Category: News

What’s the Tea Tuesday: Jon Fetherston and Joe Sokol Are Asking Questions Maine Cannot Afford to Ignore

By Tiffany Williams - When millions of taxpayer dollars are flowing through government-funded organizations, asking where that money went should be expected. Visiting an agency, examining its records, questioning its operators, and demanding answers from public officials are fundamental parts of investigative journalism. Yet too often, the reporter becomes the target while the questions about … Continue reading What’s the Tea Tuesday: Jon Fetherston and Joe Sokol Are Asking Questions Maine Cannot Afford to Ignore

Eye on Education: Building Strong Reading Skills

Strong reading skills begin long before a student is assigned a long novel or asked to analyze a complicated textbook. They develop gradually as children learn how spoken language connects to letters, sounds, words, sentences, and meaning. Reading is not a single skill. A strong reader uses several abilities together, and weaknesses in one area … Continue reading Eye on Education: Building Strong Reading Skills

Newsroom Headlines: Fatal Revere Crash, Boston Mother Charged and Lawrence Fire Displaces 17

By Tiffany Williams - Triton Senior Killed in Wrong-Way Crash A Triton Regional High School senior from Byfield was killed in a head-on crash on Route 1 in Revere early Sunday morning, according to Massachusetts State Police. Authorities have not publicly identified the student. The crash happened around 3 a.m. near Sargent Street after multiple … Continue reading Newsroom Headlines: Fatal Revere Crash, Boston Mother Charged and Lawrence Fire Displaces 17

Holbrook Officers Pull Driver From Burning Jeep; Police Seek Second-Offense OUI Charge

By Tiffany Williams - A driver’s foot was pinned beneath a crushed dashboard and burning when three Holbrook police officers worked to pull him from a Jeep early Sunday morning. The officers freed the man as flames spread across the front of the vehicle, with one officer sustaining minor burns during the rescue. The crash … Continue reading Holbrook Officers Pull Driver From Burning Jeep; Police Seek Second-Offense OUI Charge

Dolphins Hold Off Jets 28–25 as Douglas Scores Twice and Willis Seals First Win

By Tiffany Williams - EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Miami Dolphins needed one more yard to finish the job. Malik Willis delivered two, pushing through the middle on fourth down to seal a 28–25 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium and give Miami its first win of the season. Caleb … Continue reading Dolphins Hold Off Jets 28–25 as Douglas Scores Twice and Willis Seals First Win

Westborough Police Chief Placed on Leave After Shrewsbury Police Respond to Call Involving Him

By Tiffany Williams - Westborough Police Chief Todd Minardi has been placed on administrative leave after Shrewsbury police responded to a Friday night call for service involving him, according to the Town of Westborough. The town is taking steps to retain an outside investigator, while Deputy Police Chief Steve Tompkins has assumed the department’s day-to-day … Continue reading Westborough Police Chief Placed on Leave After Shrewsbury Police Respond to Call Involving Him

Two Drivers Injured in Head-On Collision in Pelham, New Hampshire

By: Laura Soukkavong - Photo Credit: Pelham, NH Fire Department Pelham, NH - Oct. 23 - Two drivers were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following a head-on collision on Mammoth Road near Bush Hill Road Friday evening. According to the Pelham Police Department, officers and firefighters responded to the scene at approximately 7:21 … Continue reading Two Drivers Injured in Head-On Collision in Pelham, New Hampshire

Maine Wire Cameraman Rescues Injured Seagull From Penobscot River

By Tiffany Williams - Here’s a little good news for your Friday night. Maine Wire reporter Joe Sokol and cameraman Adam Stade were out on assignment in Bangor, Maine, when they spotted an injured seagull in the Penobscot River. Stade jumped into the river and swam to the bird’s rescue, bringing it safely back to … Continue reading Maine Wire Cameraman Rescues Injured Seagull From Penobscot River

Everyday Essentials: Why Hydration Matters for Daily Energy

Water is easy to overlook because it is so ordinary. People think carefully about meals, caffeine, vitamins, exercise, and sleep while sometimes forgetting that adequate fluid intake is also part of normal body function. Hydration supports many processes throughout the body. Water is involved in temperature regulation, circulation, digestion, and other essential functions. When fluid … Continue reading Everyday Essentials: Why Hydration Matters for Daily Energy

New Jersey Mayor Charges at Resident During Council Meeting, Faces Court Complaint

By Tiffany Williams - A New Jersey council meeting erupted into a confrontation Wednesday night when Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged toward a resident in the audience and had to be restrained. The encounter, captured on video, has prompted a court complaint and demands for the mayor’s resignation. The confrontation occurred October 21 as a … Continue reading New Jersey Mayor Charges at Resident During Council Meeting, Faces Court Complaint

Driver Accused of Smashing Into Vehicles and Waterboro Home Found Hiding in Pond

By Tiffany Williams - A pickup truck driver who allegedly refused to stop for a York County sheriff’s deputy crashed into three vehicles and a residence in Waterboro before being found hiding in a pond, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office. Zackery Lacourse, 21, of Lebanon, was arrested after a K-9 team tracked him … Continue reading Driver Accused of Smashing Into Vehicles and Waterboro Home Found Hiding in Pond

Growth Mindset: Understanding Growth Beyond Positive Thinking

Positive thinking can be encouraging, but personal growth asks more of us than repeating that everything will work out. Growth often involves uncertainty, honest feedback, difficult practice and the willingness to recognize where a familiar approach is no longer working. A growth mindset begins with the belief that many skills and abilities can improve through … Continue reading Growth Mindset: Understanding Growth Beyond Positive Thinking

Kathleen Toomey Crash Review Finds No Evidence of Preferential Treatment as Worcester Police Address Camera Failures

By Tiffany Williams - A late-night crash involving a city councilor deserves scrutiny. But scrutiny carries an obligation to distinguish suspicion from evidence, and Worcester’s 53-page internal investigation into the police response to Kathleen Toomey’s September 2 crash makes that distinction essential. The department found no evidence that her elected position changed how officers handled … Continue reading Kathleen Toomey Crash Review Finds No Evidence of Preferential Treatment as Worcester Police Address Camera Failures

Boston Police Graduates 118 New Officers as Academy Class Breaks Barriers

By Tiffany Williams - BOSTON — Boston’s newest police academy graduates are heading toward patrol duty after a ceremony that marked both the completion of their training and a series of firsts for the department. Recruit Class #67-26 graduated Tuesday at Faneuil Hall, adding 118 new officers to the ranks of those serving the city. … Continue reading Boston Police Graduates 118 New Officers as Academy Class Breaks Barriers

Healthy Living: Choosing One Everyday Habit to Work on First

Trying to improve your health can become overwhelming when every recommendation seems to demand immediate attention. Drink more water, move more, sleep better, cook differently and reduce stress. Each goal may have value, but attempting all of them at once can make change feel impossible. A more manageable approach is to choose one everyday habit … Continue reading Healthy Living: Choosing One Everyday Habit to Work on First

Antonio Brown Selling $77 Comedy Show Tickets While Criminal Case Hangs Over Him

By Tiffany Williams - Antonio Brown is taking his act to a comedy show, with tickets selling for $77 while a criminal case hangs over his head. The former NFL wide receiver has supplied plenty of material through public feuds, social media attacks and an unforgettable midgame exit. Now comes a different test: getting people … Continue reading Antonio Brown Selling $77 Comedy Show Tickets While Criminal Case Hangs Over Him

Daily Routine: Choosing a Routine You Actually Need

There is no shortage of advice about the perfect daily routine. Wake up earlier, exercise before breakfast, plan every hour and end the evening with a long list of productive habits. These suggestions can sound appealing, but a routine that looks good on paper may not fit the life you actually lead. A useful routine … Continue reading Daily Routine: Choosing a Routine You Actually Need

Shawn Oliver Faces Questions About His Political Future and Correction Officer Career

By Tiffany Williams - Shawn Oliver’s suspended campaign has drawn attention to the Massachusetts lieutenant governor’s race, but the consequences of his arrest extend beyond the November ballot. The New Bedford city councilor also works as a Massachusetts correction officer, leaving his political standing, criminal case, and employment subject to separate decisions. Oliver pleaded not … Continue reading Shawn Oliver Faces Questions About His Political Future and Correction Officer Career

Shawn Oliver’s OUI Case Throws Massachusetts GOP Ticket Into Turmoil Days Before Election

By Tiffany Williams - Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign, but Massachusetts Republicans cannot suspend the consequences. With 15 days until the November 3 election, their nominee for lieutenant governor faces criminal charges, remains on the ballot, and retains a potential route into an office his own running mate wants him to surrender. Republican gubernatorial … Continue reading Shawn Oliver’s OUI Case Throws Massachusetts GOP Ticket Into Turmoil Days Before Election

Massachusetts Voters Deserve Clear Answers in the Final Stretch of the Governor’s Race

By Tiffany Williams - With just over two weeks remaining before the November 3 election, the Massachusetts governor’s race is entering the period when promises deserve their closest examination. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll are seeking another four years, while Republican challenger Mike Minogue is asking voters to choose a different direction. … Continue reading Massachusetts Voters Deserve Clear Answers in the Final Stretch of the Governor’s Race

Mike Minogue Faces Political Crisis as Shawn Oliver Controversy Rocks Republican Ticket

By Tiffany Williams - Shawn Oliver’s campaign suspension has created a political crisis for the Republican ticket with just 15 days remaining before the November 3 election. For Mike Minogue, the immediate challenge is keeping his campaign against Governor Maura Healey from being overtaken by questions about his running mate’s arrest and whether Oliver would … Continue reading Mike Minogue Faces Political Crisis as Shawn Oliver Controversy Rocks Republican Ticket

Operation Wicked Safe Brings Six-State Dangerous Driving Enforcement October 13–15

By: Laura Soukkavong Massachusetts State Police and agencies in five neighboring states will increase traffic enforcement October 13–15 through Operation Wicked Safe. The coordinated patrols will target speeding, aggressive driving, distraction, impaired driving and other hazardous behavior. Troopers from Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont will participate alongside Massachusetts. Officials announced the … Continue reading Operation Wicked Safe Brings Six-State Dangerous Driving Enforcement October 13–15

Boston Commits More Than $16 Million to Overhaul Aging Fairmount Public Housing in Hyde Park

By: Laura Soukkavong - BOSTON — More than $16 million is being directed toward a major overhaul of Fairmount Apartments in Hyde Park, where more than 200 public housing units dating back to 1951 are slated for improvements to accessibility, heating, cooling and protection against flooding. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the investment alongside U.S. Rep. … Continue reading Boston Commits More Than $16 Million to Overhaul Aging Fairmount Public Housing in Hyde Park

Two Attleboro Residents Found Dead After House Fire; Investigators Find No Working Smoke Alarms

By: Laura Soukkavong ATTLEBORO — Two Attleboro residents were found dead inside a single-family home Wednesday morning after firefighters responding to a well-being check discovered evidence of a significant fire that had occurred earlier, according to Massachusetts fire officials. The victims were identified by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office as Paul Courtemanche, 76, and … Continue reading Two Attleboro Residents Found Dead After House Fire; Investigators Find No Working Smoke Alarms

Boston High School Students Get Paid Hospital Training Through New Mass General Brigham Career Program

By: Laura Soukkavong - BOSTON — Fourteen Boston high school students spent part of their summer working in patient care at Massachusetts General Hospital, gaining paid, hands-on clinical experience through a new program designed to move young people from the classroom into healthcare careers. The inaugural PCA-in-Training Program placed students from the Edward M. Kennedy … Continue reading Boston High School Students Get Paid Hospital Training Through New Mass General Brigham Career Program

Boston City Council Demands Emergency Aid for Nubian Square Businesses Devastated by Six-Alarm Fire

By: Laura Soukkavong - BOSTON — A six-alarm fire gutted a historic commercial building in Roxbury's Nubian Square, wiping out businesses and threatening jobs. Now, Boston City Council is demanding an urgent response to help the owners and employees facing the consequences. The council adopted an emergency resolution calling for immediate financial assistance, relocation support … Continue reading Boston City Council Demands Emergency Aid for Nubian Square Businesses Devastated by Six-Alarm Fire

Banana Ball Coming to Worcester and Portland in 2027 as Ticket Lottery Opens

By Tiffany Williams - (Photo Credit: Banana Ball Championship League) WORCESTER, Mass. — Baseball's traveling spectacle is headed to two New England ballparks in 2027, bringing its two-hour games, unconventional rules and on-field entertainment to Worcester and Portland. But fans hoping to get inside will have to act months before the first pitch. Banana Ball … Continue reading Banana Ball Coming to Worcester and Portland in 2027 as Ticket Lottery Opens

Everyday Essentials: How to Start Your Morning With More Focus

A focused morning does not require waking before sunrise, completing a workout, meditating for thirty minutes, and preparing an elaborate breakfast before the rest of the world is awake. For most people, a better morning begins with far simpler choices. The first goal is to reduce unnecessary decisions. Every small problem you solve the night … Continue reading Everyday Essentials: How to Start Your Morning With More Focus

Ryan Hanafin Faces Multiple Charges in Reading Homicide Case

By: Laura Soukkavong - Woburn - Ryan Hanafin, 22, faces multiple criminal charges, including murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, in connection with the death of his mother, Andrea Hanafin, who was found dead inside their Reading home on Oct. 8. Hanafin also faces 15 counts of improper storage of a large-capacity … Continue reading Ryan Hanafin Faces Multiple Charges in Reading Homicide Case

Mind Matters: Living With Social Anxiety When You Want Connection

Wanting friendship and connection while feeling anxious around people can create an exhausting push and pull. You may look forward to being included and still worry about what to say, how others see you or whether an interaction will go badly. Social anxiety is more than ordinary shyness for some people. Fear of judgment can … Continue reading Mind Matters: Living With Social Anxiety When You Want Connection

Medical Minute: Why Your Medical History Matters

Your medical history tells a story that may help healthcare professionals understand what is happening with your health today. Past diagnoses, operations, allergies, medications and family health conditions can all influence decisions about testing and treatment. A complete history helps clinicians recognize patterns and avoid preventable problems. For example, an earlier reaction to a medication … Continue reading Medical Minute: Why Your Medical History Matters

Auburn Police Welcome Officer Nicholas Tessier From Spencer

By Tiffany Williams - Officer Nicholas Tessier has joined the Auburn Police Department, bringing just over five years of municipal law enforcement experience. The department officially welcomed him Tuesday morning, announcing his move from the Spencer Police Department. Tessier’s background also includes service with the Worcester State Campus Police Department before he began his municipal … Continue reading Auburn Police Welcome Officer Nicholas Tessier From Spencer

Connecticut Launches TV-to-Table Trail Featuring Restaurants Seen on National Shows

By Tiffany Williams - Connecticut launched a new tourism trail highlighting local restaurants and chefs featured on national food television programs. Governor Ned Lamont and state tourism officials introduced the TV-to-Table Trail Monday, according to his weekly update. The trail includes dozens of culinary destinations associated with shows such as Top Chef, Chopped, Beat Bobby … Continue reading Connecticut Launches TV-to-Table Trail Featuring Restaurants Seen on National Shows

Connecticut Plans Outreach to Help HUSKY D Recipients Maintain Coverage

By Tiffany Williams - Connecticut is preparing an outreach effort to help HUSKY D recipients remain enrolled ahead of federal Medicaid rule changes scheduled for January 1, 2027. Governor Ned Lamont joined Stamford Hospital officials Monday to describe the state’s plans, according to his weekly update. HUSKY D provides health coverage to low-income adults ages … Continue reading Connecticut Plans Outreach to Help HUSKY D Recipients Maintain Coverage

Headlines At Noon: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Bronx Girl Shot Twice Was an Innocent Bystander A 12-year-old girl was in serious condition after being shot in the chest and foot outside a Tratman Avenue home in the Bronx’s Westchester Square neighborhood Monday around 8:30 p.m., police said. Detectives described her as an innocent bystander; the FDNY said she was taken to a … Continue reading Headlines At Noon: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Albany Man Pleads Guilty After Eight Cocaine Transactions

By Tiffany Williams - Kymere Thomas, 28, of Albany, pleaded guilty October 5 to distributing crack cocaine, federal prosecutors announced Friday. His sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2027. Authorities said Thomas sold more than 50 grams of cocaine and more than 580 grams of crack cocaine in eight transactions between March and August 2025. … Continue reading Albany Man Pleads Guilty After Eight Cocaine Transactions

Bangor I-95 Bridge Work Will Bring Lane and Ramp Closures October 16–19

By Tiffany Williams - Drivers using Interstate 95 in Bangor should prepare for changing southbound lane and ramp closures October 16 through October 19 as crews move traffic onto a new bridge over Broadway. MaineDOT announced the work Friday as part of the ongoing bridge replacement project at Exit 185. The work includes shoulder reconstruction, … Continue reading Bangor I-95 Bridge Work Will Bring Lane and Ramp Closures October 16–19

Boston EMS Welcomes 20 New EMTs and Recognizes 12 Promotions

By Tiffany Williams - (Photo Credit: Mike Mejia) Boston Emergency Medical Services welcomed 20 new EMTs and recognized 12 promotions during a Friday ceremony at Faneuil Hall. Mayor Michelle Wu joined Boston EMS and the Boston Public Health Commission to celebrate graduates of the department’s recruit academy. The full-time, paid academy combines classroom instruction with … Continue reading Boston EMS Welcomes 20 New EMTs and Recognizes 12 Promotions

Boston Plans Five Free Link Bus Routes for Early 2027

By Tiffany Williams - Boston plans to launch five free community shuttle routes in early 2027, expanding transportation options in Mattapan, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and the South Boston Waterfront. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the Link Bus initiative Friday, saying the publicly accessible services will connect neighborhoods with the MBTA and destinations … Continue reading Boston Plans Five Free Link Bus Routes for Early 2027

Boston’s Hub on Wheels Will Return in October 2027 With Car-Free Storrow Drive

By Tiffany Williams - (Photo Credit: Isabel Leon) Boston’s Hub on Wheels bike ride will return October 3, 2027, with a car-free Storrow Drive, routes through city neighborhoods and a festival on City Hall Plaza. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the revival Monday at the city’s Ride & Chill event in Franklin Park. Participants will choose … Continue reading Boston’s Hub on Wheels Will Return in October 2027 With Car-Free Storrow Drive

Canadian Man Gets 33 Months in Grandparent Scam That Targeted Older Americans

By Tiffany Williams - Paul Conneh, 39, of Moncton, New Brunswick, was sentenced October 6 to 33 months in federal prison for participating in a grandparent scam. A Vermont federal judge also ordered $256,000 in restitution. Conneh pleaded guilty in May to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies. Court records say he recruited people to … Continue reading Canadian Man Gets 33 Months in Grandparent Scam That Targeted Older Americans

Connecticut Awards $10.6 Million to Expand In-District Special Education

By Tiffany Williams - Connecticut awarded $10.6 million to 41 school districts to expand special education services within their own schools, according to Governor Ned Lamont’s weekly update. Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker highlighted the initiative during a Wednesday visit to Wheeler Elementary School in Plainville. The High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program aims … Continue reading Connecticut Awards $10.6 Million to Expand In-District Special Education

Nutrition Now: Building Eating Habits That Fit Your Real Life

Healthy eating advice often sounds as though everyone has the same budget, schedule, appetite and kitchen. Real life is more complicated. Eating habits are more likely to last when they fit the routines you already have rather than demanding an entirely new lifestyle. Begin by noticing when you eat, which meals leave you satisfied and … Continue reading Nutrition Now: Building Eating Habits That Fit Your Real Life