Schools Swatted, Cop Fined, Best Local Chefs: Patch Top Stories

WORCESTER, MA — From a rash of shooting hoaxes to possible awards for the best local chefs, here at the top stories for the week ending March 31.

MA Police Sgt. Fined After Using Cell Phone Search For Private Use

The officer used his powers to order a cell company to locate the phone of a person he was in a relationship with, state officials said.

Multiple MA Schools Targeted By 'Swatting' Calls

About 28 schools across the state Tuesday were hit with hoax calls about shootings, sending some into lockdown.

WRTA's Free Buses Should Stay For Another Year, Committee Recommends

The Worcester County bus system will likely use federal stimulus dollars to keep the bus system free through June 2024.

Man Indicted In 2021 Killing Of Woman In Kelley Square: DA

The 32-year-old assaulted the Worcester woman in her home, causing injuries that led to her death, prosecutors said.

PFAS-Laden Fish Confirmed In Wayland's Lake Cochituate Section

State officials have asked residents not to consume fish from a host of public lakes and ponds after new PFAS tests.

Former Boston Police Officer Charged Over Jan. 6 Riot: DOJ

Joseph Robert Fisher, 52, of Plymouth, is facing multiple charges, including assault on a police officer.

U.S. Attorney Rollins Visits Worcester NAACP, Talks Police Inquiry

U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins answered questions about a police union Facebook page, and her relationship with Chief Steven Sargent.

Worcester County Influx: New Census Data Show Population Rise

Worcester County was one of the few in Massachusetts that saw its population rise over the past few years, according to new figures.

See The MA James Beard 2023 Nominees: Outstanding Local Chefs

Three chefs from Massachusetts will be up for the highest honor in the culinary industry in June.