Uproar As 'All Lives Matter' Squeezed Into Police Sign: Patch PM

Today is Wednesday, July 8. Here are some of the top stories we've been covering from across Massachusetts.

Residents in one city north of Boston are asking how the phrase "All Lives Matter" got worked into a police traffic sign Wednesday.

The sign, planted firmly on Melrose's popular Main Street, read "THE SAFETY OF ALL LIVES MATTER" for at least part of the afternoon.

Mayor Paul Brodeur tweeted shortly after 1 p.m. that he was "just made aware" of the sign and ordered it taken down. He said he has started looking into how it got up there.

"I apologize to the residents of Melrose," Brodeur said.

Police Chief Mike Lyle told Patch the city is investigating the sign.

Read the full story here

Also Across Massachusetts

MA Launches New Testing Initiative In 8 Communities

Gov. Charlie Baker announced a new COVID-19 testing initiative that will increase testing in some of the hardest-hit communities in recent weeks.

The "Stop the Spread" initiative begins Friday and will run through the middle of August. It will establish testing sites in Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlboro and New Bedford. Asymptomatic residents will be able to get tested.

The seven-day positive rate in Massachusetts has dipped to 1.9 percent, but it's still at 8 percent in those eight communities.

Man Has Gun Pulled On Him For Not Wearing Mask: PD

An East Bridgewater man was arrested after police said he pulled a gun on another man during an argument over the victim not wearing a mask inside a Walgreen's.

Todd Goulston, 59, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

The victim, a 30-year-old Abington man, was not injured in the incident. Police said they continued investigating the incident and later identified Goulston as the suspect.

Sears Closing To Leave Void North Of Boston

The Sears that has been part of the Square One Mall for decades is in its final days, soon to be replaced by a massive entertainment complex on Route 1.

The Saugus Sears location is the latest to fall victim to the decline of brick-and-mortar retailers. Its closure will mean the once ubiquitous department store will cease to have a presence north of Boston.

An Apex Entertainment Complex will move into the first floor of Sears. An attorney for Apex told the Saugus Board of Selectmen there is a search for a second-floor tenant. It is unknown what will happen to the Sears Auto location in the parking lot.

Also

Tewksbury Woman Killed In I-93 Crash

Kristina Lee, 43, was hit and killed on Interstate 93 after she was ejected from her SUV, police said.

Coolidge Corner Theatre Still Closed Amid Coronavirus, Makes Plea

"We need you more than ever as we plan for the future of the Coolidge in these ever-changing times," they wrote.

Outdoor Concerts Coming To Patriot Place In Foxborough

Live music is coming back to Foxborough through Labor Day weekend.

Black Lives Matter March Planned After Mendon Vandalism Incident

A Black Lives Matter sign at a Unitarian Universalist church was vandalized on July 3.