On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, the Fall River Police Department Vice Intelligence and Gang Unit assisted
by members of the Major Crimes Division and Special Operations Division-Housing Unit served a search
warrant at a residence in the 200 block of Pearce St. Detectives were able to enter the residence without
issue and detained the occupants prior to beginning the search.

During the search of the home two loaded firearms were recovered as well as suspected illegal drugs. The
seized handguns were identified as a Jimenez Arms 9mm and a Glock 9mm. Also found by detectives were
vials of suspected steroids consisting of 8 vials of Testosterone Etanthate, 2 vial of Testosterone Acetate, 2
vial of Anastrozole, and 1 vial of BA water. Approximately 1,250 baggies of suspected fentanyl were also
seized having a total approximate weight of 25 grams. Additionally, the search uncovered $4,587.00 in
U.S. currency which was seized as part of the drug operation.
As part of the investigation it was learned that the target of the search warrant, Jason Chaves (36 years of
age), does not have a license to possess a firearm. Detectives also seized illegal fireworks which were
uncovered during the search.

Jason Chaves will be charged with the following criminal offenses:
1. Firearm violation with 1 prior violent/drug crime
2. Trafficking in 18 grams or more of heroin/morphine/opium
3. Possession of ammunition without an FID card
4. Possession of a firearm while committing a felony
5. Possession of a firearm without an FID card (2 counts)
6. Improper storage of a firearm
7. Possession of a class E drug (2 counts)
8. Unlawful possession of fireworks 
 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Available to Municipalities, Other Entities Direct from Manufacturers

 
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced contracts with COVID-19 at-home test manufacturers that will allow municipalities and eligible entities to begin the process of placing orders for rapid test kits that utilize the state-negotiated prices.

These contracts build on an announcement earlier this month that the Administration secured 2.1 million iHealth Labs over-the-counter at-home rapid antigen tests that were delivered to 102 cities and towns in Massachusetts with the highest percentage of families below the poverty level, according to US Census data. These kits were delivered to those communities free of charge, as part of a focus on increasing access for individuals and families who are facing financial hardship.

The contracts signed today are another tool to support eligible organizations and entities’ access to COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test kits, which are an important tool to mitigate transmission of COVID-19. As of this week, three manufacturers have been awarded these contracts; Ellume Limited, iHealth and Intrivo, and tests ordered through these contracts will have state-negotiated prices ranging from $5-$26 per test. Additional manufacturers are expected to be awarded contracts in the coming weeks as the rolling contracting period continues through March 2022. 

While the Administration has assurances from each manufacturer that there is significant supply, given the high demand across the country, and the level of interest from a wide range of organizations and entities in purchasing these test kits, municipalities and eligible entities should review their options and take steps toward making orders should they be interested in purchasing these products. In its communication today to municipal and other buyers, the Operational Services Division (OSD) also outlined other options available for purchasing rapid test kits, including purchasing them through previous statewide contracts with distributors. 

Municipalities are eligible to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase these test kits. 

For more details on the contracts, please visit here. 

Who is eligible to order:
•    Cities, towns, districts, counties, and other political subdivisions
•    Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, including all departments and elected offices therein
•    Independent public authorities, commissions, and quasi-public agencies
•    Local public libraries, public school districts, private schools, charter schools, and early childhood centers
•    Public hospitals owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
•    Public and private institutions of higher education
•    Public purchasing cooperatives
•    Non-profits in either of the below categories, if they are registered with OSD as listed here
o    Non-profit human and social service providers under contract with the Commonwealth; and
o    Other non-profit organizations receiving public funding from state, federal, or local governments in the form of appropriated funds, grants, or contracts.
•    Other states and territories with no prior approval by the State Purchasing Agent
•    Other entities when designated in writing by the State Purchasing Agent (individual cities and towns or school districts in other states where the entire state is not authorized to purchase)

As demand for these test kits remains high across the country, these contracts are another tool for Commonwealth residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19. There are multiple testing resources in the Commonwealth available to residents, municipalities, educational institutions, and other entities. For detailed information on testing, visit www.mass.gov/gettested .

Massachusetts performs more COVID tests than almost any other state in the country thanks to the hundreds of existing testing locations across the Commonwealth, including 38 free state sponsored Stop the Spread testing sites. Residents can also access COVID-19 at-home test kits at local pharmacies or online via retailers such as Amazon.

COVID-19 rapid tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, that can protect individuals by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

###
 
 

Mayor Paul Coogan has confirmed that next
week’s Inaugural Ceremony will be held as scheduled on Monday, January 3rd at 4:00pm.

The
event will take place in the new B.M.C. Durfee High School auditorium. However, in light of a
recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Fall River, Mayor Paul Coogan has issued a recommendation
strongly suggesting that invitees and the public view the ceremony remotely.

For those who wish
to view from home, Fall River Government Television will be broadcasting the ceremony live,
through their Facebook page and on local cable (Channel 18- Xfinity). Local radio station
WSAR will also be airing the ceremony live on 1480 AM and 95.9 FM.

For those in attendance at Monday’s event, masks and social distancing will be required. Mayor
Coogan announced last week that the Inaugural Dinner, scheduled for after the ceremony, was
cancelled due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Fall River.

“As with most other events and traditions, the inauguration will look different this year,”
remarked Mayor Paul Coogan. “While I’d like more than anything to share this day in-person
with residents, it simply is not safe to fill an auditorium right now. I hope that residents will tune
in from home and I look forward to sharing other special events with them very soon.”

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Municipalities 
Over $4 Million for Police Body-Worn Cameras  
Five-Year Grant Program Enhances Public Safety, Strengthens Police Accountability and Transparency

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded more than $4 million in state grant funds to 64 municipalities across the Commonwealth to provide departments with resources to start or expand Body-Worn Camera (BWC) programs. These grants are the first in a five-year, $20 million capital grant program which is expected to deploy 9,000 body-worn cameras across Massachusetts’ cities and towns.

“We are glad to provide communities with these resources for body-worn camera programs, because they improve public safety, strengthen community-police relations, and enhance the values of transparency and accountability,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This technology offers municipalities a valuabletool in support of municipal police in their efforts to ensure public safety and transparency in their communities” 

“The Administration is pleased to partner with local law enforcement agencies to provide the resources and technology needed to improve public safety and nurture strong relationships with the communities they serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. 

In June 2021, the Administration announced the availability of $20 million in capital funding over five years to support a body-worn camera grant program, which is managed by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR) within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The grant application process requires each municipal department to submit a comprehensive deployment plan that describes a deliberate and phased plan to deploy the technology, as well as specific ways the proposed program will enhance the agency’s mission.

Currently, 10% of Massachusetts municipal departments operate a body-worn camera program. However, a poll conducted by the Massachusetts Chief of Police Association indicated that 75% of departments in both major cities and smaller communities are interested in starting a program. 

“Body-worn camera programs also provide law enforcement agencies with an important tool to improve training and advance best practices. This grant program and the resulting implementation of advanced technology will improve safety for police and communities across the Commonwealth,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. 

The Following Content is From the Bruins Official Website 

After four straight days of practice, the Bruins stayed off the ice on Thursday as they progress toward a return to game action this weekend. The Black & Gold are scheduled to host Buffalo on Saturday afternoon at TD Garden before traveling to Detroit for a Sunday matinee with the Red Wings.

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy met virtually with the media on Thursday morning and said that Boston could be at full strength for Saturday's tilt against the Sabres. With the NHL adjusting its COVID-19 protocols to align with the CDC's new five-day isolation period, Charlie Coyle, who entered protocol on Dec. 26, could return to the team as soon as Friday's practice if he meets a certain testing threshold - a CT value greater than 30 - to determine he is no longer contagious.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be conducting substructure repairs on Milliken Boulevard Bridge over I-195 in Fall River. The work is scheduled from Monday, January 3 through Thursday, January 6, with both daytime and nighttime shifts. The daytime work will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily and the overnight work will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. 

Traffic will be allowed over the bridge during the daytime and overnight work. The I-195 eastbound on-ramp will be closed during the overnight work. The following detour will be in place: 

•    Traffic coming from Route 79 southbound will continue to Broadway and take a left on Columbia Street eastbound at the light (South Main Street). Columbia Street will turn to Rodman Street and traffic continues straight to intersect with Plymouth Avenue (Route 81). At that light, take a left and first right onto the on-ramp to I-195 eastbound. 

•    Traffic from Broadway southbound (Route 138) will be directed to take a right turn onto Columbia Street and follow the same directions listed above.

•    Traffic from Milliken Boulevard southbound will be directed to take a left turn onto Columbia Street and follow the same directions as listed above. 
 
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
 
Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. 
 
All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
 

McCoy Rec Center on Mondays, Saturdays a Key Hub for Vaccine Services in January 
 
New Bedford, Massachusetts – The Andrea McCoy Recreation Center on Hillman Street will be a key hub for local COVID-19 vaccinations as 2022 begins, with clinics on Mondays and Saturdays through January (excepting the Jan. 17 holiday). Check vaxnb.com for updated schedules of local COVID-19 vaccination and testing locations. 

All local COVID-19 vaccine locations will be closed on Dec. 31, 2021, and Jan. 1, 2022. 

Free, walk-up clinics offer CDC-approved booster shots, in addition to first- and second-dose vaccines and, at most locations, pediatric vaccines. Please bring your vaccination card when getting a booster. 

Upcoming vaccine locations in New Bedford include:

Monday, Jan. 3, 2022:
-    Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, boosters, pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Tuesday, Jan. 4:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, boosters, pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Friday, Jan. 7:
-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, boosters, w/ pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old 

Saturday, Jan. 8:
-    Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, boosters, pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Monday, Jan. 10:
-    Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, boosters, pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Reminder on the importance of vaccinations, especially during the holidays: Vaccination levels in the region remain low, and daily case rates remain high. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is not only about protecting yourself – it’s also about protecting your family, friends, and community. Vaccination is critically important during the holiday season, when large family gatherings could lead to super-spreader events among people who are unvaccinated. 

City leaders and health officials are urging unvaccinated residents to get their first shot and begin vaccination as soon as possible, to have a safe and healthy start to 2022. 

COVID-19 Testing at New Bedford Regional Airport Resumes Normal Schedule Sunday, Jan. 2

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Project Beacon’s appointment-based COVID-19 testing at New Bedford Regional Airport will resume its normal schedule this weekend and has added an additional day of testing on Jan. 5 to accommodate post-holiday demand.  

Effective Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, Project Beacon—part of the state’s Stop the Spread program—will continue offering COVID-19 testing at 1569 Airport Road at these times:
•    Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
•    Mondays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
•    Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
•    Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

That schedule will continue through March 31, 2022. 

Additionally, Project Beacon has added a day of testing—from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022—in expectance of large demand after holiday gatherings. 
 
Appointments for free COVID-19 tests can be made at beacontesting.com. Airport officials ask that people reach the site via the airport’s side entrance on Downey Street. 

All local COVID-19 testing locations will be closed on Dec. 31, 2021, and Jan. 1, 2022. 

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

Upcoming testing locations in New Bedford include: 

Sunday, Jan. 2:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 3:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 4:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 5:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
-    Seven Hills at PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 6:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 7: 
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 9: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 10:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Patriots are entering the final two weeks of the NFL season holding down the sixth playoff slot in the AFC, with games versus Jacksonville in Gillette Stadium in the final game in Foxborugh in 2021, and in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium versus the Dolphins next Sunday. 

If the Patriots and Dolphins both win this week, it sets up a clash for AFC Playoff Positioning on Sunday January 2, with the winner getting a postseason bid and the loser likely getting knocked out of any post-season contention. 

The Dolphins beat the Patriots in Week One, 17-16...the Dolphins opened 1 and 7 before rolling through a seven game winning streak to put themselves in playoff contention..

The Patriots seven game winning streak has been snapped with a two game losing streak, as the Patriots fell out of contention for the number one playoff position. 

 Massachusetts’s average gas price is down 1 cent from last week ($3.39), averaging $3.38 per gallon.

Today’s price is 4 cents lower than a month ago ($3.42), and $1.19 higher than December 27, 2020 ($2.19). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 10 cents higher than the national average. 

“Gasoline prices fluctuated over the past few days as fears of an omicron-driven economic slowdown were countered by news of a severe fire at a major oil refinery in Texas,” said Mary Maguire, Director of Public/Government Affairs. As a result, the recent steady decline in pump prices has slowed, with the national average for a gallon of gas falling two cents on the week to $3.28. 

AAA Northeast’s December 27 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 2 cents lower than last week ($3.30), averaging $3.28 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 11 cents lower than a month ago ($3.39), and $1.03 higher than this day last year ($2.25).

Bristol Community College will be hosting a COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinic on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Bristol Fall River Campus.

The clinic is open to the general public, ages 12 and up, and will be distributing the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters. The clinic will also be providing flu shots.

Wednesday, January 12, from noon to 4 p.m.  
Bristol Community College Fall River Campus, 777 Elsbree Street  
Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center (H building)   

Who can receive a COVD-19 vaccine at Bristol’s clinic on 1/12?    
Bristol students, employees and the general public, ages 12 and up, who have not yet been vaccinated or who qualify for a booster.   

Vaccine Booster: To see if you qualify for a vaccine booster, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. 

How does it work?  

Bristol’s COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinic will be accepting walk-ins. No appointments or pre-registration are necessary. COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, as well as flu shots, will be administered by Stop & Shop Pharmacy at Bristol’s Fall River Campus, free of charge. Please bring a valid ID and Insurance cards. 

Second COVID-19 Vaccine: Individuals receiving the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will also be scheduled to receive their second dose of the vaccine.  

For more information, please contact Bristol Community College Health Services, by email at healthservices@bristolcc.edu or visit http://www.bristolcc.edu/vaxup. 
 

Mayor Paul Coogan Announces MLK Jr. Essay & Art Contest for
Fall River Students

(FALL RIVER, MA- December 27th, 2021)- Mayor Paul Coogan, in partnership with the Fall
River Diversity Committee, has announced the “Words with Martin” MLK Jr. Essay & Art
Contest.

The contest is run in partnership with Bristol Community College, who will be
highlighting student work during their annual MLK Week.

All students in grades K-12 who live
or attend school in Fall River are eligible to enter a submission.

Students must enter a drawing or an essay, depending on their age, that answers the
following question: “If you had the chance to meet Martin Luther King Jr, what would you talk
about?" The categories are:

? Elementary School (grades K-5): Drawing or poster
? Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (Grades 9-12): Essay, poem or audio (such
as a podcast, spoken word or song)

Entries are due by January 12th. Work can be submitted through the student’s school or by using
the drop box at City Hall. Submissions must include the student's name, grade and school as well
as a name and phone number for a parent/guardian. Amazon gift cards will be given as prizes for
the 1st ($100), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50) place winners of each age category.

For more details, visit the Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/10b5TP9oT or contact Mayor
Coogan’s office at 508-324-2600.

The National Hockey League announced Friday that its regular-season schedule will not resume prior to Tuesday, Dec. 28.

That means a Pittsburgh/Bruins match Monday is postponed. 

The League had planned to resume its schedule on Dec. 27, but in order to allow the League an adequate opportunity to analyze League-wide testing results and to assess Clubs' readiness to play, the target date for resumption of game play will be pushed back an additional day.

Teams returned to practice on Sunday and it is expected that the League will provide an update on its return to play plans by the end of day on Sunday.

With a loss to Buffalo Sunday, the New England Patriots find themselves in the Sixth Playoff Posistion in the AFC Playoff Race, as the Patriots have two games remaining--Jaunary 2 hosting Jacksonville, and January 9 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The Patriots could still win the AFC East if they win the final two games and Buffalo loses one game; the teams split their season series at one game each. 

MassDOT Advisory: Fall River and Somerset
 
Inspection of I-195 Braga Bridge
 
Temporary lane closures will be in place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, December 27
  
FALL RIVER/SOMERSET – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be conducting inspection work on the Braga Bridge carrying I-195 over the Taunton River in Fall River and Somerset from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27.

 Temporary right lane and break-down lane closures will be required on I-195 eastbound.
 
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
 
Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. 
 
All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
 

Post Inaugural Dinner Canceled

(FALL RIVER, MA- December 23rd, 2021)- It is with regret that Mayor Paul Coogan has
decided to cancel the post inaugural dinner, originally scheduled to take place in the 3
rd Floor Cafeteria of BMC Durfee High School following the inauguration ceremony on Monday,
January 3

. After consulting with the Director of Health and Human Services, Tess Curran, a
decision was made that having a sizable crowd of unmasked individuals at a dinner would not be
in the best interest of public health.

This decision comes at a time when Fall River is averaging
over 100 new COVID-19 cases per day.

The timing of the inauguration also coincides with an
expected rise in cases due to holiday gatherings.

At this time, no cancellations or changes have been made to the inauguration ceremony,
as guests will be able to remain masked for the duration of the ceremony. However, COVID-19
data is being closely monitored. Mayor Coogan, in consultation with Tess Curran and the Board
of Health, expect to make a decision by December 29th as to whether any changes will be made
to the schedule, location or attendance of the inauguration ceremony.

 Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., of the Fall River Diocese has issued a Christmas message to Catholics throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.

It has been distributed to priests in the diocese for conveying to parishioners in some way at Christmas. It will also be published in the December 24th edition of the diocesan newspaper, The Anchor, and will be posted on the diocesan website for Christmas (www.fallriverdiocese.org).

The message follows below:

Bishop da Cunha’s 2021 Christmas Message

A Season of Opportunity

Dear Friends in Christ,

Opportunity is defined as a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. The last two years have presented us with various circumstances, some extremely difficult, with which we can do something beautiful. We can come together and use these moments to breathe fresh hope into our homes, parishes, and world. While the Covid-19 pandemic continues to concern us, and require our caution, I look toward the celebration of Christmas and the New Year that is nearly upon us with expectant hope and faith.

This year, Pope Francis invited the whole Church to join on a two-year journey (2021-2023) to focus on synodality: a decisive theme for the life and mission of the Church. The Holy Spirit is undoubtedly moving in our Diocese. As the theme of my pastoral letter, I chose Journeying Together: With Jesus on the Path of Faith and Hope, shortly after Pope Francis announced the synod theme, For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission. Synodality asks us to consider: how can the Church better function as the Body of Christ?

The central hope for us embracing this synodal process is for all of us to become part of a caring and listening Church. Journeying together requires a great commitment to listen to the voices of all who make up the People of God. Individually and as a parish, we have an opportunity to embrace the process as a means for growth and creating meaningful connections. First, during this joyous time of holiday gatherings, either in person or virtual, open your heart to truly listen to your friends and family—pay attention to their cares and concerns; what a magnificent way to experience the synodal process in your life. Second, the synod will create opportunities for parishes in their revitalization efforts. What remarkable potential the formal and informal coming together of the People of God presents. 

I also look forward with faith and hope to the nationwide Eucharistic Revival set to launch next summer and conclude with a Eucharistic Congress in 2024. I am truly excited as plans are taking shape for this initiative. I can already envision the many blessings these will bring to the Church at large as well as to the Diocese of Fall River. The three years working together to better understand and communicate the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist will bring innumerable graces. I have no doubt hearts will be set aflame, people’s faith will be reignited, and souls will grow ever closer to Christ. 

During this Christmas season, I pray that we all experience a renewal of faith and hope as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. May our celebrations strengthen us to remain steadfast in our desire to share this Good News with the world. May we see all the good things put into motion this year come to fruition in our lives, our Diocese, and the world. May all answer God’s call to be a part of the revitalization and renewal of the Church, through our love, dedication, and perseverance as disciples and witnesses of our Eucharistic Lord. 

May God bless you and your loved ones, and may you enjoy a very happy, joyful, blessed and Merry Christmas.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,
+Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Bishop of Fall River

R.I. House Republicans Seek to Restore the Rule of Law and Representative Government

State House, Providence, RI – As Governor McKee’s onerous vaccine and mask mandates in Executive Order 21-116 go into effect today, House Republicans issue the following plan of action:

“These latest mandates are harmful to individual privacy and our struggling businesses. While some may differ about whether these mandates are good policy, it is indisputable that such mandates must be made under clear legal authority. 

That legal authority no longer exists because in June, 2021, the General Assembly limited the Governor’s emergency powers to 180-days, which only the General Assembly may extend (RIGL § 30-15-9(g)).

Rather than seek General Assembly permission to extend his emergency powers, Governor McKee cynically attempted to bypass the 180-day law by declaring a “new” state of emergency over the Delta Variant. A COVID-19 variant, by its nature, is not a “new” emergency. It remains the same pandemic we’ve dealt with for nearly two years. 

Governor McKee’s move to skirt the General Assembly’s required oversight and approval violates the spirit and letter of the 180-day law. Since it is clear that Governor McKee cannot lawfully issue these mask and vaccine mandates without General Assembly oversight and authorization,

House Republicans will submit legislation to further nullify these mandates, unless and until the Governor seeks and obtains the General Assembly’s lawful approval for his continued use of emergency powers.

For too long during this pandemic the General Assembly disregarded its responsibilities and our system of checks and balances - until June, 2021, when it wisely limited the Governor’s emergency powers to 180-days. We call on our colleagues to go on the record regarding the Governor’s willful disregard of this law we just passed to impose harmful mandates on our residents and businesses.”
 

New Bedford Begins Distribution of Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits
Plan uses community organizations to reach vulnerable clients; 
City schools, libraries to also hold distribution events for priority groups  

New Bedford, Massachusetts – City health and emergency management officials are coordinating with community organizations to distribute more than 37,700 at-home COVID-19 testing kits to their clients. Priority groups include families with young children and minority racial/ethnic groups who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provided New Bedford with the 37,700 testing kits on Friday. Each kit contains two rapid antigen tests, by iHealth Labs. State officials have distributed test kits to more than 100 other municipalities.

With the holiday season here and surging levels of transmission, the focus remains on local sub-populations that are the least vaccinated and therefore most at risk for illness, as well as sub- populations that have seen sharp increases in cases since the Thanksgiving holiday. 

You must be a New Bedford resident to get a test kit. Priority populations include:

•    Families with young children
•    Unvaccinated people
•    People who identify as Hispanic, multi-racial, or as another minority racial/ethnic group
•    People younger than 30

The city’s distribution plan also includes a limited number of pop-up distribution events at local schools and libraries.

All distribution events are while supplies last, with a limit on the number of kits allowed per person. 
SCHOOLS

Distribution at local schools will start Tuesday, Dec. 21, with pop-up events for students, staff, and family members from 3 to 6 p.m. at: 

•    Keith Middle School (25 Hathaway Blvd)
•    Normandin Middle School (81 Felton St.)
•    Roosevelt Middle School (119 Frederick St.) 

On Wednesday, Dec. 22, the City and New Bedford Public Schools will host pop-up events from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at:

•    Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School (286 S. 2nd St.) 
•    Sgt. William Carney Memorial Academy Elementary School (247 Elm St.)
•    Hayden McFadden Elementary School (361 Cedar Grove St.)
•    Abraham Lincoln School (445 Ashley Blvd.)
•    Casimir Pulaski Elementary School (1097 Braley Road)

LIBRARIES

•    Downtown / Main (613 Pleasant St.); 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 21-22 
•    Wilks Branch (1911 Acushnet Ave.); 12 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21-22
•    Howland-Green Branch (3 Rodney French Boulevard); 12 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21-22

Depending on the success of these initial events, further distributions may be announced.

BACKGROUND ON TEST KITS 
Residents use the tests at home. Test results are available in 15 minutes and samples do not need to go to a laboratory.  People do not need a cell phone or computer for any part of the test. The tests are effective for all individuals 2 years of age and up, regardless of vaccination status or whether they have symptoms. 
 
There is no mechanism with the at-home tests to report results and test results do not need to be reported to public health authorities. However, people who test positive should confirm their result at a COVID-19 testing site, isolate for 10 days, and notify their close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
  
For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html/ 

Baker-Polito Administration Provides COVID-19 Update on Mask Advisory, Hospital Support
Governor Baker Activates National Guard
 
BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced additional measures to address a recent rise in COVID-19 cases and to ensure acute care hospitals have sufficient capacity to care for both COVID and non-COVID patients. 
 
The Commonwealth’s healthcare system is facing a critical staffing shortage which has contributed to the loss of approximately 500 medical/surgical and ICU hospital beds since the beginning of the year. Hospitals are also seeing a high level of patients, many due to non-COVID related reasons.
 
Residents are reminded that getting a vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID. The Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated COVID breakthrough data this week showing that 97% of COVID breakthrough cases in Massachusetts have not resulted in hospitalization or death. Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID than fully vaccinated individuals and 31 times more likely to contract COVID than individuals who have a booster.
 
Massachusetts is a national leader in COVID-19 vaccinations, with over 94% of eligible residents having received at least one dose. Over 89% of the entire Massachusetts population has at least one dose, and 74% of the entire population fully vaccinated. Massachusetts also leads the nation in vaccinating communities of color, with 68% of all black residents and 67% of all Hispanic residents receiving at least one dose, compared to 42.0% of black residents and 51.7% of Hispanic residents nationally.
 
National Guard Activation
 
Governor Charlie Baker today will activate up to 500 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to address the non-clinical support needs of hospitals and transport systems. Up to 300 of these Guard members will begin training this week and will support 55 acute care hospitals, as well as 12 ambulance service providers across the Commonwealth.
 
DPH surveyed all hospitals and ambulance service providers, and in concert with the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, has identified five key roles that non-clinical Guard personnel can serve in support hospital operations for up to 90 days:
 
•    Non-emergency transport between facilities: driving ambulances used to transfer patients between two healthcare locations such as when patients are discharged from a hospital and transferred to a long term care facility.  
•    Patient observers: providing continuous or frequent observation of a patient who is at risk for harm to themselves.   
•    Security support: helping to maintain a safe workplace.
•    In-hospital transport: bringing patients via wheelchair or, if needed, stretcher, from their patient room to tests such as x-ray or CT scan, or from the emergency department to their inpatient floor.  
•    Food service/tray delivery support: delivering patient meals to their rooms
 
Guard personnel will be deployed to the field beginning December 27th, 2021.
 
Elective Surgery Guidance
 
DPH released updated guidance to hospitals concerning nonessential, elective invasive procedures. To preserve health care personnel resources, effective 12:01am on December 27th, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential elective procedures likely to result in inpatient admission in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity.
 
Patients are reminded to still seek necessary care at their hospital or from their health care provider.
 
To read the guidance, click here.
 
Mask Advisory
 
DPH released an updated mask advisory today, recommending that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering in indoor, public spaces. 
 
DPH particularly urges this recommendation for individuals who have a weakened immune system, or are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
 
All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities.  Please see here for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.
 
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s current mask requirement and Policy on Vaccination Rate Threshold issued on September 27th, 2021 is not impacted by this advisory.  
 
To read the full advisory, visit: here.
 
 
 
###
 
 

FALL RIVER, MA- December 21, 2021)- The City of Fall River continues to distribute the
38,790 at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits allocated to the City from the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. 

The tests were delivered to the Fall River Department of Health and Human
Services on Friday, December 17th
.
As of Tuesday, December 21st

, 23,670 tests have been distributed through various community
based organizations. Tests have been delivered to the Fall River Public Schools, Fall River
Housing Authority, the Fall River Council on Aging, food pantries, faith-based organizations and
a number of other agencies including SER-Jobs for Progress, SSTAR, Citizens for Citizens,
People Incorporated, WIC, and HealthFirst Inc. These organizations will be distributing their test
kits to clients and those they serve.

In addition, a public distribution of 15,120 remaining test kits is planned for Wednesday,
December 22nd from 4pm-7pm at three of the Fall River Fire Department stations. 

These are free
tests for Fall River residents and those picking up tests must show proof of residency. There will
be a limit of 2 test kits (4 tests) per household. The locations for Wednesday’s distribution are:

659 Globe Street Fire Station
400 Eastern Ave Fire Station
229 Stanley Street Fire Station

“We are grateful to the Baker-Polito administration for rolling out this at-home testing program,”
said Mayor Paul Coogan. “By working with community partners and planning a distribution on
Wednesday, our goal is to get these kits in the hands of our residents right in time for the
holidays. These kits are a simple, fast and convenient way to make sure you and your loved ones
can spend the holidays together safely.”
 

Holiday Recycling Tips for New Bedford Residents

New Bedford –During the holiday season, around 25% more waste is produced than usual. Some holiday traditions create waste, but by reusing, recycling, and choosing experiences over things we can reduce waste.

“Residents may have questions about which items can be recycled curbside or at the Recycling Center (that is the new name for the transfer station) as well as what to do with their Christmas trees after the holiday. We are sharing this information now to help our residents prepare,” said Jennifer Vieira, Acting Director of Facilities & Fleet Management. 

Here are a few tips to help ensure holiday waste ends up in the right place: 

•    Cardboard: Empty & flatten boxes (cut if necessary); place in recycling cart.

Recycle boxes from online shopping, gift boxes, and empty pizza boxes!

Studies show that grease on the box is okay for recycling (food is not, so remove all pizza).

Liners and plastic pizza savers go in the trash. Take boxes that are too large for recycling carts to the cardboard compactor at the Recycling Center.

•    Wrapping paper is not recyclable.

If you want to be able to recycle your gift wrap, use newspaper, grocery store flyers, paper bags, or packing paper. Give gifts in reusable bags, jars, or tins.

Bows and ribbons cannot be recycled, reuse when possible. Place greeting cards (no metallic inks, foil, batteries, or glitter), catalogs, bottles, and cans in the recycling cart. 

•    Styrofoam blocks and string lights: clean Styrofoam blocks can be recycled at the Recycling Center, 1103 Shawmut Avenue. String lights can be placed in the designated cart at the Recycling Center. These items do not belong in the curbside recycling carts. 

•    Sustainable gifts: Consider environmentally friendly gifts such as experiences, gift cards, products made of recyclable material, reusable items, or handmade presents. Or give the gift of online music lessons (contact the library to borrow a keyboard or ukulele)! 

And, once your Christmas tree has been undecorated, here are ways in which it can be properly disposed.

•    Christmas tree collection: ABC Disposal will pick up real Christmas trees from January 10 to January 14. During this week only, residents may place trees at the curb by 7 a.m. the weekday after trash and recycling collection.

Please note, if your trash is usually collected on Friday, Christmas trees will only be collected along your route on Monday, January 10th. If your trash is usually collected on Mondays, Christmas trees will only be collected along your route on Tuesday, January 11th and so on. This is the only week for curbside pickup of real Christmas trees.

Please remove all ornaments, stands, lights, and tinsel. Do not place trees in plastic bags. Property owners may be issued a violation notice if trees are placed at the curb any other time or without decorations removed.

•    Christmas tree drop-off: Starting on Dec. 26, Christmas trees can be brought to the following locations. 

o    E Rodney French Blvd., beach parking lot, between Hudson Street & Seymour Street, ends 1/14/22

o    Brooklawn Park, near Pony League Field, enter at Irvington Street, ends 1/14/22

o    Recycling Center, 1103 Shawmut Avenue, open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Recycling Center will be open 8 a.m. to noon on 12/24/21 and 12/31/21 and closed the rest of those days. Closed 12/25/21 & 1/1/22.

For additional tips, visit New Bedford Recycling on Facebook and Instagram or follow @NBRecycling on Twitter. If you have questions, please call the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management at (508) 961-3008 or email trashandrecycling@newbedford-ma.gov.
###

Auchincloss, Markey Lead MA Delegation in Letter to Treasury Department

Letter urges Treasury Department to reconsider revenue loss to ensure MA cities and towns can build back better
 
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04), along with Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), led the Massachusetts congressional delegation in a letter to Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Treasury Department to reconsider the way the agency is calculating pandemic-related revenue losses so that Massachusetts cities and towns are not unjustly penalized

. Due to the unique way that Massachusetts funds public education, many Massachusetts cities and towns have reported that they are unable to claim general revenue loss, which is reimbursable under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As a result, many Bay State communities could be unfairly barred from flexible funding that would allow them to build and upgrade critical infrastructure, expand health services, advance environmental remediation, and improve public safety. 

This is expected to disproportionately impact Gateway Cities, including Attleboro, Fall River, and Taunton, in Massachusetts’ 4th District. The letter calls on the Treasury to reconsider methods of calculation so that cities and towns in Massachusetts can use ARPA funds with the flexibility Congress intended. 
 
In the letter Congressman Auchincloss states,  “A fair and accurate accounting of lost revenue will provide cities and towns with the necessary flexibility to reinvest in government services impacted by the pandemic—in line with Congressional intent. We stand ready to work with you on a solution to ensure 

With a loss to Indianapolis on Saturday, the Patriots missed out on an opportunity to clinch a playoff slot in the AFC Post Season. 

The Boston Globe and other media outlets reported Sunday Night that the Patriots are a 1.5 home favorite on Sunday in Foxboro...

The Patriots knocked off the Bills in Buffalo in their final game before the bye week.

The Patriots will have a home game versus Jacksonville with their 17th and final regular season game in Miami versus the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadrium. 

This story includes Senator Warren's Tweet via Twitter.com

''I regularly test for COVID & while I tested negative earlier this week, today I tested positive with a breakthrough case. Thankfully, I am only experiencing mild symptoms & am grateful for the protection provided against serious illness that comes from being vaccinated & boosted.''

The National Hockey League announced Saturday that as a result of additional positive cases and concern with the continued spread of COVID-19, the team's games will be postponed through Sunday, December 26.

The decision was made following consultation by the NHL's, the NHLPA's and Club's medical groups. 

As an appropriate precaution, the team's training facilities have been closed, effective immediately, and will remain closed for players until further notice.

The League is in the process of reviewing and revising the Bruins regular season schedule.

The Bruins organization has followed, and will continue to follow, all recommended guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of its players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, local, and national agencies.

Tickets for postponed Bruins home games on December 21 against Carolina and December 23 against Colorado will remain valid for the rescheduled dates, which are yet to be determined. 

(FALL RIVER, MA – Thursday, December 16, 2021) – Viva Fall River, the community-based initiative that works to address both pressing and long-term needs of the Fall River business community, launches two holiday programs to help increase activity and sales.

(1) 12 Days of Downtown
To promote Downtown businesses during the holidays, as well as highlight collaborative work that taken place over the past 12-18 months, Viva Fall River is running a daily social media feature called 12 Days of Downtown. The series, which started on Monday, December 13th and will run through Christmas Eve, spotlights holiday specials and services from twelve (12) South Main area businesses: Rob Roy Academy, TJ’s Music, Potter’s Printing, Pacheco’s Furniture, 19 Prime Tapas, Koahs Beauty Supply, New England Home Made Donuts, Alexandra’s Boutique/Alexandra’s Too, Mystic Vibez, Drewbi’s Salon, Aura Boutique, and Craftyish Shop. 

Each post also reveals how the business has interacted with Viva Fall River and the Downtown revitalization efforts spurred and supported by MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative, or TDI. This program, focused on Gateway Cities, works to concentrate economic development activities, resources, and investments within designated neighborhood areas, known as “TDI Districts,” to create a critical mass of activity that inspires investments by residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses, as well as additional private development. Fall River's TDI District is centered on South Main Street and Viva Fall River is primed to be the successor to sustain revitalization efforts not only in the District, but city-wide, starting when the program term ends in mid-2022. 

“Each day, our relationships with local businesses grow stronger, as we work to understand their unique needs and provide meaningful assistance that will not only aid them in the short-term, but also provide opportunities to grow the owner’s knowledge and empower them to make strategic decisions that will ensure that their business thrives and sustains during tough times,” said Viva Fall River’s District Director, Patti Rego.

Assistance to local businesses (which exceeds the 12 featured in this promotion) totals nearly $275,000 and has come in the form of grant funding, first distributed as emergency funding to keep businesses open and staff employed, and later as technical assistance grants geared toward helping businesses upgrade their operations and enhance technical capacity (i.e., website upgrades, e-commerce integration, social media assistance, etc.) 

The 12 Days of Downtown feature can be found on Viva Fall River’s Facebook (facebook.com/VivaFallRiver/) and Instagram (instagram.com/vivafallriver/) pages.

(2)    Light Up Downtown
Earlier in the month, Viva Fall River, along with volunteers from Downtown businesses and organizations, took to South Main Street with a simple but important mission – to put up holiday lights in storefronts and bring some festive decor back to Downtown. Viva Fall River provided the LED lights, installation materials and services, making the program of no cost or effort to participating businesses. The goal was to complete installation by December 4th in time to welcome shoppers and visitors to the 37th Annual Fall River Children’s Holiday Parade and Government Center tree lighting. 

Light Up Downtown By The Numbers:
•    5,800 LED bulbs
•    1,914 feet of lights
•    18 festively decorated storefronts on South Main Street
•    1 Downtown District Making Spirits Bright!

“Beyond creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere, Viva Fall River’s aim with Light Up Downtown was to continue to cultivate a sense of community among the small businesses in the area,” explained District Director Patti Rego. “The lights are also a beacon, signaling that Downtown is very much open for business and that our small business owners are actively participating to create a more vibrant and appealing destination for residents and visitors alike.” 

Participating businesses include 19 Prime Tapas, Aura Boutique, Boost Mobile, Costa Insurance Co., Cricket Wireless, Drewbi’s Salon, Facchiano's Shoe Repair, Fall River Pawn Broker, New England Home Made Donuts, Nexus Property Management, Pacheco's Furniture & Moving, Potter's Printing, Rob Roy Academy, South Main Senior Center, TJ's Music, Up In Flames Tattoo Parlor, a vacant storefront at 341 S. Main, and the Viva Fall River pop-up location at 333 S. Main Street.

###

A surge in COVID-19 cases across the NFL and United States as a whole has resulted in the postponement of multiple Week 15 games.

The league announced Friday that Saturday's game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns has been moved to Monday, while Sunday's meetings between the Washington Football Team and the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams have been moved to Tuesday.

The National Hockey League announced today that tomorrow's game in Montreal between the Canadiens and Boston Bruins has been postponed. A make-up date for the game has yet to be established.

 The National Hockey League announced today, December 17, that the Boston Bruins game against the Colorado Avalanche at TD Garden on Thursday, December 23, has been postponed. 

Tickets for the game will remain valid for the rescheduled date, which is yet to be determined. 

Beginning in early 2022, construction of the most dramatic Gillette Stadium improvements since its opening in 2002 will begin in the north end of the stadium.

This project will feature a completely reimagined plaza leading into the stadium, including a new and enhanced lighthouse.

Inside the stadium, there will be a prominent new HD video board as well as new and improved concession locations and other fan amenities. In Gillette Stadium's first 20 years, the Kraft family invested more than $300 million on stadium enhancements. This new project, including the south end zone improvements made last offseason, will total an additional $225 million investment, which reflects the family's continued commitment to the Gillette Stadium fan experience for the next 20 years. The construction is scheduled for completion prior to the 2023 NFL season.

The transformation of the north end of Gillette Stadium will be defined by 75,000-square feet of glass-enclosed year-round hospitality and function spaces that bridge the gap between the East and West Putnam Clubs, the Dell Technologies Suite Levels and the upper concourse. All levels of the stadium will have 360-degree connectivity, a feature that is currently only available on the main concourse.

In addition, the renovation will include the largest outdoor stadium high-definition video board in the country, measuring 370' x 60'. The 22,200 square feet of video board space will be nearly double the size of the new south end zone video board. The curved radius HD video board will provide game action, replays, statistics and fantasy football updates.

The architectural bridge and lighthouse have served as the stadium's signature view. This new development will feature a much bigger, more prominent lighthouse, standing 218-feet high, complete with a 360-degree observation deck at the top, providing sweeping views of the stadium, the game field, Patriot Place and beyond. This one-of-a-kind observation deck will be accessible to fans visiting Gillette Stadium year-round and available for private events.

The fan entrance into the north end of Gillette Stadium will also be revitalized. Plans for this area include relocating the entry gates to create a new fan-activation area upon entry to the lower plaza. A landscaped staircase will lead guests up to the main concourse, where fans will have a view of the field looking toward the south end zone video board and the New England Patriots' six Super Bowl banners.

After privately financing the construction of Gillette Stadium, the Kraft family has continually re-invested in stadium improvements to keep the fan experience ahead of the ever-evolving sports and entertainment industry trends. Some of the most notable additions in recent years were communal fan gathering spaces, including the Optum Field Lounge, the Encore Terrace and the Cross Insurance Pavilion & Business Center. There have been numerous other enhancements made, including the addition of ribbon boards, video boards, WiFi and innovative concession upgrades. In 2021, the south end of Gillette Stadium underwent significant renovations which incorporated a modern and more streamlined concession area on the main concourse and a new, higher-definition video board that is 70 percent larger than the one it replaced.

More details and images will be shared as plans are finalized in the coming months.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Historic Selection of Offshore Wind Projects to Bring Clean, Affordable Power to the Commonwealth
Two Selected Projects Will Deliver 1,600 Megawatts of Clean Energy to Massachusetts’ Grid
  
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the selection of two offshore wind projects, Mayflower Wind and Vineyard Wind, to move forward to contract negotiations to provide a combined total of 1,600 megawatts (MW) of clean and affordable energy to Massachusetts ratepayers. The selected projects, in combination with two previous projects procured since Governor Charlie Baker signed comprehensive energy legislation in 2016, bring the total amount of offshore wind procured by the Administration to approximately 3,200 MW, enough clean energy to power 1.6 million homes. Today’s announcement, made by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides at the Wind Technology Testing Center in Charlestown, also advances critical economic development priorities for the Commonwealth while securing significant clean, affordable, and resilient energy for Massachusetts residents and businesses.
 
“Massachusetts has been a national leader in the offshore wind industry and today’s announcement is another major milestone with the selection of two projects that double the amount of offshore wind power secured by the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The bipartisan energy legislation our Administration worked with the Legislature to pass in 2016 has unlocked record low pricing and significant economic investment through three separate procurements, and the projects selected today further illustrate the potential offshore wind presents for our climate goals, our local workforce and our port communities.”
 
“This historic procurement builds on our administration’s continued investments in climate and clean energy policies that have helped reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These procurements have increased the emphasis on environmental justice and workforce diversity, maintained cost-effectiveness and increased the size and scale of the solicitation, securing significant benefits for Massachusetts ratepayers.”
 
The selected projects include a 400 MW proposal from Mayflower Wind and a 1,200 MW proposal from Vineyard Wind.  The Mayflower Wind and Vineyard Wind bids were selected for contract negotiations based on criteria established under a Request for Proposal (RFP) released by the Administration in May 2021. In this procurement, the Administration bids included enhanced criteria for economic evaluation of the benefits for ratepayers, the project’s ability to foster employment and economic development in the Commonwealth, the project’s environmental impacts and impacts on Environmental Justice (EJ) communities, the extent to which a project demonstrates that it avoids or mitigates impacts to regional commercial fisheries, and the bidder’s proposed plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of the project. As a result of a stringent review, a portfolio of proposals from both bidders was determined to provide the greatest overall value to Massachusetts customers by delivering a combined total of approximately 1,600 MW of offshore wind capacity per year while providing substantial ratepayer benefits.
 
During the bidding process, both Mayflower Wind and Vineyard Wind proposed wind energy at a competitive price and with substantial economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth. By selecting a portfolio of projects from both bidders, the Commonwealth will secure impressive investments in job creation and economic development. Bidders also responded to new provisions in the solicitation, included by the Administration for the first time, that required plans to support diversity, equity and inclusion, including Workforce Diversity and Supplier Diversity Program plans. Bidders were also required to describe proposed strategies to actively promote access to employment and contracting opportunities for minority, women, veterans, LGBT and persons with disabilities. Bidders also included assessments of impacts, both positive and negative, on EJ populations in the Commonwealth, and plans for investments and engagement with affected communities. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will work with the winning bidders to track and report on progress towards their commitments regarding economic development, environmental justice, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
 
“In structuring the Commonwealth’s third offshore wind procurement, the Baker-Polito Administration focused on delivering enhanced economic benefits for Massachusetts residents, affordable pricing for ratepayers, and the development of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce, and the projects selected through this competitive process deliver on those critical priorities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Offshore wind is the centerpiece of Massachusetts’ climate goals and our effort to achieve Net Zero emissions in 2050, and this successful procurement will build on our national clean energy leadership and the continued development of a robust offshore wind supply chain in the Commonwealth.”
 
“Commonwealth Wind is more than just one project, it is part of an effort to build a clean energy infrastructure including the transformation of ports around our state as well as jobs and training that will support this clean energy industry decades to come,” said President and CEO of Avangrid Renewables Offshore, Bill White.  “We are proud that Commonwealth Wind will help realize the vision of Governor Baker and the leaders of the Massachusetts Legislature in pioneering this new American industry.”
 
“We talk often of the jobs created directly by offshore wind but just as important to the success of this industry are the jobs that can and must be created in both the US supply chain and in the overall service of the industry,” said Lars T. Pedersen, CEO of Vineyard Wind.  “Commonwealth Wind builds on both of these goals by expanding the base of the industry to both the South Coast and the North Shore including bringing the first tier 1 manufacturer to the state, in addition to investing millions of dollars to increase diversity and inclusion, not to mention innovation.  We’re very proud of this project and truly honored to be selected by the Baker-Polito Administration.”
 
“This new agreement for an additional 400MW includes over $42 million in economic development initiatives across the South Coast region,” said Michael Brown, Chief  Executive Officer of Mayflower Wind Energy LLC. “In addition to creating approximately 14,000 jobs over the life of the project, we also will build our Operations and Maintenance port in Fall River and work with Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding of Somerset to design and build our crew transfer vessel. All of this is on top of the $77.5 million in benefits expected from the first 800 MW of the project. This win is the result of the extraordinary collaboration between our team and the many communities and stakeholders we have worked with over the past six months. It also reaffirms the quality and competitiveness of our bid which delivers immense community value and low-cost renewable energy.” 
 
“Today’s announcement moves Massachusetts one step closer to achieving the ambitious offshore wind energy goals that the Legislature is continuously advancing,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano. “We look forward to continuing our progress in making Massachusetts a national leader in clean energy.”
 
“This round sees a wise balance struck between economic development, on the one hand, and protection against excessively high monthly electric bills for families, on the other,” said Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change Chairman Michael J. Barrett. “Going forward, this can serve as a model for us. So today’s announcement is important in its own right and important as a valuable precedent.”
As part of the Administration’s RFP drafting process, for the first time under a Section 83C procurement, the Distribution Companies and DOER released the draft RFP for public review and received numerous public and stakeholder comments. The RFP built on the Commonwealth’s previous national leadership for offshore wind procurements, and included changes made in response to the public comments, consultations with state agencies, and lessons learned from prior solicitations. The RFP was also amended to address recommendations DOER made at the conclusion of its offshore wind energy transmission investigation.
 
The selection of a portfolio of projects from Mayflower Wind and Vineyard Wind concludes a rigorous solicitation and evaluation by DOER and the Commonwealth’s Electric Distribution Companies: Eversource, National Grid and Unitil. Additionally, the solicitation was monitored by an Independent Evaluator that was jointly chosen by DOER and the Office of the Attorney General and was responsible for overseeing the process to ensure that all proposals were evaluated in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner. 
 
The selection of a 1,600 MW portfolio of projects represents substantial progress towards the Commonwealth’s current authorization of 5,600 MW of offshore wind energy. The first procurement resulted in executed and approved contracts with the Vineyard Wind 1 project for 800 MW, the first large-scale offshore wind procurements in the United States. The second procurement resulted in executed and approved contracts with the Mayflower Wind Low-Cost Energy project for 804 MW of offshore wind. The combined energy output of the selected and contracted offshore wind projects represents approximately 25 percent of total Massachusetts annual electricity demand. 
 
“Massachusetts has pioneered the offshore wind development on the East Coast and today’s announcement marks our third commercial-scale offshore wind procurement off the Commonwealth’s shores and highlights the diverse economic and environmental benefits from this resource,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Patrick Woodcock. “Cost-effective deployment of clean electricity is imperative to reach our long-term climate requirements and we are encouraged that this portfolio of projects build upon previous leadership by enhancing economic development benefits, improving equity and environmental justice within project plans, and maximizing the utilization of our existing transmission system.”
 
The final acceptance of the bid(s) and award of contract is conditional upon successful contract negotiations between the parties and regulatory approval at the DPU. At the time of contract filing with the DPU, a public filing will be provided by the Electric Distribution Companies detailing the evaluation process. Separately, the Independent Evaluator will prepare and submit a detailed public report on the evaluation process and outcome. Final project selection as a result of successful contract negotiations will be made public following submittal for regulatory approval. More information on the selected project, process, and timeline can be found here.
 
In March of 2021, Governor Baker signed comprehensive climate change legislation that increased the Administration’s authorization to solicit an additional 2400 Megawatts of offshore wind, bringing the state’s total commitment to 5,600 Megawatts.
      
###
 

Today’s announcement that Vineyard Wind and Mayflower Wind have been selected in the latest offshore wind procurement is a huge win for Fall River, Somerset and our communities and a game-changer that will deliver significant economic and environmental benefits to the entire SouthCoast. 

To further anchor the growing offshore wind industry throughout our entire region, I am committed to working collaboratively with both companies - Vineyard Wind and Mayflower Wind - to create jobs, support economic and workforce development opportunities, and strengthen the partnership between the industry and our region.

Our communities will benefit from this for many, many years to come. I look forward to continuing to work alongside residents and businesses in the SouthCoast, as well as these companies, to support our clean energy economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and confront the worsening impacts of climate change.

 -- State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport, 1^st Bristol & Plymouth District), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means

Mayflower Wind Awarded 400 Megawatts in Massachusetts’ Offshore Wind Energy Procurement
Dec 17, 2021

Offshore wind developer’s win will bring workforce, supply chain, and economic development as well as deliver low cost clean energy to thousands of electricity customers
BOSTON and FALL RIVER, MA – DECEMBER 17, 2021 – Mayflower Wind, the developer of an offshore wind energy project, today announced it was awarded a 400 megawatt (MW) power purchase agreement by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its three biggest utilities as part of Massachusetts’ 83C III offshore wind energy procurement. Combined with its 804MW PPA from 83C II, the project will now provide more than 1200MW of clean energy to electricity customers throughout Massachusetts and New England.

“Mayflower Wind is looking forward to delivering low-cost renewable energy to residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts,” said Michael Brown, CEO of Mayflower Wind. “And we are committed to investing in our local communities and being an engine for economic and workforce development.”

The win is accompanied by an economic development package that includes commitments to spend up to $42.3 million, including $27 million over 10 years to the SouthCoast Community Foundation [press release]. The total package will support the building of the offshore wind supply chain; provide for education and training of an offshore wind workforce; make significant investments in local ports, businesses, and infrastructure; as well as offer diversity, equity, and inclusion measures that include the hiring of specialized firms and support for low-income electric consumers, among other measures.

SouthCoast community commitment.
“As we work to anchor our Commonwealth’s emerging offshore wind industry to the SouthCoast, today’s news is a definitive game-changer and the successful result of our collective work to date,” said State Senator, Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport, 1st Bristol & Plymouth District), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With this announcement, Mayflower Wind will now combine the power of their two historic power purchase agreements and move forward with fulfilling its commitments to significantly invest in our communities, including the establishment of a major operations center on the Fall River waterfront and the strengthening of partnerships with Gladding-Hearn Shipyard of Somerset and the SouthCoast Community Foundation to create jobs and grow workforce development opportunities, ensuring the impact of this industry’s growing presence reverberates through our region for many, many years to come. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing to partner with Mayflower Wind for the benefit of our SouthCoast communities, residents and businesses as we create green jobs and secure our clean energy future.”

Mayflower Wind also recently announced [press release] that it signed an agreement with Gladding-Hearn of Somerset, MA to design and build a crew transfer vessel.

“As a long-time proponent of offshore wind energy, I could not be happier to see Mayflower Wind gain a strong foothold on the SouthCoast,” State Rep. Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset, 5th Bristol District). “With the manufacture of next-generation of high-tech crew transfer vessels, the repowering of Brayton Point, the transformation of our maritime economy, among other investments in our local communities, the future looks bright.”

Brown added, “This win is the result of the extraordinary collaboration between our team and the many communities and stakeholders we have worked with. It also reaffirms the quality and competitiveness of our bid.”

Subject to future investment decision, the company will construct wind turbines in federal waters far out in the Atlantic Ocean. When operational in the mid-2020’s the first 804MW of the project will produce enough electricity to power nearly half a million homes annually. When fully built out, Mayflower Wind estimates the project will eliminate up to 4 million metric tons of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere each year.

The Mayflower Wind project helps Massachusetts’ to reach its clean energy goals of net zero emissions in 2050. Overall, renewables are the U.S.’s fastest-growing energy sources, increasing by nearly 100% over the last 20 years.

Mayflower Wind’s outreach office is in Fall River, close to their new O&M port and a short commute to the home dock of crew transfer vessel at the New Bedford waterfront. The company plans on two interconnection points, one in Falmouth, MA and the other at Brayton Point in Somerset, MA using assets developed by Anbaric of Wakefield, MA.

South Coast Influencers on Mayflower Wind
“The success of the offshore wind industry is of enormous importance to New Bedford and the South Coast. Realizing its full benefit requires the commitment and cooperation of many different stakeholders – New Bedford, the developers, the state, institutions of higher education, and, of course, the local workers who will be the backbone of these projects,” said State Rep. Antonio Cabral (D-New Bedford, 13th Bristol District). “We look forward to working closely with Mayflower Wind to enhance our ability to compete globally and attract new supply chain businesses to support the growing offshore wind industry.”

“The emergence of the offshore wind industry and Mayflower Wind in particular, will create thousands of jobs in our communities,” said State Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River, 6th Bristol). “Mayflower Wind’s commitment to workforce development will help the SouthCoast be prepared to meet future needs for construction, engineering, transportation and other maritime jobs.

“Fall River is a strong community with great potential. Mayflower Wind clearly sees that our future is bright and is making significant investments in our community. From their office on South Main to their O&M port at Borden & Remington and the tens of millions of dollars in support of education and training and supply chain growth – Fall River is poised to benefit city-wide and our residents – all of our residents – can celebrate in the new jobs and opportunities that the offshore wind industry promises to bring.” – Paul Coogan, Mayor, City of Fall River

About Mayflower Wind
Mayflower Wind, a 50/50 joint venture between Shell New Energies US LLC and Ocean Winds, is developing an offshore wind lease area with the potential to supply over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of low-cost clean energy to electricity customers in New England. Mayflower Wind is committed to zero harm, innovation, and industry development, and investing in our local communities. For more information visit www.mayflowerwind.com.

MassDOT Advisory: Fall River and Somerset
 
Overnight Inspection of Braga Bridge Carrying I-195 over Taunton River
 
Right lane and shoulder closures will be in place on I-195 eastbound from 8 p.m. tonight through 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 11
  

FALL RIVER/SOMERSET – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be conducting a bridge inspection on the Braga Bridge carrying I-195 over the Taunton River in Fall River and Somerset. The work will begin at 8:00 p.m. tonight, Friday, December 10, and is expected to be completed by 1:00 a.m. Saturday, December 11. Right lane and shoulder closures in the eastbound direction of I-195 will be implemented during the inspection.
 

As of Friday, December 10th
, the City of Fall
River’s Chief Financial Officer, Mary Sahady, has taken an extended leave of absence. This
leave will continue until her contract expires on January 5th, 2022. Mayor Paul Coogan issued the
following statement:
“Mary Sahady has dedicated much of her career to the City of Fall River. As Chief
Financial Officer, Mary has been a key part of my administration and will be sorely missed. I
thank her for her years of service and hard work on behalf of the City. Above all, I wish Mary
the best of luck in all her future endeavors.”
At this time, the duties of CFO will be handled by a temporary appointment. A search for
Sahady’s permanent replacement will begin in the coming weeks.

Updated MassDOT Advisory: Taunton

Overnight Hour Bridge Replacement Operations and Related Work at Route 24 and Route 140 Interchange
 
Detours will be in place on Route 140 northbound and southbound starting at 10 p.m., on Sunday, December 12, Monday, December 13, Tuesday, December 14, and Wednesday December 15 and concluding the following day by 5 a.m.

  
TAUNTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be conducting overnight hour bridge replacement operations and related work along a section of Route 24 at the interchange with Route 140 in Taunton. The work will occur nightly from Sunday, December 12, through Thursday morning, December 16, during overnight hours from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. Work will require a temporary detour of Route 140 northbound and southbound.  The work is anticipated to conclude by 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 16. The work was previously scheduled to begin on Monday, December 13.

The temporary detour of Route 140 northbound and southbound as outlined below is necessary to facilitate bridge steel erection operations.
 

The Fall River Superior Court Clerk’s Office has just informed prosecutors from our office that David Reed has been exposed to Covid-19 and due to “close contact” protocols, tomorrow’s scheduled arraignment has been postponed.  A new date for the defendant’s arraignment has yet to be scheduled by the court.  Once a new date is set, our office will send out a media advisory. 
 
The defendant will be arraigned on an indictment charging him with Murder and Armed Robbery in connection to the previously unsolved March 2001 killing of Rose Marie Moniz in New Bedford.
 
The defendant, who is in custody, has already been arraigned in connection to the 2003 assault and robbery of Maribel Martinez-Alegria in New Bedford.  He was arraigned in October on indictments charging him with Armed Assault with Intent to Murder and Armed Robbery.  Judge Gregg Pasquale found him dangerous after a Superior Court Dangerousness Hearing was held in early November, meaning the defendant is held without bail. 
 
The Murder arraignment will be handled by Deputy District Attorney William McCauley and Assistant District Attorney Caleb Weiner.
 

The former Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager for Jasiel Correia will have to wait until March 7  for her trial to begin. 

Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock opened proceedings in Courtroom One in the Moakley Federal Courthouse Thursday morning by announcing that a potential witness had tested positive for COVID-19.

Judge Woodlock also expressed concern with New England Media Outlets have reported more information on the case than he would have allowed in court., and that he wants to insure a fair trial. 

The process of selecting a jury for the trial of former Jasiel Correia Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager Gen Andrade is ongoing in Courtoom One inside the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston's Seaport District. 

Interviews with perspective jury members will continue on Thursday; its possible a trial on counts of making false statements to Federal Investigators, along with Extortion, could begin with opening statements once a jury is seated. 

MassDOT Advisory: Fall River and Somerset
 
Overnight Test Openings Scheduled for Veterans Memorial Bridge
 
Test openings will take place in 10-15 minute durations starting at 7 p.m. Thursday night, December 9 and on Friday night, December 10, and concluding by 5 a.m. the next morning 
  

FALL RIVER/SOMERSET – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be performing test openings of the drawbridge on the Veterans Memorial Bridge between Fall River and Somerset. The test openings will take place nightly on Thursday night, December 9, and on Friday night, December 10, during overnight hours, starting each night at 7:00 p.m. and concluding at 5:00 a.m. the following morning. 

There will be 12 test openings lasting 10 to 15 minutes in duration over a 10-hour period each night.

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.

Warren, Markey Statement on Confirmation of Rachael Rollins as U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts

Washington, D.C. – Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today after the Senate voted to confirm Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.

Senators Warren and Markey recommended District Attorney Rollins as their candidate for the U.S. Attorney role.

“We were glad to recommend District Attorney Rachael Rollins to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, and today we are delighted that the Senate has voted to confirm her to the role.

D.A. Rollins has devoted her career to transforming the criminal justice system so that it actually reduces crime and provides equal justice for all.

In this new role, we have every confidence that she will continue her partnerships with law enforcement, community advocates, and other key members of the legal community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of the people of the Commonwealth, and we look forward to the renewed energy and innovative vision she will bring to the U.S. Attorney’s office.”
 

A 40-year-old Taunton man was convicted this week of the First Degree Murder of his father-in-law and was sentenced to serve life in prison with no possibility of parole, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.
 
Richard Carreiro-Forbes was convicted by a jury of his peers after a three-week long trial in Fall River Superior Court.  The defendant had been convicted of the same charge in May 2015, but was granted a new trial due to a technicality regarding the contents of a plea agreement with a cooperating witness. 
 
The defendant and his wife lived next door to the victim in a duplex.  The victim deeded the home over to his daughter and gave himself a life estate.  The home, which was in poor condition, had to be renovated in order for the defendant to get an insurance policy for it.  The defendant and his wife spent approximately $50,000 to fix up their half of the home, but the victim would not allow anyone inside his home to do any improvements.  The defendant and his wife lost the insurance on the home due to the victim’s side of the home being in such bad condition.  After failed attempts to have the victim evicted, the defendant started to come up with a plan to kill the victim and recruited a friend to establish an alibi. 
 
On the evening of August 17, 2010, the defendant shot the victim multiple times in the home and then stabbed him four times in the neck until he was dead. 
 
The case was prosecuted by Co-First Assistant District Attorney Karen O’Sullivan and Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Veenstra.  The state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Gregg Pasquale.
 
“This was a brutal and premeditated murder committed by the defendant against his father-in-law, motivated solely for personal gain.  I want to thank the prosecutors and investigators for obtaining a conviction in this case for the second time.  I’m also grateful to the family for their perseverance through a difficult ordeal.  I appreciate the jury coming to the correct verdict and for their patience throughout the trial,” District Attorney Quinn said.
 

Bristol Community College hosting COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinics on 12/13 and 1/12

Bristol Community College will be hosting COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics at the Bristol Fall River Campus on Monday, December 13, 2021, and Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from noon to 4 p.m. The clinics are open to the general public, ages 12 and up, and will be distributing the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters. The clinics will also be providing flu shots. Walk-ins welcome. 
 
Monday, December 13, 2021 & Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from noon to 4 p.m.  
Bristol Fall River Campus, 777 Elsbree Street  
Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center (H building)   

Who can receive a COVD-19 vaccine at Bristol’s clinic on 12/13 and 1/12?   
Bristol students, employees and the general public, ages 12 and up, who have not yet been vaccinated or who qualify for a booster. 

Vaccine Booster: To see if you qualify for a vaccine booster, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html   

How does it work? 
Bristol’s COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinics will be accepting walk-ins. No appointments or pre-registration are necessary.  
 
COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, as well as flu shots, will be administered by Stop & Shop Pharmacy at Bristol’s Fall River Campus, free of charge. Please bring a valid ID and Insurance cards. 
 
Second COVID-19 Vaccine: Individuals receiving the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will also be scheduled to receive their second dose of the vaccine. 

For more information, please contact Bristol Community College Health Services, by email at healthservices@bristolcc.edu or visit http://www.bristolcc.edu/vaxup
 

Police in Portsmouth, RI are confirming that on the night of December 6, at 6:30pm, Portsmouth Police were alerted that a female passenger had fallen into the water from the Prudence Island Ferry and was now missing. 

The Ferry had departed Bristol at 5:45pm and was on its way to Prudence Island. 

The Coast Guard, along with Bristol, Plymouth and other Law Enforcement Agencies searched area waters for several hours, before darkness, high wind and rough seas hampered the search effort, which was called off at 11pm and resumed Tuesday Morning at 9am. 

While the search was ongoing, members of the Portsmouth Police Detective Division responded to Prudence Island and interviewed the other passengers. 

The vessel was reportedly west of Hog Island in the vicinity of Poppasquash Point when the woman fell from the ferry. 

The woman is a 39-year-old resident of Prudence Island. 

Witnesses reported she was alone on the deck of the vessel when the incident occurred. 

From several witness accounts, it appeared that woman intentionally climbed over the deck railing and into the water. 

As of Monday, December 6th, Fall River Police
Department Chief Jeffrey Cardoza is on extended leave for health related reasons, which will
continue until his anticipated retirement in March 2022. T

The Acting Chief will be sworn in
today, Tuesday, December 7th before a committee is assembled to advise the hiring of the next
Chief. Mayor Paul Coogan issued the following statement:

“Chief Jeffrey Cardoza has acted admirably over the last year and a half as Chief of
Police. His leadership made significant positive changes to the force, while overseeing the
Department’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and several other unexpected roadblocks.

On
behalf of the City, I thank him for his years of service to the Police Department and to our
residents. While we are sad to see his departure, he has left the Fall River Police Department in a
better place and we look forward to working with the Acting Chief to continue the progress he
has made.”

 Acting Chief Paul Gauvin has over 24 year of service with the Fall River Police
Department. He has served in the Vice and Intelligence Unit, Staff Services, Professional
Standards, Major Crimes Division and as a Uniform Division Watch Commander.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, hospital leaders at Southcoast Health say that the increase in COVID-19 across Massachusetts and the country is “critical.” Yesterday, the hospital system implemented stricter visitation policies in an effort to continue allowing visitors in a way that  keeps patients and staff safe. 

Chief Clinical Officer at Southcoast Health,doctor Dan Hackner, says staffing has been a large issue in the field as of late not only related to COVID-19 but in general across the Commonwealth. Hackner also says the amount of virus circulating in the community now is high, as many individuals are still being hospitalized hitting hospitals in the heart of those staffing challenges.  

The Herald News reports over 200 Southcoast health medical workers were fired last Tuesday for refusing to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Hackner says in addition to seeking care at the right level, to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Upcoming New Bedford Vaccination Clinics

Free, walk-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics are offered regularly in New Bedford.  Clinics offer CDC-approved booster shots for eligible adults, in addition to first- and second-dose vaccines and, at some locations, pediatric vaccines. Please bring your vaccination card when getting a booster. Details on boosters and pediatric vaccines are below.

Tuesday, Dec. 7:
-    Greater New Bedford Community Health Center (874 Purchase St.) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J

-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., J&J, Pfizer and Moderna; pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

-    Immigrant Assistance Center (58 Crapo St. #1) – 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. J&J, Pfizer and Moderna; pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Friday, Dec. 10:
-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., J&J, Pfizer and Moderna; pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Saturday, Dec. 11:
-    Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J; pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Monday, Dec. 13:
-    Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J; pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Pediatric Vaccines Available: COVID-19 vaccines for children 5 to 11 years old are available at local clinics, including Mondays at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, Tuesdays at former Fire Station 11 on Brock Avenue, and Fridays at PAACA on Coggeshall Street.

“McCoy Mondays” are One-Stop Shop for Vaccines: With the arrival of pediatric vaccines at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, the center’s Monday clinics from 2 to 7 p.m. – upcoming dates include Nov. 15, and 22, and 29 – are “one-stop shops” for families and people of all ages seeking COVID-19 protection, whether it be first or second doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines, boosters, or pediatric vaccines. 

In-Home Vaccination Available by Appointment: The city and state are offering in-home COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly for elderly residents or those not able to travel to a clinic. To schedule an in-home vaccination (Moderna or J&J) with the New Bedford Health Department, call the department’s main line, 508-991-6199, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.  

To schedule an in-home vaccination (Moderna, Pfizer or J&J) through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, call the I n-Home Vaccination Central Intake Line at (833) 983-0485, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

For more information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-in-home-vaccination-program

Booster Shots Approved for Eligible Recipients: The CDC has approved booster recommendations for Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines. Booster shots are available at local vaccine clinics, for people who are eligible under the following criteria. 

Anyone 18 and older who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is eligible for a booster shot six months or more after their initial series.

Please bring your vaccination card when getting a booster shot, to verify eligibility.

For anyone 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, a booster shot is recommended two months or more after their initial shot. 

Mixing & Matching: The CDC also has approved mixing and matching of vaccine types for the booster dose. When first getting vaccinated, people should still get two doses of the same vaccine type, but for the booster, a different vaccine from the initial series can be used, following the criteria above. 

More info: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1021-covid-booster.html

Reminder on the importance of vaccinations, especially ahead of the holidays: Vaccination levels in the region remain low, and daily case rates remain high. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is not only about protecting yourself – it’s also about protecting your family, friends, and community. Vaccination is critically important during the holiday season, when large family gatherings could lead to super-spreader events among people who are unvaccinated. 

City leaders and health officials are urging unvaccinated residents to get their first shot and begin vaccination as soon as possible, in order to have safe and healthy holidays. 

#####

SWANSEA REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SIGNS ORDER OF TAKING

The Swansea Redevelopment Authority (SRA) voted on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 to bring its Swansea Mall Demonstration Plan to fruition by signing an Order of Taking.  

The Order will amend and remove certain easements, covenants, restrictions and other rights (referred to as “ECRs”) that encumber the Swansea Mall property and have prevented the Mall owners from redeveloping the property to productive use.  

The ERCs primarily affect two main portions of the Swansea mall - the portion having an address of 262 Swansea Mall, which contains 65 acres and has been closed since March of 2019, and the portion at 54 Cousineau Drive, 

which contains about 21 acres, and is occupied by Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart, as the holder of the ECRs, has the right to control the use of the Mall owner’s parcel, and has resisted the Mall owners’ efforts to transform this area into an attractive and bustling residential neighborhood, even though the area residents may shop at Wal-Mart and bring it more business.  

The SRA’s interest lies not in favoring the Mall owners over Wal-Mart, as Wal-Mart is an important part of this community. 

 Rather, the SRA’s goal is to remove specific ECRs that will allow the Mall owners to revitalize this area and prevent the concrete blight of closed shops and vandalized buildings, which is an unfortunately increasing occurrence in this era of online transactions, from depressing this important part of our Town.  

The SRA has given Walmart and the Mall owners two weeks within which to resolve this matter amicably, but the SRA will record the Order of Taking at the end of the two-week period to bring this project and its Demonstration Plan to successful completion.  

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be performing bridge replacements and related work along a section of Route 24 at the interchange with Route 140 in Taunton. As part of this on-going project, temporary overnight detours will be required for bridge steel erection from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning beginning Monday night, December 13. The steel erection is expected to be complete in three nights ending Thursday, December 16 by 5:00 a.m.

This work will require Route 140 northbound and southbound to be temporarily detoured during overnight work hours. 

Route 140 northbound will be detoured as follows:
•    Take exit 20A to Route 24 northbound.
•    Follow to exit 20B (Route 44 westbound). 
•    Take the on-ramp to Route 24 southbound. 
•    Take exit 20B to Route 140 northbound. 

Route 140 southbound will be detoured as follows:
•    Take the on-ramp to Route 24 southbound.
•    Follow to exit 16 (Padelford Street). 
•    Take a left onto Padelford Street. 
•    Take the on-ramp to Route 24 northbound. 
•    Take exit 17A to Route 140 southbound. 
 

The New England Patriots (8-4) and the Buffalo Bills (7-4) announce the following player injuries and practice participation.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-4)
The Patriots have downgraded LB Ronnie Perkins to OUT.
No Players Listed

QUESTIONABLE
C David Andrews, Shoulder (LP)
DL Christian Barmore, Knee (LP)
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Ribs (LP)
RB Brandon Bolden, Knee (LP)
OT Trent Brown, Calf (LP)
K Nick Folk, Left Knee (LP)
WR Gunner Olszewski, Ankle (LP)
LB Ronnie Perkins, Illness (DNP

Rep. Rebecca Kislak issues statement regarding multiple oil spills on Seekonk River in Pawtucket

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Rebecca Kislak (D-Dist. 4, Providence) today issued the following statement regarding multiple oil spills on the Seekonk River in Pawtucket:

 “We need to ensure that our systems designed to support environmental integrity and resilience in Rhode Island are secure. We are learning from the news of recent oil spills in the Seekonk River in Pawtucket that our monitoring, reporting and enforcement systems need to be strengthened to adequately protect our environment. 

“National Grid is cleaning up a brownfield in preparation for construction of a soccer stadium in Pawtucket. There have been multiple oil spills over the last month. I am grateful to the keen eye and insistence of my constituent Alex Hornstein, who is why we have documentation - video from November 10. And this may not have been the first, as Alex saw oil slicks on the river as early as November 4, and I share his concerns about why National Grid or their contractors didn’t report the earlier spill, why there was a second spill, and what needs to be done to ensure the safety of the site for our environment and all of us. 

“A major, recurring spill like this one has a significant impact on the environment.  We need to understand what went wrong here; why weren’t protective measures sufficient, and how can we ensure better protection for our water and shoreline in the future. We need that impact to be studied and documented so we can be sure that the site has been sufficiently remediated after the spill and we are better prepared for our future. 

“I am grateful to my observant constituent who documented and reported the earlier spill. The environment belongs to all of us and the plans for the site should be readily available and easily understood, and the process for reporting a concern should be clear. Let’s come together now to improve our systems of accountability, both at this one construction site and for our local systems of reporting and enforcement.” 
 

Omicron Variant Detected in Massachusetts
Residents urged to get COVID-19 vaccine, booster

BOSTON (December 4, 2021) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that genetic sequencing has identified the COVID-19 Omicron variant for the first time in a case in Massachusetts. The individual is a female in her 20s and a resident of Middlesex County who traveled out of state. She is fully vaccinated, has experienced mild disease, and did not require hospitalization. The variant was identified through sequencing performed at New England Biolabs. 

While Omicron is classified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization as a Variant of Concern, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant Delta variant in terms of transmissibility and disease severity. There is some limited evidence that Omicron could be more transmissible than other COVID-19 virus variants, including Delta. This variant is being monitored closely by public health authorities around the world, and more information about what we know about Omicron is available on the CDC website.

All three COVID-19 vaccines in use in the U.S have been shown to be highly protective against severe disease resulting in hospitalization or death due to known COVID-19 variants and remain the single best way for people to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community from COVID-19. There are over 1,000 locations across the Commonwealth to get vaccinated or receive a booster. The vaccine is free, and no ID or insurance is required for vaccination. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov for a list of vaccination locations.

Other public health prevention measures that help stop the spread of COVID-19 variants include: getting tested and staying home if you are sick, frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, following masking requirements, and telling your close contacts if you test positive for COVID-19 so they can take appropriate steps. To learn more about protecting yourself from COVID-19, visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine.

Residents are also urged to enable MassNotify on their smartphone. The service can be accessed through both Android and iPhone settings; it is NOT an application that can be obtained through an app store. This private and anonymous service notifies users of a potential exposure to COVID-19 so they may take the appropriate precautions. For more information and instructions on enabling MassNotify on your smartphone, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-more-about-massnotify. 

The State Public Health Laboratory, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and several hospital and academic laboratories have all contributed to sequencing efforts in Massachusetts during the pandemic. This sequencing data contributes to the tracking of clusters and patterns of disease spread. This in-state laboratory capacity to sequence variants allows Massachusetts to not have to rely on out-of-state laboratories.

Mayor Paul Coogan invites residents of Fall River

to join for the City of Fall River’s 2021 Tree Lighting Ceremony at Government Center
following the Children’s Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 4th. The ceremony will be held
around 4:30pm. Additional activities are scheduled to take place before the lighting of the tree.

From 3pm-5pm, food trucks, music, free balloons and a visit from the New Bedford Art
Museum’s artMOBILE will entertain families until the tree lighting. The artMOBILE will be
giving out grab-and-go craft kits that can be done on site or at home.

The expected line-up of
food trucks includes Friskie Fries, What’s Up Cupcake and Gnarly Vines Farm. After sundown,
Mayor Paul Coogan will be joined by special guests to light the City tree for the first time this
season.

“Last year, we weren’t able to bring the community together for so many of our favorite
traditions- including the tree lighting,” said Mayor Paul Coogan. “I hope that, after watching the
parade, families will stop by City Hall to get a bite to eat, enjoy some activities and kick off to
the holiday season with our tree lighting.”

The 2021 Tree Lighting Ceremony and surrounding activities are generously sponsored
by Bank5

A 53-year-old SouthCoast man has been indicted for the previously unsolved 2001 cold case homicide of his half-sister, Rose Marie Moniz, in New Bedford, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.
 
David Reed, a former Acushnet and New Bedford man, was indicted last week by a Bristol County Grand Jury on charges of murder and armed robbery.  The defendant was also indicted in September in connection to a 2003 attempted murder and robbery of another New Bedford woman, Maribel Martinez-Alegria.  The indictments were returned as a result of an extensive re-examination of evidence in the case by District Attorney Quinn’s Cold Case Unit.
 
“I’m pleased to announce the indictments related to the previously unsolved cold case homicide of Rose Marie Moniz.  She was a mother who was brutally murdered inside the sanctity of her own home.  Thanks to the efforts of my Cold Case Unit, along with detectives from our state police unit and New Bedford Police, we were able to bring some sense of relief  to the victim’s family, all of whom suffered for the past 20 years from not knowing what happened to Ms. Moniz,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This case highlights what we are doing in regards to Cold Case homicides and rapes in our effort to bring justice to the families of victims and the entire community. We will continue to utilize all available resources to review cold cases and seek out new evidence. We look forward to prosecuting this case in open court.”
 
On the morning of March 23, 2001, the 41-year-old homicide victim’s father entered her home at 3448 Acushnet Avenue to take her to a previously scheduled doctor’s appointment.  Upon entry into the home, the father found numerous kitchen items strewn all over the floor and the contents of his daughter’s purse on the living room floor. After calling out for his daughter and receiving no reply, he eventually found her lifeless body in a large pool of blood on the bathroom floor. The father, who would later say he was never able to get that horrific picture of his daughter out of his mind, immediately contacted New Bedford Police and an investigation ensued. 
 
It was determined that Ms. Moniz had been bludgeoned to death with a fireplace poker, a conch shell and a cast iron kettle. Her purse was emptied out on the floor and an undetermined amount of cash was stolen.  The autopsy report described significant trauma to her head including skull fractures, gaping lacerations and other injuries that resulted in bleeding from both ears, broken nasal bones; and a broken left cheek bone. The medical examiner also noted multiple contusions resulting from blunt trauma all over her body.  Police noted that there was no sign of forced entry into the home. 
 
After investigators excluded two potential suspects early on in the investigation, the case went cold. In 2019, investigators from District Attorney Quinn’s Cold Case Unit, who were reviewing more than 70 Bristol County cold case homicides dating back to the 1970s, began to pore over evidence and reports from the Moniz slaying. Cold Case Unit investigators reviewed the circumstances of how the conch shell was used in the bludgeoning and killing of Ms. Moniz. Autopsy photos of the victim’s face showed that the victim had suffered numerous abrasions and contusions which suggested that the spiny exterior of the conch shell made contact with the victim’s face.  That suggested that the perpetrator would have to put his fingers inside the opening of the conch to hold it as firmly as was needed to strike the victim with extreme force. At the request of our office, the crime lab tested the inner areas of the shell, where one’s fingers could reach.  This testing revealed a full DNA profile.  This profile was then entered into CODIS and hit to David Reed, the victim’s half-brother.  Testing of samples from underneath the victim’s fingernails also determined that Y-STR DNA from the defendant’s male family tree was found.  Y-STR DNA technology is used as an investigatory tool. 
 
In late August 2020 a Massachusetts State Police detective assigned to the district attorney’s office and a New Bedford Police Detective attempted to interview the defendant at his residence on Milton Street in Dartmouth, where he was living with his cousin.  After the brief interview, the defendant immediately began making plans to flee the state.  The defendant initially fled to Alabama and began working at a lumber yard, but fled again once law enforcement came to his workplace to speak with him about this case.  During the next year, the defendant travelled to California, Hawaii, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island in an apparent attempt to elude authorities.  He was captured on September 10, 2021 sleeping at the Providence Rescue Mission shelter in Rhode Island.  At that time, he had just been indicted in Bristol County on charges of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder and Armed Robbery in connection to the 2003 beating and robbery of Maribel Martinez-Alegria in New Bedford.
 
The assault of Ms. Alegria occurred in New Bedford on June 10, 2003.  On that date, at approximately 10:45 PM, a citizen was inside his apartment located on Emma Street in New Bedford when he heard a female screaming for help.  The screams he heard were coming from the direction of the Oceanside Plaza which is a short distance down a hill from Emma Street.  When he opened the door to get a better look, the citizen saw the victim and noticed that she was covered in blood.   The victim had been bludgeoned in the head with a tire iron and pretended to be dead before the assailant left the area. The victim described to police how the perpetrator of this assault had taken her to a secluded area in his truck, where he beat her with a tire iron before pushing her out of his truck and leaving her bleeding from the head in the dark, isolated alley.   After the assault, the suspect stole her pocketbook.
 
On July 31, 2003, the victim was at her home at on Durfee Street when she saw the man who had attacked her and robbed her of her pocketbook circling her neighborhood in his truck.  When she saw him on that date, she immediately told other family members and attempted to call a detective who was involved in her case.  While she was doing that, her nephew observed the truck drive by her house a second time.  At that time, her nephew and five others individuals jumped into their minivan to follow the suspect’s truck. As they got into the minivan, the suspect drove by the home a third time allowing them to catch up to the truck.  The nephew later told police that the suspect became nervous as the minivan began to follow him and attempted to lose them.  While attempting to do this, the suspect’s truck struck a parked vehicle but continued to drive away in an attempt to lose them. As the minivan followed, the occupants were able to get a police officer’s attention as they followed the pickup by the New Bedford High School.  A sergeant with the New Bedford Police Department observed the vehicles, called in their location and requested assistance.  As a result, other cruisers were dispatched to the area of New Bedford High School to assist in stopping the pickup truck.  Officer Alan Faber was approaching from the other direction in a marked cruiser with his lights on when the suspect attempted to avoid being stopped at the intersection of Hillman Street and Rockdale Avenue.  The suspect attempted to avoid apprehension by crashing his pickup truck head-on into Officer Faber’s cruiser causing it significant damage and injuring the officer.  Even after the crash, the suspect attempted to use his truck in an attempt to push the cruiser out of the way to facilitate his escape.  Other responding officers arrived within moments of the crash and were able to apprehend the suspect.  After apprehending David Reed, police brought the victim to the scene of the crash where she identified the truck and the defendant as her attacker.
 
The defendant was charged at the time with both the robbery and assault of the victim, and the incident involving the ramming of the police cruiser. He was released on bail.  The case was scheduled for a jury trial on June 10, 2004.  On that date, the defendant never appeared. He had already fled the state of Massachusetts and lived in Florida and Hawaii before moving to Alabama where he remained on the lam for almost 10 years.  Reed remained a fugitive from May of 2004 until he was finally apprehended and rendited back to Massachusetts 11 years later on May 7, 2015.  Unfortunately, Ms. Alegria had died in  Boston just six months prior to his 2015 arrest.  The charges related to her assault and robbery were dismissed without prejudice to the Commonwealth on March 25, 2016 because there was insufficient evidence at that time on which the Commonwealth could proceed to trial.  Although prosecutors could not go forward on those charges at that time, Reed was held on an indictment for felony bail jumping and still had the pending District Court charges related to his attempt to flee from police and the resulting police cruiser crash.  In 2016, he was sentenced to serve 3 ½ to 4 years in state prison on those charges.  As a result of these convictions, Reed was also required to submit a sample of his DNA to the state DNA database.  It was this submission of his DNA  that ultimately would connect Reed to the murder of his half-sister, as this sample would ultimately be uploaded to CODIS and matched to the DNA profile recovered from inside of the conch shell years later.  Investigators have recently been able to obtain further evidence connected to the 2003 violent assault and robbery of Ms. Alegria, which resulted in the defendant’s renewed indictment connected to that incident.
 
The defendant is currently being held in jail in connection to the alleged assault and robbery of Ms. Alegria. The Fall River Superior Court has yet to schedule an arraignment date for the new murder indictment.  The cases will be prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney William McCauley, who heads up District Attorney Quinn’s Cold Case Unit.
 
All the information contained in this press release are allegations at this time.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 
 
Although some of the work of law enforcement slowed last year in response to COVID-19, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office continuesd to press forward on many fronts, including unsolved cases.  Unsolved homicides are of particular importance to District Attorney Quinn because of their importance to victims’ families, the community, and law enforcement.  The Cold Case Unit is dedicated to identifying the perpetrators of homicides, sexual assaults and other serious violent crimes.  Lieutenant Ann Marie Robertson of the Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Crimes Unit works with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and is assigned full-time to investigate these cases.  The District Attorney has committed two prosecutors as well as administrative staff and a victim witness advocate to this specialized unit.
 
During the past two years, this office has been highlighting numerous cold case homicides in local and regional media.
 
Despite the pandemic, the Bristol District Attorney’s Office Unsolved Unit has remained very active as it continues to review every unsolved homicide that has occurred in Bristol County since 1974.  In each case, a thorough examination of all reports, witness statements, and physical evidence is undertaken.  Despite prior efforts to solve these cases, dramatic developments in scientific and forensic technology have provided new avenues for investigators to pursue.  The rapidly developing field of genetic genealogy (combining DNA analysis with genealogy) and Y-STR DNA now allows previously unknown perpetrators of many serious violent crimes to be identified.  This same technology used to identify the Golden State Killer in California was recently used by the Bristol District Attorney’s Office and led to the arrest of Ivan Keith for a series of unsolved rapes that occurred in Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties in the 1990s.  Mr. Keith had evaded being identified and apprehended for more than 20 years, but as a result of this technology, he was arrested in Maine where he was living under a false name.  He has since been convicted of all the rapes and is serving a 50 year state prison sentence. 
 
Our Cold Case Unit, during the past year, has also publicly identified the now-deceased former Providence Mafia enforcer connected to two previously unsolved homicide cases from the 1980s and 1990s.  Kevin Hanrahan was publicly identified in May 2021 as one of the men responsible for the August 1991 slaying of Howard Ferrini, 53, of Berkley.  Hanrahan was also publicly identified in April 2021 as the individual who forced John Gomes, 58, of Providence, into a vehicle at gunpoint in November of 1984.  Mr. Gomes’ badly decomposed body was discovered in April of 1985 in the woods of Westport, some five months after his November 1984 disappearance. 
 
Recent developments in forensic technology make it possible to collect DNA from evidence in circumstances where DNA collection was not previously possible.  This technology allows us to gather evidence from items today in furtherance of our unsolved investigations.  District Attorney Quinn's Cold Case Unit is reviewing every item of evidence from every homicide over the last 45 years to determine whether new leads can be developed from employing these new methods to appropriate items of evidence.   
 
District Attorney Quinn is encouraged by the new technology and its potential to help solve these cases.  Although recognizing these advances in technology, District Attorney Quinn believes that many cases are still solved “the old-fashioned way” by relying on citizens to do what is right and provide information that may be critical to solving a case. 
 
“These are some of the worst cases we see, and many families have waited for years hoping for answers and some measure of justice,” District Attorney Quinn said  "I remain committed to ensuring that this office is doing everything it can with respect to available resources and technology to solve these important cases." 
 
District Attorney Quinn believes that by highlighting these cases, the victims will be remembered and citizens will be reminded of these terrible crimes. He knows from experience that in many murder cases, there are people who have information that could be helpful but have kept silent for a variety of reasons. “It is never too late to do the right thing” District Attorney Quinn said. "We hope that anyone with this information will finally decide to break that silence by coming forward." 
 
 

Moments before the lock out began involving MLB and the MLBPA Friday Morning, The Boston Red Sox sent outfielder Hunter Renfroe to the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade that brings Jackie Bradley Junior back to Boston, after the Red Sox decided not to resign JBJ as a Free Agent. 

The Sox also acquired left handed starting pitchers Rich Hill and James Paxton. 

Paxton continues to rehab from Tommy John surgery and could be a part of the bullpen in 2022. 

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Cautions Customers to be Aware of Text Phishing Scam

RMV does not send text messages to customers to request personal information

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is cautioning customers to be aware of a text phishing scam that has been reported here in the Commonwealth and in other states. The scam reportedly involves customers receiving text messages, claiming to be from the “DMV,” that direct them to click on a provided link to update their personal identifying contact information.  Customers can identify this type of text as a phishing scam because it includes “DMV” and in Massachusetts “DMV” is not the name of the Registry of Motor Vehicles; in Massachusetts, the name of the Registry is abbreviated as “RMV.” Any text using the phrase “Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DMV” should be deleted.

Please note that the RMV does not send unsolicited requests for personal and/or contact information to customers by text.  Any communication by text from the RMV would be as a result of a customer-initiated request or transaction.

For the latest Registry updates and information, please check Mass.gov/RMV or follow the RMV on Twitter @MassRMV.
 

With MLB and the MLBPA now in a lockout, the Commissioner of Baseball has authored this letter, which first appeared on the website of the Boston Red Sox 

To our Fans:

I first want to thank you for your continued support of the great game of baseball. This past season, we were reminded of how the national pastime can bring us together and restore our hope despite the difficult challenges of a global pandemic. As we began to emerge from one of the darkest periods in our history, our ballparks were filled with fans; the games were filled with excitement; and millions of families felt the joy of watching baseball together.

That is why I am so disappointed about the situation in which our game finds itself today. Despite the league’s best efforts to make a deal with the Players Association, we were unable to extend our 26 year-long history of labor peace and come to an agreement with the MLBPA before the current CBA expired. Therefore, we have been forced to commence a lockout of Major League players, effective at 12:01am ET on December 2.

I want to explain to you how we got here and why we have to take this action today. Simply put, we believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season. We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. This defensive lockout was necessary because the Players Association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive. It’s simply not a viable option. From the beginning, the MLBPA has been unwilling to move from their starting position, compromise, or collaborate on solutions.

When we began negotiations over a new agreement, the Players Association already had a contract that they wouldn’t trade for any other in sports. Baseball’s players have no salary cap and are not subjected to a maximum length or dollar amount on contracts. In fact, only MLB has guaranteed contracts that run 10 or more years, and in excess of $300 million. We have not proposed anything that would change these fundamentals. While we have heard repeatedly that free agency is “broken” – in the month of November $1.7 billion was committed to free agents, smashing the prior record by nearly 4x. By the end of the offseason, Clubs will have committed more money to players than in any offseason in MLB history.

We worked hard to find compromise while making the system even better for players, by addressing concerns raised by the Players Association. We offered to establish a minimum payroll for all clubs to meet for the first time in baseball history; to allow the majority of players to reach free agency earlier through an age-based system that would eliminate any claims of service time manipulation; and to increase compensation for all young players, including increases in the minimum salary. When negotiations lacked momentum, we tried to create some by offering to accept the universal Designated Hitter, to create a new draft system using a lottery similar to other leagues, and to increase the Competitive Balance Tax threshold that affects only a small number of teams.

We have had challenges before with respect to making labor agreements and have overcome those challenges every single time during my tenure. Regrettably, it appears the Players Association came to the bargaining table with a strategy of confrontation over compromise. They never wavered from collectively the most extreme set of proposals in their history, including significant cuts to the revenue-sharing system, a weakening of the competitive balance tax, and shortening the period of time that players play for their teams. All of these changes would make our game less competitive, not more.

To be clear: this hard but important step does not necessarily mean games will be cancelled. In fact, we are taking this step now because it accelerates the urgency for an agreement with as much runway as possible to avoid doing damage to the 2022 season. Delaying this process further would only put Spring Training, Opening Day, and the rest of the season further at risk – and we cannot allow an expired agreement to again cause an in-season strike and a missed World Series, like we experienced in 1994. We all owe you, our fans, better than that.

Today is a difficult day for baseball, but as I have said all year, there is a path to a fair agreement, and we will find it. I do not doubt the League and the Players share a fundamental appreciation for this game and a commitment to its fans. I remain optimistic that both sides will seize the opportunity to work together to grow, protect, and strengthen the game we love. MLB is ready to work around the clock to meet that goal. I urge the Players Association to join us at the table.

According to NBC 10, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported yesterday 25 additional COVID-19 deaths and over 4,800 new cases. The total number of confirmed cases rose to over 860 thousand as the confirmed death toll rose past 19,000. The Bay State also reported 465 new probable COVID-19 cases and one additional probable COVID-19 death. In total, Massachusetts has recorded more than 64,000 probable COVID-19 cases. The DPH says there are currently 957 people hospitalized because of COVID-19 with 204 are in the ICU and 104 are using ventilators. The seven-day positivity rate has now reached 5.14%

According to NBC 10, New Bedford Police arrested a man accused of breaking into a car and using a stolen bank card Monday. Police said they responded to a car break-in along Milford Street and Wood Street in the city to a window was smashed and a bank card stolen. Police obtained surveillance footage from local pharmacies once they saw that the card had been used at two nearby.

They found 31-year-old Brandon Pierce as he was leaving another store on Acushnet Avenue who had an active warrant for his arrest. Pierce was charged with breaking into a vehicle in order to commit a felony, receiving stolen property, as well as possession of, and use of a stolen credit card. Police related that he is a repeat offender, having issued an arrest warrant for him in October in connection to a stolen check that had been cashed.