Boston, MA|News|
Racially Charged Texts Haunt Boston Public Schools: The HUB
Plus: Wettest week in a century; House rules raise transparency issues; Gunman's racist writings detailed; More.

Alex is a Jersey transplant and graduate of Northeastern University. He has lived in the Boston area since college and considers himself an honorary Bay Stater (though he still hasn't been able to bring himself to root for the Sox). Previously Alex worked for MSNBC on its dayside TV shows and for Wentworth Institute of Technology in marketing and publications. In addition, he has self-published several stories, including freelance pieces written while in Spain. He is an avid football and baseball fan, film geek and pop culture guru.
Alex covers Arlington, Chelmsford, Lexington, Medford, Somerville, Watertown, Westford, Weymouth and the Cape. He lives in Brighton with his girlfriend and their dog.
Follow him on Twitter at: @NewmanPatch
Email: alex.newman@patch.com
Plus: Wettest week in a century; House rules raise transparency issues; Gunman's racist writings detailed; More.

Authorities released journals they say were written by Nathan Allen less than 48 hours before he fatally shot two people last month.
Also: City subsidizes restaurant hires | Town to residents: end the online gossip | Cape Cod shark sightings | More.
The program, designed to reduce vehicular traffic in residential neighborhoods, was piloted on three streets last year.
Police also arrested a Chelsea man who they say helped Brian Butler flee the scene after shooting 30-year-old Erin Fitzgibbon.
Police said the pair broke into a business on July 4 and stole an ATM machine.
All signs – including one out front – point to the Thirsty Scholar's closure being temporary, but the future of the pub is unclear.
Medford's former finance director, who alleged a hostile work environment at City Hall, was appointed by the Littleton Select Board July 1.
Also: Bank robbers at large | Violence mars holiday weekend | Uncle, sister save drowning two-year-old | MA chef on 'Chopped' | More.
Applicants seeking a retail license must hold a public meeting by Aug. 1. The city allows a maximum of three licensed marijuana businesses.
Lane closures and detours will be in place for much of the next two weeks.
Noriega-Murphy was selected in March to succeed John Oteri, who did not seek a contract renewal at the end of the school year.
Police are seeking the public's help in locating 30-year-old Brian Butler, who has been charged with murder.
A 16-year-old girl was in "critical but stable" condition after she was shot while walking her dog early Monday.
Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, which means the holiday is observed the following day, on Monday in most cases.
Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, which means the holiday is observed the following day, on Monday in most cases.
Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, which means the holiday is observed the following day, on Monday in most cases.
Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, which means the holiday is observed the following day, on Monday in most cases.
Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, which means the holiday is observed the following day, on Monday in most cases.
See which grocery stores in and around Somerville will be open, and which ones will be closed, on the 4th of July 2021.