Bill Cosby was released from prison Wednesday after his conviction on sexual assault charges was overturned by Pennsylvania's highest court.

The 83-year-old Cosby walked out of the State Correctional Institution Phoenix in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Wednesday afternoon, officials told ABC News.

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Cosby's publicist, Andrew Wyatt, told ABC News earlier Wednesday that he was going to pick Cosby up at the prison.

Aerial footage from Philadelphia ABC station WPVI showed Cosby getting out of a car at his Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, mansion wearing a maroon T-shirt and baggy trousers. He flashed a peace sign as people helped him walk into his home.

Cosby later emerged from his home and walked to the end of his driveway where he stood with Wyatt and his lawyers as they addressed the media. Cosby smiled as reporters asked him to respond to no longer being incarcerated, but he declined to speak.

"What we saw today was justice, justice for all Americans," Wyatt said.

PHOTO: Bill Cosby walks to briefly address the media with his attorney Jennifer Bonjean and spokesman Andrew Wyatt after he arrived home following the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's ruling for his release from prison, in Elkins Park, Pa., June 30, 2021.
Bastiaan Slabbers/EPA via Shutterstock
Bastiaan Slabbers/EPA via Shutterstock
Bill Cosby walks to briefly address the media with his attorney Jennifer Bonjean and spokesman...Read More
One of Cosby's appellate attorneys, Jennifer Bonjean, said she and the rest of Cosby's legal team were "thrilled" to have him home.

"He served three years of an unjust sentence. He did it with dignity, principal and he was a mentor to other inmates," Bonjean said. "He was really, as I say, doing the time. The time was not doing him."

She also thanked the state Supreme Court for demonstrating "they were impervious to the court of public opinion, which frankly the lower courts were not."

Cosby was sentenced in September 2018 to three to 10 years in state prison for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand in 2004. Cosby served about three years of his sentence.

PHOTO: Attorney Bruce Castor, representing and defending former President Donald Trump, addresses the U.S. Senate as it begins the second impeachment trial, on charges of inciting the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol, Feb. 9, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
Senate TV via Reuters
Senate TV via Reuters
Attorney Bruce Castor, representing and defending former President Donald Trump, addresses th...Read More
Last year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed to hear two points in Cosby's appeal to overturn his 2018 sexual assault conviction.

In a ruling released Wednesday, the state Supreme Court concluded that Cosby's prosecution should never have occurred due to a deal the comedian cut with former Montgomery County prosecutor Bruce Castor, who agreed not to criminally prosecute Cosby if he gave a deposition in a civil case brought against him by Constand.

MORE: The world reacts after Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction overturned
During that deposition, Cosby made incriminating statements that Castor's successor, Kevin R. Steele, used to charge Cosby in 2015.

Castor is the same lawyer who went on to represent former President Donald Trump during the ex-president's second impeachment trial earlier this year.

PHOTO: Bill Cosby is assisted as he exits the car that picked him up after he was released from the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix in Collegeville, Pa., June 30, 2021.
WPVI
WPVI
Bill Cosby is assisted as he exits the car that picked him up after he was released from the State C...Read More
"The discretion vested in our Commonwealth's prosecutors, however vast, does not mean that its exercise is free of the constraints of due process," the Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices wrote in their 79-page decision.

"When an unconditional charging decision is made publicly and with the intent to induce action and reliance by the defendant, and when the defendant does so to his detriment (and in some instances upon the advice of counsel), denying the defendant the benefit of that decision is an affront to fundamental fairness, particularly when it results in a criminal prosecution that was foregone for more than a decade," the justices wrote.

The decision went on to say Cosby was the victim of an unconstitutional "coercive bait-and-switch."

MORE: Bill Cosby sentenced to 3 to 10 years in state prison with no bail during appeals
Believing he had immunity from criminal prosecution, Cosby testified during four days of depositions by Constand's attorneys, and the civil lawsuit was settled for more than $3 million in 2006.

"As a practical matter, the moment that Cosby was charged criminally, he was harmed: all that he had forfeited earlier, and the consequences of that forfeiture in the civil case, were for naught," the justices wrote.

Cosby cannot be retried on the criminal charges.

PHOTO: Television camera crews are positioned at an entrance to the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix in Collegeville, Pa., June 30, 2021.
Matt Slocum/AP
Matt Slocum/AP
Television camera crews are positioned at an entrance to the State Correctional Institution at Ph...Read More
"He was found guilty by a jury and now goes free on a procedural issue that is irrelevant to the facts of the crime," Steele said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

Steele commended Constand "for her bravery in coming forward and remaining steadfast throughout this long ordeal, as well as all of the other women who have shared similar experiences."

"My hope is that this decision will not dampen the reporting of sexual assaults by victims," Steele said. "Prosecutors in my office will continue to follow the evidence wherever and to whomever it leads. We still believe that no one is above the law -- including those who are rich, famous and powerful."

In an interview with KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia, Castor said he was "not surprised" by the state Supreme Court's decision.

"I can only ever recall it happening once before in a case that the prosecutor's behavior was so egregious that the Supreme Court threw the case out and didn’t remand for a new trial," Castor told the radio station. "So it is rare, but what happened to Mr. Cosby was really egregious and what they did to him should never happen to any American citizen at any social strata."

Attorney Gloria Allred represented several women who testified at Cosby's trial to bolster the prosecution's evidence of "prior bad acts" against the entertainer and to prove a pattern of practice.

PHOTO: Bill Cosby accuser Andrea Constand reacts with lawyer Dolores Troiani, right, and Delaney Henderson, left, after the guilty verdict in Bill Cosby's trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse on April 26, 2018, in Norristown, Pa.
Mark Makela/Getty Images, FILE
Mark Makela/Getty Images, FILE
Bill Cosby accuser Andrea Constand reacts with lawyer Dolores Troiani, right, and Delaney Hend...Read More
"Despite the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's decision, this was an important fight for justice," Allred told ABC News Live. "And even though the court overturned the conviction on technical grounds, it did not vindicate Bill Cosby's conduct and should not be interpreted as a statement or a finding that he did not engage in the acts of which he has been accused."

Janice Baker Kinney, one of the women who testified at Cosby's criminal trial alleging that he sexually assaulted her in 1982 when she was a 24-year-old bartender in Reno, Nevada, told ABC News Live on Wednesday she was "stunned" by the news.

"I'm shocked, and my stomach's kind of in a knot over this," Kinney said. "Just one little legalese can overturn this when so many people came forward, so many women have told their truths."

MORE: Bill Cosby: Timeline of his fall from 'America's Dad' to his release from prison
Another accuser, Victoria Valentino, a former Playboy model who didn't testify at the trial but claimed Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her when she was a young woman, told ABC News that "my stomach is lurching" upon hearing Cosby would be released.

"I am deeply distressed about the injustice of the whole thing," Valentino said. "You know, he's a sociopath, he's a serial rapist."

PHOTO: In this Sept. 24, 2018, Bill Cosby arrives for his sentencing hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse, in Norristown, Pa.
Matt Slocum/AP, FILE
Matt Slocum/AP, FILE
In this Sept. 24, 2018, Bill Cosby arrives for his sentencing hearing at the Montgomery County Co...Read More
She said Cosby's release came just days after she and the other Cosby accusers received a letter from Pennsylvania officials advising them that Cosby's request for parole was denied.

Cosby, who has maintained his innocence, had his petition for early parole denied in May after corrections officials cited his refusal to participate in prison sex offender programs.

MORE: Pennsylvania Supreme Court to hear part of Bill Cosby appeal
In an appeal of the conviction, Cosby's lawyers argued that the trial judge erred in allowing Cosby's prior deposition about using quaaludes during consensual sexual encounters with women in the 1970s.

Two lower courts, including a three-judge panel of Pennsylvania Superior Court jurists, had previously refused to overturn the comedian's conviction.

Despite the deluge of accusations against him, Cosby has maintained he never engaged in nonconsensual sex.

ABC News' Meredith Deliso contributed to this report.

For now, Fall River's Fiscal Year 2022 Municipal Budget remains as it was Sunday  Night, as the Coogan Administration determined that it was indeed passed, after a 45-day countdown clock hit zero as of last Friday. 

Facing a 2pm deadline, the Sixth Floor released a one page release indicating that its position had not changed regarding the budget, while offering council an opportunity to continue work on various line items of concern. 

Water and Sewer Rates remain in the Ordinance and Legislation sub committee, as does an unfinished salary schedule. 

In a final flurry of press releases and legal opinions, Fall River Council President Cliff Ponte explained his disappointment with the budget proceedings, ending his press release with one final sentence. 

''Fall River Deserves Good Government''

Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School is expanding its nursing program, as an increase of enrollment for the classes and for the high school's vocational grows past the limit of the building's size. 

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, beginning this fall, students enrolled in Diman’s nursing program will move and take their classes in Fall River’s Commonwealth Landing. Currently, Diman’s nursing program includes roughly 50 full time students and 15 part time. With the choice of a relocation, the program will expand to about 75 full time students and 25 part time.

In the current Diman high school building there are 1,400 students enrolled for a building only intended to house 1,000. Diman’s superintendent told the Fall River Herald, “Looking at applications that were coming in and folks who wanted to go into this trade… we quickly found out that we couldn’t meet the need in our current space.” The school has considered expansion to the current building but is now looking to construct an entirely new building.

Udoka 'Honored' by Opportunity to Become Celtics' 18th Head Coach
By Taylor Snow |  @taylorcsnow
Celtics.com
June 28, 2021

Presented by Putnam Investments

(This article first appeared on Boston Celtics. com

The Boston Celtics remain steadfast in pursuit of their 18th NBA championship banner, and they are hopeful that the 18th head coach in franchise history, Ime Udoka, will help to lead them there.

The hiring of Udoka became official Monday morning, as Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens announced his head-coaching successor three-and-a-half weeks after being elevated from his former position on the sideline to his new role in the front office.

"Among the many outstanding qualities that Ime brings to the table are his integrity, humility and competitiveness,” Stevens stated in a press release. “he has a relentless work ethic and a vast array of experiences as a player and coach. He’s a leader that is warm and demanding, and we are so excited that he has chosen to join us in pursuit of Banner 18.”

As Stevens noted, Udoka brings a wealth of basketball knowledge to Boston, both from a player’s and a coach’s perspective.

I

Following a 13-year professional playing career, which spanned from 2000-2012 and included stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs, Udoka was hired to coach under legendary Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. He served as an assistant under Popovich from 2012-2019 and was a member of San Antonio’s championship-winning squad in 2014.

After spending seven years soaking up a lifetime of coaching knowledge from Pop, Udoka moved on to Philadelphia where he became an assistant on Brett Brown’s coaching staff. He stayed in Philly for one year before switching gears and joining Steve Nash’s talented staff of Brooklyn Nets assistants for the 2020-21 campaign.

Throughout his tenure as an assistant, Udoka established a reputation of being immensely respected by his pupils. The 43-year-old Nigerian-American has received gushing reviews from players over the years and even helped San Antonio to land arguably its biggest free-agent signing in franchise history, LaMarcus Aldridge.

The former Trail Blazers teammates became friends during Aldridge’s rookie year in 2006-07, and Udoka ultimately convinced the seven-time NBA All-Star to join him in San Antonio.

“He has always been really cool with me, and I thought he played a vital part in this,” Aldridge said of Udoka’s role in his signing during the summer of 2015. “If I had questions, I would call him. And when things weren’t looking as good (during San Antonio’s pursuit of Aldridge), him and I would talk for an hour or two, just going over everything. He would maybe reaffirm some things that I didn’t understand, or I didn’t think were accurate. I told (Spurs general manager) R.C. Buford, I said, ‘Ime got the deal done.’"

Midway through this past season, Aldridge was once again joined forces with Udoka, as he was bought out by the Nets shortly before announcing his retirement due to a health issue.

It has been widely reported throughout the media that Udoka has also established strong relationships with several of Boston’s current players, including Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Jayson Tatum, all of whom he coached during the summer of 2019 when he was serving as one of Popovich’s assistants with Team USA at the World Cup. Al Horford also knows Udoka from his one-year stint in Philly two seasons ago.

"Ime’s a great guy," Horford said Thursday morning. "Him and I had a great relationship. He was always very professional. His views on the game defensively - him and I spent a lot of time talking about defense and coverages and things I feel work and he feels work - and things like that. I’m excited about him for what he brings and how he can help our group. I’m looking forward to supporting him and getting this thing going."

With such a combination of playing and coaching experience, along with the ability to establish strong bonds with players, Udoka is primed for a successful start to his head-coaching career with the Celtics. And it’s an opportunity that he is not taking for granted.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the historic Celtics franchise,” Udoka said. “Coaching this talented roster and working alongside Brad makes it an ideal situation. I’d like to thank [Celtics Co-Owner Wyc Grousbeck, Co-Owner and Alternate Governor Steve Pagliuca, Brad, and Vice President of Player Development & Organizational Growth Allison Feaster] for entrusting me with this opportunity. I look forward to getting started right away''.

Baker-Polito Administration Files Plan to Invest $2.9 Billion in Federal COVID-19 Funding to Support Economic Recovery, Communities Hit Hardest by Pandemic 

 
BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today will re-file its plan to immediately put to use part of Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support key priorities including housing and homeownership, economic development and local downtowns, job training and workforce development, health care, and infrastructure. The Administration called on the Legislature to act quickly on the $2.9 billion plan to jump-start the Commonwealth’s economic recovery and support residents hardest-hit by COVID-19, such as lower-wage workers and communities of color. 

Governor Charlie Baker today is re-filing the proposal after signing “An Act Relative to Transferring Federal Funds to the Federal COVID-19 Response Fund,” which was on the Governor’s desk.

“We are eager to work with the Legislature to put these funds to work and our $2.9 billion proposal will immediately aid those hardest hit by COVID-19 like communities of color and lower-wage workers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This plan addresses homeownership gaps in communities of color, connects workers with in demand job-training, boosts addiction treatment services and invests in local infrastructure. It’s crucial that the Legislature act quickly and not hold up these important investments. Communities of color, the hardest hit areas of the Commonwealth, should not have to wait to have their tax dollars be put to work.” 

“Massachusetts’ economic recovery is off to a good start but it’s crucial that we address the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic by taking action to invest these federal relief dollars in priorities like housing, economic development, job training, and addiction treatment,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to move quickly in putting these relief dollars to work on behalf of our communities.”

The proposal filed today is the same proposal filed by Governor Baker earlier this month with the Legislature, with an additional $100 million for marine port development to support economic growth.

The Administration’s plan to invest $2.9 billion in federal dollars in these disproportionately impacted communities complements a proposal filed last week for the Commonwealth’s surplus state tax revenue. With May revenues approximately $4 billion over benchmark, the Administration’s proposal for a 2-month Sales Tax Holiday would provide relief for small businesses and residents, especially lower-wage workers who are most impacted by the sales tax.

The $2.915 billion is part of a total of approximately $5.3 billion in direct aid to the Commonwealth from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. These discretionary funds are intended to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost revenue, support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses, and address unequal public health and economic challenges in Massachusetts cities and towns throughout the pandemic. ARPA is also providing a total of $3.4 billion in direct aid for municipalities throughout Massachusetts, as well as substantial funding for key priorities including a total of $1.1 billion for transit. With a focus on increasing capacity for child care and supporting parents as they return to work, the Administration is also proposing to distribute approximately $760 million in additional federal funding to child care providers in Massachusetts over the coming years, and looks forward to working with key stakeholders on the usages of these funds.

The remaining $2 billion in direct federal aid would stay in the Federal COVID-19 Response Fund, and the Administration looks forward to working closely with the Legislature to allocate these resources in a fiscally responsible and compliant manner.  

In addition to this discretionary funding, an additional $35.2 billion in other ARPA funding has been directed to the Commonwealth to support additional areas of recovery including direct aid to municipalities, transportation, and child care. This includes approximately $3.4 billion in direct aid to cities, towns, and counties throughout Massachusetts. The plan therefore includes language allowing a local match for numerous programs to better leverage municipal support, optimize the usage of all available revenue, and maximize the impact of this one-time federal funding. 
 

Highlights of the plan include:

Housing
•    $300 million to support expanded homeownership opportunities, focused on first-time homebuyers who are residents of disproportionately impacted municipalities;
•    $200 million to support housing production through MassHousing’s CommonWealth Builder Program and similar efforts, which aim to help communities of color build wealth by promoting home ownership among residents of disproportionately impacted municipalities;
•    $200 million to fund rental housing production and provide increased housing options to workers and residents of disproportionately impacted municipalities;
•    $300 million to finance the statewide production of senior and veteran housing. These new housing options would contain a supportive services component, and would be combined with other resources including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, rental payments, and, in the case of veteran housing, VA health care. 

Economic Development
•    $100 million for Downtown Development to concentrate economic growth activities, resources, and investments within local neighborhood areas in municipalities disproportionally impacted by COVID;
•    $250 million to support investments and regional collaboration aimed at invigorating downtowns throughout Massachusetts. These resources would provide grant funds to municipalities and other eligible public entities for a range of projects;
•    $100 million to support cultural facilities and tourism assets throughout Massachusetts;

Workforce Development
•    $240 million to fund a suite of job training programs and address skills gaps, to better position residents who want to be hired into jobs that businesses need filled. Areas of investment include:
o    $150 million for workforce credentials for entry and mid-level wages;
o    $35 million to fund English for Speakers of Other Languages programs and Adult Basic Education;
o    $25 million for work readiness and essential skills programs.

Health Care
•    $50 million for fiscally stressed hospitals in disproportionately impacted municipalities as these hospitals have supported their communities significantly during the pandemic despite interruptions to their revenue streams;
•    $175 million for addiction treatment and related behavioral health services.

Infrastructure Investment
•    $400 million to fund grants for water and sewer infrastructure;
•    $300 million to improve culverts, dams, and other environmental infrastructure;
•    $100 million to enhance and modernize state park facilities;
•    $100 million to close the digital divide and increase broadband internet access, helping to promote workforce development and economic growth.
•    $100 million for marine port development.
 
###
 

Former U.S. Congressional Candidate Indicted for Federal Election Campaign Act Violations and False Statements

BOSTON – A former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District of Massachusetts was arrested today on charges of violating the Federal Election Campaign Act and false statements.

Abhijit Das, a/k/a “Beej,” 47, of North Andover, was indicted on one count of accepting excessive campaign contributions, one count of conduit contributions, one count of conversion of campaign funds, one count of engaging in a scheme to falsify, conceal, and cover up material facts and two counts of making a false statement.

Das was arrested today and will make his initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal at 2:30 p.m.

“Mr. Das allegedly solicited illegal campaign donations, used the money for his own business expenses and debts, and then attempted to conceal his actions,” said Nathaniel R. Mendell, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. “We are committed to prosecuting this kind of criminal conduct, because doing so protects the election process and vindicates every voter’s right to law-abiding campaigns and transparent elections.” 

“Today, we arrested Abhijit Das for allegedly soliciting his friends and family for at least $125,000 in illegal campaign contributions, repeatedly dipping into his campaign coffers to pay outstanding debts related to his hotel business, and falsifying campaign finance reports to try and cover his tracks,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “We believe Mr. Das engineered this calculated scheme to show he was a viable candidate for office, at the expense of voters and the election process. The FBI will continue to investigate allegations of campaign finance abuse like these to ensure openness and fairness in our elections so that everyone’s interests are protected.”

“Campaigns funds are governed by strict federal rules so political contributions aren’t used as personal slush funds, among other reasons,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Boston Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. “Today’s indictment alleging campaign finance violations for the personal benefit of the defendant, represent a flagrant violation of those laws and blatant betrayal of the public trust.”

According to the indictment, Das was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District of Massachusetts in the 2017-2018 election. In order to overcome a fundraising deficit, Das allegedly devised a scheme in or about December 2017 to solicit personal loans from friends and close associates in excess of the legal limit. On or about Dec. 17, 2017, Das allegedly emailed a contributor asking for a friend to support his campaign to reach a specific fundraising goal of over $450,000 by the end of the year and indicated that reaching that goal might need “some engineering.” It is alleged that Das advised a member of his campaign that he would “aggregate” the loans into “one batch” and execute a main transfer into the campaign account.

The indictment further alleges that Das caused three different individuals to contribute approximately $125,000 to his campaign and structured the contributions as personal loans to a family member to circumvent Federal Election Commission (FEC) reporting requirement and contribution limits. Das allegedly concealed the excessive campaign contributions from the FEC, falsely claimed that the funds from the excessive contributions were his own personal funds and engaged in illegal conduit contributions to his campaign.

In addition, the indictment also alleges that between January and May 2018, Das withdrew approximately $314,500 in funds from his campaign account and used at least $267,000 of these funds to pay outstanding debts for his hotel business relating to vendors, the hotel’s yacht and real estate taxes unrelated to his congressional campaign. In making these withdrawals, Das allegedly sought to conceal his conversion of campaign funds by instructing bank tellers to report the withdrawals as separate withdrawal and deposit transactions, rather than direct transfers.

Das allegedly aided and abetted in the submission of false information in quarterly reports to the FEC by overstating the amount of cash-on-hand the Das-for-Congress Campaign had in its campaign bank account. For example, on June 30, 2018, Das allegedly reported that his campaign’s total amount of cash-on-hand was approximately $440,000, when in fact the amount of cash-on-hand in the campaign bank account was less than $5,000.

Each of the charges provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta and IRS-CI Acting SAC Covington made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

According to CBS 12 in Providence, an investigation has begun after several cars in New Bedford became heavily damaged in an early morning fire.

Police and Fire reported the fire broke out around 3:45 A.M.. on Glennon Street where at least two vehicles were seen parked along the street severely burned.

No further updates on possible injuries or what may have caused the fire at this time.

Mayor Paul E. Coogan has opened an emergency cooling center in the cafeteria of Government Center from 11am to 4:30pm on Tuesday, June 29th and Wednesday, June 30th due to extreme heat.

Please use the Third St entrance. 

Due to high temperatures in Fall River, we want to remind citizens to check in on family, friends and neighbors. Drink plenty of water, stay inside in a cool area and do not exert yourself if you have health conditions. Stay cool and safe. Please call the Mayor’s office at 508-324-2600 with any questions. Thank you.

The first of four co conspirators to be sentenced in connection to the Jasiel Correia II case will spend 15 months in home confinement, spend three years on probation, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit a little over $107.000, and spend 100 hours in Community Service. . 

Tony Costa was praised by Federal Prosecutors during a sentencing hearing in the Moakly Federal Courthouse, telling Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock that the bribery and extortion case aimed at former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia would not have happened without the information that Costa provided to Federal Prosecutors. 

Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock told Costa, ''I believe you can be an honorable man''.

Westwood, MA, June 28, 2021 — Massachusetts’s average gas price is up 3 cents from last week ($2.95), averaging $2.98 per gallon. Today’s price is 7 cents higher than a month ago ($2.91), and 88 cents higher than June 28, 2020 ($2.10). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 11 cents lower than the national average.

While it is typical to see gas prices increase ahead of a holiday, especially during the peak summer driving season, pump price increases as of late have been noticeable.

“Today, 89% of U.S. gas stations are selling regular unleaded for $2.75 or more. That is a stark increase over last July 4 when only a quarter of stations were selling gas for more than $2.25,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “Road trippers will pay the most to fill up for the holiday since 2014.”

Crude oil, and in turn gas prices, are more expensive compared to years past mostly due to three major factors: confidence in worldwide vaccination rollout, global oil demand spikes, and the easing of travel restrictions leading to optimism for leisure travel. Motorists can expect little relief at the pump following the holiday. With crude oil prices likely to continue climbing, gas prices are most likely to see increases through the end of summer.
 

A Fall River man was arrested Sunday on charges of domestic violence and child abuse after being chased by police across several Rhode Island towns.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, North Smithfield police responded to the call just after 8 P.M.. for a woman standing in the roadway with her infant in hand. The woman told police that she and her boyfriend had gotten into a heated argument which led to him forcibly removing her out of the vehicle by her hair as well as throwing the car seat out with the 4-month old child strapped in. The woman suffered minor injuries while the car seat containing the baby landed on its side, sparing the child from any major injuries. 

The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Elijah Laferriere of Fall River. After obtaining an arrest warrant for Laferriere, police in North Smithfield were informed by Woonsocket Police around 1 A.M.. that they were in pursuit of Laferriere’s vehicle ending in a collision into a tree. The suspect is expected to be arraigned on Monday on charges of domestic simple assault, domestic disorderly conduct, cruelty or neglect of a child, disorderly conduct, eluding law enforcement, obstructing police, and possession of a controlled substance. Police state additional charges are pending.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s proposal that will extend the state’s tax-free weekend to two months is being followed by large criticism in Attleboro.

Michael Tyler, Attleboro’s superintendent of public works, says the state can’t afford to continue the sales tax for longer than the signed legislation of the designated weekends.

Although taxpayers and businesses are for the move by the administration, Michael Tyler feels the money can be spent on better areas like local roads. 

“One of the number one complaints any municipality receives is about their roadways not being sufficient. It’s a quality of life issue,” Tyler said. “Our roads need attention now.”

Baker’s proposal would waive the 6% sales tax on most items for the entire months of August and September to help businesses hit hardest by the pandemic. The proposal would return about $900 million to taxpayers.

After months of controversy  in the Fall River River School Department, a negotiated settlement with  soon-to-be outgoing Superintendent Doctor Matthew Malone was reached this week and approved Thursday Afternoon during a Special Session of the Fall River School Committee in the Kuss Middle School Community Room. 

Current Fall River Assistant Superintendent of Schools Maria Pontes will assume the duties of Superintendent on the first day of July, while Malone will leave the district with a $70,000 pay out with provisions in a renegotiated contract. 

Malone was praised for his leadership of the district by the four committee members who showed their support by voting to retain him, while Paul Hart and Kevin Augiar lamented that Malone could not have left earlier. 

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is coming to a close, financial problems still linger with many as a side effect with such problems like affording housing. According to CBS 12 in Providence, the Biden administration has extended the ban on eviction for 30 days.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has extended the nationwide ban on evictions for 30 days to help tenants who are unable to make rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extended the eviction moratorium until July 31. It had been scheduled to end June 30.

The White House had acknowledged Wednesday that the emergency pandemic protection will have to end at some point. The trick is devising the right sort of off-ramp to make the transition without massive social upheaval.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the separate bans on evictions for renters and mortgage holders were “always intended to be temporary.”

The Boston Celtics have found a new head coach in former assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Ime Udoka. This Story First Appeared in the Digital Edition on ESPN.com by Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski:

"The Boston Celtics are finalizing an agreement with Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka to make him the franchise's new coach, sources told ESPN.

Udoka will replace Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who stepped down as coach earlier this month to replace Danny Ainge running the franchise's basketball operations.

Udoka, 43, separated himself quickly in the search process, sources said, and his candidacy was boosted with strong recommendations from key Celtics stars -- including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart -- who played for Udoka on Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Udoka was an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs for seven seasons under coach Gregg Popovich. He left San Antonio to join Brett Brown's staff in Philadelphia two years ago and moved on to Brooklyn under Steve Nash this season.

He spent several years in pro basketball as a player, including stops with the Lakers, Blazers, Kings, Knicks and Spurs.

Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and LA Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups had multiple interviews with the Celtics. Both were considered top candidates in the process, sources said."

 Mayor Paul Coogan will be proclaiming June 25th, 2021
as “Hydrangea Day” with a brief ceremony at Old Second St. This is the second annual
recognition of “Hydrangea Day” in the City of Fall River.

“Hydrangea Day” reflects a multi-year initiative lead by the Creative Arts Network (CAN), who
proposed a hydrangea beautification program, the Hortensia Project, in 2018.

In collaboration
with the City of Fall River, the Department of Community Maintenance and other community
partners/donors, dozens of hydrangea plants have been planted across Fall River.

In 2018, the City Council voted to make hydrangeas the ornamental flower of the City of Fall
River.

The strategic plantings and official status of the hydrangea in Fall River reflect the City’s
strong ties to the Azores, where the hydrangea is a prominent local symbol.

Mayor Coogan will be joined on Friday, June 25th by representatives of CAN’s Hortensia Project
team, including Dave and Sandy Dennis of CAN, David LaLima with the Westport Trail Team,
and Mal Condon, botanical expert from the Heritage Museum and Gardens.

People Incorporated,
who have committed annually to support the plantings, will also be present. Following a brief
speaking program, members of the Hortensia Team will be completing the plantings at Old
Second Street.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Legislation to Make August and September 2021 Sales Tax Holiday Months
 
BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today is filing legislation to establish a Sales Tax Holiday for the months of August and September. This plan aims to support Main Street businesses and local economies and promote economic growth and opportunity as the Commonwealth continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

State tax revenues for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) continue to significantly exceed projections, with revenues to date 14.9% above benchmark. Strong revenues across the board have allowed the Commonwealth to grow the size of the Stabilization Fund and be poised to end the fiscal year with a significant surplus for the FY21 budget. As a result, the Administration is proposing to support the Commonwealth’s taxpayers and downtown economies by designating the entire months of August and September as sales tax-free. 

“A two-month sales tax holiday will provide a boost to Massachusetts’ taxpayers and Main Street economies as we continue to recover from COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts’ economic recovery is off to a good start, but it’s crucial that the Commonwealth takes action now to spur more economic activity in communities and support taxpayers. Thanks to stronger than expected tax revenues, the Commonwealth has managed to grow the Rainy Day Fund to a balance higher than it was at the beginning of the pandemic, and we can also afford to return these tax dollars to our residents and small businesses.”

“We recognize that many residents, families, and small businesses continue to face challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As a result of the Commonwealth’s strong revenue performance, we are proposing to extend the annual sales tax-free weekend to two months to help support small and local businesses throughout Massachusetts and power our economy forward.”

Through May 2021, FY21 tax revenues collections are $3.938 billion or 14.9% more than the year-to-date benchmark. Additionally, Massachusetts has been awarded significant federal resources since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars through the CARES Act which have helped reduce pressure on the operating budget.

“We are proud to offer this proposal to keep money in the hands of taxpayers and promote economic development amidst Massachusetts’ recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “These two sales tax-free months would be a great opportunity for consumers throughout local neighborhoods to help support small and Main Street businesses and grow our economy.”

Tax revenues have continued to come in at higher-than-expected levels. Yesterday, the Department of Revenue certified to the Comptroller that a total of $2.3 billion in capital gains tax revenue has so far been collected in FY21. This figure is $947 million higher than the FY21 capital gains tax collections threshold, meaning that under state law, $852 million is transferred to the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund. Therefore, the Stabilization Fund balance will now stand at approximately $4.4 billion, which is higher than it was at the beginning of the pandemic and nearly quadruple the balance when the Administration took office in 2015.

"A two month sales tax holiday is a smart, exciting, and progressive economic incentive that will benefit our small businesses and our consumers just when they need it,” said Retailers of Massachusetts Association President Jon Hurst. “Consumers represent 70% of our economy, and it is important that we encourage them to invest in our Main Streets, small businesses and communities.  And for our lower income families, this tax cut is all about temporarily suspending the most regressive tax on the books, just as their children are heading back to school.  Retailers and small businesses across the Commonwealth thank the Baker-Polito Administration in proposing this important economic growth incentive, and urge the Legislature to pass it into law."

If enacted, this proposal would be an expansion of the annual sales tax-free weekend, which the Administration is today also officially designating as August 14-15. In 2018, Governor Baker signed legislation that makes the annual sales tax holiday permanent. The Department of Revenue today is designating August 14-15 as the sales tax holiday under M.G.L. Chapter 64H, Section 6A. 

With a vote in the House today, the General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo and Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski to allow any Class B liquor license holders and brewpubs to sell certain amounts of beer, wine and mixed drinks with take-out food order through March 1, 2022.

The bill now heads to the governor’s office.

“The restaurant and hospitality industry has been battered by the economic effects of the pandemic, and is now facing another struggle in the shape of an employee shortage. We need this industry — which includes so many treasured small businesses that make Rhode Island the special place that is — to survive the pandemic.

This simple extension of take-out drinks will help them stay afloat, bring in a little more revenue, and keep paying their employees and supporting our economy,” said Senator Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick).

Said Representative Baginski (D-Dist. 17, Cranston), “While we’re fortunate that many of the COVID restrictions for businesses have been lifted, the restaurant industry in particular continues to suffer from the devastating economic impact of the last year and a half. Our restaurants are in desperate need of every cent that comes their way.  This legislation will help them stay on the road to recovery.” 

The legislation (2021-S 0555Aaa, 2021-H 5105A) will allow Class B license holders and brewpubs to sell up to two 750 ml bottles of wine, 72 ounces of a mixed-wine drinks, 144 ounces of beer, and mixed drinks with no more than nine ounces of distilled spirits

. All drinks must be sold in factory-sealed containers or containers sealed in such a way as to prevent re-opening without obvious evidence that the seal was removed or broken. 
The bill applies only to take-out orders, not delivery. It would take effect upon passage and would sunset on March 1, 2022.
Class B license holders include any business where the principal business is the furnishing of food and sleeping accommodations and any shop or place where a substantial part of the business is the furnishing of food for consumption at the place where it is furnished.
 

The House of Representatives today approved Rep. José F. Batista’s bill establishing a statewide program for police body cameras.

Funding to equip approximately 1,700 of Rhode Island’s uniformed patrol officers —across every police department and the Rhode Island State Police — with body-worn cameras over the next 12 to 18 months has been included in the state budget bill that comes before the House today

The legislation (2021-H 6463) passed today ensures that before any of that funding is distributed, regulations for the use of the cameras and the resulting video are established through formal, public rule-making process by the attorney general and Department of Public Safety, in consultation with Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association and with input from community members and stakeholders. 

Establishment of the program, which has strong backing from Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, is a critical step forward for criminal justice reform, said Representative Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence). 

“All communities deserve accountability from and trust in law enforcement. Having video footage of encounters has made all the difference in getting to the bottom of some very high-profile cases around the country and right here in Providence. Real justice can only be reached when you can determine what is true, and body cameras are a valuable tool that helps us get to the truth. St

atewide use of body cameras will go a long way toward ensuring that our justice system is, in fact, serving true justice and deserving of the public’s trust,” said Representative Batista, whose district includes the South Side and Washington Park neighborhoods of Providence. He has made justice reform one of his top priorities in the House.

The bill requires that the regulations set by the attorney general and the Department of Public Safety address proper use of equipment; data and equipment security; activation and deactivation of cameras; notification to the public of recording; records retention procedures and timelines, access to data by law enforcement and the public; privacy protections, including redaction procedures; and compliance monitoring.

The bill also ensures the Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the attorney general, establish the rules on how the funding for the cameras is distributed to police departments.

Under an amendment added by the House Finance Committee last week, the budget bill that goes before the House tomorrow includes $15 million for the launch of the statewide program and its first five years of operation.

The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) is the sponsor of companion legislation (2021-S 0954)

. That bill is scheduled for a vote before the Senate today.

The legislation was developed by Attorney General Neronha’s office following the murder of George Floyd. The Attorney General’s Office worked closely with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association to research all aspects of implementation, as the State Police and other departments piloted body-worn camera systems. The work was informed by the experience of the Providence and Newport Police Departments, which have both adopted body-worn camera programs over the past several years.
 

The 24-year-old Fall River man charged with murder for the June 2 homicide of Adilson Neves in New Bedford waived rendition in North Carolina and has been returned to Massachusetts.  The defendant will be arraigned this morning in New Bedford District Court.

Daquan Blanchard, 24, is charged with murder and carrying an illegal firearm.

The defendant was taken into custody in Greenville, NC on June 15.  

The apprehension was made by US Marshalls, who were acting on intelligence developed by District Attorney Quinn's State Police Detective Unit, New Bedford Police and the state police's Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section.

The defendant was found hiding in a closet inside a home.  

A co-defendant in the case, Cheyanne Miranda, 31, was arrested in Fall River earlier this month by members of District Attorney Quinn's Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit and New Bedford Police

. Ms. Miranda has been a New Bedford resident most of her life, but very recently moved to Fall River.  She is charged with being an Accessory to Murder-After the Fact.

Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney's office, Homicide Unit prosecutors and New Bedford Police continue to actively investigate the homicide.

At approximately 3:12 pm on June 2, New Bedford Police responded to 911 calls reporting a shooting outside of 67 David Street.  When first responders arrived on scene, they located a male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim, later identified as Adilson Neves, 36, of New Bedford, was rushed to Saint Luke's Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
 

The Fall River School Committee will use a special session this afternoon to appoint an interim school superintendent to replace Dr. Matthew Malone.

An executive session will then determine the final buy out of Malone's contract, which was re negotiated earlier this year after the release of a report by an independent investigator who looked into Malone's conduct as Superintendent after a series of complaints by district employees. 

The special session will begin at 6pm in the Community Room in Kuss Middle School. 

According to CBS 12 in Providence, Freetown Police are searching for several suspects after three people were reported being assaulted on Sunday.

Police are stating two men and a woman were walking along South Main Street near the bandstand and “Four Corners” just before 9 PM when they were attacked by 4 men in a sedan. The victims told Freetown Police they were chased onto Elm Street when there was an altercation that occurred. 

The suspects are described as white males with one being approximately 25 to 30 years old. Police said the suspect's car is an older sedan, possibly a black Toyota Corolla. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Shane Kelley at (508) 763-4017.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, a one year old child was rushed to the hospital and four others were injured following a crash on Route 24 in Raynham Thursday night.

Massachusetts State Police say a Volvo sedan driven by a 17-year-old boy from Taunton rear ended a Toyota Sienna driven by a 28 year old Fall River woman around 9:40pm just before the Route 44 exit causing both vehicles to spin out of control. Police are suggesting the Sienna change lanes due to construction closing a lane ahead.

The infant was transported to Boston Children's Hospital with serious injuries while the other three in the minivan were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton with minor injuries. The 17-year-old boy was transported to Morton Hospital in Taunton with minor injuries as well.

Mayor Coogan to Present Proclamation at Juneteenth Festival

FALL RIVER, Mass. –  Mayor Paul Coogan will be officially recognizing Juneteenth through a proclamation reading at the Juneteenth Festival in Kennedy Park on June 19th.

The festival has been organized by D'H.O.O.D. Inc (Doors of Hope Opportunities and Open Diversity) with support from the Mayor's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Corky Row Neighborhood Association, the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition and a number of other community partners.

Additional speakers and performers will follow Mayor Coogan's reading of the proclamation.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 19th
Festival: 11am-5pm
Proclamation reading: 2pm

WHERE:
Kennedy Park Pavilion
300 Bradford Ave, Fall River, MA 02721
Parking available in lot off of Middle St.

WHO:
Mayor Paul Coogan, D'H.O.O.D. Inc, members of the Fall River Diversity and Inclusion Committee, additional speakers and performers (see attachment)
 

The state’s May total unemployment rate is down 0.3 percentage points at 6.1 percent following a revision to the April unemployment rate of 6.4 percent, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Friday.  
 
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 9,200 jobs in May. This follows last month’s revised gain of 10,200 jobs. Over the month, Leisure and Hospitality once again had the largest gains with 3,200 jobs added followed by Education and Health Services, adding 2,400 jobs. Since December 2020, Massachusetts has gained 91,800 jobs. 
 
From May 2020 to May 2021, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 357,700 jobs.  Education and Health Services gained the most jobs, adding 50,600 followed by Leisure and Hospitality, adding 43,400 jobs. 
 
The May unemployment rate was 0.3 percentage points higher than the national rate of 5.8 percent reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
 

This Story First Appeared in the Digital Edition of The Boston Globe

After Kyrie Irving left Boston as a free agent two years ago, the Celtics thought they had found the perfect replacement when they signed another All-Star point guard, Kemba Walker, to a four-year maximum salary deal.

But Walker’s past two seasons have been marred by a persistent left knee issue, and now his time in Boston has come to an end.

The Celtics have agreed to send Walker, the No. 16 pick in next month’s draft, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Thunder in exchange for former Celtics forward Al Horford, center Moses Brown and a 2023 second-round choice, a league source confirmed.

It is the first massive transaction of Brad Stevens’s tenure as Boston’s president of basketball operations.

Walker, who averaged 19.3 points, 4.9 assists and 4 rebounds this season, has two years and $73 million remaining on the four-year deal he signed in the summer of 2019. He missed the first 11 games of this season to strengthen his left knee, and did not play in games on back-to-back nights all year.

His departure will create some future financial flexibility for the Celtics, who also received a bit of a break when Jayson Tatum failed to make an All-NBA team, costing him about $5 million per season in the extension that kicks in next year.

Horford has $53 million left on the four-year deal he signed with the 76ers two seasons ago. His first season in Philadelphia did not work out, however, and he was traded to the Thunder last year. He played in 28 games with Oklahoma City last season before the team deactivated him so it could focus on developing its younger players who are part of its future.

Brown, 21, parlayed a two-way contract with the Thunder into an NBA deal in March, one day after erupting for 21 points and 23 rebounds in Oklahoma City’s loss to the Celtics. He averaged 8.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this season.

Vaccines available this weekend in New Bedford, 
with no appointment needed
 
New Bedford, Massachusetts– COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned for this weekend in New Bedford.
 
No appointment is needed at the walk-up clinics. All New Bedford residents receiving their first dose will receive a $20 Dunkin’ gift card.
 
•    NAACP of Greater New Bedford, 95 Cedar Street -- Saturday, June 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
•    Fort Taber Park, South Rodney French Boulevard -- Sunday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
•     
 
The New Bedford Health Department’s site at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center will be open on Monday, June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for walk-in vaccinations.

The Student Success Act (2021-H 5238) would identify those students who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition at public universities, colleges or community colleges.

“This is an issue that I am extremely passionate about. As someone who came to this country with very little, I know first-hand the opportunities that a good education can bring to someone who is willing to work hard,” said Representative Diaz. “With limited skills-based jobs, improving college affordability is becoming a bigger priority for everyone. And we have so much untapped potential that has come into our state from all over the world.”

Under the legislation, students would be eligible if they attended high school for three or more consecutive years; continue to reside in the state, graduated from high school or received a high school equivalency diploma from Rhode Island; and filed an affidavit stating  that the student has filed an application for lawful immigration status.
Supporters of the measure say that it would give immigrant students who may have a hard time in school the incentive to graduate and attend a college or university. Eventually, they said, these students will become tax-paying residents of Rhode Island and contribute to the economy of our state.

In speaking on behalf of the bill, Representative Diaz told of a young man, Victor Morente, who emigrated from Guatemala to Providence in the early years of his life. Although he lived in Rhode Island for years and graduated from high school, as an undocumented student, he didn’t qualify for resident tuition. His family had to use their savings so he could attend CCRI part-time; after years of saving, they could not afford full-time tuition. When he became a resident in 2012, it was a game changer for him, allowing him to transfer to Rhode Island College, where he graduated in 2014. Now he serves as communications director for the Rhode Island Department of Education and is a U.S. citizen. He testified on behalf of this bill for years because he doesn’t want others to have to go through what he did.

“Young people should not be punished for actions beyond their control. Many of the students we’re trying to help came to the United States with their parents and have lived in the country for several years,” continued Representative Diaz. “Education is a human right and every person, regardless of status, should be able to improve their own lives.”

The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

All The Food, Fun & Flavors of Fall River: 3rd Annual Taste Fall River Returns to Downtown Fall River
Fall River, MA | Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Fall River, MA -  After a year of isolation and keeping our distance, Taste Fall River invites the community to come out and engage with small businesses and other community members in a safe and welcoming environment.

On June 22nd - 24th (Tues-Thurs) the Greater Fall River Community will come together in Downtown Fall River to enjoy all of their favorite local foods and flavors from a dozen participating restaurants.

A $25 ticket entitles the bearer to a food sample, chosen by the restaurant, and also includes (2) two drink tickets (to be redeemed for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages) at the participating restaurants. These include: 19 Prime and Tapas, BarCa Restaurant, Dunny's Fall River, New England Home Made Donuts, TA Restaurant, Taqueria El Habanero, Tequila Lime, The Meat Shop, The Pink Bean, Thyme Blossom, Tipsy Toboggan, Towne House | Douro Steakhouse. Tickets can be used once at each location, during posted hours of operation.

For those who aren’t yet comfortable with the dine-in options, Taste Fall River has added a take-out option. Those that are interested are encouraged to download the GotChew delivery app on their phones or visit gotchew.com during the event to place their orders. Customers should also use the code “TASTEFR” for free delivery and a free item (chosen by the restaurant.)  The schedule of events for the three days appear below, with updates being made daily on the event Facebook page, http://bit.ly/2021tastefrevent.

The first Taste Fall River event took place in April 2019 and was a one evening event, complete with free trolley service. In 2020, the event was moved to September and transitioned to a 3-day event with modifications to accommodate the restrictions that were in place due to the pandemic.

This year’s event combines “the best” from both years: the 3-day format will allow more opportunities for ticket holders to visit restaurants or use their ticket for take-out, and the trolley will be back for “Taste On the Town” on Thursday evening doing loops from (3) three designated free parking areas from 5-9pm. Those locations are: The Fall River Chamber lot on Pocasset St; the open lot adjacent to the Pearl St Garage; and the back parking lot of Alexandra’s Boutique.

Taste Fall River is organized by Viva Fall River and the Fall River TDI Partnership. Sponsors include: BayCoast Bank, U.S. Bedding, Alexandra’s Boutique, Spindle City Auto Glass, Displays2Go, Portugalia Marketplace, Bank Five, Justice Resource Institute, Rockland Trust, First Bristol Corporation, Fall River Pawn Brokers, Potters Printing, Craftyish, and We Love Fall River.

**** SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & AREAS ****

?    TUESDAY, JUNE 22nd Taste Fall River Specials at participating restaurants (a sampling of unique food and delicious drinks from multiple restaurants throughout downtown Fall River).

?    WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23rd Taste Fall River Specials at participating restaurants (a sampling of unique food and delicious drink from multiple restaurants throughout downtown Fall River).
 

Fall River Holding July 4th Fireworks Display

(FALL RIVER, MA- June 16, 2021)- Mayor Paul Coogan is pleased to announce that the City
of Fall River’s annual fireworks display will return for July 4th, 2021.

As in previous years,
fireworks will take place over the Taunton River around 9pm. Free viewing will be available at
Bicentennial and Heritage State Parks.

Live music is being planned for along the waterfront prior to the beginning of the fireworks. A
number of food and ice cream trucks will also be available for residents to enjoy. Additional
details regarding trucks and live music are to follow.

For more information, residents can call the Mayor’s Office at 508-324-2600 or follow the
Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/TRc6XnWc

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $30 Million in Additional Support for Massachusetts Small Businesses
Grants will help recovering businesses by increasing lending capacity and expanding non-profit technical assistance network across the Commonwealth 

Administration also announces availability of $11.3 million across two new programs to support brick-and-mortar expansion and enhanced digital capabilities
 
SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $30 million in state funding across four grant programs administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) to help small businesses recover, grow, and thrive. 
 
Among these investments, the Administration announced the award of $4 million to 45 non-profit technical assistance providers to continue working with small businesses and entrepreneurs from traditionally underserved communities to grow and expand their businesses.  In addition, the Administration announced $14.7 million in awards to 15 organizations under MGCC’s Community Development Financial Institution and Community Development Corporation’s (CDFI and CDC) Match Grant Program, which funds both lending and mini-grant programs for small businesses.  
 
Complementing these investments, the Administration announced the launch of two new programs with $11.3 million available to support small businesses as they recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biz-M-Power program and Empower Digital’s Development of Digital Capabilities grant program. 
 
Today’s announcement was made at White Lion Brewing Company, a black-owned business that has benefited from support from Common Capital, Inc, a regional Community Development Financial Institution receiving two grants today, and that has also participated in the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program.
 
“To address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Commonwealth’s small businesses and main streets, our Administration put forward the largest relief program in the nation as part of our comprehensive plan for economic recovery,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “With this new round of funding for technical assistance, access to capital, and digital tools, we are strengthening our support for small businesses and taking another major step toward a return to normal.”
 
“The combination of technical assistance and access to capital is critical to supporting businesses along their path to growth and is also a key part of our strategy for economic recovery,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “We are grateful to MGCC for their work to provide vital assistance to small businesses throughout the pandemic.” 
 

 
This round of Small Business Technical Assistance Grant program awards represents a $4 million commitment to qualifying non-profits that help businesses – many of which are women-, minority-, or veteran-owned enterprises – build operational capacity and strengthen ongoing business development activities, such as one-on-one guidance around applying for loans, building a business plan, and budgeting.  Historically, MGCC’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program has focused on businesses serving low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, underserved communities, and Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth. This low-cost, high-impact program was established to increase the flow of capital into the Commonwealth’s small businesses to assist with recovery, sustainability, resiliency, and growth.
 
Through the CDFI and CDC Match Grant Program, MGCC will continue to support lending and mini-grant programs that lower the barriers that small businesses face in accessing essential start-up capital. These $14.7 million in matching funds are being allocated to 15 non-profits that will administer these loan and mini-grant programs to reach small businesses in their communities.
 
Through a partnership with the online crowdfunding platform Patronicity, $7.5 million in funding will be available to Biz-M-Power to assist low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs with their acquisition, expansion, improvement or lease of a facility, purchase or lease of equipment, or with meeting other capital needs of their business through matching grants. With the goal of obtaining capital through the earned support of local residents, neighborhoods, community members, and other stakeholders, applicants must be sponsored by a SBTA provider before being accepted into the program. Upon application approval, the business will utilize the crowdfunding platform to leverage community support and raise funding to match the amount requested in their grant application.
 
The $3.8 million provided to Empower Digital’s Grant Program for the Development of Digital Capabilities program provides funding for the needs of small businesses seeking tools and services to develop their digital capabilities. Funds may be used to seek professional services such as website developers, copywriters, social media strategists, and graphic designers and strategic hardware/software purchases. Applicants must be sponsored by a SBTA Provider who will help them maximize the impact of the grant through their understanding of the small business landscape, familiarity with the digital needs of small businesses, and their extensive network of collaborators.
 

A total of $11.3 million in funds have been appropriated for the two new programs in the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Operating Budget passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Baker.  Biz-M-Power will make a total of $7.5 million available to program participants through matching grants of up to $20,000. A match of up to $5,000 is being offered through the Empower Digital’s Digital Capabilities program, with a total of $3.8 million available. The Small Business Technical Assistance Program and the CDFI and CDC Match Grant Program were also funded through the FY21 Operating Budget.
 
As part of the Administration’s Partnerships for Recovery initiative to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy, these programs follow the success of the largest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation that distributed $705 million to 15,428 businesses in relief grants and loan forgiveness. MGCC loan recipients were given the opportunity to apply for forgiveness for their pandemic loans by demonstrating a significant adverse financial effect from COVID-19. Over the duration of the program, 43 percent of MGCC grants were awarded to minority-owned businesses, and 46 percent of grants went to women-owned businesses. Recovery efforts have also included MGCC Small Business Technical Assistance grants and matching grants for Community Development Financial Institutions and Community Development Corporations; the $1.6 million Travel and Tourism Recovery Grant Pilot Program to promote recovery in the tourism industry; a “Let’s Go Out” restaurant promotion campaign; and a $9.5 million effort underway to help 125 communities pursue locally-driven, actionable strategies to support downtown and commercial districts through the Local Rapid Recovery Planning program.
 
     
###

Steward Health Care to Acquire Five Hospitals in the Miami-Dade/Southern Broward Area From Tenet Healthcare
Acquisition of Tenet hospitals and hospital-affiliated operations will bring greater access to high-quality care in South Florida

June 16, 2021 05:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Steward Health Care System, LLC (Steward) and Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) announced that they have signed a definitive agreement regarding the acquisition by Steward of Tenet’s five hospitals and related hospital operations in the Miami-Dade and Southern Broward counties.

The transaction is Steward’s first acquisition since finalizing full physician control and leadership of the organization in the summer of 2020.

Under the terms of the agreement, Steward will purchase five hospitals and their associated physician practices from Tenet for approximately $1.1 billion.

The hospitals included in the sale are Coral Gables Hospital, Florida Medical Center, Hialeah Hospital, North Shore Medical Center and Palmetto General Hospital.

The agreement also provides that Tenet’s Conifer Health Solutions subsidiary will continue to provide revenue cycle management services to the five hospitals following completion of the transaction

. Tenet’s ambulatory facilities operated by United Surgical Partners International (USPI) in these markets will remain with Tenet and are not included in the transaction.

Founded by Ralph de la Torre, MD, who grew up in Florida as the son of Cuban immigrants, Steward Health Care’s physician-controlled and -led model was built to unlock access to the highest-quality care at a sustainable cost.

Steward is committed to providing personalized, ongoing medical services that improve patients’ physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. As integrated care institutions, Steward’s hospitals function on a community model, engaging with local employees and community groups as partners.

“Throughout the COVID pandemic, we have been reminded of the critical role caregivers play in the health and wellness of our patients and our communities. We are eager to offer both patients and healthcare providers in South Florida the full support of the Steward network as we all seek to emerge stronger and healthier from the pandemic,” said Dr. de la Torre. “As a Floridian with close family ties to the area, I am proud of Steward’s significant investment in the people of South Florida, whose tight-knit communities and vibrant diversity have always represented the very best of American culture.”

In addition to Dr. de la Torre, several of Steward’s senior leaders have close ties to South Florida. Those include Dr. Octavio Diaz, Steward’s Chief Medical Officer, who previously practiced in South Florida and worked at several of the acquired facilities, and Mr. Rubén J. King-Shaw, Jr., Steward’s Chief Strategy Officer, who was the COO for Neighborhood Health Partnership before becoming Florida’s Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration under Governor Jeb Bush.

“As community anchors, our five hospitals in the Miami-Dade and Southern Broward counties have earned the trust of patients and physicians alike,” said Ron A. Rittenmeyer, Tenet’s Executive Chairman and CEO. “We are pleased they will become part of Steward Health Care as the Company’s first South Florida network, and we are confident they will continue to thrive.”

Steward’s operations will be directed by Sanjay Shetty, MD, president of Steward North America. Under Dr. Shetty, Steward Health Care is committed to offering employment to all hospital employees in good standing when the transaction is complete, with privileges continuing for all physicians in good standing on the medical staff.

The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of this year, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

“Steward’s physician-led model was built to put care back in the hands of the caregivers,” said Dr. Shetty. “We are looking forward to focusing on investments in infrastructure and new technology, as well as growing the physician network to make it even easier for patients and health care professionals to access and provide the care they deserve.”

This transaction will bring Steward’s total hospital count to 44 worldwide and more than double its presence in Florida as the five new facilities join Melbourne Regional Medical Center, Rockledge Regional Medical Center, and Sebastian River Medical Center on Florida’s Space Coast. Steward’s extensive network of hospitals, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities and substantial behavioral health services annually serves more than 12.3 million patients across the United States, Colombia and Malta through its more than 5,500 providers and 43,000 health care professionals.

About Steward Health Care

Steward Health Care’s physician-owned and -led business model was built to unlock access to the highest-quality care at a sustainable cost, committed to providing personalized, ongoing medical services that positively impact patients’ physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Founded in 2010 by Ralph de la Torre, M.D., Steward Health Care is the largest physician-owned health care network with more than 5,500 providers and 43,000 health care professionals empowering the health and wellness journey of 12.3 million patients a year through its extensive global network of hospitals, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities and substantial behavioral health services.

Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates 39 hospitals around the world, including 34 across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah, as well as five internationally within Malta and Colombia. For more information, visit www.steward.org.

About Tenet Healthcare

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a diversified healthcare services company headquartered in Dallas with 108,000 employees. Through an expansive care network that includes United Surgical Partners International, we operate 65 hospitals and more than 450 other healthcare facilities, including surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers and other care sites and clinics. We also operate Conifer Health Solutions, which provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers and other clients. Across the Tenet enterprise, we are united by our mission to deliver quality, compassionate care in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.tenethealth.com.

According to the digital edition of the Boston Herald, Governor Charlie Baker announced Tuesday fully vaccinated Massachusetts residents will soon have the opportunity to win $1 million cash prize or $300,000 college scholarship through a “vaxmillions” giveaway.

Starting July 1, fully vaccinated residents who are 18 or older can enter the giveaway to win one of five $1 million cash prizes while residents from ages 12-17 can enter to win one of five $300,000 college scholarships. There will be weekly drawings that will continue through August 27. 

The Administration announced that by submitting an entry, participants agree to allow the Department of Public Health to access vaccination records to verify full vaccination and participants may also be asked to provide their vaccination card. Those who are not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all will not be allowed to enter the giveaway.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald News, online retail giant Amazon has announced it will partner with the Greater Boston Food Bank to help distribute food to New Bedford.

Once a week, Amazon will donate the use of one of their tractor trailers to transport goods to a New Bedford location. Amazon has committed to moving one million pounds of food to the city during this partnership. 

The New Bedford Food Bank location distributes more than 309,000 meals per month.

Liberty Utilities new gas main installation in Fall River is expected to spread city wide. According to the digital edition of Fall River Herald News, Ferreira Construction Company of New Jersey, contracted by New England Natural Gas Company, is installing the polyethylene gas mains in Fall River.

A company spokesperson stated that the work schedule began in April with plans to end in December with the gas mains to stretch underneath 140 Fall River Streets. Senior Manager of Government Affairs for the natural gas company, James Carey, said by the end of 2020 Liberty Utilities had replaced 48 miles of leak-prone mains throughout the city with plans to complete a citywide project by 2027.

According to the CBS 12 in Providence, Providence is looking to give their city workers a paid day off for Juneteenth, a holiday honoring the end of slavery, but there is pushback beng received from some of their city council member.

Juneteenth, the shortened name for June 19th, is the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to ensure slaves were freed.

The council finance committee on Tuesday discussed adding Juneteenth to the list of paid holidays for Providence city employees, including police, fire, communications, and union workers. Community members have been calling for the city to make June 19th a holiday for more than a year following the events of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis. Many companies have already offered the day to the list of the paid holidays for workers, but some committee members took issue with the cost associated with adding another paid holiday. 

“It’s an outright request to inflate our budget,” Jo-Ann Ryan, chairwoman of the council finance committee, said. City Treasurer, Jim Lombardi also stated that the issue lies with the cost of workers not coming in. Lombardi and Ryan estimated adding another paid holiday would cost approximately $460,000 with a possibility for the cost to increase.

There is no clear indication if the holiday will be worked out for June 19th of this year, which takes place next Saturday. If it is to pass before next Saturday, the paid holiday would be conducted on Friday the 18th.

With the city of Fall River securing millions of dollars from The American Rescue Act to use over the next two fiscal years for various items, Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan tells WSAR that a panel of department heads and other Government Center Administrators are spending part of their summer deciding how to best use the millions.

Mayor Paul Coogan also stated to WSAR that the panel will help various entities decide how best to use the millions that came at the later stages of the pandemic. When discussing the lost revenue from the pandemic, Mayor Coogan proclaimed they need to use the money wisely. Coogan explained that he hopes to pull back money used to pay the bills and not to dig into the money used for the city budget.

Mayors and city administrators throughout the commonwealth have been waiting for instructions from Washington as to how they could use the federal dollars that were shipped to cities and towns this spring.

Following the events that occurred during last month's shooting of Corky Row, various stakeholders in Fall River have been discussing how to improve the situation in various neighborhoods and to give young people activities to do this summer.

Minority Outreach Coordinator for Fall River Housing Authority as well as CDA, Bobby Bailey, stated that involving the school department and parents is critical, referring to the youth of Fall River as “our future” and that education is the reflection of the city of Fall River.

Bailey told WSAR that young people need structure this summer and that the city needs to work within itself as well as with each other. Discussions about programs involving arts and sports have been placed thus far.

The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Massachusetts has increased one cent from last week, at an average of $2.93/gallon, nine cents higher than a month ago, but 12 cents below the current national average.

AAA Northeast Director of Public and Governmental Affairs, Mary Maguire, says AAA has been watching a steady rise in demand for gasoline, with prices at the pump to likely adjust though June. Maguire also says there could be price decreases early in the month as the school year comes to a close with the possibility that the prices of gasoline could increase as summer travel increases.

Two men have been arrested and charged with suspected illegal narcotics and possession of an illegal firearm Friday afternoon.

Fall River Police Department Vice and Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at a residence home on Buffington Street in Fall River based on a drug investigation. Detectives recovered a semi-automatic pistol belonging to 27-year-old David Verdieu who was confirmed to not have a Massachusetts firearm license to carry. FRPD Detectives also found suspected illegal narcotics belong to 37-year-old Kirk Howe. The suspected drugs included crack cocaine, fentanyl, clonazepam, alprazolam, and gabapentin.

Verdieu had 3 charges placed on him including possession of a firearm without a FID Card. Howe has 6 charges including possession of Class A through Class E drugs.

MassDOT Advisory: Seekonk
 
Daytime and Overnight Corridor Improvements and Resurfacing Operations on Section of Route 44 (Taunton Avenue)
 
Daytime work will begin on Monday, June 7, and will take place daily, from Monday through Friday, during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Overnight work paving operations will begin in July, and will take place nightly, from Sunday through Thursday, during overnight hours from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning
 
All work is anticipated to continue through June 2022
 
 
SEEKONK - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be conducting corridor improvements and resurfacing operations on a section of Route 44 (Taunton Avenue), from Peck Street to the Rehoboth town line, in Seekonk.  

The work will begin on Monday, June 7, 2021, and is scheduled to continue through June 2022. The majority of the work will be corridor improvement operations which will take place daily, from Monday through Friday, during daytime hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 In July, milling and paving work will take place nightly, from Sunday through Thursday, during overnight hours from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning.
 
The work primarily consists of construction of sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, new granite curb, drainage improvements, installation of new signs, berm replacement, milling and paving, and pavement markings.
 
Standard temporary traffic control measures will consist of lane restrictions, alternating one-way traffic, and approved detours, as needed.  Construction signs, message boards, arrow boards, drums and police details will be utilized.
 
 

The digital edition of the Boston Globe is reporting that ESPN and The Athletic are confirming that Brad Stevens will be the new Director of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics, while Danny Ainge will leave the organization, where he has been part of the front office since 2003. 

With Stevens moving up in scope, the Celtics will be in search of a new head coach. 

Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge is seriously considering his future with the franchise and could make a decision to step down, sources tell ESPN.

Adrian Wojnarowski, Senior NBA Insider5m ago

MassDOT Registry Announces Appointments for In-person Transactio

ns are Continuing
Face coverings are still required at RMV locations if unvaccinated
Wednesday senior citizen hours will continue along with suspension hearings by phone, learner’s permit tests online, use of state vehicles for road tests and everyone in the road test vehicle must wear a face covering regardless of vaccination status

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing that many of the new initiatives that were put in place to provide additional flexibility for its customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue as COVID-19 restrictions lifted on Saturday, May 29.
 
RMV customers will continue to be served by appointments only at open Service Centers, and customers who are unvaccinated will be required to wear a face covering for transactions.  In addition, the RMV will continue with including dedicated hours on Wednesdays to serve senior citizens at some locations, holding suspension hearings by phone, allowing learner’s permit tests online, and using state vehicles for anyone taking road tests. (Everyone in a vehicle for a road test must wear a face covering, regardless of vaccination status.)
 
Last week, Governor Charlie Baker signed an Executive Order terminating the Commonwealth’s State of Emergency effective June 15, 2021. The Order also rescinded most COVID-19 restrictions, including limitations placed on businesses, as of May 29 as Massachusetts neared the goal of vaccinating four million residents. Several days ago, the Commonwealth passed the 3.6 million mark for fully vaccinated residents. 
 
The Registry’s partner for many transactions, AAA, will also continue with the system of serving AAA members who make appointments.
 
Initiatives Remaining in Place as of today, June 1:
 
•    Appointments for in-person transactions at open customer service locations will continue, and customers must wear a face covering for an in-person transaction if unvaccinated.
•    Senior hours for customers 65 years of age and older on Wednesdays at specific locations will continue. 
•    Road tests will still be offered using state vehicles only. Road test sponsors will be required to be in the road test vehicle beginning on Tuesday, June 15. Everyone in a road test vehicle must wear a face covering regardless of vaccination status.
•    Registration Drop Off Centers for drop off and pick up service for vehicle transactions will continue. 
•    Online learner’s permit exams will continue and customers must still make an in-person appointment for the application process.
•    Suspension hearings by telephone will continue.
 
Executive Orders Rescinded:
 
•    The period of time to transfer a vehicle registration will once again be 7 calendar days from the date a person disposes of a vehicle to register the new one. (During the pandemic, a longer grace period was given of 21 days. As of May 29, the 7-day calendar timeline went into effect which was pre-pandemic policy.)
•    As of May 29, in-vehicle observation hours for Junior Operators reverted back to Driving Schools for applicants who obtained a learner’s permit on or after 5/29/2021 requiring junior operators to complete 6 hours observing another student driver, and 40 supervised driving hours with a parent or guardian.  (This was the rule pre-pandemic.)

For more information on transactions and additional details on customer locations, please visit www.mass.gov/rmv or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information. 
###
 
 
 

Matthew Malone, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Fall River Public Schools 
T0: School Committee 
Fall River Public Schools 
Notice of Resignation Effective November 1, 2021

As you know, the Fall River Public Schools is an amazing organization filled with all-star educators who serve the children of the City of Fall River with skill, professionalism, and love.

It is an honor to lead the school system and a privilege to work with the incredible employees, families, community partners, and students in our city. 

Over the past five years, our school system has made tremendous progress to support classroom instruction by focusing on the people, places, and practices at the center of our strategic improvement plan. Driven by our core values, our school system has certainly addressed many challenges over the past five years but as we end the 2020-2021 school year, we are poised to continue in exceeding performance expectations, closing student achievement/ opportunity gaps, and building a service delivery model nonpareil in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

As we emerge from the Covid19 Pandemic, reopen fully for in-person learning, successfully complete our collective bargaining agreements, recruit and staff our schools for success, invest in increased capacity for engagement, support academic and social/emotional learning needs, and open a brand new Durfee High School, I can confidently attest that we are set up for future success. We have made tremendous progress since I began my tenure in 2016 and we have successfully moved the school district forward, together. 

As we have accomplished so much, I have made the personal and professional decision that it would be best for the district, as a whole, that I pass the baton of leadership for a transition, providing the school committee with ample time and opportunity to hire a new Superintendent of Schools.

As such, I am announcing my resignation as the Superintendent of Schools, effective November 1, 2021. This coordinated exit timeline will allow us to complete the current important work I was hired to accomplish and allow the School Committee with the professionally appropriate notice for succession and transition planning.

As you know me, you know I will continue to work as hard as I have since my first day up until my last day. My commitment to the City of Fall River and the students whom we serve is and always will be, indomitable. I have enjoyed Fall River immensely and will forever treasure the people I was able to work with and the students whom I was able to serve. 
Cordially, 
 
Matthew H. Malone, Ph.D.