Around the Region: Arlington Bans Gas Leaf Blowers, Malden Man Faces Sex Trafficking Charges

Voters at Arlington's Town Meeting Monday elected to ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers from May 15 to Oct. 15 on private property in Arlington. The town bylaw amendment was put forth by Town Meeting member Robert Radochia as a substitute motion under Article 25 at the beginning of Monday’s session. After 15 minutes of debate, it carried 95-85 in a standing vote, after it was originally declared defeated by Town Moderator John Leone in a voice vote. -John Waller

A Malden man was arrested on charges he allegedly engaged in the sex trafficking of a minor across state lines in New York and New Jersey, court documents revealed Thursday. Michael Gemma, 28, of Malden, faces two felony charges of alleged sex trafficking of children and transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution toward the later half of last September. -Chris Caesar

: Wakefield residents chose to build a new Galvin Middle School by a vote of 1331 to 7 at Monday night's town meeting. The total cost of the project is approximately $74 million, the funding for which must still be approved at a town-wide vote for a debt exclusion to finance the project. That vote will take place on June 9th. Under this plan the town will receive a grant from the Mass. School Building Authority of approximately $35 million, or 54.67% of eligible reimbursement. The town would be responsible to bond approximately $39 million, or approximately $188 per household per year for our portion of the funding. -Sara Jacobi

It happened in broad daylight, shortly before noon. According to a Somerville police report, four young men smashed the windows out of a car, a man was hit with a club, three window-smashers escaped in a pickup truck and the victim chased the remaining assailant into a restaurant. According to the report, police arrested 23-year-old Daniel Nelligan, of Winchester, in connection to the incident. He was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and malicious damage to a motor vehicle. -Chris Orchard

: A national frozen yogurt chain that's rapidly expanding is eyeing a storefront somewhere in Melrose, although they don't have a specific location yet. Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt's website touts the franchise's 151 stores open nationwide and 92 coming soon. Among the locations listed as coming soon is Melrose. In an email, Meredith Lynn, Orange Leaf's director of public relations, wrote that "our franchisee that has reserved the Melrose market is in active pursuit of a location, but nothing is final as of now. We do, however, plan to have a lease agreement soon and be open within the year." -Daniel DeMaina