Biotech Layoffs, Explosion, Homeless Shelters: Patch Top Stories

WORCESTER, MA — From a deadly explosion to a devastating commercial fire, here are the top stories from Patch for the week ending May 5.

Massachusetts Hospital Safety Grades Rate Patient Safety: LeapFrog

The healthcare nonprofit Leapfrog Group's spring 2023 hospital safety rankings grade dozens of hospitals in Massachusetts.

Worcester Won't Pursue New Shelter Space For Homeless, Leaders Say

Officials will focus on transitional housing for the homeless, months after helping open a temporary winter shelter along Pleasant Street.

Hopkinton Deputy Chief Charged With Raping Student

The 54-year-old assaulted a student in 2004 and 2005, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Westborough Employee Recognized For Efforts During Fatal April Fire

The Navy veteran and Westborough Water Department employee was driving down Belknap Street just as flames began to engulf a home.

Sunovion, Sumitomo To Lay Off 223 At Marlborough Offices

According to a state filing, more than 200 workers at the three related Marlborough-based companies will lose jobs by the end of June.

Fire Devastates Worcester Pleasant St. Commercial Building

Two people were injured in the 3-alarm fire Monday evening in a building that housed multiple local businesses.

Herb Chambers Opens New Westborough Lincoln Dealership

The Otis Street dealership joins Herb Chambers Honda, Ford and Infiniti dealerships in Westborough.

Worcester Councilors Approve $1,300 Police Stipends For Bodycams

Worcester police wearing bodycams will get $1,300 per year in perpetuity. The council vote was not unanimous.

Racial Slur Used During Wayland Vs. Sudbury Track Meet: Report

A student from Sudbury's Ephraim Curtis Middle School used a slur against Black people against a Wayland athlete, according to a report.

2023 Arts Wayland Expo Promises Multicultural Lineup — And Much More

The festival is back in May after its inaugural year in 2022, an effort that two Wayland students started before the pandemic.

Crews Find Body Of Missing Worker At Newburyport Chemical Explosion

The body of a missing worker has been recovered following an explosion early Thursday at PCI Synthesis.

Developer Quadruples Apartments At Old Table Talk Pies HQ: Plans

An plan for 15 units above the old Table Talk factory at Kelley Square has swelled, and now includes the addition of three stories.