Patch Originals: Rebuilding After All Is Lost

More than a dozen journalists cover Patch sites in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Our local editors this week covered topics including how a community is rallying behind eight businesses destroyed in a fire, why some residents questioned the release of a man charged with child pornography possession, and how a woman who was flashed while jogging took matters into her own hands.

Massachusetts

Natick Businesses Push Through The Ash After Devastating Fire

MetroWest local editor Samantha Mercado covered a massive fire in downtown Natick that destroyed eight businesses. Nancy Kelley owned a dance studio that was reduced to rubble. "It's tough," she said, her voice breaking. "We're strong. We'll get through all this."

Residents Question Release Of Man Charged In Child Porn Case

Merrimack Valley local editor Dave Copeland wrote about how some Tewksbury residents questioned the bail conditions of a man accused of child pornography possession at Market Basket as he took photos and videos of children.

Copeland also wrote about how Boston, Worcester, Salem and other Massachusetts sanctuary cities could lose out of federal grant money and why Total Wine was ordered to pull some of its steep discounts.

'He Picked The Wrong Victim': Woman Chases Flasher

Boston editor Jenna Fisher covered how a woman jogging along the Charles River in Cambridge was flashed by a man. The woman, Aia, chased after him and tried to hold him in custody for police but he got away. "He picked the wrong victim," she said. "All I want is for women to stand up for themselves and for passersby to get involved."

Cape Cod 'Open For Business' Days After Tornadoes Rip Through

Alex Newman covered how Cape Cod is rebuilding after a rare tornado swept through, causing at least $10 million damage. Miraculously, there were no injuries.

Rhode Island

East Bay Woman Facing Animal Cruelty Charges

Rhode Island Rachel Nunes editor covered how police charged a woman with animal cruelty, accusing her of leaving three dogs in her hot car. All the dogs died.

New Hampshire

Bedford Decides Against Holding Special Election

Local editor Liz Markhlevskaya wrote about how Bedford officials decided against holding an election because it would have been too expensive, among other factors.