A significant portion of  I-1-95  after EX 14A - Rt 24 South was blocked for much of Thursday after a tractor trailer fire in an accident that happened during the mid morning and took much of the day to put out. 

The driver of the tractor trailer was able to off load some of the cardboard that was headed to a recycling facility, while some of it caught fire, along with nearby brush that was also on fire. 

The fire was out around 5:30pm, and traffic backups of well over 40 minutes were finished just before 6pm. 

The photo that accompanies this story first appeared on the website for NBC 10 Providence. 

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, the Bristol County District Attorney’s office dropped a pair of charges related to a harassment prevention order against former Somerset School Committee candidate Jessica Machado. 

Jessica Machado was arraigned last week in district court following the harassment order that was filed back in June of 2020 by Shauna Geary, the director of the town’s council on Aging and a Somerset school committee member. That order was extended by a district court judge this last June due to the pending violation allegations. 

Machado, whose two charges were formally dismissed on September 17, expressed relief that the charges were dismissed on Monday. The extended harassment prevention order is still in effect and Machado said she’s filed a motion to have the order dissolved with district court.

City Hosting Weekly Vaccination Clinics in Select Public Schools Through Early November

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City of New Bedford Health Department and New Bedford Public Schools are hosting weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinics through early November at Keith, Normandin, and Roosevelt middle schools, and New Bedford High School. Students, parents, faculty, and staff members all are welcome at the free, walk-up clinics. 

The Pfizer vaccine will be offered for those 12 and older, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available for those 18 and older. Minors will need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in person at the clinic. 

Pre-registration is available but not required, through the link and QR code on the attached flyers. All clinics are from 2 to 5 p.m. 

Normandin Middle School clinics began this week and will be held every Tuesday through Nov. 2; Keith Middle School clinics begin today and will be held every Wednesday though Nov. 3; Roosevelt Middle School clinics will be held every Thursday through Nov. 4; and New Bedford High School clinics will be held every Friday through Nov. 5.

A full list of upcoming local clinics is below.  
Upcoming New Bedford Vaccination Clinics

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned for the next several days in New Bedford.  No appointment is needed at these walk-up clinics. Available vaccines can change according to supplies.   

Wednesday, September 29:
-    Keith Middle School (225 Hathaway Blvd) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school) 

Thursday, September 30:
-    Roosevelt Middle School (119 Frederick St.) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school)

Friday, October 1:
-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., J&J 

-    New Bedford High School (230 Hathaway Blvd.) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school)

-    Dennison Memorial Community Center (755 S. 1st St. #1706) – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the center)

Monday, October 4:
-    Andrea McCoy Rec Center – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer and J&J

Tuesday, October 5:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., J&J

-    Normandin Middle School (81 Felton St.) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school)

-    New Bedford High School / National Night Out (230 Hathaway Blvd.) – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school)

Britney Spears' father, Jamie Spears, was suspended from her conservatorship Wednesday.

Certified public accountant John Zabel has been appointed as the temporary conservator of her estate, as requested by Britney Spears' attorney, Mathew Rosengart.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny said that the suspension was necessitated by a "toxic environment."

"I believe suspension is in the best interest of Britney Spears," she said.

Jamie Spears had overseen his daughter's finances since the conservatorship was put into place in 2008. He also controlled her personal affairs until 2019, when he stepped down from that role, citing health issues. At that point, professional fiduciary Jodi Montgomery assumed the role.

Rosengart, a former federal prosecutor, filed in July to remove Jamie Spears from the conservatorship, calling the current arrangement a "Kafkaesque nightmare" that has "grown increasingly toxic and is simply no longer tenable."

Meanwhile, Jamie Spears filed earlier this month to end the conservatorship altogether. "If Ms. [Britney] Spears wants to terminate the conservatorship and believes that she can handle her own life, Mr. Spears believes that she should get that chance," a recent filing reads.

Rosengart has called Jamie Spears' actions "a desperate effort to deflect attention from his egregious incompetence [and] gross misconduct including dissipation of funds." He also criticized Jamie Spears for using what he believes are stall tactics.

However, both sides are aligned in their want to ultimately end the conservatorship. Rosengart said in a recent court filing that he and his team want the conservatorship terminated in its entirety "this fall" and "formally wound down," but he has not filed paperwork to do that just yet.

Governor Dan McKee was joined by other state officials and community advocates to sign legislation yesterday amending the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

The legislation reclassifies simple possession of 10 grams or less of certain controlled substances as a misdemeanor charge rather than a felony. Reclassifying as a misdemeanor charge makes it punishable for up to two years.

The former Campaign Manager and Second Term Chief of Staff for convicted former Fall RIver Mayor Jasiel Correia will be the subject of a pre trial conference next week, as Gen Andrade's Federal Trial on six counts of bribery, extortion and making false statements to Federal Investigators begins on December 6, in Courtroom 1 inside the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston's Seaport District. 

A new version of the indictment versus Andrade was released on Monday; it contains a statement by Andrade that she knew of safe the former Mayor kept full of cash obtained through various means. 

In a flurry of document filings that were released Monday on PACER, Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock removed two more counts from the Jasiel Correia II docket, as Correia is now going to Federal Prison in December, as a result of being found guilty on 10 counts, primarily related to a second indictment dealing with extortion and bribery in connection to non-opposition letters for retail marijuana locations.

14 such letters were issued until Correia abandoned the Mayor's Office in late 2019. 

The I-R-S agent who handled the financial portion of the case is asking that upon his release into supervised probation that Correia start paying off a little over $410,000 to 7 SnoOwl Investors and a little over $156,000 to 3 potential marijuana investors who were victims of extortion and bribery. 

The total comes to $560,740. 

The Red Sox have lost 4 in a row, after bening swept by the Yankees over the weekend, losing to Baltimore last night by a 4-2 final. 

Toronto lost to the Yankees by a  7-2 final to remain a game back with 5 remaining, while Seattle and Oakland were facing each other on the West Coast. 

The Red Sox meet Baltimore for game two of the series tonight on WSAR at 95.9 and 1480 at 6:05 with a 7:05 first pitch...

The Fall River City Council decided last night to approve a $1.6 million package of requests from the Fall River Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Community Maintenance Deparment, which asked for nearly $1 million dollars for various equipment and facility improvements. 

Fall River Fire Department Chief John Lynch made the case last night for a new communications system that operates inside the various fire stations to alert members of the department as to where they need to be when fires are underway. 

Council members continue to ask questions regarding the current financial state of the City of Fall River and what can be done regarding ARPA dollars, pending instructions from the Federal Government. 

Statement by UMass President Marty Meehan regarding racist incidents at UMass Amherst

The blatantly racist e-mails recently sent to Black student organizations at UMass Amherst and other deplorable acts of anti-Black hatred are appalling and disgusting.

While UMass Amherst is still trying to identify the source of these messages, we do know that the messages in no way reflect the true character of the UMass community and we have zero tolerance for such behavior.

We are reminded, however, that we all have an obligation to confront the racism that continues to infect our society.

I commend Chancellor Subbaswamy and his leadership team for candidly and proactively sounding the alarm about this vicious, hurtful assault on our Black students. As the campus aggressively pursues the source of these vile messages, we must all join in active support of our students, and re-double our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming community for all students. We must treat any such attack on one group as an attack on all that we stand for as a university.

My team in the Office of the President is working with UMass Amherst to investigate and to identify the individuals and/or organizations responsible for these hate-ridden messages, and hold them accountable wherever they are.

A 30-year-old Dartmouth woman was sentenced to serve up to 12 years in state prison after being convicted last week of repeatedly raping a pre-teen girl, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced. 

Kayla Baumgardner pleaded guilty on September 21 in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging her with three counts of statutory rape, three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, and one count each of providing obscene material to a minor and unnatural acts of a child under the age of 16. 

The defendant worked with the child’s mother as a CNA.  The victim initially began visiting the defendant to see the defendant’s dogs.  As time went by, the defendant began inviting the victim over more regularly.  Between September 2017 and August 2020, the defendant began abusing the young child with the touching of her breasts.

 The sexual abuse escalated significantly during this time frame.   It is estimated the defendant sexually assaulted the victim between 20 and 50 times, would often send the victim nude photos, convinced the victim to send her nude photos and shared pornography with the child.  The defendant even attempted to convince the victim that she was her real mother.

Tragically, the victim’s sibling was also the victim of sexual abuse in a separate case prosecuted by this office.  This defendant routinely accompanied the mother of the victim to court in that separate case at the same time she was regularly sexually assaulting her daughter.

The case was prosecuted by Second Assistant District Attorney Silvia Rudman and the eight to 12 years state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Susan Sullivan.  Upon release from prison, the defendant will be placed on supervised probation with numerous conditions including GPS monitoring for an additional seven years. 

“This is an egregious example of a breach of trust by the defendant against the victim and her family.  It is particularly galling that the defendant was feigning her support of the family in another ongoing sexual abuse prosecution while at the same time repeatedly sexually abusing the victim.  To say the least, a substantial prison sentence was warranted,” District Attorney Quinn said. 
 

CHELSEA – Today, the Baker Polito Administration announced the designation of Pennrose, LLC., as the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea domiciliary campus redevelopment partner. This designation follows a competitive bid process that included request for proposals (RFP) and an extensive developer selection process involving a collaboration across multiple state agencies including the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, the Department of Veterans’ Services, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). 
 
The RFP requires Pennrose to ensure that the redeveloped site offers a full complement of services to Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea domiciliary residents and staff at the redeveloped site, including case management, clinical care, prepared meals, and transportation. The redevelopment is expected to break ground in 2023, and will include 248 units of mixed-income housing across a broad range of household sizes. 
 
“The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea redevelopment project represents our administration’s continued commitment to providing the Commonwealth’s veterans with the housing and care they deserve,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The selection of this development partner is a major step towards better meeting the needs of veteran residents, their families, and the community now and in the future.”
 
“For several years, our administration has engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process to address the future needs of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Today’s announcement is a significant step forward toward realizing the vision that has been laid out, and we look forward to Pennrose’s redevelopment project.”
 
The 8.7-acre site is centered along Crest Avenue and is currently home to approximately 150 veteran residents in single room occupancy style accommodations, with shared bathrooms and central dining. The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea Campus Redevelopment Master Plan was completed by DCAMM in 2019 and identified program and campus goals to provide needed capital investment, refresh the historic domiciliary program, and provide a 21st century, state-of-the-art, environment for an evolving veterans community with diverse residential needs.
 
“An exciting component of the renovation of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea includes the creation of affordable and responsive housing for our Veterans,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “Today’s announcement is the critical next step in revitalizing the campus of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea.”
 
“The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea is an historic fixture in the community that we have worked diligently to preserve the key services of health care and housing for Veterans in Massachusetts who have served our nation,” said Cheryl Lussier Poppe, Secretary of Veterans’ Services. “From the start, Pennrose demonstrated they excel in redeveloping complex properties into dynamic affordable housing that serves a diverse Veteran population.”
 
“Pennrose, LLC. brings a wealth of expertise in veterans preference housing and multi-phased, adaptive reuse, campus developments” said DCAMM Commissioner Carol Gladstone. “They are a strong partner that is committed to being responsive to the needs of the Commonwealth’s Veterans’ community.”
 
Pennrose, LLC. is a nationally acclaimed developer headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over the last six years, Pennrose’s local Boston office has worked to build a pipeline of over 300 units of affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth. They have a strong track record across the east coast as a developer and property manager of Veteran’s Housing and demonstrated success in achieving diversity and inclusion objectives in comparable projects.
 
 

UMass Dartmouth to celebrate 20 years of CVPA Star Store

The downtown New Bedford hub for arts and culture anniversary to feature day-long schedule of activities

On October 2, UMass Dartmouth will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the College for Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) Star Store. Art alumni from Southern Massachusetts University, the Swain School, and UMass Dartmouth will flock back to campus and the Star Store in Downtown New Bedford to reconnect, explore exciting happenings, and hear about the plans for the future.

Notable events:

•    10:30 – 11:15 a.m. – Main Campus - Coffee and exhibition by Norman Ives: Constructions & Reconstructions in the CVPA Campus Gallery with brief introductory remarks by Prof. Jan Fairbairn.
•    11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Main Campus - Discussion about Nancy Holt’s Spinwinder sculpture at the entrance to campus (in situ!) with Prof. Rebecca Uchill, curator of the exhibition Nancy Holt: Massachusetts in Fall 2021.
•    2 – 2:30 p.m. – CVPA Star Store New Bedford - CVPA and Star Store 2.0: Moving into the future
•    4 – 5:30 p.m. – CVPA Star Store New Bedford - Reception
 

The opening betting line for the Bucaneers Patriots game this Sunday in Foxboro was Tampa Bay -3; its moved up to Patriots +6.5 in less than 24 hours after the original line was posted. 

The Tampa Bay New England game will be on WSAR beginning at 8:25pm; pre game will air on WSAR from the Patriots Radio Network as soon as the Red Sox Radio Network has finished coverage of the final game of regular season schedule. 

According to Massachusetts State Police, President Michael Cherven released a statement following the recent vaccine mandate for State Troopers made and agreed upon by the court and Governor Charlie Baker.

Cherven stated that he and his fellow troopers are disappointed with the decision calling it "one the most stringent vaccine mandates in the country with no reasonable alternatives" and said that dozens of troopers have already submitted their resignation paperwork with some who have already made plans to return to other departments offering reasonable alternatives such as mask wearing and/or regular testing.  

The Commonwealth’ State Police is already considered as "critically short staffed" prior to this ruling.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, K-12 students and staff in Massachusetts will be masking up for at least another month. Elementary and Secondary education commissioner Jeffrey Riley notified districts Monday that the requirement has been extended through at least November 1.

For middle and high schools with at least 80% of their students and staff vaccinated, they can request to have the mandate lifted starting October 15 by submitting an attestation form to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Unvaccinated students and staff must continue to wear masks, with the exception of those who cannot due to medical or behavioral conditions. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said school officials should assemble a plan and or method of collecting proof of vaccination. 

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, Bristol County is joining three other counties; Norfolk, Barnstable and Plymouth County, to create an online portal for cities and towns to submit applications for the combined $389 million in Federal Stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, also known as ARPA.

The counties could be saving up to $100,000 each by agreeing to use the same framework, attorneys and accountants as Plymouth County. Bristol County is in line for $110,000, according to estimates from the National Association of Counties.

There are 16 towns and four cities in Bristol County and allocations will be determined on a per capita basis.

According to ABC 6, the increase of shootings in Providence has not seemed to slow down. Providence police are investigating a sixth shooting in three days from Saturday when they responded to a call on Union Avenue just before 3 P.M.

A 22-year-old man victim told police he was sitting near his car when two unknown people came up the driveway and began shooting at him. The victim was later rushed to Rhode Island hospital. Police said there were approximately 2-4 shots heard and one struck an Alto Street home. Two witnesses told police they heard gunshots and saw two people run towards Union Avenue and fled in a heavily tinted blue Honda with Georgia license plates.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, Kennedy Park will be getting renovations and new facilities, thanks to a state grant that was announced this week.

Last week, Governor Charlie Baker announced around $10 million in grant money aimed at improving local parks and conservation lands across the commonwealth including $400,000 dollars for Fall River's Kennedy Park. The money will go toward renovating four tennis courts at the park and installing pickleball courts.

Some Tickets remain for the Saturday 4:10 Yankees and Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and are plentiful throughout the ballpark for the Sunday Night close of the regular season at Fenway. 

The Red Sox will continue to wear their Boston Marathon themed Nike City Connect uniforms this weekend until they lose while using them. 

The Red Sox will have six games remaining, three in Baltimore and three in Washington as the Sox will be without the DH during their final 3 games. 

The regular season ends one week from Sunday,. 

The New England Patriots return to WSAR on 1480 and 95.9 Sunday Morning, as the Patirots Radio Network starts coverage at 10am with a 1pm kickoff

The Patriots are a 3 point home favorite  versus New Orleans;  Parriots are 1-1 and 0-2 ATS. 

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Further Support Military Families Transferring to Massachusetts 
 
BOSTON - Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed legislation to improve the occupational licensing process for certain professions for military families transferring to Massachusetts.

The legislation would help facilitate license portability for military families transferring to military installations in Massachusetts by entering the Commonwealth into a series of interstate licensure compacts and other agreements

The legislation would implement recommendations made by the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), formerly the Division of Professional Licensure, in accordance with Executive Order 593, signed by Governor Baker in February 2021.

The Executive Order directed the DOL to study interstate compacts and similar agreements relative to licensure for professions licensed by five boards under DOL’s purview. 

The professions covered by this order were identified by the Air Force and Department of Defense and include physical therapists (and physical therapy assistants); accountants; engineers; psychologists; and barbers and cosmetologists.

Upon implementation of this bill, Massachusetts will be able to participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, the Physical Therapy Compact, and the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). 

The participation in these compacts allows qualified practitioners from member states to obtain the ability to practice in Massachusetts via a streamlined process, which reduces regulatory burdens for these professionals while also enhancing access to care for the consumer. In turn, Massachusetts licensees would also benefit from the ability to practice in other states that are part of the compacts.
 

City Wins Major Legal Victory for New Bedford Taxpayers

New Bedford, Massachusetts – A Bristol County Superior Court jury decided in favor of the City of New Bedford today, issuing a clear ruling in the longstanding dispute with trash and recycling contractor ABC Disposal. 

The verdict issued by the nine-person jury ended a nearly two-week trial. The dispute revolved around ABC’s desire to raise the recycling prices it charges New Bedford in response to fluctuating costs in world markets. 

Today, the jury concluded that ABC cannot be released from its contract with the City, and that the City is not liable to ABC for any damages.  As a result, ABC must continue to perform under its current contract, which expires in 2023.

Mayor Jon Mitchell said he was pleased with the verdict, which reflected the city’s commitment to fighting for affordable services for New Bedford residents. 

“When it comes to defending the interests of city taxpayers, we won’t roll over,” he said. “I wish to thank our legal team—Lloyd Macdonald, Catherine Kramer, Mikaela McDermott, and Eric Jaikes—for their skillful and persistent effort.”

The City's dispute with ABC began in 2017, when ABC claimed that the City should pay ABC more money for the disposal of recyclables, despite the City’s 10-year, fixed-price contract with ABC. 

The cost of disposing of recyclables had become more expensive at that time due to a new policy issued by China known as the “National Sword” policy. The City sued ABC in May 2018 for charging more than its contract allowed, and ABC countersued in August of that year, saying that it was entitled to be released from its obligation to collect the City's recyclables, among other claims. It also sought nearly $2 million in damages.

In previous court proceedings, including some held during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Superior Court judges dismissed numerous ABC claims.
Today’s verdict ruled against the last of those claims. 
 

According to NBC 10, parents in Rhode Island are expressing their frustrations with school districts’ COVID-19 policies after they claim their children were sent home after coughing and sneezing in class.

One mother said her daughter was sent home after coughing in her special needs classroom and it has since impacted all of her kids. She said her daughter still isn’t showing symptoms and has tested negative, but she had to pull all of her children out of school that day.

A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Victor Morente said policies are made at the local level and it’s up to school districts to decide when to send children home that might be showing symptoms. The superintendent of Johnston Public Schools said the district is following the guidance laid out in RIDE’s playbook.

With the cold and flu season approaching, parents fear how often their children will be sent home for coughs and sniffles. The district is still not providing children with the option of distance learning.

According to NBC 10, due to  leaves of absences, daily call-outs, and resignations, Rhode Island hospital was forced to close part of its emergency department Thursday. A Lifespan spokeswoman said the hospital is asking "patients who do not require emergent care contact their primary care physician or seek care at an urgent care facility."

The "C-Pod” has been used for different patient types, including a COVID isolation unit. Last month, the department of health formally announced its directive to require all licensed health care workers to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus by October 1. Rhode Island Hospital is also the only level 1 trauma center in the state.

According to NBC 10, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey came to New Bedford Wednesday to celebrate the offshore wind industry location.

The two were in the city at the same time, but at different events. Baker was at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, the staging area for offshore wind farm construction, to highlight Climate Week. Attorney General Maura Healey toured New Bedford on Wednesday.

The city’s plan is to become the epicenter of a new offshore wind initiative. The Vineyard Wind Project is expected to be the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind project.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, and to be finished in 2023. It also was approved by the Biden Administration earlier this year.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, the TD Garden in Boston will now be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter.

The new policy isn’t just for fans, as it includes the players, referees, coaches, musicians, vendors and ushers The policy officially goes into effect on September 30 for the first home preseason game for the Boston Bruins of the season.

All guests over the age of 2 are also required to wear a face mask at TD garden, except while actively eating or drinking, until further notice.

Former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correias fate has officially been decided this afternoon at the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston.

The former mayor of the city was sentenced to six years of incarceration by Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock.

Federal Prosecutor Zach Hafer said the government wanted a sentence of 132 months for Correia but the Judge, who referred to those he has incarcerated in the past who were set for 10 or more years and felt it wasn't meant for any good past the time he chose to be given, but nonetheless, the punishment needed to be made. Judge Woodlock stood by his stance on having Correia reprimanded for his actions to the city of Fall River.

Woodlock gave Correia a chance to speak but the former mayor denied by request of his defense. It is unclear at this time where Fall rivers' youngest mayor in history will spend his 72 month sentence.

Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II and his wife entered the Moakley Federal Courthouse at 10:35 A.M. this morning followed by his mother and father as the Correia awaits his fate during today's sentencing. Nine newsletter were released last night by the Federal Court, including one written by Correia's younger sister.

Judge Douglas Woodlock opened the hearing at 11:10 A.M. this morning beginning with more SnoOwl discussion on count “L” and “M” which deal with unreported income Correia's tax returns. Judge Woodlock was looking for more information on the two SnoOwl counts that are in regards to income tax fraud.

It is now part of the official trial record, former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II was never offered, and apparently never asked, for a plea deal.

A break that was planned to be only five minutes long, lasted well past 10 minutes was wrapped and saw Defense Attorneys return to the courtroom.

Judge Woodlock opened up discussions as he asked about comments made to the Boston Globe. The Defense also addressed the subject of the plea deal when the courtroom reopened.

Judge Douglas Woodlock took another break and stated the sentencing phase would start at 1:30 P.M. He stated he wanted to review past corruption cases in the Commonwealth and decide what it is that Correia owes his victims and Fall River.

Federal Prosecutor Zach Hafer says the Government wants a sentence of 132 months for the former mayor, Jasiel Correia. The Defense says a sentence needs to be measured and that corruption has happened for thousands of years. Defense Attorney Fick says Correia “did a lot of good” for the city of Fall River.

Judge Woodlock said Correia was able to "sell himself out"; the judge asked of Correia that he "can't conceive how you could have done this." The Judge noted that the former Fall River Mayor "has extraordinary gifts" and a close family. Judge Woodlock also noted past and present Boston history in terms of political corruptions. 

Judge Douglas Woodlock has stated that Jasiel Correia II will be incarcerated to 6 years or 72 months.

~Follow WSAR’s coverage here for LIVE updates and on 1480 AM 95.9 FM~

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, a group of local business leaders and educators have proposed a new regional charter school serving low-income, at-risk students in the Fall River and New Bedford area. 

Innovators Charter School, will be a STEM-focused charter school modeled after New Heights Charter School in Brockton, and would open in the Fall of 2022, if approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

New Heights centers around an early college program that sees students take classes at a local community college while still in high school. Jack Sbrega, former president of BCC, speaks about the proposed new charter school to be built in either New Bedford or Fall River.

New Heights Charter was founded six years ago, and in May, as they recorded 46 of its 89 seniors graduating high school with an associate's degree

Charter school opponents point to the fact that charter schools take away resources from the traditional public schools. New Heights itself faced criticism from Brockton area educators, elected officials and some community members.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, the grocery store chain Aldi, will be officially opening in the Dartmouth Mall located next to Burlington on September 23. Aldi says it will offer Dartmouth residents “another option for smart, fast and easy grocery shopping” when it opens its store at 200 North Dartmouth Mall next Thursday.

Since 1976, Aldi has operated more than 2,000 stores in 37 states and says it’s on track to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by the end of 2022. The chain has other store locations in Raynham, Brockton, Wareham and Plymouth, Fall River and Middletown, Rhode Island.

The store will be open daily from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, the 11th annual Fall River 5K for Kids begins tomorrow, September 18. The event, sponsored by Primacare and organized by the Salvation Army of Fall River, will be held at Holiday Inn Express, 360 Airport Road, Fall River.

According to the Salvation Army of Fall River, nearly 1 in 5 Fall River residents is living in poverty. The proceeds of the Fall River 5K for Kids will enable the nonprofit to provide at-risk children and teens with a summer they won't forget. Funds raised will be used for scholarships to send deserving youth to Camp Wonderland, the Salvation Army's summer camp in Massachusetts. 

Check-in on race day is at 8:30 A.M. and the event will start at 10 A.M. A fee of $20 to participate and prizes include $100 for the overall male and female winner, as well as additional awards for the first male and female in each age group.

GALVIN ORDERS OVERHAUL OF MASSMUTUAL’S SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES IN WAKE OF “ROARING KITTY” POSTS

            Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin today ordered MML Investors Services, LLC, a subsidiary of MassMutual, to overhaul their social media policies and pay a $4 million fine over the company’s failure to supervise agents, including Keith Gill, who is also known on some social media sites as “Roaring Kitty.”

Under consent orders signed this week, MassMutual has agreed to undergo an independent compliance review of its social media policies and trading by its broker-dealer agents. The company will also be subject to a 3-year compliance audit.

According to the consent order, Gill was employed by MassMutual from April 2019 until January 2021, a period in which he frequently posted videos and other materials online regarding investments and trading. The period of Gill’s employment overlapped with his involvement in the GameStop and meme stock frenzy that occurred in late 2020 and early 2021.

The consent order details inadequate supervision of broker-dealer agents, including Gill, by MassMutual, which failed to review social media usage or catch excessive trading in the personal accounts of agents.

While employed by MassMutual, Gill was responsible for creating educational content for use by MassMutual broker-dealer agents to present to individuals. At the same time that Gill was preparing investor education materials, he posted more than 250 hours of videos on YouTube detailing investment strategies, which went unnoticed by his employer, as did at least 590 securities-related tweets posted by Gill.

“It’s clear that MassMutual was not as diligent as it should have been in supervising its employees,” Galvin said. “It took the media less than a day to identify the person behind the Roaring Kitty posts, while his own employer took no notice of his online persona.”

The inquiry opened by Galvin’s Securities Division in January showed that MassMutual failed to detect or monitor nearly 1,700 trades effected by Gill in the accounts of three other individuals, as well as transactions effected by Gill that were nearly double MassMutual’s per-transaction limit of $250,000. Also without notice of his employer, Gill was able to execute at least two trades in GameStop in excess of $700,000.

In addition to the $4 million administrative fine and the independent compliance review, MassMutual has also agreed to train its broker-dealer agents concerning social media and personal trading. An inquiry into Keith Gill’s registration in Massachusetts is still pending.

In a separate consent order also entered against MMLIS, Galvin has also ordered that company to seek registration of 478 broker-dealer agents and pay a $750,000 administrative fine.
 

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is issuing the following statement regarding the death of George Wein.

Mr. Wein, 95, created the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954 and the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. The festivals play at Fort Adams State Park, which is managed by DEM.

“George Wein was a gentleman and a legend whose genius consisted in presenting music on a grand scale in the open air. Nobody put on shows quite like him.

Ultimately, his greatest creations – the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals – found their home at Fort Adams State Park, which DEM is proud to manage.

Thanks to Mr. Wein’s vision, the Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF) and DEM entered into an agreement in 2018 to continue presenting the iconic festivals at Fort Adams until 2043. Mr. Wein’s civic-mindedness was evident in NFF’s expanding philanthropic music education and artist relief programs. DEM offers Mr. Wein’s family and friends, his colleagues at the Newport Festivals Foundation and throughout the music industry, and his legions of fans around the world our sincerest sympathies for your loss.”
 

Tiverton could be home to a proposed ice rink in Rhode Island, to be named the LongPlex Family and Sports Center. Developers presented plans to the Tiverton Planning Board this week, according to the digital edition of the Newport Daily News to add an adjacent building that would house a pair of NHL-complaint sheets of ice for year round public use. 

LongPlex owner Jim Long told Tiverton's planning board that ice time can be hard to obtain, and various schools and colleges have asked about the proposal. Indoor tennis and pickleball courts are part of the proposal as well. The new building would sit on nearly 16 acres. 

Convicted former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia will learn Monday Morning in Courtroom One in the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston how long he will be incarcerated in Federal Prison after being conivcted in May of 21 of 24 counts. 

The start time has moved up to 11am EDT, and the proceedure will be on Zoom via the Federal Court System. 

Prosecutors have suggested an 11 year prison term while the Correia Defense Team has advocated for a 3 year term. 

Letters written by Correia's wife and other family members are urging Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock to be merciful to Correia, while prosecutors have indicated that Correia has shown no remorse for SnoOwl investors or others who were impacted by Correia's crimes. 

The Patriots have opened as 5 point road favorites Sunday versus the New York Jets at Met Life Stadium after squandering their opener with Miami the prior Sunday in Foxboro. 

The Patriots Radio Network will come to life on WHTB 1400 Sunday at 10am with a 1 pm kickoff...

Week 3 will have the Patirots on WSAR versus the Saints. 

The Red Sox take 2 of 3 from the Seattle Mariners, as the Sox, Yankees, and Toronto are being pursued by Oakland and Seattle for the two American League Wild Card slots that will send two teams to a one game playoff to play the number one seed in an ALDS in October. 

The Sox win by a 9-3 margin in 10 innings Wednesday NIght. 

The Sox are off on Thursday and will start an eight game home stand with Baltimore at Fenway Park on Friday. 

MassDOT Advisory: Raynham
 
Pavement Marker Installation on Route 44 over Route 24
 
Overnight closures from 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 16 to 5 a.m. on Friday, September 17 
  
RAYNHAM – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be installing recessed pavement markers along Route 44 in Raynham as part of the Route 44 over Route 24 Bridge Replacement Project.

The work will require intermittent overnight ramp closures from 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 16 to 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning, September 17. 

The closures and detours will be as follows: 
•    Route 44 eastbound to Route 24 northbound and southbound ramp closure: drivers should continue on Route 44 eastbound to Paramount Drive, turn left onto Route 44 westbound and take the appropriate ramp.
•    Route 44 westbound to Route 24 northbound ramp closure: drivers should continue on Route 44 westbound to turn right on South Street westbound. From South Street westbound, drivers should turn left on Route 104 to turn left onto Route 44 eastbound. From Route 44 eastbound, take the appropriate ramp.
 

Cape Cod Region Remains in Mild Drought
Majority of Commonwealth Continues to Experience Above Average Rainfall
 
BOSTON — With the month of August delivering above average precipitation numbers throughout much of Massachusetts, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides has declared all regions in the state at Level 0-Normal Conditions with the exception of the Cape Cod region, which remains at a Level 1-Mild Drought.

Today’s drought declaration, which reflect conditions through the end of August 2021, remains unchanged from the July 2021 designations. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, 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.

Officials will continue monitoring the region closely to better understand if there are any improvements from recent precipitation events.

On September 10, 2021, The Fall River Police Department conducted an operation in the areas of Plymouth Ave. and Rhode Island Ave. due to the recent increase in motor vehicle infractions.

Members of the Special Operations Division conducted the operation on the evening of September 10th which led to twenty three motor vehicle citations being issued for loud exhausts, loud radios and various other motor vehicle infractions.

    The Fall River Police Department is aware of this ongoing issue which has affected the quality of life for the citizens of Fall River. The Fall River Police Department plans to conduct similar operations in the future to combat these issues.

Overhead Sign Structure Removal Operations on the Braga Bridge
 
Work will take place on Thursday, September 16, starting at 9 p.m.,
and finishing by Friday at 5 a.m.  
 
 
FALL RIVER/SOMERSET - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be removing an overhead sign structure on the Braga Bridge located on I-195 eastbound over the Taunton River in Fall River and Somerset.

 The work will take place beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, and finishing by 5:00 a.m. on Friday.  The two right lanes and the breakdown lane on I-195 eastbound will be temporarily closed to allow crews to safely and effectively perform the work. 
 
 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $15 Million in Support for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program
Second Round of Funding Will Increase Access to Fresh Local Food, Strengthen Local Food System
 
BOSTON — Building on investments to address food insecurity among Massachusetts residents, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced it has made available $15 million in funding through a second round of its Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program. The funding will enable the Administration to continue to implement the recommendations of the Food Security Task Force, which was convened last year by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center in response to increased demands for food assistance. 

According to NBC 10, a 40-year-old man was shot while walking in Taunton last night. Taunton police said the shooting happened at about 6 P.M. on Bay Street.

The man, who's from Taunton, was shot in the left arm, and was taken to the hospital with injuries, but they are not believed to be life-threatening. Police said officers searched the area but did not find any suspects. Investigators said they are searching for a gray SUV or crossover SUV that's being driven by a white man with shaggy hair. The vehicle was last seen north on Bay Street, according to police.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, a Warwick man is facing charges, including driving under the influence, after crashing into his neighbor’s home late last night

Police say 62 year-old Joseph Bennett, was trying to back his car into his driveway on Columbia Avenue around 11 P.M. when he hit a tree, then accelerated forward across the road crashing into the neighbor’s house. The car went through the house causing significant damage. There were people home at the time of the crash but no one was injured.

Bennett was transported to the hospital to take a blood test but refused, police said. He has been charged with DUI, refusal, and reckless driving.

According to NBC 10, Seth Magaziner has announced his candidacy for Governor of Rhode Island today. The current general treasurer made his announcement at 11 A.M. today at the Henry J. Winters Elementary School in Pawtucket.

He will join another candidate, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, in a race for a seat currently held by Governor Dan McKee. Gorbea made her announcement in May.

According to NBC 10, with the return of the New England Patriots Sunday, Governor Charlie Baker took the opportunity to call for legalized sports betting in Massachusetts. In a tweet on Sunday, the governor said it was great to see the Patriots back in action and called on legislators to pass legislation that would allow sports gambling in the Bay State.

Neighboring states like Rhode Island have already legalized sports betting. Baker says Massachusetts is losing out on potential revenue.

According to NBC 10, Massachusetts State lawmakers are planning to hold a virtual public hearing on Wednesday on the state of public housing in Massachusetts. The joint committee on housing plans to hear testimony on more than 20 bills at the hearing. The bills are addressing how to prevent and respond to the bullying of elderly and disabled residents to prohibiting level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from public housing, hotels and motels, as well as other various topics.Other bills are aimed at helping restore the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ public housing developments and establishing an apprenticeship program to prepare vacant public housing apartments for occupancy.

Massachusetts’s average gas price is up 1 cent from last week ($3.08), averaging $3.09 per gallon. Today’s price is 5 cents higher than a month ago ($3.04), and 95 cents higher than September 13, 2020 ($2.14). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 8 cents lower than the national average.

“Timing is everything, and while supplies have tightened due to the slow recovery after Hurricane Ida, this is also the point when gas demand starts its seasonal decline,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public Affairs. “While there may be some price fluctuation, we expect most motorists to see stability at the pump.”

AAA Northeast’s September 13 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to 1 cent lower than last week ($3.18), averaging $3.17 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 1 cent lower than a month ago ($3.18), and 98 cents higher than this day last year ($2.19).
 

Bristol Community College names new Dean of Bristol Attleboro Campus

Janet V. Ray, of Greenville, RI, has been named Dean of the Bristol Community College Attleboro Campus.

Janet comes to Bristol after serving as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Sophomore Dean, Director of International Student Success and Adjunct Instructor at Providence College in Providence, RI.

She received her Associate of Science in tourism and travel marketing from Barbados Community College in Christ Church, Barbados.

She has earned her Bachelor of Science in travel tourism management, Master of Business Administration in global business leadership with a concentration in financial management and Doctorate Degree in Education in educational leadership, from Johnson & Wales University, in Providence, RI.

Dr. Ray will utilize her experience to direct the advancement of the Attleboro Campus, including fostering a student-centered educational environment responsive to the needs of our students' unique needs, as well as the recruitment and retention of Attleboro students.

In her new role, she will continue to build relationships with community organizations and leaders to develop new collaborations that foster a college-going culture in the Attleboro region.

She will lead strategic planning efforts for the Attleboro Campus while developing innovations consistent with the college’s strategic goals and work closely with the Bristol Community College Foundation on the Attleboro Campus Capital Campaign.

Dr. Ray began her new role at Bristol Community College on September 13, 2021.

Dr. Ray became Providence College's Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Sophomore Dean, Director of International Student Success in August 2016.

She also served as the Interim Assistant Dean/Director of Multicultural Student Success from October 2019 to February 2021. In addition to her roles at Providence College, Dr. Ray has previously served as Associate Director, International Student Advisor and Study Abroad Advisor, at Wheaton College, in Norton.

Dr. Ray has also participated in several professional organizations within higher education including NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
 

A federal grant will go toward easing the impact of the opioid epidemic in the Greater Fall River area by funding resources for such trainings for first responders, Narcan distribution and employing addiction recovery coaches.

The United States Department of Health’s substance abuse and mental health services administration has awarded $2 million to the city that will be used over four years in $500,000 increments. All these services and resources funded by the grant are part of a program from the city titled Fall River - First Responders Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act Project.

The New England Patriots failed to cover a three point spread and lost their opening game of the NFL Season by a score of 17-16 to Miami on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. 

The Patriots will face the New York Jets at Met Life Stadium this coming Sunday with a 1pm kickoff. 

- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be conducting routine bridge inspection operations on the Braga Bridge carrying Interstate 195 over the Taunton River in Fall River and Somerset.

The work will be conducted weekdays, from Monday, September 13, through Friday September 24, during daytime hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The work will require single right and left lane closures in both the eastbound and westbound directions of Interstate 195. Traffic management will consist of standard temporary traffic control operations utilizing police details.

This is the Citation issued by President Truman when Fall River Native Thomas Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor:

Thomas Jerome Hudner
DATE OF BIRTH: August 31, 1924
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Fall River, Massachusetts
HOME OF RECORD:
Fall River, Massachusetts

Thomas Hudner graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1947. Jesse LeRoy Brown, the fellow pilot Tom Hudner crash landed next to in order to try and rescue was the Navy's FIRST Black Aviator, and the first Black American to have a Naval Ship named for him. He retired as a Captain in the U.S. Navy.

AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION:1 of 2

Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Korean War
Service: Navy
Battalion: Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32)
Division: U.S.S. Leyte (CV-32)
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Jerome Hudner, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Pilot in Fighter Squadron Thirty-Two (VF-32), attached to the U.S.S. LEYTE (CV-32), while attempting to rescue a squadron mate whose plane struck by anti-aircraft fire and trailing smoke, was forced down behind enemy lines near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, on 4 December 1950.

Quickly maneuvering to circle the downed pilot and protect him from enemy troops infesting the area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hudner risked his life to save the injured flier who was trapped alive in the burning wreckage.

Fully aware of the extreme danger in landing on the rough mountainous terrain and the scant hope of escape or survival in subzero temperature, he put his plane down skillfully in a deliberate wheels-up landing in the presence of enemy troops.

With his bare hands, he packed the fuselage with snow to keep the flames away from the pilot and struggled to pull him free. Unsuccessful in this, he returned to his crashed aircraft and radioed other airborne planes, requesting that a helicopter be dispatched with an ax and fire extinguisher.

He then remained on the spot despite the continuing danger from enemy action and, with the assistance of the rescue pilot, renewed a desperate but unavailing battle against time, cold, and flames. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hudner's exceptionally valiant action and selfless devotion to a shipmate sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, the 20th edition of  the Spirit of Somerset is just over a week away, with the event going ahead as planned despite the event not receiving its typical funding from the town.

This summer, the Somerset Board of Selectmen declined event organizers’ request for town funding to cover services from the highway department and the use of council of aging buses as shuttles. They cited a need to stabilize town finances and rethink how Somerset spends town money on events organized by nonprofits. They agreed to allow the festival to use town land, as usual.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, at Waterfront Park on Main Street. It begins at noon with food trucks and family activities like a petting zoo, pony rides and face painting, then culminates with fireworks that start at 9 P.M. There will be all-day live entertainment from acts including local singer Bella Manchester, Somerset-based '80s tribute band Back in the Day and the Somerset Berkley Regional high school marching band and show choir.

The Town of Rehoboth has received a very limited number of pediatric influenza vaccines at this time.

A clinic will be held at Rehoboth Fire Department Station 1 Saturday 9/11/21 by appointment only.

 These vaccines are free of charge and provided by the state of Massachusetts to children 6 months-18 years.

Please register for an appointment here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/rehoboth.  

This clinic will fill up very quickly. Please stay tuned for more influenza clinics to be posted in the coming weeks when more vaccines are received.  

Please contact Rehoboth Public Health Nurse Jaime Conlon RN at jconlon@rehobothma.gov or 508-252-5947 if there are any questions or concerns.

Federal Prosecutors in Boston could be issuing an order of forfeiture aimed at convicted former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II prior to his September 20 sentencing at the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston's Seaport District. 

IRS agents who testified at Correia's trial earlier this Spring have estimated that Correia secured a little over a half a million dollars from SnoOwl investors and from those seeking a letter of non opposition in regards for permission to open retail marijuana operations.

Former Chief of Staff Gen Andrade is quoted in the second indictment aimed at the former mayor that there was a safe with some $600,000 in cash that the former Fall River Mayor had access to. 

FREE TREES AVAILABLE, JUST IN TIME FOR FALL PLANTING

Registration opens Sept. 9 for popular Energy-Saving Trees Program, which helps Rhode
Islanders beautify their yards and save energy and money. It is funded by the Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the RI Tree Council, RI Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Arbor Day Foundation, is providing 1,000 free trees to Rhode Island residents this autumn. Now in its 13th season, the program helps Rhode Islanders beautify their yards, save energy, and lower their utility bills by strategically planting trees on their property.

“Planting a tree in the right place can improve air quality, sequester carbon, and help manage stormwater runoff,” said DEM Agriculture and Forestry Chief Ken Ayars. “It’s a terrific way for Rhode Islanders to reduce their energy costs today and in the years to come, and a tangible way to stand up to climate change. We’re especially pleased to offer free trees now, when many of us are spending more time in our backyards because of the pandemic.”

Planting the right tree in the right place is the key to maximizing the energy-saving benefits that trees provide. When planted properly, a single tree can save a homeowner money on energy costs by shading their home in the summer and blocking cold winds in the winter. Additional benefits include improved air quality, reducing storm-water runoff, increasing biodiversity, and beautifying one’s surroundings.

Registration opens Thursday, Sept. 9. The process to reserve your free tree takes less than 10 minutes. In three easy steps, you can reserve your tree!

1.    Sign up at www.arborday.org/RIDEM and map your house by using the interactive mapping tool. 
2.    Select the right tree by choosing from the list of available trees.
3.    Reserve your tree and select your pick-up location from the list below.

The free trees will be approximately 4-6 feet tall and in 3-gallon containers. These trees will fit in most cars for transportation to your home. All program participants must be Rhode Island residents and pre-register online to reserve their free tree. The trees will be available for pick up starting in late September at the following locations, dates, and times:

Dexter Training Ground Park: 85 Parade Street, Providence, RI 02909
Saturday, Sept. 25, 9 AM-12 PM

Richmond Elementary School: 190 Kingstown Road, Richmond, RI 02898
Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 AM-12 PM

Colt State Park: Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809
Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 AM-12 PM

RI Tree Council: 2953 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919
Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 AM-12 PM

Funding for the program is provided by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

For online registration assistance, please contact the Arbor Day Foundation at 1-855-234-3801.

For more information about the Rhode Island Energy-Saving Trees Program, please visit DEM’s Division of Forest Environment Urban and Community Forestry website at www.dem.ri.gov/urbanforestry or follow the Division of Forest Environment on Facebook www.facebook.com/RIForest.  

For more information on DEM's programs and divisions, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or via Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM).

The first of two Fall River Mayoral Preliminary debates this week happened Wednesday NIght in The Murrow Building, as three of the four contenders on the ballot answered questions about rent, taxes, public safety and other issues. 

Fall River City Council President Cliff Ponte pledged to protect taxpayers by running what he termed a lean government, while Incumbent Mayor Paul Coogan talked about how his first term was short circuited by the ongoing Pandemic. 

Challenger James Jonathan Alberbnaz promised to respect individual rights when it came to the Pandemic, and asked voters to remember their Constitutional rights. 

According to CBS 12 in Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Health says hospitals across the state are experiencing overcrowding and significantly longer waiting times. Rhode Island health officials urge amid overcrowding and staffing shortages to not visit the ER for non-emergencies.

Dr. Laura Forman, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Kent Hospital, said she’s seen it firsthand. Forman said there are several contributing factors to the backlog, including nationwide staffing shortages, a lack of beds and an influx of patients.

According to CBS 12 in Providence multiple families were forced from their homes early yesterday morning after a fire broke out at an apartment in Fall River.

Crews responding to Boutwell Street around 1:15 A.M. saw flames coming from the building but were able to quickly extinguish the fire.There was smoke damage to the entire building but it was not an entire loss, according to fire crews. 

All six units are displaced, totaling 11 adults and five children. Officials said two children were taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure but no other injuries were reported. Crews said there were working smoke alarms in the building that alerted the first-floor tenant who was then able to alert everyone else.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, a New Bedford man wanted on larceny and robbery charges was arrested Sunday in Dartmouth.

Police said they responded to the Dartmouth Mall around 1:20 P.M. after 28 year old Jesus Torres, a known larceny suspect, was sighted. Torres was seen running toward Lowe's as officers arrived on scene, according to police. After attempts to make contact with Torres failed, he fled inside the store. Police said they placed the store on lockdown as they searched for Torres, who was found hiding among boxes and placed under arrest.

Torres was charged with larceny over $1,200, resisting arrest, and three counts of shoplifting. Police also said he had seven outstanding warrants related to larceny and robbery.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, the city is welcoming its first female veterans service officer who will take the reins over from retired VSO and former city councilor Ray Hague, who has held the position since 2011. 

Micaila Britto, a marine for more than six years before a service-related traumatic brain injury forced her to leave the military, was the VSO in Raynham and said she looks forward to a new challenge helping military veterans here in Fall River.

The FRPD arrested three people after the execution of a Friday morning warrant by the Fall River Police Vice Gang and Intellegence Unit , assisted by Major Crime Detectives and the FBIs Metro Boston Gang Task Force. 

The warrant was executed in the 500-block of Buffington Street, where Police found a Walther 9mm handgun, along with a loaded magazine for the pistol as well as loose rounds of ammo.

A 17-year-old faces counts dealing with possession of ammo and a firearm without a  license. 

Two adults in the residence--38-year-old Jason Rainville and 26-year old Brandon Carliss were arrested on outstanding warrants. 

Former New England Patriots wide receiver died today at 47 years of age. The following is the latest from the Boston Herald. You can find the complete article at BostonHerald.com

“Receiver David Patten, who was part of three Patriots Super Bowl wins, died Thursday, his agent confirmed to South Carolina’s The State newspaper.

Patten was 47. Details of his death weren’t shared.

Patten was with the Patriots from 2001-04. An underrated player for much of his career, he was a clutch performer and an integral part of that first championship in 2001.

During that run to the Patriots first Super Bowl win, Patten caught 8 passes for 107 yards in the Snow Bowl game against Oakland.

He caught the only touchdown pass (from Drew Bledsoe) in the AFC Championship game against the Steelers. He also accounted for the only offensive touchdown in the Super Bowl win over the Rams, making a twisting catch on a Tom Brady pass in the end zone.

News of Patten’s passing brought a flood of tributes from former Patriots players, coaches and front office people.

Richard Seymour, who attended the same high school (Lower Richland High School in South Carolina) as Patten, expressed his grief on Twitter.

“Heartbroken great man of God… lost for words – David Patten,” Seymour wrote.

This came from Joe Andruzzi: “So sorry for the loss of a great teammate. Prayers to his entire family.”

And this from former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis: ‘Shocked and saddened about the sudden tragic death of David Patten. Excellent player, even better person. Family guy, team guy, devout Christian. Prayers all directed this way. RIP David. You will be sorely missed.’

Former player personnel head Scott Pioli also offered warm sentiments about Patten.”

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, there are still plenty of companies and businesses in the New Bedford and Fall River region struggling to find workers. As the date of the Pandemic Relief Aid’s expiration date is quickly approaching, those who have not been employed, and instead have continued to collect the federal government's $300 weekly “stipend” unemployment bonus check, are running out of time. The Pandemic Relief Aid program expires on Labor Day, September 6

So far more than two dozen states have already cut off the federally added benefit, which was part of the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan enacted in March. The U.S. Department of Labor reported over 940,000 new jobs in July

Massachusetts' unemployment rate for July remained at 4.9%, according to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, U.S. Federal Court Judge Douglas Woodlock made it official yesterday that former Chief of Staff for Jasiel Correia, Gen Andrade, will be heading to trial on December 6. 

In June, Woodlock made a surprising ruling when he rejected Andrade’s guilty plea to six counts of extortion, bribery and lying to federal officials last December for her alleged part in the former Fall River mayor's government corruption scheme. Judge Woodlock made it clear during Andrades June sentencing hearing that he was displeased with the terms of the C-plea agreement in which Andrade and the government agreed she would not receive any prison time in exchange for her plea.

The Red Sox will continue to place the highest priority on the health and safety of all employees, players, and fans that enter Fenway Park and will fully comply with the updated guidance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and City of Boston.

Fans are also reminded that masks are mandatory on public and private transportation systems including rideshares, taxis, MBTA and commuter rail.

The health survey that has been a requirement prior to entering the ballpark this season will be eliminated starting May 29, however, bags will continue to be restricted, with exceptions limited to medical devices and diaper bags.

Cashless payment options will continue to be available at all concessions and merchandise points of sale.

Enhanced cleaning of restrooms and other high touch areas by the Fenway Park Clean Team will continue and hand sanitizer and wipes will be available at entry gates and throughout the concourse.

Fans exhibiting any potential symptoms of COVID-19 should contact the nearest Fenway Park staff member to request medical evaluation.

As of August 27, the City of Boston has reinstated an indoor mask mandate. Masking will be required in all publicly accessible indoor spaces at Fenway Park, regardless of vaccination status, with the exception of those who are actively eating and drinking. This includes:

Team stores
Restrooms
Elevators
Indoor clubs, restaurants, and suites

MassDOT Advisory: Raynham

Overnight Closures on Ramps from Route 44 to Route 24

Closures will be in place nightly from Tuesday, September 7, through Thursday, September 9, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning

RAYNHAM – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be implementing overnight closures of the ramps from Route 44 westbound to Route 24 southbound and from Route 44 eastbound to Route 24 northbound in Raynham.  The closures will take place nightly on Tuesday, September 7, Wednesday, September 8, and Thursday, September 9, during overnight hours from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning.  The closures are needed to allow crews to safely and efficiently conduct line striping and marking operations, drainage work and paving modifications. 

The schedule, location, and detours that will be in place for the closures will be as follows:

Tuesday, September 7

•    The ramp from Route 44 westbound to Route 24 southbound will be closed.

•    Drivers traveling on Route 44 westbound looking to take the ramp to Route 24 southbound should continue on Route 44 westbound to turn right on South Street west. From South Street west, drivers should turn left on Route 104 to turn left onto Route 44 eastbound. From Route 44 eastbound, drivers can take the ramp to Route 24 southbound.

Wednesday, September 8, and on Thursday, September 9

•    The ramp from Route 44 eastbound to Route 24 northbound will be closed.

•    Vehicles traveling on Route 44 eastbound looking to take the ramp to Route 24 northbound should continue on Route 44 eastbound to Paramount Drive, turn left onto Route 44 westbound to take the exit ramp to Route 24 northbound.

Upcoming New Bedford Vaccination Clinics

New Bedford, Massachusetts–COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned for the next several days in New Bedford.  No appointment is needed at these walk-up clinics.  All New Bedford residents receiving their first dose will receive a $20 Dunkin’ gift card while supplies last.

Friday, September 3:
-    Fire Station 8 (1599 Acushnet Ave) – 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
-    Nye Street Pocket Park – 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 4:
-    Nye Street Pocket Park – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
-    Riverside Park – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
-    Clasky Common Park – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Sunday, September 5:
-    Nye Street Pocket Park – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
-    Riverside Park – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, September 7:
-    Andrea McCoy Rec Center – 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
 

A 21-year-old Fall River man accused of firing an illegal gun indiscriminately down a busy city street while a gun-related double homicide was occurring in nearby Griffin Park this past May was released by a Superior Court judge last month despite the fact that two other judges had previously ruled he was a danger to the community.

Dana Mazyck was arrested in May in connection to the investigation into the Fall River double homicide that claimed the lives of Jovaughn Antonio Mills, 29, of Fall River and Miguel Sanjurjo, 14, of Fall River.

This defendant is accused of firing several rounds from an illegal firearm down Fifth Street in Fall River in broad daylight moments after another defendant, Jeremy Holmes, allegedly fired multiple rounds into a crowd in nearby Griffin Park.  Defendant Holmes is accused of striking three individuals with bullets, two of whom died.

Moments after the triple-shooting occurred, defendant Mazyck, who was standing on Fifth Street just outside of Griffin Park, fired six rounds northbound up Fifth Street. The rounds fired in this direction struck a building. This defendant then immediately fled the scene on foot. 

Defendant Mazyck was arraigned in Fall River District Court on May 25th on charges of carrying an illegal firearm, carrying a loaded illegal firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building.  A Dangerousness Hearing was held on June 2nd at which time Fall River District Court Judge Katie Rayburn found the defendant “dangerous” and ordered him held without bail for up to 120 days as the case proceeds towards trial.

The defendant appealed that decisions to the Superior Court, which heard arguments on the appeal on July 1.  After taking the matter under advisement, Superior Court Judge Renee Dupuis agreed the defendant was a danger to the community and denied his appeal on July 6.

In the meantime, due to the seriousness of the allegations against the defendant, he was indicted by a Bristol County Grand Jury on charges of Carrying an Illegal Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Illegal Firearm and Vandalizing Property in early July.

The defendant was arraigned in Fall River Superior Court for the new indictments on August 2nd, at which time another dangerousness hearing was held before Judge Karen Green.  At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Green, despite the previous rulings by a district and a superior court judge, found the defendant to not be a danger to the community and released him on $2,500 cash bail with GPS monitoring.

“It’s very disappointing that this defendant is being released after being held by two previous judges. The defendant is accused of firing an illegally obtained firearm indiscriminately down a congested street in broad daylight, while a second defendant was opening fire on people on the sidewalk, killing two.  This defendant does not belong out on the street based on his actions,” District Attorney Quinn said. 

Letourneau Elementary School in Fall River, and Arogosy Charter School  were closed this morning due to flooding issues; amounts of water had entered the elementary school overnight.

Fall River Police Chief Jeff Cardozza tells WSAR that there is a partial collapse of Spencer Street, and that North Main, North Bound, is impassable for now. 

WSAR Senior Meterologist Rob Carolon indicated this morning that the City of Fall RIver is dealing with the aftermath of six and a half inches of rain; CBS 12 in Providence is reporting that Somerset had 5.70 inches of rain overnight, which saw Thunderstorms and Tornado Warnings along the SouthCoast. 

The rain is set to end by mid morning. 

The morning commute has been an issue, with Route 24 North Bound at the Roatary having issues with flooding, while Route 24 Southbound between Exit 10 Innovation Way and Exit 8 Airport Road and North Main currently closed, along with Route 24 Southbound between exits 8 and 10. 

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, the city of Fall River has reached a total of 15,034 confirmed positive COVID-19  cases. The latest from the Department of Health shows that Fall River has continued to be in the midst of the COVID surge that started in early July. In the past week, the city reported 151 new cases averaging 21 cases per day. 

Fall River’s Health and Human Services Division latest report stated there has been a total of 372 deaths due to the virus, but they have not released updated statistics on deaths since May. Fall River is reaching the goal of having half of its population vaccinated.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, crews are working to extinguish a fire that broke out at a vacant triple-decker in New Bedford earlier this morning. The two-alarm fire started around 1 A.M. on Bonney street. District Chief James Fortin says no one was inside when the fire started, and the building has been vacant since January due to another fire.

Crews are now considering the cause of the fire to be suspicious. State Fire Marshal’s office is on its way to investigate

Neighbors were evacuated as a precaution and no one was hurt.