Students Maced, Big Tree Debt, New Gun Zoning: Patch Top Stories

WORCESTER, MA — From a lawsuit against a sporting goods chain to a bank chain closing stores, here are the top stories from Patch for the week ending April 28.

Pepper Spray Incident At Milford School Leads To Hazmat Response

Several students were exposed to the pepper spray at Stacy Middle School Wednesday afternoon.

North Brookfield Board Rescinds Vote Barring Drag Show At Pride Event

The ACLU of Massachusetts had warned of potential litigation over the “Small Town Pride” event due to free speech issues.

MA Man Gets Prison For Sexually Assaulting Toddler, Recording Abuse

The 25-year-old was looking after the toddler, who prosecutors highlighted was still wearing diapers during the abuse.

Santander Bank Plans To Close 16 MA Branches

Santander operates retail bank branches in nine states between New Hampshire and Florida.

Sudbury May Ban Gun Sales, Ammo, Manufacturing

A citizen's Town Meeting article would use zoning to prevent gun businesses, similar to the town's cannabis ban.

Worcester To Mark Arbor Day, But Tree Scarcity Cited As Serious Hazard

Worcester needs up to 35,000 new trees to protect its residents against heat as climate change worsens, a new study has found.

Milford's CraftRoots Brewery To Be Sold, Founder To Stay Brewing

CraftRoots founder Maureen Fabry said she plans to remain as chief beer-maker under a trio of new local owners.

Marlborough Councilor Samantha Perlman To Run For Mayor In 2023

There are now two declared candidates running in 2023 for the open Marlborough mayor seat.

After Man's Death, Hudson Cabela's Sued For Selling Ammo

The Highland Commons store sold a Worcester man ammunition without checking for a firearms identification card, the lawsuit says.

Worcester Police To Get Pay Bump For Body Camera Program: Contract

Worcester officers would get $650 by June, and $1,300 annually after that. The city council will consider the proposal on Tuesday.

Worcester Police Bodycam Stipend Delayed By City Council

A Worcester police union has negotiated a $1,300 annual pay bump for wearing bodycams, plus $650 before the end of June.

Westborough's Annual Screen-Free Week Asks Residents To Unplug

For Westborough Unplugs 2023, organizers have lined up a series of events to help residents leave phones and other screens at home.

After Getting Turned Down, Milford Carnival Will Happen In 2023

The carnival organizers will host this summer's carnival at a town park after opposition to the event at Milford High School.