Around the Region: Good Samaritan Stops Charlestown Bank Robbery, Somerville Officials Leery of Food Trucks

Authorities caught with a little help from an alert (and brave) bystander. Jim Andrea told WHDH that he happened to be in the this morning to cash a check when he noticed the robber’s wig and the fear in the cashier’s eyes. When the robber left the bank, Andrea told 7 News, he tackled him in the parking lot and pinned him there until police arrived. “I just kept his hands away from his belt,” Andrea said. “I didn’t know if he had a knife or a gun.” -Matt M. Casey

A in Somerville was received with skepticism when it came before the entire Board of Aldermen Thursday night. Leading the charge against the measure was Ward 1 Alderman William Roche. "Food trucks throughout the city of Somerville is not an image that I think promotes what we want the city of Somerville to be. I don't think they do any public good," the alderman said. By the end of the debate, Board of Aldermen President Thomas Taylor decided to send the matter back to committee, asking Gewirtz to chair a Committee of the Whole meeting so the whole Board of Aldermen can discuss the measure further. -Chris Orchard

: After more than three hours of presentations and deliberations Monday night, the Arlington Board of Selectmen handed out the town’s two new liquor-store licenses to The Meat House and Mystic Wine Shoppe – but not before an unexpected twist. The board first granted one of the two licenses in a unanimous vote but was then left with quite the predicament. In the first round of voting, Selectmen Kevin Greeley and Steven Byrne had selected the proposal as their top pick, while Daniel Dunn and Joseph Curro Jr. had chosen the Mystic Wine Shoppe proposal, and as for Diane Mahon, well, she was undecided. -John Waller

: After taking into consideration several factors, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has decided not to open  this summer, according to a DCR spokesperson.  "We are in fact not opening the Stoneham swimming pool for the 2012 season," wrote S.J. Port in an email to Stoneham Patch. "The wading pool...is open for the season" from June 23 to Aug. 26. The closure of Hall Memorial Swimming Pool, located at 4 North Border Road, is expected to be "temporary, and the facility can be reopened when funding becomes available," according to Port. -Mark Ouellette

Malden City Hall is looking for professional street performers of all stripes to bring foot traffic downtown on Friday and Saturday nights, and are accepting applications to audition for the volunteer gig.  While there is no pay, performers will be permitted to accept tips from their audience and "offer for sale performance-originated products" only. -Chris Caesar