City Shaken After String Of Unprovoked Evening Attacks: Patch PM

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 2. Here are some of the top stories we are covering:

The mayor of Waltham is imploring residents go outside together at night — even during a pandemic — after a string of unprovoked attacks has the city on edge.

There were 11 attacks reported between Nov. 10-27. The pattern appears to be consistent across the board: Someone lying in wait under the cover of darkness who assaults unsuspecting men. Police said they do not have a description of the attacker, but released a short video clip this week of a man who may be the assailant.

Police are offering a $5,000 reward for information about the attacker.

"The victims have had very limited sight on the assailant due to the nature of it," said police Chief Keith MacPherson. "They're approached from behind, they're frequently knocked down and the suspect takes off after, so we really don't know at this point."

Police late Tuesday night released a list of the attack locations.

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Other top stories

COVID-19 May Have Been In MA Prior To January

Coronavirus may have been in the United States and Massachusetts earlier than first thought.

A new study from the CDC and the Red Cross looked at blood donations from nine states, including Massachusetts, between December 13, 2019, and January 17, 2020.

One-hundred and six of the 7,389 samples tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies.

Officials, Residents Bemoan 'Draconian' MBTA Proposed Cuts

"We do not want to reduce service."

That's how MBTA Deputy General Manager Jeff Gonneville started Tuesday night's meeting about reducing service.

Gonneville and other officials explained the proposed service cuts — which would rob Melrose of a commuter rail station and two bus routes and which a state senator called "draconian" — before residents unloaded in a more than two-hour virtual call.

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Zachary Dimaro, 21, has been charged in a shooting on Greenwood Court early Tuesday, the Middlesex District Attorney's office said.

Cape Cod Officials To Address 'Testing Desert' Issue Amid Surge

Towns like Barnstable and Wellfleet rank among the highest in the state for new COVID-19 cases, and officials said more testing is needed.