Pats OK'd For 14K Fans, But 'Setback' Could Spike Plans: Patch PM

Today is Friday, Aug. 7. Here are the top stories we are covering today.

Foxborough town officials had already been forced to deal with the prospects of a down year economically because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has taken on the region and throughout New England.

But at least the town and the region seemingly had the hopes of Patriots football to look forward to on the horizon.

And yet, in a week when Selectmen approved the franchise's plan of allowing up to 14,000 season ticket holders to attend home games at Gillette Stadium, this season, Friday's announcement that Gov. Charlie Baker is reducing the number that can gather outdoors from 100 to 50 people and is indefinitely postponing the second step of Phase 3 of Massachusetts' reopening plan due to rising confirmed coronavirus cases has again thrown things into limbo.

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Other top stories

Black Students Disciplined At Disproportionate Rates In Stoughton

Black students in Stoughton are suspended and arrested in school at rates higher than their white peers, public records show.

During the 2019-20 school year, Black students accounted for 63.6 percent of school-based arrests and summonses, despite making up just 24 percent of the school district's population. White students, who account for just over half of the school population, made up 36.4 percent of referrals to law enforcement.

During the previous school year, Black students accounted for two-thirds of referrals, though they made up less than a quarter of the district's student body. White students accounted for one-third of referrals that year, despite comprising more than 53 percent of the school population.

Year's First Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed

State health officials on Friday announced the year's first human case of West Nile virus.

The man who contracted the mosquito-borne virus is in his 50s, the Department of Public Health said. He was likely exposed to it in southwestern Essex County or eastern Middlesex County.

"This is the first time that West Nile virus infection has been identified in a person in Massachusetts this year," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "Today's news reminds us of the ongoing need to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect ourselves and our families."

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Newton To Rethink City Seal, Flag

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Waltham Council Approves Police Department Raises Amid Pushback

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Peabody Police Arrest Man Who Left Child In Car After Hit-And-Run

Melvin Julio Pascual, 22, of Lynn, is facing a host of charges, including drunken driving and child endangerment.

Arlington Water Main Break Leaves Homes Without Water

The town said the break affecting water flow to several homes should be fixed by Friday evening.