Nancy Carolyn Bailey, 87, of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully at her home on April...

On April 30, Ryan Sweatt was arraigned at Framingham District Courthouse for the murder of Destini Decoff in Milford, with his bail request denied. Post-hearing, a fight erupted among family members, requiring police intervention. Relatives of the deceased later addressed the media, visibly shaken and injured from the altercation.

The Planning Board chair has a special relationship with Delta Airlines.

Recent real estate transactions have seen robust activity, with properties selling for high values. Notably, 28 Whalen Rd topped the list, fetching $1.842 million, followed closely by 25 Whalen Rd at $1.826 million. Additionally, 9 Wayside Dr and 52 Weston Ln sold for $1 million and $884,000 respectively, highlighting a vibrant market. The sales involved notable realty agents and both corporate and individual buyers and sellers.

This week in Smalltown Mayhem: Two misguided motorists bagged for bad behavior, a suspect set shrubbery ablaze, and an overzealous DoorDash driver dazzles with dodgy driving. Plus, a vanishing Boxer named Eevie seeks freedom in the forest and locals dial 911 more than a teenager texts - for everything from unearthly odors to existential crises over lost boat keys.

Today, Board candidates Joe Clark, Brian Herr, Kyla McSweeney, and Peter Mimmo will participate in a live debate on HCAM-TV, also available on HCAM’s YouTube page and HopNews. Moderators Tom Nappi and Peter Thomas will explore pressing issues with the candidates, providing Hopkinton voters insights into each candidate's policies and personalities.

Ryan Sweatt has been charged with the first degree murder of Destini Decoff, who he allegedly intentionally struck with his vehicle in an apparent act of road rage. There are also new details on Hopkinton PD's response and corrections to eyewitness accounts.

The Appropriation Committee's report for Hopkinton's upcoming Annual Town Meeting outlines significant financial challenges, projecting property tax increases between 10% and 22% over the next five years due to escalating capital expenditures and debt, which could reach 83% of the legal limit. Key budget priorities include sustaining core services and funding the Hopkins School addition. Rising debts and a potential operating deficit of $4 million by 2028 highlight urgent issues, compounded by costly measures to address PFAS contamination in water.

On this episode, we are joined by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, whose department is charged in part with overseeing the implementation of the MBTA Communities Act. Also joining Peter as co-host is Chair of Hopkinton's Planning Board, Gary Trendel.

At the upcoming Special Town Meeting on May 7, Hopkinton's Fire Chief, Gary Daugherty, Jr., will request funding for essential repairs at the fire station, including replacing the rusted, 27-year-old HVAC units. This repair is urgent as the current equipment failures cause indoor rain, disrupting operations.

HopNews asserts that Select Board member Shahidul Mannan has defamed the publication for for labeling it as racist. Mannan claimed he was racially attacked, comments he related to the portrayal by local media including HopNews. Despite attempts to discuss these accusations, Mannan did not respond. Mannan's continued silence left HopNews no choice but to respond assertively through their counsel. Read the full demand letter and reader comments.