Black Bear Spotted Near Busy Road + Large Layoffs For Health Center + Longtime TV Anchor Departs: MA Weekend

MASSACHUSETTS — A significant behavioral health center announced large changes coming to its operations this summer, including a high number of layoffs in a busy news weekend across the Commonwealth.

A company also recalled multiple versions of its potato chips due to a risk of illness, and a wayward black bear made its way onto a busy Massachusetts highway.

Plus, one of the most recognizable faces of a local news station is calling it a career after 40 years in broadcasting.

Popular MA Snack Recalled Over Salmonella Risk

The recall includes select flavors of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips due to a potential risk of Salmonella contamination linked to a seasoning ingredient supplied by a third party. The affected chips were distributed nationwide and may have been sold at major retailers across the state, including Stop & Shop, Walmart, and Target. While the seasoning tested negative before use, the company said it is acting out of an abundance of caution.

84 Layoffs Planned For Central MA Behavioral Health Center

Community Healthlink will lay off 84 employees in Worcester, Leominster, and Webster by the end of June. UMass Memorial Health and Open Sky Community Services were unable to reach an agreement for Open Sky to take over several programs. Despite that, Open Sky is still expected to acquire CHL’s Beryl and Orchard Street sites. Officials said discussions are ongoing with other community organizations that may step in to operate the programs that are still without a transition plan. Officials said their priority throughout the transition remains ensuring patients across Central Massachusetts continue to have access to high-quality behavioral health care.

Longtime TV Anchor To Depart From MA Station

Ockerbloom spent 22 years at Boston 25 and 40 years in the field of broadcasting. He is a four-time New England Emmy Award winner. Last year, Ockerbloom was honored with the New England chapter’s Silver Circle Award in 2025 for his contributions to local broadcasting. Previously, Ockerbloom worked for NECN and an Oklahoma City TV station. His last day at the station is slated to be later this week.

Central MA McDonald’s Employee Accused Of Contaminating Food In Viral Video

An employee at a Southbridge McDonald’s has reportedly been caught on video contaminating food before serving it to customers. The video appears to show an employee putting fries in her mouth before repackaging them for customers. The Southbridge Police Department said it has received numerous calls, online tips and media inquiries since the video surfaced online.

Black Bear Spotted Near Busy Road In Shrewsbury Safely Relocated

A passerby stopped at the Shrewsbury Fire Department early on Sunday morning to report that he had seen a lone black bear heading into the woods after being on a street. Just a few hours later, a black bear was seen again, this time at 1000 Boston Turnpike Plaza. Shrewsbury fire and police, along with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, teamed up to safely tranquilize and relocate the animal to a rural area.

See Also: Worcester Named Among Best U.S. Metros For Working Moms In 2026