Patch Originals: Illegal Police Search; The Unclaimed Dead

More than a dozen journalists cover Patch sites in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. These roving reporters produce original, on-the-ground coverage of topics including a funeral home's solemn task of taking in unclaimed bodies, the naming of more than 50 clergy accused of abuse, and the reinstatement of nearly 400 teachers after a budget crisis. These stories and more were among the team's best original reporting recently:

Massachusetts

'We Can't Leave Anybody Behind': When The Dead Go Unclaimed

MetroWest local editor Samantha Mercado chronicled how Graham, Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlor in Worcester deals with unclaimed bodies. "We took in a 19-year-old young man from Worcester who died in the hospital," an employee said. No one came forward to claim his body. "How can someone not know him?" the worker said. "How can a teen die in a hospital and no one miss him?"

Homeless Couple's Dog Assaulted In Cambridge

Boston local editor Jenna Fisher spoke with a homeless couple who said their dog was kicked in the head during a confrontation with teenagers. The dog suffered "serious" injuries and police are investigating.

Danvers Settles Lawsuit For $25K

Merrimack Valley local editor Dave Copeland reported Danvers settled a lawsuit after a judge ruled officers conducted an illegal search.

Somerville Businesses Bear With Broadway Bridge Closure

Scott Souza talked to business owners in Somerville's Ball Square affected by the $2.3 billion Green Line extension project. Street closures have cut off traffic "It sucks," one business owner said.

Rhode Island

360 Coventry Teachers Get Jobs Back After Budget Approval

Rhode Island local editor Rachel Nunes wrote about how a budget crisis in Coventry led school officials to lay off nearly 400 teachers. Residents and town officials agreed to a new budget that allowed most of the teachers to be reinstated.

Nunes also reported on the the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence's decision to release the identities of 50 clergy accused of abusing children and a new state law that requires businesses to accept cash.

New Hampshire

Spike Strip Ends State Police Vehicle Chase Through Concord

New Hampshire local editor Tony Schinella provided an up-to-the-minute account of a police chase through Concord that ended when officers threw down a spike strip, disabling the suspect's vehicle.