The Town of Hopkinton is undergoing significant staff turnover, with key financial positions vacant. With so much turnover, it prompted the question: What financial controls are in place, and who enforces them?  HopNews tested the town's accounting procedures with a fake invoice and received a real check from the town. The town's financial practices, including a lack of vendor approval processes, poor expense categorization, and an unusually large number of vendors, raise questions about potential misuse of funds. Furthermore, the absence of responses from town officials highlights a lack of accountability.

Epic pickleball mayhem is brewing, folks! Hopkinton Police are taking on both Westborough and Grafton PDs, spurred on by nothing but energy drinks and pure grit. Losers will hand over $500 to charity, the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in case of Hopkinton's 'inevitable' victory. Game date: TBD, stay tuned!

Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo is reportedly leaving his position for the private sector. Khumalo has served since June 2009, his appointment succeeding the abrupt resignation of former Town Manager Tony Troiano, convicted of manslaughter. Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus will act as temporary town manager.

The refugee crisis in Massachusetts is growing due to a large influx of migrant families, leading to a strain on the state's "right-to-shelter" law that guarantees shelter and necessities to homeless parents with children, pregnant women, and refugees. Currently, over 7,500 families are in emergency shelters, pushing the system to the brink. The state, struggling to provide enough shelter and services, is spending more than $45 million per month to provide housing and assistance. This crisis has even extended to local towns like Hopkinton, where local health departments are coordinating efforts to meet the urgent needs of refugees.