Retail Chain's Closure Spells Area Layoffs: Patch PM

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 13. Here are some of the top stories we are covering in Middlesex County.

Massachusetts Lord & Taylors To Close In Dec., 162 Face Layoffs

Mass layoffs will begin Dec. 1 for Lord & Taylor's four Massachusetts locations, as the company begins closing all its stores nationwide.

Le Tote, Lord & Taylor's parent company, reported 162 layoffs planned for its Boston, Burlington, Natick and Braintree, in a state filing required under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act.

The chain will cut 56 jobs in Boston, 35 in Burlington, 27 in Natick and 44 in Braintree.

Read the full story here.

Other Top Stories

Halloween plans are starting to take shape across the county:

Medford Halloween 2020: What You Need To Know

Medford is planning a series of family-friendly, coronavirus-safe Halloween options this year, cautioning against trick-or-treating as a "higher risk" activity in the pandemic era. Alternatives include an illuminated Halloween display at Wright's Pond and virtual costume, home decorating and artwork contests.

The city says traditional activities like trick-or-treating, visiting a haunted house or attending a costume party can put residents at risk for contracting the virus.

Halloween In Melrose: Trick-Or-Treating Still On, Must Be Safe

Melrose is adhering to state guidelines and recommendations when it comes to trick-or-treating this year. Usual social distancing measures apply, including not traveling in large groups and keeping 6 feet of distance between others not in your household.

The state also recommends carrying hand sanitizer with you and staying home if you aren't feeling well.

For people handing out treats, the state recommends lining up pre-packaged treats outside your house to minimize interactions or washing hands with soap and water in between handing out treats.

Staffing Shortages Force Tweaks To Reading's Hybrid Model

Reading Memorial High School will start phased-in hybrid learning later this month, but due to several teaching vacancies, the district is altering its hybrid model. The biggest change will be that students are in person two out of every 10 days versus four out of every 10.

Phased-in learning for grades 3-5 is expected to take on a similar model. District officials expect this to be challenging, given the developmental age of elementary students. Once the Reading Public Schools is able to hire more staff, it will transition to the original hybrid model for all impacted grades.

Also

New Thai Restaurant Opens In Somerville's Union Square

An eatery specializing in a Thai spin on chicken and rice moved into the one-time home of Red House.

Winchester Boy's Black Lives Matter Film Included In Festival

An 11-year-old Winchester boy's film is being featured in The Boston International Kids Film Festival this year.

U.S. Rep. Clark, Colarusso Set For Debate In 5th District Race

The second-highest ranking woman in the House will debate her Republican challenger Tuesday night.