Pro-Police Truck Overstays Welcome: Patch PM

It's Wednesday, Oct. 28. Here's what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.

Pro-Police Truck Hits The Road After Causing Stir

A truck carrying a massive sign in support of police drew some frustration, some markings and at least two parking tickets before finally hitting the road.

The truck parked on Main Street at Green Street sat there for well over 24 hours, its giant "Defend Your Police" sign blocking the fronts of a few businesses. The sign — essentially a billboard on wheels — had a stylized "E" written over what would otherwise say "Defund Your Police," apparently in response to the movement to reimagine policing as the country continues to grapple with police brutality and systemic racism

The sign linked to a website with the same name, a pro-Trump page where people post about their positive experiences with police.

Read more here.

Elsewhere in Middlesex County

Longtime Malden Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday

A longtime Malden resident was recently honored by the city for turning 100 years old. What's Alfred Contreas's secret to a long and healthy life? He told the mayor "keeping peace with his wife" is what keeps him young.

Medford HRC Backs Civilian Involvement In Police Surveillance

The Medford Human Rights Commission is backing a motion promoting greater transparency in surveillance at the local level. The HRC voted at its October meeting to endorse Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS), a nationwide push to involve community members in the decision to use certain types of surveillance technology.

Bluebikes Offer Free Rides On Election Day

If you're planning to head to the polls on Tuesday, you can get a free bike ride thanks to Bluebikes, discounted rides thanks to Uber and Lyft. It's part of an effort to get out the vote and remove barriers to voting this election season.

Somerville Restaurant Expands To Arlington Under Different Name

A new Italian restaurant from the team behind a well-received eatery in Somerville is replacing Luigi's Italian Kitchen in East Arlington. Venice Italian Kitchen, an offshoot of Alfredo's in Somerville's Winter Hill neighborhood, has moved into the former Luigi's space on Mass. Ave.

Malden Mayor Urges 'Extreme Caution' On Halloween Amid Spike

Malden Mayor Gary Christenson is urging residents to use "extreme caution" with their Halloween plans. The city was labeled a high-risk community for the third week in a row Friday, forcing it to revert its reopening plan back to Phase 3, Step 1.

Across Massachusetts

Salem Walking Tour Guides Take Big Hit This Halloween Season

Salem Ghost Tours is looking to help those working in the industry with a new grant program for guides.

Worcester Man Accused Of Hiding Coke In Cereal Boxes

Police said over 4 pounds of cocaine was found hidden in cereal boxes when Jahn Rentas was pulled over in New York.

Cape Cod Hospital Cutting Midwife Services

The move comes after Falmouth Hospital closed its maternity ward in April.

Merrimack College Officials Grilled By Selectmen Over Outbreak

North Andover businesses are hurting because the college outbreak gave the town the high-risk label, Selectman Rosemary Smedile complained.

Boston Marathon 2021 Postponed, Officials Hope For Fall Date

A new date has not been determined, but the Boston Athletic Association plans on seeing if a fall date is "feasible."