Bellingham
Fire victim was 51-year-old man
The victim of a Bellingham house fire has been identified as a 51-year-old man, according to the Worcester District Attorney’s office. Firefighters found Bruce J. LeBlanc in the basement of his home on Rawson Road Friday morning, according to authorities. The fire started in numerous places throughout the home, Bellingham Fire Chief Steven Gentile said. Tim Connolly, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office, said Saturday that LeBlanc’s death is not considered suspicious. He did not have any more information about the cause of the fire. Firefighters battled the blaze in frigid weather and gusty winds. The state fire marshal’s office and State Police are continuing to investigate.
Brookline
Two arrested in armed robbery at bank
A man and a woman from Quincy were charged with armed robbery for allegedly robbing a TD Bank branch on Beacon Street Saturday morning, according to a statement from Brookline police. The suspects, a 25-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, will not be identified until the investigation is complete, Lieutenant Philip Harrington said. The man allegedly passed a note to teller demanding money around 10:30 a.m. He then fled in a car driven by the woman. They were arrested shortly later. The pair are due to be arraigned Monday in Brookline District Court, police said.
Boston
Police seize guns, drugs in major bust
Police seized large amounts of cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone, along with several high-capacity firearms, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, and nearly $183,000 in cash from a home at 217 Bennington St. in East Boston, Commissioner William B. Evans announced Saturday. Police first were called to the home Thursday on a report of a person with a gun. Officers observed the drug paraphernalia and returned Friday with a warrant. Roberto Alvayaro was arrested and arraigned Friday on multiple drug and gun charges. Police confiscated 15 kilos of cocaine, a large bag of heroin, 1,010 oxycodone pills, and more than 2 kilos of crystal methamphetamine. Two digital scales, five cellphones, four guns, six high-capacity magazines, and 162 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
Hartford
Officials oppose Northeast rail plan
Federal, state, and local officials in Connecticut are voicing opposition to a plan by federal railroad regulators to rebuild the congested Northeast Corridor over the coming decades. While praising the Federal Railroad Administration for wanting to fix crumbling infrastructure and reduce travel times along the Washington-Boston route, officials say Friday’s plan still devastates Connecticut shoreline communities, despite some changes, including a proposed tunnel under the Connecticut River and Old Lyme. Activists plan to continue fighting the proposed 50-mile bypass from Old Saybrook to Rhode Island. (AP)
Portland
Group against pot drops recount bid
A group that campaigned against the legalization of marijuana in Maine has dropped its request for a recount. The opposition group said it has withdrawn its request with the secretary of state’s office and is satisfied that the result approving marijuana legalization in Maine is accurate. The recount has involved more than 200,000 ballots and would have resumed in January. The antilegalization group estimated the recount cost less than $15,000 and little to no overtime costs were necessary. (AP)
Shelburne, VT.
Teddy bear workers wanted
Vermont Teddy Bear is looking for extra help this bustling holiday season as it shops and packs orders up through Christmas. WCAX-TV reports that the company is so busy this season that it will be hiring seasonal workers up until Dec. 23. The company typically hires up to 700 seasonal workers just for the Christmas holiday. (AP)
