The HopTake by HopNews

US Congressman Jake Auchincloss swings by the pod to discuss the war in Israel, how Democrats can win this November, the role of China in global fentanyl trafficking and PFAS. Also on the pod: Peter & Jimmy on HTA President Becky Abate, Town Hall missing payroll, and the Horribles parade.

The 2024 Annual Town Election is in the books. Hopkinton voters saw fit to send Joe Clark and Brian Herr to the Select Board, and they did it in style. The pair defeated their rivals by a more than 2:1 margin. We were grateful to grab some time with them in the hour following their victory. Also on this episode, we discuss the election results and a few of the shenanigans that led up to it. Plus,...

Jimmy takes over hosting duties as we dive in to all things Town Meeting. From the budget to HCAM, the fire department and Tim Brennan, toxic chemicals and MBTA zoning, we provide analysis on the debates and outcomes that will shape the next 12 months in Hopkinton. Plus, voter fraud!

The Commonwealth is experiencing a housing crisis. The median price of a home in the Greater Boston Area is now $910,000, forcing many people - especially young professionals - to move out of state. At Town Meeting on May 6, Hopkinton residents will be asked vote on a new zoning overlay to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which could bring up to 750 multi-family housing units to the town in t...

On this episode, Peter & Jim discuss the variety of comments the Select Board heard at public forum, including from one of its own members, who described his recent experiences with racism in our town. We also discuss the DA's decision not to hold anyone accountable for leaking an alleged rape victim's confidential information. Also on the pod, Marathon Monday, exclusive new details on...

In just two days, Hopkinton will host the 128th running of the Boston Marathon. In honor of this tremendous event, we are thrilled to welcome an absolute LEGEND in running to the pod, the one and only Dave McGillivray . Dave is the race director for the 128th Boston Marathon, a position he's held since 2001. He has directed or consulted on more than 1,400 events throughout the world including...

On this episode, Peter and Jimmy report new details on the tragic Hayden Rowe road rage incident that left a woman on life support and her attacker behind bars. The pair also discuss the Hopkinton Select Board's continued performance review of the police chief, a proposed renovation of the Center School, and the complicated pursuit of clean water in Hopkinton. Plus, they take on early childhoo...

On this episode, Peter and Jim discuss the entrance of newcomer Joe Clark in the race for Select Board, GPS in police cars, free speech is on the line at Public Forum, and 4x Superbowl Champion Rob Gronkowski is scheduled to visit Hopkinton. Plus, we add a new segment this week - Who Does What - where we offer listeners a brief overview of the inner workings of our Town Government. On this episode...

On this episode, State Representative James Arena-DeRosa drops by to chat about his legislative accomplishments, LNG plant safety, and his efforts to help Hopkinton with our PFAS problem. Also, Peter & Amy chat about the Select Board's lack of action on the police chief, a visit to Hopkinton from Governor Maura Healey , and the potential replacement for Hopkinton Drug . Plus, a bit of hist...

On this episode Peter & Jim cover the fireworks between the Select Board Chair and the Chief of Police, discuss the college admissions landscape for Hopkinton students, review a year in which the Select Board agreed on almost everything, say hello to a new business and goodbye to a good friend, and chat about the history of the oldest church in Hopkinton. Also: The School Committee will be ask...

Today, we discuss the petition to recall the Hopkinton Select Board and receive an update on how many signatures have been collected. Also, police chief Joe Bennett and his role in Jay Porter's side job, the HDTC does an about-face and cancels their scheduled caucus, and the School Committee is seeking $49 million from taxpayers for the Hopkins Addition. Plus, we dive into the history of the C...

In Episode 7 of The HopTake, we discuss the firing of Tim Brennan and the events surrounding it. We also reveal previously undisclosed information about a November deal that would have brought Brennan back to work. Also on the pod, a petition to recall the Select Board is underway, and we dig into Hopkinton's new Town Accountant, who has an unusual past. Finally, we trip back in time to Hopkin...

On this episode, Peter and Jim break down the withering criticism the Hopkinton Select Board endured on Tuesday night, as frustrated residents took turns lighting up the Board and police chief for their handling of the Tim Brennan matter, and for having released protected information about former Deputy Chief Porter's rape victim. We also explore the suspension of Dr. Margo Roman, the local ve...

On this episode, Peter and A.S. dive in to the Select Board's chaotic public hearing to consider the termination of Hopkinton Police Sergeant Tim Brennan. We also discuss the friction between the Town Clerk and Select Board over voting rights for green card holders, we explore the local real estate market and its impact on taxpayers, and we share the story of the Hayden Rowe Hall, which once h...

Retired Hopkinton PD officer Pat O'Brien joins the HopTake, and we discuss Hopkinton's new fire chief, two houses hit by an alleged drunk driver, the ongoing saga with suspended Sergeant Tim Brennan, and allowing Green Card holders to vote at Town Meeting.

The QuickTake - one story that matters, and a bit of local history mixed in. In this QuickTake, we review the legal challenge Crosspoint Associates is bringing against the town for taking part of their land for the Main Street improvement project. We also share the story of that property and the previous owners, the Colella family, who left an indelible mark on Hopkinton's rich history.

On this episode, Peter and Jim discuss Lori Nickerson's appointment to the School Committee, the owner of Hillers Pizza is back in court, the Fruit Street bridge is officially open, and we chat over an idea to help town hall with the turnover. Plus, we dive into the history of the Pyne's, one of the most important families in Hopkinton's history, and hear a rare firsthand account of th...

On this episode, the accounting department at Town Hall pays a questionable invoice, two local service organizations go all out to make it a memorable holiday for struggling families in our community, and AI-driven fake news comes to Hopkinton.  But our main story this week is that Hopkinton's Town Manager Norman Khumalo announced his resignation.