Boston

Bed bugs close Uphams Corner Branch library

The Uphams Corner Branch said Thursday that it will be closed for extensive cleaning and interior environmental treatment activities due to the discovery of a bed bug nymph. “While a library is a challenging environment for a bed bug to mature and multiply, it’s critical to take immediate measures to eradicate any nymphs,’’ the Boston Public Library said in a statement. “At this early stage of detection, visitors to the Uphams Corner Branch should not be alarmed as we do not believe this poses any health risk to the public.’’ The branch is scheduled to reopen on Monday.

Boston

Runaway puppy spotted on Mass Pike found safe

A runaway puppy that was spotted on the Massachusetts Turnpike last week was found Thursday and brought to Back Bay Veterinary Clinic Thursday for a free check-up. Indy, a 1-year-old Great Pyrenees mix, arrived at the Newbury Street clinic at about 3 p.m. He had lost a little bit of weight, but was in good shape. After a bath to clean off the dirt and grim he picked up after 10 days on the lam, Indy was fed a good meal. The one-time rescue puppy recently moved to Boston with his owner from rural Connecticut. The pup displayed “smart as a whip’’ intelligence and survival instincts often seen in rescue dogs, said Dr. Pam Bendock, the clinic’s owner. “They typically have huge brains and know how to use them.,’’ Bendock wrote in an e-mail. “No doubt this helped Indy navigate the scary and unfamiliar roads of his new home town.’’

Ludlow

Youth kicked off team for uttering racist slur

A 9-year-player for a Western Massachusetts youth football program has been kicked off his team for using a racist slur against an opponent. The slur was used by a player for the Ludlow Lions in a game against the Amherst Hurricanes on Sunday. Stacia London, the mother of the Amherst player, tells Masslive.com that a Ludlow player called her 9-year-old son the N-word.The remark was loud enough that game officials, other players, as well as parents and coaches heard it. The game was ended at that point. The Ludlow program sent an apology letter to the Amherst program saying it was ‘‘ashamed’’ of what happened. The Ludlow player has been removed from the team and will be barred from playing for the program next year, too. (AP)

Lenox

Town library receives anonymous $500k gift

The town’s financially struggling public library has received an anonymous $500,000 gift. The Berkshire Eagle reports Lenox Library Association board of trustees President Barbara Goldberg announced the donation this week. According to the library database, the contribution is the largest in at least 30 years. Goldberg says the donor requested the funds be used for interior building renovations. The donation comes a week before a special town meeting to decide whether the town will take over library operations and its budget. According to officials, the library ran a $58,000 deficit last year. (AP)