Patch Report Ties Merrimack Valley Lawmaker To Pandemic Fraud Charges

State Rep. Francisco Paulino of the Merrimack Valley faces fraud charges connected to pandemic-era unemployment and small-business loans, according to a Patch report circulating on Reading's local news feed this week. Closer to home, Reading Town Hall put out a fresh call for resident photos to refresh the town's website and social media pages.

TOWN HALL

Reading Town Hall is asking amateur photographers, or anyone handy with a phone camera, to submit pictures of Reading for a refresh of the town's website and social media accounts. Officials say the goal is a broader visual update of the town's online presence; no submission deadline was posted.

SCHOOLS

Reading Public Schools continues to spotlight Superintendent Dr. Turner as a top link on the district's website. The School Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, Aug. 27.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Merrimack Valley State Representative Accused Of COVID Relief Fund Fraud": State Rep. Francisco Paulino is accused of fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits and small-business loans meant for pandemic relief, Patch reports. The item appeared on Reading's local Patch feed this week even though Paulino represents a district outside Reading (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).

COMING UP

The Board of Registrars meets Thursday, Aug. 27, followed by the Council on Aging on Friday, Aug. 28. The Finance Committee and Select Board both meet Monday, Aug. 31. Austin Preparatory School hosts its Summer Preview event Thursday, Aug. 27.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.