Road Reopens After Route 1 Gas Leak: Patch PM

DANVERS, MA — It's Thursday, Oct. 8. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.

Traffic came to a standstill and some area businesses were evacuated due to a gas leak on Route 1 in Danvers on Thursday.

Massachusetts State Police said a utility crew ruptured the gas line about 11 a.m. Route 1 North remained closed about two hours before reopening shortly after 1.

Read the full story here.

Also on the North Shore today

Salem Unveils First Slate Of Indigenous Peoples Day Events

Salem is planning a full slate of free events this weekend — and throughout the month — to celebrate the city's first Indigenous Peoples Day.

The Salem City Council voted 6-5 two weeks ago to adopt the warrant declaring the second Monday in October — which is also Columbus Day — as Indigenous Peoples Day, as a time to reflect upon and honor the city's original residents.

It's Electric As Beverly Unveils New School Bus

The Beverly school bus fleet is going electric.

At least, that's the long-term plan after the city took the first step toward that goal with the unveiling of its first electric-battery school bus on Thursday. The plan is to eventually transition all 27 buses in the fleet from diesel fuel to electric-battery power.

Danvers Police To Begin Rescheduling Firearms Permit Appointments

Firearms permits will soon resume in Danvers after police reported the a new fingerprint machine is "up and running."

Essex Tech, Salem Schools Partner With Local Farms

Essex Tech and Salem administrators got a lesson in sustainable farming — with students possibly soon having the chance to work with farms as part of their Essex Tech curriculum — as part of a partnership between the schools and the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

Across Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Budget Picture Is Bad, And Getting Worse

Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder warned state lawmakers that tax collections will be $1.2 billion to $3.6 billion below projections this year, with the higher projection amounting to a 12 percent shortfall.

Bruins Draft Woburn Native Riley Duran

Woburn native Riley Duran, 18, was drafted by the Boston Bruins, Wednesday afternoon.Duran,
a forward, was drafted 182nd overall, in the sixth round. A lifelong Bruins fan, he played for Woburn High as a freshman before spending a year at Malden Catholic and closing out his high school career at Lawrence Academy.

Worcester Health Board Sought To Avoid 'Berating' Of Police: Docs

The public was prevented from participating in recent Board of Health discussions about police reform following internal deliberations between the city attorney, police leaders and health department staff, emails show.