--The Commonwealth's fire marshall says that arson caused a fire that took out five businesses Tuesday in Northborough. 70 firefighters were needed to put down the flames. A five and dime that had been in operation for 50-plus years was among the casulties, which also included "an appliance store, a jeweler, a market and a bead shop." [Boston Herald] --We don't often link to college blotters (there's only so many times you can report......

--The MBTA put out its most recent crime statistics. The good news is that "Part I" crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, larceny) are down by 10%, and the most violent crimes are down 18.5%. "Part II" crimes (simple assault, vandalism, and the grab-bag that is "Disorderly Conduct") are up by 12%. Larceny is the most common "Part I" crime, while fraud is the most common "Part II" crime. [Full presentation at MBTA Police] --Police have officially......

--One man was shot to death and two were wounded in Dorchester last night. One resident told the Herald that the man was exactly who the shooters were looking for, and they shoved him into the hallway of an apartment building on Shandon Road and started firing. Two men were killed at that spot back in July. Last night's victim is the 49th homicide of the year. Later last night, two other people were shot......

The city is still reeling from the deaths of firefighters Paul Cahill and Warren Payne in West Roxbury on Wednesday night. Residents expressed their thanks to Cahill, Payne, and the other injured firefighters by bringing flowers and cards to the West Roxbury fire station. Cahill and Payne were, by all accounts, men who were devoted to their jobs. Cahill discovered his life's passion when he became a firefighter at age 40. Payne had EMT......

For a while Bostonist had been hoping that El Oriental de Cuba in JP would be open a bit later. After downing some pints at Behan’s a walk over to El Oriental for some mashed plantains is much better than that foreman grilled cheese we end up making after bars close. Alas, they were only open on weekends until 10 p.m. Until yesterday that is, when El Oriental was firebombed overnight. Bostonist loves ethnic food......