The Massachusetts farm has become a popular seasonal destination for families looking to combine outdoor activities, fresh food and hands-on farm experiences in one visit.

Open from summer through early November, the farm draws visitors with pick-your-own fruit, homemade baked goods, ice cream, farm animals, a playground and a market filled with locally made products.

A Pick-Your-Own Experience Through Every Season

One of the farm’s biggest attractions is its changing selection of fresh fruit available for visitors to pick themselves.

The season begins with summer crops such as strawberries and continues through blueberries, peaches and cherries before moving into the fall apple harvest.

During apple season, visitors can choose from more than 30 varieties, giving families the chance to explore different flavors while walking through the orchard.

The farm occasionally offers wagon rides to help guests reach picking areas, adding another activity to the orchard experience.

Visitors can check the farm’s current picking availability before arriving, as seasonal crops change throughout the year.

Famous for Apple Cider Donuts and Fresh Baked Goods

For many guests, the baked goods are a major reason to visit.

Tougas Family Farm is known for its apple cider donuts, which have been made from the same recipe for decades. The bakery also offers a variety of other treats, including muffins, scones, cookies and fruit pies.

Seasonal favorites include apple, berry and fruit crumble desserts made with ingredients connected to the farm’s harvest.

Many visitors choose to bring home baked goods after their visit, although popular items can sell quickly during busy weekends.

Ice Cream Adds a Sweet Finish

The farm’s ice cream stand gives visitors another way to enjoy seasonal flavors while spending time outdoors.

Guests can choose from classic options such as vanilla and chocolate along with specialty flavors and fruit-based desserts.

One popular combination is warm fruit crisp paired with a scoop of cold ice cream, creating a contrast that has become a favorite among returning visitors.

The ice cream stand operates alongside the farm store during the main season.

Barnyard Animals Create a Hands-On Experience

The farm’s animal area is another major attraction, especially for families with children.

Visitors can see and interact with goats, alpacas, sheep, chickens and guinea fowl. Guests can purchase animal feed and hand-feed some of the farm’s residents.

During spring, baby goats are often a highlight for visitors, bringing extra energy to the barnyard.

Handwashing stations are available nearby to help guests safely enjoy the experience.

Playground Offers Space for Kids to Explore

Tougas Family Farm also includes a farm-themed playground designed for children to burn off energy during their visit.

The play area features slides, climbing structures, balance activities, swings and an antique tractor that serves as a popular photo spot.

Families can relax at nearby picnic tables while children explore the playground area.

Farm Store Features Local Products

The farm store extends the experience beyond fruit and baked goods.

Visitors can purchase locally produced items such as honey, maple syrup, jams, preserves, sauces and seasonal specialties.

The store also offers pre-picked fruit for guests who want farm products without spending time in the orchard.

The farm kitchen provides casual food options, including sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled cheese and other comfort foods that make it easy for visitors to spend several hours on the property.

Seasonal Events Bring Additional Visitors

Throughout the year, Tougas Family Farm hosts special events tied to the seasons, including blueberry celebrations, peach events, summer donut promotions and fall activities.

These events often include additional entertainment, food offerings and activities for visitors.

The farm’s schedule changes throughout the year, so guests are encouraged to check current hours and event details before visiting.

Planning a Visit

Tougas Family Farm is located at 234 Ball St. in Northborough, Massachusetts.

The farm typically operates from June through early November, offering different experiences depending on the season. Visitors should check the farm’s official schedule and fruit availability updates before traveling.

With orchards, baked goods, animals, outdoor activities and local products, the farm has become a destination where families can spend an entire day enjoying Massachusetts agriculture and seasonal traditions.

From Boston’s neighborhoods to coastal towns across the state, these performers developed unique sounds that reached audiences around the world. Some became international superstars, while others reshaped entire genres through their songwriting, performances, and creative vision.

Here are 10 famous singers with deep Massachusetts connections whose careers helped define popular music.

1. Donna Summer — Boston’s Queen of Disco

Born in Boston and raised in the city’s Mission Hill neighborhood, Donna Summer became one of the most important voices in the history of dance music.

Before earning the title “Queen of Disco,” Summer developed her talents through church singing, theater performances, and musical productions. Her powerful voice combined gospel influences with electronic production, helping transform disco from a club movement into a global phenomenon.

Songs like “Hot Stuff,” “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” “Bad Girls,” and “She Works Hard for the Money” showcased her ability to blend emotion, theatrical performance, and innovation.

Summer’s influence extended beyond disco. Her work helped shape modern electronic dance music and proved that dance records could carry dramatic storytelling and artistic ambition.

2. James Taylor — The Voice of Intimate Storytelling

Although James Taylor spent part of his childhood in North Carolina, Massachusetts played an important role in his development. He attended Milton Academy, spent time in treatment at McLean Hospital, and performed in Massachusetts communities during his early years.

Taylor became known for his gentle vocals, intricate guitar playing, and deeply personal songwriting.

His classic songs “Fire and Rain,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Carolina in My Mind,” and “You’ve Got a Friend” turned personal struggles and everyday emotions into universal experiences.

His quiet delivery became one of the defining sounds of American singer-songwriters, proving that subtle performances could have enormous emotional impact.

3. Steven Tyler — Boston Rock’s Legendary Frontman

Steven Tyler’s career was built in Massachusetts after Aerosmith formed in the Boston area during the 1970s.

The band developed its sound through local clubs before becoming one of America’s biggest rock groups. Tyler became famous for his unmistakable voice, combining blues influence, high-energy screams, and theatrical stage presence.

Aerosmith classics including “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” helped define multiple generations of rock music.

Boston became central to Aerosmith’s identity, giving Tyler the foundation for a career that would eventually reach stadium audiences worldwide.

4. Bobby Brown — A Pioneer of New Jack Swing

Born in Boston and raised in Roxbury, Bobby Brown emerged from the city’s rich R&B tradition.

As a member of New Edition, Brown helped bring youthful energy and polished choreography to 1980s pop. His solo career later pushed R&B toward the new jack swing era, combining hip-hop rhythms with contemporary soul.

His biggest hits included “My Prerogative,” “Every Little Step,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and “Roni.”

Despite personal challenges later in life, Brown’s musical impact remains significant. He helped redefine the attitude, sound, and performance style of modern R&B.

5. Meghan Trainor — Nantucket’s Pop Hitmaker

Born in Nantucket and raised in a musical family, Meghan Trainor developed her songwriting skills at an early age before becoming a global pop star.

Her breakthrough hit “All About That Bass” combined retro influences, catchy melodies, and a message centered on confidence and self-acceptance.

Other successful songs including “Lips Are Movin,” “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” “No,” and “Made You Look” showcase her ability to blend classic pop influences with modern production.

Trainor helped bring doo-wop-inspired sounds back into mainstream pop while creating songs designed for instant audience connection.

6. JoJo — Foxborough’s Powerful Pop Voice

Born Joanna Levesque and raised in Foxborough, JoJo became one of the most recognizable young voices of the early 2000s.

Her vocal ability stood out from the beginning, combining pop accessibility with R&B technique and impressive vocal range.

Her breakout songs “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little Too Late” became major hits, while later work showed a more mature and independent artist exploring deeper emotional themes.

JoJo’s career also became notable for her efforts to regain control over her early music catalog after industry disputes.

7. Rob Zombie — Haverhill’s Horror Rock Visionary

Born in Haverhill, Rob Zombie created a musical identity unlike almost anyone else.

As the leader of White Zombie and later a solo artist, he combined heavy metal, industrial sounds, horror imagery, and visual storytelling.

His solo hits “Dragula,” “Living Dead Girl,” and “Superbeast” established him as a major figure in alternative metal.

Beyond music, Zombie expanded into filmmaking, bringing the same fascination with horror and fantasy into his movies.

8. Donnie Wahlberg — Boston’s Pop Superstar

Born in Boston, Donnie Wahlberg became famous as a founding member of New Kids on the Block, one of the most successful boy bands in music history.

The group emerged from Boston’s neighborhoods and became a worldwide pop sensation with hits such as:

• “Step by Step”
• “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”
• “Hangin’ Tough”

Wahlberg contributed vocals, choreography ideas, and creative direction that helped shape the group’s energetic style.

His career later expanded into acting and television, but his musical legacy remains tied to Boston’s pop culture history.

9. Ralph Tresvant — The Voice of New Edition

Also from Roxbury, Ralph Tresvant became the signature lead singer of New Edition.

Known for his smooth, emotional vocals, Tresvant helped define the sound of R&B groups in the 1980s and beyond.

His solo hit “Sensitivity” highlighted his softer vocal style, while New Edition classics such as “Can You Stand the Rain,” “Cool It Now,” and “Candy Girl” remain influential.

Tresvant’s voice became one of the defining sounds of Boston’s R&B legacy.

10. Jonathan Richman — The Original Boston Alternative Voice

Born in Boston and raised in Natick, Jonathan Richman became a pioneer of alternative music through his band The Modern Lovers.

His songwriting focused on everyday experiences, humor, romance, and observations about ordinary life.

His most famous song, “Roadrunner,” transformed Massachusetts highways and suburban landscapes into a rock anthem.

Richman’s unusual vocal style and unconventional songwriting helped influence punk, indie rock, and generations of musicians who valued authenticity over polish.

Massachusetts’ Lasting Musical Legacy

From Donna Summer’s groundbreaking electronic disco to Aerosmith’s arena rock, New Edition’s R&B influence, and Jonathan Richman’s alternative experiments, Massachusetts has produced artists with remarkably different sounds.

Their careers reflect the state’s diverse cultural landscape — a place where tradition, experimentation, and personal expression continue to shape American music.

Among them are a handful of clubs where membership is highly selective and the cost of joining can reach well into six figures.

1. The Country Club — Brookline

Founded in 1882, The Country Club in Brookline is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in the United States. As a founding member of the United States Golf Association, it has played a significant role in golf history and has hosted multiple major championships, including several U.S. Opens and the 1999 Ryder Cup.

Industry reports estimate the club's initiation fee at approximately $250,000, with annual dues around $25,000. Membership is by invitation and sponsorship, making entry highly competitive.

2. Weston Golf Club — Weston

Weston Golf Club is widely recognized for its classic course design and private atmosphere. The club offers members a traditional golf experience along with dining, social events, and other amenities in a secluded setting west of Boston.

Public estimates place the initiation fee at about $150,000, while annual dues are reported to be around $20,000. Like many elite clubs, membership opportunities are limited.

3. Myopia Hunt Club — South Hamilton

Established in 1882, Myopia Hunt Club is one of New England's most historic private clubs. Its championship golf course has hosted several major tournaments and continues to rank among the state's premier layouts.

The club does not publicly disclose its initiation fee, although industry estimates suggest it is substantial. Annual dues are widely reported to be around $18,000, and membership is offered through a selective invitation process.

Why Membership Is So Exclusive

Joining one of Massachusetts' premier country clubs typically involves more than paying an initiation fee. Most require sponsorship from current members, approval through a membership committee, and, in many cases, a waiting period before admission.

Beyond golf, members often enjoy access to private dining, social events, recreational facilities, and meticulously maintained courses. The combination of history, exclusivity, and limited membership continues to make these clubs some of the most sought-after private destinations in the Commonwealth.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, there have not been any confirmed human or animal cases of West Nile virus in the state during 2026.

West Nile virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. While many infected individuals experience mild or no symptoms, the illness can cause fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, rash, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare but serious cases, the virus can affect the brain and nervous system, leading to conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Health officials note that adults over the age of 50 and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of developing severe illness.

The Town of Billerica said local officials are working with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to reduce mosquito populations. Planned mosquito control efforts include continued treatment of catch basins to eliminate larvae and targeted spraying in affected areas. Residents will be notified before any scheduled spraying takes place.

Although a mosquito carrying West Nile virus was detected in Billerica, the community's overall risk level remains low, according to the state's mosquito surveillance map.

Additional positive mosquito samples have recently been identified in several Massachusetts communities, including Boston, Barnstable, Falmouth, Northfield, Stoneham, Whitman, Woburn, Worcester, and Fitchburg.

State surveillance currently indicates that the highest levels of West Nile virus activity are concentrated in parts of the Boston and Worcester regions, where some communities are classified as having a moderate risk.

Health officials encourage residents to reduce their risk of mosquito bites by using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours around dawn and dusk, eliminating standing water around homes, and ensuring window and door screens are in good repair.

The approved project will add a sidewalk in front of two properties where the existing walkway currently ends, leaving a gap just short of the school entrance. For years, students and families have been forced to walk on grass or step into the roadway, particularly during the winter months when snowbanks block the path.

The effort began after Worcester resident Rocco DeMalia submitted a petition requesting the sidewalk extension. DeMalia, whose daughter attends West Tatnuck Elementary School, said the missing section created dangerous conditions as children traveled to and from school, especially during heavy snowfall when plowed snow covered the roadside.

During a June meeting of the City Council's Standing Committee on Public Works, DeMalia described seeing students walking in traffic because snowbanks left them with few safe alternatives. He urged city officials to complete the missing stretch of sidewalk to improve pedestrian safety.

City officials supported the proposal after determining funding was available through the Department of Public Works' sidewalk construction budget. According to the city, the project is expected to cost approximately $83,600. Because the sidewalk serves a school area, the city will cover the construction costs rather than requiring adjacent property owners to pay.

Following the committee's recommendation, the Worcester City Council gave final approval to the project during its July 21 meeting.

Engineering work is already underway, and city officials expect construction to be completed before the start of the upcoming school year, providing students and families with a safer and more accessible route to West Tatnuck Elementary School.

The 2026 ride will start at Holy Cross on Saturday, Aug. 1, marking a major change for the fundraiser after beginning in Sturbridge since 1981. Riders will now launch their journey from Worcester before traveling south toward Bourne.

The event’s opening activities will have a limited impact on city traffic. Worcester Police said no roads will be closed for the bike-a-thon, and traffic disruptions are expected to be minimal as riders depart between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Saturday.

Parking will be available on the Holy Cross campus, with most spaces located on the upper campus near the Luth Athletic Complex. Organizers said additional parking on the lower campus will be available if needed.

The official ride begins at 6 a.m. Saturday, and members of the public are welcome to visit the campus to watch the start of the event.

The Pan-Mass Challenge, founded in 1980, raises money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The organization has raised more than $1 billion for cancer research and patient care since its creation.

Organizers said moving the starting point to Worcester will provide more space and resources while allowing the event to continue growing.

Holy Cross will serve as more than just the starting location. The campus will also host rider and volunteer registration, the official 2026 Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 31, and support services during the ride, including food, water, mechanical assistance and medical care.

The new Worcester-to-Bourne route will introduce riders to several communities that were not part of the previous course. Cyclists will travel through Worcester, Millbury, Grafton and Upton before continuing along the established route.

The new course covers approximately 100.2 miles, making it shorter than the previous 109.4-mile route that began in Sturbridge. Riders will experience about 23 miles of new scenery before reconnecting with familiar sections through communities including Franklin, Lakeville and Wareham.

The first rest stop will also move under the new route. Instead of beginning with a stop in Whitinsville, riders will now reach their first water stop at Miscoe Hill Middle School in Mendon, located about 21.3 miles into the ride.

Worcester officials welcomed the decision to bring the event to the city when the change was announced in 2024.

Mayor Joseph Petty said the partnership would allow Worcester to welcome riders and volunteers while strengthening connections between the city, Holy Cross and the Pan-Mass Challenge.

City Manager Eric D. Batista said the event would help attract visitors and highlight Worcester as a destination in Central Massachusetts.

On Tuesday morning, police shared a photograph of a woman they are attempting to identify. Investigators did not disclose details about the case but said they are seeking information from anyone who recognizes her. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651.

Later the same day, the department released a second request for public assistance, this time asking for help identifying a man connected to a different investigation.

Anyone who recognizes the man is also asked to call the Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the department's Text a Tip program by texting TIPWPD followed by the message to 274637.

Communities in eastern and central Massachusetts are scheduled to host public fireworks on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, giving families and visitors a chance to experience one of the season's favorite traditions before summer begins winding down.

Friday, July 31

Lowell

• Time: 9:00 p.m.
• Location: LeLacheur Park, 450 Aiken St.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Salisbury

• Time: 10:15 p.m.
• Location: Salisbury Beach, with fireworks launched from a barge approximately 1,000 feet offshore.

Ware

• Time: 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Baseball field at Stanley M. Koziol School.
• Rain Date: Aug. 2.

Westford

• Time: 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Summer Village Road.

Visitors planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early, as many community fireworks events attract large crowds and parking may be limited. Checking with local officials or event organizers before traveling is also recommended in case of weather-related schedule changes.

During a brief hearing in Worcester Superior Court on July 28, defense attorneys requested access to text messages, emails, and other records involving senior command staff, including State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. The defense contends the information could help determine why high-ranking officials were not charged in connection with the case while Lt. Jennifer Penton and three subordinate troopers were indicted.

In court filings, Penton's attorney argued that command-level personnel were interviewed, subpoenaed, or appeared before the grand jury during the investigation but ultimately faced no criminal charges. The defense maintains that additional records may clarify the investigative process and whether decisions regarding prosecution were applied consistently.

Attorneys also requested information related to communications between Special Prosecutor David Meier and the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, which appointed him to oversee the investigation. According to the defense, those records could be relevant to evaluating prosecutorial decisions and whether broader issues within the State Police Academy contributed to the events surrounding Delgado-Garcia's death.

Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old Worcester resident and State Police recruit, died in September 2024 after suffering injuries during a boxing exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Training Academy.

Following an extensive investigation, a grand jury indicted Penton and Troopers Edwin Rodriguez, David Montanez, and Casey LaMonte on manslaughter charges earlier this year. Prosecutors allege the defendants permitted unauthorized sparring sessions before the fatal training exercise, matched Delgado-Garcia against a more experienced participant, and failed to take adequate steps to prevent his injuries.

Penton also faces a separate perjury charge. Prosecutors allege she gave false testimony to the grand jury regarding when she learned Delgado-Garcia had reported concussion-like symptoms to fellow recruits and that she failed to promptly relay that information to medical personnel treating him. Penton has denied the allegations.

No rulings were issued on the defense's discovery requests during the July 28 hearing. Instead, attorneys agreed to continue working with the prosecution to resolve document requests without immediate court intervention.

Special Prosecutor David Meier told the court that his office has already produced a substantial amount of evidence in the case. Defense attorneys acknowledged receiving thousands of pages of discovery while indicating they continue to seek additional materials they believe are relevant to preparing their defense.

CT Realty Trust has submitted an application to the Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals for a residential development at New Balance Fields, a 36.7-acre property located at 232 Stafford St. The site is owned by Worcester Academy, a private co-educational boarding school serving middle and high school students.

The proposed project would include 26 townhouses containing 150 units and a four-story residential building with 57 units, according to the application. Plans also call for 452 parking spaces and related site improvements.

The developer is requesting a special permit and multiple zoning variances to move forward with construction.

One requested variance would allow internal parking-lot roadways to be narrower than the city’s required 24-foot width. Another would permit the townhouses to reach 45 feet in height, exceeding the current 35-foot limit. The company is also seeking approval because the property falls about 2,411 feet short of the required frontage under Worcester zoning regulations.

The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to review the application during its Aug. 10 meeting.

Worcester Academy Head of School Kevin Breen said the school has been transitioning athletic activities away from New Balance Fields to the Capozzoli Athletic Center, making the Stafford Street property available for a different use.

Breen and CT Realty Trust co-founder and CEO Bard H. Kligerman are listed as applicants on the zoning request.

CT Realty Trust is a residential real estate investment firm that owns several multifamily housing properties, primarily in Connecticut. The company is pursuing the Worcester project through a limited liability company called 232 Stafford LLC, according to the application.

The proposal follows another redevelopment effort involving property previously owned by Worcester Academy. The former alumni office site at 51 Providence St. is being converted into a 50-unit apartment building after receiving approval from the Worcester Planning Board.

That project, developed by Boston-based 51 Providence Acquisition LLC, includes five units designated for residents earning 60% or less of the area median income, according to project representatives.

The proposed Stafford Street development comes as Worcester works to increase housing availability and address long-term demand for additional residential units.

The Fitchburg Planning Board is scheduled to discuss a possible moratorium during its July 28 meeting. The agenda calls for a conversation about creating a temporary pause on permitting and development, though officials have not yet determined how long such a pause would last or when it would take effect.

Chantell Fleck, Fitchburg’s principal planner, said the discussion is an early step and that a formal petition with specific details has not yet been drafted. She said Planning Board Chair Paula Caron proposed beginning the conversation with the goal of eventually bringing a potential moratorium request before the City Council.

Several City Council members did not immediately comment on the proposal. Councilor-at-Large and City Council President Anthony M. Zarrella said he could not provide comment.

Ward 4 Councilor Andrew Van Hazinga said he has not yet determined the possible advantages or disadvantages of allowing additional data centers or battery storage facilities in Fitchburg.

“Of course I’ve seen the headlines but it takes more research and discussion to fully understand an issue like this,” Van Hazinga said. He added that a temporary pause could allow the city time to develop appropriate zoning regulations for emerging types of development.

Fitchburg would become the second Central Massachusetts city to consider restrictions on these projects. Neighboring Leominster recently moved forward with plans for a public hearing on two proposed one-year moratoriums covering data centers and battery storage facilities.

The Sept. 14 hearing is required before Leominster’s proposed measures can move ahead.

Communities across the country have increasingly debated the growth of data centers, which house the technology infrastructure used to store, process and distribute digital information. Many newer facilities support artificial intelligence applications, which require significant computing power.

Critics have raised concerns about the amount of electricity and water needed to operate data centers. A 2025 University of Michigan study found that large facilities can consume substantial amounts of energy and require millions of gallons of water annually for cooling.

Massachusetts currently has at least 42 data centers listed by Data Center Map, a global database tracking such facilities.

Other Massachusetts communities have already taken action. Lowell became the first city in the state to approve a data center moratorium in March, while Holyoke became the first municipality to ban data centers outright in June.

That same month, Gov. Maura Healey announced a pause on certain tax incentives for data center developers, saying companies would need to demonstrate that projects would not increase costs for residents or create environmental concerns.

Battery storage facilities have also faced scrutiny, particularly over fire safety concerns. A 2025 study from the American Clean Power Association found that large-scale battery storage fires have occurred, with design and integration issues identified as a leading contributor rather than battery failures alone.

The Fitchburg Planning Board’s discussion could be the first step toward determining whether the city needs new rules before approving future data center and battery storage developments.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for heavy rain with temperatures near 20°C and overnight lows around 18°C. The chance of precipitation remains high, with humidity levels near 91% and winds around 16 km/h.

Rain is expected to continue into Thursday, though conditions should become slightly milder with temperatures reaching about 21°C and lows near 17°C.

The weather pattern is expected to improve by Friday, when Worcester could see partly sunny skies and warmer temperatures approaching 27°C. The weekend forecast calls for mostly cloudy conditions, with highs around 28°C to 29°C and overnight temperatures staying in the upper teens to low 20s.

Another chance of rain is possible Monday before drier weather returns Tuesday, with sunny skies and temperatures near 28°C.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for much of Massachusetts, including Worcester and Fitchburg, as forecasters warn that some areas could receive between 5 and 7 inches of rainfall.

Most locations are expected to receive about 2 to 4 inches of rain, while higher totals are possible across the Berkshires and Worcester Hills. Officials warned that the amount of rainfall could create a dangerous flooding situation, especially in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.

“This has the potential to be a significant and life-threatening flood event for urban/poor drainage areas,” the National Weather Service said.

Rain is expected to become heavier Wednesday afternoon, with showers and possible thunderstorms continuing into Wednesday night and Thursday. Forecasters are also warning of patchy fog and gusty winds during the storm.

For Worcester, Wednesday’s forecast calls for a high near 75 degrees with an 80% chance of precipitation. Winds from the east could reach up to 29 mph.

Wednesday night will bring additional showers and possible thunderstorms, with temperatures dropping to around 64 degrees and a 90% chance of rain.

Thursday is expected to remain unsettled, with showers and thunderstorms likely and temperatures near 72 degrees. Rain chances remain high throughout the day before gradually decreasing Thursday night into Friday.

Conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, with mostly sunny skies returning Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the low-to-mid 80s, with highs around 83 degrees Saturday and 84 degrees Sunday.

The event, held at the Elm Street rotary, was organized by the Wachusett-Watatic Indivisible Network (WWIN) and All Are Neighbors as part of a nationwide day of demonstrations and vigils held in communities across the country.

According to the organizers, the gathering was intended to commemorate Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero while expressing support for families and communities affected by immigration enforcement actions.

Nearly three dozen people attended the Gardner event, holding signs, observing a memorial and listening as the names, ages and circumstances of 70 people who organizers said died during ICE-related incidents or while in immigration detention over the past 18 months were read aloud.

Janice Jacobson, an organizer with All Are Neighbors, said she participated to advocate for what she described as greater justice and accountability in immigration enforcement. She argued that individuals should receive due process and criticised what she believes are excessive enforcement tactics.

Robert Fairchild, another participant with All Are Neighbors, said he attended to show support for immigrants and longtime residents alike, expressing concerns about constitutional protections and due process during immigration enforcement actions.

WWIN co-leader Caroline Fish said the vigil was intended to stand in solidarity with grieving families affected by recent immigration-related deaths. She also questioned the use of public funds to support current enforcement policies.

Organizers said WWIN is a local chapter of the national Indivisible movement that advocates for democratic participation and the protection of constitutional rights. All Are Neighbors, a community group based in the greater Gardner area, has held weekly gatherings at the Elm Street rotary since November 2024 in support of immigrant residents.

In addition to the memorial, organizers encouraged attendees to contact members of Congress to request increased oversight of ICE operations, greater accountability for enforcement actions and congressional visits to the ICE detention facility in Burlington.

ICE has not publicly responded to the statements made during the Gardner event.

Vanessa Gomes was spending a quiet Sunday at the park when she heard people calling for help after a child was pulled from the water unconscious. Gomes said she initially thought the commotion was caused by an argument, but quickly realized a child was in distress.

“As I was walking back, I heard people screaming,” Gomes said. “At first, I thought it might be a fight. But when I got closer, I realized a child had drowned and people were yelling for someone to call 911.”

Gomes immediately contacted emergency services before joining her friend Beatriz Souza in helping the child.

Souza, who recently became certified in CPR, began performing lifesaving measures while Gomes helped keep the area clear and supported the child. Gomes said the toddler showed signs of severe distress, including blue discoloration around the lips, face, arms and hands.

“I knelt down beside her, supported the baby’s head, and helped keep everyone calm so she could focus on the resuscitation,” Gomes said.

According to Gomes, the two worked together for several minutes before the child began responding.

“After about three minutes of CPR, the baby finally cried,” she said.

Once the child began breathing more steadily, Souza carried the toddler to arriving emergency crews, who continued treatment.

The Holliston Fire Department said the child was transported by medical helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester following the incident, which happened around 6:55 p.m. The child’s father was also taken to the hospital after suffering a fractured knee while rushing into the water to help his daughter.

Gomes said she later spoke with the family and received encouraging news about the child’s recovery.

“They told me the baby is doing well,” Gomes said. “She is eating normally, there is no water in her lungs, and the doctors say she is doing great with no lasting damage.”

The father remained hospitalized while receiving treatment for his injury.

Gomes said she was grateful she and Souza were able to respond when the child needed help.

David Tobias Webb, 35, of Worcester, has been charged with trespass, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest in connection with an incident that occurred on June 9, according to court records filed in Worcester District Court.

Police said the incident began while an officer was arresting another individual. According to a statement submitted with the criminal complaint, Webb approached the scene aggressively while yelling and screaming.

The officer reported ordering Webb to stop approaching and warning him that he could be arrested for interfering with a police investigation. Police allege Webb was standing on Saint John’s property, which was posted with “No Trespass” signs.

According to the filing, Webb continued shouting, drawing nearby residents outside to observe the disturbance. The officer stated that Webb ignored repeated warnings that he would be arrested if the behaviour continued.

Police further allege that Webb crossed the street and directed profanity at the officer. When officers attempted to detain him, Webb allegedly ran into traffic, causing a vehicle to stop.

Officers then informed Webb that he was under arrest on the listed charges, according to the complaint. The filing states that Webb fled again, running away at full speed before being taken into custody.

The complaint also details Webb’s alleged conduct after his arrest. Police say he was handcuffed but refused commands, would not stand and repeatedly told officers to “do your job.”

According to the officer’s statement, Webb acknowledged that he was able to stand and walk but then refused to walk, leaned forward as though attempting to fall onto the pavement and kept his body stiff. Officers ultimately carried him into a police transport wagon after determining that he was refusing to comply, the filing states.

Police further allege that Webb lay face down on the floor of the wagon and refused instructions to sit on the seat and be secured with a safety belt.

Webb was transported to the Worcester Police Department for booking. The reporting officer stated that he observed a scrape on Webb but that Webb did not report any injuries at the scene.

Court records show that the criminal complaint was issued on June 10 in Worcester District Court under docket number 2662CR003229.

The charges are allegations, and Webb is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The Worcester Fire Department was dispatched to 237 Lake Avenue North after a caller from neighboring Shrewsbury reported seeing smoke coming from the residence.

Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and launched an aggressive interior attack. According to Assistant Fire Chief Adam Roche, firefighters initially worked inside the home but were forced to temporarily withdraw after the fire spread into concealed void spaces within the structure.

Officials said the blaze extended into the area between the second floor and the attic, where hidden spaces made it difficult for crews to reach the fire. Firefighters transitioned to a defensive strategy to improve conditions before re-entering the home to complete extinguishment.

Roche said dense smoke had reduced visibility inside the house to nearly zero, with smoke extending to floor level. Once conditions improved, fire crews resumed interior operations and extinguished the remaining fire.

The home's Cape-style design, along with possible additions to the structure, created numerous concealed void spaces that complicated firefighting efforts and allowed the fire to spread beyond visible areas.

Two people lived in the single-family home. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Lake Avenue North was temporarily closed while firefighters worked at the scene. The cause of the fire has not been released.

The double-elimination tournament runs from July 25 through July 29 at Fino Field, featuring seven district champions alongside host Milford Post 59. Teams will compete over five days, with the tournament champion earning the opportunity to represent Massachusetts at the regional level.

The winning team will advance to the New England Regional, scheduled for Aug. 5-9 in Shrewsbury. A regional championship would secure a berth in the American Legion Baseball World Series, which will be held in Shelby, North Carolina, from Aug. 13-19.

Milford's return as the host site marks the first time the state tournament has been played in the community since 2022, with top American Legion programs from across Massachusetts vying for the state title and a chance to continue their postseason run.

Coffey Anderson: Making Massachusetts History

Headlining the event is Coffey Anderson, the Texas-born country artist making his very first appearance in Massachusetts. That alone makes August 1st a landmark moment for New England country music fans.

Hailing from Bangs, Texas, Coffey Anderson has built an acclaimed country music career defined by his tireless work ethic, deep sense of humility, and undeniable country roots. His YouTube channel has grown to more than 622,000 subscribers and over 100 million lifetime views, and his Netflix original reality series, Country Ever After, has been seen by an estimated 50 million people worldwide. The Palace TheatresThe Palace Theatres

His song "Cowboy Style" reached number two on the iTunes Country charts, and his patriotic anthem "Mr. Red White and Blue" reached number four, accumulating over two billion swipes on TikTok. Passionate about using music to inspire hope, Coffey's soulful tenor has uplifted the nation with his patriotic songs and connected with millions of listeners across the globe. Known for his high-energy, family-friendly stage presence and ability to blend traditional country sounds with gospel roots and a modern soulful edge, a Coffey Anderson live show is an experience that leaves audiences talking long after the final song. Coffeyanderson

Traveller: The Chris Stapleton Experience

Opening the evening is Traveller, the Chris Stapleton tribute experience that has been wowing New England audiences with its authentic recreation of one of country music's most powerful voices. Traveller is a music project dedicated to recreating the music of Chris Stapleton, bringing together seasoned musicians including an uncanny vocal resemblance to Stapleton himself, magical Morgane Stapleton-style background vocal harmonies, pedal steel, and whiskey-tinged guitar lines. Facebook

Fans can expect to hear beloved Stapleton classics delivered with the raw power and emotional depth that define his live performances, making it the perfect warm-up for the headline act.

A Perfect Summer Day at Oakholm Farm

This is a family-friendly, outdoor event set against the beautiful backdrop of Oakholm Farm, with food trucks on-site to keep everyone fed throughout the afternoon and evening. Bring your own chair, bring the whole family, and settle in for a day of great music in one of Brookfield's most scenic settings.

Get Your Tickets Now

Tickets are available online and selling fast for what promises to be one of the hottest outdoor events of the summer in Central Massachusetts. Secure your spot today at oakholmfarm.ticketspice.com/coffey-anderson before they are gone.

Fishing and swimming are once again permitted near Whitla Drive after the area was closed due to concerns about elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.

The restrictions were put in place after a sewer overflow occurred around 5:20 a.m. on July 24 near the Southwest Cutoff along Route 20. According to city officials, approximately 15,000 gallons of wastewater spilled from a pipe onto city streets.

City crews stopped the overflow at about 7:23 a.m., and the sewer system returned to normal operation. However, officials warned that bacteria levels in nearby waters could temporarily rise because of the wastewater release.

The Whitla Drive area remained closed while officials collected and analyzed water samples.

A follow-up sample showed E. coli levels were below the city’s action threshold, meaning bacteria concentrations were low enough that additional cleanup measures or public health warnings were not required.

Based on those results, Worcester officials lifted the restrictions on July 28 and reopened the affected portion of Lake Quinsigamond for recreational activities.

The funding will allow WCAC to provide direct enrollment assistance for BabySteps, a state program that helps families begin saving for a child’s education by providing a $50 starter deposit.

Through BabySteps, every child born to or adopted by a Massachusetts resident can qualify for a free $50 contribution into a MEFA U.Fund 529 College Investing Plan when a family opens an account. The program is managed by the Massachusetts Treasury and has been available for six years.

WCAC has previously encouraged clients to participate in BabySteps, but the new grant will allow the organization to incorporate enrollment support directly into its financial empowerment services. Staff members will receive training to help families complete the sign-up process.

“By providing the seed deposit to establish these accounts at birth, we help all families take advantage of what their children have the most of — time, and possibility,” said Terra Oliveira, WCAC’s financial empowerment director.

Oliveira said BabySteps assistance will become part of WCAC’s broader financial coaching program, which helps residents develop skills such as household budgeting and managing credit card debt.

The financial empowerment program is free and open to anyone. Over the past four years, Oliveira estimates WCAC has worked with about 5,000 people seeking guidance on financial skills.

She said many clients prefer receiving one-on-one support when dealing with financial decisions, especially when planning for long-term goals.

“Especially when you’re talking to people about money,” Oliveira said.

Oliveira noted that saving for future expenses, including education, can be difficult when families are dealing with immediate financial pressures such as rising costs for food, insurance and other necessities.

She said economic uncertainty has made long-term planning challenging for many households.

“I would say almost all of us cannot absorb the economic shocks that have happened in the short term,” Oliveira said. “And having so much uncertainty makes it really difficult to make a plan.”

Through WCAC’s work, Oliveira said the organization aims to provide families with practical tools and a sense of possibility as they plan for their children’s futures.

“Hope is the thing that people need the most when they’re working with us,” she said.

All classes are available to sign up through the Vagaro app, and spots fill up fast. Here is everything coming up this summer.

July Classes

Sunday, July 26 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Pool Oasis: Meditation & Grounding Start your Sunday with your feet on the earth and your mind at peace. This poolside meditation and grounding session helps quiet mental noise, reduce stress, and reconnect you with the present moment. Grounding practices have been shown to lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and restore a sense of calm that carries through the rest of your week.

Tuesday, July 28 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EBB Flow Yoga with Breath Mantra A fluid, intentional yoga session that pairs movement with breathwork and mantra. EBB Flow Yoga supports flexibility, joint health, and mental clarity while the breath mantra component deepens focus and brings the nervous system into a state of balance. Perfect for all levels.

Friday, July 31 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sound Bowl with Mini Breath Session End the month on a deeply restorative note. Sound bowl therapy uses resonant vibrations to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support emotional release. Paired with a guided breath session, this class is one of the most powerful tools available for full-body stress relief and mental restoration.

August Classes

Saturday, August 1 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Water Aerobics with Coach Kelly Low impact and high energy, water aerobics is one of the most joint-friendly forms of cardiovascular exercise available. Coach Kelly leads this fun, effective class that builds strength, improves endurance, and keeps you cool while you work.

Thursday, August 6 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Water Aerobics with Coach Kelly A second opportunity to join Coach Kelly in the pool for a full-body cardiovascular workout that is easy on the joints and big on results.

Friday, August 7 | 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM Breath Isolation Mantra Targeted breathwork focused on isolating specific breathing patterns to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve lung capacity. Regular breath isolation practice supports better sleep, sharper focus, and a stronger mind-body connection.

Sunday, August 9 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Pool Oasis: Meditation & Grounding A second chance to experience the beloved poolside meditation and grounding session. Come barefoot, come as you are, and leave feeling restored.

Monday, August 10 | 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Yoga Flow by the Pool An evening yoga flow session in an outdoor poolside setting, combining movement, breath, and the natural calm of being outside. Yoga flow builds strength, improves posture, increases flexibility, and supports emotional well-being.

Special Event: Saturday, August 15 | 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Psalm Wellness Rooted & Radiant Experience

This is the signature event of the summer and not one to miss. The Rooted & Radiant Experience is an all-day immersive wellness event built around four pillars: Deep Restore, Connection, and Community. Expect a full day of classes, experiences, and connection with like-minded people all committed to living and feeling better. More details to follow, but clear your calendar now.

Tuesday, August 18 | 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM LIFE Flow Movement Session A dynamic movement class designed to get the body flowing freely and joyfully. LIFE Flow focuses on functional movement patterns that translate directly into everyday life, improving mobility, coordination, and energy levels.

Friday, August 21 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pool Aerobics with Coach Kelly Another opportunity to join Coach Kelly for a refreshing, low-impact pool aerobics session that delivers a full cardiovascular workout while keeping things fun and accessible for all fitness levels.

Monday, August 24 | 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Yoga Flow by the Pool A repeat of the popular evening poolside yoga session, giving those who missed the first one another chance to unwind, stretch, and reconnect with their body under the open sky.

Friday, August 28 | 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Breath & Spinal Flexibility with Bamboo Sticks A unique and deeply effective class combining intentional breathwork with spinal flexibility exercises using bamboo sticks as a support tool. Spinal flexibility is essential for posture, nerve health, and overall mobility, and when paired with guided breathing, the results are felt immediately and build over time.

Monday, August 31 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Breath Isolation Mantra Close out the summer with one final breathwork session, resetting the nervous system, clearing mental clutter, and stepping into September feeling grounded and strong.

How to Sign Up

All classes are held at 173 Henshaw Street, Leicester, MA. Sign up through the Vagaro app to reserve your spot. For questions, call 774-289-9089 or connect with Psalm Wellness on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for updates, inspiration, and community. Follow and like the Psalm Wellness page to stay in the loop all summer long.

Damien Lockhart, now 51, was granted conditional release by the Massachusetts Parole Board after multiple previous petitions were denied in 2013, 2018, 2023, and 2025.

The 1996 Crime and Conviction

On August 10, 1996, 17-year-old Kimberly Jane Bolton was found dead along a dirt access road near railroad tracks in Framingham. Investigators determined she died from severe blunt-force trauma to the head and face inflicted with a rock. Physical evidence, including matching footprint impressions and bloodstains consistent with the victim on Lockhart's clothing, led to his arrest by Framingham police.

In September 1997, Lockhart pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted rape. He received a life sentence with the possibility of parole alongside a concurrent 9-to-12-year sentence, running consecutive to a separate sentence for armed robbery.

Factors in the Parole Decision

In rendering its decision, the Parole Board cited several factors supporting Lockhart's release, including:

• Rehabilitation Programs: Completion of required institutional coursework, including specialized empathy training.

• Health and Mobility: Physical health evaluations noting Lockhart now uses a wheelchair due to mobility issues stemming from spinal and hip conditions.

• Re-entry Plan: A structured transitional living plan supported by family and friends.

The decision was reached despite vocal opposition from members of Bolton's family and Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Alicia Walsh, who urged the board to keep Lockhart incarcerated.

Strict Release Mandates Imposed

The Parole Board attached extensive conditions to Lockhart’s release, including mandatory electronic monitoring, a strict overnight curfew (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), random drug and alcohol screening, mental health counseling, and specialized sex-offender supervision protocols. Lockhart is strictly barred from contacting the victim's family or victims of his prior offenses.

City councilors say the issue extends beyond a single property, raising broader questions about whether Worcester's current noise ordinance provides clear guidance for residents, event organizers and enforcement officials.

District Councilor Tony Economou has asked City Manager Eric Batista to organize a meeting involving church leadership, neighborhood residents, police, Inspectional Services, the License Commission and city officials before additional events are held at the church's function hall.

Economou also introduced two additional measures that would require a review of Worcester's excessive noise ordinance and provide councilors with a detailed explanation of how residents report complaints and how those reports are investigated.

Speaking during Tuesday's City Council meeting, Economou said neighbors have repeatedly voiced concerns about loud music continuing well into the night.

Residents, he said, are not objecting to community events themselves but are seeking consistent enforcement when gatherings extend late into the evening.

"We've reached the point where a long-term solution is needed," Economou said.

City Details Previous Enforcement Efforts

City Manager Eric Batista told councilors that Inspectional Services previously prohibited use of the church's event space after determining violations had occurred. During that period, neighborhood complaints declined.

The restrictions were lifted around July 10 after church representatives assured city officials they had implemented measures to better manage events and reduce excessive noise.

Batista said additional complaints were reported after activities resumed, prompting Inspectional Services to reopen discussions with church leadership.

Inspectional Services Commissioner Nick Antanavica said the building was originally posted on June 30 after officials determined the event space was being used in a manner that required permits under the state building code.

Before reopening, church officials agreed to post notices prohibiting amplified music without approval from the Worcester License Commission and reminding event organizers of the city's overnight noise regulations.

According to Antanavica, no verified complaints requiring enforcement action have been received through 911, 311 or the police non-emergency line since those restrictions were lifted.

He said future verified violations could result in citations, fines or additional enforcement actions, including possible revocation of the building's certificate of occupancy.

Antanavica also noted that enforcing excessive noise complaints can be difficult because measuring nuisance noise often requires comparing sound levels to surrounding background noise, information that is not consistently available throughout the city.

Church Implements New Rules

Fr. Enoch Kyeremateng, parish administrator of St. Joan of Arc Church, acknowledged the concerns raised by neighbors and said the parish has already introduced stricter policies governing events at the facility.

Among those changes is the cancellation of overnight gatherings that have historically generated the most complaints.

Kyeremateng also said he is willing to participate in future neighborhood meetings, provided they do not conflict with pastoral responsibilities.

While accepting responsibility for previous issues, he said he believes some reports have overstated the extent of the problem. Even so, he said the church intends to continue enforcing the new restrictions in an effort to improve relations with nearby residents.

Council Requests More Transparency

Several councilors called for additional information about how Worcester handles excessive noise complaints.

Council Vice Chairman Khrystian King requested a written report outlining the number of complaints received, the city's response, any documented violations, enforcement actions and whether fines or event shutdowns have occurred.

King also asked city officials to explain how excessive noise is measured and whether enforcement standards are applied consistently throughout Worcester.

Councilor Satya Mitra said residents have repeatedly contacted councilors about the property over several years and urged the city to move toward a lasting solution.

Councilor Kathleen Toomey described the dispute as a longstanding neighborhood issue that has continued despite changes in church leadership and elected officials, saying it is time to resolve the matter.

Councilor Robert Bilotta added that residents in other parts of Worcester, including Waverly Street, have also expressed concerns about late-night noise, emphasizing that city regulations should be enforced fairly across all neighborhoods.

Broader Review of Worcester's Noise Ordinance

Beyond the complaints surrounding St. Joan of Arc Church, Economou said the situation highlights the need to evaluate whether Worcester's noise ordinance provides sufficient clarity for both residents and organizations hosting public events.

One proposal would have the Public Safety Committee review the city's ordinance and determine whether Worcester should establish a formal noise variance process for churches, festivals and other special events requiring amplified sound.

Another request directs the city administration to prepare a report explaining how residents currently report excessive noise and how those complaints move through the enforcement process.

The City Council approved sending Economou's request for a neighborhood meeting to the city manager while referring the ordinance review to the Public Safety Committee. Councilors also requested the administrative report on complaint procedures.

A date for the proposed neighborhood meeting has not yet been announced.

The incident began shortly after midnight on June 1, when Leominster Police Officer Matthew Chagnon was assigned to a private detail on Main Street near Tolman Avenue. According to a police report, Chagnon observed a damaged pickup truck traveling through the area and stopped to investigate after noticing the vehicle appeared to have been involved in a collision.

Police said the truck, a Hyundai Santa Cruz, was later determined to have been involved in a crash on Route 2. Massachusetts State Police responded and arrested the driver, identified as 19-year-old Luis Lourenco, in connection with the crash investigation.

While officers were handling the initial incident, police said several of Lourenco’s friends approached Officer Chagnon, recorded him with their phones and verbally confronted him before leaving the area.

According to the officer’s report, one of the men later returned with others in a vehicle and allegedly shouted profanities and threats toward Chagnon while he was back at his detail location.

Police said the comments included threats directed at the officer’s family. Investigators alleged the confrontation was retaliation connected to the earlier arrest.

Traffic Stop Leads to Additional Arrests

After the vehicle allegedly returned to the area, Chagnon identified it and initiated a traffic stop after learning the vehicle’s registration had been revoked due to insurance issues.

The driver was identified as 24-year-old Rodrigo Flores-Velazquez of Leominster, according to police.

Authorities said Flores-Velazquez was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. Police then requested a tow because of the vehicle’s registration status.

According to the police report, Flores-Velazquez initially refused multiple orders to exit the vehicle, leading officers to physically remove him and take him into custody.

During the arrest, police said two passengers — identified as 21-year-old Michael Castro-Hernandez of Lawrence and 21-year-old Mauricio Daniel Barcelo of Leominster — exited the vehicle and approached officers in an aggressive manner.

Officers said the two men were restrained from interfering with the arrest.

Charges Filed

Flores-Velazquez was charged with:

• Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration
• Witness intimidation involving a police officer
• Resisting arrest
• Interfering with a police officer
• Disturbing the peace

Castro-Hernandez was charged with:

• Witness intimidation involving a police officer
• Assault
• Disturbing the peace

Barcelo was charged with:

• Witness intimidation involving a police officer
• Assault
• Disturbing the peace

Police said the vehicle was towed from the scene and its license plates were seized.

The three men were transported to the Leominster Police Department for booking.

The allegations remain pending and will be addressed through the court process.

The Worcester Public Schools Nutrition Department is participating in the federal Summer Food Service Program, known locally as Summer Eats, providing meals to children and teenagers throughout the summer months at dozens of locations across the city.

At Crompton Park on a recent afternoon, children leaving the swimming pool lined up beside a Worcester Nutrition truck for a free meal. Staff members distributed items including sandwiches, fruit and milk to young residents spending the day at the park.

The program operates without requiring identification, registration or proof of school enrollment, allowing any child under age 18 to receive a meal at participating open sites.

Expanding Access Through Community Locations

Worcester Public Schools Nutrition Director Danielle Collins said the city’s approach focuses on making meals easy for families to access by bringing food directly into neighborhoods.

Unlike programs limited to enrolled students, many Summer Eats locations are open to any child who visits the site.

"Open sites" include locations such as public parks, libraries and community centers where children can stop by during scheduled meal times.

One of the busiest locations is the Central Community Branch YMCA on Main Street, where roughly 200 children receive meals on an average summer day, according to Collins.

She said the open-site model allows families to access food while participating in other activities nearby.

At locations such as the Worcester Public Library, children can pick up a meal while attending summer programs. At city parks, meals are often distributed alongside recreational activities, sports and outdoor events.

New Sites Added This Summer

The Summer Eats program has expanded this year with additional meal locations serving children enrolled in summer programs at the EcoTarium and the Jewish Community Center.

Those locations operate as closed sites because the facilities do not have enough outdoor space to safely serve both enrolled campers and the general public.

Several Worcester public schools also serve as closed Summer Eats locations, providing meals to students participating in summer academic programs.

Other community locations, including Crompton Park, the Worcester Public Library branches, Logan Field Park and University Park, provide meals through open distribution sites.

Addressing Summer Food Needs

Summer Eats is part of a nationwide effort that traces back decades, building on federal programs designed to ensure children continue receiving nutritious meals when school is not in session.

Local officials say programs like Summer Eats remain especially important as many families continue facing food insecurity challenges.

Worcester Public Schools has reported that a large portion of its student population qualifies as low-income, increasing the need for accessible summer meal options.

Collins said federal funding continues to support the program, allowing Worcester to maintain meal distribution throughout the summer.

Weather Influences Participation

Daily attendance at Summer Eats locations can vary significantly depending on the weather.

Collins said hot days often bring larger crowds, especially at parks, pools and splash pad locations, while rainy weather can reduce participation.

During a recent visit to Elm Park, another Worcester Nutrition truck served lunches near the playground, where children stopped by for meals during outdoor activities.

For families looking for meal locations and schedules, Worcester Public Schools provides a complete list of Summer Eats sites and serving times through its website.

Located in Worcester County roughly an hour west of Boston, Gardner—historically nicknamed the "Chair City"—has maintained an average monthly rent near 30% below national averages, positioning it as an affordable alternative for remote workers, retirees, and young professionals seeking relief from high metro housing costs.

Historic Infrastructure and Downtown Revitalization

Gardner’s current real estate landscape is deeply rooted in its 19th-century manufacturing background. During its peak as a national furniture manufacturing hub, the city constructed substantial brick mills and classical civic infrastructure, including Gardner City Hall and the historic S.K. Pierce Mansion.

In recent years, municipal efforts have focused on downtown revitalization. Former industrial properties and historic commercial blocks now house local small businesses, restaurants, and creative spaces. Housing options range from multi-family rental units in historic mill-era buildings to single-family homes, offering a distinct contrast to newly constructed urban apartments in Greater Boston.

Community Resources and Regional Access

Beyond housing costs, the city provides key regional infrastructure and outdoor recreation access:

• Healthcare & Services: Heywood Hospital serves as the primary medical facility for Gardner and surrounding North Quabbin communities.

• Parks & Outdoor Recreation: Dunn Pond State Park sits within city limits, while the city offers proximity to Mass Audubon's Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary, Wachusett Mountain, and the Quabbin Reservoir.

• Transportation & Regional Transit: Commuter rail access to Boston is available nearby via the MBTA Fitchburg line.

Local officials and civic organizations, including the Gardner Heritage State Park museum, continue to highlight the municipality's blend of industrial heritage, affordable living, and proximity to regional commercial centers.

Founded alongside his wife, Patricia, shortly after his retirement in late 2019, 4Others Inc. collects and distributes essential personal hygiene items—including toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant—to individuals and families in need across the greater Worcester area.

"I knew I wanted to do something to give back and help make an impact," Hurley said.

Finding the Right Focus

Initially, the couple planned to collect and distribute used furniture and clothing. However, guidance from local philanthropic leaders revealed that the area’s clothing market was already well-served, while access to basic hygiene products remained a major gap for underserved populations.

Shortly after incorporating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 presented immediate operational challenges. The organization gained early momentum through a major product drive hosted by Hurley’s alma mater, St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury.

Since then, the charity’s inventory has expanded beyond basic toiletries to include first-aid supplies, dental floss, new socks, underwear, and seasonal winter wear.

Scaling Community Impact

Operating out of Holden, 4Others Inc. relies on a core team of volunteers, corporate partners, and local youth organizations. Groups from local churches and schools regularly assemble individual hygiene kits, while local adults with developmental disabilities assist in packaging items for distribution.

The non-profit collaborates with regional supply networks and national partners, including Big Y, Hope and Comfort Hygiene Hub, and Bombas—the latter of which provided 7,500 pairs of socks to the organization this year.

The charity's reach has expanded into broader relief efforts:

• Direct Logistics: Completed over 900 individual deliveries in the past year, moving nearly $500,000 worth of essential goods.

• Food Relief: Partnered with regional parishes to distribute more than 5,000 freshly made sandwiches to Worcester Community Refrigerators.

• Veteran Support: Coordinated with Greater Good Charities and Veterans Inc. to supply 10 pallets of hygiene materials during Worcester’s annual "Operation Stand Down" event.

For Hurley, restoring dignity to community members remains the driving force behind the daily operation.

"I get such a high seeing how people who are struggling are so happy to receive basic hygiene products," Hurley said. "We help give them a sense of pride, which can be life-changing."

The discharge began around 5:20 a.m. Friday from a subterranean pipe near 23 Southwest Cutoff. Municipal utility crews contained the breach by 7:23 a.m., but a portion of the effluent entered local storm drains that feed into the lake via O'Hara Brook, near Whitla Drive and Ideal Road.

City crews immediately initiated water-quality protocol, placing swimming, wading, and fishing advisories on the impacted sections of the waterfront.

Daily Testing and Health Benchmarks

Environmental teams are conducting daily water sampling to monitor bacterial counts. Under Massachusetts Department of Public Health standards for freshwater bathing beaches, E. coli levels must remain below 235 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters for a single sample, or maintain a geometric mean under 126 CFU per 100 milliliters.

Public health authorities warn that exposure to sewage-contaminated water poses notable health hazards, including:

• Gastrointestinal illnesses

• Ear and eye infections

• Skin rashes and localized infections

Health officials strongly advise pet owners to keep dogs out of the water and off adjacent shorelines until testing confirms bacterial levels have returned to safe baselines.

Infrastructure Challenges on the Waterway

Friday’s overflow highlights ongoing infrastructure vulnerabilities along Lake Quinsigamond, a major regional recreational hub shared by Worcester and Shrewsbury. The body of water experienced a major environmental setback in 2022 when a pump station failure discharged nearly six million gallons of untreated sewage, leading to an enforcement settlement with state environmental regulators that mandated long-term infrastructure upgrades.

Worcester municipal officials state that daily monitoring will continue until consecutive water samples meet safe recreational thresholds. Residents with questions regarding beach closures or water testing updates can contact Worcester 311.

According to a public safety bulletin released by the Worcester Police Department, investigators have documented at least five thefts of specific Infiniti vehicles since June. The incidents have primarily targeted Infiniti Q50 and Q60 models parked in residential areas throughout different parts of the city.

Investigators report that thieves are gaining access to the vehicles by smashing side windows or forcing open sunroofs. Once inside, perpetrators have used electronic override devices to program blank key fobs, allowing them to bypass built-in security systems and drive the vehicles away.

The Worcester Police Department recommends that owners of targeted models park in well-lit areas or closed garages, utilize steering wheel locks, and consider installing aftermarket alarm systems or tracking devices to help deter potential thieves.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding these thefts or suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to contact Worcester Police Detectives.

Family members identified the victim as Yanick Rodrigues, a Dorchester resident who immigrated to the United States from Cape Verde in 2016. Rodrigues was a standout athlete on the soccer team at Madison Park High School in Roxbury and aspired to pursue a career as an automotive technician.

Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday following reports of a missing swimmer. A multi-agency search operation—involving nearly 50 personnel and three specialized dive teams—scoured the deep water before suspending efforts overnight due to darkness. Dive teams resumed search operations Sunday morning and recovered Rodrigues’ body shortly before 1 p.m., submerged roughly 50 feet below the surface.

The fatality highlights ongoing safety hazards at the abandoned quarry, where local authorities have repeatedly warned visitors against trespassing. Just days prior to the drowning, an 18-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after falling 12 feet from a rocky ledge onto jagged stone. She survived the fall and was airlifted to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

Despite persistent police warnings, steep cliffs, cold water, and submerged industrial debris, the property remains a dangerous spot for local youths. Rodrigues’ death marks at least the third drowning at the quarry site in the past two decades.

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The Bennet Field Playground, located at 1258 Main St., will close to the public beginning Wednesday, July 29, to undergo full replacement of its rubberized safety surfacing.

Construction Timeline and Project Scope

City officials announced Thursday that the maintenance project is expected to take approximately 30 days, weather permitting. The playground is scheduled to reopen on or before August 28—aiming to complete repairs prior to the start of the upcoming school year.

Work will be restricted primarily to the play structure areas to allow for the removal and replacement of the worn protective floor padding.

Bennett Field Park Amenities

Situated directly behind the state-operated Veterans Memorial Pool, the 5.6-acre Bennett Field complex serves as a primary neighborhood park in Worcester's Webster Square area.

The recreational site features:

• Playground Zones: Dedicated play structures divided into two age-appropriate sections (ages 2–5 and ages 5–12).

• Athletic Fields: A regulation softball diamond.

• Aquatic Facility: Direct access to the adjacent state swimming pool.

Adjacent park amenities, including the pool and ballfield, are expected to remain accessible according to standard seasonal schedules while playground work is underway.

According to court filings from law firm ArentFox Schiff LLP representing CarMax, the auto dealership at 170 Turnpike Road (Route 9) paid $1.455 million in municipal water and sewer bills between June 2016 and September 2024. CarMax contends that its actual usage amounted to roughly $145,000—meaning the town overbilled the business by a factor of 10.

Calculation Discrepancy Behind the Lawsuit

The dispute stems from how the Westborough Department of Public Works (DPW) calculated metered water flow into cubic feet (CF) for quarterly billing:

• CarMax's Claim: Physical inspection of the dealership’s Sensus water meter revealed a dial face instructing readers to multiply the displayed usage by 100 (CFx100) to determine total cubic feet. CarMax alleges the town erroneously applied a multiplier of 1,000 (CFx1000), inflating reported water usage tenfold for nearly a decade.

• Alleged Example: In October 2024, CarMax claims its actual usage was 833,100 cubic feet of water, but the town billed the property for 8.33 million cubic feet.

When CarMax discovered the discrepancy in late 2024 and demanded a $1.31 million refund, municipal officials declined to reimburse the funds, prompting the civil lawsuit for breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

Town Response and Third-Party Claim Against Meter Manufacturer

In court responses filed in late 2025, Westborough denied liability and argued that CarMax failed to follow statutory administrative appeal deadlines required by Massachusetts General Law to challenge municipal utility bills.

Town officials explained that DPW staff relied on an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system, which transmitted flow data remotely via radio signal without requiring manual on-site meter readings. Furthermore, Westborough filed a third-party complaint against Indiana-based meter manufacturer Xylem.

According to municipal filings, Xylem provided the town with documentation and an installation tag in 2015 identifying the meter as a "1000CF" unit, which municipal staff used to set up the automated billing profile. Westborough contends that if any overbilling occurred, Xylem bears responsibility due to faulty product labeling and setup representations.

Xylem filed a motion to dismiss Westborough's third-party complaint in March 2026. The case remains pending in Worcester Superior Court, with the next status hearing scheduled for Sept. 17, 2026.

Kerrigan, 54, was arrested shortly after midnight on June 13 along Turnpike Road (Route 9). Southborough police charged him with operating under the influence of liquor (OUI), negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked-lanes violation.

Traffic Stop and Westborough Court Outcome

According to police reports reviewed by regional media outlets, officers initiated the stop after observing erratic driving. In their incident narrative, responding officers noted that Kerrigan exhibited slurred speech and glassy eyes, adding that an "overwhelming odor of cologne" obscured initial field breath tests.

Court filings from Westborough District Court show that Kerrigan subsequently registered a breath-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.089%—just above the legal limit of 0.08%.

During a June 15 court appearance in Westborough District Court, Kerrigan admitted to sufficient facts for a finding of guilt—a common legal disposition in Massachusetts first-offense OUI cases.

The presiding judge issued a Continuance Without a Finding (CWOF) for one year:

• Probationary Period: Kerrigan will remain on probation for 12 months. If he completes the terms without further legal violations, the criminal charge will be formally dismissed.

• License Loss: His driver’s license was suspended for 45 days.

• Fees & Programs: Standard requirements for first-offense driver alcohol education programs and administrative fees were imposed.

Prominent Political and Civic Career

Kerrigan was elected chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party in 2023. He concurrently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, which operates facilities throughout the Worcester and MetroWest regions.

A longtime figure in state and national Democratic politics, Kerrigan previously served as the Democratic nominee for Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor in 2014 alongside gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley, and held senior organizational roles for national party conventions.

Neither Kerrigan, his legal counsel, nor representatives from the Massachusetts Democratic Party issued formal public statements immediately following the court disposition.

Leominster Police arrested 34-year-old Amanda L. Hebert following an incident at the Leominster Motor Inn, located at 665 Central St.

Unresponsive Party Lead to Trespass Notice

According to police incident reports, Officer Jonathan Ramos responded to the motel after receiving reports of an unresponsive woman lying on a second-floor exterior walkway.

Upon arrival, officers located Hebert, who refused medical evaluation from responding Leominster Fire Department paramedics. During the interaction, motel staff informed officers that Hebert was no longer welcome on the premises and requested that she be formally trespassed from the property.

Although staff opened a room door to allow Hebert to collect her personal belongings, police reported that she appeared disoriented and refused repeated commands to leave the premises. While inside the room, officers observed drug paraphernalia—including syringe parts and foil—and noted that Hebert became physically combative as officers attempted to escort her out.

Physical Altercation and Formal Charges

Police allege that Hebert threw a personal bag at an officer, physically resisted efforts to place her in custody, and repeatedly kicked officers during the arrest process. Officers were forced to physically carry Hebert down the exterior stairs and secure her in a cruiser after she continued thrashing and obstructing the stairwell.

Following the incident, Hebert was formally booked on six charges:

• Assault and Battery on a Police Officer

• Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon

• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

• Resisting Arrest

• Trespassing

• Disorderly Conduct

Following her initial processing, Hebert failed to appear for her scheduled arraignment in Leominster District Court, prompting the court to issue a default warrant for her arrest.

The landmark funding shifts—which included the cancellation of approximately $1.1 billion nationwide for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)—directly impacted regional outlets across the country. For WICN, Worcester's local NPR and jazz affiliate, the policy change resulted in an 18% reduction to its annual operating budget, representing a loss of roughly $100,000 per year in federal funding.

Community Rally and Listener Contributions

Despite the sharp reduction in government grants, station leadership reports that local members, listeners, and regional philanthropic foundations stepped forward over the past 12 months to absorb the initial shock.

"The loss of federal funding came a year ago," said Melanie LeBoeuf, general manager of WICN. "And, for us, our membership, our listeners really stepped up."

WICN experienced an uptick in both active listenership and direct individual donations over the course of the year. However, station management emphasizes that the upcoming fiscal cycle will prove crucial in establishing a sustainable operating model.

"It's been a good year, but I think this is when we're going to see the challenge," LeBoeuf noted. "With the cut of 18% of our budget... I think this is going to be the year that we really learn a lot about where our new norm is."

Volunteering and Strategic Partnerships

Station volunteers and civic partners have played a central role in keeping local programming active. Volunteer host Gary Bohan shared that the loss of federal support triggered an immediate grassroots push to protect community broadcasting.

"As a volunteer host, when I got the news, it was, ‘What can I do to help?’" Bohan said. "I know that the feedback and response financially, volunteer response, and donations has been extremely positive."

Moving forward, station leaders plan to strengthen ties with regional arts and culture organizations, local businesses, and community foundations to ensure long-term stability without relying on restored federal aid.

According to the Milford Police Department, the victim fell roughly 12 feet off a rock ledge and landed on jagged terrain below, prompting a complex, multi-agency technical rescue effort.

Specialized Rescue and Medical Response

First responders from the Milford Fire Department and Coastal EMS paramedics were dispatched to the site to extract the injured teenager.

Due to the hazardous landscape, emergency personnel used specialized rope and lowering equipment to reach the victim at the base of the quarry. Rescue teams stabilized the woman at the scene before hoisting her back to the surface, where she was turned over to medical crews for emergency treatment.

Ongoing Public Safety Hazards

In the wake of the incident, Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino warned that the quarries pose severe, ongoing risks to trespassers and first responders alike.

Public safety officials highlighted several factors that make the site hazardous:

• Unstable Terrain: Loose gravel, sudden drop-offs, and slippery rock ledges.

• Restricted Access: Remote entry points that significantly delay medical personnel and complicate heavy rescue operations.

• Physical Exposure: Steep, unmaintained rock faces susceptible to crumbling.

Police emphasized that the area remains off-limits to visitors and that officers will continue monitoring the property to prevent further injuries.

Officers with the Medford Police Department arrested 33-year-old Ogechi Asia of Westborough on July 21 in connection with an "upskirting" incident reported on July 15 at the ALDI supermarket on Mystic Avenue in Medford.

Investigation and Formal Charges

Medford police detectives identified and located Asia with the help of tipsters after issuing a public request for assistance to review security camera images.

Asia was taken into custody and charged with:

• Illicit Electronic Surveillance (Upskirting): Violation of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 272, Section 105.

Asia was scheduled for formal court arraignment in Somerville District Court.

"We would like to thank everyone who shared our identification request and provided information that assisted investigators," the Medford Police Department said in a statement announcing the arrest.

Under Massachusetts law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.