Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old Massachusetts native, tragically died in the hospital after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. Bushnell, who grew up and went to school in Massachusetts, was an active duty member of the U.S. Air Force based in San Antonio, Texas.

The incident occurred on Sunday, with Bushnell livestreaming his self-immolation on the social media platform Twitch. In the video, he expressed his refusal to be complicit in what he described as “genocide,” and shouted “Free Palestine!” as he burned in front of the embassy.

Local authorities responded to reports of an individual experiencing a possible medical or mental health emergency. Bushnell was pronounced dead at 8:06 p.m. ET Sunday, having sustained critical injuries. The Israeli Embassy confirmed that none of its staff were injured in the incident.

Bushnell had been on active duty since May 2020, serving as a cyber defense operations specialist with the 531st Intelligence Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio. He was known for his volunteer work with the San Antonio Care Collective, where he supported the city’s unhoused population by providing blankets, sweaters, and snacks.

In the days before his death, Bushnell created a will detailing his final wishes, including arrangements for his cat, which he designated to his neighbor. Lupe Barboza of the Care Collective, who saw the will, described Bushnell as someone who was measured and knew what he was doing.

The incident is currently under investigation by local police, the Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The U.S. Air Force has stated that it will provide more information after notifying Bushnell’s next of kin.

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder expressed condolences to Bushnell’s family, calling the event a tragic event. Air Force Col. Celina Noyes, the 70th ISRW commander, also extended sympathies to Bushnell’s family and friends.

The war in Gaza, which sparked Bushnell’s protest, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. According to the health ministry in Gaza, over 29,000 people have been killed, and nearly 2 million have been displaced, with over 60% of housing damaged.

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“Sheriff Heroux is creative, considerate and cost conscious.

Without exception the articles, letters from inmates (obtained through freedom of information requests) press releases and consistent feedback from employees, indicate that Sheriff Paul Heroux has, in a relatively brief time, changed the tenor and atmosphere at the Bristol County House of Correction.

The diminishing staff problem he inherited has been resolved with an ever increasing list of applicants who, it appears, have heard of the changed work environment.

BCSO photo.

The more intensive medical and psychological evaluations, in tandem with the professionally recommended protocols for suicide prevention, are being implemented as promised. And additionally, and creatively, the cells and bunk beds are being remodeled to reduce suicide risks, provide privacy and decrease violence amongst inmates.

These bunk modifications are being constructed by the inmates as job training, as well as sending the message that their safety and rehabilitation are of major concern to Sheriff Heroux.

The Sheriff is also ever mindful of the enormous costs associated with punitive incarceration that has proven to increase recidivism and produces a safety threat to staff as well as to inmates.

And the Sheriff, in response to the destruction caused by a handful of inmates , has also indicated that he will not accept belligerent and abusive behavior and those alleged to have committed assaultive and destructive actions will be criminally charged.

Clearly Sheriff Heroux is implementing major changes with the objectives of reducing the incentives for the released inmates to re-offend and for them to re-enter society with job skills and hopefully a sense of responsibility to their families and community.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

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“Who said Donald Trump lacks loyalty?

It has been said, and poignantly demonstrated, that Donald Trump demands loyalty from everyone in his financial, familial and political orbits but offers no reciprocity in return. But one glaring example that rebuts this claim is Trump’s fealty, respect and willingness to assist Vladimir Putin and other villainous dictators.

No matter the dastardly murders of his opponents or critics, the silencing and punishment of peaceful protestors, or the territorial incursions into abutting nations, Putin can always count on Trump’s positive comments or utter silence.

If China invades Taiwan or North Korea sends soldiers into South Korea will Trump applaud their territorial or imperialistic aspirations?

And based on recent Trumpian threats to NATO allies of refusing assistance to any member in arrears with their financial payments there will be no military assistance from the United States.

It’s important to remember that Trump ”doesn’t like losers,” and thus far Putin, and other major autocratic leaders, can count on Trump to compliment them, remain uncritical, or more actively encourage his legislative sycophants to deny assistance to their targeted victims.

Clearly Trump is capable of unmitigated loyalty, and to those who claim otherwise, it is just more proof of what the world will look like if he regains the White House.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

Recent revelations about the cost of housing migrants in Massachusetts have sparked controversy and become a focal point in the state’s political landscape, with implications for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. A recent investigation by CBS News has uncovered that Massachusetts is spending an average of $64 a day to house migrants, with vendors charging exorbitant rates for meals.

According to the CBS News report, vendors are charging $16 for breakfast, $17 for lunch, and $31 for dinner per day for each migrant they feed. The total cost to Massachusetts taxpayers for migrant housing this year is expected to be around $1 billion, a staggering figure that has raised eyebrows and ignited debate.

The controversy over high costs of migrant housing has been compounded by Governor Maura Healey’s decision to close down a recreational center in Roxbury, MA, to house migrants. This move has sparked outrage among residents and community leaders, who argue that the closure has deprived the local community of vital services.

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Governor Healey has been urging residents to house migrants for months, and now some are beginning to do so, sparking significant controversy. This grassroots effort has been highly criticized across the United States, but a few residents have begun opening up their homes to provide shelter to migrants in need.

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The issue of migrant housing and the associated costs is expected to be a major topic in the 2024 presidential election, with candidates likely to weigh in on how best to address the challenges facing Massachusetts and other states grappling with similar issues. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the cost of housing migrants is not just a financial burden but also a deeply divisive and contentious issue that will shape the political landscape for years to come.

“NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell is submitting a proposal to the City Council which would establish a mechanism to recall City elected officers, fulfilling a promise he made last year.

In the Friday, Feb. 23, filing to the City Council, Mayor Mitchell writes “While I believe that the recall of an elected officer should be an extraordinary remedy, I also believe that it is prudent to have a recall process so that voters can protect themselves against egregious breaches of public trust.”

The proposal establishes a high standard the public would have to meet in order to recall an elected officer.

The proposed guidelines for ward and at-large elected officers are:

Ward Officer: 100 voters of the ward initiate the recall petition by filing an affidavit with the Board of Election Commissioners, which will then issue recall petition blanks. The blanks must be returned within 45 days and contain signatures from at least 15% of the ward’s registered voters. Also, at least 15% of registered voters in the ward must vote in the recall election.

At-Large Officer: 600 voters initiate a recall petition by filing an affidavit with the Board of Election Commissioners that includes 100 signatures from each ward. The Board will then issue recall petition blanks, which must be returned within 45 days and contain signatures from at least 15% of registered voters across the City with 10% of such signatures coming from each ward. Finally, at least 15% of registered voters must vote in the recall election.

“I believe that these provisions strike the proper balance between providing voters with a necessary recall mechanism and ensuring that a recall of an elected officer cannot occur without significant deliberation and broad public support,” Mayor Mitchell writes.

Additionally, Mayor Mitchell’s proposal includes the stipulation that if an elected officer is recalled, they will be ineligible to fill the vacancy caused by their recall, either in a subsequent election or by appointment. If an elected officer is recalled, the vacancy will be filled in accordance with the City charter.

In a related housekeeping matter, Mayor Mitchell is also filing a proposal to clarify the process in how a vacancy in the office of Mayor is filled. The existing provision addresses how a vacancy is to be filled in the first and second year of a Mayor’s term, but it has not updated in light of the City’s adoption of a four-year mayoral term in 2017. The new provision makes clear how the process would work at any point in the four-year term.”

By Alison Kuznitz
State House News Service

A day shelter for migrants and homeless families is slated to open Tuesday at La Colaborativa, a Latina-led organization in Chelsea, to help accommodate people who are staying at the state’s overnight overflow shelter in Cambridge.

The new walk-in shelter, which will offer case management and wraparound services to up 200 individuals daily, is funded through a $5 million grant program launched by the Healey administration and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. The shelter will operate five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., United Way said as it announced its latest grant recipient late Friday.

“As we’re facing an unprecedented state of emergency, it’s critical that all residents have access to safe, dignified shelter, especially over the frigid winter months,” Gladys Vega, CEO of La Colaborativa, said in a statement. “Recognizing the countless lives at risk, we’re grateful to collaborate with the United Way and Healey-Driscoll Administration to deploy our unique, trauma-informed model of providing a culturally familiar, welcoming day center with comprehensive housing, economic, and wraparound services, which are vital to the wellbeing of homeless families.”

La Colaborativa will coordinate transportation to its new headquarters — 318 Broadway — for families being accommodated at the Cambridge overflow shelter, United Way said. The shelter will also support Chelsea community members.

The Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Building in east Cambridge, which the Healey administration opened in December amid a crush of new arrivals coming to Massachusetts, hosts families from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., state officials previously said.

In Chelsea, case managers will support families in accessing economic, immigration and housing services, such as helping them obtain their work authorization permits and find employment opportunities. Case managers will also help connect people to public benefits, mental health services and other health care.

“A longstanding lifeline for immigrant populations and residents of Chelsea, these funds will expand and enhance the capacity of La Colaborativa to provide critical day services for families, expediting exits of families from shelter systems and helping to enable them to stabilize and contribute to our economy and communities as quickly as possible,” Bob Giannino, CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay, said.

United Way last week said it’s distributed $3 million in grants so far to support eight safety-net shelters that serve about 100 families per night. They’re located in Greater Boston, as well as Worcester and Hampden counties.

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“The last several weeks have been very negative for Donald Trump.

Two civil lawsuits have been adjudicated and Trump assessed hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite accusations of conflict of interest against Fulton County Georgia Attorney General Fani Willis she redeemed herself by testifying and calling attention to the interference of election case which will probably move forward.

Trump’s adored dictator Putin has again been accused of murdering an opponent. The major witness against Hunter and Joe Biden has been indicted for lying to investigators. Nikki Haley hasn’t ended her campaign and is ramping up her criticism of Trump. Ukraine and Zelensky haven’t been defeated but remain a constant reminder of Trump’s efforts to bolster Putin’s territorial aspirations. Melania continues to be conspicuously absent from Trump’s campaign and court trials.

And in no small measure Netanyahu’s aggressiveness was encouraged by Trump’s unmitigated support during his presidency and undoubtedly cancelling this as a braggable issue for his campaign.

These accumulating woes for Trump may still inspire donations and sympathy from his MAGA millions and syncophantic legislators but certainly is turning off increasing numbers of voters who want to see an end to this destructive period in the United States.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

John Deaton is taking a “serious look” at running as a Republican candidate against Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren. Deaton is a private attorney, a vocal advocate for the crypto industry, and a Swansea resident.

According to the Boston Globe, if Deaton runs, the Republican Party may be aiming not only at a direct victory over Warren in Massachusetts but also to engage her in a competitive race and prevent her from raising money for other candidates and causes.

Deaton was born in Detroit, is a former U.S Marine, and now owns Deaton Law Firm in Providence, Rhode Island. With over 300,000 followers on twitter, he is a leading voice online in the Crypto community. He has also used his platform to point out his disagreements with Senator Warren.

A reflection of our times:

Senator Warren’s misleading comments being corrected by regular people. https://t.co/7v5k00kKk8

— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) January 22, 2024

Elizabeth Warren is known as one of Congress’ most prominent crypto skeptics, aggressively pushing legislation that cracks down on the industry. A spokesperson for Warren recently said in a statement.

“Senator Warren is taking nothing for granted. She has a strong record of delivering for working families and continues to fight hard for the people of Massachusetts,”.

Massachusetts residents have been posting screenshots on social media of a text they received to switch parties and defeat Donald Trump in the 2024 primaries. This is a campaign to enroll Democrats as “unaffiliated voters” in Massachusetts as a way to deny Donald Trump delegates and help Nikki Haley beat Trump in the primary.

The message says it’s paid for by the “Primary Pivot PAC”, whose mission statement on their website reads,

“PrimaryPivot is dedicated to protecting our democracy by defeating Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican primaries. Through his words and actions, Donald Trump has demonstrated a disturbing disregard for the principles that underpin our democracy.

He has shown a shocking lack of faith in the peaceful transfer of power and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. These actions represent a clear and present danger to the integrity of our nation and its democratic processes. Our purpose is not to engage in partisan politics, but to safeguard the core values that have guided our country for generations.”

Below is the message that residents are receiving via text, what are your thoughts on this?

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“Undoubtedly the Supreme Court will rule that Donald Trump cannot be eliminated from the ballot by declaring that he is only presumptively guilty of inciting an insurrection or that the constitutional provision is not applicable in this circumstance.

But, the court can salvage its deteriorated status and save American democracy by immediately agreeing to hear the immunity appeal and expeditiously deciding that there is no absolute immunity for criminal or treasonous actions of a sitting or past president.

The nine justices, no matter their political or ideological inclinations are acutely aware that if Donald Trump were to regain the presidency the Supreme Court could be manipulated, obscured or consigned to irrelevancy. Their status has been significantly diminished since their assistance in the ascension of George Bush Jr. to the presidency and by the Citizens United opinion and other anti-democratic decisions. In their allegiance to the Federalist Society agenda, and to magnanimous friends and supporters they may grant Trump his immunity and thereby “hoist them on their own petards.”

And conversely, they could recreate and reactivate the respect formerly accorded the court by quickly, decisively and unanimously declaring that Donald Trump will not be protected nor insulated from conviction by relying on an autocratic immunity defense.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.