A 38-year-old New Bedford Fentanyl trafficker was sentenced to serve four years in state prison earlier this week, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced.

Brian Weber pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court on Monday to indictments charging him with Trafficking in Excess of 18 Grams of Fentanyl and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Sylvia and the state prison sentence was imposed by Judge William White.  Upon his release from prison, the defendant will be placed on probation for an additional two years. 

“This defendant was selling fentanyl and profiting off people’s addiction. It is important to note that we moved to have him detained as a danger to the community at his arraignment based on the facts of this case and his lengthy criminal record,” District Attorney Quinn said. “He has been held without bail since that date, which prevented him from the opportunity to continue to sell narcotics in and around New Bedford.”

The defendant was the target of a search warrant for his County Street home.  On August 31, 2021, New Bedford Police observed the defendant exiting the target address and walking along County Street, where he was ultimately stopped. The defendant was taken back to the residence, where police found just over 100 grams of Fentanyl and two bags of Methamphetamine, along with digital scales, cut corner bags, packaging materials, a soda hide can and $841 in cash.

The defendant has prior convictions out of Bristol, Plymouth and Cape & Islands counties, along with a conviction in Florida. 
 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today signed legislation to further protect access to reproductive health care services in Massachusetts following the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The legislation codifies several measures that were first included in an Executive Order issued by Governor Baker in the hours following the Supreme Court’s decision last month.

The law also adopts several new or expanded measures to protect access to reproductive health services in the Commonwealth.  All the protections in the bill apply equally to reproductive and gender-affirming health care services provided or accessed in the Commonwealth.  

“Massachusetts remains steadfast in its commitment to protect access to reproductive health care services, especially in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Court’s decision has major consequences for women across the country who live in states with limited access to these services, and our administration took quick action in the hours following that decision by issuing an Executive Order to protect access here in the Commonwealth. This new legislation signed today builds on that action by protecting patients and providers from legal interference from more restrictive laws in other states. We are grateful for the compromise and dedication to the issue that our legislative colleagues demonstrated to make this important, bipartisan law a reality.”

“In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, it’s critical that we in Massachusetts affirm that our state will continue to ensure access to reproductive health care services,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The new protections in this law build on the steps our administration took last month and our shared bipartisan work to protect access to these services. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Legislature to provide these important safeguards.”

“Like so many others, I was devastated by this extremist Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the rights enshrined in Roe v. Wade. I am very proud that, with the signing of this legislation, Massachusetts will continue to be a national leader in protecting and defending the rights of our residents and of those people who come here seeking access to health care," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. "Pregnant people, trans people, and all people must be allowed to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their physician without fear. Our fight to protect the rights and dignity of our residents cannot end today, however, and so the Senate will continue to explore ways to uphold our fundamental rights. I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate who stood together to act quickly and decisively on this issue, to Speaker Mariano and the House of Representatives, and to Governor Baker for his quick action as well."

“In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to ignore nearly 50 years of judicial precedent and overturn Roe v. Wade, and as states across the country move to restrict access to abortion, I’m incredibly proud of the fact that elected officials in Massachusetts have acted to ensure that the Commonwealth can serve as a safe haven for women seeking reproductive health care services, and for providers whose licenses could be at risk because of laws passed in other states,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The protections that are codified into law with this legislation, which will help to ensure that no woman will ever be forced to leave Massachusetts to access reproductive health care services because of devastating medical news during the later stages of their pregnancy, have never been more important. I want to thank all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate and in the Administration, for their commitment to protecting a woman’s right to choose, and for the hard work and cooperation that ultimately facilitated the passage of this legislation.”

The new law protects patients and providers from legal interference when they are engaged in accessing or providing reproductive and gender affirming health care services that are legally protected in Massachusetts. The law also codifies several protections that Governor Baker put in place by Executive Order last month to prohibit the Commonwealth from assisting with other states’ investigations or legal proceedings regarding health care services that may be restricted in other states. The law also includes requirements for insurers to cover reproductive health care services, provisions addressing abortions performed at 24 weeks or later and measures that expand access to contraception across the Commonwealth.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City of New Bedford has hired Emily Arpke as its new Auditor, Mayor Jon Mitchell announced today.

Arpke comes to New Bedford from the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, where she spent four years improving and managing financial operations; directing all budgeting, grant program development and oversight; and managing compliance as the Chief Operating Officer. She also added $6.5 million in new grant funding and doubled the Redevelopment Authority’s staff. 

Arpke has a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University.

“Ms. Arpke is a proven professional who will bring a high level of expertise and a dedication to public service to the Auditor’s Office,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “We’re excited to have her on board.”

Mayor Mitchell nominated Arpke for the position in a letter to New Bedford City Council, which recently confirmed her appointment.  

“Emily brings an abundance of energy and passion to the City Auditor role,” said Robert Ekstrom, the former City Auditor who assisted in Arpke’s recruitment. “She will question the status quo, seek out best courses of action, and work seamlessly with the Chief Financial Officer to support all facets of City government and the constituents it serves. In short, she is the innovative and interpretive watchdog any municipality aspires to have.”

The Auditor’s Office is responsible for the City’s accounting and financial reporting system, including preparation of its annual comprehensive financial report; recommending and implementing financial policies; and administration of the annual budgets adopted by the City Council. Additionally, the office authorizes payments to vendors and monitors Federal and State grant activity, ensuring each complies with applicable laws, ordinances, and policies. 
 

Bristol Community College will host a COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinic on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from noon to 3 p.m., at the Bristol Fall River Campus.

The clinic is open to the general public and will be distributing the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters, for ages 12 and up, as well as the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 and up. The clinic will also be providing flu shots. See below for details. 

 
Thursday, August 4, 2022, from noon to 3 p.m.  
Bristol Community College Fall River Campus, 777 Elsbree Street  

Commonwealth College Center (G building)   

Who can receive a COVD-19 vaccine at Bristol’s clinic on 8/4?    
Bristol students, employees and the general public, ages 5 and up, who have not yet been vaccinated or who qualify for a booster.   

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

Registration for the Fall Semester is open: www.bristolcc.edu/fall   

Bristol Community College's Fall semester begins on Sept. 6, 2022. The 15 Massachusetts community colleges, including Bristol, require all students who have an in-person component, to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Check Bristol’s COVID-19 Vaccination Deadline Timeline: https://bristolcc.edu/together/vaccinationpolicyforstudents.html  

Although COVID-19 boosters are not required, they are highly recommended for all students.  

How does the clinic work?  

Bristol’s COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinic will be accepting walk-ins. No appointments or pre-registration are necessary.   

COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, as well as flu shots, will be administered by Stop & Shop Pharmacy at Bristol’s Fall River Campus, free of charge. Please bring a valid ID and Insurance cards. 

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

New Bedford has plans to honor a former resident who became one of the most influential African Americans of the 1800’s. According to NBC 10 in Providence, in just a few months, a park will be created in New Bedford to honor the life and legacy of former New Bedford resident Frederick Douglass a famous abolitionist who called New Bedford home after escaping slavery in Maryland. Douglass raised his family in the city and spent years fighting against slavery and oppression. The Baker-Polito Administration has given 230 thousand dollars to the city of New Bedford to help move the project forward. Residents said they hope it will bring people from across the country to downtown New Bedford to explore more of the city's rich history. City officials hope to restore that legacy and honor the brave men and women who made that possible.

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito visited Taunton yesterday to announce the new grant funding for the Complete Streets program. According to NBC 10 in Providence, Polito visited Lowell Street, which received funding back in 2017 and has Since expanded the program thanks to the administration. Polito awarded more than $400,000 to make city streets more accessible to walkers and bicyclists on Thursday. This new funding will be used in the Weir section of the city to add bike lanes and new parking spaces. They hope this will make it easier for people to connect with downtown Taunton. Since the program's start in 2015, it has helped more than 250 communities in Massachusetts.

FALL RIVER, NEW BEDFORD and WAREHAM, Mass. – Dennis LaRock, MD, has accepted the position of Physician in Chief of Surgical Services at Southcoast Health, officials announced this week.
In this role, Dr. LaRock will oversee the surgical departments of the Brain and Spine Center, Ear Nose and Throat services, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Plastics, Thoracic Surgery, Trauma and Urology at Southcoast Health. 

“Dr. LaRock brings extensive experience managing private practices and a strong dedication to working within the South Coast region, including over 24 years of clinical experience at Southcoast Health,” said Dr. Ray Kruger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southcoast Health in an internal letter. 

“Serving in various leadership positions throughout his tenure, Dr. LaRock has continuously demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our patients, staff and community. With his leadership, I am confident that each of our surgical specialties, and the Surgery Care Center overall, will be well positioned for growth and clinical advancement.”

Dr. LaRock will remain clinically active with outpatient offices in Fairhaven and Fall River, and will continue performing surgical cases in Southcoast Hospital Group (SHG) facilities. In addition, Dr. LaRock will continue to co-manage the Southcoast Provider Group (SPG) Urology practice, along with Dr. John Carroll. 

“I am honored to accept this new position at Southcoast Health and continue serving the South Coast region,” said Dr. LaRock, Physician in Chief of Surgical Services at Southcoast Health. “In this role, I am excited to continue working to advance Southcoast Health services in support of our mission to provide exceptional care, close to home, for all members of the community.” 

Dr. LaRock is board certified in adult and pediatric urology and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Urology. He currently sees patients at the Southcoast Health outpatient offices in Fairhaven and Fall River, performing surgical cases in SHG facilities.   

The current water restrictions are as follows: even numbered houses on even numbered days and odd numbered houses on odd numbered days from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

''The Southeast Region of Massachusetts is currently in a Significant Drought Alert. 
As A District we do not want to impose a mandatory No Outside Watering Ban but with drought conditions continuing we could become a Critical Drought Alert. 
If this happens we would impose a No Outside Watering Ban.''

''Fire Protection, adequate pressure, Water Treatment Plant Operation and well recovery are the primary reasons for having to impose the ban. 

If everyone makes a concerted effort to Conserve Water and follow our Current Water Restrictions hopefully we will get some much needed rain and not have to increase our restrictions''

''Our current Restrictions:  EVEN numbered houses on EVEN numbered days and ODD numbered houses on ODD numbered days from 5am to 8am and 5pm to 8p, 

The DEP recommendation is only for hand-held use. 

In separate elections announced Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Seniors Committee and its Coach/Contributor Committee have reduced their respective lists for consideration for the Class of 2023 to 12 Finalists each.

In the Seniors category, the Finalists are: Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Randy Gradishar, Chuck Howley, Cecil Isbell, Joe Klecko, Bob Kuechenberg, Eddie Meador, Tommy Nobis, Ken Riley, Sterling Sharpe and Everson Walls.

Each Senior Finalist played his last game in professional football no later than the 1996 season.

The 12-person Seniors Committee will meet Aug. 16, and each committee member will discuss one Finalist in detail. The committee's final vote will send three Seniors to the full 49-person Selection Committee for consideration at its annual meeting in early 2023; each of those three could be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame at that meeting.

Expansion of the Seniors pool to three for possible election to the Hall was approved earlier this year for the Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025.

In the Coach/Contributor category, the Finalists are: Roone Arledge, Don Coryell, Mike Holmgren, Frank "Bucko" Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Art Modell, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney Jr., Mike Shanahan, Clark Shaughnessy and John Wooten.

On Aug. 23, the 12-person Coach/Contributor Committee will meet to discuss the Finalists. The process will mirror the Seniors Committee's; however, only one Coach/Contributor Finalist will advance to the full Selection Committee for consideration as a member of the Class of 2023.

The Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025 could be as large as nine enshrinees: up to five Modern-Era Players, up to three Seniors and one Coach/Contributor.

July 26, 2022 - Fall River, MA — The Diocese of Fall River announced today its intention to
install a 544 kW-DC solar system on the roof of Bishop Connolly high school which will
cover 100% of the school’s electricity needs. The proposed system will produce 628,000
kWh of electricity annually which is equivalent to driving a gas-powered car over 1 million
miles.

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Resonant Energy on this important
initiative. This project will not only serve as an educational opportunity for our students,
but as a symbol of our community’s continued commitment to the environment,” said
Kathleen St. Laurent, Bishop Connolly High School President/Principal.

K-12 schools in the US spend roughly $8 billion on electricity every year, making it one of
their largest expenditures, second only to staffing costs. In order to ease this burden and
promote solar education, Resonant Energy has launched the Students for Solar Campaign
which is designed to help students, faculty and administrators bring solar to their schools.

The Bishop Connolly solar project will join more than a dozen solar projects owned by the
Diocese, producing more than 10M kWh annually. The proposed solar project will be
managed by Dorchester-based Resonant Energy which recently developed projects for the
Diocese at the St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet and St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish
in New Bedford. The solar system is expected to save the school nearly $2 million over the
25-year lifespan of the system.

The project is currently in the development and engineering stage and installation is
expected to take place in the spring or summer of 2023.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City of New Bedford’s Department of Public Infrastructure is implementing voluntary restrictions on daytime water use to help conserve municipal resources during drought conditions throughout the Northeast. 

Water levels in the City’s reservoir and watershed have dipped amid the extended drought this spring and summer, and a consensus of long-term weather forecasts points to continued drought. New Bedford is implementing voluntary, seasonal restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use by residents and businesses. These restrictions will take place immediately and will continue until changed. 

The City strongly suggests that residents and businesses adhere to the following guidelines and avoid nonessential watering activities, particularly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Nonessential watering activities include: 
• Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems 
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety 
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks 

Exemptions from the restrictions include: 
• Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and plants with a hand-held hose 
• Businesses that require water use as a core function of the business 

Reserving nonessential water use, such as watering lawns and gardens, to morning and evening hours increases the efficiency of the water use. Watering lawns and garden during the heat of day is inefficient, as water is more prone to evaporation rather than soaking into soil and lawns. Watering by hand also increases efficiency, as people are more mindful of water usage than they are when using automatic sprinklers. 

These are initial measures to help conserve municipal resources. The City will continue to monitor drought conditions and will adjust the measures if necessary. 

All water users should limit their nonessential water use throughout the year by implementing practices such as capturing rain in rain barrels, hand-watering, using car washes that recycle water, and installing low-flow water fixtures in their homes. 

Southeastern Massachusetts has been at a Level 2 – Significant Drought status since May 1 and is the state’s only region that had a drought warning as of April 1, as set by the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. 

The City’s Water Division asks that you take the necessary steps to comply with the City’s seasonal restrictions. Questions can be addressed by calling DPI at 508-979-1550. 

#####

Optioned left-handed pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez to Worcester following last night’s game.

Designated right-handed pitcher Phillips Valdez for assignment.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Winckowski, 24, was placed on the COVID-19 Related Injured List on July 14. Winckowski last pitched on July 13 against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing three runs in 6.0 innings at Tropicana Field. He made his Major League debut this season and is 3-4 with a 4.38 ERA (18 ER/37.0 IP) in seven starts.

Seabold, 26, was placed on the 15-Day Injured List on July 9 with a right forearm extensor strain. The right-hander has made three starts for Boston this season, going 0-2 with an 11.91 ERA (15 ER/11.1 IP). Ranked by Baseball America as the club’s No. 17 prospect, Seabold is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA (12 ER/51.2 IP) in 11 starts for Worcester this season.

Hernandez, 25, has made four appearances for Boston this season, striking out six batters in 3.2 innings. The left-handed pitcher has also made 12 appearances (seven starts) for Worcester, posting a 5.09 ERA (13 ER/23.0 IP). Hernandez has a 4.04 ERA (37 ER/82.1 IP) in 88 career appearances (one start) for Boston from 2019-22.

Valdez, 30, has made 13 appearances for Boston this season, posting a 4.41 ERA (8 ER/16.1 IP). The right-hander also has a 3.06 ERA (6 ER/17.2 IP) in 14 outings for Worcester in 2022.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, Massachusetts lawmakers approved a sweeping abortion bill yesterday aimed in part at building a firewall to protect access to the procedure after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month. The bill would protect abortion providers and people seeking abortions from actions taken by other states, including blocking the governor from extraditing anyone charged in another state unless the acts for which extradition was sought would be punishable by Massachusetts law. The bill also states that access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care services is a right protected by the Massachusetts Constitution which requires the state’s Medicaid program, known as Mass Health, to cover abortions, allowing for over-the-counter emergency contraception to be sold in vending machines  and requires public colleges and universities to create medication abortion readiness plans for students.

The bill now heads to Republican Governor Charlie Baker’s desk.

With the support of the city and the Fall River Preservation Society, the owner of the old Bedford Street police station was granted a special permit regarding parking from the Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals last week. According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald News, Marc Lederman, owner of the development firm Wethersfield LLC, said with this relief from parking requirements the plans to redevelop the more than 100-year-old structure, which has been one of the downtown area’s most blighted properties, can move ahead into 30 to 35 units of “workforce-rate” apartments, which are affordable option for renters who earn too much to qualify for traditional subsidized housing but are still burdened by high market rents, as defined by Mass Housing. One of the first major renovations in redeveloping the old police station would be to put a new roof on the four-story building, which has gaping holes, allowing in the elements.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, an 8-week-old Labrador Retriever, Oakie, joined the Dighton Police Department on Thursday. Chief Robert MacDonald said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Oakie as the newest member of our department.” He was welcomed by his cousin K-9 comfort dogs from Boonefield who work in the area, Somerset Police’s Comfort Dog Raider and East Providence’s Comfort Dog Marty. He will spend most of his time with School Resource Officer Stephen Hathaway at the town’s schools along with visits to the senior center, assisted living facilities and community events. The department said Oakie will help with the de-escalation of children in need, as well as provide comfort to children and others who may be experiencing or have experienced trauma.

According to NBC 10 in Providence, on Thursday, the state Senate passed a bill that could pave the way for happy hour’s return, but before the drink specials can be printed, there are a few things that lawmakers will have to work out. In the Senate’s 4 billion dollar economic development bill, an amendment was added to bring happy hour back to the Commonwealth for the first time since 1984 in which lawmakers previously banned them after a series of fatal DUI accidents. This would allow bars and restaurants to offer discounts on alcoholic beverages but only if the promotion does not run past 10 p.m. While there is a lot of interest from the public to bring happy hour specials back, each city and town would have to opt into the program. This is something Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan is interested in telling NBC 10 "I’m all for it”  All of the Commonwealth’s road rules will stay the same so no matter if the cocktails are half priced or full priced, drunk driving is still illegal. It now heads to a conference committee where it will be consolidated with the House’s version and if it was to pass that, many say it could be shot down once it reached the governor’s desk because Governor Charlie Baker said he would be hard pressed to support a proposal like this.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss — The president recently advocated for a gas tax holiday, which would save drivers only a few dollars over a few months. It also does not address the core problem. We don’t need a gas tax holiday. We need a gas tax reset: an overhaul of transportation funding. We must free our infrastructure from the grip of big oil and car-centric planning by handing highways over to the states and redirecting the federal gas tax to support bottom-up Strong Towns initiatives.

The Highway Trust Fund is running such a massive deficit that the gas tax couldn’t meet its needs even if it were five times higher—and what is doled out is allocated without reference to the metrics that matter most, like how well projects connect people to jobs, services, and one another. The driving metric is, simply, more vehicle miles (pun intended). To the detriment of state budgets, the federal transportation system incentivizes states to build road after road without regard to future costs of maintenance, operation, and environmental impact. This model of car-centric planning is exactly why, when energy prices spike, even the president has few good options to lower costs for Americans.

The solution is devolution. Congress should leave highway taxation and spending to the states. We should commensurately remove federal red tape and regulations on highways, beyond a minimum standard of safety, so that states and cities can use their dollars to address local mobility with organic solutions. The federal gas tax should remain but be used, instead, to subsidize locally sponsored projects that promote walkability, micromobility, and transit. 

The benefits of reforming federal highway funding and changing the way we spend the federal gas tax would be swift and tangible. First, giving states and cities more latitude will encourage local innovation, helping us find better transportation solutions and root out failed practices. Second, it will compel honest accounting of the cost of car-centric infrastructure. Right now, federal gas tax revenue incentivizes states to build and build without thinking about the compounded costs of maintaining an ever-expanding roadway, which are paid for by our children in the form of federal debt.

Eliminating that revenue stream eliminates that unsustainable incentive. Third, a transparent account of the costs of maintenance will make it more likely that states implement strategies like congestion pricing and improved alternative mobility options, like cycling lanes, rail, and on-demand transit. The transition will be disruptive to politicians and bureaucrats, but the net effect will be a lower carbon footprint, better mobility, and more walkable downtowns.

Both parties will be reluctant to reform a system that has been in place for 70 years and funds critical infrastructure. The federal government, though, is not abandoning the Interstate Highway System; it is transitioning to the tried-and-tested model of federalism, which has mediated infrastructure governance since the time of Alexander Hamilton. Indeed, the original highway law envisioned that transition happening by the 1970s. Robust federal involvement was necessary at the inception and construction of a grand enterprise.

Now, though, the highways are the laggard, not the vanguard, of mobility innovation; federal involvement has gone from catalyzing a new endeavor, in the 1950s, to micromanagement and mission creep in the 21st century. Washington owns less than 1% of all public roads, but has spending jurisdiction over 85% of vehicle miles of travel. Centralized control is suffocating the next generation of mobility innovation.

The world has changed since the 1950s. The postwar experiment of car-centric infrastructure is not working. It has exacerbated climate change. It has hamstrung our budgets. It has hollowed out our downtowns. We need a new Eisenhower project dedicated to a simple proposition: An American should not need to own a car to thrive in this century. That requires handing the highways over to the states, and redirecting the federal gas tax to infrastructure for walking, cycling, transit, and other Strong Towns initiatives.

Want to hear more from Rep. Jake Auchincloss on how Congress can support local leaders? Check out an interview we did with him and Rep. Mike Gallagher on the Strong Towns Podcast:

The U.S. Coast Guard says a body found yesterday on West Island is believed to be a fisherman who went overboard earlier this month. According to CBS 12 in Providence,the fisherman, who has not yet been identified, was the subject of an extensive search off the coast of New Bedford in the beginning of July. The crew of the commercial fishing vessel Susan Rose said they noticed one person wasn’t on board around 1:30 a.m. that Friday. The 77-foot vessel based out of Point Judith arrived in New Bedford later that morning with the Coast Guard in tow. The search, which the Coast Guard said covered more than 1,000 square nautical miles, was called off the following day.

Massachusetts State Police and the state medical examiner’s officer are investigating the incident.

Two families are displaced and a dog died following a fire in Fall River on Sunday morning. According to NBC 10 in Providence, the fire broke out just before 11:30 a.m. on Norfolk Street. Fire officials confirmed that the fire started on the first floor of the structure in Azores Bakery. All residents made it out safely and a single firefighter was transported to the hospital with heat exhaustion. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 With the majority of the state currently experiencing elevated temperatures and forecasts predicting little to no meaningful precipitation, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in the Northeast and Central Regions of the state. The Southeast, and Connecticut River Valley Regions will remain at a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the Cape Cod Region will join the Islands and Western Regions at Level 1-Mild Drought. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level-3 Critical Drought and a Level 2-Significant Drought calls for the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group, which has already been convened, to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts and response within the government. Additionally, a Level 1-Mild Drought recommends detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

“As the state endures high temperatures and little precipitation, now more than ever it is critical that we all practice water conservation methods across the Commonwealth,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Minimizing water use now, especially in areas like the Millers and Nashua River watersheds, will allow local water supply systems and natural habitats to rebound more quickly, and will also ensure water resources are available for essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection.”

“As the hot temperatures continue and drought conditions worsen, residents can assist by following any local water restrictions for their area and minimizing indoor and outdoor water usage,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “Given the dry conditions, residents are urged to be cautious around BBQs, campfires and other outdoor activities to prevent brush and forest fires.”

Since the start of July 2022, hydrological conditions have further declined across Massachusetts, and the entire state is under experiencing drought conditions. Areas of higher concern are the Millers River Watershed in the Central Region and the Nashua River Watershed in the Northeast and Central Regions. The two watersheds are particularly impacted due to greater precipitation deficits and impacts to streamflow, and higher extent of evapotranspiration. The Month-to-date (MTD) average temperatures are near normal across Massachusetts, but temperature highs are above normal, especially across the eastern part of the state with many days near or above 90 degrees. Additionally, precipitation deficits were most significant in the eastern and north central parts of the state. Currently, streamflow has been seriously impacted with large deficits and near record low flows in some locations. 

Massachusetts is also experiencing dry streambeds, ponding, and diminished extent of streams in many watersheds leading to lack of flow, increased turbidity, and increase in growth of plants and algae in the water. Furthermore, groundwater, which is a slow reacting index, is starting to be impacted in many regions. Fire activity has increased across the eastern half of the state as drought conditions have set in, and wildfires in remote areas with delayed response are now burning deep into the organic soil layers. Drought induced fire behavior can result in suppression challenges for fire resources and result in extended incidents so residents are asked to exercise caution while working with open flames.

Furthermore, farms have started to experience drought impacts on production acreage and are irrigating crops on a more consistent basis due to current precipitation deficits, high temperatures, and low soil moisture. Farms are maintaining current planting and harvest cycles and minimal impacts to seasonal yields are expected. However, this could change if drought conditions in the Commonwealth worsen over the coming weeks. Consumers are encouraged to continue to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farm stands and retail stores throughout the Commonwealth.

It is important to note that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. However, private wells, local streams, wetlands, vernal pools, and other water-dependent habitats located within MWRA-serviced areas will be impacted by drought conditions while water quality in ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation.

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 3 – Critical Drought, Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought region, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are also asked to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place.

For Regions in Level 3 – Critical Drought
Residents and Businesses:
•    Minimize overall water use.
•    Stop all non-essential outdoor watering. 

Immediate Steps for Communities:
•    Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 3 restriction calls for a ban on all nonessential outdoor water use. 
•    Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses. 
•    Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties. 
•    Strongly discourage or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
•    Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use. 
 
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
•    Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication.
•    Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates. 
•    Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply.
•    Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought
Residents and Businesses:
•    Minimize overall water use;
•    Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.
•    Follow local water use restrictions, if more stringent.

Immediate Steps for Communities:
•    Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 2 restriction calls for limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m. If local restrictions are more stringent, continue to keep them in place during the course of the drought.
•    Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
•    Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
•    Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication.
•    Provide timely information to local residents and businesses.
•    Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
•    Check emergency inter-connections for water supply.
•    Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses:
•    Toilets, faucets and showers are more than 60% of indoor use.  Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient.
•    Limit outdoor watering to one day a week (only from 5:00 pm – 9:00 am), or less frequently if required by your water supplier

Immediate Steps for Communities:
•    Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought.
•    Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
•    Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.
 
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
•    Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication.
•    Provide timely information to local residents and businesses.
•    Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
•    Check emergency inter-connections for water supply.
•    Develop a local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

Taking water conservation steps now will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions, and to sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies in the long-term. Additionally, the Commonwealth will continue to monitor and assess current conditions and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including emergency connections and water supplies assistance.

“Between the lack of precipitation and the extreme heat, we are seeing conditions degrade quickly particularly in certain areas of the state,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “We strongly encourage all water users, including private well-owners, to take immediate steps to reduce their demands, and to follow recommendations and requirements outlined by your local public water supplier.”

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 1:00PM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, please visit EEA’s drought page and water conservation page. To get the most up-to-date information on the drought indices, go to the state’s drought dashboard page.

BOSTON, MA – July 22, 2022 – The state’s June total unemployment rate dropped by two-tenths of a percentage point at 3.7 percent over-the-month, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Friday. 
 
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 3,400 jobs in June. This follows last month’s revised gain of 400 jobs. The largest over the month private sector job gains were in Construction, Professional and Business Services, and Information. Employment now stands at 3,664,200.  Since the employment trough in April 2020, Massachusetts gained 613,200 jobs. 
 
From June 2021 to June 2022, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 164,700 jobs. The largest over the year gains occurred in Leisure and Hospitality, Professional, Scientific, and Business Services, and Education and Health Services.  
 
The June unemployment rate of 3.7 percent was 0.1 percentage point above the national rate reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
 
The labor force decreased by an estimated 2,300 from 3,775,600 in May, as 4,400 more residents were employed, and 6,700 fewer residents were unemployed over-the-month. 
 
Over-the-year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 2.3 percentage points.  
 
The state’s labor force participation rate – the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks – remained steady at 66.0 percent. Compared to June 2021, the labor force participation rate was up 0.3 percentage point. 
 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito released the below statements in response to the Judiciary Committee’s actions to send the Baker-Polito Administration’s dangerousness bill to study:
 
“The Judiciary Committee’s incomprehensible decision to send our Administration’s dangerousness bill to study is an insult to survivors. Lt. Governor Polito and I have spent the past several months meeting with brave survivors across the Commonwealth who spoke out with the hope of protecting others from facing the same horrors they lived through. The Administration’s bill would have closed loopholes in the criminal justice system, while the Legislature’s decision protects abusers at the expense of survivors.” – Governor Charlie Baker
 
“Our Administration has filed the dangerousness bill repeatedly so we can better protect survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes, and it is deeply disappointing that the Judiciary Committee has sent this bill to study. The Committee’s actions ignore the survivors who came forward to share their personal stories and demonstrate how this bill would have made a difference.” – Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
 
###
 

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, July 23:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for adults, and children 5 years and older 

Monday, July 25:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for adults, and children 5 years and older

Friday, July 29:
-    PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for adults, and children 5 years and older

Saturday, July 30:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for adults, and children 5 years and older 

Monday, Aug. 1:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, vaccines and boosters for adults, and children 5 years and older

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

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 travel and 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/.

Upcoming COVID-19 Testing Sites 
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: 

Sunday, July 24: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, July 26: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 28:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 31: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 2: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 4:
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 7: 
-    Project Beacon at New Bedford Regional Airport (1569 Airport Road) – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Work will begin on Monday, July 25, and take place weekly during overnight hours from 8 p.m. through 4 a.m. the following morning

Detour will be in place

WESTPORT - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be performing overnight bridge repair operations on the ramp from I-195 westbound at exit 16 to Route 88 southbound in Westport. The work will begin on Monday, July 25, and take place weekly, Monday through Friday, during overnight hours from 8:00 p.m. through 4:00 a.m. the following morning. The work is anticipated to completed by mid-August.

The ramp will be closed during repair operations, and a detour will be in place as follows:

•    Traffic will be directed from I-195 westbound at exit 16 to exit 14A (Route 24 southbound)
•    Take the ramp to Route 24 southbound 
•    Follow Route 24 southbound and take exit 2 to Brighton Avenue
•    From Brighton Avenue enter Route 24 northbound 
•    Take exit 3 on Route 24 northbound to I-195 eastbound
•    Continue until exit 16 to Route 88 southbound. 
 

A 39-year-old New Bedford man was convicted today in Fall River Superior Court of Second Degree Murder and illegal firearm charges in connection with the Veterans Day 2018 New Bedford shooting death of 23-year-old Reynaldo Pena, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn announced.

Alexis Silva was convicted late this morning by a jury of his peers on charges of Second Degree Murder, Carrying an Illegal Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm, and Assault and Battery via Discharge of a Firearm.  He was sentenced by Judge Daniel O’Shea early this afternoon to serve life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney William McCauley and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Sylvia, who argued the defendant should serve a life prison sentence with possibility of parole after 30 years. 

At about 2:15 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2018, the victim was driving on Malden Street but was blocked by the defendant’s 2012 white Lexus and another vehicle.  After the victim honked his horn, the other vehicle moved and the victim drove through.

The defendant became angered by the victim honking and rapidly driving through.  The defendant followed after the victim’s car, which was now parked on the side of the Malden Street near Shawmut Avenue.  When the victim exited his parked vehicle, the defendant opened fire upon him. 

The shots were fired from inside the Lexus. New Bedford Police found Pena lying in the street upon arrival at the scene. Pena was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and then to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died about 3:40 a.m.

Surveillance video showed the white Lexus then traveled about four miles away to a residence on Bank Street, and the occupant got out of the car. Witnesses identified Silva as the man in the video.

Silva was on the run from law enforcement for the next four months before eventually being arrested in early March, 2019.

“This was a senseless killing over a minor motor vehicle confrontation.  However, it is no surprise that the defendant responded in the way he did as he has a history of committing firearm offenses and violent crimes,” District Attorney Quinn said. “I am pleased the jury held him accountable for murdering the victim and I hope the victim’s family is satisfied that justice was done in this case.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a period of oppressive heat and humidity today through this weekend with heat indices topping out at 95 – 102 degrees. .

Similar conditions are expected to continue through Thursday, July 21st before slightly less humid weather arrives for Friday.  Potential for strong to severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon.
 
Impacts/ Potential Impacts:  Heat related issues to at risk population and those doing higher levels of outdoor physical activities.
 
Heat Advisory:  Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (see below and attached). Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
 

According to CBS 12 in Providence, a North Attleboro man has been arrested for allegedly putting a hidden camera in the bathroom of a business. Police responding to the business on Tuesday found a cell phone disguised in a box on the floor made to look like extra cleaning supplies and was actively recording video. The 29 year old Anizio Carvalho, was placed under arrest for photographing an unsuspecting nude person. Police say he was a contract janitor who had been working in the building and is now expected to be arraigned in Wrentham District Court. Police also stated they are working to identify any other potential victims or buildings in other communities where he may have been working as a janitor. The incident remains under investigation.

The Presidential Motorcade that exited T-F Green in Rhode Island was greeted in Somerset with a mixture of supporters and critics on Wednesday. 

While the President was greeted with some signs of support along Brayton Point Road, the signage on Wilbur Avenue was produced by a sea of Trump supporters, who questioned Biden's legitimacy to hold the office, while others simply proclaimed ''Biden Sucks''. 

Somerset Police were assisted by cops from Bridgewater, Fall River and other Massachusetts communities as they lined the route as well. 

The search for a Town Administrator for Somerset continues, after Shirley Massachusetts Town Administrator Micheal McGovern turned down the gig. 

McGovern was the latest in a string of those interviewed this Spring and Summer to turn down the post. 

Mc Govern was also offered the role of City Administrator for the City of Fall River and rejected the idea. 

New Bedford released its schedule for early voting for primary elections. According to ABC 6, Voters will be able to go to the Main Public Library on Pleasant Street from August 27 to September 2 anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Polls will open citywide on Primary Election Day, September 6, from 7 a-m. to 8 p-m. The mayor’s office released a statement Tuesday stating the positions in which voters can choose from governor, representatives and the Sheriff's Office.

The voter registration deadline is 5 p.m. in August. 27.

According to NBC 10 in Providence, Massachusetts State Police said an armed suspect barricaded inside a vehicle on I-495, near I-93, has suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, on Tuesday evening. An armed suspect barricaded themselves inside a vehicle on Route 495 in Andover and later suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said as far as they know, the suspect is the only occupant of the vehicle.

No additional information was immediately available.

(FALL RIVER, MA – July 19, 2022) – By the end of July, Fall River will have three (3) world-class, large-scale murals to add to its public art inventory.

The Viva Murals project is a collaboration between Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition (FRACC), Viva Fall River, and mural and public art experts Beyond Walls. Installations will be underway on July 19th, with artists painting the exterior walls of buildings as tall as 90 feet high using lifts and ladders.

These murals will be created by world-renowned artists who will partner with the local arts community to reflect Fall River’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. The identified walls are over two stories tall and were selected not only for their high visibility from main roadways but to purposefully engage the surrounding community in placemaking while encouraging visitors to exit I-195 and explore Fall River. 

1.    207 Pocasset Upper Wall: Artist Diogo Machado, aka Add Fuel, will reinterpret the language of traditional tile design, and that of the Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic azulejo, on this two-story wall.  Add Fuel will be assisted by Southcoast artist, Tracy Barboza.

2.    207 Pocasset Street-Level Wall: Local muralist and artist Greg Pennisten will honor the city's history as a leader of the textile industry, by representing patterns from the Fall River's Historical Society collection.

3.    Doran Elementary School, 101 Fountain Street: Artist Kevin Ledo will create a mural at this location, as part of a youth-focused creative cultural exchange with children in Tierra Bomba, Cartagena, Colombia, led by aptART.

Fall River's youth will have the unique opportunity to connect with youth from Haiti through a creative cultural exchange rooted in murals in both countries through The One Blue Sky Project by aptART. This virtual exchange is a crucial extension of the Viva Murals project. The children will work collectively to design a two-part mural concept that depicts their discoveries, with one section of the mural painted in each of the two communities.

In addition, the world-class murals will serve as a place for community engagement. The following events and activities will be offered at no charge to the community.

•    Friday, July 22 — View & Chew Food Truck Event at 200 Pocasset St (Fall River Chamber Building), 12 – 2 PM. See the murals in progress! View the murals being painted across the street and chew on some free food and dessert from Green Jar Cocina and Cool Licks Ice Cream truck.

•    Sunday, July 24 — Spray Paint Art at the Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market (25 Jeremiah Sullivan Drive, Downtown), 11 AM – 2 PM – A favorite at local events and fun for all ages. Join Little Lambs and leave with your own spray paint art creation!

•    Friday, July 29 — View & Chew Food Truck Event at 200 Pocasset St (Fall River Chamber Building), 12 – 2 PM. Check out the finishing touches on the murals and enjoy free food from Green Jar Catering and What’s Up Cupcake.
 

BOSTON – Ten individuals were arrested today for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. During today’s arrests, 14.9 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and substantial amounts of cash and were seized from target locations.

According to the charging documents, in March 2021, law enforcement began investigating a DTO led by Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Intercepted communications on numerous cellphones allegedly identified Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez and Alfredo Rodriguez as members of the DTO who conspired with Ortiz-Alcantara to regularly distribute multi-kilograms of fentanyl from a base of operations at a stash house in Fall River. According to court documents, at the time of their arrest this morning, Cabreja Jimenez and Rodriguez had barricaded themselves in a back bedroom of the stash house upon the arrival of law enforcement.

The investigation also identified Rebecca Bartholomew, Edwin Collazo, Jason Cruz, Michael Pacheco and Jose Santiago as alleged regular DTO customers who re-distributed fentanyl to their own local customer bases in areas including Cape Cod and New Bedford. As part of the conspiracy, it is alleged that members of the DTO, under Ortiz-Alcantara’s management and control, conducted drug transactions with these regular customers in public areas – including in the diaper aisle of a store and in supermarket parking lots. It is also alleged that on at least one occasion, members of the DTO transported drugs concealed in cereal boxes while accompanied by a child. Over 500 grams of suspected fentanyl was seized during the investigation through controlled purchases and drug seizures.

The following defendants were arrested today and charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances:

Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, 36, of Providence, R.I.;
Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, 24, of Cranston, R.I.;
Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, a/k/a “Benjamin Osorio Pizarro,” 32, of Providence, R.I.;
Rebecca Bartholomew, 36, of Yarmouth;
Jose Santiago, 45, of New Bedford;
Edwin Collazo, 26, of New Bedford;
Jason Cruz, 41, of New Bedford;
Michael Pacheco, 43, of Taunton;
Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez; and
Alfredo Rodriguez.

“Today’s coordinated law enforcement operation disrupted an organization we believe served as a hub for the distribution of illegal and deadly narcotics in Southeastern Massachusetts and into Rhode Island,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The opioid crisis has resulted in far too much harm and far too many deaths in our Commonwealth. My office will not relent in pursuing those who make a living off pumping poisonous fentanyl into our communities – violators will be identified, prosecuted, incarcerated and put out of business. I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their exceptional collaboration that led to today’s arrests and brought this case to fruition.”

“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New England,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Let these arrests serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like fentanyl. The DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle, New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

Traffic detour for July 20th visit of President Biden to Somerset: Wilbur Avenue, (Rte 103) will be closed intermittently in the area of Gardner’s Neck Road, detouring eastbound traffic north onto Gardner’s Neck road. Avoid the area if possible and please have patience if you must travel that way tomorrow afternoon.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they have signed DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Terms of the contract were not announced.

Pharms Jr., 25, played in the USFL this past spring for the Pittsburgh Maulers, finishing with two sacks and 32 total tackles. The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder began his college career at Sacramento State as a linebacker before finishing his career at Friends University as a defensive lineman. He had 14 ½ sacks at Friends University as a senior.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City’s Board of Election Commissioners has announced the early voting schedule and registration deadline for the state’s primary election Sept. 6. 

Early voting for the state primary will take place from Saturday, Aug. 27, through Friday, Sept. 2. In-person early voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day on the third floor of the Main Public Library, at 613 Pleasant St. downtown. 

State Primary Election Early Voting in Person 
August 27 - September 2, 2022
Main Public Library - 613 Pleasant St., 3rd Floor

Saturday    Aug. 27    8 AM -  4 PM
Sunday    Aug. 28    8 AM -  4 PM
Monday    Aug. 29    8 AM -  4 PM
Tuesday    Aug. 30    8 AM -  4 PM
Wednesday    Aug. 31    8 AM -  4 PM
Thursday    Sept. 1    8 AM -  4 PM
Friday    Sept. 2    8 AM -  4 PM

Polls citywide will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day, Sept. 6.

Voters can cast votes in primary races for Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Attorney General; Secretary of State; Treasurer; Auditor; 9th District Representative in Congress; 1st District Governor’s Councillor; 2nd Bristol & Plymouth District Senator in General Court; 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 13th District Representative in General Court; District Attorney Bristol County; Sheriff Bristol County; Bristol County Commissioner; and Bristol County Register of Deeds.

The voter registration deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday, August 27, in the City’s Election Commission Office, Room 114, City Hall, 133 William St. If you have a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID card, you can register to vote, update your address, and check your registration information online at: www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/

The voter registration deadline is also the deadline for voters to notify the Board of Elections of any changes in their address, name, or party affiliation.

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status or designated polling location; has changed their address since the last election; or has questions about mail-in, absentee, or early voting can call the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.

As the heat rolls in, BPZOO gets creative with keeping Guests, Staff and Animals cool
New Bedford, Massachusetts: Sprinklers, misters, and frozen treats – all great ways to keep cool during
extreme summer heat; and these are just a few of the measures that animal care staff at Buttonwood
Park Zoo will be taking to ensure everyone can keep cool during this week’s predicted high
temperatures.

While water features, such as pools, hoses, sprinklers, and misters, are a great way to keep animals cool,
some BPZOO residents prefer a mud wallow. Lounging in or covering themselves in mud is a way for
some animals to regulate body temperature and keep cool. Mud wallows can help keep an animal
cooler for longer compared to taking a dip in the water.

“Some of our more prominent residents, such as our female Asian elephants Emily and Ruth, have a
variety of ways to cool off when the temperatures rise”, says Acting Buttonwood Park Zoo Director,
Shara Rapoza. “If you visit on a hot day, or check out some of our social media posts, you might see
Emily, who is 58, taking a mud bath, while Ruth, now 63, dusts next to her.”

Some of the animals, such as our red pandas, have a harder time tolerating high temperatures and may
retreat to their indoor, climate-controlled environments. They will return to their outdoor habitats when
the temperatures are less extreme.

Additionally, animal care staff will be planning a variety of ice inspired enrichment – everyone likes a
frozen treat on a hot day! Every habitat within the Zoo is designed to provide the animals with options
and choices. Whether that means choosing a location where they can stay cool or by choosing to
interact with enrichment items with an icy twist – no matter what the animals are up to this week, they
will certainly be given every option to beat the heat.

Animals aren’t the only ones who need to be mindful of high temperatures at BPZOO this week. To help
keep guests, volunteers and staff cool, there will be additional hydration stations spread around the
seven-acre campus. The Bear’s Den Café will be serving cold drinks, popsicles, and ice cream. BPZOO
members can get free freeze pops during their visit on Friday, July 22nd
. 

A 24-year-old Fall River woman connected to multiple shootings in Fall River and New Bedford, including a 2019 New Bedford homicide, was sentenced to state prison last Friday, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn announced.

Ashlee Cambra pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging her with Accessory to Murder-After the Fact, Accessory to an Assault and Battery by Means of a Firearm-After the Fact, Attempted Assault and Battery by Means of a Firearm, Carrying an Illegal Firearm and Possession of an High Capacity Firearm.

Despite Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson’s recommendation that the defendant serve nine-and-a-half years in state prison to be followed by a two year strict supervised probationary term, judge William White sentenced the defendant to serve four to six years in state prison.  

Judge White also ordered the defendant to be placed on probation for an additional two years.  The terms of her probation include no contact with known gang members, no contact with witnesses or co-defendants in any of the cases, provide a DNA sample and must not possess any drugs or weapons. 

On July 26, 2020 the defendant, along with co-defendants Brian Ortiz, Tyrell Woodis-Pina and Giovanni Vale-Valentin were traveling in a 2020 Jeep Compass rented by Cambra’s grandmother. Cambra was driving, and the rest of the males were passengers. Cambra stopped at the Petromart Gas Station in the City of New Bedford that evening. Once at the gas station, Cambra and Ortiz entered into the convenience store at the gas station where an argument ensued with other males, and the mention of “South First” came up.

Ortiz claims to be from there, and the other males present, from an opposing neighborhood, go on to have an argument with Ortiz that escalated and poured out of the store.  Clear high quality video surveillance cameras capture the interior and exterior of the gas station store and pumps. The outside cameras show  Woodis-Pina emerge from the Jeep Compass with a firearm.

He passed the gun to Vale-Valentin who then shot and injured another male who was  in the opposing group. Vale-Valentin then handed that gun to Ortiz who shot and injured another male in the opposing group.  Ortiz, Vale-Valentin, Cambra and Woodis-Pina all re-enter the Jeep Compass. Cambra then backed out of the gas station and drove the men away. In a subsequent interview Cambra lied about what time she got home to Fall River that evening.  When shown images of herself at the time of the initial argument in the store before the shooting, she admitted she had lied. Text messages between Cambra and Ortiz were recovered from Cambra’s phone,  which reveal that Cambra pledged her allegiance to Ortiz.

Cambra was arrested days after the incident.  In the meantime, investigators probing a September 2019 non-fatal shooting in Fall River and an October 2019 fatal shooting in New Bedford obtained evidence that Cambra also assisted the alleged perpetrators in both of these incidents.  She was then re-arrested in March, 2021.

On September 29, 2019 the defendant drove both co-defendants, Kevin Edwards and Mauricio Pineda, to the area of Morgan Street and Fourth Street in the City of Fall River. Once there, Cambra waited in the vehicle and the two men exited.

 Pineda, who was armed with a large capacity pistol loaded with an extended magazine, fired his weapon 23 times. 15 casings were found in the area of Griffin Park and seven more casings were found in the area of 4th Street and Morgan Street.

An additional casing was found the next day. Two of the shots struck and damaged parked cars, and from those cars, police found two projectiles. Video surveillance footage showed both Pineda and Edwards fleeing together from the scene of the shooting using their hoods to obscure their appearance and both clutching items in the front pouches of their sweatshirts as they ran. After the shooting both men returned to the vehicle and Cambra drove both men away from the scene.

Following the shooting, Cambra discovered gloves from the shooting and hid them. On October 1st, Cambra began making plans with Pineda and Edwards to flee the state and head to Florida.  The three left the state the evening of October 1, 2019.  Cambra drove the men using her grandmother’s registered vehicle, a white Honda CRV. Cambra drove both men down to Florida to avoid prosecution and to lay low following the event.

However, at some point prior to October 19, 2019, all three individuals made their way back to Massachusetts.  On October 19, 2019 a group of Latin Kings gang members and associates were filming a rap video in the North End of New Bedford. Following this, two males walking home on Ashley Boulevard from a Chinese restaurant were shot from behind.  One male was shot in the back and paralyzed. Paul Collazo Ruiz, aged 17, was shot and killed.

After a lengthy investigation, it was determined both Mauricio Pineda and Kevin Edwards participated in the shooting.  Following the shooting, both men stayed at a motel where contact was made with Cambra. The morning after the shooting, messages between Cambra and the men show they were letting Cambra know they needed her. On October 22, 2019 Cambra drove Kevin  Edwards from Massachusetts down to Florida again. Cambra drove Edwards down to Florida using her grandmother’s registered silver Acura. This is proven by cell site locations, plate readers and snapchat message content.  Messages from Cambra on October 29, 2019 describe her taking him to Florida as being part of a “whole plan.”  

Of all the co-defendants listed above, only the case involving Tyrell Woodis-Pina has been resolved.  On October 20, 2021, Woodis-Pina was convicted of illegal firearm charges and is currently serving a three to seven year state prison sentence.  All of the cases against the other co-defendants are still pending, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

“This defendant was an accessory to a series of violent shootings, including a homicide.  The state prison sentence holds her accountable for her role in these senseless incidents. These very violent acts undermine people’s sense of security in their communities and a lengthy state prison sentence was warranted,” District Attorney Quinn said. 
 

Somerset Acting Town Administrator Michael Gallagher and Police Chief Todd Costa are pleased to announce that President Joseph R. Biden will be traveling to Somerset tomorrow.

“We’re excited to welcome President Biden and his administration to the Town of Somerset tomorrow,” Acting Town Administrator Gallagher said. “Residents should expect significant road closures, detours and traffic delays throughout the day.”

According to ABC 6, Massachusetts health officials announced yesterday that eleven vaccine clinics will open up across the state. Seven Hills Behavioral Health Center in New Bedford said they got the call last week from the department of health to be one of those centers. Seven Hills Behavioral Health Center’s Director Connie Rocha-Mimoso said 100 doses of the vaccine were delivered to their center and that the vaccines will begin to be administered on July 25 from that location.

Over 30 appointments were made yesterday for next week at the New Bedford location.

Five residents were rescued after a New Bedford apartment building broke out in flames overnight. According to CBS 12 in Providence, New Bedford police and firefighters responded to the Roosevelt Apartments on County Street just before midnight. Crews helped carry some of the residents to safety down ladders and fire escapes, including a young mother and an infant. Two police officers were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital to be checked out while two firefighters were treated at the scene. Reports of one dog dying in the fire but several cats were rescued from multiple floors. 

No word on what caused the fire as investigations continue.

Administrators with the Fall River Public School District continue to search for suitable classroom space for an influx of PreK Students, with time ticking to an August 31 first day of school. 

Ken Pacheco is the C-O-O for the Fall River Public School District, and it was his job to explain to the Fall River School Committee during their July Session in the BMC Durfee auditorium what happened with a lone bidder who filled out the final paperwork incorrectly, costing the district time in terms of its ongoing search. 

Pacheco says modular classroom space is also a possibility. 

Fall River School Department Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacheco told the Fall River School Committee tonight that RFPs for 3 fields in the Durfee Athletic Complex are now going out to bid. 

School Committee member Kevin Augiar continues to urge for the creation of a funding mechanism.

The varsity baseball field will feature Field Turf for the first time and eliminate issues with outfield drainage that kept the field virtually unplayable during past baseball seasons. 

The Bids will be open next month. 

BOSTON, MA—Boston Red Sox left-handed pitcher Chris Sale underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of a left fifth finger proximal phalanx fracture today.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Matthew Leibman at the Newton-Wellesley Outpatient Surgery Center in Wellesley, MA.

Westwood, MA, July 18, 2022 — Massachusetts’s average gas price is down 11 cents from last week ($4.74), averaging $4.63 per gallon. Today’s price is 38 cents lower than a month ago ($5.01), and $1.61 higher than July 18, 2021 ($3.02). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 11 cents higher than the national average.

The steady decline is due to lower domestic demand for gasoline at the pump and a much lower global price for oil. The cost of a barrel of oil is in the mid-$90s, down from around $110 two weeks ago. 

“Global economic news is pushing oil prices lower and less expensive oil leads to lower pump prices,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. “And here at home, people are fueling up less, despite this being the height of the traditional summer driving season. These two key factors are behind the recent drop in pump prices.”  

AAA Northeast’s July 18 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 15 cents lower than last week ($4.67), averaging $4.52 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 46 cents lower than a month ago ($4.98), and $1.36 higher than this day last year ($3.16).
 

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, as the Swansea Mall closed years ago, more businesses look to occupy the lot. Moving into the space once occupied by Sears is Unified2 global packaging group, a subsidiary of the Kraft Group. According to its site, Unified2 makes and sells packaging products, including foam, wood, air-packs, cardboard and protective cases, for a variety of industries and the military.

Joining Unified2 in the near future will be a gym franchise, crunch, and much more to what is being referred to as the Shoppes at Swansea.

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today placed second baseman Trevor Story on the 10-Day Injured List with a right hand contusion, retroactive to July 14. To fill Story’s spot on the active roster, Boston recalled catcher Connor Wong from Triple-A Worcester.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Story, 29, leads the Red Sox in RBI (58), stolen bases (10-for-10), and defensive runs saved (8). In 81 games for Boston, the right-handed hitter has batted .221 (68-for-307) with 15 home runs, 17 doubles, and 49 runs scored.

Wong, 26, has played in three games for Boston this season, going 1-for-7 (.143) with an RBI. The right-handed hitter has also batted .266 (62-for-233) with 15 doubles, six home runs, and 22 RBI in 60 games for Worcester.

ed Sox Select Infielder Mikey Romero with First Pick (24th Overall) in 2022 Draft
Club Also Selects Infielder Cutter Coffey in Second Round (41st Overall) and Outfielder Roman Anthony with a Second Round Compensation Pick (79th Overall)
1:45 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Red Sox selected infielder Mikey Romero out of Orange Lutheran High School (CA) with their first-round pick (24th overall) in the 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The club also selected infielder Cutter Coffey out of Liberty High School (CA) in the second round (41st overall), and Outfielder Roman Anthony out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (FL) with a second-round compensation pick (79th overall).

Red Sox Director of Amateur Scouting Paul Toboni made the announcement.

Romero, 18, hit .368 (60-for-163) with 21 extra-base hits, 41 RBI, and 40 runs scored during his junior and senior seasons, striking out just 19 times in 50 games over that time. The left-handed hitter played in the 2021 Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park in San Diego, and was a Perfect Game California Preseason First Team selection in 2022. Committed to play baseball for Louisiana State University prior to his selection in this year's draft, Romero played for Team USA on both the 15U National Team in 2019 and the 12U National Team in 2016. Two of his sisters, Sierra and Sydney, played NCAA softball for the University of Michigan and the University of Oklahoma, respectively. The two were each named First-Team All-Americans by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and selected in the top three picks of the National Pro Fastpitch Draft, playing together professionally for the USSSA Florida Pride.

Coffey, 18, hit .418 (115-for-275) with 102 runs scored, 26 doubles, five triples, 24 home runs, and 99 RBI over 92 games during four high school seasons (2018-22). He also pitched in 39 games, going 7-5 with a 2.52 ERA (23 ER/64.0 IP) and 78 strikeouts. During his junior and senior seasons, the right-handed hitter scored 77 runs and recorded 68 RBI over 52 games, while batting .458 with a .574 on-base percentage (77-for-168, 42 BB). Committed to play baseball for the University of Texas prior to his selection in this year's draft, he was teammates with Mikey Romero on Team USA's 12U National Team in 2016, and joined Romero as a Perfect Game California Preseason First Team selection in 2022.

Anthony, 18, was ranked by MLB.com as the No. 56 prospect in this year's draft. The left-handed hitter was named 2021-22 Gatorade Florida Baseball Player of the Year, batting .520 with a 1.569 OPS, 36 runs scored, 10 home runs and 40 RBI during his senior season. Committed to play baseball for the University of Mississippi prior to his selection in this year's draft, he played in the 2021 Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park in San Diego, and was a Perfect Game Florida Preseason First Team selection in 2022.

Read more: Boston Red Sox
 

Westborough, MA - - - In November, Massachusetts voters will weigh in on a ballot measure that responsibly increases the availability of off-premises retail alcohol licenses. It has been announced by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth that the “Expanded Availability of Licenses for the Sale of Alcohol Beverages” initiative petition will appear on the November ballot as Question #3. The final requirement was certification of more than 13,347 signatures from registered voters who had not participated in the two previous signature submission requirements. 

“Question #3 was filed to meet public desire for convenience while also preserving small businesses across the state,” explained Ryan Maloney, owner of Julio’s Liquors in Westborough and President of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association. He continued, “Question #3 is a compromise that restores balance to an industry that has been upended by large corporate interests seeking marketplace control. It is David v. Goliath. A YES Vote on Question #3 will responsibly expand licenses in a manner that keeps ‘Main Street’ small businesses open. It is a compromise.” 

Over 19,000 pre-qualified signatures were delivered to the Office of the Secretary of State for final certification. These signatures were previously certified by town clerks across the state as valid signatures from resident voters. Carrying out of a second signature effort was triggered after the State Legislature determined not to enact a legislative alternative to the ballot initiative. Previously, the Office of the Secretary of State had certified close to 90,000 certified signatures from registered voters, which far exceeded the 80,239 minimum requirement. The initiative petition had also easily survived a late filed legal challenge by Cumberland Farms and other large corporate interests. 

A YES vote in November will expand convenience by gradually increasing the number of allowed beer and wine licenses from nine (9) to eighteen (18), minus any full liquor licenses owned. Most states allow three (3) to five (5) full liquor licenses. The number of liquor licenses in Massachusetts will be capped at seven (7). A YES vote also enhances public safety and encourages vigilance by retailers through prohibiting self-checkout of alcohol beverages and by basing the fine for selling to a minor on a store’s total sales and not just its alcohol sales. A YES vote additionally supports state tourism and brings Massachusetts in line with every other state in the country by allowing for valid out of state IDs to be relied upon by alcohol beverage retailers.

Ben Weiner, owner of Sav-Mor Spirits and chair of the “21st Century Alcohol Retail Reform Committee,” applauded today’s announcement. “The future of ‘Main Street’ and local retail is in the hands of voters this November. While every effort imaginable will be made by large corporate interests to trick and mislead voters, local retail will succeed. Please support local retail by voting YES on Question #3. Question #3 responsibly expands the availability of alcohol licenses.” 

Ryan Maloney added, “Locally owned stores want to personally thank their loyal customers, voters, and friends of the retailer that have placed their trust and support with Main Street retail. These family run stores take very seriously their role as gatekeepers against illegal sales. They are committed to the communities they serve. Please vote YES on #3” 
 

The agreement between the City and Parallel Products affiliates South Coast Renewables and SMRE 100, LLC, states that the expansion of the recyclables processing facility at 100 Duchaine Boulevard will “not apply for or maintain any approvals that authorize the acceptance, management, transload or processing of biosolids at the facility or site in any form.” It also prohibits the facility operator and subcontractors from allowing any of their trucks to use Phillips Road, a residential corridor in the North End, when traveling to or from the site.  

Parallel Products will proceed with its plans to construct an enclosed municipal solid waste facility and will be required to pay the City a fee of $2 per ton of waste processed there. The company estimates that the fees will total $800,000 in the first year of operation. The City will establish a dedicated fund in which half of the proceeds from the fee will be used for public improvement projects in precincts 1-D and 1-E, where the Pine Hill Acres, Briarwood and Sassaquin neighborhoods are located. City Council approval is required to establish the fund.

Parallel Products estimates the expansion will create 75 new jobs. The increased value of the renovated property will raise its real estate taxes by at least $200,000. 

The agreement also includes a “most favored pricing” clause, which establishes that, in the event that the City sends municipal waste to the facility, the City would pay the lowest price the company charges its comparable customers. 

Summary of Benefits to the City
•    Biosolids banned from the facility 
•    $30 million investment that will create 75 new jobs 
•    More than $200,000 in new annual tax revenue
•    Additional annual fees paid to the City estimated to exceed $800,000 in the first year, half of which will be deposited in a dedicated fund for neighborhood improvements 
•    Trucks banned from using Phillips Road when traveling to or from the facility
•    Most favored pricing clause that ensures prices for the City, should the City seek to retain Parallel Products’ services, would be no higher than the lowest prices to a comparable customer 
“We made clear from the start that any expansion must protect public health and safety, mitigate environmental risks, and offset the impact to nearby neighborhoods,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “By eliminating biosolids from the plan and securing significant financial benefits for neighbors, this agreement achieves those goals and more.” 

“We’ve always said we’d never allow a sludge plant in New Bedford, and we’re very happy with what the Mayor has accomplished and that this agreement prevents that,” said state Rep. Paul Schmid, whose district includes the New Bedford Business Park.

“A major concern of residents was the processing of biosolids, and I’m very happy that we were able to prevent this. Additionally, we’ll keep significant money from the agreement in Ward 1 to benefit our neighborhoods,” Ward 1 City Councilor Brad Markey said. “I look forward to supporting establishment of the dedicated fund for these public improvement projects.”

“This agreement looks to be a great deal for the City and the nearby residents,” City Council President Ian Abreu said. “The concerns of the neighborhood were heard loud and clear, and that’s how we arrived at this deal.”

“The agreement announced today represents a positive development for existing park companies, local residents, and the entire City,” said Liz Isherwood, chair of the Greater New Bedford Industrial Foundation, which oversees the New Bedford Business Park. 

“This is a uniquely positive outcome for the City that came about through hard work, tough negotiating, and dedication to serving residents. The public benefits in this agreement will have positive impacts for neighborhoods near the Business Park and the City’s economy as a whole,” said Tony Sapienza, president of the New Bedford Economic Development Council. 

BOSTON – Today the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) issued additional warnings to residents of skimming scams that have impacted some DTA clients. The agency and its investigations team became aware of banks and retailers who appear to have had their ATMs and card processing terminals compromised.

These scams are aimed at obtaining credit, debit and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). Skimming is the use of an electronic device to steal card information from a card reader and create a fake card, known as cloning, to steal money or benefits. 

As a precaution, DTA strongly recommends that clients change the PIN on their EBT cards at this time and before each scheduled benefit issuance date. Clients do not need to receive a new card to safely access their benefits.

The Department has taken several preemptive steps to help protect clients’ benefits, including sending out multiple targeted text messages and creating a notice to inform clients and encourage them to re-PIN their card. The agency also created a webpage on Skimming and how to protect benefits.

Clients who receive TAFDC or EAEDC cash benefits can have their benefits sent to a checking or savings account through direct deposit. Direct deposit is a safe and reliable method to receive benefits and protect against fraud. Residents can contact their case manager if they have a bank account and want to set up direct deposit. 

There have also been reports of a phishing scam where individuals are receiving scam text messages that their Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits have been blocked. The message directs individuals to call a number where they are asked to provide their P-EBT card number. This message is not from DTA. DTA only sends text messages from 382-674 and would only direct clients to call the Assistance Line (877-382-2363) or EBT Customer Service Line (800-997-2555).

People should never provide their personal information or EBT/P-EBT card number over the phone to unidentified callers. If any DTA client believes they may have fallen victim to a skimming or phishing scam, they are encouraged to report it to DTA’s fraud hotline at 1-800-372-8399. 
 

Police are looking to find a man who robbed a bank in Dartmouth early yesterday morning. According to CBS 12 in Providence, officials responded to the Cumberland Farms on Dartmouth Street around 2 a.m. for a report of an unarmed robbery. The clerk told police a Black man in his 30s or 40s with a thin build reached over the counter and stole money from the register. Police say the clerk injured their hand when they tried to block the suspect from getting to the register and was brought to the hospital for treatment. Detectives are now reviewing video of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dartmouth Police Department Investigative Services Unit.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, A New Bedford man was arrested Tuesday on firearms charges after he was found to be in possession of a “ghost gun.” New Bedford police said they received a tip that Nuno Pedrosa had a gun while working on his boat outside his Padanaram Avenue home learning Pedrosa had six active warrants and was not licensed to carry a firearm. While taking Pedrosa into custody, officers found a loaded “ghost gun,” inside an open storage compartment which is untraceable since they’re privately assembled and lack serial numbers.

The 39 year old Pedrosa was charged with carrying a loaded firearm, possessing ammunition, and carrying a large-capacity feeding device without a license, along with the six open warrants.

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the selection of Motorola Solutions, Inc. as the winning bid of the competitive procurement process to replace the Commonwealth’s legacy statewide public safety radio system.

The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS), in coordination with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), has engaged Motorola Solutions to replace the current analog radio network with a new P-25 standards-based interoperable digital system that will offer enhanced communications capabilities through improved reliability, increased capacity and expanded coverage. 
 
The radio system, known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Interoperable Radio System (CoMIRS), is used by the State Police for their primary radio communications and by 245 local, regional and state public safety organizations. The multi-year project, managed by EOTSS’ Interoperable Communications Bureau (ICB), is expected to be completed in 2026 and is funded by  State 911 trust funds and capital funds authorized by the Legislature. 
 

The Ultimate Tribute Concert, featuring Robert Black performing the music of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, has been postponed. 

The concert was to be held on Thursday, July 14 in Heritage State Park. Because of predicted thunderstorms, the concert has been postponed. We do not yet have a firm date for the new concert, but we will announce it as soon as possible. 

Again, please note that the Ultimate Tribute Concert has been canceled for July 14, but we do hope to offer it as an outdoor event later this summer, date to be announced. 

We are sorry the concert has to be postponed, but the safety of our guests is paramount. Please watch fallriverlibrary.org and our Facebook page for updates on the new date. 

For more information, call the library at 508-324-2700 or visit fallriverlibrary.org. 

BOSTON (July 13, 2022) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year.

The presence of WNV was confirmed today by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in a mosquito sample collected July 11th in the town of Easton in Bristol County.

No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year.  There is no elevated risk level or risk-level change associated with this finding.  

Administrators in Westport will make the call at some point tomorrow as to whether or not swimming on Westport beaches will resume, after swimming was called off Wednesday after what was described as a Shark Sighting. 

Sharks have also been busy off the coast of Maine this summer. 

According to the Boston Globe, Massachusetts on Friday reported over 1,800 new confirmed coronavirus cases and said almost 10,000 vaccinations, including booster shots, had been administered. The Department of Public Health also reported 19 deaths as the commonwealth reported 503 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 with the seven-day percent positivity was 7.87%.

The total number of cases in Massachusetts remains over 1.7 million with a total in deaths nearing 19,800.

According to ABC 6, The FBI Boston Division is warning of several rental and real estate scams taking place across the country. FBI investigators said there were more than 10,000 reported instances of scams last year in the amount of more than $350 million. In Rhode Island, there were 42 reported cases totaling more than $1.4 million and 290 reported cases in Massachusetts costing nearly $9 million.

The FBI is offering the following tips to avoid being part of a scam including to not wire funds to people you do not know and do not put money towards a house or apartment you have not seen.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren is introducing legislation in Washington that seeks to enforce the provisions contained in the 26th Amendment to the U-S Constitution, in an attempt to expand youth access to voting. 

Senator Warren is seeking to allow a pre registration process for those ages 16 and 17. 

Warren and her co-sponsers allege that 18-year-old voters still face barriers to voting; co sponsers want to require polling places at colleges and universities, while accepting student IDs.

Here's a quick look at some important dates on the Patriots / NFL calendar. All dates are subject to change.

JULY
July 15

At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any Club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his Prior Club for the 2022 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the Club's last regular season game.

Starting July 15, or the first day club begins its Training Camp, whichever is earlier and concluding at 4:00 p.m. (New York time), on the day of the roster reduction to 53 players, players in the Reserve List categories of Drafted, Unsigned, Exclusive Rights, First Refusal Rights, Unrestricted Free Agents with an individually negotiated Right of First Refusal, Franchise, and Transition will not count against the overall 90-player limit.

July 22

At 4:00 p.m., New York time, Signing Period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, Prior Club has exclusive negotiating rights.

At 4:00 p.m., New York time, Signing Period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents to whom a "UFA Tender" was made by Prior Club. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, Prior Club has exclusive negotiating rights.
*or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later.

July 26

Patriots players report to Training Camp.

July 27

Patriots first Training Camp session on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. Open to the public.
July 28 - 30

Patriots Training Camp continues. Open to the public.
 

July 11, 2022

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today placed catcher Kevin Plawecki on the COVID-19 Related Injured List. To fill Plawecki’s spot on the active roster, the club recalled catcher Connor Wong from Triple-A Worcester.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Plawecki, 31, last played on Saturday against the Yankees, starting at catcher. The right-handed hitter has played in 29 games for Boston this season, batting .156 (12-for-77). The Red Sox are 13-11 in his 24 starts, all at catcher, winning eight of the last 12.

Wong, 26, is batting .267 (60-for-225) with 13 doubles, six home runs, and 20 RBI in 57 games for Worcester this season, making 38 starts at catcher and 19 at designated hitter. The right-handed hitter has played in eight games for Boston over the last two seasons, batting .263 (5-for-19) with two RBI while making five starts at catcher.

With the clock ticking on closing out Fiscal Year 2022, The Fall River Law Department and the City's Financial Team asked for a series of transfers last night to pay Attorneys and Law Firms for their assistance in a number of cases that have been adjudicated this Spring and Summer. 

Corporation Counsel ALan Rumsey outlined the cases including one invoilving a Correia-era Street Scape project that ultimately landed in court. 

The second involved a Tasar Death, while the third involved a firm that handled various municipal contract negotiations  with union locals.             

With some 90% of the Commonwealth experiencing Drought conditions, the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Beth Card, has declared a Level 2-Significant Drought in Southeastern Mass, as well as the Northeast, Connecticut River Valley and Central portions of the state. 

The Islands are at Level One, while the Cape is considered normal for now. 

An Inter-Agency Mission Group is coordinating a response with various local entities this summer.

Via Ian Rapoport and the NFL Network

 At long last, the #Patriots trade former first-rounder N'Keal Harry and it’s the #Bears as his landing spot for a 2024 7th rounder, per me and 
@MikeGarafolo
. A solid upside move for Chicago, while New England moves on with a strong group itself.

An effort led by Massachusetts Republicans to block election officials from putting into effect the state’s new mail-in and early voting law was denied yesterday by the state Supreme Judicial Court. According to NBC 10 in Providence, The decision ensures Massachusetts residents will be able to take advantage of the expanded voter options this year. Opponents had argued the new law, regarded as the VOTES Act, violates the state constitution. The bill was signed into law by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in late June after clearing the Democrat-controlled state Legislature. State election officials have already begun reading more than 4 point 7 million ballot applications to send to voters by July 23 ahead of the September 6 primary. Massachusetts joins 34 states and Washington DC in offering “no-excuse” absentee voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, a cow made its way to a median on a highway in New Bedford early this morning. This happened just around 6:30 a.m. on Route 140 south near the Ashley Boulevard exit. Massachusetts State Police said the cow has been recovered by its owners and the scene is now cleared.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, A popular Dartmouth outlet store’s days are coming to an end. David and Jan Tatelbaum said yesterday that Big Value will be closing its doors for good. The Tatelbaum’s explained that they’re looking to retire, which is why they’ve stopped purchasing additional inventory. There is no exact date for when the store will close. Tatelbaum explained that the store will close once all of their remaining inventory has been sold.

The Tatelbaums thanked their loyal customers and employees who have supported them over the years.

A Westport woman is facing a slew of charges after stealing three vehicles within days of each other. According to NBC 10 in Providence, 41 year old Kristin Deschene of Westport is accused of stealing three different vehicles from the south coast area. Her charges date back to June 20 when employees at Prestige Auto in Westport noticed that this Audi Q7 was missing from their lot. After going through hours of security footage from that day, employees said they saw Deschene get out of one car that police now say was also stolen and hop into the white luxury SUV that was waiting to be detailed. Deschene was arrested later that day in Dartmouth and the Audi SUV was brought back to the Prestige lot with sand in the carpets and food wrappers on the floor. Less than 48 hours later, Fall River Police arrested the 41-year-old for possession of another stolen car on June 22.

During questioning, Deschene admitted to stealing all three vehicles and now is being served several charges including, larceny of a motor vehicle, operating with a suspended license, and receiving stolen property.

Two weeks after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, protests are continuing around the country, including in Southern New England. According to NBC 10 in Providence, dozens of abortion rights advocates marched through New Bedford Saturday calling for increased accessibility to abortion and speaking out against the US Supreme Court's ruling. After walking more than a mile along Union Street, the march ended with a rally on the steps of the New Bedford Free Public Library. 

Massachusetts Citizens for Life has praised the Supreme Court for the decision releasing a statement saying in part, "We will not stop working to save the lives of innocent unborn human beings."

According to CBS 12 in Providence, Massachusetts received over 2,000 Monkeypox vaccine doses this week. The Massachusetts Department of Health said the state received the first doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine on Tuesday, and those doses were distributed to four clinics on Wednesday. The JYNNEOS vaccine requires two shots, 28 days apart for maximum effectiveness, according to the Department and People are considered fully vaccinated about two weeks after their second shot. The state is one of 10 U.S. jurisdictions eligible for the vaccine against monkeypox,

There are now a total of 31 monkeypox cases in Massachusetts, after 10 additional cases were announced Earlier this week. Individuals with monkeypox are advised to isolate and avoid contact with others until they are no longer infectious, said the Department.

A Cranston man was arrested yesterday after spilling cement in Dartmouth and driving off. According to CBS 12 in Providence, Officers responded to the intersection of State Road and Arcadia Avenue just before 11 a-M for reports of “a substantial amount of wet cement in the roadway.” When they arrived, police said the officers learned the vehicle responsible for the spill had driven off toward UMass Dartmouth where Police ended up finding the vehicle parked at the college.

The driver, 33-year-old Joseph Ruiz, was arrested after officers learned he had two outstanding warrants associated with motor vehicle infractions. The spill took two hours to clean up, during which traffic was detoured off State Road.

Caan may be best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in the 1972 classic "The Godfather," which earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor and the Golden Globe for best supporting actor. He reprised the role in "The Godfather Part II" in 1974.

His decadeslong film career began in the 1960s, with starring roles in the Howard Hawks' films "Red Line 7000" and "El Dorado."

Caan's turn as a dying football player in the 1971 TV movie "Brian's Song" earned him an Emmy nomination. He worked steadily in film throughout the 1970s, including in the films "A Bridge Too Far," "The Gambler" and "Funny Lady," the latter two earning him Golden Globe nominations.

After a break from acting for several years in the 1980s, Caan had a memorable turn as a bedridden writer opposite Kathy Bates' obsessed fan in the 1990 thriller, "Misery."

Caan also had notable performances in the films "The Yards," "Dogville" and "Elf."

He most recently appeared in the 2021 romantic comedy, "Queen Bees."

Caan was married four times and is survived by five children, including the actor Scott Caan.

Tributes to the legendary actor immediately followed news of his death.

"Was lucky enough, after a lifetime of loving his work, to get to work with him and I loved him as a person even more," comedian Andy Richter said. "Funny, warm, self-deprecating, and effortlessly talented. They say never meet your heroes, but he proved that to be very very wrong."

Rob Reiner, who directed Caan in "Misery," said, "I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. Love to the family."

Christopher Miller, co-director of the 2009 animated film "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," which featured the voice work of Caan, called the actor an "absolute king."

"He brought a pathos and authenticity to the role of Tim Lockwood that held the film together. RIP to a legend," Miller said.

Many shared their favorite performances and scenes by Caan.

"James Caan swooping in during the flashback scene at the end of The Godfather Part II is one of the all-time great star reveals," actor James Urbaniak said. "You can practically hear the audience cheering. RIP to a real one."

"Goodbye to James Caan, who was rugged but sensitive, able to convey vulnerability in the same frame as barely contained rage, and never better than in Karel Reisz's 1974 Dostoevsky adaptation The Gambler, one of the best films ever made about that particular addiction," Slate film critic Dana Stevens said.

Recent Stories from ABC News
 

According to CBS 12 in Providence, two men were arrested Tuesday after stealing vehicles and leading officers on separate pursuits. The first chase took place after a resident on Merrimac Street found a man sleeping in their backyard. Police said after the resident woke him up, the man hopped in the victim’s car and took off. Officers in the area spotted the man, later identified by police as 31-year-old Brandon Pierce, getting out of the car and running through residents’ yards. Pierce was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. He’s been charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and had six outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Several hours later, officers spotted a vehicle with a stolen license plate near Kempton and Chancery streets. That suspect, later identified by police as 20-year-old Cameron Fernando Leite, also led officers on a brief chase before being taken into custody. Leite has been charged with failing to stop for police, operating with a suspended license plate, illegally attaching plates and receiving stolen property.

Washington, DC - Below is a statement from Congressman Bill Keating, Chairman of the Europe Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“I trust that Prime Minister Johnson’s resignation will bring greater stability as the UK transitions in the coming months.

While I hope that brings stronger ties with the EU - and particularly in dealing with the Northern Ireland Protocol - I’m confident that the unity surrounding supporting Ukraine will be unaltered.”

According to NBC 10 in Providence, a 21-year-old Fall River man is dead after being attacked on vacation in Mexico. The 21-year-old Luis Miguel left his home in Fall River for a vacation in Mexico as his family said Luis was assaulted and robbed on June 30, before being shot to death by his assailants in what they said was a random attack. Miguel's mom created a GoFundMe campaign to try to raise money to help bring her son's body home for a proper funeral.

Neighbors said the family left last night to fly to Mexico and hopefully bring Miguel home, but they are asking for the public's help to do that.

The latest contender for the job of Somerset Town Administrator now has an offer in hand to begin negotiations on a new contract after a public interview Wednesday Night during a Selectmen Session in The Somerset Public Library. 

Micheal Mc Govern is the current Town Administrator in Shirley MA. 

McGovern turned down an offer to become the Fall RIver City Administrator  in 2021. 

Voters in Somerset will be asked to gather for a Special Town Meeting  next month, and for a Debt Exclusion Ballot question in September, as the local share for a new middle school will likely need more dollars in order for the building to be finished later in the decade. 

Somerset K-through-8 School Committee member Victor Machado told Somerset Slelectmen Wednesday NIght that bids in another Massachusetts community similar in size to Somerset were coming in at numbers that were not expected, and that it was likely that the MSBA would not move off their agreed to number for financing from the Commonwealth. 

Third base
Rafael Devers, BOS: 58%
José Ramírez, CLE: 42%

Both players rank among the top five in the AL in extra-base hits, total bases and OPS. Devers is vying for his second All-Star selection, while Ramírez is going after his fourth.

The Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition (FRACC) and Viva Fall River invite the community to participate in 4 free events celebrating Viva Murals.

This effort will see the completion of 3 new murals in the City by the end of the month. Through a partnership with mural and public art experts Beyond Walls, the murals will come to life, with the two locations being painted July 17 – 31, which include Doran Elementary School on Columbia Street and the former Herald News building (now Potter's Printing) at 207 Pocasset St. 

The 4 free events will connect the community to the murals as they become part of the Fall River landscape and provide opportunities for creative engagement with the mural artists and one another.

Details are as follows for the free community engagement events; information will also be posted on Viva Fall River's Facebook page and FRACC's Instagram page.

•    Sunday, July 10 — Live Community Painting at the Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market (25 Jeremiah Sullivan Drive, Downtown), 11 AM – 2 PM – Join in on the creation of a community painting with artist Devin Nived Mclaughlin

•    Friday, July 22 — View & Chew Food Truck Event at 200 Pocasset St (Fall River Chamber Building), 12 – 2 PM. See the murals in progress! View the murals being painted across the street and chew on some free food and dessert from delicious local food trucks (to be announced on social media.)

•    Sunday, July 24 — Spray Paint Art at the Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market (25 Jeremiah Sullivan Drive, Downtown), 11 AM – 2 PM – A favorite at local events and fun for all ages. Join Little Lambs and leave with your own spray paint art creation!

•    Friday, July 29 — View & Chew Food Truck Event at 200 Pocasset St (Fall River Chamber Building), 12 – 2 PM. Check out the finishing touches on the murals! View the murals being painted across the street and chew on some free food and dessert from delicious local food trucks (to be announced on social media.)

These world-class murals are being funded through a crowdfunding campaign that ends on July 30. Community donations are being sought to reach the goal by the deadline to unlock a matching grant. More information about the campaign, the murals, and the artists can be found here: mightycause.com/story/Vivamurals.

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BOSTON — In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Attorney General Maura Healey today issued a consumer advisory warning patients seeking reproductive health services about the limited and potentially misleading nature of the services provided by crisis pregnancy centers.

In Massachusetts, abortion remains legal, and people have a right to access comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

In today’s multilingual advisory, AG Healey urges patients to do their research before making an appointment to access abortion or reproductive healthcare, especially if they are seeking information about abortion care.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers do not provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare, rather they are organizations that seek to prevent people from accessing abortion care. If you are pregnant and looking to understand your abortion options, you should consult with a licensed reproductive healthcare provider.  

“While crisis pregnancy centers claim to offer reproductive healthcare services, their goal is to prevent people from accessing abortion and contraception,” said AG Healey. “In Massachusetts, you have the right to a safe and legal abortion. We want to ensure that patients can protect themselves from deceptive and coercive tactics when seeking the care they need.”

“In Massachusetts, so-called crisis pregnancy centers outnumber legitimate abortion care providers 3 to 1,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I strongly commend Attorney General Healey and community partners for their efforts to crack down on these deceptive organizations to protect residents and women coming to Massachusetts seeking abortion care. I’ll keep fighting in Congress to stop these harmful practices nationwide.”

“People facing an unintended pregnancy deserve compassionate, medically-accurate care,” said Rebecca Hart Holder, Executive Director of Reproductive Equity Now. “Crisis pregnancy centers, or fake clinics, are dangerous facilities that use deceptive advertising to deceive pregnant people into believing that they provide abortion care, when in reality, many do not even have doctors on staff to discuss the full range of health care options with clients.

These facilities are often funded by anti-abortion organizations and have one goal in mind: to stop pregnant people from accessing abortion care. That’s why clear and accurate information on the dangers of CPCs is so important. In a post-Roe America, we need to ensure people know how to navigate legitimate, unbiased reproductive health care.”

The advisory warns that while Crisis Pregnancy Centers may appear to be reproductive health care clinics, they do not provide abortion care or abortion referrals, contraception, or other reproductive health care, despite what they may advertise. Importantly, people who are pregnant or believe they may be pregnant should know that:

Most Crisis Pregnancy Centers are not licensed medical facilities or staffed by licensed doctors or nurses.

Some Crisis Pregnancy Centers offer ultrasounds performed by unlicensed personnel, which may lead to inaccurate or misleading results about a pregnancy.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers staffed by unlicensed personnel are not required to keep your medical records private.

Unlicensed Crisis Pregnancy Centers are not required to follow codes of ethics or standards of care that govern healthcare professions.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers often provide inaccurate and misleading information about abortion and the medical and mental health effects of abortion.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers often mislead people about how far they are into their pregnancy.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers often try to delay scheduling appointments to push people beyond the point at which they can obtain an abortion.

Many Crisis Pregnancy Centers are located near clinics that provide abortion and use similar sounding names. When you arrive for your appointment, make sure you are in the right place. 

The AG’s advisory offers advice for patients seeking reproductive health services, including looking at online reviews before making an appointment, asking whether the center is licensed, and looking out for warning signs. Warning signs include that the center: 

Is listed as a pregnancy resource center, pregnancy help center, pregnancy care center, or women’s resource center on websites such as: https://helpinyourarea.com/massachusetts/.

Advertises free pregnancy tests, abortion counseling, pre-abortion screenings, abortion education, but do not provide abortion or help you access care elsewhere.

Attempts to delay your appointment.

Uses tactics to try to pressure you into continuing a pregnancy, for example, by providing baby clothes or a plastic fetus.

For help finding a licensed reproductive healthcare provider, talk to your doctor or check this list: https://abortioncarenewengland.org/providers.

The Attorney General’s Office is committed to securing the civil rights of all people in Massachusetts or traveling to Massachusetts to access healthcare. If you have concerns about your experience with a crisis pregnancy center, file a complaint with our Civil Rights Division online or at?617-963-2917.

STATE HOUSE – A new law sponsored by Rep. Jason Knight and Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey will eliminate court costs for many Rhode Islanders, lifting a burden that often results in re-incarceration and serves as a stumbling block for many after prison.

The legislation (2022-H 7695, 2022-S 2774), which has now been signed into law after passing the General Assembly June 21, eliminates all court costs, assessments and fees for those determined to be indigent, as well as all those who serve more than 30 days in prison. The bill concerns only court fees, not restitution for theft or property damage.

The legislation, which Representative Knight and Majority Leader McCaffrey submitted at the request of the Judiciary, is aimed at preventing court costs from becoming an inescapable trap for those who’ve served their time and need to put their lives back together.

“A person who is indigent and just getting out of prison obviously does not have the resources to pay the court. Frankly, many people who weren’t indigent going into prison are also not going to be able to pay them when they get out. They’ve likely lost their job, and with a conviction on their record, they will struggle to get a new one that pays enough to support them.

They may have lost their housing, their vehicle and their relationships. Their priority needs to be putting their lives back together and supporting themselves. Society is better served by their successful reintegration than by shackling them with court debt that they can’t pay and that could result in their returning to prison,” said Representative Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren).

The sponsors liken court fees to a “crime tax” charged to defendants in addition to their sentences. Many of the fees collected aren’t even used for the courts and are instead transferred to the state’s general fund.

Said Majority Leader McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick), “There are thousands of Rhode Islanders paying just $10 a month on their court debts, meaning they are going to have this hanging over their heads virtually forever. A great deal of the fees go unpaid. Missing a payment results in more fees, and can result in a person getting arrested, perpetuating the cycle. It’s an excessively punitive second sentence placed on defendants in addition to their actual sentence, and it’s counterproductive to rehabilitation. Eliminating these fees will go a long way toward reforming our justice system so that it’s much more possible for people to rebuild their lives and become contributing members of the community after they serve their time.”

Previous law said judges “may” waive fees for those unable to pay. Under the new law, the fees are automatically eliminated for the indigent and those serving sentences longer than 30 days. 
Under the new law, the courts determine whether a defendant is indigent based on application or sworn testimony. They will automatically qualify as indigent if they are enrolled in Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Social Security including Supplemental Security Income and State Supplemental Payments programs, public assistance, disability insurance or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The new law also allows non-indigent defendants who have a limited ability or inability to pay court costs, assessments and fees to apply for the court to waive court costs.
The legislation was supported by the Judiciary, the Public Defender’s Office and a broad coalition of advocacy organizations, including the Nonviolence Institute, Open Doors and the Rhode Island Center for Justice.
 

FALL RIVER, MA- July 6, 2022)- On July 7, 2022, at 4:00pm, Government Center will
host a Fall River Police Department promotion and swearing-in ceremony.

Paul F. Gauvin
will be sworn in as Police Chief. Barden H. Castro will be sworn in as Deputy Chief of
Police. David P. Murphy will be sworn in as Captain of Police.

The public is invited to
observe and celebrate this important moment with the Mayor, the police officers, and the
officers’ families.

The ceremony will take place on the Sixth Floor of Government Center
in the Fall River Room at 4:00pm. Media is welcome to attend. 

This information first appeared on Channel 5 in Boston 

A trainee was injured Wednesday morning after accidentally discharging his firearm at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree, state police confirm to WCVB.

Massachusetts State Police spokesman David Procopio said the trainee suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his lower leg.

The trainee was conscious and alert and treated by academy medical staff before being taken to an area hospital, Procopio said.

The incident will be investigated by the Division of Standards and Training, Procopio said.

The training facility is located on West Brookfield Road in New Braintree.

The national average for a gallon of gasoline fell to $4.80, down eight cents over the past week. The primary reason for the decline is lower demand at the pump as fewer people fueled up over the past two weeks. The lull, however, could end with the arrival of the summer driving season. 

“Domestic gasoline demand dipped recently, which took some of the pressure off of pump prices. About 80% of stations are now selling regular for under $5 a gallon,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Director of Public and Government Affairs. "But July is typically the heaviest month for demand as more Americans hit the road, so this trend of easing prices may very well be short-lived."

AAA Northeast’s July 5 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 8 cents lower than last week ($4.88), averaging $4.80 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 4 cents lower than a month ago ($4.84), and $1.67 higher than this day last year ($3.13).
 

This information comes from Boston Globe Baseball Writer Pete Abraham's Twitter 

The HOF sent out a list of 54 Hall of Famers expected to attend the induction ceremony.

Group includes Wade Boggs, Pedro Martinez, and Jim Rice but not 82-year-old Carl Yastrzemski.

BOSTON – A Swansea man has been arrested on child pornography charges.

Todd Miozza, 51, was charged with possession of child pornography. Miozza was arrested on June 29, 2022 and, following an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, Miozza was detained pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for July 5, 2022. 

“My number one priority as U.S. Attorney is to keep the people of Massachusetts healthy and safe,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Child pornography is not a victimless crime. Although a person who views child sexual abuse material may never meet the children depicted in the imagery, a child was harmed to produce each image and each view and image exacerbates that harm. Some of the images in this case allegedly involve infants. We will dedicate every resource necessary to protect children.”

“Miozza stands accused of the same crime of which he was convicted of two decades ago—possession of child pornography. These materials document the abuse and exploitation of children, a horrific violation that inflicts untold harm on the most vulnerable. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to investigating those who possess child sexual abuse materials as part of our ongoing mission to prevent and protect the public from crimes of exploitation,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, New England. 

According to the charging document, law enforcement received information that Miozza had shared child pornography over the internet using a social media platform. During a search of Miozza’s residence yesterday morning, his iPhone and laptop were seized and found to contain child sexual abuse material – including videos depicting infants.

Miozza was previously convicted of possession of child pornography in the District of Massachusetts in 2002.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The charge of possession of child pornography by a person previously convicted of a child pornography offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, HSI SAC Millhollin and Swansea Police Chief Marc Haslam made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

According To NBC 10 in Providence, Dighton police said a man was killed in a motorcycle crash yesterday morning. Police said officers and firefighters responded at about 9:30 a.m. to the crash on Wellington Street, where the motorcycle struck a tree. The operator was taken to a hospital, where he died. His name was not immediately released as investigations continue.

According to NBC 10 in Providence, A fire broke out in a garage at a Tiverton residence last night. Little Compton Fire Department responded to the report around 7:30 p.m. where they were able to stop the fire from extending into the home. The owners were home, and there were no injuries reported.

Little Compton Fire Chief Richard Petrin said mutual aid tankers from Westport and Dartmouth assisted the crews as the house is in an area without fire hydrants.

The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing fisherman who went overboard on Friday morning. According to CBS 12 in Providence, via a post on social media, the USCG said they have suspended the search for the fisherman pending further developments. Around 1:30 a.m. Friday, crew members of the commercial fishing vessel Susan Rose noticed one person wasn’t on board. The boat arrived in New Bedford around 8 a.m. with a Coast Guard vessel following behind. 

The Coast Guard said the search, which covered just over 1,000 square nautical miles, consisted of two helicopters from Air Station Cape Cod, and six patrol boats.

Alexandra Francisco
Patriots.com writer

Early detection is the best protection when it comes to cancer and most other health issues. That's easier said than done for those with little to no access to medical care.

Providence Community Health Centers serve to offer that equity and will now have help from the New England Patriots, NFL and American Cancer Society in doing so.

In celebration of National Cancer Survivor Month and through the NFL Crucial Catch's "Intercept Cancer" campaign, Rhode Island's largest network of health centers, received a $20,000 NFL Change Grant to benefit breast cancer screenings and detection efforts.

"On behalf of the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots, I want to thank Providence Community Health Center for inviting us to this new, state-of-the-art facility," Andre Tippet, the Patriots executive director of community affairs, said at a check presentation ceremony Thursday.

"What a wonderful, wonderful spot. The work that you guys are doing is going to be tremendous and really impact the community in this area."

To speak to the importance of this initiative was Rachel DeBonis, a PCHC nurse who also became a patient after her own breast cancer diagnosis. While writing her capstone project to finish her degree, DeBonis focused her thesis on continued health screenings, which inspired her to schedule an imperative mammogram.

Not everyone has that foresight.

"We believe that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat and survive cancer," Louise Santosuosso of the American Cancer Society said.

"The Crucial Catch program is an integral part of the American Cancer Society's national "Get Screened" campaign to encourage people to get screened for cancer. Particularly, in those communities that are high-risk and experience barriers to care."

PCHP understands these gatekeepers can often time be as simple as a language barrier or lack of transportation, so it offers solutions to overcome that.

As noted by Dr. Andrew Saal, vice president and chief medical officer, the goal of their nine facilities is to keep people out of the costly and congested emergency rooms, which unfortunately become the easiest way to get attention after going so long without seeing a primary care physician.

PCHP hopes to give everyone access to care, whenever they need it. Especially when time is of the essence as it is with something like cancer.

"PCHC says 'yes' to over 60,000 patients a year," said Dr. Nadine Hewamudalidge, who serves as medical director.

"All of these patients are from unique backgrounds, histories and cultures. From all walks of life, from all social and political climates, they come looking for us to help them navigate the most precious gift we all have: our health."

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today recalled right-handed pitcher Kutter Crawford from Triple-A Worcester. To make room for Crawford on the active Major League roster, Boston optioned right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold to Worcester following yesterday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Crawford, 26, is ranked by MLB.com as the Red Sox’ No. 24 prospect. In 10 appearances (two starts) for Boston this season, the right-hander is 1-2 with a 6.41 ERA (14 ER/19.2 IP). He has also pitched in six games (four starts) with Worcester, going 1-0 with a 5.18 ERA (14 ER/24.1 IP).

Seabold, 26, started yesterday’s game against the Cubs, allowing one run on six hits in 4.0 innings. Ranked by MLB.com as Boston’s No. 14 prospect, the right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA (12 ER/51.2 IP) in 11 starts for Worcester this season.

This first appeared on ESPN.com

The Boston Bruins are set to name Jim Montgomery as their new head coach, sources told ESPN on Thursday, confirming multiple reports.

The appointment is expected to be made official Friday, the same day Montgomery's contract as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues expires.

The 53-year-old Montgomery replaces Bruce Cassidy, who was fired by the Bruins on June 7 after six seasons behind the bench. Cassidy has since been named head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Boston gig will be Montgomery's second NHL head-coaching job. He was hired by Dallas in May 2018 and immediately took the Stars back to the playoffs for the first time in three years. But Montgomery's tenure in Dallas didn't last long.

On Dec. 10, 2019, he was fired by the Stars for "unprofessional conduct inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of the Dallas Stars and the National Hockey League." General manager Jim Nill said there was a "material act of unprofessionalism" that led to Montgomery's firing, without elaborating further.

On Jan. 3, 2020, Montgomery announced that he was checking into rehab for alcohol abuse.

In September 2020, the Blues hired Montgomery to serve as an assistant under head coach Craig Berube. Montgomery was primarily involved in special teams, helping St. Louis to rank second overall (25.5%) on the power play and 10th (81.3%) on the penalty kill the past two seasons.

Montgomery was a player himself, appearing in 122 NHL games from 1993 to 2003 between the Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks and Stars. He recorded nine goals and 34 points.

After hanging up his skates, Montgomery made several successful coaching stops prior to rejoining the NHL ranks.

He was head coach of the United States Hockey League's Dubuque Fighting Saints from 2010 to '13, guiding the club to league championships in 2010-11 and 2012-13.

In 2013, Montgomery was named head coach at the University of Denver and led the Pioneers to a national championship in 2017. Montgomery was also voted the national coach of the year for the 2016-17 season.

Boston is coming off its sixth consecutive playoff appearance, which ended in a first-round loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Montgomery will be the 29th coach in the Original Six's franchise history.

Self-admitted Crip gang member who manufactured and distributed over 360,000 fentanyl pills boasted on social media about violent shootings, machine guns and pill presses

BOSTON – The leader of a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) and his mother have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy that manufactured and flooded the streets of Massachusetts with hundreds of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl made on high-volume pill press machines.

Vincent Caruso, 27, a/k/a “Fatz,” of Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 250 months (more than 20 years) in prison and five years of supervised release.

On March 15, 2022, Vincent Caruso pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and other controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery); and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Yesterday, Vincent Caruso’s mother, Laurie Caruso, 52, also of Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel Gorton to nine years in prison and four years of supervised release. On Feb. 28, 2022, Laurie Caruso pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances.

“This family business has been shut down for good. Vincent Caruso was a prolific and violent drug trafficker who flooded North Shore communities with hundreds of thousands of deadly counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl. Caruso and his associates orchestrated numerous shootings and armed robberies using an arsenal of firearms – including machine guns – and then took to social media to brag about their incredibly destructive criminal conduct.  

That this all took place while he was on pretrial release is even more appalling. Caruso, along with his mother and co-conspirator Laurie Caruso, pumped poison and violence into our communities and you won’t be hearing from them on Instagram for a long long time,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Thanks to the exceptional, coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners, this career criminal will now spend over 20 years behind bars – out of our communities and off of social media. This office will continue its relentless pursuit of individuals who threaten public safety for the sake of profit.''

“Vincent Caruso, a self-admitted Crip gang member, and his mother, Laurie Caruso ran a major drug trafficking organization that, for years, brought nothing but poison, mayhem, and violence to the North Shore of Massachusetts, and beyond. They peddled hundreds of thousands of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, capitalizing on those struggling with addiction, while raking in an obscene amount of money,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The severity of these sentences reflects the seriousness of their criminal conduct, and the tireless efforts of our North Shore Gang Task Force to make our communities safer for everyone.”

“ATF will continue to work in conjunction with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to identify organized violent criminals in our joint effort to protect the public,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division. “The sentencing of a self-admitted gang member of the Crips in federal court for possession of a machine gun and dangerous drugs should send a loud and clear message to anyone who chooses to engage in this type of criminal activity; it cannot and will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable.”

The Carusos were arrested and charged by complaint on June 30, 2021 along with co-conspirators Ernest Johnson and Nicole Benton as part of an investigation that began in 2020 in response to an increased number of shootings in communities north of Boston by street gangs whose violence was fueled by drug distribution. Vincent Caruso was later indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 19, 2022. Benton has pleaded guilty to her role in the DTO and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8, 2022. Ernest Johnson has also pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 13, 2022.

Vincent Caruso, a self-admitted Crip gang member, operated a large and sophisticated DTO with multiple subordinates that sold counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl to street gangs for further distribution on the North Shore. Laurie Caruso served as her son’s right-hand in the operations and was the primary distributor for his well-armed DTO.

 The investigation identified Vincent Caruso’s DTO as a common supply source of counterfeit pressed fentanyl pills and other controlled substances for several street gangs responsible for the uptick in violence.

Vincent Caruso’s DTO distributed approximately 36 kilograms of fentanyl, largely in the form of pressed fentanyl pills – equating to a total of over 360,000 fentanyl pills – of which, a significant portion was manufactured directly by Vincent Caruso’s DTO itself using multiple pill presses capable of generating thousands of pills per hour.

In order to move these quantities, Laurie Caruso personally distributed fentanyl pills for the DTO at all hours of the day and retrieved cash owed by drug customers. A single counterfeit fentanyl pill retails at between $10-$20, thereby generating millions of dollars in proceeds for the DTO. In an effort to conceal the DTO’s operations, Vincent and Laurie Caruso conspired to launder their illegal proceeds by conducting cash transactions through sports bets at a New Hampshire casino.

In furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, Vincent Caruso possessed and used firearms and orchestrated multiple violent offenses, including two armed robberies and a shooting involving a machinegun. 

The first armed robbery took place on March 5, 2020, while Vincent Caruso on pretrial release for state fentanyl and firearm charges. He orchestrated an armed robbery and home invasion in which two individuals armed with a firearm and zip ties robbed the occupants of an apartment of approximately $18,000 and jewelry. Vincent Caruso dropped off the robbers, waited at a nearby coffee shop and returned to pick them up after the robbery.

In May 2021 a second armed robbery took place also while Vincent Caruso on pretrial release for state fentanyl and firearm charges. For this incident, Vincent Caruso enlisted associates to rob an individual. Surveillance video shows assailants run up to the victim, including one assailant who was armed with an AR-15 style rifle. The victim escaped and ran off. Police responded and chased the assailant, who threw the AR-15 style rifle in a dumpster. The assailant ran into the highway and escaped police.

A third violent incident took place shortly after midnight on June 29, 2021, in Lynn. For this incident, Vincent Caruso provided a fully automatic handgun to an associate. The associate then used a fully automatic handgun to fire dozens of rounds at a number of victims who were gathered on a porch.  Bullets hit residences, vehicles and three individuals who were hit by the gunfire and survived. This incident was captured on surveillance video.

In addition, while on state pretrial release Vincent Caruso sent dozens of photos and videos via social media that depicted him in possession of firearms and machine guns, large quantities of fentanyl that would be distributed by his organization, large amounts of cash and high-end jewelry.

Over 1.5 kilograms of pressed fentanyl pills, over 12 firearms, multiple luxury brand watches, chains, four medallions, two custom ATVs, a dirt bike and over $177,000 in cash were recovered through various search warrants executed in this and related investigations.

This information first published on bostonglobe.com

The Pacers are trading guard Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics, according to ESPN. 

The Celtics are sending Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan and a 2023 first-round pick to Indiana.

On Thursday, June 30, 2022, Detectives assigned to the Major Crimes Division were continuing their
investigation into two city bank robberies which had occurred earlier this week. Detectives developed
information leading them to believe the suspect from the robbery at St. Anne’s Credit Union, which occurred
on June 28, and the suspect from the robbery at Rockland Trust, which occurred on June 29, were the same
person.

Detectives were able to learn that their suspect may be at the Capri Motel, 741 Sate Rd., Dartmouth.
Detectives responded to the hotel and were able to locate Kalvin Boule (29 years of age) who after a brief
investigation was ultimately placed under arrest with the assistance of Dartmouth Police.
Fall River Police Detective Cheyenne Fortin was granted a search warrant for a room identified as belonging
to Boule at the Capri Motel. Dartmouth Police assisted in the execution of the search warrant which
uncovered evidence linking Boule to the bank robberies. Also found in Boule’s possession was an amount
of heroin and crack cocaine.

Kalvin Boule will be charged with two counts of unarmed robbery, possession of a Class A drug, and
possession of a Class B drug.

BOSTON – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts has received federal approval to continue providing Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) food benefits to households through summer 2022. P-EBT is a child nutrition program created during the public health emergency to promote increased food security for students and children who missed school or could not attend childcare due to COVID-19.

Summer P-EBT benefits are estimated to provide continued food assistance for the families of approximately 400,000 school-age children, as well as 109,000 children under age six in households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This additional support will bring $200 million of federal funds into the Commonwealth.

“Households with children have historically experienced higher food insecurity in the summer when kids are home from school.” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “Expanding P-EBT through August and continuing SNAP Emergency Allotments and increased WIC fruit and vegetable vouchers, in addition to our expansive Summer Eats meals sites, represents the Administration’s ongoing commitment to combating childhood hunger across the Commonwealth.” 

“Over the past two plus years, P-EBT has been a critical tool in providing children and families with the financial power to buy food that meets their households’ cultural and nutritional needs. It also continues to play an important role as an economic stabilizer, providing an influx of federal dollars into the state’s economy, supporting our grocery stores, corner stores, local farms, and other food retailers.” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan. “DTA is pleased to provide these critical benefits again this summer in collaboration with DESE and local school districts.” 

“We want students to continue to have access to healthy meals over the summer, so we’re pleased to see this additional support for children while school is out,” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley said. “We hope families will also take advantage of Summer Eats, the summer meal program for young people that’s available in many areas of the Commonwealth.” 

In Massachusetts, all eligible children will receive a total of $391 in P-EBT benefits in two equal payments of $195.50 this summer. K-12 students will start to receive P-EBT on July 3 and August 3. Families who receive SNAP and have a child under age six will start to receive P-EBT on July 25 and August 25.

K-12 students will be eligible for Summer P-EBT if they received P-EBT benefits in the past, meaning they are eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals. Students newly eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during any point in school year 2021-2022 or during the summer, including through a School Year 2022-2023 meal household application, will also be eligible. 

Families will continue to receive P-EBT on the same card they have in the past. Households who lost their P-EBT card can request a replacement card. More information on P-EBT can be found at MAp-EBT.org. 

Summer P-EBT builds on other federal nutrition programs and resources available for families to buy food this summer, including:

•    Summer Eats: a program that provides free meals to all kids and teens at locations across Massachusetts during the summer months. No identification or registration required. Learn more and find a site near you at www.projectbread.org/summereats.

•    WIC: a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify. Families are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply online at Mass.gov/WIC or call (800) 942-1007.

o    Increased fruit and vegetable benefits at WIC retail stores: the Massachusetts WIC food package continues to include expanded fruit and vegetable benefits: $24/month for children, $43/month for pregnant/postpartum participants and $47/month for breastfeeding participants.

o    Farmers’ Market Coupons: Similar to last summer, WIC farmers’ market coupons will remain at $30 per participant during the summer 2022 season for purchasing fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands.  Participants can contact their local programs to learn when the coupons will be distributed.

•    SNAP Benefits: SNAP provides funds to buy food on an EBT card, similar to a debit card. Residents can check their SNAP eligibility and apply online at DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363. 

o    Emergency Allotments: Massachusetts continues to provide SNAP emergency allotment payments that bring SNAP households’ benefits up to at least the maximum amount for their household size. They provide a minimum of $95, including for those who already receive the maximum benefit amount. These special payments bring $90 million of federal funds into the state each month.

o    HIP: The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) puts money back on someone’s EBT card when they use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors. Learn more at Mass.gov/HIP. Find a vendor at DTAFinder.com. 

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PROVIDENCE, RI – Although the forecast is predicting unsettled weather with thunderstorms likely this Fourth of July weekend, it’s going to be hot. And if Rhode Islanders are planning a day at state beaches, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is urging them to buy their passes online today to avoid getting stuck in annoying traffic tie-ups at beach entrances this weekend.

Historically, Independence Day week is the peak of the beach season and depending on the weather, tens of thousands of residents and out-of-state visitors may flock to the eight state surf beaches.

“Our state beaches are such a special part of who we are as Rhode Islanders and I encourage beach lovers to visit their favorite sandy spot in Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, or Westerly this weekend,” said Governor Dan McKee. “At the same time, I ask all beachgoers to be careful, only to swim within the designated swimming areas, and obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Let’s make this a safe and fun Fourth of July!”

“I grew up two blocks away from Narragansett Bay in the Gaspee Plateau neighborhood of Warwick, so I’ve been a water guy and a beach guy my whole life but still can’t believe how lucky we are to have such an array of beautiful, accessible state beaches,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “We welcome you to hit the beach this holiday weekend and create new, happy memories with your family and friends.”

Scarborough North, Scarborough South, Roger Wheeler, Salty Brine state beaches in Narragansett, East Matunuck State beach in South Kingstown, Charlestown Breachway and East Beach in Charlestown, and Westerly’s Misquamicut State Beach are open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 6 PM on weekends and holidays, weather permitting. Other facilities open daily, weather permitting, including the beaches at Lincoln Woods State Park, Goddard Memorial State Park, Pulaski Park, and Fort Adams State Park.

Once purchased, season parking passes do not go into immediate effect. It takes up to 24 hours during the summer months for a buyer’s residency status to be verified to charge the correct fee and for the pass to be validated. DEM urges beachgoers to plan ahead and buy their passes earlier in the week if they’re going to the beach on the weekend. Individuals may purchase resident, non-resident, or senior season beach passes online, as well as daily flex passes, which allow for one-day parking. 

Prepaid customers may use the express lanes at beaches for speedier access. Purchasing season or daily flex passes online also will help DEM keep the express lanes open, as there have been past instances when the express lanes could not be used because too many people were paying for parking at the entry gates rather using pre-paid parking passes.

Express lanes are available at all state beaches except for Salty Brine, Charlestown Breachway, and East Beach, which are one-lane facilities.

DEM’s parking vendor employs license plate recognition (LPR) technology at the express lanes whereby a scan is taken of the rear license plates of prepaid customers confirming that the customer has paid to allow for quick entry. Please allow space for the car at the gate so the reader can scan the license plate. Driving bumper to bumper will cause the system to fault, requiring an attendant to manually enter the plate, and slow the flow of cars.

Season passes no longer require a physical pass to be placed on vehicle windshields as passes are now electronically connected to an individual’s license plate. DEM wants the public to know that they may see empty parking spots in the state lots, but this does not mean there is empty sand on the beach. This is related to waiting for enough cars to leave to ensure there is room for new vehicles, leaving a buffer so we don’t have cars roaming around the lot with nowhere to park. Controlling the inflow of cars is the only way DEM can prevent overcrowding in the beach.

DEM continues to accept applications for seasonal positions including qualified lifeguards for state beach facilities. Positions are still available at many locations throughout the state. All lifeguard positions require certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and senior lifesaving. Swimming accidents and drownings can occur when lifeguards are present. As always, DEM urges parents and guardians to watch their children while they’re swimming or near the water. Also, DEM urges beachgoers not to enter the water if they cannot swim.
 

FALL RIVER, NEW BEDFORD and WAREHAM, Mass. – Southcoast Health announced today that the not-for-profit community health system has joined the Biden Administration in a pledge to decarbonize the healthcare sector.

Signing this pledge, Southcoast has committed to meeting the climate goal of reducing emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Southcoast Health officials attended a White House virtual event on June 30, 2022 with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and leaders from companies and organizations representing hospitals and health centers, as well as pharmaceutical companies, medical device-makers, suppliers and group purchasing organizations.  

“We are proud to be a part of this initiative,” said Phil Oliveira, Vice President of Support Services at Southcoast Health. “Many of our programs are already working to enhance our facilities, making them resistant to climate change and supporting health equity and increased opportunities for underserved populations in our region. Signing this pledge reaffirms our commitment to the South Coast community and the patients we serve.” 

The U.S. healthcare sector accounts for approximately 8.5 percent of domestic climate-warming emissions and in September 2021, 200 medical journals named climate change the number one threat to global public health. Millions of people living in the United States already experience associated harm —with disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged and underserved communities — through more frequent and intense periods of extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, vector-borne diseases and other factors that worsen chronic health conditions.

Addressing this challenge, Southcoast Health has already started adapting more environmentally conscious materials in its operations. Most recently, the system’s Southcoast Cares Community Health and Wellness Program transitioned from a single diesel-powered Southcoast Wellness Van, to using two 2022 Kia Niro electric vehicles that will reduce the program’s carbon footprint while providing greater access to more patients and locations per day.

“Public health decisions have to be based on the realities of climate change, and we all need to do more to make that happen at the national level,” said ADM Rachel Levine, the Assistant Secretary for Health. “We’re seeing right now what extreme temperatures and more severe storms can do to human health, environmental quality and our physical infrastructure. It’s great to see so many different companies and organizations come together to decarbonize and become partners in protecting human health from climate change. Today’s announcement is just the beginning of a longer ongoing effort with partners from across the medical sector, which is exactly the kind of big response we need as a country.”

The Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), part of HHS under the Assistant Secretary for Health, developed the health sector climate pledge in conjunction with the White House to help focus industry response to climate change. In addition to reducing their carbon footprint, signatories also commit to producing detailed plans to build climate resilience for their facilities and the communities they serve. 
 

NEW BEDFORD - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing Route 18 southbound is closed near Elm Street in New Bedford and traffic is being detoured off Route 18 southbound at Purchase Street. 

 A serious crash resulting in a fatality has occurred on Route 18 southbound at the intersection with Elm Street.  Route 18 southbound will be closed in this area until further notice.

June 30, 2022

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today traded right-handed pitcher Silvino Bracho to the Atlanta Braves, in exchange for cash considerations.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Bracho, 29, was selected to the Major League roster on Tuesday, but he did not pitch for the Red Sox before being designated for assignment today.

The right-hander has posted a 3.16 ERA (11 ER/31.1 IP) and 10.34 strikeouts per nine innings (36 strikeouts) over 18 appearances (one start) for Triple-A Worcester this season. The Venezuelan native owns a 4.82 ERA (48 ER/89.2 IP) in 92 Major League appearances, all with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2015-20.

According to CBS 12 in Providence,  a Taunton man is facing numerous charges after he was found sleeping inside his car with his genitals exposed in a Raynham elementary school parking lot earlier this week. Police said 40 year old Jeremy Davis,  was discovered passed out in the driver’s seat of his vehicle at Lillie B. Merrill Elementary School Wednesday morning. Officers who responded to the scene woke Davis up and searched his car, finding a glass pipe, two vials of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun inside the vehicle. While school wasn’t in session, police said there were children participating in a summer camp program near where Davis was parked.

Davis was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine, drug violation near a school, indecent exposure, and two firearm charges

According to CBS 12 in Providence, the U.S. Coast Guard Northeast is searching for a fisherman who went overboard this morning off the coast of Massachusetts. Around 1:30 AM, crew members of a commercial fishing vessel noticed one person wasn’t on board leading to a search now taking place in the track line between Nomans Island and New Bedford.

The commercial fishing vessel known as Susan Rose is a 77-foot vessel based out of Point Judith that normally has four crew members on board.