Massachusetts' Top 5: Our Most Popular Facebook Stories This Week

From the temporary closing of Braintree's Motel 6 to a hostage victim's escape in Foxborough, check out the stories Massachusetts Patch readers were sharing, reading and commenting on for the week of May 15.

Falmouth Election 2017: Marijuana Shop Ban Approved

Falmouth voters on Tuesday approved a marijuana shop ban and elected new town and school leaders during the annual municipal election. Question 2 — the marijuana shop ban — passed by the large margin 4,511 votes to 2,506. Another measure to pay for a new senior center also passed. In the Board of Selectmen race, Susan Moran and Samuel Patterson defeated Marc Finneran. In the School Committee race, Megan Fleck, Terri Medeiros and Andrea Thorrold defeated Alan Jacobs and Philip Alfonso.

Braintree Motel 6 Temporarily Closing

In the wake of an officer shooting and new scrutiny around public safety issues at the property, the Motel 6 on Union Street will temporarily shut down. The hotel said at Thursday's board of health meeting that they will cease operation on June 1 to discuss improvements that can be made to the operation. The motel is planning to reopen July 13, according to a Facebook post from District 5 Councilor Michael Owens, whose district includes the motel.

Police Say Wanted Man Held Woman Against Her Will in Foxborough; Victim Escaped Near Sharon-Walpole Line

Residents were asked to stay inside as police searched for a suspect accused of taking a person against their will near the Sharon/Walpole line on Route 1. Police received a report from a woman on Route 1 in Sharon who said she didn't feel safe in the car she was in and was being held hostage, according to Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael. Sharon police say the incident started in Foxborough and continued in several area towns.

Newton Dems Oust Chairwoman For Racially Insensitive Remarks

A local Democratic party official was voted out of her post Tuesday night, after party leaders said she was not only supporting Republican candidates for office but posting racially insensitive social media posts. Janet Sterman, who served as chairwoman of Newton’s Ward 1 Democratic Committee since 2009, was voted out of office and removed as a member of the city committee at a party hearing at City Hall last night in a vote 15-4.

Assault Near Cushing Memorial Park Leaves 1 Bloodied

Police arrested three people in connection with an assault near Cushing Memorial Park, authorities said. Police responded to a report at about 10:55 a.m. of a person bleeding from the head at the Farm Pond parking area at 55 Dudley Road near the the entrance to Cushing Memorial Park. Police treated the victim, who said he was assaulted by someone who he knew. The person struck him in the head with a gun, the victim told police.

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