Top 10 Massachusetts Stories Of The Week

Here’s a recap of the top 10 most popular stories from around Massachusetts this week.

Zika Virus Confirmed

Massachusetts confirmed its first case of the virus that threatens the unborn children of pregnant women. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus (in the same family as yellow fever, dengue and West Nile viruses), previously found largely in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Brookline Rocked By Violence

Normally docile Brookline became a place of chaos early Wednesday afternoon, when police received reports of multiple gunshot and stab victims. Police said afterward that they found a man in an apartment at 198 St. Paul Street suffering from gunshot and stab wounds, and two other men who were were either thrown or fell out of a vehicle in front of 75 Harvard Street.

Staples Reportedly Laying Off Hundreds

Staples, based in Framingham, said in a release it is undergoing leadership changes and streamlining its structure. There was no mention of layoff in the press release. Staples has more than 2,000 stores worldwide, including more than 100 in New England.

Better Buy A Bluetooth

The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that bans all hand-operated use of mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. The use of mobile devices for GPS and telephone call functions is still permissible under state law so long as they are used in “hands-free” mode.

Murder-Suicide In Peabody

A well-being check revealed a murder-suicide in Peabody that is still being investigated.

Runaway Wheel Causes Fatal Crash

Police say a 1997 Dodge Ram pickup was traveling southbound when its left rear wheel came off the axle. The wheel flew over the Jersey barrier median, bounced off one northbound vehicle, and then struck a second northbound vehicle.

Car Hits School Bus

The driver of the car that struck a Framingham school bus on Thursday afternoon, sending 10 students to the hospital with minor injuries, will be cited, said Framingham Police Lt Stephen Cronin.

Boston Marathon Bomber Files Appeal

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 22, was sentenced in May to death after being convicted of 30 federal charges related to his role in the Boston Marathon bombings, which killed three and injured scores more.

Major Mess In Waltham

There was a major water main break at the intersection of River and Seyon Streets. Pleasant and North Street were completely blocked.

Pizza Shop Owner Allegedly Tries To Recruit Woman For Prostitution

Wayland police ask for help in the investigation because its officers frequent Liberty Pizza too often.