State Sen. Eldridge pushes for prison suicide panel in wake of Hernandez death | “Citing federal statistics that show Massachusetts has the fourth highest prisoner suicide rate and ‘a suicide rate among correctional officers that is around six times the rate of suicides in the state,’ the Acton Democrat says ‘We need to take immediate steps to better understand and correct this ongoing problem’.”
Free to read! | Local Business Spotlight

Giselle Rivera-Flores / For Worcester Sun
Chef Mike Ashley and owner Mike Bartosiewicz, of Bushel N Peck.
You bet your purdy neck, Worcester loves its Bushel N Peck | Growing up from its Oliveri Family roots and now run by a pair of former employees, the longtime city sandwich staple has branched out to Grafton and Clinton. But it’s an old-fashioned sensibility that keeps the popular deli standing strong: putting the customer first. Which also makes it a perfect menu addition to our Survivor Series, highlighting Worcester small businesses standing the test of time.
Last week’s most popular articles

Patrick Sargent / For Worcester Sun
Luke DeWolfe, left, and Joe Stake plan to open Valentino’s in the heart of Shrewsbury Street.
- Valentino’s has ambitious plans for heart of Shrewsbury Street
- Mariano: Dems, GOP can help residents of public housing — here’s how
- An offer for Notre Dame: Our thoughts
- Cliff Rucker: On the Railers, reinvigorating downtown and defining success
- Gardens and gargoyles: Dilapidated churches grow into urban farms
- Mariano: Mayor Petty responds to PCB concerns with comprehensive plan
Sun Spots with Hitch [Vol. 157]: Jim McGovern’s imperfect storm | Local pundits like to joke about Jim McGovern’s “crime family,” deriding what they see as his undue influence over city government and politics. Forget Worcester, though. This side of Elizabeth Warren (and due respect to the longer-serving Richard Neal and legacy-holding Joe Kennedy), no state lawmaker wields more D.C. influence than the 11-term congressman. And in general he uses that high ground to laudable effect. A little birdie tells Hitch, though, that McGovern might be slipping from his lofty perch.
Editorial: Discussing a taxing problem | As budget season begins for municipal and state governments, we look at the impact the continued rise of the nonprofit sector means for providing the services citizens deserve and demand. We believe District 5 City Councilor Gary Rosen’s order at last night’s City Council meeting was a step in the right direction.
Beacon Hill Notebook

Antonio Caban / State House News Service
Attorney General Maura Healey
State of Politics: Spurned by Healey on gun control response, House GOP attempts to hold funding | When a package of budget amendments dealing with constitutional officers came up for a vote, the House minority leader offered a further amendment that would have withheld about $800,000 from the Attorney General’s Office. Also inside: House lawmakers adding millions to proposed $40.3B fiscal 2018 budget; while Baker eyes five-year plan to boost affordable housing.

Courtesy of Clark University
Ora Szekely, Clark University assistant professor of political science
Inbox [April 26]: News and notes from Clark, UMass Medical, Anna Maria, Worcester Community Action Council, Research Bureau and Bravehearts | Have news you or your group would like to share? Let us know by emailing it to info@worcester.ma. Be sure to include a link to the full release on your site or Facebook page so we can include it and send Sun members your way.
Jane Week in Worcester | Jane Week gives Worcester residents and visitors a chance to connect with each other, explore Worcester by foot and participate in interesting discussions on how we can enhance the design and function of our city. Check out the calendar of events scheduled for May 2-7.