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Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon praised his firefighters' heroic actions during the Gabriel House fire that killed nine people. Despite the tragedy, Bacon emphasized that many more lives would have been lost without their efforts to rescue residents, including carrying victims down ladders. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
A Worcester woman, Donna Vayo, faces operating under the influence charges after a crash injured two off-duty police officers on July 10. Officers Eddie Santiago and Stephen Kustigian suffered serious injuries, prompting a crowdfunding effort to cover their medical expenses.
Approximately 500 passengers evacuated from a Blue Line train in Boston after it lost power Tuesday afternoon. Passengers reported hearing a "snap" before the train stopped, with many experiencing discomfort due to the lack of air conditioning and lights. No injuries occurred, and shuttle buses transported passengers to continue their journeys.
A Worcester woman, Donna Vayo, was arrested after her pickup truck collided with three motorcycles, seriously injuring two off-duty police officers. The crash occurred on July 10 when Vayo failed to yield while making a left turn onto Interstate 290. She faces charges of operating under the influence and failing to yield.
Republic Services filed a lawsuit against Teamsters Local 25, alleging vandalism and harassment during an ongoing strike for better wages and benefits. The company seeks a temporary restraining order to stop what it calls "unlawful conduct" that has disrupted waste collection in Massachusetts. Thousands of union members are striking nationwide, impacting operations and prompting concern over missed trash pickups.
Dan Rivera, a 54-year-old paranormal investigator, died unexpectedly at a Pennsylvania hotel while on a tour featuring the possessed Raggedy Ann doll named Annabelle. Rivera's death prompted tributes highlighting his dedication to educating others about the paranormal and his deep impact on the community. The New England Society of Psychic Research plans to continue its scheduled events despite the loss.
New Hampshire's median single-family home price reached $540,000 in May, exacerbating the housing crisis despite a need for 60,000 new units by 2030. House Bill 577, recently passed, enables property owners to build detached accessory dwelling units, or "tiny homes," to help address this issue. The bill awaits the governor's signature and aims to provide affordable housing options for residents.
Tens of thousands plan to protest in Massachusetts cities on July 17 against the Trump administration's budget. The rallies, organized by the Indivisible Mass Coalition, will honor the late civil rights activist John Lewis, who popularized the term "good trouble." Participants in Boston will gather in Copley Square before marching to Boston Common for a rally featuring donation efforts for unhoused populations.
A five-alarm fire at Gabriel House in Fall River killed nine residents and injured dozens more. Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon praised the heroic efforts of firefighters, who faced intense conditions to rescue non-ambulatory residents. The cause of the fire is deemed accidental, and investigations continue into the facility's fire safety practices.
Greater Boston braces for a heat wave, with temperatures expected to reach the low 90s and a heat index of 100 degrees. Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency from Wednesday through Friday, as high humidity intensifies the heat. Cooler air is forecasted for the weekend, bringing relief to residents.