NEW ENGLAND IN BRIEF
Wages down almost 5 percent, report says
Wages dropped almost 5 percent in Massachusetts from 2003 to 2005, the largest decline of any state, according to a report by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. Over the two-year period, the average wage declined from $17.19 to $16.35. ``We must figure out why this has happened and what to do to reverse this troubling trend," said Noah Berger, executive director of the nonpartisan, independent research firm. The drop in wages for the ``typical worker" is the largest two-year decline in the Commonwealth since at least 1981, according to the report, the ``State of Working Massachusetts." The study also concluded that employment in the state is below what it was at the start and finish of the 2001 recession.
Suspect sought after robbery at store
A robber brandishing a gun targeted a U-Haul truck rental and storage facility shortly after 7 p.m. yesterday, taking a undisclosed amount of cash as the store on Massachusetts Avenue in the Newmarket section was closing, police said. Authorities were searching last night for the robber, who pulled a gun on an employee as the worker was closing a parking lot gate on adjoining Rusfield Street. The robber then forced the employee into the store and demanded the money before fleeing. The employee was not injured.CONCORD
Six hurt after deck on house collapses
A family gathering ended abruptly last night when a porch collapsed and six people were injured. The deck of the home at 145 Hill St. gave out just before 7 p.m., according to Concord police Detective Jeff Melisi. The cause of the collapse was not immediately known. The six people were taken to Emerson Hospital and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, he said.Lowell
Bicyclist injured in hit-and-run accident
A bicyclist was injured last night after she was hit by an alleged drunk driver who then fled the scene , saidLowell police Sergeant Jack Davis . The victim, who was riding on Westford Street , was conscious after the accident but sustained serious head wounds . She was transported to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston , Davis said. Lowell police apprehended a male suspect about 90 minutes later and charged him with operating under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, and personal injury, Davis said . He will be arraigned in Lowell District Court Tuesday morning.MIDDLEBOROUGH
2 hurt seriously in SUV rollover on I-495
Two people were seriously injured Friday, after a sport utility vehicle overturned on Interstate 495 North in Middleborough. According to a State Police release, Tiffany T. Le, 27, of Randolph, lost control of her 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, causing the vehicle to cross into the center median of the highway and then back across the road where it overturned several times before stopping in the center median. Despite wearing a seat belt, Le was partially ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. She was airlifted to Boston Medical Center where she is listed in critical condition. The passenger, Hieu Chi Do, 29, also of Randolph, sustained injuries as well and was brought to Morton Hospital in Taunton, according to police. Speed appeared to be a contributing factor , police said.NEW BEDFORD
Breathalyzer unit stops wrong-way driver
The State Police's new Breathalyzer Alcohol Testing Mobile made an arrest Friday night after a 2005 North Attleborough
Mother, daughter hurt in porch collapse
A mother and daughter were injured when a back porch collapsed at 336 Mendon Road last night, according to the acting fire captain, Ronald Meyer. The two unidentified women plunged 8 feet after the 10-by-10-foot section of the deck fell away from the house just before 8 p.m. The women were pinned between the house and deck for approximately 20 minutes until firefighters freed them. The mother, 70, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, and her daughter, 48, was taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro .
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