Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Foreign.
[00:00:16] I'm Joe Catalano with an AM Quincy news update for Thursday, July 16th.
[00:00:22] The body of a woman who was found in Quincy last week has been identified and the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office says the body of 36 year old Shawna Brown of Quincy was discovered in the early morning hours of July 6th near school and Fort streets in Quincy Center. Officials say they're treating the incident as an unattended death and that foul play is not suspected. However, the incident remains under investigation by State Police.
[00:00:52] Eight new Quincy police officers are joining the force Yesterday swearing in ceremony were held at Quincy City hall for the eight new officers who will be joining the department. Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch and Police Chief Mark Kennedy welcomed the new officers and City Clerk Nicole Crispo swore the new officers into service by having them take the oath of office. Family, friends and colleagues also attended the ceremony to congratulate the new officers in the Great Hall.
[00:01:24] A pilot program is set to close two busy streets in Quincy on the weekends through the rest of the summer. Following speeding and drag racing concerns, the Department of Conservation and Recreation will be launching a pilot program that will close Wapatuck and chickatabut roads from 6pm Friday until 6pm Sunday. The Pilot program is set to start in late July and runs through at least September 1st. Frustrated residents who were invited to speak up during a virtual meeting last night say the streets that cut through the Blue Hills Reservation have become a late night raceway over the years. The quality of life issues many are flagging include the excessive speeding, reckless driving, illegally modified vehicles and the noise that comes from the louder engines. DCR explaining that after working with state police, it was discovered most of the issues are happening over the weekend. Signage will soon go up to inform people of the weekend closures. The area will still be open to hikers, walkers, bicyclists and emergency vehicles. State Representative Richard Wells expressed concern about access to Milton Hospital and public safety. Senator John Keenan and Representative Bruce Ayers also spoke at the meeting to share that they've been hearing from concerned residents. In a statement, Ayers said the closure is an effort to cut down on dangerous behavior while also allowing access to the reservation. DCR says it will be tracking the impact of the weekend closure on the surrounding areas to make sure travel times aren't too affected. Officials with DCR also say the pilot program will save already endangered species in the area, specifically species of snakes.
[00:03:18] High school football coach Bradley Leal, who was recently hired to lead one of the South Shore's most prominent football programs, is now facing multiple criminal charges that include operating under the influence and reckless endangerment of a child. According to a Braintree police report, Leo allegedly drove through a red light at the intersection of Union and Middle streets and nearly collided with two other cars. The report says the officer observed Leal with glassy eyes and that he smelled of alcohol. Police say Leal told the officer he had been at a Weymouth restaurant and admitted to having consumed three beers. A separate Weymouth police report says that during a wellness check, officers found the apartment door unlocked at a 15 month old child asleep in a crib. Police said the child was evaluated and later released to family members.
[00:04:16] The arrest comes just months after Whitman Hansen Regional School District named Leal as head varsity football coach. The press release also stated Leal is a math teacher in the Plymouth Public Schools and boys lacrosse coach at Pembroke High School. Whitman Hansen Regional School District Superintendent John Marcus says that Leal resigned from his position on June 14. Marcus says the district removed Leal's access to office, all district systems and instructed him not to communicate with students or staff. Leo faces charges including operating under the influence and reckless endangerment of a child. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
[00:05:01] Town officials in Hingham releasing a statement yesterday regarding a tragic incident involving a dog that died at the Fourth of July parade. The Hingham Police Department said they're actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. No charges have been filed at this time. In a news release, the Hingham Fourth of July Committee said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and has provided all pertinent information to police. The release also stated that during the parade, no reports of a dog in medical distress were made to any police, public safety personnel, town officials or parade monitors, the parade committee said. Following the completion of the police department's investigation, the committee will review its findings and make safety adjustments.
[00:05:52] Heavy smoke from several large wildfires blazing in Canada and Minnesota impacting air quality here in Massachusetts. While the smoke stayed high in the atmosphere and brought a haze on Tuesday, it drifted lower yesterday and a smell of smoke was detectable in the Boston area. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert for fine particulates.
[00:06:19] A doctor at Tufts University recommends limiting time outside for sensitive groups. If you notice itchy eyes, a scratchy throat or trouble breathing, consider limiting your time outside.
[00:06:31] Fine particle pollution is made up of particles so small they can pass through cloth and even surgical masks to reduce exposure. Keep windows and doors closed. Run your AC on, recirculate if possible. If you have asthma or copd Keep your inhaler and asthma action plan ready. Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness or fatigue, and aggravate heart and lung disease and other chronic health issues.
[00:07:02] Experts suggest reducing or eliminating outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air conditioner or purifier. Long term exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke is one of the leading causes of premature death.
[00:07:26] A new book bike will be unveiled today at the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy Center. The library says the book bike will be a mobile extension of the library that will give visitors the opportunity to browse and check out library books, learn about library resources and sign up for a library card remotely. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Book Bike will be held on the Olmsted lawn of the Main Library from 2:30 to 3:30 today. The book bike will also be at events across the city, including Wally Beach Wednesday, concerts on Wollaston beach next week and the Kilroy Square Farmers Market on July 31.
[00:08:09] Jack of Business News this morning. Stocks are higher. The dow is up 150, the Nasdaq rose 162 and the S&P added 28. Stocks in Asia, mostly lower despite a flurry of strikes between the US And Iran. The dollar fell, the euro rose. Oil is up to $84 a barrel.
[00:08:31] Forecast from the National Weather Service today. An air quality alert remains in effect due to the wildfire smoke. A High today of 86 degrees for tonight. Partial clearing at a low of 63 tomorrow. Sunny and clearer, high tomorrow of 85. Chance for some scattered showers Saturday high of 86 and sun and clouds on Sunday high 85 for the boater today. Waves about 2ft. West winds at 5 to 10 knots, will increase 10 to 15 and gust to 25 knots. A small craft advisory goes into effect today at noon. High tide 1:41pm sunrise 5:21 sets at 8:18.
[00:09:17] I'm Joe Catalano with an AM Quincy news update for Thursday, July 16th.
