[This story first appeared on Boston Restaurant Talk.]
Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between March 11 and March 17.
Amelia’s Taqueria to Replace Sabroso Taqueria at Assembl…
Massachusetts
Vandalism of Hamas hostage posters in Newton being investigated as hate crime
A hate crime investigation is underway in Newton, Massachusetts, after posters with the names and photos of Israeli hostages — being held by Hamas — were allegedly defaced and damaged by vandals.
The posters have been on display since mid-October — just days after the initial Hamas led attack on Israel. The images were blotted out by black spray paint, destroyed and defaced.
The homeowner told NBC10 Boston on Sunday that he put them up to show support and give people impacted by the war oversees a place to meditate and pray.
Newton police said the incident is being investigated as a hate crime since victims of a “protected class” were specifically targeted.
“It was significant, you know? Several thousands of dollars of damage. There is no doubt that this was hate. This was not just random violence. This wasn’t vandalism. This wasn’t theft. It was pure hate,” said Jeff Kosowski, homeowner.
Kosowski said he plans to keep these posters up to serve as a reminder and a message to the community.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Newton Police Department.
Melrose fire chief placed on leave amid investigation
The fire chief in Melrose, Massachusetts, has been placed on leave due to a pending investigation, according to the city.
Officials didn’t release any further information about the investigation — only saying it’s an alleged violation of city policy.
Fire Chief Ed Collina has been a firefighter in Melrose for 38 years, leading the department for the past six years. In fact, just last month he announced he would be retiring in April.
Last year, the NBC10 Boston Investigators spoke with Collina about the “deplorable conditions” at the city’s fire houses and his push to bring the department into the 21st century.
In November, voters approved plans to renovate fire headquarters and build new fire houses for engines 2 and 3.
It’s unclear what sparked this investigation, how long Collina is expected to be on leave and whether this will affect his planned retirement.
The city would only confirm that he was placed on leave as of March 15.
Spring begins this week, with Monday standing out as the warmest day
Spring begins this week, bringing with it a noticeable dip in temperatures, compared to last week’s warmth.
Monday stands out as the warmest day, with highs in the 50s. Gusty winds begin Monday, ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour makin…
Two arrested in fatal shooting of high school student in Fall River
Two people are facing charges in connection with the shooting death of an 18-year-old man in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Police have arrested Xzavien Figueroa-Valcarel, 19, of Fall River and Giovanni Nunes, 18, of Fall River arrested and have charg…
Western Mass. cannabis shops bring $6M lawsuit against town
In the Berkshires, three cannabis dispensaries sued the town of Great Barrington last week for nearly $6 million, accusing local officials of improperly collecting fees from the shops for years.
“Community impact fees” have long faced criticism fr…
