PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray issued the following statement in reaction to the West Virginia v. EPA decision issued today by the U.S. Supreme Court:

“The U.S. government has the duty and moral obligation to cut climate pollution, but by siding with the coal industry and its allies and blocking the EPA from setting effective power plant emissions standards, the Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to the federal government’s authority and ability to cut this pollution.

The EPA is DEM’s strongest partner on a host of environmental protection laws and programs including clean air. The Clean Air Act is an extremely good investment, saving as many as 230,000 lives and delivering more than $30 in benefits for every $1 in cost.

There is little question that the court’s decision in West Virginia v. EPA will harm Americans’ health. Power plants are this country’s No. 1 source of deadly air pollution, contributing to tens of thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of illnesses every year. These health impacts disproportionately burden communities of color. Even when factors like region and income level are considered, communities of color breathe more air pollution than white people.

“Today’s damaging decision will have little impact on DEM’s ability to regulate power plant sources in Rhode Island. Even this, however, must be tempered by the fact that pollution from upwind states that continue to burn fossil fuels will travel in the atmosphere and ultimately arrive in Rhode Island, affecting our air quality.

Strong, forward-looking laws like the Act on Climate, the statutory commitment to move to 100 percent renewable energy by 2033, and the significant investment in offshore wind power and the related infrastructure show Rhode Island’s commitments and leadership on the response to this global crisis. In partnership with Governor McKee, DEM and the entire Administration will continue to lead by example in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and making our state more resilient.” 

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today released the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030 (2025/2030 CECP), which provides a comprehensive and wide ranging approach to achieve a 33 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025, a 50 percent reduction in 2030, and to maximize the Commonwealth’s ability to achieve Net Zero in 2050. The 2025/2030 CECP development was informed by the 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap that the Administration released in December 2020, along with updated analyses, and offers key strategies, policies, and actions that are outlined in the plan that will put the Commonwealth on a pathway to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions. The Administration also announced the Commonwealth achieved the 2020 greenhouse gas emissions limit of 25 percent below the 1990 level with estimated emissions of 31.4 percent below the 1990 level in 2020.
 
“The Clean Energy and Climate Plan is a comprehensive and balanced plan that will serve as a guide for Massachusetts as we work to achieve ambitious emissions goals and reach Net Zero in 2050 in an equitable and affordable manner,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We were pleased to work together with key stakeholders and members of the public to create this approach as we move towards decarbonizing the state’s energy system though these policies and strategies.”
 
“Communities across the state will benefit from the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030 as we aim to reduce emissions and take meaningful action against climate change here in the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Massachusetts’ ambitious emissions goals presents us with a great opportunity to build a healthier, more resilient state that will directly benefit residents and businesses now and well into the future.”
 
The 2025/2030 CECP outlines the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ comprehensive plan to achieve aggressive emissions reduction. The plan is rooted in the understanding that climate change poses a unique and potentially irreversible threat, and it underscores the Commonwealth’s collective action plan for a 2050 future in which the heat in homes, power in vehicles, and the electric grid can all operate with a minimum reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the plan highlights that natural and working lands need to be protected, better managed, and restored to enhance carbon sequestration. The plan also emphasizes the confidence that Massachusetts can lead in the clean energy transition, which will deliver more well-paying jobs, improved public health, reduced consumer costs, and provide better quality of life for all residents.
 
“Massachusetts continues to be a leader in taking climate action. While achieving our ambitious emissions goals and reaching Net Zero in 2050 will require hard work and collaboration across all sectors of the economy, we believe the Commonwealth is up to the challenge,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030 establishes an unprecedented strategy that will improve key sectors, such as transportation and buildings, while ensuring an equitable transition with a focus on environmental justice areas that will guide us into a sustainable future.”
 
The plan highlights that Massachusetts will achieve its emissions limits and sublimits through two overarching approaches: (1) electrify non-electric energy uses; and (2) decarbonize the electricity system. In that regard, the plan aims to increase transportation and energy systems’ efficiency to reduce energy costs and the costs of transition. These principles must be pursued in parallel to successfully reach the Commonwealth’s emissions limits and sublimits. Furthermore, the 2025/2030 CECP has goals, strategies, and policies that will achieve emissions reductions in the following areas:
•    Transportation;
•    Buildings;
•    Electricity Supply;
•    Industrial Processes, Natural Gas Distribution, and other Non-Energy Sources of Emissions; and,
•    Natural and Working Lands.
 
A key element of the 2025/2030 CECP is an equitable and strategic transition towards Net Zero. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) worked with stakeholders across the Commonwealth on the plan to ensure an inclusive policy planning effort was undertaken. This included consulting with the Offices of Housing and Economic Development, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Global Warming Solutions Act Implementation Advisory Committee, and the Commission on Clean Heat, hosting multiple public meetings and hearings, and reviewing over 1,200 public comments that were submitted since January 2021.
 
For more information regarding the 2025/2030 CECP, and the Commonwealth’s strong commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050, please visit EEA’s Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan f

BOSTON (June 30, 2022) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced eight additional cases of monkeypox in adult males within the past week, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to 21 since the first Massachusetts case was announced May 18. 

DPH provides public updates on monkeypox in Massachusetts on a weekly basis each Thursday. The eight cases announced today had their diagnoses between June 23 and June 29 after initial testing was completed by the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain. DPH is working with local health officials, the patients, and healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. All eight individuals are currently isolating to prevent spread to others.

Current data from CDC indicate that there have been 351 cases of monkeypox virus this year in US residents. Regularly updated case counts can be obtained on the CDC’s website: 2022 U.S. Map and Case Count. There have been no deaths in the US or globally related to this outbreak and patients generally recover fully in 2-4 weeks. Although many of the early cases were associated with international travel, recent cases are not. Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men make up a large proportion of the cases identified to date. However, the risk is not limited to the LGBTQ community, and anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk.

While the virus does not spread easily between people, people can spread the infection once they develop symptoms. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids and monkeypox sores, by touching items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or less commonly, through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. In many of the recent cases, the locations of the rash lesions suggest transmission during sexual contact. Examples where monkeypox can spread and where it does not:

•    Monkeypox can spread through:
o    Direct skin-to-skin contact with rash lesions. Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing while a person is infected.
o    Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone. Sharing towels or unwashed clothing.
o    Respiratory secretions through face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox).
•    Monkeypox does not spread through:
o    Casual conversations. Walking by someone with monkeypox in a grocery store, for instance. Touching items like doorknobs.

Clinicians are asked to be alert to the possibility of monkeypox virus infection in individuals who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox. Early symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, but rash may be the first symptom. Rash lesions start flat, become raised, fill with clear fluid (vesicles), and then become pustules (filled with pus). A person with monkeypox can have many lesions or may have only a few. Learn more about how to recognize monkeypox.
Actions for people to consider if they want to reduce their risk from monkeypox include:
•    Avoiding large gatherings like raves and dance parties where you may have lots of close body contact with others
•    Asking any partner, especially new partners whose health status and recent travel history you are not familiar with, if they have any symptoms of monkeypox
•    Staying informed by reading information available on the DPH and CDC websites.

As the CDC advises, if you believe you may have monkeypox, you should contact your health care provider. If you need to leave your home, wear a mask and cover your rash or lesions when around others. Those who live with or care for someone who may have monkeypox should wear a mask and disposable gloves if they need to have any direct contact with lesions and when handling any clothes or bedding if the person cannot do it themselves. They should also wash their hands regularly, especially after contact with the person who is infected or with their clothes, bed sheets, towels and other items or surfaces they may have touched.

Clinicians should consult with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 to determine if testing is indicated. Consultation is required before submitting specimens.
For more information about this virus, visit www.mass.gov/monkeypox and www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox. 

According to CBS 12 in Providence, The fast-food chain Chick fil A  announced yesterday it is opening a brand new location in Fall River next month. The restaurant will be located on William S. Canning Boulevard in SouthCoast Marketplace, and will be the fourth Chick fil A restaurant to open in Southern New England.

The new location will officially open its doors on July 6.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, An investigation is underway after a 44 year old man was shot in Taunton last night. Officers responded to Mador Avenue just after 8 p.m. for reports of a shooting confirming that the victim was transported to an area hospital, but did not specify the severity of his injuries.

It’s unclear whether police have anyone in custody.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, The Massachusetts House of Representatives has approved a bill that aims to protect abortion providers and people seeking abortions from actions taken by other states. The bill passed yesterday is part of a wider effort by officials to build a firewall to ensure abortion access in Massachusetts after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The House bill echoes an executive order signed last week by Republican Governor Charlie Baker barring state agencies from assisting another state’s investigation into those receiving or delivering reproductive health services that are legal in Massachusetts as it now goes to the Senate.

According to ABC 6, over 30 people were arrested in a massive drug bust in Brockton. Mass State and Brockton police introduced their Successful and Safe Opiate Suppression Initiative. According to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office The initiative is to make Brockton “a safer place as a result of these efforts,”. Officers went undercover after receiving complaints from residents in May.

Police said 16 residents were arrested on various drug charges, and 17 others were taken into custody for outstanding warrants.

According to NBC 10 in Providence, the Taunton Police Department arrested a Taunton man on Friday in connection to an armed robbery at a gas station on June 22.

The 38-year-old Christopher Azevedo was arrested and charged with armed robbery while masked, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as malicious destruction of property. Azevedo allegedly robbed GeKo gas station on Weir Street in Taunton and fled on foot with the station's cash register. Azevedo was arraigned at Taunton District Court on Monday where Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn's office requested he be detained as a danger to the public.

 
: Providence, RI (June 2022) – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Raw Elements Mineral Sunscreen are expanding their skin cancer prevention efforts this summer by deploying more than 70 touch-free sunscreen dispensers throughout The Ocean State for summer 2022. 

Through The Partnership To Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, RIDOH has expanded its efforts to include a municipality program this summer that will provide 50 additional Raw Elements sunscreen dispensers to cities and towns within the state. Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Jamestown, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Coventry, Warren, and Westerly will be receiving the dispensers to install at their parks and beaches. 

“There are some scary statistics on the prevalence and consequences of skin cancer, but through this winning coalition of caring partners, I am proud to say that the State of Rhode Island will help save lives,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Offering complimentary sunscreen stations at our beautiful parks and beaches and Department of Corrections facilities is an important way we can help people of all ages protect themselves against skin cancer this summer.” 

Rhode Island continues to be a leader in skin cancer prevention efforts, sunscreen oversight, and environmental initiatives. US Senator Jack Reed co-authored The Sunscreen Innovation Act and has been a strong supporter of this prevention program. “I commend our community partners for making these free, touch-free sunscreen dispensers widely available to the public. This program is a smart public health service helping prevent skin cancer and reduce public health costs. Offering free sunscreen at parks and beaches helps people protect themselves and means more people can safely enjoy the great outdoors,” said Senator Reed. 

The program first launched in 2019 with a combined coalition of RIDOH, The Partnership To Reduce Cancer In Rhode Island, RI State Parks, Department of Environmental Management, South County Dermatology, and Raw Elements providing Mineral Sunscreen to State beaches and parks in the Ocean State with complimentary touch-free dispensers across 20 different sites.

All sunscreen dispenser stations throughout the state will feature signage with key information in English and Spanish and QR codes linked to additional information in Spanish. The sign's design maximizes education, usage, and best sun-safe practices. 

Trash Collection to Be Delayed One Day The Week of 7/4

The Department of Community Maintenance would like to inform the residents of Fall River that trash
collection will be delayed by one day the week of July 4th
.
With questions, contact EZ Disposal at 781-233-2211.

The ACLU of Rhode Island announced the favorable settlement of a five-year-old lawsuit against the RI State Police (RISP) for retaliating against a Twin River Casino employee who declined to serve as an informant in a criminal gambling investigation. 

According to the lawsuit filed in 2017 in federal court by ACLU of RI cooperating attorney James A. Musgrave, the Gambling Enforcement Unit (GEU) of the RISP issued an order barring the employee from the premises of the casino in Lincoln, where she worked as a cocktail waitress. The order provided no explanation for the basis of her exclusion and did not provide any avenue to appeal the decision.  The lawsuit alleged that the exclusion order was in retaliation for her refusing to work as an informant for the GEU.

Under the settlement, RISP, without acknowledging any wrongdoing, agreed to pay $65,000 in damages and attorneys’ fees and to adopt a policy <https://risp.ri.gov/media/1321/download> that establishes due process procedures that must be followed in excluding individuals from the casino. The RISP had previously agreed that the employee could return to work there.

Attorney Musgrave said: “This lawsuit involved the most essential requirement of due process - an opportunity to be heard.  We alleged that the Gaming Enforcement Unit had barred my client from her place of employment without any explanation and without any way to appeal her exclusion.  This settlement corrects that fundamental constitutional flaw.   The new procedures which the RISP has enacted mean that patrons and employees at Twin River will be given the notice and opportunity to be heard that our Constitution requires.” 

Steven Brown, ACLU of RI executive director, added: “While the State Police have a legitimate role to play in keeping Twin River free from criminal activity, unilaterally barring an innocent employee from the casino as leverage to obtain their assistance in an investigation should not be tolerated.  We are pleased that we have been able to resolve this case through the agency’s adoption of a policy that will prevent this type of action in the future.” 
 

On Monday, June 27, 2022, at approximately 8:35am, Uniform Division Officers received information that
a Carson Underwood (23 years of age) was carrying a firearm and had threatened someone. Ofc. MarQues
Pires was able to locate Underwood walking in the area of South Main and Peckham Streets. Ofc. Pires
attempted to speak with Underwood who fled on foot away from the officer.
Ofc. Kwin Silva joined in the foot chase and he along with Ofc. Pires were able to place Underwood in
custody in the area of the Globe Street Car Wash, 950 Broadway. While running from officers Underwood
had been seen clutching a bag close to his body which he discarded while fleeing.
Officers retraced the route of the foot chase and located the bag they had seen in Underwood’s possession.
Located inside the bag was a loaded 9mm pistol along with a 30 round magazine. Underwood does not
have a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms.
Carson Underwood was placed under arrest and will be facing several felony firearms charges. 

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today announced the following roster moves:

Placed right-handed pitcher Tanner Houck and outfielder Jarren Duran on the Restricted List.

Recalled right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold from Triple-A Worcester.

Selected infielder Yolmer Sánchez to the active Major League roster from Worcester.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Houck, 25, tossed a scoreless inning in relief in Cleveland on Sunday. 

Over his last 14 appearances, the right-hander has a 0.87 ERA (2 ER/20.2 IP) with 24 strikeouts and is six-for-six in save opportunities. In 22 appearances (four starts) for the Red Sox this season, Houck is 4-3 with a 3.42 ERA (18 ER/47.1 IP), six saves, a .238 opponent batting average and 47 strikeouts.

Duran, 25, started in center field Sunday and went 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored. In 10 games since being recalled from Triple-A Worcester on June 15, the left-handed hitter is batting .333 (13-for-39) with a .908 OPS, six extra-base hits and three RBI. In 13 games for Boston this season, Duran is hitting .327 (17-for-52) with nine runs scored, five doubles, two triples and four stolen bases.

Seabold, 26, started last night's game  against the Toronto Blue Jays. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA (12 ER/51.2 IP) in 11 starts for Worcester this season, also posting a 0.99 WHIP and limiting opponents to a .197 batting average. Ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox’ No. 22 prospect, Seabold made his Major League debut last season with Boston, starting the club’s game on September 11 against the Chicago White Sox.

Sánchez, 29, is batting .253 (55-for-217) with an .805 OPS and 29 RBI in 68 games for Worcester this season, making 46 starts at second base, 16 at third base, and six at shortstop. The switch-hitter has played in 658 major league games, all for the Chicago White Sox from 2014-20, batting .245 (548-for-2,2

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee announced yesterday Elizabeth Tanner will serve as Rhode Island's next Secretary of Commerce. According to NBC 10 in Providence, Tanner has served as the Director of the Department of Business Regulation since 2017 where she regulated financial services, the Fire Marshal's Office and State Building Office, commercial licensing, gaming, cannabis and liquor. She was also responsible for a $25 million budget and over 160 employees.

Former Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor stepped down on June 21 to run for general treasurer.

According to NBC 10 in Providence, Fall River Police Department has confiscated an ATV and a dirt bike that were being operated illegally in the city. The department posted about the vehicles on Friday afternoon stating that the post serves as a reminder for residents to report illegal all terrain vehicle and or dirt bike activity to their anonymous line. Police say the illegal operation of an ATV or dirt bike could result in civil or criminal charges.

According to NBC 10 in Providence, a former union treasurer and police officer of New Bedford Police Department was sentenced yesterday for stealing almost 50 thousand dollars in union funds. The 41 year old Joshua Fernandes, was sentenced to three months in prison and two years of supervised release. According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of Massachusetts, Fernandes is expected to serve the first six months of his release in home confinement. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark Wolf also ordered Fernandes to pay $47.851 in restitution.

Fernandes pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in October of 2021 and Prosecutors said he spent the cash on beach vacations, family outings, phone bills and used a personal credit card where he paid himself back with union money.

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence) is issuing the following statement regarding the assault that occurred at the reproductive rights rally on Friday night:

                “I denounce the violence perpetrated against women.  I denounce the attack on First Amendment rights to protest unjust rulings and laws.  I denounce the callous and cruel assault on a woman’s right to make their own decisions about their bodies.  I denounce the agitators who went to the State House looking to start a fight.  I denounce the political violence inflicted on another fellow woman of color.  I denounce the current inequality of obtaining reproductive health services for ALL women. 

 I denounce the current culture that leads law enforcement officers to think they could assault not only a woman, but also innocent people - predominantly of color, always in front of an audience, without accountability or the professionalism the job stands for and requires.  

And I denounce the hate and intolerance that is tearing our society apart here in our state.  Yet, in the face of these challenges and threats, I will keep fighting for equality and justice for all because everyone deserves a voice, and a choice, to lead their own lives without interference and persecution from the ignorance of others,” said Representative Williams.
 

BOSTON – Today, several advocacy organizations representing older adults in Massachusetts urged passage of the Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive tax relief plan. The Administration’s proposal would provide $700 million in tax relief to support those most impacted by rising prices and inflation, such as seniors on fixed incomes, renters and residents who care for older adults or children. State tax revenues continue to dramatically overperform expectations, with a recent deposit of $2 billion deposit of excess capital gains revenue into the Stabilization Fund leading to an all-time high balance of $6.6 billion. Even with that historic deposit, the Commonwealth is on track for a significant surplus at the end of the fiscal year, and the advocacy organizations today urged legislative action to give some of that surplus back to taxpayers.
 
“Older adults, many of whom are on fixed incomes, have been especially hard-hit by inflation and rising prices, and our tax cut plan would provide meaningful relief for seniors and their families,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With state tax revenues continuing to come in far above benchmark, state government can more than afford to give seniors and other residents hurt by inflation a tax break. We hope our colleagues in the Legislature will join us to enact these tax cuts which would help those who are hardest hit by these tough times.”
 
“Inflation and rising prices are impacting everyone in Massachusetts, but especially seniors on fixed incomes,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our tax cut plan takes advantage of Massachusetts’ large expected surplus and targets relief to populations and communities who have been hardest-hit by both the pandemic and ongoing economic pressures.”
 
“The Commonwealth remains in a historically strong fiscal position and has ample resources to continue investing in critical areas of need, while also implementing important tax relief measures for everyone in Massachusetts – particularly seniors,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “We look forward to working with the Legislature over the coming weeks to pass these benefits onto hundreds of thousands of hardworking taxpayers and help ensure the continued strength of the Massachusetts economy in the long-term.”
 
“At no time in our history has the Commonwealth had such excess revenue,” said Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts. “Since Governor Baker filed these proposed reforms on January 27, 2022, we have seen very significant revenue surpluses.  AARP strongly urges action now.  Measures such as tax credits and other financial assistance, or both, to Massachusetts’ 844,000 family caregivers; doubling the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Credit; and increasing the rental deduction cap help lower and middle-income residents and their families achieve increased health and financial security and facilitate their ability to age in their own home and community.  In addition, we continue to urge legislators to use some of the excess state revenue to provide a family caregiving tax credit.”
 
“The Mass Councils on Aging encourages the Legislature to act now, and pass measures that can achieve greater economic security and well-being for seniors such as doubling the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Credit which will allow many seniors to remain in their homes and maintain the essential and in many cases, life-long connections they have built in their communities and will help to improve their economic security,” said Betsy Connell, Interim Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging.
 
"Through AgeFriendly.org, the Age-Friendly Institute hears from older adults in the Commonwealth and around the country every day,” said Tim Driver, President of the Age-Friendly Institute. “We collect and curate these voices and opinions via online ratings, reviews and conversations on a variety of topics. It's very clear these older taxpayers want and need alternative forms of income and other ways to save.  The tax relief to be passed to older Massachusetts residents through these proposals will make it easier for residents to make ends meet. The Age-Friendly Institute supports the moves.”
 
The plan includes several tax relief measures:
 
•    Double the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Credit to lower the overall tax burden for more than 100,000 lower-income homeowners aged 65+, resulting in $60 million in annual savings for low-income seniors.
•    Increase the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $5,000, allowing approximately 881,000 Massachusetts renters to keep approximately $77 million more annually
•    Double the dependent care credit to $480 for one qualifying individual and $960 for two or more, and double the household dependent care credit to $360 for one qualifying individual and $720 for two or more to benefit more than 700,000 families, resulting in $167 million in annualized savings for eligible taxpayers
•    Increase the Massachusetts adjusted gross income (AGI) thresholds for “no tax status” to $12,400 for single filers, $24,800 for joint filers, and $18,650 for head of households, which will eliminate the income tax for more than 234,000 low-income filers
•    Double the estate tax threshold and eliminate the current “cliff effect” that taxes the full amount below the threshold
•    Change the short-term capital gains tax rate to the personal income tax rate of 5% to align the Commonwealth with most other states
 
The plan would have an outsized impact on the communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the rental deduction increase would provide $34 million in annual tax relief to renters in the 20 “equity communities” that the Department of Public Health identified as having been hardest-hit by the pandemic (based on factors like social determinants of health and the disproportionate racial impact of the pandemic). The “no tax status” change to eliminate the income tax for more low-income people would result in nearly $12 million in annual savings in those same communities.
 
 

A 29-year-old New Bedford man who twice robbed expensive jewelry from two different jewelry stores at the Dartmouth Mall was sentenced to serve three to five years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Jesus Torres pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with two counts of Larceny over $1,200.

On December 17, 2019 at around 9:30 pm, the defendant asked to see a necklace valued at more than $3,000 at the Jewelry Express.  Once the clerk put the necklace on the counter, the defendant grabbed it and ran for the exit.  The clerk was able to identify the defendant from a photo array and an arrest warrant was issued.

Then on February 23, 2020, while police were still looking for him, the defendant again entered the Dartmouth Mall and went into the Kay Jewelers store.  Once in the store, he asked to see a large gold bracelet valued at just under $8,000.  The clerk allowed him to try it on, at which point he ran from the store.  The entire incident was captured on surveillance video.  A second arrest warrant was issued and he was apprehended in early March of 2020.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on probation after serving a three year prison term for the same types of jewelry thefts.  After initially being held in jail, the defendant was one of the first defendants in Bristol County to be released prematurely due to Covid.  The defendant then disappeared for more than a year, missing multiple court dates.  During that year, he also committed numerous misdemeanor shoplifting crimes in the New Bedford and Taunton areas.

Due to this latest conviction, the defendant now qualifies for enhanced penalties under the habitual criminal offenders law if he commits any future felonies.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Veenstra and the state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Renee Dupuis.

“This defendant has a history of committing similar crimes against victims who are just trying to run a small business or do their jobs. He was on probation when he committed these jewelry store thefts, and is clearly someone who has to be kept off the street to protect business owners and the public,” District Attorney Quinn said.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, Incumbent Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee defeated Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea to win the Rhode Island Democratic Party’s endorsement for governor at its convention yesterday, as the campaign heats up ahead of the September 13 primary election. McKee received 81 out of 162 votes from the convention delegates, giving him exactly 50 percent support, while Gorbea received 58 votes. The other candidates trailed far behind including former CVS executive Helena Foulkes and former Secretary of State Matt Brown who received six votes each.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, A New Bedford man was arrested last week for driving recklessly on a dirt bike and crashing into a car, according to police. Officers responded to Grove and Cottage street Thursday evening for reports of a crash between a car and dirt bike. Police said the driver of the car told officers she was turning onto Grove Street when the dirt bike rider crashed into her vehicle. The dirt bike rider, identified by police as 22-year-old Justin Cardoza, was injured in the crash and transported to the hospital. Police said at the hospital, it was discovered that Cardoza had four bags of marijuana on him, weighing more than two ounces and that the dirt bike didn’t belong to Cardoza

Cardoza has been charged with reckless operation of an unregistered and uninsured recreational vehicle on a public way without a helmet and possession of a class D drug with intent to distribute.

An assault on a Democratic candidate for state Senate at Friday night’s State House protest against the decision overturning Roe v. Wade continues to gain national attention. According to CBS 12 in Providence, video captured shows a man who appears to be Providence police officer Jeann Lugo punching Rhode Island Political Cooperative co-founder Jennifer Rourke in the face. Providence officer charged with assaulting political rival at abortion rally. The 35 year old Lugo, is facing a charge of simple assault and disorderly conduct as a result. The incident remains under investigation.

Via Twitter, Rhode Island Governor. Dan McKee said, “The violence that occurred at a peaceful protest at our State House this weekend was outrageous. Violence of any kind is unacceptable and we will not stand for it." Rhode Island Republican Party leaders have not responded to a request for comment on Lugo who will be arraigned again on July 8.

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today reinstated infielder/outfielder Christian Arroyo from the COVID-19 Related Injured List.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Arroyo, 27, was placed on the COVID-19 Related Injured list on June 15. He played in two rehab games for Triple-A Worcester, starting at designated hitter on Tuesday and shortstop on Wednesday.

The right-handed hitter has played in 35 games for Boston this season, batting .187 (17-for-91) with three home runs and 10 RBI while appearing in 16 games in right field, eight at shortstop, six at second base, two at first base, and one at third base.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Project Beacon’s appointment-based COVID-19 testing at New Bedford Regional Airport—part of the state’s Stop the Spread program—is offering testing on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. 

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. 

Contact Project Beacon by email at help@beacontesting.com; or by calling 617-741-7310.

NOTE: Project Beacon’s local testing site will be closed on Sunday, July 3, for the Independence Day holiday, and will reopen on Tuesday, July 5. 

The federal government is offering free at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits online, at COVIDtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests. Each order includes eight rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. 

If you test positive with a rapid test, isolate for at least five days and notify close contacts. State guidance on isolation and quarantining can be found here.
If you test negative, re-testing a day or more later is advised, particularly if you have symptoms or a known exposure to the virus. 

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, June 26: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, June 28: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, June 30:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 5: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 7:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 10: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

###

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Free, walk-up COVID-19 clinics in New Bedford offer all CDC-approved vaccine doses and boosters, for adults and youth. Bringing your vaccination card when getting a booster shot is helpful, but not required. 

Clinics provided by Seven Hills Behavioral Health, unless otherwise marked.

NOTE: Vaccine clinics by Seven Hills at former Fire Station 11 in the South End will be closed on Saturday, July 2 and Monday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday.

Visit vaxnb.com for updated schedules of local COVID-19 vaccination and testing locations. Upcoming vaccine locations in New Bedford include:

Saturday, June 25:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults 

Monday, June 27:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Tuesday, June 28:
-    Monte Park (Acushnet Ave. and Cannon St.) – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Friday, July 1:
-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Friday, July 8:
-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Reminder on the importance of vaccinations: 
Getting vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 is not only about protecting yourself – it’s also about protecting your family, friends, and community. Vaccination and boosters are critically important to consider ahead of large gatherings, which can lead to super-spreader events, clusters, hospitalizations, and severe illness among people who are unvaccinated. 

State Resources for Vaccine Records, Locations 
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has free online services to find your personal vaccine records and local vaccination locations, including many pharmacies. 
Access your vaccine records at https://myvaxrecords.mass.gov/, and find local listings at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.
 

STATE HOUSE – Below is a statement from President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio and Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey:

“In anticipation of a decision like the one the Supreme Court made today, the Senate acted in 2019 to codify Roe v. Wade into state law. As a result, no Rhode Islander is losing rights today. The EACA has financial implications and should be considered as part of the budget, but was not included in the proposal presented to the Legislature in January, or in the budget the House sent to the Senate last week. We plan to address this issue in the 2023 session.”

The New England Patriots announced that they have signed 2022 first-round draft pick OL Cole Strange, 2022 second-round draft pick WR Tyquan Thornton and 2022 fourth-round draft pick QB Bailey Zappe. Terms of the contracts were not announced. 

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they have signed 2022 first-round draft pick OL Cole Strange, 2022 second-round draft pick WR Tyquan Thornton and 2022 fourth-round draft pick QB Bailey Zappe. Terms of the contracts were not announced.

Strange, 23, was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 29th overall pick out of Chattanooga. The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder was a five-year starter on the offensive line who had an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19. He started all 11 games in 2021 with nine at left guard and two at left tackle and led an offensive line that paved the way for an offense that averaged 205.5 rushing yards per game. Overall, he played in 49 games with 44 starts during his college career.

Height: 6-5
Weight: 305 lbs
College: Tennessee-Chattanooga

Thornton, 21, was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 50th overall pick out of Baylor. The 6-foot-2, 182-pounder started all 14 games that he played in 2021 and led the team with 62 receptions for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished his college career 10th all-time in Baylor history with 2,242 receiving yards.

Tyquan Thornton
#51 WR

Height: 6-2
Weight: 182 lbs
College: Baylor

Zappe, 23, was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 137th overall pick out of Western Kentucky. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder was named the MVP of Conference USA in 2021 after completing 475-of-686 passes for 5,987 yards with 62 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Zappe began his career at Houston Baptist in 2017 before transferring to Western Kentucky for the 2021 season.

BOSTON, MA – Following Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red Sox optioned infielder Jeter Downs to Triple-A Worcester.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Downs, 23, made his Major League debut for the Red Sox last night, starting at third base and going 0-for-4. Ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox’ No. 7 prospect, the right-handed batter has 11 home runs, 21 RBI, 25 walks, and 11 steals in 53 games for Worcester this season

. Downs has hit .240 (392-for-1,633) with 68 home runs and 222 RBI in 441 minor league games in the Cincinnati Reds (2017-18), Los Angeles Dodgers (2019), and Red Sox (2021-22) systems.

BOSTON – Today, in response to the US Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v Wade, Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order to protect access to reproductive health care services in the Commonwealth.

“I am deeply disappointed in today’s decision by the Supreme Court which will have major consequences for women across the country who live in states with limited access to reproductive health care services.

The Commonwealth has long been a leader in protecting a woman’s right to choose and access to reproductive health services, while other states have criminalized or otherwise restricted access,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This executive order will further preserve that right and protect reproductive health care providers who serve out of state residents. In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v Wade, it is especially important to ensure that Massachusetts providers can continue to provide reproductive health care services without concern that the laws of other states may be used to interfere with those services or sanction them for providing services that are lawful in the Commonwealth.”

“We are proud of the Commonwealth’s history of ensuring access to reproductive health care, and will continue to do so, despite today’s ruling from the Supreme Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “With these actions, Massachusetts is once again leading the way in protecting a woman’s right to choose.”

Several other states have imposed laws that would criminalize providing abortions and other reproductive health services, and this executive order would protect providers who perform these services for out of state individuals as well as individuals from out of state who seek services that are lawful in Massachusetts. 

The order prohibits any Executive Department agencies from assisting another state’s investigation into a person or entity for receiving or delivering reproductive health services that are legal in Massachusetts. 

The order also protects Massachusetts providers who deliver reproductive health care services from losing their professional licenses or receiving other professional discipline based on potential out of state charges.

Under the executive order, the Commonwealth will not cooperate with extradition requests from other states pursuing criminal charges against individuals who received, assisted with, or performed reproductive health services that are legal in Massachusetts. 

Office of Attorney General Maura Healey

BOSTON — AG Healey today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Today’s decision overturned the landmark case Roe v. Wade, which recognized nearly 50 years ago that the Constitution does not permit states to prohibit a woman from deciding whether to carry her pregnancy to term. The decision also overturned Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed Roe almost 30 years ago.

“We knew this was coming, but that doesn’t make it any less painful, less enraging, or less terrifying for the tens of millions of people who stand to lose access to basic, life-saving care. Today, for the first time ever, the Court has taken away a constitutional right – a right that has been recognized for nearly half a century. But in Massachusetts and other states where abortion will remain legal and accessible, we’ll do everything we can to ensure patients from across the country can receive needed care and to support and protect our providers who are offering that care. The majority of Americans want to keep abortion safe and legal, and I’m calling on Congress to do just that by codifying Roe.”

BACKGROUND:

In March 2018, the governor of Mississippi signed into law what was then the strictest abortion ban in the country. Mississippi’s law prohibits abortion at 15 weeks, with few exceptions, even in cases of rape or incest.

A federal district court judge struck down the law, stating that Mississippi “chose to pass a law it knew was unconstitutional...to ask the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.” The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling, and Mississippi then sought review in the Supreme Court. The Court originally granted cert on the question of whether all pre-viability bans are unconstitutional. However, once the merits briefing to the Court began Mississippi argued that Roe should be completely overturned.

In September 2021, AG Healey joined an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court, arguing that a prohibition on abortion prior to viability is plainly unconstitutional, a holding that the Court has repeatedly reaffirmed including in the landmark Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision almost 30 years ago. The brief argued Mississippi’s ban is unconstitutional under settled law, and that as such, the Court should continue to uphold this well-established constitutional right and precedent.

According to ABC 6, lawyers for one gun store and several individuals have filed a lawsuit against a recently signed bill that would ban the possession and purchasing of gun magazines that are capable of holding more than ten rounds. The lawsuit was filed last night by attorneys with Kelly, Souza, & Parmenter law firm in Providence on behalf of Bear Hunting and Fishing Supply store based in Harmony, Rhode Island, and several other individuals. Attorneys are arguing that the recently passed bill is in violation of the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment, the Second Amendment and the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and also stated. That the new law will harm responsible gun owners and enable criminals.

The magazine ban was one of three gun bills that Governor Dan McKee signed this week. The others are raising the age to purchase a gun to 21 and to bar the open carry of shotguns and rifles on public grounds

According to NBC 10 in Providence, a Connecticut man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly threatening employees at a Dunkin’ in Dartmouth. The Dartmouth Police Department responded to the Dunkin’ on Dartmouth Street Sunday after a man allegedly threw drinks at employees and then brandished a firearm in a threatening manner. Police allege that 19-year-old Zachary Nordstrom of Dayville, Connecticut was the suspect, stating he fled from the location but later surrendered himself to police at the Brock Avenue station. He told police he dropped the firearm as he fled which was later recovered.

Nordstrom has recieved numerous charges included two counts of assault and battery as well as carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi that is part of his ten-bill housing package passed by the General Assembly.

The legislation is also backed by Rep. June S. Speakman, chairwoman of the Special Legislative Commission to Study the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Housing Act.

The first bill, 2022-H 7940 SUB A, would elevate the position of the Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Housing to a cabinet-level position within the Executive branch of state government. The Secretary of Housing would report directly to the Governor and would be required to participate in the promulgation of housing regulations. The legislation would be effective as of July 1, 2022.

“If we are making housing a top priority, we need to treat is as such. That means empowering the Secretary of Housing with the authority to make decisions and hold agencies accountable, but also making the Secretary of Housing responsible for ensuring that we meet our goals,” said Speaker Shekarchi. “The Housing Secretary will be charged with creating Rhode Island’s plan for greater housing development. We need to streamline our state’s housing initiatives through one person, with a dedicated department to support those efforts.”

The legislation would give the Secretary of Housing oversight over the state’s Office of Housing and Community Development. On or before November 1, 2022, the Secretary of Housing will develop a housing organizational plan to be provided to the General Assembly; the organizational plan would include a review, analysis, and assessment of functions related to housing of all state departments, quasi-public agencies, boards, and commissions. The legislation also establishes the Department of Housing within the Executive branch as of January 1, 2023. The Secretary of Housing would include in the plan comprehensive options and recommendations relating to the functions and structure of the new department. 

“Our state’s housing crisis developed over many years and the forces driving it are myriad and complicated. Similarly, addressing this issue is going to require deliberate, careful work, and it’s going to be an ongoing effort. Today we are pleased to make progress on many of the aspects of housing creation and access that our commission has identified, and we continue our commitment to meet our state’s housing challenges. I’m very grateful to the members of our housing commission, led by Rep. June Speakman, for the hard work, insight and consideration they’ve contributed to this effort over the last year, and that they will continue to provide as we work collaboratively on this critical issue into the future,” said Speaker Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).  

The second bill, 2022-H 7941A, would provide that multi-family apartment units build under a comprehensive permit may be calculated towards meeting the requirements of a municipality’s low or moderate income housing inventory. The legislation also requires that at least 30% of the units created are deed restricted for households earning not more than 60% of AMI, and that at least 50% of the units created are deed restricted for households earning not more than eighty percent 80%. 
This legislation is part of Speaker Shekarchi’s ten-bill housing package passed by the General Assembly that aims to tackle Rhode Island’s housing crisis from multiple angles: by streamlining development, providing more complete and timely information about housing, and helping municipalities to meet their affordable housing goals. 

Following President Joe Biden’s call for suspending the federal and state gas taxes, Governor Charlie Baker has called on the state legislature once again to suspend the state gas tax. According to ABC 6, In a joint statement, Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito said it’s time for the legislature to provide relief to those in the Bay State stating, “We support passing legislation to suspend the gas tax in Massachusetts as President Biden called for today” Baker had called on the legislature to include the gas tax in its budget proposal, but House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka were both opposed, The two top lawmakers doubled down on that stance Wednesday. They added they are looking at other measures to provide relief to taxpayers. 

Early yesterday, President Biden called on US lawmakers to suspend the federal gas tax for 90 days and push for states to suspend their own gas tax.

Statement from Maura Healey on Massachusetts Governor’s Race

BOSTON – Maura Healey issued the following statement in response to Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz’s announcement that she is ending her campaign for Governor.

“I’m deeply grateful to Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz for her many years of service to Massachusetts and her inspired leadership during this campaign. The legacy of her campaign will live on through the young girls who finally saw themselves represented in a candidate for the highest office in the state. I look forward to continuing to partner with Senator Chang-Díaz to bring people together and make Massachusetts work for all of our families.”

STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Frank A. Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence) and Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket) which allows the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue driving privileges to undocumented residents in the state.

“We need to ensure that all drivers, regardless of their immigration status, are trained, tested and insured when driving on our roads.  This is a safety issue as well as an economic issue.  If the worst were to happen and an accident occurs involving an undocumented person driving, our residents and businesses are protected far better if this legislation is enacted as opposed to the status quo,” said Senator Ciccone.

“The community of color has long advocated for the passage of this legislation that will keep our roads safer while also helping a portion of our population who struggle daily due to not being able to drive a car to work, or to pick up their kids, or to go about their daily business.  This bill acknowledges that individuals with undocumented status are still human beings who deserve the same services and protections that documented residents enjoy and utilize,” said Representative Alzate, Chairwoman of the RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus.

The legislation (2022-S 2006Aaa, 2022-H 7939A) states that in order to apply for the driving privilege card or permit, an applicant must have verification from the tax administrator that the applicant either has filed a personal income tax return as a resident with this state for the tax year preceding the date of application or has been claimed as a dependent on a personal income tax return by an individual who has filed a personal income tax return as a resident with this state for the tax year preceding the date of application.

 The applicant must also present two primary proof of identity documents, or one primary proof of identity document and one secondary proof of identity document, and two proof of residency documents.  The applicant must also be in compliance with insurance requirements.
Neither the permit nor card would be usable for federal or state identification or voting purposes.
Currently, those unable to establish a lawful presence in the United States are unable to produce the documentation, such as a Social Security number, that state law requires for the issuing of a driver’s license.

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

BOSTON- State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of deceased birds along Massachusetts’ coastline.

HPAI has been detected in domestic and wild birds from Canada to Florida for the past several months. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from touching or removing birds from coastal areas that appear sick, injured, or deceased.

Impacted seabirds include, but are not limited to, seagulls, ducks, terns, and cormorants. If a wild sick, injured, or dying bird is encountered, the public is asked to make a report at mass.gov/reportbirds. Additionally, if a domestic bird is found, please contact MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.

“Over the past week, Massachusetts has seen a substantial uptick in reports of dead and dying seabirds, including eiders, cormorants, and gulls,” said Andrew Vitz, MassWildlife State Ornithologist. “We are asking for the public’s help in reporting observations of sick shorebirds along the coastline. Prompt reporting will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with our state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years.”

“Avian Influenza rarely infects humans,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “Although the risk is low, direct contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments can sometimes spread the disease to people. People are urged not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected.”

•    Reporting wild birds: the public should report observations of any sick, injured, of deceased seabirds. For other species of wild birds, such as songbirds, only report observations of 5 or more birds found at a single location. The public can report observations using this simple webform at mass.gov/reportbirds.

•    Reporting domestic birds: the public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795. 

•    Handling birds: The public should avoid handling any dead birds or birds showing signs of illness. If an individual must handle birds, please wear nitrile or latex gloves, eye protection, and an N95 face mask.

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds, and scavengers are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any clinical signs. Infected birds may die suddenly, have decreased energy, decreased appetite, decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling of the head, comb, eyelids, wattles, or hocks; nasal discharge, snicking, coughing, or sneezing; uncoordinated gait; or diarrhea.

Important to note, humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. For more information regarding the disease, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage.

Alexandra Francisco
Patriots.com writer

Old trends tend to come back in style if you stick around long enough. Just ask Andre Tippett.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer transitioned to the administrative side of things after his retirement from the New England Patriots, but the current Director of Community Relations still loves seeing a red jersey with his No. 56 sprinkled amid a sea of navy and white on game days at Gillette Stadium.

With the red throwback uniforms officially back in the Patriots' closet 30 years after Tippett wore it regularly, that pop of color is about to become more prevalent this upcoming season.

"There's nothing like the old throwback jerseys," Tippet said. "I'd love to see more people representing old-school football."

The Patriots uniforms didn't change significantly through the first three-plus decades of the franchise's existence, but even after the switch to a short-lived royal blue that preceded the navy and silver of the 2000s, the red throwback jerseys didn't disappear entirely.

New England brought them out as alternates sporadically between 1994 and 2012, with a winning 9-3 record in those games. But to the disappointment of many, a 2013 rule change imposed by the NFL to improve player safety mandated that every club stick to one helmet.

The idea was that a worn-in helmet was safer to play in, as the concussion epidemic became a growing concern across the league. It didn't feel right to blend the red throwback jerseys with a silver helmet and the modern-day logo, so the alternate was taken out of the Patriots' rotation for the meantime.

Behind the scenes, though, New England led the charge to change the rule while maintaining player safety.

"There was a sort of understanding here that, no, we're not going to wear the silver helmets with the red throwbacks, right? That would be a different alternate uniform," Ali Towle, Vice President of Customer Marketing & Brand for Kraft Sports + Entertainment, said.

"We wanted to stay pure to that original throwback, and so that's why we waited and kept lobbying the league to change it back. We fought the good fight."

Two COVID-19 sniffing K9s for Bristol County Sheriff's Office are making a bigger impact than just smelling for the virus. Huntah and Duke were picked up by the BCSO in April 2021 to become the nation's first COVID sniffing dogs in law enforcement USED over the past year through 28 schools between the districts of Acushnet, Fairhaven, Freetown-Lakeville Regional, Norton and Attleboro, as well as other locations like Coastline Elderly Services and the spaces used for Portuguese School twice a week at the DeMello International Center in New Bedford. Capt. Paul Douglas says other times, the dogs therapeutic impact has taken on more personalized form stating, "If a kid is upset, my thing is, I hand them the lead and let them walk around with my dog,"

According to NBC 10 in Providence, A new fast-food restaurant coming to Attleboro is causing some concerns over traffic. Recently, the city's planning and zoning boards approved the construction of a Taco Bell on the corner of Pleasant Street and Perry Avenue While some people may be excited for another dining option, many people have voiced concerns. A post on city Mayor Paul Heroux's Facebook page has more than 200 comments on it, most of which raise worries over whether the project will cause traffic havoc in the area. Attleboro's Director of Planning & Development Gary Ayrassian said Route 123 is built for the heavy traffic he sees every day. He also notes the vacant lot is zoned as commercial land-use, which means Taco Bell didn't need any special permits from the city for the restaurant itself, just an appearance in front of the planning board to review site plans.

(FALL RIVER, MA- June 22, 2022)- At a press conference on Wednesday morning, Mayor
Paul Coogan was joined by representatives from the Narrows Center for the Arts, Bristol County
Savings Bank and Greater Fall River Re-Creation to announce the return of “Summer Evenings
in the Park” - free family-centric events that feature live music, arts & crafts, food & fun.

The
community events, organized in partnership between the City of Fall River and the Narrows, will
take place every Wednesday night in July and August from 5:30 - 8:00pm.

The City and the Narrows have once again partnered together to bring the arts right into
the neighborhoods of the residents of Fall River. “One of the missions of the Narrows is to make
the arts accessible to all in our community. This is an opportunity for the Narrows to bring what
we do into the neighborhoods of Fall River. We look forward to building on the tremendous
success of last year’s event and expanding the event to include 8 different parks throughout the
city. We are excited to partner with the City of Fall River on this important project,” states
Patrick Norton, Executive Director of the Narrows Center.

This year’s event is sponsored by Bristol County Savings Bank. “We are so proud to
support the City and the Narrows’ efforts to bring back ‘Summer Evenings in the Park’ in our
local neighborhood communities this summer,” said Patrick Murray, President & CEO of Bristol
County Savings Bank. “When you consider the feeling of isolation that many of us have
continued to experience due to the pandemic, in combination with money being especially tight
because of the rising prices for essentials, it’s exciting to know that free, quality entertainment
for everyone to enjoy is going to be literally around the corner.”

“These events are the perfect example of the Fall River community coming together to
try new things and improve quality of life for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Paul Coogan.
“The response to our first ‘Summer Evenings in the Park’ series last year was incredible, and
we are thrilled to bring it back. I thank the Narrows Center for the Arts, Greater Fall River ReCreation and Bristol County Savings Bank for helping make these events a reality.”

Featured musical acts include the New Orleans inspired Southcoast Brass Band, the
Marcus Monteiro Trio, and the Dirty Water Brass Band from Boston. Come to the park, bring a
lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the beautiful sounds of live music, enjoy a hamburger with
your neighbora and enjoy a good time.

There will be fun and interesting arts and crafts projects
for the whole family and Narrows’ studio artist Kevin Lamoureux will be bringing his very
popular spray painting on canvas project. “Summer Evenings in the Park” are an opportunity
for family fun and participation for all ages. The event is free and Greater Fall River Re-Creation
will be on hand serving hot dogs and hamburgers at no charge. Local non-profits will also be on
hand distributing bags of groceries.

Summer Evenings in the Park Schedule 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, July 6 - Griffin Park
Wednesday, July 13 - Pulaski Park
Wednesday, July 20 - Poulos Park
Wednesday, July 27 - Ruggles Park
Wednesday, August 3 - Kennedy Park
Wednesday, August 10 - Lafayette Park
Wednesday, August 17 - Abbott Court Playground
Wednesday, August 24 - North Park

Westwood, MA, June 21, 2022 — Massachusetts’s average gas price is down 5 cents from last week ($5.04), averaging $4.99 per gallon. Today’s price is 26 cents higher than a month ago ($4.73), and $2.04 higher than June 21, 2021 ($2.95). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 3 cents higher than the national average.

“Demand for gasoline has declined, perhaps in response to record-breaking high gas prices—and that has helped push down prices at the pump,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “This dip in demand, coupled with a drop in oil prices, has taken some of the steam out of surging gasoline prices. But consumers are still paying historically high prices.”

AAA Northeast’s June 21 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 5 cents lower than last week ($5.01), averaging $4.96 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 37 cents higher than a month ago ($4.59), and $1.89 higher than this day last year ($3.07).

PROVIDENCE – Two men were detained in federal custody today, following their arraignment in U.S. District Court in an ongoing Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task investigation that has resulted in the seizure of more than one pound of methamphetamine to date, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Charles Bersch, 38, of Providence, RI, and Peter Walkovich, 37, of Pepperell, MA, are charged by way of federal criminal complaints with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to charging documents, it is alleged that, on May 23, 2022, at the direction of members of the Safe Streets Task Force, a vehicle carrying Bersch and Walkovich was stopped in Cranston; allegedly inside the vehicle were three backpacks and a camouflage bag, each containing, among other items, significant quantities of crystal meth. It is alleged that during the traffic stop and during a subsequent court-authorized search of the vehicle law enforcement seized a total of 491.9 grams of crystal meth; approximately 75 grams of fentanyl; nearly 48 grams of fentanyl laced cocaine; and more than $21,700 in cash.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

his from Gronk's Twitter:

In college, I was asked to write about a dream job opportunity that I wanted to pursue and where the location would be. 

Every time I had to write about my future, no matter what, I picked being a professional football player. For that assignment though, we had to pick the location. So I wrote that I wanted to play in Tampa for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for many reasons, the sunny weather being #1. I completely forgot about writing this report until 2 years ago when I had the opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

And let me tell ya, the journey in Tampa over the last 2 years has blown away what I originally wrote about in college, big time. And for this, I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team

. I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field. 

The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I appreciate every single one of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well.

 From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out, thank you to all. Buccaneers ????‍?? fans, the Krewe, without you guys, none of this is possible, all of ya brought it every game, thank you for all you do. Cheers to what’s next, maybe sailing the seas ????‍?? Arghhhhhh!!
3h

The announcement comes after an overwhelming majority of café employees delivered letters calling on the company to respect their wishes to unionize and to voluntary recognize

Providence, RI – Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local Union 328, which represents 11,000 workers in a variety of industries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, announced that the hardworking baristas, counter staff, keyholders and re-stockers employed at all five (5) Seven Stars Bakery locations in Providence, Rumford and Cranston, Rhode Island, won voluntary union recognition. 

On Monday, June 20th, Seven Stars owners Bill and Tracy Daugherty announced to employees their decision to voluntarily recognize.

The announcement follows organizing efforts from employees at all five (5) locations where an overwhelming majority of café workers delivered letters requesting union recognition.

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today recalled infielder Jeter Downs from Triple-A Worcester. To make room for Downs on the active roster, the club designated right-handed pitcher James Norwood for assignment.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Downs, 23, has played in 53 games for Worcester this season, including 52 starts at shortstop. He is tied for the team lead in stolen bases (11) and ranks second in home runs (11) and runs scored (35), one of only two players in the International League with at least 10 home runs and 10 steals. Ranked by MLB.com as the Red Sox’ No. 5 prospect, this is Downs’ first appearance on an active Major League roster.

Norwood, 28, did not pitch for Boston after the club acquired him from the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. The right-hander has made 48 relief appearances during his Major League career, posting a 5.48 ERA (27 ER/44.1 IP) for the Chicago Cubs (2018-20), San Diego Padres (2021), and Phillies (2022).

The town of Berkley on Sunday celebrated Father's Day with its annual fire parade. According to NBC 10 in Providence, The parade became an annual Father’s Day event in 1981 and is now what locals call a “wet”' parade. Fire Chief Scott Fournier said that about 20 years ago, a neighbor decided to have some fun with the firefighters spraying them with water and when they sprayed right back a new tradition was started. After not having an event in 2020 adjusting the following year, Chief Fournier said he's glad to have it back in full swing just in time for the department's 75th birthday. For many families, it has become a fun way to spend time together on Father's Day.

Chief Fournier said that in 1947, “The Berkeley Fire Department was officially established and we've kind of taken this year and made things bigger and better to celebrate our 75th."

A New Bedford man wanted for allegedly raping and sexually abusing a child has been arrested in Connecticut. According to CBS 12 in Providence, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn confirmed Leon Mejia-Vincente was taken into custody in Willimantic Friday afternoon. Both of his children, ages 5 and 17, were found safe and placed in the care of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. The search for Mejia-Vincente began after a warrant was issued for his arrest in early June.

The 46-year-old was wanted on a number of charges, including rape of a child under 16 by force and assault and battery. The specifics of the incident that led to the charges are unknown at this time, however, court records indicate that it happened last September.

NEW BEDFORD, MA — A series of three inclusive outdoor dance parties will keep the north end of New Bedford moving and grooving all summer long! New Moon Dance Party will once again bring the uplifting sounds of house, disco, funk, techno, and more to the edge of the Acushnet River for all New Bedford residents to enjoy.

“Riverside Beats is a radically inclusive celebration for everyone to experience joyful movement,” says New Moon founder and resident DJ Andy Anello.

Riverside Beats dance parties are free of charge and will take place once a month from July through September at Riverside Park on the following schedule: Sunday, July 10th, 4-8pm; Sunday, August 14th, 4-8pm; Sunday, September 4th, 4-8pm (with rain dates: 7/24, 8/21, 9/11).

Each party will feature a special guest DJ, with support provided by New Moon resident DJs Andy Anello, baye, and Neil Matheson. Jacob Herschel, a Providence-based DJ and veteran of the underground dance music scene is the first guest in charge of getting dancers on their feet in July. August guests are Soul Teknology, a trio of DJs consisting of DubLN, Mike Delick, and Yummy. Soul Teknology are purveyors of soulful/deep/Afro house music and the force behind the long-running dance night of the same name in Providence, RI.

When dancers need a break to catch their breath at Riverside Beats, the Marie Equi Zine Library (MEZL) will be onsite to educate and inspire. New Moon is proud to be continuing its ongoing partnership with the MEZL. Named for lesbian labor and reproductive health activist Dr. Marie Equi, the MEZL collects, archives, and presents radical queer feminist zines and other publications in the form of a portable popup library for New Bedford residents to explore.

New Moon Dance Party received a Wicked Cool Places grant to help fund Riverside Beats. Wicked Cool places is facilitated by New Bedford Creative at the NBEDC, and funded by the City of New Bedford’s Arts, Culture and Tourism Fund, with additional support from Bristol County Savings Bank, Barr Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, and MassDevelopment’s TDI Creative Cities Initiative.

Riverside Beats is also supported by a grant from the New Bedford Local Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

About New Moon Dance Party
New Moon Dance Party was founded by New Bedford resident Andy Anello to support the development of underground dance music culture in New Bedford and to help create radically inclusive parties that provide safe places for self-expression to all dancers regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or income level. In addition to producing Riverside Beats, New Moon also hosts a free monthly community dance party in downtown New Bedford called BodyBodyBody.

More information about New Moon Dance Party and Riverside Beats can be found on their social media accounts: facebook.com/newmoondanceparty and instagram.com/newmoondanceparty or by contacting Andy Anello directly: newmoondanceparty@gmail.com, 774-634-6616.
 

The Patriots announced that they have signed restricted free agent WR Jakobi Meyers, WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey and 2022 fourth-round draft pick RB Pierre Strong Jr. 

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they have signed restricted free agent WR Jakobi Meyers, WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey and 2022 fourth-round draft pick RB Pierre Strong Jr. Terms of the contracts were not announced.

Jakobi Meyers
#16 WR

Height: 6-2
Weight: 200 lbs
College: North Carolina State
Meyers, 25, is a veteran of three seasons with New England after joining the team as a rookie free agent out of North Carolina State on May 2, 2019. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has played in 46 regular season games with 26 starts and has registered 168 receptions for 1,954 yards and two touchdowns, three 2-point plays, four pass completions, including two for touchdowns, and one punt return for seven yards. He has also started in one postseason game and accumulated six receptions for 40 yards.

Last season, Meyers played in all 17 games with 16 starts and led the team with 83 receptions for 866 yards with two touchdowns. He also completed two passes for 45 yards.

Lil'Jordan Humphrey
#83 WR

Height: 6-4
Weight: 225 lbs
College: Texas
Humphrey, 24, played in 18 games with six starts for the New Orleans Saints over the last three seasons after originally joining the team as a rookie free agent out of Texas on May 10, 2019. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder has accumulated 16 receptions for 295 yards and three touchdowns. He has also played in two postseason games with one reception for 14 yards. Humphrey rotated between the practice squad and active roster over his first two seasons and then played in 10 games with four starts in 2021, finishing with 13 receptions for 249 yards and two touchdowns.

Pierre Strong Jr.
#54 RB

Height: 5-11
Weight: 205 lbs
College: South Dakota State
Strong, 23, was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 127th overall pick out of South Dakota State. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder finished his career ranked third in school history with 4,527 rushing yards. He topped the 100-yard mark in 18 career games and had two 200-yard rushing games. Strong reached 1,000 yards rushing in three of his four seasons.

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today acquired right-handed pitcher James Norwood from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Norwood, 28, has made 20 relief appearances for Philadelphia this season, posting an 8.31 ERA (16 ER/17.1 IP) with 22 strikeouts and nine walks.

The right-hander has made 48 relief appearances during his Major League career, combining to post a 5.48 ERA (27 ER/44.1 IP) for the Chicago Cubs (2018-20), San Diego Padres (2021), and Phillies (2022). Selected by the Cubs in the seventh round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of St. Louis University,

Norwood is 7-7 with a 4.05 ERA (54 ER/120.0 IP) in 103 relief appearances at the Triple-A level.

BOSTON – Following recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Baker-Polito Administration today announced that Massachusetts children ages 6 months to 4 years old are now eligible to receive the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
For the 6 months to 4-year-old age group, the Pfizer vaccine consists of three pediatric doses and the Moderna vaccine consists of two pediatric doses. Appointments will be available for booking beginning Tuesday, June 21st with additional locations and appointments expected to come online in the following days.

Vaccines are already available to those 5 years and older.  The Administration expects there to be over 400 locations for children ages 6 months to 4 years old to receive a vaccine in the coming weeks. 
 
The COVID-19 vaccine has shown to be safe, effective, and protective against serious illness or death. The Administration is committed to ensuring families have convenient access to free, safe, and effective vaccines.

Children 6 months and older may receive a vaccination at locations such as their pediatricians’ offices, community health centers, state-supported vaccination sites, mobile clinics and some pharmacy settings depending on the pharmacy and the child’s age.  
 
“We know parents and families have been waiting for this, and we are pleased to have this last age group approved for the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Estevan Garcia, a pediatrician, and Chief Medical Officer at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “The vaccine for this age group has been rigorously tested and we encourage parents to add this vaccine to the list of critical vaccinations their children should receive. We urge parents to reach out to their child’s health care provider with any questions they may have.”

 
How to find a pediatric COVID-19 vaccination appointment:

1.    Parents who prefer to have their child vaccinated by their primary care provider should call their provider’s office directly.

2.    Visit the VaxFinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of available locations. You can narrow results to search for locations offering the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. Some locations listed may only vaccinate certain ages. Read the site details to learn more. 

3.    For individuals who are unable to use VaxFinder, or have difficulty accessing the Internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available by calling 2-1-1 (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM – 2 PM). The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccination rates with over 84 percent of eligible residents fully vaccinated and over half of adults boosted. Massachusetts residents have ready access to vaccines, rapid tests, and therapeutics – all the resources needed to prevent severe illness and the Commonwealth’s COVID data shows these tools work.

The vaccine is free, and you do not need insurance or an ID to be vaccinated. Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccination, including FAQs, can be found here: mass.gov/COVIDvaccine

For vaccine information on ages 6 months to 4 years, please visit: mass.gov/COVIDvaccineyoungkids
For vaccine information on ages 5-11, please visit: mass.gov/COVIDvaccinekids
For vaccine information on ages 12-17, please visit: mass.gov/COVIDvaccineyouth
 
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  STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation (2022-S 2910A, 2022-H 7272A) sponsored by Sen. Sandra Cano and Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung which would require all public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island to provide at least one unit of instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander History and culture.

            “According to the 2020 Census, Rhode Island’s Asian American community has grown 28 percent over the last decade and in order to ensure that our society respects the dignity of all races and peoples, it is important that our children learn about the history and contributions made by the various different cultures within our state.  This is true of our state’s growing Asian American population and this bill will teach our students about the rich culture and history of their Asian American friends and neighbors,” said Senator Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket).

            “When talking to Asian American students about this bill, they told me they had never been assigned material to read by an Asian American author and that they had never learned about their history or culture in school.  Combined with the rising bias against Asian Americans, there is a clear need to break this cycle of cultural misunderstandings and this legislation is a good first step in that direction, acknowledging and celebrating the instrumental role that Asian Americans have had in our state, country and culture,” said Representative Fenton-Fung (R-Dist. 15, Cranston).

            Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the bill would require every public elementary school and secondary school to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) history, including the history of AA and NHPIs in Rhode Island and the Northeast, as well as the contributions of AA and NHPIs toward advancing civil rights from the 19th century onward.  These events shall include the contributions made by individual AA and NHPIs in government and the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as the contributions of AA and NHPI communities to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States.

            The act directs the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to make available to all school districts instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of a unit of instruction under this section.   However, each school district shall itself determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction satisfying the requirements of this section.
            The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

NEW BEDFORD- LEON MEJIA-VICENTE, wanted for sexual assault charges who had gone on the run last week has been captured in Connecticut along with two endangered children.  

On June 8th, 2022, New Bedford detectives assigned to the “Family Services Unit” applied for, and were granted a warrant for LEON MEJIA-VICENTE, 46, of New Bedford for rape and assault charges. Shortly thereafter, the suspect fled the area with a 17-year-old girl, and a 5-year-old boy.  

In the days that followed, New Bedford police detectives, the Bristol County District Attorney’s office, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Team, and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted an investigation into the whereabouts of the wanted fugitive and the children. 

On June 17th, at approximately 3 pm, investigators were able to track down the fugitive to Willimantic, Connecticut.  He was then taken into custody by agents assigned to the U.S. Marshal service with the assistance of the Willimantic police, Massachusetts State Police and New Bedford detectives. Both children were located and placed in the care of Connecticut youth services.

Detective Samuel-Algarin Mojica, who was recently appointed as a liaison to the Central American community in New Bedford was integral to the apprehension of this fugitive and the safe return of both children. Special thanks to New Bedford Police Det. Sgt. Shasha Vicente and her unit for their efforts that lead to the apprehension of the fugitive, along with Brock Morrissette of the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Trooper Phil Giardino of the Mass State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, U.S. Marshalls Service and Assistant District Attorney Lesly Leahy.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the various law enforcement agencies involved with this situation which could have ended tragically. This is an outstanding example of partnership that stresses how critical it is to have community cooperation.  If not for the trust developed with Detective Algarin-Mojica, vital information may have never made its way to authorities.  I’m very proud of the investigators as well as the community members who came forward to assist.”

-Chief Paul Oliveira-New Bedford Police Department 

“I am very pleased that this afternoon the fugitive was apprehended without incident and the children were located and are now in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Child and Family.  This case highlights the importance of quick action by various agencies working together to locate the fugitive and the missing children. When a child goes missing the early stages of the investigation are critical to safely locating them.  I am grateful for the cooperation of the Central American community in New Bedford, that was critical to apprehending the suspect.”

According to NBC 10, FIFA announced that Gillette Stadium will be one of the 16 venues to host matches for the 2026 World Cup. The last time there was a Men's World Cup played in North America was in 1994. Boston was selected from a field of 22 finalist cities across Mexico, Canada and the United States.

FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to be the largest to date with 80 matches across the three countries, featuring 48 teams from around the world.

BOSTON (June 16, 2022) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced an additional case of monkeypox in an adult male with recent international travel, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to seven since May.

 Initial testing was completed late Wednesday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain; confirmatory testing will be done at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 DPH is working with local health officials, the patient, and healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while he was infectious. The individual is currently isolating to prevent spread to others. 

June 16, 2022
 
A recent investigation has resulted in felony warrants to issue for the apprehension and arrest Leon Mejia-Vicente.  These warrants issued on June 8, 2022 out of the New Bedford District Court and charge Leon Mejia-Vicente with multiple counts of Rape and Sexual abuse of a Child.   When the warrants issued, the suspect had been living at 8 Madeira Avenue in New Bedford with his two children, his five-year-old son, Hector Mejia-Saquic and his seventeen-year-old daughter, Petronila Mejia-Saquic (aka Marta Saquic).
 
Since that time, the suspect and his five-year-old son have not been seen.  On Tuesday of this week, June 14th, the suspect’s 17-year-old daughter attended her 1st period morning class at a school in New Bedford.  She was last seen leaving school after that class when she went to a couple of locations in New Bedford.  
 
Since that time, there has been no contact or any other sightings of the suspect or his two children.  The suspect and his children have strong ties to the Guatemalan community and all three do not speak English. 
 
The Suspect is a violent fugitive who is on the run and his children are considered endangered.  
 
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is working with many agencies to include the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Unit, the New Bedford Police Department, United States Marshals, and other agencies to quickly apprehend the suspect and locate the children to confirm their safety and well-being.  
 
 
 

With Massachusetts continuing to experience dry conditions in much of the state over the course of the last several months, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 2-Signficant Drought in both the Northeast and Southeast Regions of the Commonwealth. 

Additionally, along with the Islands Region, which was declared a Level 1-Mild Drought last month, the Connecticut River Valley and Central Regions of the state have been elevated to Level 1, as well. 

Currently, the Western and Cape Cod Regions of the Commonwealth will remain in Level 0-Normal conditions.

 As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 2-Significant Drought warrants the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, 

impacts and response within the government, and a Level 1-Mild Drought warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

Cases are isolating, and contact tracing is ongoing

BOSTON (June 15, 2022) - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two additional cases of monkeypox in adult males, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to six since May.

Initial testing was completed late Tuesday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain; confirmatory testing will be done at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DPH is working with local health officials, the patient, and the healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. The individuals are currently isolating to prevent spread to others; there is no known connection between these two new cases. 

Current data from CDC indicates that there have been 72 cases of monkeypox virus this year in US residents; this includes the first identified case in Massachusetts which was confirmed on May 18. There have been no deaths in the US or globally related to this outbreak and patients generally recover fully in 2-4 weeks.

Although many of the early cases were associated with international travel, recent cases are not. Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men make up a large proportion of the cases identified to date. However, the risk is not limited to the LGBT community, and anyone who has been in close 

Ruling in a case filed two years ago by Rhode Island Legal Services and the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, a Superior Court judge has found that the Council of Elementary and Secondary Education (“Council”) and the state Department of Education violated the rights of students who were English Language Learners (EL) by providing them less support than the law requires. Judge Netti Vogel ordered the Department to consider what compensatory services the students were owed. 

The dispute dates back to 2016 when attorneys for RILS and the ACLU-RI filed an administrative complaint with RIDE on behalf of parents of English Learners in Providence whose children had been provided with few or no direct services by a certified EL teacher. Providence claimed that the children were being adequately served by educators who consulted with an EL certified teacher as infrequently as once every two months and for no specified amount of time. The complaint argued that this “Consultation model” was inadequate under state regulations, and further that it discriminated against children with disabilities by denying them even the less-than-adequate EL services provided to students without disabilities. 

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice independently concluded that Providence’s “Consultation model” was “educationally unsound” and invalid under federal laws, but both RIDE and the Council refused to take that determination into account in claiming that its use was lawful under state regulations. It was after that decision by the Council that RILS attorney Veronika Kot and ACLU of RI cooperating attorney Ellen Saideman filed suit in Superior Court against the program.  The suit was filed a week after the Council rejected a request from 15 organizations to amend its regulations to bar this type of inadequate service to EL students.

Reviewing the “Consultation model” program in depth, Judge Vogel held that the school district had “violated the clear and unambiguous language” of state regulations by 

“fail[ing] to respect the rights of ELLs to receive special education ‘so as to ensure that the students’ educational needs are met on a basis equal to that provided to other students’ and failed to ‘ensure that programs for English Language Learners are based on sound educational theory and appropriately supported, with adequate and effective staff and resources, so that the program may reasonably be expected to be successful.’” (ellipses and brackets omitted)

In a court brief filed in the case, the RILS and ACLU attorneys had argued that by “inviting untrained general or special educators to provide ‘specialized language instruction’ they have not been prepared to provide, the decision of the Council effectively demolishes the entire state regulatory scheme intended to ensure the quality of EL services. In fact, it opens a loophole that swallows the entire quality assurance scheme of Rhode Island’s regulations.” 

RILS attorney Kot said today: “This is a critical decision that benefits all English Learners in Rhode Island. It recognizes that they are entitled to receive direct services from teachers certified in the teaching of English Learners. It recognizes that special education students who are also English Learners must receive services that are appropriate to their particular needs, and that any program must be based on sound research and adequate resources. Because the rights of these students have long remained unaddressed, it is hoped that both Providence and the State Department of Education act quickly to make these students whole.

ACLU of RI cooperating attorney Saideman added: “Judge Vogel's opinion could not be clearer. I hope that the Commissioner and Providence will now do the right thing and focus on providing EL students with the compensatory services that they are entitled to under this opinion.”

According to the DOJ findings, there were nearly 400 students who were placed in the Consultation Model and received practically no EL services. In ordering the state to consider appropriate compensatory services to the three named plaintiffs, Judge Vogel’s decision left open the possibility of requiring the state to provide similar services to other affected students.
 

BOSTON (June 14, 2022) - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced an additional case of monkeypox in an adult male, the fourth case in the past month.

Initial testing was completed late Monday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain; confirmatory testing will be done at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DPH is working with local health officials, the patient, and the healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while he was infectious. The case is currently isolating to prevent spread to others. 

Current data from CDC indicates that there have been 65 cases of monkeypox virus this year in US residents; this includes the first identified case in Massachusetts which was confirmed on May 18. There have been no deaths in the US or globally related to this outbreak and patients generally recover fully in 2-4 weeks.

Although many of the early cases were associated with international travel, recent cases are not. Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men make up a large proportion of the cases identified to date. However, the risk is not limited to the LGBT community, and anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. 

While the virus does not spread easily between people, people can spread the infection once they develop symptoms. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids and monkeypox sores, by touching items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or less commonly, through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. In many of the recent cases, the locations of the rash lesions suggest transmission during sexual contact. Examples where monkeypox can spread and where it does not:

•    Monkeypox can spread through:
o    Direct skin-skin contact with rash lesions. Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing while a person is infected.
o    Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone. Sharing towels or unwashed clothing.
o    Respiratory secretions through face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox).
•    Monkeypox does not spread through:
o    Casual conversations. Walking by someone with monkeypox in a grocery store. Touching items like doorknobs.

Clinicians are asked to be alert to the possibility of monkeypox virus infection in individuals who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox. Early symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, but rash may be the first symptom. Rash lesions start flat, become raised, fill with clear fluid (vesicles), and then become pustules (filled with pus). A person with monkeypox can have many lesions or may have only a few. More complete information about how to recognize monkeypox is available here. 

“While we are in this current outbreak, and even though monkeypox remains rare, people are encouraged to be mindful of their health,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “If you have any symptoms, and especially if you have a rash, it is best to avoid prolonged physical contact with anyone until you are well.”

Other things you can consider to help reduce the risk from monkeypox include:

•    Avoid large gatherings like raves and dance parties where you may have lots of close body contact with others

•    Ask any partner, especially new partners whose health status and recent travel history you are not familiar with, if they have any symptoms of monkeypox

•    Stay informed by reading information available on the DPH and CDC websites

As the CDC advises, if you believe you may have monkeypox, you should contact your health care provider. If you need to leave your home, wear a mask and cover your rash or lesions when around others. Those who live with or care for someone who may have monkeypox should wear a mask and disposable gloves if they need to have any direct contact with lesions and when handling any clothes or bedding if the person cannot do it themselves. They should also wash their hands regularly, especially after contact with the person who is infected or with their clothes, bed sheets, towels and other items or surfaces they may have touched. 

Clinicians should consult with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 to determine if testing is indicated. Consultation is required before submitting specimens.

For more information about this virus, visit https://www.mass.gov/monkeypox and https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox.
 

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The New Bedford Health Department, working closely with the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is again conducting its annual monitoring program to track the potential threat from mosquitoes that could be carrying EEE or WNV. 

Under the program, crews place traps to collect pools of mosquitoes and mosquito populations are monitored throughout the summer months. 

As part of the tracking program, the City’s Health Department is requesting that the Bristol County project target specific areas for spraying, including public parks and locations that host large public events. 

The Bristol County Mosquito Control Project therefore will conduct targeted ground spraying for mosquitoes early in the morning every Thursday beginning June 16, through late September. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the spraying will occur in the early hours of Friday mornings. 

The spraying will target areas including Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Common Park, Ashley Park, the Wing’s Court and Custom House Square areas, and the downtown area. 

Spraying will take place between 2 a.m. and sunrise on Thursday mornings, weather permitting. Inclement weather will lead to sprayings on Friday mornings. Residents near targeted areas may wish to close their windows on evenings prior to sprayings. 

Precautionary measures are advised to prevent EEE, WNV, and the Zika virus. 
Precautionary measures include the following: 

Avoid Mosquito Bites 
??Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – While mosquitoes are out at all hours of the day, their peak biting times are from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors. 

??Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. 

??Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home 
??Drain Standing Water - Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. 

??Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tight-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. 

The Golden State Warriors can become NBA Champions with a win Thursday Night at the T-D Garden in Boston, while the Celtics can extend the series to a Game Seven Sunday Night at Chase Center with a win on their home floor. 

The Celtics enter the game as 4 point favorites, with the over/under at 210.5

Coverage on WSAR at 95.9 and 1480 starts at 8:30, with Shawn Grande and Cedric Maxwell with the play-by-play at 9:08. 

The Red Sox and Athletics will play the third game of their series earlier in the afternoon, with the Visit Massachusetts pre game at 12:35 on the Red Sox Radio Network, and a first pitch at 1:35. 

The countdown to kickoff for the upcoming NFL season has officially begun. On Tuesday, July 26, the New England Patriots will report to training camp and then on Wednesday, July 27 the team will conduct their first training session on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots also confirmed open practices on Thursday, July 28, Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30. Times will be updated on the Patriots Training Camp website, www.patriots.com/trainingcamp and on the Patriots and Gillette Stadium apps once confirmed in the days leading into Training Camp.

In addition, the Patriots announced that public access to Training Camp will conclude when they host two days of joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, Aug. 16, and Wednesday, Aug. 17, prior to the preseason game at Gillette Stadium on Friday, Aug. 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Those practice sessions will be open to the public. The Patriots will also travel for joint practices with the Las Vegas Raiders prior to the preseason-finale on Friday, Aug. 26 at Allegiant Stadium. Last season, the Patriots traveled to Philadelphia for joint practices and hosted the New York Giants for practice sessions.

This year marks the 63rd annual training camp for the Patriots, including their 20th consecutive camp at Gillette Stadium. New England Patriots 2022 Training Camp is presented by Optum and all outdoor practice sessions are open to the public and free to attend.

Fans who plan to attend practices are encouraged to check the Patriots website or app for daily updates. Fans can also call the Training Camp hotline for updates by dialing (508) 549-0001.

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s office will once again hold its annual Bristol Plymouth Celebration of Seniors conference this Friday, June 17, at White’s of Westport.

The half-day event, which will begin with a free breakfast for all attendees at 9 a.m., will feature numerous speakers on issues of importance to seniors and their caretakers.  The conference will also be home to more than 60 vendors, all of whom provide resources to seniors in the region.  The event is free and open to the public and will be a one stop shop for any senior, caretaker or loved one to get the important information they need to protect and care for an elder.

Speakers include DA Quinn, Taryn Lee-Turgeon of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Mark Waggoner of Commonwealth Care Alliance, Deb Daviau of NaviCare-Fallon Health Care and Attorney Jane Sullivan, an expert in the field of estate planning and elder law.  The speaking program will run from 9 a.m to shortly after 10 a.m.  At the conclusion of the speaking portion of the conference, attendees will be free to browse the Senior Resource Fair, which will include more than 60 vendors and service providers.

A list of the more than 60 vendors who will be setting up resource tables is attached to this email, as is the event’s agenda.  Much of the conference will be broadcast live on WSAR 1480 AM, 1420 WBSM AM and 1540 WVBF radio stations.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

The Annual Celebration of Seniors Event is part of District Attorney Quinn’s dedication to senior issues.  After first being sworn in as district attorney in 2015, District Attorney Quinn immediately created a unique unit within the office devoted to elder abuse and elder financial exploitation prevention, prosecution and investigations.  The unit is comprised of expert investigators and prosecutors who have taken on complex elder financial abuse investigations that require more than just a police detective to solve.  In addition to focused investigatory and prosecution efforts, the unit, along with DA Quinn himself, have visited every senior center and council on aging in Bristol County on multiple occasions to present an informative prevention program aimed at equipping seniors with the knowledge they need to avoid becoming a victim of elder financial scams or elder abuse. 

The event is being co-sponsored by the Town of Rochester Council on Aging and Coastline Elderly Services. 
 

– On Thursday, June 16, FIFA will make its highly anticipated announcement of the cities and venues selected to host the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM, the first men’s World Cup contended in North America since 1994.

Boston is among the 22 finalists who will learn their fate in a live national broadcast event from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET. Should Boston be selected as a host city for FIFA World Cup 2026 ^TM, matches would be played at Gillette Stadium.

Gillette would have a new video board installed and other amenities which are currently under construciton and should be ready by the start of the 2023 NFL Season. 

BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox Foundation’s 20 years of impact will be recognized and celebrated in pregame ceremonies at Fenway Park preceding the Red Sox-Cardinals game this Friday, June 17, and throughout the evening game broadcast on NESN, presented by the Biogen Foundation.

During the ceremony and throughout the broadcast, leaders from the Red Sox and Red Sox Foundation will be joined by representatives from the Foundation’s core programs and partners to highlight its work in the areas of health, education, and recreation. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by members representing each program, including former RBI player Tatiana Burcy, Red Sox Scholar Armany Peguero, Home Base program Veteran Master Sergeant John Mory, Dimock Center Nurse Practitioner Ketura’h Edwards-Robinson, and six-year-old Jimmy Fund patient Mia Lee.

During the June 17 game, Red Sox players will wear a 20th anniversary patch on the right sleeve of their uniforms, opposite the Jerry Remy patch that is being worn all season on the left sleeve.

Red Sox Foundation support opportunities will be shared throughout the game, with three different ways for fans to engage: the 50/50 Raffle for which tickets can be purchased at Fenway Park or by Massachusetts residents online at RedSox.com/5050; by purchasing official Red Sox Foundation-branded merchandise online at 47brand.com and at the Official Team Store at 19 Jersey Street; and through direct donations to the team charity online at redsoxfoundation.org.

For two decades, the Foundation has transformed and saved lives through invaluable partnerships, self-run programs, and direct and indirect support of charitable institutions resulting in a total investment of over $104 million in the New England community over the past 20 years.

Since its creation, the Foundation has awarded more than 5,000 grants to non-profit organizations; provided over 1,500 scholarships for students to pursue higher education, supported 325 Boston Public Schools students through the Red Sox Scholars program with thousands of hours of tutoring and mentoring; helped over 30,000 Veterans and their family members suffering from the invisible wounds of war; supported the services of over 20,000 Massachusetts residents annually at The Dimock Center; and offered thousands of coaches and youth baseball and softball players access to clinics, equipment, and organized games and practices. In addition to this work, the Red Sox and Red Sox Foundation have sustained a 69-year partnership with The Jimmy Fund and helped raise over $156 million for Dana Farber cancer treatment and research.

The Red Sox Foundation operates out of Fenway Park with 12 full time employees, a dedicated 50/50 Raffle sales team, the support of the Boston Red Sox, and thousands of volunteers.

A fatal car crash occurred last night at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Route 44 in Seekonk.  The crash occurred around 6:04 pm.
 
The two deceased victims have now been identified as Robert and Winifred Langevin, both of whom were 70-years-old and resided together in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
 
The initial investigation into the crash has revealed that Mr. Langevin was driving a 2004 Corvette with his wife, Winifred, in the passenger seat. The Corvette was stopped at a stop sign on the northern section of Lincoln Street.  At the same time, a 2017 Jeep Wrangler was being driven eastbound on Route 44 by a 25-year-old woman.
 
Multiple witnesses told police that the Corvette attempted to cross Route 44 onto the south section of Lincoln Street just as the Jeep Wrangler was approaching the intersection.  The driver of the Jeep Wrangler applied her brakes and attempted to swerve out of the way of the Corvette, but had no opportunity to do so as the Corvette had cut right in front of her vehicle.
 
First responders rushed Robert Langevin to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.  Winifred Langevin was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.  The driver of the Jeep was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
 
It does not appear at this time that any criminal charges will be filed in connection to this incident.  Investigation continues. 
 
 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that it is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Campus in Jamaica Plain. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH), and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) collaborated over the course of the last 12 months to prepare the RFP for development of the site. 
 
To gather necessary input to inform plans for the Shattuck Hospital campus site, the Commonwealth has spent nearly four years engaging neighbors, advocates, elected officials, a community advisory group, and other stakeholders. In 2018-2019 a robust Public Health Needs and Services Assessment was conducted to plan for the programs and services on the campus and in the region. Following more than a year of extensive community engagement, the Commonwealth published a Vision Plan for the Redevelopment of the Shattuck Campus at Morton Street in February 2020 which outlined a “person-centered place, designed to promote health, reduce barriers to treatment and integrate care across physical and behavioral health and housing systems, while also prioritizing connections with the natural environment.” The use of the site is restricted to public health purposes, per the statute transferring Shattuck to the Commonwealth.  
 
The project includes the lease of approximately 13 acres for the purpose of creation and operation of a minimum of 75-100 units of new permanent supportive housing for individuals with substance use disorders and those who may be experiencing chronic homelessness and/or mental health issues. This project will allow for a continuum of services including behavioral health treatment, a limited scope of complementary medical services and dedication of a portion of the campus to publicly available open green space.
 
“This project will ensure that a campus long-devoted to improving the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents will continue to serve its primary purpose,” said Secretary of Health and Human Service Marylou Sudders. “The Commonwealth worked closely with frontline healthcare and housing providers, civic and neighborhood groups, municipal leaders and our network of community partners to craft a thorough and thoughtful redevelopment approach. This is a vital step in our effort to sustain behavioral health services to Massachusetts residents where and when they need it.”
 
The redevelopment process will include ground-leasing the site to a development partner(s) who will lead the design, planning, construction, and operation of the new campus in partnership with the Commonwealth. The project will help meet housing and substance use treatment needs throughout the city and region, promoting harm reduction and reducing barriers to treatment. Rejuvenated green spaces on the site and more sustainable systems and buildings will promote environmental health and wellness on the campus, advancing environmental goals and contributing to improved health outcomes. 
 
“This redevelopment partnership will represent a creative and cost-effective way to take a state asset beyond its useful life and leverage it for improved resources for those most vulnerable in our communities” said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Carol Gladstone. “By prioritizing supportive housing on this site, integrating access to vital programs and services, and improving connections with surrounding greenspace, this project has the potential to meet a key regional demand in a transformative way.” 
 
 

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announce that DEM will receive $846,343 in grants from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace freight trucks and marine engines that move goods and services across the state and non-road port cargo-handling equipment serving the Port of Providence.

The funding is coming through the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program, a federal-state initiative run by EPA and state environmental agencies that protects human health and improves air quality by reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines, and was secured by DEM’s Office of Air Resources (OAR).

New Bedford, Massachusetts – City offices will be closed to the public on Monday, June 20, as New Bedford observes the Juneteenth holiday. This includes the public libraries. Buttonwood Park Zoo will remain open. 

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, specifically the date that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally notified of their emancipation on June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Juneteenth was first recognized in Massachusetts in 2007 and was formally designated a state holiday during the summer of 2020. Observance of the holiday began in 2021, and Mayor Jon Mitchell designated Juneteenth a City-observed holiday beginning that year. 

Monday’s observance will delay residential trash, recycling, bulky pickup and yard waste routes by one day. Commercial recycling also will be delayed by one day. Commercial collection for trash & cardboard will be on schedule. 

The Golden State Warriors will have a chance Thursday Night to close out the NBA Finals with a win in the T-D Garden, after taking game 5 in Chase Center in San Francisco by a 104-94 final. 

The Warriors entered game 5 as 4 point home favorites, with 210 as the over/under. 

The Warriors lead the series 3-2 with game 6 Thursday on WSAR at 95.9 and 1480.

The Celtics took a third quarter lead before the Warriors offense got into gear, while the Celtics lost their poise, missing critical free throws in the final 12 minutes. 

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will launch the nationwide Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese of Fall River with a special Mass and procession on Saturday, June 18, at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River.

At 4 p.m. that afternoon, the bishop will celebrate Mass for the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in the school’s auditorium and an outdoor Eucharistic Procession will follow on the school grounds.

Bishop da Cunha has extended an invitation to all members of the Diocese of Fall River to attend. Bishop Connolly High School is located at 373 Elsbree Street in Fall River.

Similar events will take place in dioceses across the country on that June 18-19th weekend as the National Eucharistic Revival officially begins. The Revival is a three-year initiative sponsored by the Bishops of the United States intended to inspire and to revive devotion and belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and then to encourage a sharing of that gift with others. The milestone event of the Revival will be a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Ind., in July 2024. 

Bishop da Cunha said that he is looking forward to gathering with Catholics from across the diocese to begin the Eucharistic Revival.

“It’s an important opportunity for us to re-kindle our love for the Eucharist, to recognize the presence of Jesus in the gift of the Eucharist, and to re-connect with Him, with the Church, and with our faith,” the bishop said.

Diocesan Secretary for the New Evangelization David Carvalho is leading a committee of clergy and lay members in planning Eucharistic Revival events in the Diocese of Fall River. Carvalho said that, as a sign of the unity of the diocese, parishes have been encouraged to send a delegation to the June 18th inaugural Mass and Procession and that several spiritual groups in the diocese will also have representatives participating.

The National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress are a direct response to Pope Francis’ call for a “pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are” so that the Church in the United States might be “permanently in a state of mission.” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 25)

This Eucharistic movement seeks to bring together clergy, religious, laity, apostolates, movements, and parish and diocesan leaders to spur momentum, collaboration, and lasting impact for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the U.S. over the next three years. Each year will have a different strategic focus. 
 

Workers at Seven Stars Bakery employed at locations on Broadway, Hope St and Point St announce filing for union elections as the company contemplates voluntary recognition

Providence, RI – Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local Union 328, which represents 11,000 workers in a variety of industries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, announced that the hardworking baristas, counter staff, keyholders and re-stockers employed at three (3) Seven Stars Bakery locations in Providence, Rhode Island, filed for their union elections.

On Friday, June 10th, workers delivered signed letters at each of their locations, calling on the company to respect their wishes to unionize and to voluntarily recognize their union. Fifty (50) workers, representing an overwhelming majority of employees, signed onto the letters. The company responded and stated they are currently undecided whether they will accept the workers request for voluntary recognition. While the workers await a response, they filed for their union elections with the National Labor Relations Board.

The letter, addressed to Seven Stars Bakery owners Bill and Tracy Daugherty, reads:

“We, the dedicated undersigned employees of Seven Stars Bakery at Hope St., Point St., and Broadway, in Providence, RI, formally request Seven Stars Bakery to recognize United Food and Commercial Workers Local 328 (UFCW 328) and begin the bargaining process.

    The greatest strength of the Seven Stars Bakery team is our genuine commitment to our coworkers and our communities. The common thread among employees' favorite aspects of working at Seven Stars is that we have developed valuable and lasting relationships with our coworkers and our customers, building a real sense of community throughout and beyond the company.

Our goal as employees at SSB is to exemplify the vision, mission, and values as set forth to us by the Company. We respect and celebrate the strength of individuality and diversity across our teams and our commitment to working together to hold each other up, fostering integrity, community, and passion. It is impressed upon every new employee that the culture of Seven Stars Bakery is "created by the people who work here". Without the passion and dedication of each member of our teams, there is no Seven Stars Bakery.

In the spirit of the values laid out by SSB, and in good faith, we respectfully seek union recognition. We ask that the company reaffirm their commitment to their values by voluntarily working with UFCW 328 to show that SSB truly is “proud that we are still true to the high standards and rich culture that were present when we first opened our doors.” We hope that we may work together to rebuild these high standards and rich culture while ensuring a more equitable and fair workplace for all.”

Izzie Cossey, a barista at the Hope St location shared, “We all love what we do - serving coffee & pastries to our wonderful customers. Unionizing is a step we are taking to ensure a better environment for our workers, which will strengthen the connections between baristas and coffee-drinkers alike. We appreciate the support everyone has given us, and encourage you to keep coming back to Seven Stars; you're the reason we're here in the first place!”

Charlie Saperstein, a barista employed at the Point St location added, “We care about our work, and we believe forming a union will be a benefit to Seven Stars. Like anyone else, we want to have a say in what our jobs look like, and our hope is that collective bargaining can help give us more autonomy.”

Charlie stated further, “Seven Stars management cut employees’ pay at the start of the pandemic and hasn’t given any indication of a return to pre-pandemic wages, even as they opened a new store and made plans to expand further. We want to see recognition from management that everyone who works at the bakery should benefit from our collective success. It’s also been really meaningful to see the support from the community since we announced our intention to unionize. I’ve never felt prouder to work at Seven Stars.”

Sam Marvin, Director of Organizing at UFCW Local 328, added, “We are proud of the amazing staff at Seven Stars for taking this empowering step. Together, they have made Seven Stars Bakery a staple of our communities. By forming their union, they will be able to address important concerns that will strengthen their workplaces and futures.”

After forming their union, Seven Stars employees will focus on addressing key concerns in negotiations including securing wage increases, reducing dependency on tips, acquiring benefits for part-time workers, creating more full-time opportunities, obtaining workplace protections, and importantly, addressing the company’s “on-call day” practices in order to provide better economic security and improved work/life balance. 

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UFCW Local 328 represents over 11,000 workers in a range of industries across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. 

Club Recalls Right-Handed Pitcher Kutter Crawford from Triple-A Worcester
June 12, 2022

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today placed right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-Day Injured List with low back inflammation, retroactive to June 9. To fill Eovaldi’s spot on the active roster, the club recalled right-handed pitcher Kutter Crawford from Triple-A Worcester.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Eovaldi, 32, is 4-2 with a 3.16 ERA (24 ER/68.1 IP), 72 strikeouts, 10 walks, and a .244 opponent batting average in 12 starts for the Red Sox this season. In his last two starts, both Red Sox wins, the right-hander has not allowed a run (11.0 IP, 10 H, 1 BB, 13 SO). On May 28, he tossed his first career complete game in Boston’s 5-3 win against the Baltimore Orioles.

Crawford, 26, has posted a 7.43 ERA (11 ER/13.1 IP) in four appearances (three starts) for Triple-A Worcester. The right-hander made his first Opening Day roster with Boston this season and has recorded an 8.44 ERA (10 ER/10.2 IP) in eight appearances with the Red Sox, all in relief.

Westwood, MA, June 13, 2022 — Massachusetts’s average gas price is up 8 cents from last week ($4.96), averaging $5.04 per gallon. Today’s price is 57 cents higher than a month ago ($4.47), and $2.10 higher than June 13, 2021 ($2.94). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 3 cents higher than the national average.

The cost of a barrel of oil remains elevated, as demand continues to outpace global supply despite ongoing releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline demand hasn’t weakened significantly enough to affect crude oil prices. All eyes will be on domestic gasoline demand over the next few weeks to see if record prices force consumers to cut back. 

“With gas prices near or above five dollars, and inflation at a four-decade high, many consumers will begin to change their driving habits, but demand is still high, said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “After two consecutive summers of restricted travel and socialization, Americans seem more reluctant to stay home in spite of strain on their budgets.”

AAA Northeast’s June 13 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 15 cents higher than last week ($4.86), averaging $5.01 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 58 cents higher than a month ago ($4.43), and $1.94 higher than this day last year ($3.07).

The Baker-Polito Administration continues to increase the availability of free COVID-19 tests and this week will begin distributing over 2 million rapid tests for municipalities to provide to their residents.

The Baker-Polito Administration has made these tests available to all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth, and to date a total of 264 municipalities have requested tests. Each municipality will determine how to distribute tests to their residents. 

“This initiative builds upon the Commonwealth’s nation-leading efforts to make testing accessible for residents throughout the pandemic,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Along with vaccines and treatments, testing remains an important tool to manage COVID, which is why we will continue to ensure testing resources remain widely available.”

“Our Administration is pleased to work with municipalities on this effort to get more rapid tests to residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Rapid tests are an efficient and flexible way for individuals to protect themselves and their communities from the virus.”

Over the past six months, the administration has secured nearly 30 million rapid antigen tests for Massachusetts residents, municipalities, and a broad range of educational, health, human services, food banks, shelter, correctional, senior and low-income housing, and other community-based organizations. Today’s announcement marks the latest step in the Administration’s effort to provide COVID-19 tests for residents across the Commonwealth. 

“The Administration remains committed to providing our residents with the tools to manage COVID-19 and testing is one key tool to combat the spread of COVID-19” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, "We will continue our aggressive efforts to provide these crucial tools, to ensure the safety and health of Massachusetts residents.”

Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccination rates with over 84 percent of eligible residents fully vaccinated and over half of adults boosted. COVID-19 tests are one risk-reduction tool Massachusetts residents have access to, along with vaccinations, that can protect individuals by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. 

The tests are being distributed on a rolling basis over the next two weeks.  For a list of the municipalities, please visit here.

The Department of Public Health advises residents to observe the following protocols to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID:

o    Get vaccinated and stay up to date. The best protection against COVID-19 is remaining up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. That means being fully vaccinated and getting a booster.  A fully vaccinated person is much less likely to get sick or spread the virus that causes COVID-19, especially if they have their booster shot. https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

o    Take a test. Testing remains an important part of reducing the spread of COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19 is widely available in Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing

o    Get treatment. Residents who test positive should talk to their doctor right away about COVID-19 treatment options that are available for individuals who have mild to moderate symptoms. Learn more at www.mass.gov/covidtreatments

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According to CBS 12 in Providence, the city of Attleboro announced Friday that in order to meet the demand for water this summer, it needs to reopen its Wading River water treatment facility. Officials say the city needs to provide 6.5 to 8 million gallons per day of water to residents throughout the summer months. The West Street water plant currently produces close to 4 million gallons per day and is capable of producing more, according to the city, but doing so would lead to faster depletion of the reservoir it pulls from. By opening the Wading River plant on or around June 20, close to an additional 2 million gallons per day would be produced. Given the current situation, city officials said there are no better options, saying that Keeping the Wading River plant offline would lead to strict water-use restrictions and deplete reserves feeding the West Street plant. On the other hand, they said restarting the Wading River plant would help alleviate water levels from other sources and make restrictions less likely later in the summer. The city plans to use federal APRA grant money to offset the cost of the project.

Residents who have concerns about water quality will be able to access water, free of charge, at the West Street facility, according to the city.

The Boston Celtics are in San Francisco's Chase Center to take on the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Finals, with the series even at 2 games each. 

Coverage start time on WSAR happens at 8:30 tonight, with the tip just after 9:08pm, on the Celtics Radio Network. 

Game 6 will be in Boston's T-D Garden Thursday on WSAR, where the secondary market is showing tickets going for well over $1,000 each. 

System’s hospital paid physicians and physician practices for services not performed

BOSTON – Steward Health Care System LLC (Steward) and several related corporate entities have agreed to pay approximately $4.735 million to resolve allegations that its relationships with several physicians and physician practice groups violated federal law, including the False Claims Act. Despite its public denials, in the signed settlement agreement, Steward “admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility” for the facts underlying the government’s allegations.

Steward is one of the largest, private for-profit health care networks in the nation and the owner of multiple hospitals in Massachusetts. Steward owns and operates Steward Good Samaritan Medical Center, Inc. (GSMC), a for-profit hospital in Brockton.

According to the settlement agreement, in 2011, GSMC entered into an agreement with Brockton Urology Clinic (Brockton Urology) which obligated Brockton Urology to administer a Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence at GSMC. Steward admits that, since at least January 2012, GSMC had no Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence and Brockton Urology did not provide the services specified in the agreement with GSMC. However, from April 2011 through December 2017, GSMC purportedly paid Brockton Urology pursuant to the agreement and Brockton Urology referred patients to GSMC. 

The United States reached a separate settlement agreement with Brockton Urology in February 2022 regarding this conduct.

GSMC entered into a similar agreement with a separate physician practice. Steward paid that physician practice from April 2011 through December 2015, purportedly for cancer center services. During a portion of that time, GSMC had an agreement that obligated the practice to provide a physician to serve as the director of GSMC’s Prostate Cancer Program. Steward admits, however, that the physician practice never provided a physician to serve as the director of GSMC’s Prostate Cancer Program and, in fact, did not perform any of the services specified in the agreement. That practice also referred patients to GSMC.

Over the course of the government’s investigation, Steward disclosed facts concerning two other sets of physician relationships that the United States contends violated federal law. First, in October 2010, Steward entered into a compensation arrangement with a physician pursuant to which the physician agreed to serve as GSMC’s Medical Director of Post-Acute Care Services. Steward admits that it has been unable to confirm that the physician performed the services but that it still paid the physician from November 2010 through June 2016 and that the physician referred patients to GSMC during that period. Second, Steward admits that it failed to charge the proper rent on some of its leases with physicians, physician organizations and non-physician organizations, resulting in some of those entities paying rent below fair market value. Steward admits that between January 2010 and October 2015, it leased real property to these physicians and physician organizations and that those entities were referral sources for Steward’s Massachusetts hospitals. 

In connection with the settlement, GSMC has entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), which provides for an annual review of its financial arrangements for compliance with the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law by an Independent Review Organization.

“This case is about fraud, waste, and abuse by Steward at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “When hospitals like Steward violate the law, we will work tirelessly to recover from them taxpayer money in order to ensure that Medicare and Medicaid funds are going to treat patients instead of supporting fraud.”

“Financial and referral arrangements between hospitals and physician practices that violate federal health care laws undermine the integrity of crucial medical decision-making,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG. “This settlement is an example of the government’s combined efforts to protect Federal health care programs and their beneficiaries from those who are alleged to have violated these laws.”

“This settlement should serve as a warning to hospitals that they should not pay referring doctors for services that they did not provide,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Here a hospital paid referring physicians under the guise of a bogus cancer center. The FBI is proud to work alongside our partners to make sure hospitals follow the law and to root out fraud anywhere in the system.”

The False Claims Act settlement resolves Steward’s self-disclosures and allegations originally brought by a lawsuit filed by whistleblowers under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties, known as relators, to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. In connection with today’s announced settlement, the relators will receive 17 percent of the recovery. 

U.S. Attorney Rollins, HHS-OIG SAC Coyne and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. The Department of Defense’s Office of the Inspector General also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles B. Weinograd and Jessica J. Weber of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.

Cases are isolating and contact tracing has begun

BOSTON (June 12, 2022) - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two cases of monkeypox in two adult men who had close contact with one another. Initial testing was completed late Saturday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain; confirmatory testing will be done at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Neither case reports a known link to the first case identified in Massachusetts. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) will lead the case investigations and work with DPH, the patients, and their healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. The cases are currently isolating to prevent spread to others.  

Current data from CDC indicates that there have been 49 cases of monkeypox virus this year in US residents; this includes the first identified case in Massachusetts which was confirmed on May 18. There have been no deaths in the US or globally related to this outbreak and patients generally recover fully in 2-4 weeks. Although many of the early cases were associated with international travel, recent cases are not. Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men make up a large proportion of the cases identified to date. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. While the virus does not spread easily between people, people can spread the infection once they develop symptoms. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids and monkeypox sores, by touching items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or less commonly, through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. 

Clinicians are asked to be alert to the possibility of monkeypox virus infection in individuals who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox. Early symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, but rash may be the first symptom. Rash lesions start flat, become raised, fill with clear fluid (vesicles), and then become pustules (filled with pus). A person with monkeypox can have many lesions or may have only a few. More complete information about how to recognize monkeypox is available here. 

“Although monkeypox infections remain rare, and none of the close contacts from Massachusetts’ first case developed monkeypox during their monitoring period, the CDC is reporting that cases continue to rise across the United States,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and to be vigilant. Individuals with concerning rashes should contact their healthcare provider.”

As the CDC advises, if you believe you may have monkeypox, you should contact your health care provider. If you need to leave your home, wear a mask and cover your rash or lesions when around others. Those who live with or care for someone who may have monkeypox should wear a mask and disposable gloves if they need to have any direct contact with lesions and when handling any clothes or bedding if the person cannot do it themselves. They should also wash their hands regularly, especially after contact with the person who is infected or with their clothes, bed sheets, towels and other items or surfaces they may have touched. 

Clinicians should consult with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 to determine if testing is indicated. Consultation is required before submitting specimens.

For more information about this virus, visit https://www.mass.gov/monkeypox and https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox.
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Fans Encouraged to Nominate Fathers by June 11

BOSTON, MA – In celebration of Father’s Day, the Red Sox will be selecting 10 lucky fathers for a “Father’s Day Out at Fenway Park” on Sunday, June 19. To be chosen for the opportunity, fans are encouraged to tell the club why their dad deserves a free day at the ballpark. Father’s Day at Fenway Park is presented by Bank of America.

Nominations can be made at redsox.com/fathersdayout. Entries must be received by Saturday, June 11 at 5 p.m. EDT. Red Sox staff members will review the submissions and choose 10 deserving dads for this special opportunity. Winners will be informed on Thursday, June 16.

Father’s Day Out at Fenway Park includes two tickets to the 1:35 p.m. Red Sox-Cardinals game on Sunday, June 19. Winners will receive a $100 gift card to the Red Sox Team Store and enjoy a pre-game meal in the State Street Pavilion Club or Dell Technologies Club.

In Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics are four point home favorites versus the Golden State Warriors inside the T-D Garden, with pregame on WHTB at 8:30 on the Celtics Radio Network, with a 9:08 tip. 

The over/under is 214.5 according to VSIN.com

Games 5, 6 and 7 will all be on WSAR, beginning on Monday, when Game 5 is in the Chase Center in San Francisco, with a possible game 6 in the T-D Garden in Boston Thursday,  and a potential Game 7 Sunday June 19 in Northern California. 

BOSTON (June 10, 2022) — Today, the Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated guidance regarding the use of masks and face coverings in the Commonwealth. Recognizing that Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccination rates with over 84 percent of eligible residents fully vaccinated and over half of adults boosted, and in light of recent improvements in COVID-19 indicators, effective July 1, 2022, the new guidance advises that masks indoors are optional for most individuals, regardless of vaccination status. 

Massachusetts residents have ready access to vaccines, rapid tests, and therapeutics – all the resources needed to prevent severe illness and the Commonwealth’s COVID data shows these tools work.

“To protect friends and family members, residents are reminded that getting a vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Based on our nation-leading vaccination efforts, DPH now recommends that Massachusetts residents have the option to make a personal choice about wearing a mask or face covering in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.”

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing masks or face coverings in certain settings, including in health care facilities.  DPH continues to advise masks for individuals with a weakened immune system, those at increased risk for severe disease because of age or underlying conditions, or who have a household member with a weakened immune system and at increased risk.

Visit www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings remain required. Today, state requirements for face coverings in certain congregate care settings were also adjusted

Healogics names St. Luke’s Hospital a Center of Distinction for wound care services

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Southcoast Health officials announced today that the Wound Care Center at St. Luke’s Hospital is a 2022 recipient of the Center of Distinction Award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. 

The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent.

“The Southcoast Health Wound Care Center is a valuable service line that helps dramatically increase the quality of life for patients in our region,” said Jacqueline Somerville, Senior Vice president and Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast Health. “I am so proud of everyone who has helped make this achievement possible and for the outstanding work our staff and providers do to continue bringing exceptional care to patients in our community.” 

The Southcoast Health Wound Care Centers at St. Luke’s and at Charlton Memorial in Fall River offer highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. 

“We are always working with our patients and their care teams to develop a personalized approach to care for their chronic wounds,” said Mari Murphy, Wound Care Practice Manager at St. Luke’s Hospital. “In our program, we are proud to help improve patients’ quality of life and overall health by treating non-healing wounds with the goal of healing them.”  

According to data from Healogics, nearly 7 million Americans are living with chronic wounds, and specialized care can reduce the risk of amputation by nearly 50 percent. 

Advanced wound care modalities provided by wound care experts include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings, compression therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen treatments.  

“Celebrating Wound Care Awareness Month this June, we want to remind patients how important it is to receive care for chronic wounds early,” said Cheryl Thompson, RN, Wound Care Program Director at Southcoast Health. “Early detection can help prevent complications such as infection, hospitalization and in severe cases amputation.” 

To learn more about the Wound Care Center at Southcoast Health please visit Wound Care Fall River & New Bedford MA | Southcoast Health. 
 

The policy mandating international travelers provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test upon entering the United States will be lifted this Sunday, June 12th at midnight.  

The Biden administration announced today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer require U.S. citizens or international travelers arriving at American airports to provide negative testing documentation.  The requirement has been in place since January 2021. The policy change will be reassessed by the CDC in 90 days.

Cyndi Zesk, Vice President of Travel at AAA Northeast said, “We should acknowledge the work of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Dr. Ashish Jha, and others in the administration for advocating for this policy change.  While it will certainly help the US tourism industry regain its footing with inbound travelers it will also instill confidence in all travelers who have been waiting to travel internationally but were hesitant due to the mandatory testing upon return to the US. Our surveys demonstrate that people are enthusiastic and confident about traveling internationally thanks to high vaccination rates and scientific advancements.”

A fact sheet released by the U.S. Department of Commerce this week outlines the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy and emphasizes the critical role of travel and tourism for the U.S. economy.  Travel and tourism were the top services export for the United States in 2019, generating a $53.4 billion trade surplus.  While domestic travel has rebounded to nearly pre-pandemic levels, international travel lagged by 14% due to travel restrictions resulting in travel exports decreasing nearly 65% from 2019 to 2020.

AAA’s travel advisors can assist with questions regarding travel requirements and restrictions, visit www.AAA.com/Travel for more information.
 

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Project Beacon’s appointment-based COVID-19 testing at New Bedford Regional Airport—part of the state’s Stop the Spread program—is offering testing on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. 

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. 

Contact Project Beacon by email at help@beacontesting.com; or by calling 617-741-7310.

The federal government is offering free at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits online, at COVIDtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests. Each order includes eight rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. 

If you test positive with a rapid test, isolate for at least five days and notify close contacts. State guidance on isolation and quarantining can be found here.

If you test negative, re-testing a day or more later is advised, particularly if you have symptoms or a known exposure to the virus. 

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: 

Tuesday, June 14: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, June 16:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 19: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, June 21: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, June 23:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 26: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Free, walk-up COVID-19 clinics in New Bedford offer all CDC-approved vaccine doses and boosters, for adults and youth. Bringing your vaccination card when getting a booster shot is helpful, but not required. 

Clinics provided by Seven Hills Behavioral Health, unless otherwise marked.

Visit vaxnb.com for updated schedules of local COVID-19 vaccination and testing locations. Upcoming vaccine locations in New Bedford include:

Saturday, June 11:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults 

-    Junta Mon Music Festival at the Cape Verdean Cultural Center / Island Park (1157 Acushnet Ave.) – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J & J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults 

Monday, June 13:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Wednesday, June 15:
-    Community Economic Development Center (1501 Acushnet Ave.) – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults 

Friday, June 17:
-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Saturday, June 18:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults 

Monday, June 20:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Wednesday, June 22:
-    Community Economic Development Center (1501 Acushnet Ave.) – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults 

Friday, June 24:
-    Brooklawn Park (1997 Acushnet Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for children and adults

Reminder on the importance of vaccinations: 

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 to consider ahead of large gatherings, which can lead to super-spreader events, clusters, hospitalizations, and severe illness among people who are unvaccinated. 

State Resources for Vaccine Records, Locations 
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has free online services to find your personal vaccine records and local vaccination locations, including many pharmacies. 
Access your vaccine records at https://myvaxrecords.mass.gov/, and find local listings at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.

A fire that ripped through a Fall River home earlier this week that sent seven people to the hospital was deemed accidental by the state fire marshal. According to CBS 12 in Providence, The multi-family home on Alden Street caught fire on the night of June 5 as an investigation followed by state and city officials determined the fire started in the first-floor dining room and spread from there. While the exact cause of the fire is officially “undetermined,” State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said it was most likely electrical in nature since investigators found a large number of extension cords, power strips, adapters and a space heater in the area. An elderly woman who was pulled from the burning home by two bystanders was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, officials said, while three other occupants and three firefighters were transported with less serious injuries including At least one other person who was treated at the scene.

The building inspector estimated it will cost around $500,000 to repair the home.

According to ABC 6, The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office released a statement that a New Bedford man was sentenced to up to three-and-a-half years in prison on gun and drug charges. Teagan Dauphin Potter was arrested last April after police found numerous illegal substances including over 40 fentanyl tabs, 342 amphetamine tabs, and a bag of crack cocaine in his bedroom during a search. Investigators were also able to find a loaded pistol and over $13,000 in cash.

Potter pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to a list of charges including possession of an illegal firearm and possession with intent to distribute a class D and B drug.

According to ABC 6, Rhode Island's House Judiciary Committee will vote on three gun control measures today. One bill would raise the age to buy guns and ammunition from 18 to 21-years-old while the other bill would make it illegal to have a loaded shotgun or rifle in public. A third bill proposal would make it a felony to own semi-automatic firearm magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

That meeting starts at 3 p.m at the Rhode Island state house.

Police are investigating after two threats were reported at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School in less than 24 hours. According to CBS 12 in Providence, the first threat was reported Tuesday, when police said that graffiti was discovered in a boys bathroom forcing the school to be placed into lock down. The school was placed into lockdown again yesterday morning after a student found two live bullets inside the same bathroom. Officers quickly responded to the high school and searched the entire building, though no suspicious items were found. Both incidents remain under investigation and it is unclear at this time whether they are connected. Superintendent Anthony Azar confirmed those responsible will be disciplined accordingly and that there will be a police presence at the high school for the remainder of the year.

Anyone who has any information about either incident is urged to contact the Dighton Police Department.

A 22-year-old New Bedford man arrested last April for distributing a wide array of narcotics from his home while also in possession of an illegal firearm was sentenced to serve two and=-a-half to three-and-a-half years in prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Teagan Dauphin Potter pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with possession of an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute amphetamines, possession with intent to distribute a class D drug and possession of a class B drug.

On April 28, 2021, New Bedford Police’s Organized Crime Investigation Bureau detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Tarkilin Hill Road where the defendant lives wit his parents.  Inside the defendant’s bedroom, police seized 41 fentanyl tabs, 342 amphetamine tabs, 199 adderall pills, a bag of crack cocaine, 129, THC vape cartridges, 765 THC edibles, more than two-and-a-half pounds of marijuana, a loaded Glock 19 9mm pistol with a large capacity magazine, an additional magazine and more than $13,000 in cash. The defendant was placed into custody and arrested.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson and the prison sentence was imposed by Judge William White. 
 

A Boston BDS group released a chart alleging Jewish groups were connected to a network of government, media and police and linking them to a range of malign activities

By
Marc Rod
 June 9, 2022

Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) said on Wednesday that a report released last week by a Boston-area Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement group plays on millennia-old antisemitic tropes and could inflame violence against the Jewish community.

The group, calling itself the “Mapping Project,” alleges sinister connections between Jewish and pro-Israel groups across Massachusetts and government, politicians, the police and the media, and blames these groups for a range of nefarious activities. The group plotted the locations of the organizations on an interactive state map — drawing lines between the Jewish groups and institutions the project claims they influence — and released the addresses and names of some of the groups’ staffers.

The project’s organizers accuse the groups — which include the local Jewish Community Relations Council and Synagogue Council, the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Community, a Jewish high school, local philanthropies, an arts group and J Street  — of ties to “harms that we see as linked, such as policing, US imperialism, and displacement/ethnic cleansing.”

“Our goal in pursuing this collective mapping was to reveal the local entities and networks that enact devastation, so we can dismantle them,” the organizers wrote in an op-ed published on Mondoweiss. “Every entity has an address, every network can be disrupted.” Local Jewish leaders have said this amounts to a call to “dismantle” the entire Massachusetts Jewish community.

“This is just chilling to me. It is tapping into millennia-old antisemitic tropes about nefarious Jewish wealth, control, conspiracy, media connections and political string-pulling,” Auchincloss, who represents an area in the Boston suburbs with a large Jewish population, and is himself Jewish, told Jewish Insider. “To name names and keep lists, which has a very sinister history in Judaism, in terms of how we are targeted, is very irresponsible. [The group] needs to take this down and apologize.”

Auchincloss tied the release of this project to current debates in the House over gun violence, explaining that he believes history shows that previous efforts to “keep lists” of Jews “can incite violence” and “inflame the deranged among us to take the next step from contemplating to acting upon violence.”

The Mapping Project’s organizers did not respond to a request for comment.

“[The organizers] need to recognize actions that have the potential to incite violence, especially in a moment of heightened antisemitism and gun violence,” Auchincloss continued.

He said that the project carries echoes of “a very sinister vein of Western history” — efforts to identify and keep rosters of Jews, including, but not limited to, the Holocaust.

Auchincloss said he plans to raise the issue with colleagues and with groups in the area that have promoted the Mapping Project, and will urge his colleagues to do the same.

“I will give direct and stark feedback about how inappropriate and unacceptable this is,” he said.

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), tweeted on Wednesday that “Targeting the Jewish community like this is wrong and it is dangerous. It is irresponsible. This project is an anti-Semitic enemies list with a map attached.”

The other members of Massachusetts’ congressional delegation — including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA), who are named in the Mapping Project — did not respond to requests for comment.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) has been endorsed by the advocacy group Peace Action, whose local chapter, Massachusetts Peace Action, has amplified the Mapping Project.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) also called out the project, saying that it “accuses Jewish and ‘Zionist’ institutions of various evils in American society,” adding, “Scapegoating is a common symptom of antisemitism, which at its core is a conspiracy theory.”

The project has caught the attention of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose spokesperson, Lior Haiat, tweeted earlier this week, “This whole project is reminiscent of a dangerous antisemitic pattern of activity known from antiquity through the horrors of the 20th century: a pattern which has led to violence against Jews and their institutions.”

Jeremy Burton, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston, told JI, “We see this as an explicit effort name and identify and put a target on physical Jewish spaces in Greater Boston, with the purpose, explicitly in their own words, of dismantling our Jewish community here in Boston,” which could “inspire others to dangerous action.”

Burton urged lawmakers with ties to groups like Massachusetts Peace Action that have amplified the project to enact “consequences in those relationships.”

For the second consecutive week, a contender for the Somerset Town Administrator indicated to Selectmen that he was not interested. 

Selectmen Chair Alan Smith says the inability to reach a contract scuttled a second contender. 

Smith says consultants that were part of the ongoing search are being asked to provide other options this summer. 

The Developer of the Fairfield Commons Complex in Somerset, which features a 111 room hotel, with a Starbucks and Jersey Mike's location nearby, presented the 3-member Somerset Board of Selectmen with a proposal last night for two four story buildings that will contain luxury apartments, with a percentage of them being classified as affordable housing under Massachusetts Statute 40-B.

No word yet on what rents could be, or when construction might begin. 

The former Swansea Mall SIte will also have market rate apartments as part of its mix later in the decade. 

This first appeared on the Red Sox Website

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today placed infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández on the 10-Day Injured List with a right hip flexor strain. To fill Hernández’s spot on the active roster, the club recalled infielder Jonathan Araúz from Triple-A Worcester.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Hernández, 30, has hit .209 (45-for-215) with 16 doubles, four home runs, 24 RBI, and 27 runs scored in 51 games for Boston this season, all starts in center field. He has hit safely in 21 of his last 23 games, including each of his last five.

Araúz, 23, has appeared in five games with the Red Sox this season, going 0-for-7 with an RBI and a run scored. In 24 games with Worcester, the switch-hitter is batting .185 (17-for-92) with five doubles, having made 15 starts at second base and seven at shortstop.

NBHS Graduation Ceremony is postponed to June 10.

Graduation, originally scheduled for Thursday, June 9 at 7 pm has been postponed until Friday, June 10 at 7 pm due to field conditions.

Graduating seniors are asked to report to NBHS on Friday morning at 8 am for rehearsal.
  

Fentanyl continues as a major factor driving opioid-related deaths; rates among Black residents decreased

BOSTON (June 8, 2022) – The rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts increased by 8.8 percent in 2021 compared to 2020, according to preliminary data released today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Drug overdose deaths in Massachusetts continue to trend lower than the nationwide figures. The rise in death rates reflects effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and an increasingly poisoned drug supply, primarily with the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.

There were 2,290 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021, an estimated 185 more deaths than the prior year. Preliminary data from the first three months of 2022 show there were 551 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, a 4 percent decrease (an estimated 24 fewer deaths) than the same time last year. 

Fentanyl remains a persistent factor in opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts. Preliminary data show fentanyl was present at a rate of 93 percent where a toxicology report was available. The presence of fentanyl has increased about 1 percent per quarter since 2016, including in the pre-pandemic period from 2017 to 2019 when opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts were on the decline. 

The Baker-Polito Administration remains focused on the opioid epidemic and continues to invest millions of dollars to expand a wide range of harm reduction, substance use awareness, treatment intervention, and recovery services. The Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget proposal invests $543.8 million in total funding for a wide range of harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs that support individuals struggling with substance addiction and programs that work to prevent substance addiction through education, prescription monitoring, and more. This builds on the work done by the Administration and the Legislature to nearly quadruple state funding to tackle the addiction crisis since 2015.

“Tackling the opioid epidemic remains an urgent priority for our Administration, which is why we have worked with the Legislature to quadruple funding for substance addiction treatment and prevention, but we know there is more work to do,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today’s report underscores the harmful impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and the scourge of fentanyl have had on those struggling with addiction, and we are committed to continuing our work with the Legislature and our colleagues in the addiction and recovery community to boost access to services and treatment.”

“Over the past several years, our Administration has focused on addressing the opioid epidemic and the ways in which it intersects with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, by strengthening pathways to treatment and recovery services, and education and prevention tools,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue our comprehensive efforts while working with local public health officials to expand access to programs and services for those struggling with addiction.”

In 2021, the opioid-related overdose death rate in Massachusetts increased to 32.6 per 100,000 people as compared to 29.9 per 100,000 in the prior year. When comparing 2021 to 2020, the opioid-related overdose death rate among race and ethnic groups as a whole or by gender remained relatively stable, with Black non-Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander populations seeing small decreases and white non-Hispanic and Hispanic populations seeing small increases. One exception is American Indian/Alaska Native residents. The 2021 opioid-related overdose death rate for American Indian/Alaska Native residents was 118.6 per 100,000. While this population accounts for a small number of opioid-related overdose deaths (13 out of 2,234 confirmed deaths), American Indian/Alaska Native residents statistically had the highest opioid-related overdose death rate among all race/ethnicity groups last year. 

There is clear evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health and has led to increased substance use across the Commonwealth. A preliminary analysis of DPH’s COVID-19 Community Impact Survey, conducted to better understand the layered impacts of the pandemic, saw an increase in poor mental health and substance use since the pandemic began, especially among Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

“We continue to be relentless in our commitment to increase access to harm reduction services, low threshold housing and treatment,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “By working to destigmatize addiction and meeting people where they’re at, including with an expanded array of harm reduction tools, we can reverse this negative trend.”

“We recognize the disproportionate burden of the opioid epidemic on historically marginalized communities, which have also borne the brunt of the ongoing pandemic and its destabilizing impacts on mental health and substance use,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “We continue to use a data-driven approach to identify new solutions and expand on existing programs at the community level to increase much-needed outreach, especially among communities of color.”

Since the start of the pandemic, the Administration has aggressively expanded existing substance use disorder treatment and overdose prevention initiatives, investing $120 million in prevention programs from fiscal years 2016 to 2022. DPH has distributed more than 143,000 naloxone kits since March 2020 to opioid treatment programs, community health centers, hospital emergency departments, and houses of correction. Exemptions for federal requirements for take-home doses of medication for opioid use disorder have allowed 34 percent of Massachusetts opioid treatment program patients to access this life-saving treatment as of January 2022, compared to the pre-pandemic average of 16 percent in December 2019 (with a high of 52 percent in June 2020).

DPH has also expanded harm reduction programs as part of its overall overdose prevention efforts, including low-threshold housing (transitional and permanent), post-overdose support teams for overdose survivors, and mobile addiction services to improve access to treatment for individuals.

After fentanyl, cocaine continues to be the next most prevalent drug among opioid-related overdose deaths, present in toxicology reports at a rate of 51 percent in 2021 – a 5 percent increase over 2020. Benzodiazepines were present in 31 percent of opioid-related fatal overdoses. The percentage of benzodiazepines has been declining since the last quarter of 2017.

Alcohol, a newly reported toxicology data point, was present in 29 percent of opioid-related overdose deaths. This was followed by prescription opioids in 13 percent, and heroin or likely heroin and amphetamines present in 10 percent. The rate of heroin or likely heroin present in opioid-related overdose deaths has been declining since 2014. 

Among the other findings of the latest opioid report:

•    The confirmed opioid-related overdose death rate for all Black non-Hispanic residents fell from 37.5 to 35.1 per 100,000 between 2020 and 2021. The death rate for Asian/Pacific Islander non-Hispanic residents was relatively constant, going from 3.4 per 100,000 in 2020 to 3.3 per 100,000 in 2021. 

•    Both white non-Hispanic and Hispanic residents experienced death rate increases, with white non-Hispanic rates rising from 33.8 to 35.9 per 100,000 and Hispanic rates from 35.4 to 38 per 100,000 between 2020 and 2021.

•    Males comprise 73 percent of all opioid-related overdose deaths occurring in 2021. 
o    50 percent of opioid-related deaths occurred in people who were between 25 and 44 years old, compared to 5 percent of all deaths
o    41 percent were between 45 and 64 years old, compared to 17 percent of all deaths

•    In 2021, males ages 25-34 once again represented the greatest number, accounting for 21 percent of suspected opioid-related incidents with a known age and sex treated by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). 

•    Naloxone was administered in 96 percent of acute opioid overdoses occurring in 2021. Of all opioid-related EMS incidents in 2021, 55.3 percent were categorized as acute opioid overdoses.

The following cities and towns experienced a notable decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021 compared with 2020. (Residence is the city/town where the decedent lived, and occurrence is where the death occurred.)

Towns Experiencing a Notable Decrease in Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths from 2020 to 2021 that Meet Criteria*
Town    Residence    Occurrence    Both
Framingham    X        
Chicopee    X        
Weymouth        X    

The following cities and towns experienced a notable increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021 compared with 2020.

Towns Experiencing a Notable Increase in Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths from 2020 to 2021 that Meet Criteria*
Town    Residence    Occurrence    Both
Attleboro    X        
Burlington        X    
Cambridge        X    
Lowell            X
Lynn            X
New Bedford    X        
Pittsfield    X        
Taunton            X
Ware    X        
Westfield    X        
* Criteria are the difference in the number of deaths between 2020 and 2021 is 10 or more higher in absolute number and 20% or higher in percent change.

###
 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Baker nominated Attorney Claudine A. Cloutier as Associate Justice of the Superior Court 
 
The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.
 
For more information about the Superior Court, please visit their homepage.
 

 
Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.
 
About Claudine A. Cloutier
 
Claudine A. Cloutier began her legal career in 1995 as a law clerk for the Massachusetts Superior Court. Then, in 1996, Attorney Cloutier joined Keches Law Group, P.C., first as an associate until 2006. Attorney Cloutier was then named Tort Department Manager, and later named partner in 2007, and currently still holds both roles. Attorney Cloutier is an active member of the community, serving as a trustee of the Fall River High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, a board member at the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education through the Diocese of Fall River and a member of the Suffolk University Law School Dean’s Cabinet. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1992 and her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1995.
 
 

According to the Boston Globe, Massachusetts on Tuesday reported over 2,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 7,000 vaccinations, including booster shots, had been administered. The Department of Public Health also said 18 deaths were reported over three days (Saturday through Monday). The state reported that 585 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 as the seven-day percent positivity reached 6.81%.

The Commonwealth’s total COVID-19 cases has surpassed 1.7 million and a death total almost at 19,500.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, more than 50,000 drivers in Massachusetts will need to have their driver's license or identification card replaced. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles says their vendor, IDEMIA, experienced an anomaly with a single printer making the cards lack a certain fraud prevention feature. New cards began going out to those residents yesterday and those who receive new cards are being asked to destroy the old ones.

A Taunton man has been arrested in connection with an attempted armed robbery on Sunday night. According to CBS 12 in Providence, 20 year old Judah Grigsby approached two women who were sitting on the steps outside the entrance of a Chandler Avenue apartment complex and pointed what appeared to be a handgun aimed at them. Grigsby demanded the women empty their pockets,, and fired one shot into the air before running off. Police said Grigsby led the officers and a K9 on a chase through the woods ending when the K9 found him hiding under a car trailer parked on Lynn Street.

Grigsby was taken into custody and is facing numerous charges, including using a firearm while committing a felony and attempting to commit a crime and resisting arrest.

The Boston Celtics will take on Golden State in Game Three of the best-of-7 NBA Finals Wednesday at the T-D Garden Wednesday, as the game moves to WHTB, with coverage on the Celtics Network at 8:30 with a tip after 9pm. 

Games 3 and 4 will be on WHTB, with game 4 on Friday. 

Game 5 will shift to the Chase Center Monday Night, June 13, with a possible Game 6 at the T-D Garden on Boston on Thursday June 16.   

Those games will be on 1480/95.5 WSAR. 

The Celtics are a 3.5 home favorite for Game 3. 

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today reinstated outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. from the Paternity Leave List. To make room for Bradley on the active roster, the club optioned outfielder Jarren Duran to Triple-A Worcester following last night’s game.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Bradley Jr., 32, was placed on the Paternity Leave List prior to Friday’s game against the Oakland A’s. The left-handed hitter is batting .227 (34-for-150) with 20 RBI in 48 games this season. Bradley has made 37 starts in right field and three in center field in 2022, leading American League right fielders in ultimate zone rating (4.0).

Duran, 25, was recalled from Worcester prior to Friday’s game. The left-handed hitter started in right field on Saturday and at designated hitter on Sunday. In three games for Boston this season, Duran is batting .308 (4-for-13) with two runs scored and one triple.

Westwood, MA, June 6, 2022 — Massachusetts’s average gas price is up 23 cents from last week ($4.73), averaging $4.96 per gallon. Today’s price is 66 cents higher than a month ago ($4.30), and $2.03 higher than June 6, 2021 ($2.93). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 10 cents higher than the national average.

The cost of a barrel of oil is nearing $120, nearly double from last August, as increased oil demand outpaces the tight global supply. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline demand rose last week in the wake of a robust Memorial Day weekend of travel. As a result, the national average for a gallon of gas surged 25 cents in one week to hit $4.86.

“People are still fueling up, despite these high prices,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “At some point, drivers may change their daily driving habits or lifestyle due to these high prices, but we are not there yet.”

AAA Northeast’s June 6 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 25 cents higher than last week ($4.61), averaging $4.86 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 59 cents higher than a month ago ($4.27), and $1.81 higher than this day last year ($3.05).
 

This is a post from the Bruins Website

BOSTON - Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, June 6, that the team has relieved Bruce Cassidy of his duties as head coach. 

Cassidy has served as head coach of the team since February 7, 2017.

The search for the next head coach of the Boston Bruins will begin immediately. 

"Today I informed Bruce Cassidy that I was making a head coaching change," said Sweeney. "After 14 years working with Bruce, this was an extremely difficult decision. I want to thank and acknowledge Bruce for all his work and success with the Bruins organization. His head coaching record for the Bruins is impressive, and we are appreciative of Bruce both professionally and personally. After taking some time to fully digest everything, I felt that the direction of our team for both this season and beyond would benefit from a new voice. I want to wish Bruce, Julie, Shannon and Cole much success as a family and with their future opportunities."

"On behalf of the Jacobs family, I'd like to thank Bruce and his family for their dedication to the Boston Bruins organization," said Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs. "Throughout his time in both Providence and Boston, Bruce's deep passion for the game and pride he showed in representing the franchise was undeniable. We wish Bruce, Julie and his entire family nothing but success in the future and thank them for all they've done for the team both on and off the ice."

"I want to thank Bruce for his time and service to the Boston Bruins organization over the last 14 years," said Bruins President Cam Neely. "Bruce has been a fantastic coach and has helped this team win many games and achieve success over his tenure behind the bench. I also want to extend my gratitude to Bruce and his family for everything they've done over the years to support the New England community and Bruins organization. We wish them continued success in the future." 

"I have the utmost confidence in Don to conduct a thorough search to identify the best candidate that is going to help our team reach its full potential," Neely added.

Cassidy has served as head coach of the team since February 7, 2017.

The search for the next head coach of the Boston Bruins will begin immediately. 

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has released the name of the Fall River man who was killed in a crash in Dighton Friday night. According to CBS 12 in Providence, 46 year old Christopher Raposo,  was riding his motorcycle around 9:30 p.m. when he allegedly ran a stop sign at the intersection of Elm and Main Streets and struck the side of a black Subaru, ejecting Raposo from the bike, later pronoucning him dead at the scene.

The 48 year old driver of the Subaru was transported to the hospital with minor injuries as an investigation contuinues. The DA’s office stating charges are unlikely to follow.

A three-alarm fire in Fall River sent eight people to the hospital, including three firefighters. According to CBS 12 in Providence, firefighters were called to Alden Street just after 9 A.M. for a report of a fire with a person trapped on the second floor. When crews arrived everyone had made it out of the building on their own learning two bystanders pulled the trapped woman out of the building.

Five residents were taken to the hospital, one in critical condition as well as three firefighters with minor injuries. A sixth person was also treated at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Golden State Warriors secured a Game 2 NBA Finals win over the Boston Celtics Sunday Night with 107-88 win in Chase Center in San Francisco. 

Games Three and Four will be in Boston's T-D Garden Wednesday and Friday Nights with coverage at 8:30, with a tip after 9pm EDT, on the Celtics Radio Network.. those games will shift to WHTB, with game 5 on Monday June 13 on WSAR at 95.9 and 1480. 

The Red Sox are in Oakland this weekend...Visit Massachusetts Pregame on The Red Sox Radio Network tonight at 8:40pm, with a first pitch at 9:40...

Saturday on WSAR; Red Sox and Oakland at 2:07 with a 3:07 first pitch. 

Sunday on WSAR...Sox and As with a 2:07 pregame and 3:07pm first pitch...followed by Celtics and Warriors Game 2...coverage on the Celtics Radio Network on WSAR at 7:30 with a tip just after 8pm Sunday Night. 

This first appeared on the Boston Bruins Website

BOSTON - Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, June 2, that the team has signed forward Joona Koppanen to a one-year, two-way contract extension with an annual NHL cap hit of $750,000. 

Koppanen, 24, played in 62 games for the Providence Bruins in 2021-22, recording 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points and a plus-21 rating. The 6-foot-5, 208-pound forward has appeared in 181 career AHL games with Providence, recording 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points and a plus-22 rating.

The Tampere, Finland native was originally drafted by the Bruins in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

This article first appeared on the Boston Celtics Website

BOSTON – Al Horford played in 141 playoff games before making his first Finals appearance Thursday night, and he made it well worth the wait.

On the eve of his 36th birthday, Horford turned back the clock with a 26-point, six-rebound, three-assist performance, leading Boston to a 120-108 Game 1 win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.

The veteran center shot 9-of-12 from the field, including a career-best 6-of-8 from 3-point range, which set the NBA record for most long-distance makes in a Finals debut.

“It was the way that we were moving the ball on offense, just being in those positions,” Horford credited his teammates for his historic shooting performance. “I felt like the guys kept finding me time after time.”

Horford’s shooting was one of the main factors that allowed Boston to overcome a 15-point second-half deficit, as he shot 6-of-7 from the field after halftime, including a perfect 4-for-4 clip during the fourth quarter.

He scored 11 of Boston’s 40 points during the final frame, while Golden State only mustered 16 as a team in the quarter. The 24-point advantage marked the largest fourth-quarter differential in Finals history.

“Just continue to play – that was our message throughout the whole game,” Horford said of what inspired Boston’s comeback. “They're such a good team and for us, it was just continue to play no matter what. Our guys, that's what we did. It wasn't our best game, but we continued to fight and find different ways to get this win.”

Marcus Smart says Horford was the inspiration behind that fight. The 15-year vet has set the tone throughout the season with his work ethic, and to see him come out in the team’s 101st game of the season playing with such freshness and confidence was quite a sight.

“We were ecstatic for him,” said Smart, who contributed 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. “Al is the OG, man. He puts in the work. Nobody deserves to be here more than him. The way that he carries himself professionally, the professionalism he comes to this game with every day, we knew it was only a matter of time for him to have a big game and continue to have a big game.”

Though, Horford has been having big games all throughout the playoffs. Throughout Boston’s postseason run, he's produced five 20-point games, he’s reached double digits in rebounds nine times, he’s had nine multi-block efforts, and he’s tallied five double-doubles.

“That's what he does,” said Smart. “That's what he's been doing. He's been that catalyst for us this whole year.”

Combining his scoring and rebounding with his 3-point shooting places Horford in uncharted territory, as he is the oldest player in playoff history to average at least 12 points, nine rebounds, and two 3-point makes per game during a single postseason run. And with 38 makes from long-distance, he just needs five more to fall to break Nikola Jokic’s record for the most 3-pointers by a center during a playoff run.

What Horford is doing is special. “Phenomenal,” says Jaylen Brown. You rarely see a 35-going-on-36-year-old leading his team to playoff wins on a regular basis, but that’s exactly what Horford has been doing all along.

He’s been a man on a mission to get to reach his first Finals, and now that he’s here, he’s not letting it go to waste.

BOSTON, MA – In celebration of its 40th anniversary, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial will be the feature film for this year’s “Movie Night at Fenway Park Presented by Johnson Controls” on Friday, June 24. Movie Night at Fenway Park presented by Johnson Controls is an opportunity for families to enjoy a blockbuster film at the ballpark on a summer evening.

Tickets are available now at redsox.com/movienight or by calling (877) REDSOX-9. General admission tickets for the public are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The event is free for Red Sox Season Ticket Holders.

To ensure the best viewing on the 40 by 100-foot videoboard, fans in attendance will be seated in the lower seating bowl and down the first base line. Fenway Park gates will open at 6:15 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will be invited to walk the warning track from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., weather permitting, and take pictures with the 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018 Red Sox World Series trophies. Concessions will be available.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial is one of the most beloved motion pictures of all-time, directed by Academy Award-winner Steven Spielberg. The story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy he befriends. Starring Henry Thomas as Eliot, Drew Barrymore as Gertie, and Robert MacNaughton as Michael, the three siblings come together to help E.T. find his way back home. The film has been digitally remastered with enhanced picture and sound for its 40th anniversary.

Movie Night at Fenway Park Presented by Johnson Controls is coordinated annually by Fenway Sports Management, the sales, marketing, and special events arm for Fenway Sports Group’s portfolio of properties.

Saturday, June 4, from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Route 6 will be temporarily closed between Main Street in Fairhaven and Route 18 in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD/FAIRHAVEN - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing filming for a movie production will occur on the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge on Saturday, June 4, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The filming operations will require the temporary closure and detour of Route 6 between Main Street in Fairhaven and Route 18 in New Bedford.  Route 6 will remain open to local businesses on either side of the bridge.  

The detour will be as follows:

•    Traffic from the New Bedford side intending to cross the bridge will be detoured to Route 18 northbound, to I-195 eastbound, to Route 240 southbound, and then to Route 6.

•    Traffic from the Fairhaven side intending to cross the bridge will turn right on to Main Street, then left on Howland Road which then becomes Coggeshall Street in New Bedford, then turn left onto Route 18 southbound to Route 6.

•    Travelers on Route 6 heading eastbound in advance of Route 240 will also be notified of the bridge closure and will be detoured to Route 240 northbound, to I-195 westbound, and then to Route 18 southbound to Route 6.

This scheduled event is weather dependent and may be impacted due to an emergency.  If filming cannot be conducted as scheduled due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled to occur on Sunday, June 5.

Drivers are reminded they are not permitted to stop their personal vehicles on the bridge to observe the filming.

MassDOT has no information about the movie to provide and no information to provide regarding the cast of the movie which may or not be involved in this event.

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:

•    Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
•    Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
•    Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
•    Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved two affordable housing bills sponsored by Rep. June Speakman that are part of Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s legislative package to help address the state’s housing crisis.

The bills, both of which now go to the Senate for consideration, streamline the approval process for affordable housing developments and create a more robust system for ensuring that affordable housing remains affordable and occupied by those who qualify for it.

“Rhode Island’s serious lack of affordable housing is a problem that has many causes and facets. It’s going to take ongoing work on many fronts to achieve the substantial, comprehensive improvements we need,” said Representative Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol), who is chairwoman of the Special Commission to Study the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act. “The bills the House passed today help address some of the supply problem by making it quicker and simpler for affordable housing developments to get the permits they need, and they provide a way to continually ensure that affordable housing is actually affordable and that the people living there meet the income limits. These bills address some of the problems we have identified, and we’re going to keep working on solutions for more.”

The legislation was submitted based on the work of the special commission Representative Speakman leads, which has been working over the last year on improvements to housing development and affordable housing laws.

One of the bills (2022-H 7650A) establishes an approved monitoring agent program within the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission, which would develop rules and regulations and appoint approved organizations to monitor municipally subsidized housing developments to ensure they remain affordable, and that income eligible buyers and tenants are occupying these units. Such agents are currently contracted through outside organizations, but their responsibilities are not spelled out in state law.

The legislation specifies that the agents are responsible for ensuring that designated affordable housing units continue to serve as the year-round, principal residence of the qualified owner or tenant and that any proposed refinancing or sale complies with applicable affordable-housing deed restrictions.

The other bill (2022-H 7949A) speeds up the timeline established in state law for municipal review of comprehensive permits for affordable housing developments. The bill shortens the length of time municipalities can take to review various elements of developers’ plans, most notably reducing from 120 days to 90 days the time they can take to review a comprehensive permit application once it is complete.

Additionally, it speeds up the appeals process when a comprehensive permit is denied, requiring municipalities to provide the State Housing Board of Appeals (SHAB) the complete record of the development’s applications within 30 days, and requiring a decision by the body within nine months, or no more than 11 months if there are extenuating circumstances.
 

BOSTON (June 3, 2022) — With summer weather approaching, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents to take recommended precautions to keep everyone, especially young children, safe this summer.

Prevent Tick Bites

Ticks can make you sick when they bite. They most commonly live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Ticks only attach when you come into direct contact with them — they cannot jump or fly. Follow these steps to help protect yourself from tick bites:

•    Check yourself for ticks once a day — it’s the single most important thing you can do.
•    Use repellents that contain DEET on your exposed skin and those that contain permethrin on your clothes.
•    When walking or hiking, stick to main pathways and the center of trails if you can. Brushing against tall grass and bushes will increase your exposure to ticks.
•    Weather permitting, wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and long pants tucked into socks. This will help keep ticks away from your skin and make it easier to spot ticks on your clothing.
Because dogs and horses are particularly susceptible, talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your animals from tick-borne disease.

Prevent Mosquito Bites
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) was not detected during the 2021 arbovirus season in Massachusetts. This followed the 2019-2020 seasons during which intense activity was detected. EEE appears generally in 2- to 3-year cycles, traditionally peaking during August. The absence of EEE last year, may signal a lower likelihood of activity this year. There were 10 people infected with West Nile virus (WNV) during 2021 and WNV activity occurs every summer. Mosquito surveillance is essential to monitor activity as the summer unfolds and updates about activity are posted throughout the season at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update. 

While the risk for human infection of EEE or West Nile Virus won’t occur until later this summer, people have an important role to play in protecting themselves from these illnesses, which can be very serious. To prepare for mosquito season:

•    Drain standing water in and around your house or yard to prevent mosquito breeding.
•    Repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
•    Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient according to the directions.
•    Wear clothing to reduce exposed skin when weather permits.
For more about preventing mosquito and tickborne illness, visit www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks.

Water and Pool Safety

Drowning is a leading cause of death among young children, nationally and in Massachusetts, with backyard pools posing the highest risk for children under age 5. To ensure a child’s safety around water:

•    Supervise children in and around water at all times.
•    Whenever infants and toddlers are in or around water, including the bathtub, an adult should be within an arm's length at all times providing "touch supervision."
•    Completely separate the house and play area of the yard from the pool area with a fence. Consider automatic door locks or alarms to prevent access.
•    Remove floats, balls, and other toys from the pool after use so children are not tempted to reach for them. After children are done swimming, secure the pool so they cannot get back in.
•    Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a phone near the pool.
•    For children who cannot swim, use a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This video, created by DPH in cooperation with the USCG, can assist with proper fit testing of life jackets: https://youtu.be/1I3VZf-NqPc.
•    Do not use toys such as "water wings” or "noodles” in place of life jackets. These are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
In public swimming areas:

•    Select swimming sites that have lifeguards whenever possible, and swim only in designated swimming areas.
•    Always swim with a buddy.
•    Look for signage at beaches. DPH collects beach water quality data and notifies the public about bacteria levels to minimize swimming-associated illness and injury.
Window Safety

Falls are the leading cause of injury to children. Falls from windows involving young children are especially serious — and preventable. Screens are not strong enough to protect children from falling out of windows. To prevent window falls, parents and caregivers should:

•    Keep furniture — and anything a child can climb on — away from windows.
•    Open windows from the top, not the bottom, when possible and lock all unopened doors and windows.
•    Be sure children are always supervised.
•    Install quick-release window guards, which can be found in most hardware stores.
To learn about childhood injury prevention, visit the DPH injury prevention and control program website.

Additional tips on preventing falls among children can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fall prevention website.

Car Safety

Vehicles can be very dangerous for children and animals left inside. In the summer months in New England, the temperature in a closed car can rise quickly, and the vehicle can become a deadly place for a child or animal left, even for just a moment.

To keep young children and animals safe in and around cars:
•    Never leave children or animals alone in a parked vehicle, even when they are asleep or restrained, and even if the windows are open.
•    Always check inside the vehicle — front and back — before locking the door and walking away.
•    If a child is missing, check your vehicle first, including the trunk.
•    Do things to remind yourself that a child or animal is in the vehicle, such as placing your purse or briefcase in the back seat so you will check there when you leave the vehicle.
•    Always lock your car and keep the keys out of children's reach.
•    Ensure adequate supervision when children are playing in areas near parked motor vehicles.
If you see a child or animal alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 immediately.

Remember, all children ages 12 and under should ride in the back seat, properly restrained, even during quick errand trips. Infants and toddlers should remain in rear-facing car seats until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. At a minimum, children should ride rear-facing until they are at least 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds. You can find more information on child passenger safety on the DPH website. 

###

On Thursday June 2, 2022 after a lengthy investigation members, Major Crimes Division, Special
Operations Division, and the Metro Boston Gang task Force executed a search warrant at a residence on
Huard St. in Fall River. The target of the search warrant, 30 year old Brent Couturier of Fall River was
located outside the home.
This investigation was a coordinated effort lead by detectives assigned to the Vice and Intelligence Gang
Unit. Working off of information that Couturier was involved in the illegal sale of narcotics.
Couturier was taken into custody without incident and a search of his person resulted in the seizure of crack
cocaine and oxycodone pills. A subsequent search of the home lead to the seizure of additional drugs as
well as a large sum of money believed to be derived from drug sales. In total 17 grams of Fentanyl, 23 grams
of crack cocaine, assorted pills, and suboxone strips were seized as a result of the search warrant. In addition
just over $74,000 in cash was confiscated.
Couturier was arrested and charged with multiple drug trafficking and possession offenses, along with
possession of an electric weapon which was also in the home. Due to the nature of the charges an additional
offense under the armed career criminal act will be sought.
 

Fall River celebrates its first Pride crosswalk and is one of the few to have one installed in the region.
 
With the support from The Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition (FRACC), the Fall River Pride Committee has received the City’s approval to paint a rainbow crosswalk outside of Government Center. The installation will be done by local artist Brad Eadie/Eli Mae. “Painting this crosswalk will be both an honor and a humbling experience. It is a chance to help our community be seen and help many feel valued. May this be a symbol of a safe crossing towards acceptance and love. Thank you to each and everyone.”
 
Though she celebrates the positive impact rainbow crosswalks have had across the globe, FRACC Executive Director Ashley Occhino says we need to stay conscious of the challenges that continue long after the paint dries. “I encourage people to come out and take pictures and put them on social media, but it is important to note that this public art is part of a broader strategy to help more queer and trans people by providing a backdrop for change.”
 
The installation of the Pride crosswalk is one of many steps the Fall River community is taking to show its ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Pride Crosswalk will be installed in advance of the Fall River Pride Committee’s 3rd Annual Pride Festival activities. The official unveiling will occur during the Somewhere Over the Rainbow-themed Festival on June 5th (rain date on June 26th).
 
“I am so incredibly thrilled to be able to paint a downtown crosswalk with the colors of the rainbow,” says Sean Connell, President of the Fall River Pride Committee. “This will serve as a wonderful year-round reminder that the City of Fall River embraces the LGBTQ community and has a deep, profound love and respect for all of our city’s diverse populations.” 
 
From noon to 5 PM, the community is invited to celebrate with live drag performances, a DJ, over 30 community organizations and vendors, food trucks, a photo booth, and much more. Follow the yellow brick road and their Facebook page for updates - facebook.com/FallRiverPrideco.
 
Special thanks go out to the City of Fall River, Mayor Paul J. Coogan and Laura Ferreira, Director of Traffic & Parking, for their support of the LGBTQIA+ community and this crosswalk. The crosswalk painting will not have any fiscal impact on taxpayers as the costs will fall on the Fall River Pride Committee. The Committee secured support from Home Depot, and thanks them for donating paint and supplies.
 

Today’s indictments follow a several months-long investigation into allegations that over a number of years Rego allegedly operated a fraudulent landscaping business and stole considerable amounts of money from residents in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

The indictments allege that as part of his scheme, Rego made numerous false statements concerning his landscaping expertise and background, and failed to complete projects in a timely fashion in order to extend projects out and gain more money from victims.

    The investigation further alleges that Rego took victims’ money to benefit himself personally, and used the funds for luxury items and vacations.

As part of his scheme, Rego bolstered his background by providing victims with fake references, and told customers that he required additional payments for necessary building materials that were never ordered.   

The majority of Rego’s larceny offenses uncovered in the Plymouth County grand jury investigation occurred in 2020 and 2021. In total, it is believed that Rego’s deceptive behavior allowed for him to take approximately $100,000 from numerous victims. 

In February, 2021 Rego victimized several Hingham residents by fraudulently indicating that he was employed at Atlantic Concrete Construction LLC in Wareham, and accepted $31,000 to construct a new seawall located on Kimball Beach Road in Hingham.  Rego never initiated any work on the seawall project, and instead, falsely claimed the town of Hingham was blocking his efforts to begin construction on the project.  

Rego utilized the stolen funds to carry on with his fraudulent landscaping scheme and stole money and materials from individuals located in: Westport, North Attleboro, Freetown, Whitman, Uxbridge, Foxboro, Wareham, Acushnet, Rehoboth, Charlton, Swansea, Somerset, Onset, Buzzards Bay, Plymouth, West Bridgewater, Fairhaven, Middleboro, Canton, Acton, Millis, Gloucester, East Falmouth, Taunton, Woburn, Milton, Swansea, Revere, Granby, East Bridgewater, Plainview, Lynnfield, New Bedford, and Acushnet.  

If anyone feels that they have been victimized by Rego, they should contact their local police department