While we do our best to focus on news and events directly concerning Wakefield, sometimes it's nice to know what's going on in neighboring communities. Welcome to the weekly regional news roundup, which will bring you the top news from the towns directly surrounding Wakefield.

Note: Original reporting from Melrose Patch, Medford Patch, Stoneham Patch and Reading Patch.

Reading: Man Found Dead in Reading Backyard: Police are investigating the death of a man found hanged in a Reading backyard Sunday morning. According to Reading Police, the man was discovered in a Criterion Road yard after a neighbor called police to report a man hanging from a tree.

Melrose: Alleged Car Burglar Arrested Carrying 13 GPS Devices: Melrose Police arrested during the wee hours last Thursday a New Hampshire man who allegedly held 13 GPS devices, along with MP3 players and chargers, taken from car break-ins. At 1:20 a.m. on Feb. 2, a resident of Main Street towards the Malden line reported seeing a male in his backyard and driveway. When police responded to the area 3-5 minutes later, officers found a man on Main Street matching the description given by the caller, Melrose Police Lt. Mark DeCroteau said.

Medford: Medford Residents Line Up to Voice Opposition to Proposed MBTA Cuts:  Dozens of residents streamed to the microphone in Medford City Hall Chambers Wednesday night to voice concerns over possibly losing bus routes in Medford and MBTA fare hikes. “It will be a disaster for every community that is impacted by the bus routes,” Medford Resident Susan Altman said before the packed crowd. “But it will also be a disaster for Boston."

Stoneham: Stoneham Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder Charge for Allegedly Strangling Woman: Middlesex Superior Court Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan ordered the Stacey Jones, 35, held pending a dangerousness hearing slated for Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. in courtroom 630, according to a statement issued by Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone Thursday.