Four Fatal Crashes Accompany Hot Weather: Patch PM

Welcome to Patch PM. Today's top story is a rash of fatal crashes around the state beginning last night. One major highway was closed in both directions this afternoon for a three-car crash that killed one, and last night one person died when driving into a tree, a 22-year-old died when he was thrown from his motorcycle and a Boston Public Works employee died this morning after an SUV struck a light pole last night.

Meanwhile, an eighth-grade student in Acton suffered serious injuries when she was struck in a crosswalk this morning.

A Boston-based hospital chain is set to become the largest operators of private hospitals in the country.

A driver is under arrest for intentionally driving over a flock of 25 seagulls, killing some, police said.

Tom Brady's agent is saying the quarterback was not diagnosed with any concussions in 2016.

A legendary heavy metal band is returning to Foxborough tonight.

Tonight's weather: Temperatures will dip fairly quickly this week, but don't expect the sudden storms from last night. It will be about 70 degrees by 8 and in the low 60s by 11.

Video of the day

Here's what hunger relief looks like for some veterans.

Crime time

Two brothers were arrested in the fatal brick attack of a man this week.

A Boston man told a judge that being locked up wouldn't stop him from stealing. Prosecutors are now saying he was right, alleging a $10,000 theft.

A Texas man was sentenced this week in the rape of a woman in a Somerville parking lot more than a decade ago.

Across America

This one's in Boston, too. More than 40,000 AT&T workers announced plans to go on strike for three days.