Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Town cleared to participate in opioid settlements

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Select Board on Tuesday voted to allow the town to participate in two new opioid settlement agreements.

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus requested a vote on the item during her regular Town Manager report to the board. She explained that the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office had agreed to join settlements of two lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies.

“It’s money provided by these companies because of the harm that was caused,” Lazarus said.

The first settlement is with opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. The second involves eight companies that manufactured opioid pills. The settlements are worth $7.4 billion and $720 million, respectively.

Lazarus encouraged the board to allow signing onto the settlements so the town can collect the most money possible. “If all the communities respond then the state will get the max amount possible in abatement funds,” she said, noting funds awarded will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention and recovery programs.

“We won’t know how much we’ll be getting until all the communities in the state have the opportunity to sign on,” Lazarus added.

Hopkinton has received opioid settlements twice before. Those funds are managed by a town working group called Hopkinton Opioid Prevention & Engagement, according to Lazarus.

The Select Board passed the request unanimously. Prior to voting, member Matt Kizner wondered whether there were any drawbacks or potential cost exposures for participating in the settlements.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Select Board on Tuesday conditionally approved a common victualer’s license and an entertainment license for Crust & Co., the restaurant set to replace the former HIllers Pizza.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Conservation Commission discussed and approved a certificate of compliance for a residence on Leonard Street.

The town will host a community forum on Tuesday to discuss PFAS chemicals and related substances.

This week’s Police Log features reports of a yard flooding on Blueberry Lane, e-bike riders in the middle of a roadway and a forceful solicitor on Grove Street.

Hopkinton High School girls soccer faced off against Westwood on Tuesday, and we have photos.

Town meetings tonight include the Open Space Preservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Hopkinton 8-year-old Devansh Vellanki was invited to the State House by Rep. James Arena-DeRosa last week to recognize the youngster for his outstanding accomplishments in chess, including winning the National Elementary Chess Championship.