This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Roman was shot and killed while in the driver’s seat of a black Hyundai Sonata parked on the east side of Acushnet Avenue New Bedford Police and EMS responded to the area of Acushnet Avenue near Griffin Court in New Bedford after a shot spotter alert and 911 call to the area according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office Police located Roman in the black Hyundai Sonata parked on the east side of Acushnet Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound to the head Vehicle had multiple projectile strikesThe vehicle was also found to have multiple projectile strikes Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office New Bedford Police and Homicide Unit prosecutors are actively investigating the homicide NEW BEDFORD -- More than 200 demonstrators marched through the city’s North End on Sunday to commemorate International Workers’ Day and condemn the Trump administration for immigration detentions that have sent shockwaves through this community “It’s really important that we continue this organizing and continue to resist ICE aggression to kick them out of New Bedford and kick them out of the North End,” said Corrin Williams executive director of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts with marchers chanting slogans in English and Spanish as they walked to St Anthony of Padua Parish on Acushnet Avenue Standing beneath the church’s sandstone spire advocates invoked the memory of Pope Francis to call for solidarity among workers of all backgrounds “Pope Francis insisted that unions are called to be a voice for the voiceless,” said Maria Fortes an organizer with Indivisible Southeastern Massachusetts where organizers celebrated the history of the labor movement and described the present moment as one of particular danger for workers with this administration and its attacks on unions we’re here uniting in our resolve to fight for a better future for all workers,” said Lisa Lemieux president of the Southeastern Massachusetts Central Labor Council Lemieux cited the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant living in Maryland arrested and sent to prison in El Salvador despite a court order protecting him from deportation Garcia was an apprentice with a local sheet metal union Lemieux called on workers to resist efforts to pit American and immigrant laborers against each other “We cannot and will not allow the ultra wealthy to divide us based on where we are from,” Lemieux said “We stand with immigrant workers because an injury to one is an injury to all.” Demonstrators also heard from Marilu Domingo Ortiz whose husband Juan Francisco Méndez was arrested by ICE agents in New Bedford last month Ortiz and Méndez’ attorney have questioned whether agents arrested the wrong man, saying Méndez had no criminal history and that agents called out another man’s name during the traffic stop. In an interview last month with the Globe, Ortiz said the experience had left her “outraged and fearful.” “They took my husband without proof,” Ortiz said ICE has defended its handling of Méndez’ detention describing him as “an illegally present” citizen of Guatemala who refused to comply with agents’ instructions “ICE concurs with the actions deemed appropriate by the officers on the scene who are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve the situation in a manner that ensures the success of the operation and prioritizes the safety of our officers,” an ICE spokesperson said in a statement a 50-year-old elementary school teacher in New Bedford said he was marching to support immigrant students and let them know they’re not alone Recent immigration raids had left many students distressed and the families are afraid,” Cardoza said a 38-year-old New Bedford resident and member of an SEUI healthcare union said the march sent a message that the city’s workers would stick up for each other “We’re here today to show them that we’re gonna fight and we’re not gonna give up,” Vega said Dan Glaun can be reached at dan.glaun@globe.com. Follow him @dglaun. Home Delivery Gift Subscriptions Log In Manage My Account Customer Service Delivery Issues Feedback News Tips Help & FAQs Staff List Advertise Newsletters View the ePaper Order Back Issues News in Education Search the Archives Privacy Policy Terms of Service Terms of Purchase Work at Boston Globe Media Internship Program Co-op Program Do Not Sell My Personal Information Cheryl McCormack opened her Academy of Dance in New Bedford over a half a century ago and recently celebrated a rare milestone Ask any one of her thousands of students from over the decades and they will tell you McCormack is a tough but fair teacher with a heart of gold her academy celebrated 60 years of training young dancers the academy also instilled many important life lessons in them Taking home countless awards and garnering national recognition, McCormack's academy was the one where any young local dancer wanted to train Her style of teaching gave life and energy to the art of dance Her passion is evident by just hearing her speak McCormack has always had a bit of a hoarse voice and that's because she left it in her dance studio cueing her students over the music in many of her classes It's no wonder her studio has been around for 60 years through several economic hardships and most recently True passion and dedication and respect for the craft held her studio up Being a former student of her academy myself I can tell you firsthand the wisdom this woman has shared with so many of her dancers and just how valuable those lessons were to me even today She was celebrated recently and a video was uploaded to the Academy's Facebook page catching her reaction breaking out into dance as Abba's "Dancing Queen" played I think I speak on behalf of so many children dancers and parents when I say thank you for everything you have done for our community So many of your former students carry around so many of the important lessons you taught us in your studio on Tarkiln Hill in New Bedford The academy will hold its 60th dance recital in the coming weeks and I'm sure it will be amazing Cheryl McCormack opened her Academy of Dance in New Bedford over a half a century ago and recently celebrated a rare milestone.\nRead More Taking home countless awards and garnering national recognition, McCormack's academy was the one where any young local dancer wanted to train She was celebrated recently and a video was uploaded to the Academy's Facebook page catching her reaction The academy will hold its 60th dance recital in the coming weeks and I'm sure it will be amazing NEW BEDFORD — Travelers using the Seastreak ferry service in New Bedford now have a new place to park their cars when they're readying to head out to sea "We moved our parking about a week ago," said a New Bedford Seastreak customer service representative, noting the company had been told they would have to make way for riders of the MBTA's new South Coast Rail service at the Whale's Tooth parking lot at 532 Acushnet Ave This news comes despite information released and reported in March that said the Port Authority would designate 150 spaces for MBTA passengers and 570 would remain for ferry parking Seastreak operates ferries to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket While it is something new for Seastreak customers to get used to, the customer service representative said the new parking — located at the Foss Marine Terminal at 180 McArthur Drive — is actually closer to the ferry dock than the Whale's Tooth lot but it's only a five-minute walk," she said Legal trouble: 3,700 cases could be at stake as New Bedford judge, prosecutor alleged to have had affair With the move to the Foss Terminal also came the launch of Seastreak's new method of paying for parking Instead of paying for a spot online while making a ride reservation Seastreak customer service said now customers pay upon arrival by scanning one of the QR codes in the parking lot "It's very easy — you just follow the instructions on the signs," she said Seastreak customers may still be able to park at the Whale's Tooth lot; however by KENNEDY BUCK, NBC 10 NEWS New Bedford mayor's salary in the next fiscal year would be $167,768. Mayor Jon Mitchell said until now, he has not been accepting the full amount. "Respect is given and not earned," said Marie Carline Hollant from New Bedford. "I think he has the right to ask for full compensation." Well Mayor Mitchell feels like he's earned it. He recently sent a letter to the City Council saying since his first year in office, he has refused to accept the cost-of-living adjustment in his salary, something he chose to do to back up his credibility when negotiating compensation for city employees. He felt that his position would be acceptable if he sacrificed some of his own pay. But for the upcoming budget, he will include the mayor's full salary. "Housing is going up, food is going up, maybe he's feeling it," continued Hollant. In the letter to city council, Mayor Mitchell says he's turned down $250,000 which is roughly almost two years' worth of pay. He goes on to say that continuing to decline the full salary will solidify an expectation that elected leaders should be paid less than what the law provides. But some say the money should be given back to the city instead. The hope is also it doesn't fall back on people's pockets. "If he takes care of the trash, and takes care of the city, and takes care of the homelessness, I'm pretty sure the people will not have a problem with allowing them to give him the full compensation," continued Hollant. "We're already paying enough taxes, we don't really need to pay more." Kelly Campos/The Public’s Radio)Marilú Domingo Ortiz says Monday April 14 started like any other uneventful weekday “My husband had a dentist appointment which we were driving to,” said Domingo Ortiz were stopped while driving on Tallman Street in New Bedford That’s where two unmarked cars pulled in front of them and blocked them from moving Men got out and approached their car window Domingo Ortiz says they were asking for a man named ‘Antonio’ and they didn’t have a judicial warrant “We showed them our papers to let them know that they were mixed up; he wasn’t the person they were looking for,” Domingo Ortiz said “They didn’t say anything to us and after a while they told us to get out of the car So we called our lawyer telling her we’d been stopped by immigration She said we shouldn’t get out until she got there.” Domingo Ortiz was recording the encounter with the ICE agents when one took out a large iron axe and geared up to strike the rear window The axe crashed through the window in one blow and glass shattered onto the car floor and into the road I didn’t know what to do,” Domingo Ortiz said they grabbed my arm and brought me down and they grabbed my husband from behind Domingo Ortiz says she hasn’t been able to sleep a full night letting her know he’s all right and that he’s being detained at the Strafford County Department of Corrections in New Hampshire She thinks his arrest could be a case of mistaken identity He doesn’t eat and always asks about his father ‘When will he come back to be with us?’ ” Domingo Ortiz said “Or he’ll say that he’ll eat only when his father returns That’s stressful for me to see what he’s experiencing.” ICE didn’t respond to questions from The Public’s Radio, but a spokesperson told the New Bedford Light Juan Francisco is “an illegally present Guatemalan alien” who “refused to comply with officers’ instructions and resisted apprehension.” Domingo Ortiz said her husband doesn’t have a criminal record her husband and their nine-year-old son came to the U.S fleeing  persecution from gangs in Guatemala her husband worked at a fish processing factory and Domingo Ortiz stayed at home She and her son have both been granted asylum but Juan Francisco’s case is still pending Domingo Ortiz says she has been struggling to pay for his legal fees on top of rent and food She’s been relying on support she’s getting from local immigrants’ assistance groups My husband is not the first person this has happened to There have been others who’ve been detained unjustly without trials Sometimes I feel that I just can’t do it,” Domingo Ortiz said that I need to raise up my voice and continue forward and that’s what I’m trying to do.” Ventura says that detentions are nothing new citing previous arrests from past administrations But he says the Trump administration has been much more bold “We’re not saying there haven’t been raids here in New Bedford before The daily bread of the Biden administration and previous ones was detention and raids,” Ventura said “The difference is that this administration is doing much more aggressively.” Ventura said that CCT — and other organizations like Mujeres Victoriosas CEDC and different Catholic charitable services — have been working to help people after family members get taken away with things like getting connected to social services and mental health resources or launching GoFundMe campaigns to help pay for rent and other bills “Right now we are waiting to hear back from someone that will fix her car and we’re also helping raise funds for her,” Ventura said he was the main breadwinner paying for rent He didn’t come here asking for government handouts According to Domingo Ortiz Juan Francisco is awaiting a May hearing on whether he can be removed from the country she sees herself spending most days in places like the Centro Comunitario de Trabjadores figuring out what she can do to be reunited with her husband This story is a production of the New England News Collaborative. It was originally published by The Public's Radio A musical tale about surviving a shipwreck in New Bedford has received one of the highest honors in Broadway theatre It was announced on May 1st that Rachel Hauk has been nominated for Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical Based on the music of American folk rock band The Avett Brothers the play surrounds the ill-fated yacht Mignonette which was shipwrecked in 1888 off the coast of New Bedford It revolved around four surviving souls — a young man in search of adventure and a first mate who has fallen from grace the real-life ship that inspired the musical When the crew became stranded and starving This dark event ultimately changed maritime law and the perception of "custom of the sea." Broadway: Musical set on infamous New Bedford shipwreck to open most unsparing musicals ever to anchor itself on Broadway.” the show closed in December 2024 due to low ticket sales This article features material from a previous article by Seth Chitwood let's take a look at the news from this past week and a larger kitchen will allow for new events and more tickets for their popular comedy shows A new lawsuit has been filed relative to the death of former acting Fire Chief Paul Coderre Jr. which — among other claims against additional parties — accuses staff at the Bayside Lounge in Fairhaven of illegally serving alcohol to Coderre before he was fatally shot by police outside the restaurant on Dec Make sure to keep up with high school sports with scores, game highlights, and Player of the Week voting at https://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports. And here are the most-read stories of the week on https://www.southcoasttoday.com: A legal services group that defends people who can’t afford an attorney says approximately 3,700 cases in New Bedford District Court involved a judge and prosecutor who are alleged to have had a sexual relationship requesting more information from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office regarding the alleged relationship between former New Bedford District Court First Justice Douglas J Darnbrough and the assistant district attorney 3,700 cases: could be at stake as New Bedford judge, prosecutor alleged to have had affair Cisco Brewers is adding an iconic Nantucket attraction to its beer garden Construction is underway on the brand new centerpiece which will feature a Nantucket-style gazebo based on the iconic tourist favorite that greets travelers stepping off the Nantucket ferry Scheduled for completion in time for Memorial Day weekend the gazebo aims to bring a piece of the island’s charm right to the SouthCoast Cisco Brewers New Bedford: bringing iconic Nantucket attraction to its beer garden. Lafrance Hospitality has proposed building a new hotel near the downtown Fall River/New Bedford Line commuter rail station and has submitted an application and other materials to the city’s Planning Board to begin the review process according to a city of New Bedford press release The proposed hotel would be located at 1 Pearl St at the current site of a tire recycling facility just north of the new Fall River/New Bedford line rail station and Whale’s Tooth parking lot See the plans: Lafrance Hospitality wants to build $25M hotel near commuter rail station Police and law enforcement officials are investigating a homicide on the night of April 29 in which a 19-year-old man was shot to death New Bedford Police and EMS responded to the area of Acushnet Avenue near Griffin Court in New Bedford after a ShotSpotter alert and 911 call to the area Police located a 19-year-old man in a black Hyundai Sonata parked on the east side of Acushnet Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound to the head Police investigating: 19-year-old man shot to death in New Bedford near Griffin Court Montigny said legislator inquiries “triggered a public-relations response from Keolis and the MBTA on April 15 that lacked specific assurances to riders and the public at-large.” Senator demands answers: South Coast Rail delays and cancellations: 'Unacceptable error' All of these stories can be read in their entirety at www.southcoasttoday.com. This week's top-selling home in Dartmouth is a charming colonial that sold for $740,000 49 Slades Farm Lane exudes warm and cozy vibes the three-bedroom home features a great farmer’s porch With over 2,00 square feet of living space a living room with a wood-burning fireplace the property boasts a two-car garage and an entertainment deck Here are all of the residential property transfers recorded in the Greater New Bedford area this week Girard Gerald Est and Stephanie Girard to Julie M and Janet Mahoney to 1650 Washington St Nt and David A Timothy and Charlotte Lynch to Linda Manning Susan Eloranta to Andrew and Danielle Wasnewsky Capital Concrete LLC to 1220 Route 28a LLC Saunders to John H Graves Iii RET and John H C B Rt and Judith Monte to Cabs Waterfront View LLC Beaulieu to 909 High St Invesment T and Robert G Jonathan and Jennifer Wallworth to Brian and Analise L Nelson Borges and Dcutsche Bk Na TCom to Morgan Stanley Abs Cap I and Deutsche Bk Natl T Com Tr Moss Home Solutions LLC to Oliveira Investment Inc Ronald Cariminica to Jamie Labonte Plumbing & Heather Farmer to Neil and Elizabeth Andersen Simartins LLC to Hailey Davis and Colleen Healy Theresa and Michael Skokowski to Chantal and Michael J and Judith Kaspar to Potential Properties LLC Migdalia Perez and Elliott Dejesus to Edward Rubin Saunders to Athanasios Haberis and Amy Vercillo Robert Groezinger and Brilston Cnty Saving BanNorman Shurtleff Caroline Conway to 136 Cadmans Neck Rd LLC Wood to Brandon Norcross and Larissa Doucette Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information, visit www.thewarrengroup AHA Night in New Bedford is a monthly celebration of the city's art featuring a host of mostly free activities for young and old Executive Director Kim Goddard said AHA Night is serving as a kickoff for Art Week Southcoast Goddard said the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) has been at the center of preservation efforts in New Bedford for many years self-guided tour on May 8th which is supported by a app that the public can download," Goddard said "It's debuting on AHA Night at the Selmar Eggers Building at 1 Johnny Cake Hill." Goddard said the app will feature details on all of Whale's preservation efforts in the downtown area Goddard said AHA is also conducting its own tour of what she called the "hidden gems" on the AHA Night schedule to help people who are unsure of what AHA is all about Other highlights include waterfront tours of the historic schooner Ernestina-Morrissey and the New Bedford Public School Art show featuring art work from elementary school students to high school It's happening at the Paul Rodrigues Administration Building on County Street Also featured will be live music throughout the downtown: Americana music at Wings Court and the Buttonwood Brass Band at the Harbor Hotel Also on the agenda will be several discussions about art a publication about fishing at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center and fun activities for children "AHA Night is a great way to start spring," Goddard said The complete list of activities, times and places can be found at ahanewbedford.org If you would like your non-profit or charitable organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com AHA Night in New Bedford is a monthly celebration of the city's art, history and architecture. Here is what's on tap for May.\nRead More The complete list of activities, times and places can be found at ahanewbedford.org If you would like your non-profit or charitable organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com A Massachusetts family is demanding answers from U.S complaining its agents smashed a car window with a hammer and detained Juan Francisco Mendez This image taken from video provided by Marilu Domingo Ortiz shows ICE agent smashing the window of a car to arrest a man who they claim was in the process of applying for asylum whose husband was taken into custody by ICE agents after they smashed a window of their family car describes the arrest during an interview at their home pauses while describing the arrest during an interview at their home looks at broken glass and damage to their vehicle at their home In this image from video provided by Marilu Domingo Ortiz an ICE agent uses a hammer to smash the window of a car to arrest a man who they claim was in the process of applying for asylum A school bus rolls through a neighborhood near where ICE officers took a man into custody after breaking the window of the family car (AP) — A Massachusetts family is demanding answers from U.S complaining its agents smashed a car window with a hammer and detained a man who they claim had applied for asylum A lawyer for the family also claims agents were not looking for Juan Francisco Mendez when they grabbed him Monday in New Bedford told The Associated Press during an interview that the agents claimed they were looking for another man with a different name before they dragged him and his wife out of the car recorded on video by Mendez’s wife Marilu Domingo Ortiz shows ICE agents using a hammer to smash the car window and then seize Ortiz The family believes Mendez is being held at a facility in Dover adding that Mendez yelled “Help Me” in Spanish as he was driven away in handcuffs “I walked over to the car and I see the busted window “I’ve been doing immigration work for 27 years and this was the first time that I saw such violent drastic measures being taken.” A spokesperson for ICE did not return repeated messages seeking comment said a federal judge in New Hampshire ruled Wednesday that the government must give his attorneys 72 hours notice before moving him anywhere Sullivan believes that is enough time to determine next steps in his case Ortiz and her 9-year-old son have already been given protection under an asylum status over fears of facing persecution if they returned home to Guatemala Mendez was in the process of applying for what is called derivative asylum where you can get asylum if a family member already has it The woman said she felt “scared” when ICE broke into their car and never expected someone from her family would be detained like this To fight for our family,” Ortiz said through a translator Ortiz said she was worried about the toll the detention was taking “He has already stopped eating because of what we’re going through,” she said “I just hope that they release my husband so he can come back with us and that my son can be with him as well.” said the incident “raises questions that require clear answers,” including why local police weren’t alerted beforehand He also questioned whether ICE agents are targeting criminals as the Trump administration promised or “engaging in an indiscriminate round-up of individuals with uncertain immigration status.” Galvez-Sniffin said Mendez had been in the country for four years and worked in the seafood industry in New Bedford and was in the process of applying for asylum adding nothing turned up in terms of a criminal record “There really was no reason to treat him the way that he and his wife were treated.” Galvez-Sniffin said adding that agents refused to look at the paperwork showing he had applied for asylum his family’s biggest concern is getting him back,” she said “He has no criminal background and everything to stay for in this country.” That case has since been dropped but the detention outside court while Martell-Lebron was on trial prompted Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden to call the actions of ICE “troubling and extraordinarily reckless.” entertainment megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is offering to buy your guacamole if you also order a drink made with his tequila but this year he is expanding it beyond guac – and you can take advantage of this offer right here on the SouthCoast Restaurants and bars in New Bedford and Fairhaven are taking part in the “Guac on the Rock” promotion Johnson has been running the promotion every year since he launched his Teremana tequila brand back in 2020 Originally designed to get people out and supporting small Johnson would pay for your order of guacamole at the Mexican restaurant where you ordered a cocktail made with his tequila as the Teremana brand has expanded into all different types of restaurants and bars Johnson is expanding the promotion to go just beyond guac; now he’s buying you the appetizer of your choice “Guac on the Rock” runs from May 1 through May 31 although it is capped at $1 million nationwide in reimbursements It’s appropriate that the promotion takes place in the month of May because not only are people celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 5 but it’s also The Rock’s birthday month Anyone 21 or older who purchases a cocktail made with Teremana tequila and either guacamole or an appetizer can be reimbursed up to $10 Then, go to GuacOnTheRock.com and upload your receipt before June 5 You will be reimbursed up to $10 per person for a single appetizer order which will be paid to you via Venmo once approved Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll Movie megastar and entrepreneur Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is buying an app for anyone who orders his tequila. Here are the SouthCoast spots taking part.\nRead More Then, go to GuacOnTheRock.com and upload your receipt before June 5 The series describes decades of alleged misconduct by a few police officers enabled in part by a lack of oversight of police activities in executing the so-called war on drugs and the violence surrounding it Our purpose is not to pass judgment on the Globe’s specific claims about the police department Our purpose is to challenge the overall — and misleading — depiction of New Bedford as a lawless dangerous place where drug- and gun-related crime has run rampant and its waterfront is awash in criminal behavior The Port of New Bedford is a key engine driving the regional economy and it includes a vibrant and diverse network of maritime industrial businesses These hard-fought, hard-won gains reflect the collective efforts of our more than 100,000 residents, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and elected leaders — all united around a shared vision of progress that drives us forward. To be sure, our success rests on a foundation of public safety and faith in the city’s police department. We are confident that any systemic or individual problems uncovered in the department will be addressed by the mayor and oversight authorities. We will continue to celebrate our successes and strong heritage as we continue the work necessary to grow and thrive. President, New Bedford Economic Development Council This letter was cosigned by nearly 30 other business and community leaders. (WLNE) — The teenager who was shot and killed in New Bedford Tuesday has been identified The Bristol County District Attorney has identified the 19-year old man as Jordan Roman of New Bedford The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Tuesday night on Acushnet Avenue The DA said Roman was shot in the head while in the driver’s seat of a vehicle He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased No suspects have been identified and the investigation is ongoing (WJAR) — A 19-year-old man was killed following a shooting in New Bedford on Tuesday night the Bristol County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday The New Bedford Police Department responded to the area of Acushnet Avenue near Griffin Court after getting a shot spotter alert and a 911 call later identified as Jordan Roman of New Bedford in a black Hyundai Sonata parked on the east side of Acushnet Avenue Luke’s Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head ALSO READ: Man killed in 'targeted' Pawtucket shooting The DA’s office says this is an active investigation (WLNE) — New Bedford police are investigating a shooting off of Acushnet Avenue and Russel Street late Tuesday night ABC6 News crews on scene reported seeing evidence markers ABC6 News has reached out to the New Bedford Police Department for more information and are waiting to hear back NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — Detectives with the Massachusetts State Police and New Bedford Police are actively investigating a homicide which occurred off of Acushnet Ave. last night. New Bedford Police responded to a call in the area of Acushnet Ave according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office police located a 19-year-old male in a black Hyundai Sonata parked on the east side of Acushnet Avenue with a gunshot wound in his head The vehicle was also found to have multiple bullet holes Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later The investigation into the death is still ongoing and “extremely active.” “What do you want to do?” If you need an answer to this age-old question for making plans In Things To Do, we take a look at, well, things to do, happening every week in the Greater Fall River area and around the SouthCoast And we’re not only taking a look at what’s happening this week we’re also giving you a heads up for events that are coming soon we’ve got a look at some of the special events happening during AHA a craft you can do with your mom/mom-figure for Mother's Day and even the chance to see night-blooming flowers on a full moon hike So when someone asks you what you want to do Celebrate history, art, and preservation at AHA! Night at New Bedford Whaling MuseumCelebrate ArtWeek and the Preservation Celebration with free access to the entire New Bedford Whaling Museum Explore the museum and enjoy hands-on art activities (available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) with art stations in the Jacobs Family Gallery Film to television: 'The Holdovers,' filmed in Fairhaven and New Bedford, to become TV show. Everything we know. Stop by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, 38 Bethel St., for a retrospective on “The Barnacle,” an independent magazine that covered the New Bedford and Fairhaven working waterfronts The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session Admission to the center is free as part of AHA The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum game night will be held on the tented garden patio featuring family-oriented games from 4 to 6 p.m. and games for guests 21 and older from 6 to 8 p.m Guests are encouraged to assemble teammates The museum will provide classic board games and teammates as needed RJD will be hosting its annual Mother’s Day tea on Saturday Groups can enjoy a spring outing in the garden Parties of two to eight people are welcome for seating under the tent Tickets are $45 for museum members and $50 for the public For more information about these and other events, call 508-997-1401, or visit https://rjdmuseum.org/ Afternoon of art and culture: Celebrate arts and culture at annual We HeART Fall River Festival. Here's what to expect. Upcoming concerts at Narrows Center for the ArtsThe Narrows Center for the Arts Singer-songwriter Vanessa Collier will be performing at the Narrows on Friday, May 9, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $43 on the day of the show. Find tickets online at https://tinyurl.com/mtzz2dev The John Allmark/Dino Govoni Quintet will be performing there on Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance, and $37 the day of the show. Find tickets online at https://tinyurl.com/ywydstyf New Bedford Art Museum, 608 Pleasant St., is hosting a Mother’s Day floral design workshop on Sunday Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yzdrvp35 South Coast Almanac, the Mattapoisett Land Trust, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, and the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra have teamed up to bring “Life & Death of the Salt Marsh” to life as guests walk along the marshes of Mattapoisett the classic book by John and Mildred Teal will be in the spotlight highlighting the challenges that salt marshes continue to face at the Brandt Island Cove District in Mattapoisett Adam Jeffreys of the NBSO will be there for a presentation will perform a violin piece with the backdrop of the marsh behind him This event is sponsored by the Mattapoisett Cultural Council Although the event is free, registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/27c5z9y9 Singer-songwriter Eddie Dillon will perform selected songs from his new all-original album “All For a Song” at the Shepherd Center for the Performing Arts The concert will also include other old and new songs from his catalog For tickets, and more information, visit https://theshepherdcenter.org/ The Choir School of Newport County will present its 10th annual spring concert This year’s concert will include a mix of classical and secular works around the theme plus a video montage of the choir’s 2024 educational tour to Argentina Guests will also hear from the recently-restarted Angel Choir training division For more information, visit https://www.choirschoolri.org/events The Stone Church Coffee House at the First Congregational Church is closing out its concert season with Mike + Ruthy on Saturday Folk duo — and husband and wife — Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar will their story-filled folk sounds to the stage Tickets are $25 per person (students are half price; children 5 and under get in free) Walk under the glow of the full Flower Moon and enjoy the beauty of Westport Woods on Monday Learn about spring flowers that emerge at night Guests should be aware that the ground can be wet Parking will be available in the lot at Westport Woods Space is limited, so be sure to register online at https://tinyurl.com/yys2y9v2 Have a community event or activity you’d like to see featured? Send us an email at  kfontes@heraldnews.com or news@heraldnews.com It goes without saying that mothers are appreciated for all that they do every day, but Mother’s Day is the one day a year devoted to showing them just how much. Since 1907 the second Sunday in May has been a day to celebrate all the mothers and women in our lives The role may look different in every family and it may not come with that title; it may be a relative or a friend who is a special woman in your life – one that is your safe place now is your chance to honor the woman in your life who is that person to you Here are some events and things to do with that special person: Women’s Fund Mother’s Day 5K Run/WalkSupport the women you love and raise money for a positive change in the community. The Women’s Fund SouthCoast will hold its Mother’s Day 5K Race on Sunday, May 11. The cost to enter is $30. The race starts at 9 a.m. at Cisco Brewers New Bedford, 1482 E Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford. To register visit https://racewire.com/register.php?id=14006 Nasketucket Bay Vineyard has created the perfect day for a Mother’s Day celebration from noon to 7 p.m tunes will be played by Marco Martinelli and Robert Chandler and Cousin's Maine Lobster Food Truck will be there with food to purchase Cindy Ko Photography will be offering family photo mini sessions while Half Moon Permanent Jewelry and Walnut Plain Gardens will be showcasing their goods No registration is required for this fantastic day at 237 New Boston Road Be a kid again and head down to the Battleship Cove from 9 a.m Moms who visit with their children will receive free admission Paint & PlantLooking for a fun activity or a gift for your mom? Head over to K&A Creations for their Paint & Plant event from noon to 5 p.m Choose a planter to paint (starting at $20) and then choose a beautiful plant to go into it to create a stunning gift for the special person in your life just walk in and get started at 119 Alden Road Tickets are $33.85 online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-kids-craft-color-a-tote-tickets-1309162071999 Don’t miss out on the fun at 127 W Rodney French Blvd. NEW BEDFORD — A legal services group that defends people who can’t afford an attorney says approximately 3,700 cases in New Bedford District Court involved a judge and prosecutor who are alleged to have had a sexual relationship McKenna filed the motion for additional discovery on behalf of Gerson Pascual-Santana The motion states that the additional information could provide “exculpatory evidence” for his client Allegations made: Information sought on alleged sexual relationship between New Bedford judge and prosecutor Pascual-Santana was sentenced to 3½ years in the Bristol County House of Correction by Darnbrough on March 1 after he was found guilty by a jury on three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 The prosecutor was the assistant district attorney with whom the judge was alleged to have had the relationship Allegations of the sexual relationship between Darnbrough and the ADA were made through anonymous notes that were sent after the conviction to two defense lawyers as well as the director of the Committee for Public Counsel Services Criminal Trial Support Unit and the executive director of Bristol County Bar Advocates then resignedThe notes were distributed in September 2023 Darnbrough was subsequently transferred by the Massachusetts Trial Court from New Bedford District Court to Plymouth County McKenna’s motion will be considered by Justice Serge Georges Jr It requests the Bristol County DA’s Office be ordered to provide any information it has regarding investigations into the alleged relationship between the judge and ADA the identity of the anonymous author of the notes and the reason for Darnbrough’s resignation Who is Karen Read: The woman at the center of a sensationalized murder trial According to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office an investigation by the Massachusetts Trial Court into the allegations found no evidence of a relationship between Darnbrough and the ADA The DA's Office has also stated that the ADA was the victim of harassment by the note-writer The Committee for Public Counsel Services’ motion states that it has an interest in “ensuring that sufficiently thorough investigations into alleged government misconduct are undertaken and that all criminal defendants have access to exculpatory information relevant to their cases.” It's added in the CPCS motion that they had “preliminarily identified approximately 3,700 docket numbers with which both the prosecutor and the judge at issue were involved.” McKenna’s motion for a new trial was denied by Cambridge District Court First Justice David E the factual foundation for the defendant's claims rest almost exclusively on the anonymous and unsworn notes attached in his filings.” "Given the information now before the Court including the Commonwealth's denial of a relationship between the judge and a trial prosecutor I find the inferences the defendant asks me to make are speculative and not reasonably supported by the evidence." The CPCS motion states it will need any additional information provided if McKenna’s motion before the SJC is granted because it will be responsible for “shouldering much of the burden for attempting to resolve” the cases of the other impacted defendants NEW BEDFORD — A 29-year-old Guatemalan man’s arrest April 14 in New Bedford by ICE was caught in part by a dramatic video taken by his wife including their car window being smashed to gain access Juan Francisco Méndez was driving with his wife, Marilú, when they were hemmed in by cars and approached by ICE agents on Tallman Street asking to wait until their attorney could arrive whose vest read "POLICE," used a sledgehammer-like implement to break in the window ICE arrests: Two immigrants detained at Bob’s Tire in New Bedford by ICE Tuesday, according to advocate just as they were pulling away with Méndez Her client has “absolutely no record that I am aware of in the state or in the country.” The couple are living in New Bedford and have a small child who was not with them She said the use of force was “absolutely” excessive “They indicated they were looking for some guy by the name of Antonio There would be no reasonable cause for them to use that level of violence.” Her client is currently being held at Strafford County Correctional Facility in Dover Another raid: Questions remain after ICE arrests 3 Guatemalans at New Bedford car wash My understanding is he has one coming up in May He will be incarcerated until the hearing.” She was unable to find him in ICE's system They said 'We don’t have him in our system.' They said 'Why don’t you call ATF and the FBI.' I called ATF and the FBI in Boston ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sniffin is an immigration attorney and had been representing Méndez His wife was granted asylum status by an immigration judge so she is a legal asylee and as her husband We were in the process of finalizing his benefits The paperwork has already been submitted,” Sniffin said She hasn’t done many detainment cases in the past because they generally involve criminal records “But lately they’ve been picking up my clients who don’t have criminal records I’ve kind of been forced into doing more detention work.” New Bedford police were asked to fill out a report but refused at first “They said it’s a federal enforcement action They agreed to a report regarding the damage to the couple’s vehicle after “significant argument.” You can go to the federal agency for that report We don’t even know what federal agency it is I said she needs this at least for her insurance company so she can have the damage covered You can pick it up at the police station.” NEW BEDFORD – There were interested “stakeholders” in the audience at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the $120 million Congdon-DeValles Elementary School A dozen students from the current Congdon and DeValles schools attended the May 1 ceremony on Bolton Street most of them kindergartners and first-graders They’ll be back when construction is complete on the state-of-the-art educational facility that’s replacing their 100-plus-year-old school buildings when it opens in January 2027 Mayor Jon Mitchell put the process into perspective for them “I want you to know that the planning for this school started before you were born,” he said “And it’s going to replace schools that were built before anybody here was born A $120 million investment in the neighborhoodFor the adults in attendance Mitchell said the students were getting a first-rate educational facility They deserve the opportunity to learn in a terrific environment.” He added the project also represented a “$120 million investment in this neighborhood.” O’Leary also addressed the timespan involved When he started teaching at DeValles 20 years ago he was told a new school was going to be built across the street I’ll be superintendent by the time that happens.” The MSBA awarded $70 million toward the almost $120 million project called the project “a neighborhood-centered investment,” illustrating the state program’s effective use of the penny in sales taxes per transaction that goes toward it City Councilor Ryan Pereria attended along with Council President Shane Burgo and councilors Ian Abreu and Shane Oliver – who is a DeValles alumnus “Investing in education is investing in our future.” He added “This school will enable educators to teach in a 21st century setting.” the students were invited at the event’s close to participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking They were each handed their own hard hats and shovels and invited to dig in on cue They may have enjoyed that part even more than the speeches and will have something to tell their classmates in January 2027 by KENNEDY BUCK "Why did they have to resort to breaking a window," said Mitchell during a press conference to address his concerns Wednesday afternoon "There was a misleading heads-up given to the police department in the morning of the operation He said ICE told NB police last minute about the pickup and wrong information The city hasn't heard from the federal agency since 29-year-old Juan Francisco Mendez had his car windows smashed Monday morning and was taken into custody He's currently being held in a detention center in Dover "I didn't know they would go to such an extreme length and do such a horrible thing I was shocked and scared," said Marilu Mendez Juan Mendez's wife and who was in the car during the altercation "The agents thought they were looking for another man and I think the agents were confused." Mendez and their son are in the country on asylum status and Juan Mendez's attorney says paperwork has been filed so his status can change from undocumented His attorney believes agents picked up the wrong man but he still has not been released and he has no criminal record Although the presence of ICE in New Bedford is not new in fact this incident is bringing back scary memories for community members "There was a big immigration raid in 2007 ICE came into factory in the south end of New Bedford and took 361 people into detention with helicopters and military vests," said Dr a Project Manager Centro De Trabajadores and a Professor at the University of Dartmouth "There's still people from that 2007 raid who are still living here in the community so this kind of historical memory of that resonates with the community." The city and Mendez's family are now waiting for any sort of communication from ICE "This is something that creates fear and I think that's part of the idea This week's top-selling home in New Bedford is a century-old beauty that sold for $630,000 22 Arnold Place retains its charming character while being fitted with modern updates The home is outfitted with a great welcoming front porch Here are all of the residential property transfers recorded in the Greater New Bedford area this week according to The Warren Group Antonios and George Mouratidis to 14 Park Dr LLC Sullivan to Brett Pierce and Miriam Bingham Oliveira to Juli Caldwell and James Campbell David Quindley and Jennifer Carol to Sheridan Homes Bldrs Inc 130 Clarendon St Dartmouth and Stephen Silverst Jessica and John Smith Michael and Robert Sherman to Alyson Daponte Benedict Properties LLC to Stephanie Marques Jodie-Lynn Fisher-Rose to Adelino Oliveira Teixeira Irene E Est and Alexia Teixeira to Alexia Teixeira Boler Derek G Est and Megan Fitzgerald to Jdc Property Mgmt LLC Sousa Kimberly A Est and Jesse Landry to Brian M Scribner Robert N Est and Evelyn Souza to Dennis Leandres Jason and Jennifer Imlach to Conor Foley and Jessica Grise Charles Miller and Gabrielle Rose to Todd M Worrall and Fangming Liu to Deshaun Webb and Natasha Whitford Michael and Karen Tavares to Valody Raymond Evelyn Rosa and Juan Rosa-Roman to Yves Laine Excel Prop Soln Ri LLC to Jessica Rodriguez Robert White to Victoria Vonhacht and Steven Brogdon Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record It is reprinted with permission from the publisher For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information The suit says Coderre was "visibly intoxicated," leading to the circumstances around his fatal shooting Attorneys David Hoey and Philip Beauregard are representing Coderre's wife “Bayside staff neglected warning signs of intoxication and failed to restrict Mr Coderre’s drinking to the extent that his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit at the time of his death." Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 section 69 prohibits licensed establishments from serving alcohol to an intoxicated person is one of several legal matters currently pending relative to Coderre's death In addition to two Bayside Lounge employees and DenKev Inc. the company that does business as Bayside Lounge the suit also names the "City of New Bedford by its Mayor," and Mayor Jonathan Mitchell "personally" as defendants Get some background: Fatal shooting of New Bedford fire chief 'justified.' DA's report details chaotic standoff According to reports, on Dec. 29, 2023, a 911 caller reported that several people were outside the Bayside Lounge trying to dissuade Coderre from driving. This led to an armed standoff with police, during which Coderre made suicidal statements and eventually fired his gun, injuring one of the responding officers, according to reports Beauregard said Coderre was with several first-responder colleagues at Bayside Lounge that evening He said it was close to the anniversary of the day their friend Attorneys: City of New Bedford's fraud accusations led to Coderre's 'psychotic break'The April 24 wrongful death suit claims that the circumstances leading up to the shooting trace back to 2021 when Coderre was hospitalized and "incapacitated and disabled from work effectively as a qualified firefighter." "Despite Coderre's legal entitlement to leave with pay for such incapacitation New Bedford Mayor Jonathan Mitchell terminated him on January 25 falsely and outrageously alleging that Coderre had defrauded the city 'stealing' some $200,000 in pay by faking his disability and injuries," the lawsuit reads As recounted in the lawsuit, Coderre, on Nov. 30, 2023, successfully appealed his termination to the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission which ruled the city's actions were "unlawful and wrong-headed." "Coderre learned that the City of New Bedford and Mitchell had appealed the CSC findings and decision with a lengthy narrative complaint filed in Bristol Superior Court and a public statement that the CDC decision would be challenged to the very end." The lawsuit goes on to describe the city's filing against Coderre as "designed for public relations reasons statements that caused Coderre's harm in the first place." bad act of the City of New Bedford and Mitchell was the straw that broke the camel's back for Coderre — the final event that pushed him beyond his limit causing his despondent reaction," the lawsuit reads Catch up with the details: 'Fishy' Facebook posts led to New Bedford deputy fire chief's unlawful firing "The independent medical examiner initially accepted Coderre’s account of the limitations caused by his alleged injuries," the city's website reads when later presented with the video evidence captured on multiple days in June and August 2021 the examiner reassessed Coderre’s assertions and the applicable medical record subsequently concluding that Coderre had been 'untruthful' and 'putting on an act.'" but a re-examination of the report," Beauregard said of the examiner's change of opinion other pending court matters relative to Coderre's death and the city's actions against him include a lawsuit filed against the city in 2024 on behalf of Jane Coderre containing several tort claims and the city's appeal of the state CSC's decision which will be heard in Bristol County Superior Court on May 6 City of New Bedford responds as appeal court date approachesIn a written statement provided on May 1 by city Public Information Officer Jonathan Darling City Solicitor Eric Jaikes states: “The complaint is without merit The termination of Paul Coderre was appropriate and legally justified under the circumstances The City intends to vigorously defend this claim in court and pursue all of its legal defenses to the groundless claims set forth in the plaintiffs’ complaint.” The city's appeal document cites case law and interpretations of Massachusetts General Law language throughout as it argues against Coderre's attorneys' claims The document contains nine main points of argument including that the "City is Immune from Claims of Intentional Torts," that "The Individual Defendants are Entitled to Common Law Immunity for all Plaintiffs' Claims Against Them," that "Plaintiffs’ Claim for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress .. Must be Dismissed as to the Individual Defendants Because Their Conduct was not Extreme or Outrageous," and that "Plaintiffs’ Claim for Tortious Interference .. Must be Dismissed Because the Individual Defendants did not act with Improper Motive or Means." Check this out: Society Coffee Bar is headed to New Bedford. Owner says they have a 'fantastic spot' to prevail on a claim of tortious interference with a contract a plaintiff must establish that (1) he had a contract with a third party; (2) the defendant knowingly induced the third party to break that contract; (3) the defendant’s interference was improper in motive or means; and (4) the plaintiff was harmed by the defendant’s actions.' to the extent the Individual Defendants have been alleged to have interfered with Coderre’s employment contract their interference was neither improper in motive nor means it is beyond doubt that Mayor Mitchell possessed the requisite authority to initiate discharge proceedings against Coderre." NEW BEDFORD — Mayor Jon Mitchell will be seeking his full pay from the city in his 2026 fiscal year budget — the first time in his tenure Mitchell’s $167,768 pay for fiscal 2026 includes his base salary and an increase based on the Consumer Price Index from the previous year According to Mitchell's fiscal 2025 budget proposal The city code establishes a base salary for mayor which is escalated annually according to the previous year’s Consumer Price Index Mitchell said he hasn’t taken the cost-of-living adjustment in past years which has saved the city a total of $249,507 through the first six months of this calendar year He declined the adjustment in the past “to backstop my credibility” in negotiating union and non-union city employee salaries “I believed that whenever I had to inform union or non-union employees that the city could not fully accommodate their salary or wage demands my position would be more acceptable to them if I had sacrificed some of my own pay,” he said he said continuing to decline his full pay would “solidify an expectation” that the mayor and other elected officials should be paid less than what the law provides Safe shelter: New Bedford has 'functional zero' homeless veterans. Here's how the city did it. fewer people are interested in running for office this is not a road we should go down,” he said Mitchell said it can be said that he'd done his part to save the city money the mayor’s salary can’t be characterized as excessive it would have been the 37th highest salary among city employees last year It’s also below the average nationally for mayors of cities between 75,000 to 250,000 in population with strong mayor models of government Brockton's mayor was paid just over $188,000 It’s a “relatively minor” adjustment in a budget of nearly $600 million But he said he wanted the council and public to be aware of it ahead of his submitting the fiscal 2026 budget “I believe the compensation of elected officials is a subject that requires complete transparency.”