The debate over legalizing natural psychedelic drugs to treat illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD could soon be left up to voters.
The push to get it on the ballot came to Beacon Hill on Tuesday by a group of advocates who swear by the …
Massachusetts
Massachusetts bridges ‘up to date’ with inspections, Maura Healey says after Baltimore bridge collapse
After a cargo ship crashed into and knocked over a major bridge in Baltimore, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said bridges across the Bay State are regularly inspected and “up to date.”
Brothers team up to fight food insecurity through Roxbury church
At Roxbury’s historic Twelfth Baptist Church, long lines for free food are formed weekly.
This congregation harmonizes and heals thousands of the food insecure.
“We traditionally may think of what food security may look like. It’s actually your neighbor, your friends, people we interact with every day.”
Winston Bodrick of the Greater Boston Food Bank works with his brother Willie, the senior pastor of Twelfth Baptist, to have meals prepped by staff.
Those meals are bagged up and carted home by those in need.
“I grew up with this guy, and I knew that we grew up in a household that prepared us for this type of work.”
The brothers, born in Atlanta, are sons of a pastor and a public school teacher.
“We saw them give back. We saw them buy meals, we saw buy clothes and support, whether it be their students, whether it be congregates.”
Before the church van delivers the meals to the building, canned goods, pastas, peanut butter and other items are boxed up and loaded up at The Greater Boston Food Bank warehouse.
“We know this is a real issue. And it’s an issue that we as a city can solve and for us that’s rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, Matthew verse 25, when I was hungry, did you feed me? When I was thirsty, did you give me something to drink? We’re trying to make that real in the lives for people in the city of Boston.”
For the city of Boston and beyond, helping those in need is personal for the Greater Boston Food Bank and the Bodrick brothers.
“Together, with our faith, with our connection and commitment to community, and we will continue to overcome.”
Real estate tips for prospective home buyers
Steve Rife and his family moved to a home in Winchester, Massachusetts, last November.
He bought the house back in October — right when interest rates were nearing a historic 8%. He says the house was exactly what they were looking for.
“T…
Boston to pay $4.6M to settle lawsuit in 2016 police killing of mentally ill man
The city of Boston will pay about $4.6 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the police killing of a mentally ill man in 2016.
The mother of Terrence Coleman, 31, filed the federal lawsuit six years ago. Hope Coleman had called f…
Bridgewater teacher charged with physically abusing 3 pre-K students
A Massachusetts woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that she physically abused three pre-kindergarten students in her care.
Kathryn A. Rousseau, 56, of Taunton, is charged with three counts of assault and battery on a person with intellectual disabilities, the Plymouth District Attorney’s Office said. She was released on personal recognizance with the conditions that she have no contact with the victims or their families and stays away from the Mitchell Elementary School in Bridgewater.
Prosecutors said a parent of one of the 4-year-old victims contacted Bridgewater police on March 14 after they were informed by an employee at the Mitchell Elementary School they they had filed a report of suspected abuse or neglect with the state Department of Children and Families against Rousseau. That report alleged that Rousseau had left a mark, or cut, on the child’s lip after she grabbed the student’s mouth with her hand.
Police initiated their own investigation, and Rousseau, who has been teaching for 18 years, was placed on administrative leave by the school. The police investigation alleges that Rousseau grabbed the mouth of one additional child in the class, and force fed another, causing them to vomit.
Rousseau, who sent daily updates home to parents about student behavior and progress in class, allegedly told parents that the marks on their children were self inflicted.
Police said the incidents in question were witnessed by other school employees.
As a result of their investigation, which is ongoing, Bridgewater police sought and obtained an arrest warrant, and Rousseau was taken into custody at her home on Tuesday.
Her next scheduled court appearance is on May 14.
