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Police investigating after child in Connecticut allegedly finds rusty nail in cookie from Panera Bread restaurant

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Connecticut authorities are investigating after a 7-year-old child in Darien reportedly found a rusty nail baked in a cookie purchased from a Panera Bread store.

DARIEN, Conn. — Authorities in Connecticut are investigating after a 7-year-old child in Darien reportedly found a rusty nail baked into a cookie purchased from a Panera Bread store.

According to the Darien Times, the young girl and her family went to the chain restaurant at 1063 Boston Post Road in Darien on Monday and ordered take out. The meal was fine until the girl, reportedly a day before her birthday, bit into a chocolate chip cookie and found the rusty shank nail baked into the bottom of the treat.

The girl was uninjured but police are looking into just how the nail made it into the cookie.

Panera Bread spokeswoman Mandy Burns told the newspaper that the dough is supplied by a third-party vendor which has protocols in place to detect metal contaminates in its products. She also said the company is reviewing the incident.

The Hartford Courant reports that police are looking into whether the nail made it into the food chain accidentally or intentionally.



UConn professor charged after allegedly urinating in parking lot and ripping mirrors off luxury cars

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Police there reported that on Oct. 26, 46-year-old Gabriel Fenteany of Vernon was allegedly intoxicated and seen urinating in a parking lot before ripping the mirrors off of several vehicles including a Lexus, BMW and an Audi. He was reportedly in the area visiting someone who lives there, according to police.

GREENWICH, Conn. — A University of Connecticut chemistry professor was charged on Monday for what police describe as an incident in October in which he was allegedly intoxicated and vandalized several cars parked in Greenwich.

Gabriel FenteanyView full sizeThis police booking photo shows Gabriel Fenteany, 46, of Vernon, Conn.  

Greenwich police reported that on Oct. 26, 46-year-old Gabriel Fenteany of Vernon was allegedly intoxicated and seen urinating in a parking lot before ripping the mirrors off of several vehicles, including a Lexus, a BMW and an Audi. He was in Greenwich visiting someone who lives there, according to police.

The Hartford Courant reports that Fenteany was placed on administrative leave from his $97,635 a year teaching job at UConn pending the results of his criminal case. He is facing several counts of criminal mischief and breaching the peace.

In a statement made to New Haven-based ABC affiliate WTNH, a university spokesperson said, "Arrangements are being made to cover his teaching duties and other professional responsibilities. Mr. Fenteany was taken into custody Monday by UConn police on the Storrs campus and turned over to Greenwich police, which held the warrant for his arrest."

According to the Connecticut Judicial Branch's online database, Fenteany's file has been "statutorily sealed," and each of the four charges he is facing are listed as "awaiting disposition."


UMass seeks second straight $40 million state budget increase

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Gov. Patrick downplayed the prospects that he would seek another broad-based tax increase to help support the next fiscal year's budget.

BOSTON -- Gov. Deval L. Patrick Wednesday said he would do his "very best' to provide a second straight $40 million increase for the University of Massachusetts system to again freeze tuition and fees for students.

UMass President Robert L. Caret on Wednesday announced that the five-campus system will ask the governor to approve $519 million for the university in the state budget for the next fiscal year. That would be a $40 million hike to match this year's increase, which Caret said was the largest in the university's history.

"I'm going to do my very best," Patrick said in a phone interview with The Republican when asked if he would include the money sought by Caret in the governor's version of the budget to be unveiled late next month. "We owe it to this generation and generations to come - socially, educationally and economically -- to make sure public higher education is affordable."

However, Patrick downplayed the prospects that he would seek another broad-based tax increase to help support the next fiscal year's budget.

"We had that conversation and the likelihood of it happening again in an election year is low," Patrick said.

Caret said his budget request would allow for tuition and mandatory fees for in-state undergraduate students to be frozen for a second consecutive year.

“If we can freeze tuition and fees for one more year, we will be in a much better place in terms of affordability for our students,” Caret said.

Patrick proposed the increase in this year's budget and it was supported by state lawmakers.

In the $34 billion budget for this fiscal year, Patrick, in all, approved $1.1 billion for the five-campus University of Massachusetts system, the 15 community colleges and nine state university campuses. The $159 million increase for public higher education allowed for a freeze in tuition and fees for some 290,000 students at the schools.

The budget, which is for the fiscal year that started July 1, is partly balanced with about $350 million in new taxes, including a 3-cent increase in the 23.5-cent-per-gallon gas tax and $1 hike in the cigarette tax to $3.51 a pack.

Patrick had filed a tax bill, including a proposed increase in the income tax, to raise up to $1.9 billion a year for transportation and education.

Students at the UMass Amherst campus now pay an average $13,242 in tuition and fees. Room and board comes to about an additional $10,000.

Newtown Sandy Hook shooting 911 recordings released; dispatchers urged callers to take cover

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The calls were posted on the town's website under a court order after a lengthy effort by The Associated Press to have them released for review.

By MICHAEL MELIA and JACK GILLUM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Recordings of 911 calls from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that were released Wednesday show town dispatchers urged panicked callers to take cover, mobilized help and asked about the welfare of the children as gunshots could be heard at times in the background.

One caller told police in a trembling, breathless voice that a gunman was shooting inside the building.

"I caught a glimpse of somebody. They're running down the hallway. Oh, they're still running and still shooting. Sandy Hook school, please," the woman said.

In the minutes that followed, staff members inside the school pleaded for help as Newtown police juggled the barrage of calls.

The calls were posted on the town's website under a court order after a lengthy effort by The Associated Press to have them released for review.

Another call came from a custodian, Rick Thorne, who said that a window at the front of the school was shattered and that he kept hearing shooting. While on the line with Thorne, the dispatcher told somebody off the call: "Get everyone you can going down there."

Thorne remained on the phone for several minutes.

"There's still shooting going on, please!" the custodian pleaded to Newtown's 911 dispatcher, as six or seven shots could be heard booming in the background. "Still, it's still going on!"

The gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, shot his way into the school the morning of Dec. 14 and killed 20 children and six educators with a semi-automatic rifle. He also killed his mother in their Newtown home before driving to the school, and he committed suicide as police arrived at the scene.

Seven recordings of landline calls from inside the school to Newtown police were posted. Calls that were routed to state police are the subject of a separate, pending freedom of information request by the AP.

Prosecutors opposed the tapes' release, arguing among other things that the recordings could cause the victims' families more anguish.

"We all understand why some people have strong feelings about the release of these tapes. This was a horrible crime," said Kathleen Carroll, AP executive editor and senior vice president. "It's important to remember, though, that 911 tapes, like other police documents, are public records. Reviewing them is a part of normal newsgathering in a responsible news organization."

As the town prepared to release the tapes, the superintendent of Newtown schools, John Reed, advised parents to consider taking steps to limit media exposure for their families, as he did before the release last week of a prosecutor's report on the attack.

On the day of the shooting, the AP requested 911 calls and police reports, as it and other news organizations routinely do in their newsgathering.

Newtown's police department effectively ignored the AP's request for months until the news cooperative appealed to the state's Freedom of Information Commission, which said in September that the recordings should be released.

The prosecutor in charge of the Newtown investigation, State's Attorney Stephen Sedensky III, had argued that releasing the tapes could prove painful to the victims' families, hurt the investigation, subject witnesses to harassment and violate the rights of survivors who deserve special protection as victims of child abuse.

A state judge dismissed those arguments last week and ordered the tapes be released Wednesday unless the state appealed.

"Release of the audio recordings will also allow the public to consider and weigh what improvements, if any, should be made to law enforcement's response to such incidents," Superior Court Judge Eliot Prescott said.

"Delaying the release of the audio recordings, particularly where the legal justification to keep them confidential is lacking, only serves to fuel speculation about and undermine confidence in our law enforcement officials."


Below, copies of the recordings posted by The News Times of Danbury, Conn.

Warning: Some readers may find segments of the audio upsetting.

Live stream: Arraignment of Philip Chism, 14-year-old accused of murdering Danvers High teacher Colleen Ritzer

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14-year-old Philip Chism is being arraigned today in Salem Superior Court on the murder, aggravated rape and armed robbery charges in connection with the death of Danvers High School teacher Colleen Ritzer.

14-year-old Philip Chism is being arraigned today in Salem Superior Court on murder, aggravated rape and armed robbery charges in connection with the death of Danvers High School teacher Colleen Ritzer.

Watch the live stream of the hearing here:

Watch live streaming video from necn_live at livestream.com

Springfield police: No injuries reported in altercation and shooting at Sixteen Acres home

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Detectives continue to probe the incident.

Updates story posted at 9:23 a.m.


SPRINGFIELD — Police continue to probe a Wednesday morning altercation at a Sixteen Acres neighborhood home in which shots were fired.

Springfield Police Sgt. John M. Delaney said detectives believe the incident, which resulted in no gunshot injuries, was not a random crime and that the dwelling was targeted.

Two suspects, who allegedly kicked in the door at 64 Sunbrier St. shortly before 7:30 a.m., remain at large after stealing a black 2013 Hyundai Sonata that had left running unattended in a nearby Nassau Drive parking lot. Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said.

A female resident told police that the two suspects, at least one armed with a handgun, confronted her and her young son in the kitchen.

The suspects were looking for her 37-year-old boyfriend, who was down the hall sleeping. After a confrontation, the boyfriend fled out the front door screaming, leaving his girlfriend and her children behind, Delaney said.

The suspects went after the boyfriend, but once outside, they panicked and fled. They first attempted to steal the woman’s car that was running in her driveway, but it was locked.

That’s when they ran north and stole the Sonata from the parking lot on Nassau Drive.

The 37-year-old allegedly went after the two suspects and came back with a bloody nose. He refused medical treatment and would not allow officers to search his home.

Evidence of shots fired was found at the property, Delaney said.

Neighbor Jack Stasio said he saw two men walk by his house shortly before the shooting. “It was out of the norm to have these two guys pass by the house before school starts.” he said, referring to Sabis International Charter School, which is just down the street.

Stasio said he then heard shots, “maybe five of them, one after the other. Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!”

Stasio said he saw a distraught woman run out of the house after he heard the shots, adding, “She was very upset.”

After that, a man left the house and drove away before returning a short time later, Stasio said.

K9 Officer Timothy Morrow later recovered the stolen car at the corner of Wrenwood and Blanche streets.

One of the suspects was described as a light-skinned Hispanic male, 5 feet 7 inches, stocky or fat, about 25 years old and wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt tied close to his face.

The other suspect was described as a light-skinned black male, about 5 feet, 11 inches with an average build and wearing a full ski-mask.

Detective Timothy Kenney is conducting the investigation. Those with information are asked to call the detective bureau at (413) 787-6355.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may text a tip via a cell phone by addressing a text message to “CRIMES,“ or “274637,“ and then begin the body of the message with the word “SOLVE.“


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Belchertown billed $3,408 in legal fees related to Palmer casino proposal

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Belchertown hired lawyer Jonathan M. Silverstein of the Boston firm Kopelman and Paige, the town’s counsel, to represent them against the gambling entity.

BELCHERTOWN – While proponents of a $1 billion casino in Palmer lost the battle and will not be building it, Belchertown incurred $3,408 in legal costs associated with their effort to protect the town against the negative impacts of the Mohegan Sun proposal, selectmen acknowledged at Monday’s meeting.

Brenda AldrichBrenda Aldrich chairing the Dec. 2 Belchertown selectmen's meeting 

Belchertown hired lawyer Jonathan M. Silverstein of the Boston firm Kopelman and Paige, the town’s counsel, to represent them in dealing with the gaming company.

Belchertown officials sought to negotiate an agreement with Mohegan Sun to pay them mitigation money in the event a resort were to be built in Palmer.

Palmer voters rejected the casino in a referendum last month.

Newtown First Selectman E. Patricia Llodra reacts to release of Newtown school shooting 911 recordings

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Llodra posted a statement to the town's official Facebook page.

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Recordings of 911 calls placed during the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School were released Wednesday.

In response, First Selectman E. Patricia Llodra posted the following statement to the town's official Facebook page:

Recently I have been asked to provide my insights about the release of the 911 recordings and what it means to the Newtown community, especially so close to the one year anniversary. What I have told the press is that the release of the tapes will create a new layer of pain for many in the Newtown community. Hearing those calls takes us back to a day of horror and tragedy. My plea is for the media to treat us kindly...to recognize that there is great personal pain in this event and little public good to be garnered through the general release. Imagine yourself as a parent of a child who was killed, or a family member of one of the six educators. Imagine yourself as a teacher or staff member in that building desperate to save the lives of children. Imagine you are the parent of a child who was able to escape. Then ask yourself, media person, what is the public good and how do I balance that against the hurt?

Obituaries today: Julie Shea was patient care technician at Baystate Medical Center

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Obituaries from The Republican.

 
12_04_13_Shea.jpgJulie Shea 

Julie Anne (Ainsworth) Shea, 41, passed away on Monday. Born in Pensacola, Fla., she was a longtime Wilbraham resident. She graduated from Central High School and attended Springfield Technical Community College. She worked as a patient care technician at Baystate Medical Center since 1990. She was a communicant of St. Cecilia's Church. She was very active in Wilbraham, and ran the Hockey Booster Program at Minnechaug Regional High School for many years. She was also active in the WTM Youth Hockey program and various committees at Baystate Medical Center.

Obituaries from The Republican:


Belchertown tax rate ticks up; average homeowner will pay $12 more per month

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The proposed tax rate means the average homeowner will pay an extra $12 per month.

BELCHERTOWN – This year’s proposed tax rate of $17.72 per $1,000 of property valuation, a 61 cent increase, will mean an extra $12 per month for the average homeowner, the board of assessors told selectmen at Monday’s meeting.

Data provided by Belchertown Director of Assessments John Whelihan shows the average single-family home assessed at $242,801 paying a tax bill of $4,302 for the fiscal year that began July 1.

“It’s a slow progression of your taxes going up, sorry to say,” Whelihan told selectmen.

Last year’s average bill for a single-family home was $4,157. Commercial businesses, based on an average valuation of $453,346, paid $7,756. Selectmen unanimously voted to keep the residential and commercial/industrial rates the same.

According to Whelihan, the town’s financial structure is just $26,000 below the levy limit.

John WhelihanBelchertown Director of Assessments John Whelihan addressing selectmen at the Dec. 2 meeting 

Whelihan said voters approved $877,914 in tax increases above the levy limit via proposition 2 1/2 overrides. That represents about 65 cents on the $17.72 rate.

The tax rate takes effect when the state Department of Revenue approves it.

In other business, selectmen announced the town was awarded a $133,650 state grant to continue conservation efforts.

Selectman Ken Elstein said the money would be used to purchase an additional 90 acres adjacent to Quabbin Reservoir. The land “is almost all woods,” he said. The area is officially known as Jabish Brook Conservation Area 11.

State grant to BelchertownState conservation grant to Belchertown 

The board signed off on funding three community preservation act projects that town meeting had approved. They are $75,000 at Hope United Methodist Church for elevator and restroom projects to bring the structure into compliance with handicap regulations; $8,300 at Stone House Museum for exterior repairs; and $7,500 to digitize Belchertown Sentinel newspaper stories dating back to 1915.

Jim Natle, chair of the Community Preservation Committee, said those seeking CPC money for next year must submit their applications by Dec. 16.

Also, selectmen voted to remove an individual from a volunteer board.

They took the unusual step based on a recommendation from the Skate Park Committee, who told selectmen via email that Gino Brunetti had not attended a meeting in more than a year.

Selectmen also convened behind closed doors in executive session to discuss “pending litigation.” They did not disclose details related to the matter.

Prohibition repeal to be celebrated at Still and Stir with tunes and punch contest Friday

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The repeal of prohibition celebrates its 80th anniversary in December and Worcester's prohibition-style bar the Still and Stir will be marking the occasion with a punch contest and live music Friday night.

Worcester will ring in the 80th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition this month at Still and Stir.

The event Friday night will feature a punch contest and live music.

"They put a lot of time and effort into it. It is friendly but everyone wants to win," said Shayne Filo, the bar manager for the Citizen and Still and Stir. "It makes it enjoyable for everyone else because they are all unique and delicious."

There will be five to six punches, all with a unique take on core ingredients — including Four Roses, Tito's Vodka and Green Chartreause — that will taste similar to alcohol served to the original flapper crowd, he said. The punches will be coming in throughout the week with a multitude of different takes and personal touches.

"Last year, one of the bartenders had candied bacon for a garnish for a bourbon bacon punch," said Filo.

Still and StirThe ingredients of up to six punches on Friday will include Four Roses, Tito's Vodka and Green Chartreause.  

The event is free, but $20 buys a marble and a cup, allowing attendees to cast their vote. Whatever punch has the most marbles by the end of the night is the winner. The friendly competition brings out the best in the punches and there has yet to be a repeat winner, said Filo.

In addition to the contest, attendees can hear the music of Big Jon Short and Zack Slik followed by the Original Jelly Roll Soul, who will play red hot jazz

"We do have a good amount of people who dress up. They really get into it," he said.

The festivities begin at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and run until close at 2 a.m.

Car driven into CVS in Grafton, no one injured

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A shopping cart was crushed but no one was injured around 11 a.m. Wednesday when a sedan was driven into the side of a CVS in Grafton.

GRAFTON -- A shopping cart was crushed but no one was injured around 11 a.m. Wednesday when a sedan was driven into the side of a CVS in Grafton.

The building appeared to escape harm, as well. The Chevy Malibu had some front end damage and was towed away on a flatbed truck.

Grafton Fire Department assistant Chief Stephen L. Charest said it wasn't clear what caused the woman, who was parking in front of the store, to drive into the building.

Location of the CVS in Grafton:


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Police investigate death deemed 'suspicious' on Suffolk Street

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Worcester police are investigating the suspicious death of a woman whose body was found in the Suffolk Street area Wednesday morning.

This updates a story published at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday.

Worcester police are investigating the death considered suspicious of a woman whose body was found in the Suffolk Street area Wednesday morning.

The investigation is in its preliminary stages, according to a statement released Wednesday afternoon by the Worcester Police Department, with detectives working to determine identity of the woman and thathe cause of her death.

The area is blocked off with yellow police tape and cruisers as police personnel continue the investigation.

In addition to closing most of Suffolk Street, the an area behind 60 Suffolk Street is blocked off as well. Police were seen walking behind the buildings into a wooded area.

The Telegram & Gazette reports the body is female and was discovered on a path allegedly used by people taking drugs.

If anyone has information about this incident they can send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD plus a message or send an anonymous message at worcesterma.gov/police. Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at (508) 799-8651.

Lunenburg police: Mother a 'strong suspect' in racist graffiti case

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Lunenburg police said on Wednesday the mother, Andrea Brazier, is a "strong suspect."

Lunenburg police said earlier this week they don't believe members of the football team were involved in spray painting a racist message on the home of another player, and it is now clear why: they believe his mother did it.

Lunenburg police said on Wednesday the mother, Andrea Brazier, is a "strong suspect," according to WBZ-TV.

Court records obtained by the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise show that police, who searched the home on Tuesday, took two cans of spray paint, and some live ammunition from the house.

When questioned, she reportedly told police she was fed up with the investigation and just wanted to be left alone, according to the newspaper:

When police told Brazier that they had no leads and would have to re-start the investigation, Brazier said her son was thriving in his new school and repeated that she wanted the investigation to end.

During this conversation an FBI agent told Brazier that the reason she wanted the investigation to stop was because she was the one who spray painted the graffiti on the house. Brazier replied, "OK."

When Brazier was asked if her husband or son spray painted the graffiti she said, "No." Brazier was emotionally upset and crying and told authorities they "did not understand," according to the affidavit.

The investigation started on Nov. 15, when the family of 13-year-old junior varsity football player Isaac Phillips reported the vandalism. Spray-painted on the side of their Lunenburg home was the phrase "Knights don't need n******".

Phillips has a white mother and a black father. The school's football team are called the Blue Knights.

After the graffiti was reported, the public learned a Lunenburg game against South High School was ended early after fights broke out when some Lunenburg players used racial slurs.

The fallout caused the Lunenburg school district to cancel the football team's remaining games. Football players, their families and other members of the community complained about the decision, saying innocent players shouldn't have been disciplined before a guilty party was found.

Philip Chism pleads not guilty to charges in connection with murder of Danvers High School teacher Colleen Ritzer

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Philip Chism, 14, pleaded not guilty on all charges including the charges of aggravated rape and armed robbery as a youthful offender.

SALEM -- The accused murderer of popular Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer was arraigned on first degree murder charges as an adult in a Salem Superior Court courtroom on Wednesday.

Philip Chism, 14, pleaded not guilty on all charges including the charges of aggravated rape and armed robbery as a youthful offender.

Chism appeared emotionless in court while clad in khakis and a navy fleece pullover saying only "not guilty" when asked his plea by Judge Howard Whitehead.

A pre-trial date of January 30, 2014 was set by Whitehead. The presence of Chism was waived by Whitehead after a request by Regan.

Ritzer's naked and mutilated body was found in the woods outside Danvers High School in October the same morning Ritzer was found walking alone on Route 1 near Topsfield. Recently released police documents in the show that Chism appeared to have planned the murder of Ritzer. He left a note with her body that said "I hate you all."

Chism had just recently moved with his mother to Danvers from Tennessee.


Connecticut resident Michael Sykes charged with possession of child pornography

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Police said in a press release that Sykes was allegedly in possession of child pornography and had viewed it in his Prospect Street apartment.

TORRINGTON, Conn. — A Connecticut resident is behind bars after an investigation allegedly revealed he was in possession of pornography featuring children.

Michael SykesView full sizeMichael Sykes, 50, of Torrington, Conn. (Torrington police booking photo) 

Michael Sykes, 50, of Torrington was arrested Wednesday evening on a warrant charging him with possession of child pornography, importing child pornography, promoting a minor in an obscene performance and obscenity.

Police said in a press release that Sykes was allegedly in possession of child pornography and had viewed it in his Prospect Street apartment.

Sykes was taken into custody without incident and held in lieu of $50,000 bond awaiting arraignment in Bantam Superior Court.


Fast-food workers at Dorchester Burger King set to strike in Boston as part of national movement

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Fast-food workers at a Dorchester Burger King are planning on walking off the job this afternoon to protest low wages and working conditions at the national chain.

DORCHESTER — Fast-food workers at a Dorchester Burger King are planning on walking off the job this afternoon to protest low wages and working conditions at the national chain.

The protests are part of an ongoing effort by labor activists across the country to raise awareness about the fast-food employees' working conditions. On Thursday, service employees in 130 U.S. cities are planning to walk off the job.

Fast-food workers are angling for a wage of $15 an hour as well as the right to unionize nationwide. The service sector of the economy has become the focus of union organizers in the last 25 years.

According to protest organizers, Mass Uniting, there are more than 42,010 fast-food workers that work for a median wage of $9.30 an hour. A recent study from the University of California showed only 13 percent of workers at fast food restaurants received any kind of health insurance benefits.

In late August, fast-food workers across the city at several restaurants protested and walked off the job. Their protest culminated in a rally at the Bandstand on Boston Common that was attended by numerous politicians, including then-candidate and now Mayor-elect Marty Walsh, as well as Senator Ed Markey.

Jesus, other figures stolen from Quincy creche

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Quincy police are investigating the theft of the baby Jesus from a City Hall crèche for the second year in a row.

QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — Quincy police are investigating the theft of the baby Jesus from a City Hall crèche for the second year in a row.

The theft of the Jesus figurine — along with Mary, Joseph and a lamb — was reported by a city street sweeper at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

Capt. John Dougan says the Department of Public Works employee told police that all the figures were in the nearly life-size display at about 1 a.m.

Dougan tells the Patriot Ledger a scrape mark led from the manger area to the street, "suggesting that they were dragged to a waiting vehicle."

Mayoral spokesman Chris Walker says the manger figures were purchased by the city's Roman Catholic parishes years ago and donated to the city.

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Information from: The (Quincy, Mass.) Patriot Ledger, http://www.patriotledger.com

Amherst police to step-up DUI patrols for holiday season

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As part of a grant-funded initiative taking place across Massachusetts, the Amherst Police Department will increase its traffic patrols through the holiday season to target drunk drivers.

AMHERST — As part of a grant-funded initiative taking place across Massachusetts, the Amherst Police Department will increase its traffic patrols through the holiday season to target drunk drivers.

"Designate a sober driver, call a cab or take the bus. Remember, whether you've had way too many or just one too many, it's not worth the risk," said Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone. "We want everyone to be safe on our roadways. "This holiday, we will show zero tolerance for those driving under the influence on the road. If you choose to drive drunk, we will see you, we will stop you, and you will be arrested."

In a press release, the department said that throughout 2013, it has charged 154 people with driving under the influence of alcohol. It also cited the 114 deaths in Massachusetts in 2011 that were attributed to people driving under the influence of alcohol.

The additional road patrols will be out in Amherst from Dec. 13 through Jan. 1, 2014.


Obituaries today: Deborah Thorn was volunteer at Blue Star Equiculture in Palmer

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Obituaries from The Republican.

 
120513-deborah-thorn.jpgDeborah Thorn 

Deborah Joan Thorn, 53, of Monson, passed away on Sunday. She was born in Washington state. She served in the Marine Corps, and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. She set Marine Corps records for her power lifting and received many awards. She had a huge heart and love for all animals, especially her cats and the horses she volunteered to care for at Blue Star Equiculture in Palmer.

Obituaries from The Republican:


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