Attorney Nick Bernier has spent the longest time on the stand since the start of Correia v United States, as under cross examination by Correia's Defense Attorney Kevin Reddington, Bernier indicated he had a falling out with the-then-new-mayor over who would be The Fall River Corporation Consul.

Bernier says he was promised the job by Correia which eventually went to former Judge Joe Macy. 

Bernier indicated he came to SnoOwl in order to clean up the books and the financial plan. 

Correia's Defense Attorney, Kevin Reddington, admitted that Correia's SnoOwl Financial Records were ''a mess'' and ''sloppy''.

Appointment-based COVID-19 testing relocates to
New Bedford Regional Airport starting May 1

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Project Beacon’s appointment-based COVID-19 testing, part of the state’s Stop the Spread, will relocate to the New Bedford Regional Airport, 1569 Airport Road, beginning May 1.

The site is in the process of relocating from its former location at the Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot. 

Anyone interested in using the new site should schedule an appointment, beginning May 1, and use the Downey Street side entrance to the New Bedford Regional Airport.

To schedule a test with Project Beacon May 1 and beyond, visit app.beacontesting.com.

Other testing sites remain available in New Bedford and can be found on the state’s Stop the Spread website, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test
 

(Fall River, MA- April 22, 2021)- The Fall River Health and Human Services Department has confirmed vaccination clinics will continue for the third week at the Niagra/Maplewood Senior Center and at Fonseca School.

These clinics will administer Pfizer vaccines and are intended to serve Fall River residents only.

Walk-ins are accepted and no appointment is necessary.

Residents are reminded that vaccinations are always free of cost and available regardless of insurance. All residents age 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine.
 
Clinic details:  

Friday, April 30
12pm-7pm
Niagara/Maplewood Senior Center
550 Tucker Street
Link to register: https://www.cic-health.com/fallriver/niagara

Saturday, May 1
10am-5pm
Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School
160 Wall Street
Link to register: https://www.cic-health.com/fallriver/fonseca

Sunday, May 2
10am-5pm
Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School
160 Wall Street
Link to register: https://www.cic-health.com/fallriver/fonseca

Two witnesses delivered testimony in the ongoing trial of Jasiel Correia II v United States in the morning session in Courtroom One of the Moakley Federal Courthouse.

The first witness of the day, Software Developer Joshua Harding, worked on the development of the SnoOwl Smart Phone App.

Harding called the SnoOwl idea ''fantastic''. 

Harding maintained he was to help get the app to the Apple Application Store for download on iPhones, which happened in 2014.

Harding told Correia that the Snow Owl C-E-O ran for Mayor of Fall River, he could ''kiss the app goodbye''.

Harding said his firm was finally paid in 2017, after he was interviewed by the FBI as part of their initial investigation. . 

The 1:15 portion of testimony Tuesday inside the Moakley Federal Courthouse's Courtroom 1 started with a most curious scene, and then ended with a witness sent home by mistake. 

Four witnesses for the prosecution, all original investors in SnoOwl, took the stand in Correia v United States, with all four saying they found the former Fall River Mayor to be charismatic, with Correia allegedly telling them that he had sold a prior app on Facebook, and was living off the proceeds, while also owning four commercial buildings in Fall River. 

Correia and officers from SnoOwl also convinced the four that said SnoOwl was to be sold to a Texas based firm. 

Before testimony started for the afternoon session, the zoom feed from inside the courtroom showed Correia talking to his mother and his girlfriend at the Defense Table, while showing them various documents, and also seeming frustrated at what had gone on thus far at trial. 

Correia then took some documents from the stack of his defense attorney and placed them into a folder that he has carried into court since the start of the trial. 

A pool reporter inside the courtroom indicated that Correia, his mother and Reddington met privately before the start of the afternoon portion of the trial. 

(the photo used here is with the permission of the Fall River Herald News)

In a continuation of the SnoOwl portion of the case, SnoOwl investors 3 and 4--Victor Martinez and Mark Eisenberg--described for the jury how they met Jasiel Correia II, and what Correia told them in terms of his business acumen and the commercial properties he allegedly owned, along with apps that he also allegedly sold. 

Earlier in the day, Dr David Cabacerias, one of SnoOwl's most frequent investors admitted that his son would go to adult entertainment venues with Sno Owl Officers in an effort to connect with women, and that Correia had secured a job as a resident assistant at a Providence College dorm.

There were issues involved in terms of Correia's involvement in Sno Owl once he secured his first term as Fall River Mayor.

###

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening
Face Coverings Order to be Relaxed for Some Outdoor Settings

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. 

The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction.

 This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts remains first in the nation for first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. 

The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30th. 

Phase IV, Step 2 Industries and Gathering Changes:

On March 22, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions and advanced to Step 1 of Phase IV of the reopening plan. Since then, case rates dropped by 20%. The positivity rate has dropped to the lowest levels recorded since last summer.  

Effective Monday, May 10th:

Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12% will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.

The Commonwealth will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health. 

Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH. 

Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high risk sports. 

Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.

Effective May 29th:

Subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, additional Phase 4, Step 2 industries will be permitted to open including:

•    Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health.

•    Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.

Effective August 1st: 

Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open including:

•    Dance clubs, and nightclubs

•    Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities

•    Indoor water parks

•    Ball pits

All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Administration may consider re-evaluating the August 1st date.

The Department of Public Health will also continue to issue guidance as needed, including guidance to still require masks indoors. 

Face Coverings Order: 

Effective April 30th, the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings. 

Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance. 

Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking. 

At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated. 

For more information, visit mass.gov/reopening. 

###
 

Day 2 of the lineup of Prosecution Witnesses in the trial of United States v Jasiel Correia II continues with Dr, David Cabeceiras, who was one of the initial SnoOwl investors , as Prosecution Attorneys incorporated documents and copies of canceled checks.

Cabecerias was asked about emails regarding his investment sent by various SnoOwl Offices.  

The morning began with admonishments of those involved in the trial to get to the Moakley Federal Courthouse on time as the day began at 9:40am EDT. 

Judge Douglas Woodlock also wants any schedule changes in writing. 

Those watching the trial via the Zoom Feed were admonished to turn their video feeds off.

As testimony started, a little over 200 viewers were watching the trial; some 250 were watching the opening statements on Monday. 

The Prosecution and Defense began the trial of United States v Jasiel Correia II in Federal Court in Boston Monday Morning, as the Government Prosecutors allege that Correia spent thousands on expensive meals and hotel rooms, and that 79K was spent on the SnoOwl App, and that, if the six figures invested were spent on the development, ''this app could have been something''. 

Prosecutors used documents in the case, including bank records of alleged kickbacks from his former Chief of Staff, Gen Andrade. 

in his opening arguments, Defense Attorney Kevin Reddington says his client was working on SnoOwl on a 24 hour a day basis, and that there was nothing in agreements with investors prohibiting spending on personal expenses. 

Reddington outlined that Correia did not dupe anyone, and that there was no misrepresentation. 

(the photo used was originally published by the Fall River Herald News)

Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock is giving instructions to the jury members in Courtroom One in The Moakley Federal Courthouse at this hour. 

The judge is explaining that a person ''acted up'' during the jury selection during the zoom feed by taking photographs, which is a violation of Federal Rules. 

Woodlock says those watching on Zoom are to have their video feed, and audio off. 

Woodlock says there will be no bias  shown on zoom, or by those in the courtroom, which is limited to 26 persons. 

Woodlock tells the jury that opening statements are not evidence, and that they will not be given notebooks until the statements are finished. 

Woodlock says some jury members take excellent notes and they are not be shared. 

Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II arrived at the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston's Seaport District with his fiance and his mother in tow around 8:45 EDT this morning. 

While the MA Attorney's office tweeted that opening arguments would happen at some point today, the zoom feed was not operational until just before 10am EDT. 

The jury selection is not yet completed, and that's the first order of business today. 

WSAR has learned that Somerset Selectmen Lorne Lawless, and newly elected Allen Smith voted last night in executive session, to not renew the contract of Chief George McNeil.

Chief McNeil's contract expires on August 13, 2021.

In the letter provided to WSAR, no reason was given for this decision.

The inadvertent posting of a meme in the hours following the conviction of a former Minneapolis Police Officer in the death of George Floyd will be the subject of an independent, outside investigation into a meme that was meant for a private Facebook page of a member of the FRPD ended up on the official Facebook page for the Fall River Police Department earlier this week. 

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan tells WSAR on the Friday Edition of ''The WSAR Newsroom'' that he will also likely send out a note to city employees to be careful in their postings on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.  

The town of Somerset will likely head to the polls in a Special Election to fill a third Board of Selectman Seat that was vacated by Holly MacNamara, who resigned earlier this month,

Somerset Town Clerk Delores Bence outlined how the process would work, as contenders will be able to take out nomination packets as soon as the coming week, and begin the process of signatures to be certified in advance of the Special Election. 

The winner would then have the option of running for a full two-year term in 2022. 

The Fall River Health and Human Services Department has
confirmed vaccination clinics will continue for the second week at the Niagra/Maplewood
Senior Center and at Fonseca School.

These clinics will administer Pfizer vaccines and are
intended to serve Fall River residents only.

Individuals must have an appointment to receive a
vaccine at these clinics. Residents are reminded that vaccinations are always free of cost and
available regardless of insurance. As of April 19th, all residents age 16 and older are eligible for a
vaccine.

Clinic details:

Friday, April 23
12pm-7pm
Niagara/Maplewood Senior Center
550 Tucker Street
Link to register: https://www.cic-health.com/fallriver/niagara

Saturday, April 24th
10am-5pm
Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School
160 Wall Street
Link to register: https://www.cic-health.com/fallriver/fonseca

Sunday, April 25
10am-5pm
Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School
160 Wall Street
Link to register: https://www.cic-health.com/fallriver/fo

This morning at 9am, the trial of former Mayor Jasiel F Correia got underway, with Judge Douglas P. Woodlock spending the better part of 25 minutes addressing the jury pool on matters such as, pandemic safety protocols, and the very important role of jurors in the proceedings.
Judge Woodlock gave the jury pool stern instructions; "You are to base your decisions solely on the evidence presented in this court room," alluding to the broad media coverage the matter has drawn.
Juror Voire Dires were done off camera, and will continue throughout the afternoon.

PHOTO CREDIT - JO GOODE Herald News Reporter
 

Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock told attorneys for the Defense and the Prosecution this morning in Courtroom One of the Moakley Federal Courthouse that there would be no sidebars during the trial of United States v Jasiel Correia II, and that any issues could be handled during scheduled breaks during the day. 

Its also possible that one of Correia's parents could be called as a defense witness next month, and could be sequestered from the courtroom as a result. 

That could leave a seat open for a pool reporter, or for more jurors at the Judge's discretion. 

Judge Woodlock indicated that anywhere from 14 to as many as 18 members of a jury could hear evidence in the case. 

While the trial will be Zoomed, there will be three screens-one facing the judge, one facing the witness box, and and looking out over the defense and prosecution tables. 

Attorneys for the Government did ask for a lectern and will likely get one.

Witnesses will also replace a mic cover and wipe down the witness box when their testimony has concluded. 

Baker-Polito Administration Reminds the Public that Individuals 16+ Are Eligible for Vaccine April 19th
 
BOSTON –  The Baker-Polito Administration reminded the public today that all individuals 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, April 19th. 

On Monday, individuals 16 and older will be eligible to receive vaccine at any of the Commonwealth’s over 300 public vaccination locations.

With this group, 1.7 million additional residents will be eligible for vaccine in the Commonwealth. 

Individuals seeking appointments at mass vaccination sites are able to preregister for vaccine appointments at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. Several regional collaboratives are also on the preregistration system including: Amherst, Marshfield, Northborough, Northampton, Palmer and West Springfield.

An individual who preregisters can still seek appointments at other sites including pharmacies, community health centers and their healthcare provider.

Due to limited supply of vaccines from the federal government, individuals seeking appointments should anticipate that it may take several for people to get an appointment. To learn more about the Commonwealth’s vaccination sites and pre-registration visit Mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. 

Over the weekend, the Commonwealth hit the milestone of having over 2 million residents fully vaccinated. Over 3 million first doses have been administered. 
###

UMass President Marty Meehan to receive RFK Embracing the Legacy Award
May 11 virtual event will support the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps
 
BOSTON -- Receiving the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps’ Embracing the Legacy award has particular meaning and poignance for UMass President Marty Meehan, who counts the late senator and presidential candidate as an inspiration and personal hero.  
 
“The Kennedy family’s passion for change and for public service inspired me, but I will always have a special feeling about Bobby Kennedy and his presidential campaign in 1968. I just became very engaged with his great message of hope,” Meehan noted. 
 
Meehan will be one of four honorees when the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps presents its Embracing the Legacy awards at virtual celebration on May 11, 2021. The others are Jim Geraghty, Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth and Board Chair for Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Justin Pasquariello, Executive Director of East Boston Social Centers, and the Reverend Liz Walker, Pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church and the former award-winning news anchor on WBZ-TV. 
 
Meehan is being honored for his commitment to young people and education and for the contributions he has made throughout his public career, which includes service at UMass, his tenure in Congress and serving as First Assistant District Attorney of Middlesex County.  
 
Concern for children and creating better futures for young people are themes that flow through Meehan’s career. 
 
•    As Middlesex County First Assistant District Attorney, Meehan helped to establish youth basketball and soccer leagues that had a particular focus on involving kids from newly arrived immigrant families. 
•    In Congress, Meehan protected children from the deadly effects of tobacco use and was a driving force behind the tobacco industry being required to acknowledge the risks and dangers of cigarette smoking. Meehan also was a key player in ending LGBTQ discrimination in the military and in passing major campaign finance reform legislation.  
•    Serving as Chancellor of UMass Lowell, his alma mater, and now as President of the five-campus UMass system, Meehan’s accomplishments have been numerous and have included increasing student financial aid by nearly 50 percent, raising funds to increase scholarship aid and emphasizing the importance of diversity.  

Meehan’s official biography is available on the university’s website: www.massachusetts.edu/about/president-marty-meehan. 
 
“Like Bobby Kennedy, I believe individuals should be able to rise as high as their ambitions will take them,” says Meehan. “Where you come from should not dictate where you will go and we have a responsibility to create pathways of opportunities for students of all backgrounds. That is why higher education is so important. Education is the best way to achieve one’s potential in life. It stimulates growth and social mobility.” 
 
Meehan has sought to bring diversity to the student body and the highest levels of university leadership, appointing the first woman to lead UMass Lowell in its history, the first African- American to ever lead UMass Dartmouth and in appointing Marcelo Suárez-Orozco chancellor of UMass Boston, the?first Latino to lead a UMass campus. 
 
In addition to his official duties, Meehan established the Marty Meehan Educational Fund, which initially provided scholarships to students who lost a parent or loved one during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In recent years, the Meehan Foundation has provided more than $1 million in funding for need-based scholarships for students on all five UMass campuses. The Meehan Foundation recently donated $10,000 in support of the George Floyd Honorary Scholarship Fund established at UMass Boston by Chancellor Suárez-Orozco and his wife, Carola. 
 
The Meehan Foundation has also supported the work of organizations that focus on the success and well-being of young people, including the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell and The BASE, a nonprofit group that utilizes baseball and sports to help kids achieve success in life. The BASE founder, Robert Lewis, Jr., who serves as a UMass trustee, is a 2019 Embracing the Legacy Award recipient. 
 
Founded in June 1969, the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps continues to serve and honor the late Senator’s belief that society has a responsibility to all of its members, and that lasting contributions are first made by improving the lives of children and their families. To date, the Massachusetts-based agency, a national leader in developing and implementing successful child welfare, social service and juvenile justice programs, has positively impacted tens of thousands of children and families. 
 
The Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps was founded by Philip W. Johnston, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts who has served on the UMass Board of Trustees, the UMass Building Authority and the UMass Foundation Board of Directors.? 
 
Said Meehan: “Phil Johnson epitomizes Robert Kennedy’s belief that, ‘The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.’” 

On April 14, 2021, members of the Fall River Police Department Gang Unit and Emergency Services Unit (ESU) served a search warrant at 404 Fifth St. apartment 1.

This address had been targeted as a location where gang related individuals and associates have been congregating.

.
Upon approach to the residence, Officers observed several males flee the building and run away in different directions from the multifamily dwelling. Officers were able to locate five males and secure them

In the rear yard, along the path of egress the individuals that fled the apartment took, investigators located a large clear plastic bag of suspected Fentanyl on the top portion of a chain link fence that borders this property.

Due to its location and positioning it appeared that it was thrown and got stuck on the top support bar and the chain link portion of the fence.

A search of this apartment and property yielded the following;
? 14.1 grams of suspected fentanyl
? (2) small corner bags of suspected crack cocaine
? $3,862 seized US Currency

Arrested:

Jarad Anderson (age 23) with a last known address on Bogle St. in Fall River, MA
? Trafficking in fentanyl over 10 grams
? Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute, subsequent offense

Quanif Johnson (age 23) with a last known address on Nashua St. in Fall River, MA.
? Trafficking fentanyl over 10 grams
? Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute
? Trespassing
? Break and Entering with intent to commit misdemeanor

Jayden Rios-Dejesus (age 20) with a last known address on Jefferson St. in Fall River, MA
? Trafficking fentanyl over 10 grams
? Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute, subsequent offense
? Trespassing
? Break and Entering with intent to commit misdemeanor

Mitchell Arruda (age 30) with a last known address of 404 Fifth St. in Fall River, MA.
? Trafficking fentanyl over 10 grams
? Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute
A 12 year old male
? Trafficking fentanyl over 10 grams
? Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute

************************************************************************

(Fall River, MA- April 15, 2021)- The Fall River Health and Human Services Department has
confirmed that the FEMA partnered vaccine program will begin this week with a soft launch
starting Thursday at Noon,

. These clinics will administer Pfizer vaccines and are intended to serve
Fall River residents.

Individuals must have an appointment to receive a vaccine

. Appointments
are still available for the 4/15 and 4/16 clinics at https://www.cic-health.com/fallriver/niagara.

The City of Fall River was announced as a participant in a new mobile vaccination effort in
partnership with FEMA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on April 1st, 2021.

Fall River is
expected to receive up to 3,500 doses weekly through this program.

Dates and times are
expected to change for next week’s clinics.

Clinic details:

Thursday, April 15
12pm – 6pm
Niagara/Maplewood Senior Center
550 Tucker Street

Friday, April 16
10am – 4pm
Niagara/Maplewood Senior Center
550 Tucker Street

Sunday, April 18th
11am-5pm
Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School
160 Wall Street
 

After six years as a member of the Board Of Selectmen for the Town of Somerset, Holly MacNamara has tendered her resignation at the start of the Board of Selectmen Session Wednesday Afternoon. 

MacNamara indicated there were projects she wanted to work on, and that she had grown tired of the bullying on Social Media that had targeted her on Facebook and Instagram over the past several months.

MacNamara indicated that she had already decided she would not run for re election in 2022 and decided she did  not want to, as she put it, ''waste anymore time''.

DARTMOUTH - The University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees voted today to launch a search for a new permanent chancellor for UMass Dartmouth by creating a 19-member search committee.

The Search Committee includes UMass Dartmouth faculty, students, alumni and staff, along with highly respected community representatives and members of the UMass Board of Trustees. UMass Trustee and South Coast business leader Stephen Karam will chair the committee and BayCoast Bank President Nick Christ will serve as vice chair.

As with all chancellor searches at the University of Massachusetts, the committee will seek input from elected officials, community leaders, students, faculty, and unit/non-unit employees.

A pool of candidates will be developed to submit to President Meehan, who will then make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Due to ongoing health and safety concerns, the process will be conducted in a virtual format.

"Identifying excellent leadership for UMass Dartmouth is especially critical at this moment as the higher education industry faces serious disruptions that have been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Manning said. “We look forward to the results of the committee’s work.”

"Our committee will work with diligence, focus and transparency in identifying candidates with the background to lead UMass Dartmouth,” Trustee Karam said. “Universities are highly complex organizations that demand a special set of skills to effectively manage. With the diverse perspectives of our members, I am confident that we will attract an excellent pool of candidates and ultimately assist President Meehan in identifying the right person to lead UMass Dartmouth through a new era of growth.”

“As an anchor institution of the South Coast, UMass Dartmouth is critical to the future prosperity of the region,” Nick Christ said. “I commend the Board of Trustees and President Meehan for bringing together a committee rich in diverse perspectives and strong in its commitment to doing what is right for our university and region.”    

“UMass Dartmouth has faced significant leadership instability over the past several years so it is crucial that we identify a permanent chancellor with a track record of success and a deep commitment to UMass values," President Meehan said. "I am thankful to Steve Karam, Nick Christ, and each member for their willingness to serve. These are individuals who care deeply about UMass Dartmouth as an engine of social mobility for its students and as an economic catalyst for the region and Commonwealth.”

UMass Dartmouth, the only public research university in the state south of Boston, is designated as a doctoral level research institution by the national Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and ranked as a national university by U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges.

The campus is also home to UMass Law School, the only public law school in the Commonwealth.

Former Chancellor Robert Johnson stepped down last June after three years to become president of Western New England University in Springfield.

UMass is currently led by interim Chancellor Mark Fuller, who served nine years as Dean at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management, followed by three years as Vice Chancellor for Advancement at UMass Amherst. 

"UMass Dartmouth is an exceptional institution that offers innovative programs and a rewarding undergraduate experience at an affordable, highly competitive value,” Fuller said. “Anyone would be proud to lead this campus community. I have certainly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to serve as interim chancellor.”

The members of the Search Committee are:

•    Chair: Trustee Stephen Karam, President, Karam Financial Group
•    Vice Chair: Nick Christ, President & CEO, BayCoast Bank 
•    Michael Bushell, President, St. Anne’s Hospital      
•    Lisa Calise, Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance, Treasurer, UMass President’s Office
•    Ismael Carreras, PhD, Chief Data Strategist and Director, UMass President’s Office
•    Julie Chen, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, UMass Lowell; University-designee to Massachusetts Life Science Center
•    Dean Pauline Entin, PhD, Arts & Sciences, UMass Dartmouth
•    Attorney Pamela Gauvin, Partner Markey & Gauvin, LLP; Trustee, Bristol Community College 
•    Anna Klobucka, PhD, Professor, Portuguese UMass Dartmouth
•    Barbara Kroncke, Executive Director, UMass Building Authority
•    Student Trustee Narcisse Kunda, UMass Dartmouth
•    Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, EdD, UMass Lowell
•    Ziddi Msangi, MFA, Associate Professor Art & Design, UMass Dartmouth
•    Grant O'Rielly, PhD, Associate Professor, Physics, UMass Dartmouth
•    Doug Roscoe, PhD, Professor, Political Science, UMass Dartmouth
•    Trustee Julie Ramos Gagliardi, First Vice President, BayCoast Bank
•    Trustee Steve Tolman, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO
•    Dean Jean VanderGheynst, PhD, Engineering, UMass Dartmouth              
•    Marcellette G. Williams, Past Chancellor, UMass Amherst & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and International Relations, Emerita, UMass President’s Office

STATE HOUSE – The Senate is scheduled to vote today on the appointment of Providence City Council President Sabina Matos as lieutenant governor, and final votes are scheduled today in the House and the Senate on legislation to ban housing discrimination based on source of income, as well as a bill requiring insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screening.

Both chambers are scheduled to begin session today, Tuesday, April 13, at 4 p.m. The House of Representatives meets at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence and the Senate meets at Sapinsley Hall at Rhode Island College in Providence.

Both sessions will be live streamed by Capitol Television at http://www.rilegislature.gov/CapTV/Pages/default.aspx and televised by Capitol Television, which can be seen on Channel 61 by Cox Communications, Channel 1061 by Cox HD customers, Channel 34 by Verizon viewers and Channel 15 for Full Channel subscribers.

The Boston Red Sox and MLB have announced that while today's game will likely be played at Target Field in Minnesota''s Target Field, the Twins and Sox will play a double header Wednesday. 

Coverage on The Red Sox Radio Network will start at 1:10 with a first pitch at 2:10 today, with a 12:10 and 1:10 start time for coverage of game 1 on Wednesday.

Each game of Wednesday's double header will be seven innings. 

Voters in Swansea decided a pair of contested races on Monday, as they returned Chris Carreiro to the Swansea Board of Selectmen for a three year term by a margin of 1239 to 715 over challenger Melissa Afonso. 

Jeffrey Begin was re-elected to the Diman Regional School Committee over James Riley by a margin of 1088 to 667. 

Voters in Somerset issued the following decisions on a series of contested races on Monday. 

Allen Smith will serve a 3 year term on the Somerset Board of Selectmen, defeating David Berube by a margin of 1932 to 824. 

Julie Ramos Gagliardi will return to the Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee, knocking off Matthew Pasternak by a margin of 1661 to 906. 

Steve Cadorette will serve a three year term as a Somerset Water and Sewer Commissioner, defeating Chris Carpenter by a 1389 to 1244 margin. 

Nicole McDonald will serve a five year planning board term, defeating Lloyd Mendes 1858 to 784. 

JJeffery Kardel will serve a five  year term on the Playground and Recreation Commission, defeating jack Tickel by 1 margin of 1551-1036, 

The City of New Bedford has established a deadline of Friday, April 30, 2021 for prospective recreational marijuana businesses to submit Host Community Agreement (HCA) applications to the Planning Department for the first round of review. All applications must include a certificate of compliance with local zoning and a demonstration of site control, among other materials.

In 2018, the City of New Bedford established administrative procedures to implement the state law allowing for the retail sale, processing, and cultivation of recreational marijuana. Under these procedures, prospective recreational marijuana businesses are given an opportunity to submit Host Community Agreement applications.  An advisory committee then periodically reviews applications and recommends selected applicants to the Mayor based on a variety of factors.  Finally, selected applicants are invited to begin negotiations with the City toward a Host Community Agreement.

Under Massachusetts law, all applicants for state license to operate recreational marijuana businesses are required to secure a Host Community Agreement with the city or town in which respective businesses are located.  Once applicants have received state approval, applicants must also obtain a local license (where required) and a Special Permit from the local planning department.  No date has been established for future round of application review in New Bedford; prospective recreational marijuana businesses are encouraged to submit their applications for consideration in the current (second) round of review.

Currently, South Coast Apothecary LLC, to be located at 115 Coggeshall Street, has submitted a Special Permit to the Planning Board, which will be considered at its April 14 meeting. 
 

For more information visit: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/planning/guidance-establishment-marijuana-facilities/. 
 

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman announced his retirement today. 

Edelman, 34, is a veteran of 12 seasons with the Patriots after originally joining the team as a seventh-round draft pick (232nd overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Kent State.

The 5-foot-10-inch, 198-pounder played in 137 regular season games with 85 starts and is second in team history with 620 receptions, fourth with 6,822 receiving yards and ninth with 36 receiving touchdowns. He also had 58 rushing attempts for 413 yards, the most rushing attempts and rushing yards by a wide receiver in Patriots history. His 9,869 all-purpose yards are fourth in team history.

"Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise's history," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "There aren't many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he is retiring with the second-most career receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP. No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend throughout his career. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite. Over the past 12 years, I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player, as a person and as a father. In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Julian, which might be the only place where he is more popular than here in New England."

Edelman sits second in NFL history with 118 postseason receptions, behind Jerry Rice's 151 catches in the playoffs. He is one of 15 NFL players with at least 1,000 career postseason yards and his 1,442 postseason receiving yards are second all-time, behind the 2,245 playoff receiving yards by Rice.

A member of three Super Bowl Champion teams, Edelman turned in key performances at crucial moments in all three Super Bowls wins. He was named Super Bowl LIII MVP after finishing with 10 receptions for 141 yards in the win vs. the Los Angeles Rams.

Edelman finished with five receptions for 87 yards, including a miraculous 23-yard, diving, finger-tip catch late in the fourth quarter of the win vs. Atlanta in Super Bowl LI. He also caught the game-winning, 3-yard touchdown pass with 2:06 left to play in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLIX win vs. Seattle.

"By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "Few players can match Julian's achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic. This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. Day in and day out, Julian was always the same: all out. Then, in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances. For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player. He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him."

The Red Sox and Twins Game at Target Field was postponed on Monday Afternoon after the shooting death Sunday Night of a man with prior warrants who was part of a traffic stop and was shot by an officer who thought she had used her Taser

There is no word regarding the remaining three games in the series, all of which are to start at 1:10 EDT. 

The game was called off minutes before it was set to start. 

This is the official statement from Minnesota:

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Twins issued the following statement regarding the decision to postpone today’s scheduled game against the Boston Red Sox.

“Out of respect for the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Brooklyn Center, and following the additional details in this evolving situation, the Minnesota Twins have decided it is in the best interests of our fans, staff, players and community to not play today’s game.

The decision was made by the Minnesota Twins after consultation with Major League Baseball, and local and state officials. Information regarding the rescheduling of today’s game, and corresponding ticket details, will be released in the near future.

The Minnesota Twins organization extends its sympathies to the family of Daunte Wright.”

Massachusetts’s average gas price is the same as last week, averaging $2.74 per gallon. Today’s price is 1 cent higher than a month ago ($2.73), and 74 cents higher than April 12, 2020 ($2.00).

Massachusetts’s average gas price is 12 cents lower than the national average.

“After a wild March, Americans are seeing a little stability at the pump. On the week, 40 states’ averages either increased or decreased by only a penny, or had no change at all,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “Cheaper crude oil prices will likely help to keep price fluctuation low this week.”

AAA Northeast’s April 12 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 1 cent lower than last week ($2.87), averaging $2.86 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 3 cents higher than a month ago ($2.83), and 1 dollar higher than this day last year ($1.86).

BOSTON - Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, April 12, that the team has acquired forwards Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward Anders Bjork and a 2021 second-round draft pick.

Hall, 29, has tallied two goals and 17 assists for 19 points in 37 games with Buffalo this season. The 6-foot-1, 206-pound forward has appeared in 664 career NHL games with Buffalo, Arizona, New Jersey and Edmonton, totaling 220 goals and 362 assists for 582 points. The Calgary, Alberta native was originally selected by Edmonton in the first round (1st overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Lazar, 26, has recorded five goals and four assists for nine points in 33 games this season with Buffalo. The 6-foot, 193-pound forward has appeared in 317 career NHL games with Buffalo, Calgary and Ottawa, totaling 25 goals and 45 assists for 70 points. The Salmon Arm, British Columbia native was originally selected by Ottawa in the first round (17th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Bjork, 24, has posted two goals and three assists for five points in 30 games this season with Boston. The 6-foot, 197-pound forward has appeared in 138 career NHL games - all with Boston - totaling 16 goals and 23 assists for 39 points. The Mequon, Wisconsin native was originally selected by Boston in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. 
 

State Announces Drought Conditions in Several Regions of Commonwealth
Significant Drought Declared in Southeast Region
 
BOSTON – With precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater below normal as the state enters the spring season, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared a Level 2-Significant Drought in the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth, a Level 1-Mild Drought in the Western, CT River Valley, Central, Northeast, and Cape Cod Regions, and a Level 0-Normal Conditions in the Islands Region. Today’s declaration elevates the March 2021 declaration, which was a Level 1 in the Western Region of the Commonwealth, while all other regions of the state were in Normal Conditions. 
 
“In most regions across the Commonwealth, dry conditions have set in again, and it is important that we all take water conservation steps now to lessen its potential impacts on our environment and water supplies, and to take extra precautions when using an open flame or cooking on a grill to prevent wildfires,” said EEA Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “The Baker-Polito Administration will continue to work closely with municipalities, local water suppliers and our federal partners to monitor and respond to the ongoing drought conditions.”
 
“Droughts can affect the environment, our economy, and even public safety. However, each of us can play a role in mitigating those impacts by reducing the amount of water we use both indoors and outside, and by being mindful of the increase risk of brush and wildland fires due to the dry conditions,” said Samantha Phillips, Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). “Especially during this drought period, MEMA reminds the public to exercise caution when charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames during outdoor activities and to call 911 immediately if there is a fire to prevent the fire from spreading.” 
 
Outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 2-Significant Drought warrants the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts and response within the government. A Level 1-Mild Drought warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities. The declarations were the result of a recommendation issued by the state’s Drought Management Task Force, which is composed of state and federal officials, and other entities. The taskforce will continue to meet until water levels return to normal in the affected regions. 
 
These drying conditions are likely to continue due to precipitation totals ranging from 1.5 inches to 3.0 inches below normal, with the greatest departure below normal along the North and South shores, lack of any snow cover, and the forecast indicating higher than normal temperatures and lower than normal precipitation.
 
As the Commonwealth enters into the growing season and more time is spent outdoors, state officials urge residents and businesses to reduce water use, select only native and drought resistant plants for new plantings, and limit outdoor watering to no more than one day a week for Level 1 regions, and handheld watering for Level 2 regions. Other water conservation tips include:
•    Address leaks as soon as possible;
•    Conduct water audits on larger buildings and businesses to identify leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
•    Minimize the size of where lawns are watered; and,
•    Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.
 
Water conservation measures will aid in the reduction of water use and safeguard water for essential needs, such as drinking water, fire protection services, habitat recovery and environmental needs, and sustained water supplies. For more information, please visit EEA’s webpages on indoor and outdoor water use. While water supplies are currently doing fine, individuals are encouraged to also follow any additional watering requirements outlined by their communities’ Public Water Supplier. Additionally, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.
 
 
 
 
For Region in Level 2 - Significant Drought
Residents and Businesses:
•    Minimize overall water use;
•    Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5:00PM or before 9:00AM one day a week.
Immediate Steps for Communities:
•    Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought.
•    Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; operation of non-recirculating fountains; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
•    Implement drought or seasonal water rates.
•    Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.
 
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
•    Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
•    Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
•    Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
•    Develop a local drought management plan.
 
For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses:
•    Toilets, faucets and showers are more than 60% of indoor use.  Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient.
•    Limit outdoor watering to 1 day a week (only from 5:00PM – 9:00AM), or less frequently if required by your water supplier
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
•    Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
•    Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
•    Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
•    Develop a local drought management plan.
 
Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies.
 
“A drought reflects a period of time with below-normal precipitation. No one knows what will happen over the next few months, so now is the time to take steps to manage our water use as we move into the warmer weather,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “We urge all residents of the Commonwealth to be cognizant of our water resources and encourage you to follow water use requirements implemented by your public water supplier.”
 
The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. For further information on water conservation and what residents and communities can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page and water conservation pages. 
 
 

The Judge who will oversee the trial of Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II is worried about protecting the public health and insuring that the Recalled and Twice Indicated Former Mayor gets a Fair Trial in the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston's Seaport District. 

Judge Douglas Woodlock warned media members who part of a Zoom generated hearing to not harass potential witnesses, while telling attorneys on both sides to have their Witness Lists ready to go.

Jury Selection begins on April 20, and could take as many as four days to complete before opening arguments begin later in April. 

MassDOT Advisory:  Raynham, Bridgewater, West Bridgewater and Brockton
 
Overnight Resurfacing Operations and Drainage Work on Route 24

Work will begin on Sunday, April 18, and is scheduled to continue weekly, Sunday through Thursday, through April 2023

Work will take place during overnight hours from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning, and will also include bridge deck and ramp repaving operations
 
 
RAYNHAM/BRIDGEWATER/WEST BRIDGEWATER/BROCKTON - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be conducting overnight resurfacing and related work on Route 24 northbound and southbound in Raynham,  Bridgewater, West Bridgewater and Brockton.

  The work will begin on Sunday, April 18, and is scheduled to continue weekly, Sunday through Thursday, through April 2023.  The work will be conducted during overnight hours from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. 
 
The work on Route 24 northbound and southbound will consist of milling and resurfacing operations and drainage structure work. 

 The work will also include resurfacing operations on six bridge decks and ramps.

The work will require lane and shoulder closures and periodic ramp closures and detours. Police details, construction signs, message boards, arrow boards, truck mounted attenuators and cones will be utilized for construction setups.
 

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Chief Joseph Cordeiro has announced his retirement from the New Bedford Police Department after serving on the force for 35 years, including for the last five years as Chief of Police.

His last day as Chief will be April 23. Deputy Chief Paul J. Oliveira will assume the role of Acting Chief of Police on April 24.

During Cordeiro’s tenure since 2016, violent and property crime in the city has declined significantly. Under his leadership, the department has professionalized operations with a data-driven mission, including the implementation of biweekly data briefings. Significant upgrades to equipment, including ballistic vests, active shooter kits, and new vehicles; technology, including replacement of all department computers and mobile terminal; and facilities, including the Chief’s role in planning the city’s first new police station in more than 50 years, have been made during his tenure.

Chief Cordeiro has organized the department around a community policing philosophy, including walk and talk among the patrol division, and partnerships with the city’s public schools.

He has focused on supporting residents of New Bedford’s neighborhoods with problem property teams and relationship-building with neighborhood and landlord organizations. Cordeiro also established the Chief’s Leadership Advisory Committee, comprised of community members and designed to solicit the ideas, input, and collaboration of city residents.

He has spearheaded significant partnerships between the Police Department and community organizations, including pioneering the first law enforcement assisted diversion program in Massachusetts to provide treatment to those suffering from addiction.

Most recently, New Bedford’s stability over the summer of 2020 made it an exception among American cities, bolstered by the community-based policing philosophy that Chief Cordeiro has fostered among the department and city residents. In the past year, New Bedford Police Department also stood out among police departments in other cities in its low rate of officers who have tested positive for COVID-19, after Chief Cordeiro swiftly implemented strong safety protocols for officers at the onset of the pandemic.

Mayor Jon Mitchell appointed Cordeiro to the position of Chief of Police in May 2016. Before serving as Chief, Cordeiro was Division Commander of the department’s Downtown Station, and before that he had served as commander of several units, including Background Investigations, Juvenile, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Organized Crime and Narcotics, Traffic, and Animal Control.

While he has been eligible for retirement for several years, and has discussed retiring with the Mayor last year, Chief Cordeiro was committed to remaining throughout his contract term, which ends tomorrow, to provide stability during the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year.

“I am deeply grateful for Chief Cordeiro’s leadership of the Police Department for the past five years, and for his career in service to the residents of our city,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “Under his leadership, New Bedford became a safer city; the decline in both violent and property crimes during his tenure were among the steepest in the country. At the core of his success was his focus on relational policing; he has emphasized that police build legitimacy and reduce crime by fostering strong working relationships with residents and community groups. His concern for the well-being of his fellow residents was plain to see, and it enabled him to command their trust, which is the foundation of effective policing. I appreciate the Chief’s willingness to remain through the end of his contract, so that the department could respond effectively to the pandemic and help keep his officers safe.”

Chief Cordeiro said, “I am grateful to have worked with the amazing men and women of the New Bedford Police Department over the course of my career. I profoundly appreciate the support of our community, without which our many accomplishments over my five-year term as Chief would not have been possible. It has been my great privilege over the past 35 years to serve the people of the city I love, and I am proud to have ended my career with the department as the first Portuguese immigrant to serve as Chief of Police. Announcing my next chapter is a bittersweet moment to me, and I will miss serving the residents of our City of One, who will remain in my heart. I cannot express enough my sincere appreciation to our city and its residents. May God continue to bless the City of New Bedford.”

Deputy Chief Paul Oliveira will assume the duties of Acting Chief on April 24. Deputy Chief Oliveira was appointed Deputy Chief by Mayor Mitchell in 2015 at Chief Cordeiro’s recommendation. Before serving as Deputy Chief, Oliveira led the department’s Professional

Standards Division as Captain, and previously led the department’s Narcotics Division. He has nearly thirty years of experience on the force.
###

In what could be the final pre trial conference before Jury Selection begins on the morning of April 20, Federal Prosecutors and Defense Attorney Kevin Reddington will discuss the final preperations for the trial of Recalled and Twice Indicted Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II during a session Friday Morning that will start at 9:30am EDT. 

After four in camera sessions this winter that involved only the attorneys involved, on topics of privacy protection involving wittneses, its likely a discussion of who will be allowed in the courtroom, and how social distancing and other factors will be maintained, will be paramount in the discussion. 

MassDOT Advisory:  Avon and Raynham
Overnight Structural Steel Cleaning and Painting Operations on Two Bridges over Route 24

Work will begin on Monday, April 12, 2021, and is scheduled to continue weekly through May 20, 2022
Work will be conducted during overnight hours from 9 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning

AVON AND RAYNHAM - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be conducting structural steel cleaning and painting operations on two bridges located over Route 24 on Harrison Boulevard in Avon and Orchard Street in Raynham. 

 The work will begin on Monday, April 12, 2021, and is scheduled to continue weekly through May 20, 2022, during overnight hours from 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning.

The work will include removing the existing paint, replacing the steel as necessary, and repainting the bridges.  Temporary closures of the breakdown lane and the travel lane will be required.  One lane of travel will remain open at all times.  
 

DARTMOUTH - Bristol County, Mass., Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson spear-headed a nationwide initiative that resulted in almost 275 of America’s Sheriffs from 39 states, representing a combined 19.82 million Americans, penning a letter to President Biden this week, urging him to secure the border and stop the mass influx of illegal immigration.

“President Biden is knowingly and intentionally undermining America’s Sheriffs and our collaborative efforts with our local, state and federal public safety partners to enforce the rule of law,”

Sheriff Hodgson said. “He and the policies of his administration are placing our citizens, neighborhoods and our nation in public safety and public health danger.”

The attached letter was sent to President Biden electronically and via USPS.

“You must act now before our nation’s public safety resources are overwhelmed with the criminal side effects of unchecked illegal immigration, including transnational gangs, guns, dangerous drugs and human trafficking,” America’s Sheriffs wrote in the letter. “America’s Sheriffs urge you, Mr. President, to reverse course and help us protect our communities by securing the southern border. Both the Barack Obama and Donald Trump administrations recognized the threats and dangers presented by illegal immigration. It is critically important that you see it as well.”

Former College Track and Field Coach Charged in Cyberstalking, Extortion and Fraud Investigation
Defendant coached at Boston, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Tennessee universities

BOSTON – A former track and field coach at various universities was arrested and charged today in connection with a scheme to trick female student-athletes, through sham social media accounts, into sending him nude or semi-nude photos. The defendant also allegedly cyberstalked at least one female student-athlete.

Steve Waithe, 28, of Chicago, Ill., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking and one count of wire fraud. Waithe was arrested today in Chicago and will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois this afternoon. He will appear in Boston at a later date.

According to charging documents, Waithe was employed as a track and field coach at Northeastern University in Boston from October 2018 to February 2019. It is alleged that during that time, Waithe frequently requested to use female athletes’ cellphones under the pretense of filming their form at practice and at meets. At times, he was observed “scrolling through” the phones.
 

Beginning in at least February 2020, Waithe allegedly perpetrated a scheme to dupe female Northeastern University track and field athletes into sending him nude or semi-nude photos of themselves.

Specifically, Waithe contacted the alleged victims through social media accounts, stated that he had found compromising photos of them online and offered to “help” get the photos removed from the internet. Under this pretense, it is alleged that Waithe requested additional nude or semi-nude photos that he could purportedly use for “reverse image searches.” He used various pseudonyms on social media including variations of the phrase “Privacy Protector,” “Katie Janovich,” and “Anon” followed by various numbers.  

As detailed in court documents, from at least June 21, 2020 to Oct. 3, 2020, Waithe cyberstalked at least one female Northeastern student-athlete through messages sent via social media, an anonymized phone number and intrusion into her Snapchat account. The investigation revealed that internet search and browsing history tied to Waithe allegedly included searches for information on how to hack Snapchat accounts and visits to webpages with titles like, “Can anyone trace my fake Instagram account back to me?”

Under the purported premise of an “athlete research” or “body development” study, it is alleged that Waithe emailed prospective victims using the personas of “Katie Janovich” and/or “Kathryn Svoboda.”

The emails described a phony study for athletes and requested information relating to height, weight and diet habits. The emails also included a request for the victims to send photos of themselves in a “uniform or bathing suit to show as much skin as possible” and suggested that the photos would not be shared or saved.

The emails often included attachments of sample nude and semi-nude images of “Katie” to illustrate the types of photos that victims should send. According to court documents, investigators have identified more than 10 victims of the “body development study” scheme and over 300 related nude and semi-nude images of victims of the scheme in Waithe’s email accounts.

According to charging documents, Waithe previously worked as a track and field coach at several academic institutions, including Penn State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee and Concordia University Chicago.

If you believe that you may be a victim of the allegations in this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/us-v-steven-waithe

The charge of cyberstalking provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The Northeastern University Police Department provided substantial assistance with the investigation; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Chicago Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Expansion of Pre-Registration System

BOSTON - The Baker-Polito Administration announced today the expansion of the pre-registration to include some regional collaboratives and improved features to allow for vaccination location selection during appointment booking. 

Later this week, the Commonwealth’s preregistration system will expand to include the first regional collaboratives to the system. The Amherst/Northampton and Marshfield regional collaboratives will be the first to come online, and more regional collaboratives are working with the Command Center and tech teams to ensure they meet the operational and technological requirements to be added to the preregistration system.

Next week, the user experience for the preregistration system will change for people who are contacted with the opportunity to book appointments. People will have the opportunity to select their vaccination location before proceeding to select from available appointments.

To date, around 1.5 million people have preregistered using our system, with over 800,000 having been contacted with the opportunity to book appointments. We will continue to make improvements to the system in the weeks ahead, to make the process even easier as more people become eligible.

###
 

Fall River Receives $229,256 Grant to Improve Bike and Pedestrian
Infrastructure

(Fall River, MA- April 7th 2021)- On April 5, 2021, the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) announced Fall River as the recipient of a $229,256.55 grant
in the fifth round of funding from the Baker-Polito Administration’s Shared Winter
Streets and Spaces program.

The program, which was launched on November 10, 2020,
provides technical and funding assistance to help Massachusetts cities and towns
conceive, design, and implement tactical changes to curbs, streets, and parking areas in
support of public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce, with a special focus on
the challenges of winter.

As a result of the grant award, the city will create bike lanes along portions of
Water Street, Milliken Boulevard, and Rodman Street.

The project will also make
improvements (ADA-compliant ramps and safety flashing beacons) to pedestrian
crossings at three locations: Pleasant Street at 8th Street, Pleasant Street at Quequechan
Street, and South Main Street at Anawan Street. New wayfinding signs, directed at
bicyclists, will create better connections to both the East Coast Greenway, a developing
3,000-mile traffic-separated bicycling and walking path connecting communities from
Maine to Florida, and Fall River’s existing Quequechan River Rail Trail.

“This grant provides an excellent opportunity for Fall River to become a safer and
more enjoyable community for bikers and pedestrians alike,” remarked Mayor Paul
Coogan. “These infrastructure improvements will have remarkable benefits for residents
of all ages and will make it easier to access some of Fall River’s greatest amenitiesincluding
our waterfront, our growing downtown and the beautiful Quequechan Rail
Trail.”

The goal of Fall River’s Reimagined Streets Pedestrian and Bicyclist Project,
which will begin this spring, is to increase pedestrian and bicyclist safety and mobility,
improve connections between neighborhoods, commercial corridors and public spaces,
while encouraging outdoor exploration and active transportation around the project area.

The project concepts and plans were designed by Kittelson and Associates – a
MassDOT technical assistance provider. Sarah Labossiere, Coordinator for Mass in
Motion-Fall River, who was also instrumental in the project’s design, said "With these
improvements, it is our hope that Fall River folks who walk, bike and roll through this
project area will find safer and more inviting connections to their destinations. In turn, we
hope that this will increase active transportation/recreation in the city and highlight the
many natural, cultural and commercial resources along the route."

In a Monday Municipal Election, Freetown Voters elected a new member for the Board of Selectmen, as long time incumbent Lisa Ann Pacheco lost by an 18-vote-margin to Jared Zager, who won two of the three Freetown Precincts by narrow margins to secure the win. 

Two members of Freetown's Finance Committee, and a five year term on the housing authority in Freetown would be decided by write in votes an an election that saw 12.5% voter turnout.  

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Weekly Dose Updates
 
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration provided the weekly update for doses allocated from the federal government.

This week, the Commonwealth received 444,930 first and second doses as part of the state allocation. These figures do not include doses provided directly from the federal government to the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) or Community Vaccination Center (CVC).

These numbers include a one-time shipment of 108,800 J&J vaccines. 

This week, first doses and second dose state allocations (total doses), were distributed among providers as follows:
•    Health systems and health care providers (excluding community health centers): 163,960
•    Regional Collaboratives and Local Boards of Health: 118,230
•    Mass vaccination locations: 115,890
•    Community Health Centers state allocation only: 31,350
•    Retail pharmacies (non-CVS) state allocation only: 4,500
•    Mobile Clinics supporting long-term care facilities, congregate care, affordable/low-income senior housing and homebound individuals: 10,000
 
Weekly allocations are subject to change based on federal availability, demand from providers, and obligations to meet second doses. Providers have 10 days to use their doses and must meet specific performance thresholds.
Federal Doses:

In addition to the state allocation, the federal government has increased its distribution of vaccines to CVS Health sites as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership as well as to certain Massachusetts federally qualified community health centers. These quantities fluctuate on a weekly basis and are not counted as part of the state’s weekly allocation but represent an increasing allocation to selected locations.

This week, 254,490 first and second doses were allocated to the retail pharmacy program.
23 FQHCs received 88,400 doses directly from the Federal Government.
The Community Vaccination Clinic at the Hynes Convention Center was allocated 42,120 doses. 
 
 

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Implementing Grace Period for Certain Expired Inspection Stickers
 
Law enforcement aware of these instances of expired stickers due to Applus’ vendor outage
 
Vehicle owners with expired March 2021 stickers should plan to obtain inspection by end of April; additional time requested for newly purchased or registered vehicles
 
Additional time will be granted for failed motor vehicle inspection and retests
 
 
QUINCY – Due to the nationwide system outage of motor vehicle inspection services by its vendor Applus Technologies (Applus) impacting inspection stations and motor vehicle owners, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is allowing a grace period for specific motor vehicle inspection requirements outlined below. The RMV is working in close partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and other stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of the outage.
 
The RMV continues to urge Applus to safely and swiftly restore services and provide additional information on the extent of the outage’s impact, which began on Tuesday, March 30. The three-phase process required to return the MA Vehicle Check program to full service that is secure and safe has been in progress. These phases are 1) Remediation (completed), 2) Restoration and System Testing (current phase), and 3) Go-Live and Post- Go-Live Support. The restoration phase, which is the current phase, involves a deliberate and methodical resetting of Applus Technologies’ IT environment and will take some time to restore the safety and emissions stations to testing capabilities fully. Based on recent conversations, inspections will not be performed today, Tuesday, April 6, Wednesday, April 7, Thursday, April 8, or Friday, April 9.
 
“The RMV shares the frustrations and disappointment with the tremendous inconvenience Applus’s outage is causing and recognizes the significant impacts on customers and business owners across the Commonwealth,” said Acting Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “The RMV remains committed to its efforts to ensure Applus makes Massachusetts a priority in quickly and safely returning the inspection program to operation.”
 
The RMV is allowing a grace period for certain expired motor vehicle inspections. The RMV has advised law enforcement that compliance with the safety/emissions inspection requirement has not been possible since March 30, in light of the outage caused by the malware attack against Applus. 
 
•    Motor vehicles with expired inspection stickers from March 2021 (“3” sticker on windshield) should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection.
 
•    Vehicles newly purchased or registered on or after Tuesday, March 23, 2021, should be granted until April 30, 2021, to obtain an inspection. Newly purchased vehicles must typically be inspected within seven (7) days of registration. 
 
•    Customers who recently had an inspection rejection and are in the 60-day free retest window will be afforded one extra day for each day Applus’s system remains unavailable but should plan to facilitate their inspection as soon as possible once the system is restored and stations are online.
 
The RMV is taking these and other steps to mitigate the impacts of Applus’s outage. Additionally, the RMV, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, has formally notified Applus that it is in breach of its contract and is exploring all possible remedial measures pursuant to the terms of the contract as Applus works to restore service as expediently as possible.
 
For additional information and details on these and other RMV service offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mass.gov/rmv or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information.
 
 
###

After pulling the MLB ASG from Atlanta last week, various sources are reporting that MLB is moving the game to Coors Field in Denver, CO, after Georgia lawmakers voted to enact new regulations that are seen in some quarters as a means to suppress Black Turnout in 2022 and 2024, after Georgia helped secure the White House and the U-S Senate for Democrats in 2020. 

Portsmouth, RI – In a milestone moment, the employees at Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center in Portsmouth, Rhode Island became the first cannabis dispensary workers in the state to unionize after an overwhelming majority voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 328 (UFCW) by a vote of 21 to 1.
 
The newly organized team at Greenleaf includes budtenders, keyholders, online team members and delivery associates. Each day, these workers strive to serve the needs of their patients by providing medicine and guidance through the state’s legal medical marijuana program.
  
In the weeks leading up to the election, Greenleaf management hired out of state anti-union consultants who held mandatory meetings and distributed flyers to employees in the dispensary. Despite their attempts, the workers at Greenleaf remained united and displayed incredible support and solidarity. The tactics by the company only reaffirmed the workers’ strong commitment for forming their union and securing a better and brighter future for all at Greenleaf.
 
Contributing factors leading workers to organize include the company’s sudden elimination of the employee incentive program, as well as a significant reduction of employee benefits. Workers also cited their lack of power in decision-making and often go unheard when concerns are brought to ownership. The staff at Greenleaf also came together in hopes of securing an equitable future in an industry that is seeing rapid changes and growth. 
 
The workers released a joint statement after the victory stating, “We hope that through demonstrating our continued commitment to one another in organizing as workers that we can create some form of lasting change within Greenleaf that allows for better job security and more space for us to actually be heard. We are proud to become a part of the larger momentum being seen by workers to unionize that is taking place within the cannabis industry.”
 
After filing for their election in February, Greenleaf workers have received strong support from their patients at the dispensary. They also received support from Reclaim RI, an organization in Rhode Island dedicated to ensuring that the expansion of legalized cannabis includes racial, social and economic justice for workers and our communities. The statement from Reclaim RI read, “Reclaim RI believes that worker justice should be at the center of the legalization process. Workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively are key elements of that vision. We support the Greenleaf workers in their organizing efforts and urge them to vote yes for union representation and a voice at work!”
 
With this victory, the workers at Greenleaf will now have a collective seat at the table as they negotiate their first agreement. By continuing to build a coalition of support, they will have a strong foundation among patients, community groups and labor allies.
 

The Baylor Bears secured the 2021 NCAA Men's Division One Basketball Championship with a resounding 86-70 win over previously undefeated Gonzaga. 

Baylor ran out to a 9-0 lead and never trailed in the game. 

Gonzaga was seeking to become the first undefeated Champion since Indiana in 1976. 

Major League Baseball announced Friday Afternoon that it will not hold its All Star Game in Atlanta in July, after the State of Georgia instituted a new elections law that is thought to be a measure aimed at Black voters who helped flipped the state Blue in November. 

There is no indication of where the 2021 MLB ASG will be conducted; the game is normally worth millions of tourism dollars for the city where it is held. 

A newly renovated Dodger Stadium was to have hosted the game in 2020. 

Baker-Polito Administration Reminds the Public that Individuals 55+ and Individuals with One Certain Medical Condition Eligible for Vaccine April 5th, Adopts CDC Guidance for New Medical Conditions to Expand Eligibility for More Individuals on April 5th
 
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition will be eligible for vaccine on Monday, April 5th. 
 
In addition, the Administration announced that Massachusetts will adopt the CDC’s updated list of medical conditions. This week, the CDC added more medical conditions that are linked to an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (full list here). Massachusetts will adopt this guidance and make individuals eligible starting April 5th if they have one of these medical conditions. As a result of adopting the CDC’s list, more residents will be eligible starting April 5th.
 
55+ and Residents with One Certain Medical Condition
On Monday, April 5th, residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition will be eligible to receive vaccine at any of the Commonwealth’s over 300 vaccination locations, including 269 pharmacy locations. With this group, more than 1 million additional residents will be eligible for vaccine in the Commonwealth. 
 
The full timeline is available at mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases.  
 
The Administration was informed early this week of a one-time increased shipment of 100,000 J&J vaccines that will arrive in the state early next week. Depending on supply from the federal government, it could take weeks for people to be notified that an appointment is available at a mass vaccination site. 
 
Individuals can learn more about the Commonwealth’s vaccination sites and pre-registration by visiting vaxfinder.mass.gov. 
 
CDC Guidance
In accordance with CDC guidelines, the Commonwealth has adopted recent additions to the list of conditions that cause individuals to be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. 
 
Individuals with one of the following conditions are eligible on Monday, April 5th:
•    Cancer
•    Chronic kidney disease
•    Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
•    Dementia or other neurological conditions
•    Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
•    Down syndrome
•    Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
•    HIV infection
•    Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
•    Liver disease
•    Overweight and obesity
•    Pregnancy
•    Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
•    Smoking, current or former
•    Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
•    Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
•    Substance use disorders
 
For individuals that have already pre-registered but would like to update their information to reflect the new medical conditions recognized by the CDC and Massachusetts as of April 5th: The administration is building a feature for individuals to edit their submission that will be made available soon.
 
Holiday Celebration Guidance
While vaccine efforts continue across the Commonwealth, it is important that residents celebrate Passover and Easter weekend responsibly.  Residents are encouraged to celebrate with your immediate household, wear masks, and, if you do have a small celebration, consider holding it outside if the weather cooperates. If you cannot celebrate outside, be sure to open windows to allow for fresh air.
 
Residents should continue to practice social distancing, limit your interactions with your closest and engage in physical distancing.
 
Individuals are encouraged to get tested if feeling sick or think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. Testing is free, and widely available, with over 400 testing sites in the Commonwealth.
 
###
 

Overnight Scheduled Safety Inspections of Ceiling Panels over Interstate 195
 
Inspections will take place nightly from Monday, April 5 through Friday, April 9, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
 
 
FALL RIVER - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will conduct overnight safety inspection of the ceiling panels underneath Fall River City Hall over Interstate 195. Routine safety inspections will take place nightly from Monday, April 5 through Friday, April 9, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Various temporary lane and shoulder closures will be implemented to facilitate these inspections. A minimum of two open travel lanes in each direction will be maintained at all times. All ramps and exits will remain open. 
 
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and advance message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
 
 

The New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell was joined by U.S Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Bill Keating and members of both the City Council and state legislative delegation announced the establishment of a waterfront vaccination center for essential seafood workers. 

The site will be located at the former Environmental Protection Agency’s Dewatering Facility,  recently turned over to the New Bedford Port Authority by the EPA.

 It will launch in the coming weeks with additional vaccine supply and through a partnership with the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center.

The waterfront vaccination center will be operated as a partnership between the City and the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, which will staff the vaccination site. 

“New Bedford’s essential seafood processing workforce plays a vital role in feeding the United States and distributing seafood from America’s top commercial fishing port,” Mayor Mitchell said. “It is critical that we continue to do everything we can to keep essential workers safe and support the equitable distribution of vaccines.”

The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center recently received an award of nearly $4 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of the American Rescue Plan to support its work, including direct receipt of vaccine, which makes possible the operation of this site.

“I am grateful to Senator Warren, Senator Markey, and Congressman Keating for their advocacy in securing these critical funds for New Bedford, which the Community Health Center, under the leadership of Cheryl Bartlett, will use to protect our residents and our essential workers,” the Mayor continued. 

The site is expected to open in early April and to handle at least 125 vaccinations per hour, with the ability to vaccinate up to 800 to 1,000 people per day. 

Further details about hours of operation and signup steps will be announced ahead of the center’s opening in collaboration with the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center.

Citing the Rain and Wind that started the day, the Boston Red Sox have postponed Opening Day till tomorrow, Friday,  April 2, at Fenway Park versus Baltimore. 

The Day Off after the Opener was built into the schedule by MLB so Friday was available just in case. 

Nathan Evildi will get the baseball from Alex Cora; coverage on WSAR at 95.9 F-M and 1480 tomorrow at 1:10 with a 2-10 first pitch.