Charter Audit, Millionaire Tax Plan, Toddler Taken: Patch Top Stories

WORCESTER, MA — From a controversial charter school to a toddler's brief kidnapping, these were the top stories on Patch for the week ending March 3.

State Auditor Will Examine Worcester Charter School, OSV Ties

The Worcester School Committee asked State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to investigate during a special meeting Monday.

State Board OKs Worcester Old Sturbridge Village-Tied Charter School

The charter school was called "plainly parasitic" during a BESE meeting Tuesday. The school would serve about 360 elementary students.

Pair Arrested On I-495 After Taking SUV With Toddler Inside

State and local police pulled the stolen SUV over near the I-290 interchange late Monday.

Westborough Fundraiser For Homeless Nets $20K Over Weekend

A group of locals, including high school students, spent 24 hours living and sleeping outdoors at a Westborough shopping plaza.

Healey Budget Outlines MA 'Millionaires Tax' Spending Plan

Some groups that backed the high-income tax ballot measure is criticizing Gov. Maura Healey's plan over new tax breaks for the wealthy.

State Suspends Hudson Police Officer, CEMLEC SWAT Member

Kevin Johnson was one of three police officers the POST Commission suspended due to criminal charges.

MA Closing Last COVID-19 'Stop The Spread Testing' Sites

The remaining handful of free PCR testing sites in Massachusetts will close down in March.

Marlborough Vietnamese Restaurant Moving, New Concept Coming

The move will mean a new restaurant specializing in katsu — the only restaurant focusing on the Japanese dish around.

Wayland High School Student Paper Wins Press Freedom Award

The Wayland Student Press was one of only 16 student outlets to get the award, and the only one from Massachusetts.

Family Displaced By Westborough Fire Aided By Fundraiser

"Our fast acting mother, Beth, grabbed the dog and got out as quickly as possible," the family said of the Friday fire along Adams Street.

Milford Officer's 'Tough Ruck' Will Raise Funds For Service Members

Milford officer Mike Johnson is an Army veteran and will participate in the marathon-length ruck in April.