Fall River Government Television

08/06/2026

Important notices from the Fall River Elections Office

08/06/2026

Governor Healey Awards Nearly $25 Million to Improve Literacy Instruction Across Massachusetts Funding will help awardees implement and sustain evidence-based, high-quality literacy instruction.

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded nearly $24.7 million to 71 school districts and one educational collaborative to strengthen literacy instruction and improve reading outcomes for students across Massachusetts.

Through four Partnership for Reading Success–Massachusetts (PRISM) grant programs, districts will implement high-quality instructional materials, expand professional learning for educators and strengthen evidence-based literacy instruction from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

The awards build on Governor Healey's Literacy Launch initiative and legislation she signed to strengthen early literacy instruction. They also come as more than 1,000 educators are participating in Literacy Launch Institutes this summer to deepen their knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction.

"Reading is the foundation for everything students do in school and throughout their lives," said Governor Maura Healey. "That's why we're making historic investments to strengthen literacy instruction, support educators and help every student build the skills they need to succeed."

"Districts across Massachusetts are doing important work to strengthen literacy instruction, and we're proud to support them," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These investments will help schools build sustainable systems that give every student a strong foundation in reading."

"Improving literacy outcomes takes more than a one-time investment—it requires sustained commitment to high-quality instruction," said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. "By helping districts strengthen curriculum, build educator capacity, and support effective implementation, these grants will create lasting improvements for students across the Commonwealth."

“We’re committed to strengthening implementation of high-quality literacy instruction and continuing to address persistent disparities in access and achievement,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Our work through PRISM grants and Literacy Launch Institutes is designed to help all students become strong readers and writers.”

The four PRISM grant programs support districts at every stage of implementing high-quality literacy instruction, from building strong early literacy systems, to adopting new instructional materials, and expanding evidence-based practices through grade 12:

PRISM I continuation grant:
$10.2 million to 13 grantees to continue helping a cohort of districts improve their early literacy programming so that all students can read at or above grade level by grade 3:
Brockton Public Schools, $1,159,500
Framingham Public Schools, $924,975
Gateway Regional School District (in partnership with Farmington River Regional School District), $289,875
Haverhill Public Schools, $822,200
Holyoke Public Schools, $616,650
Lynn Public Schools, $1,541,625
Nashoba Regional School District, $289,875
New Bedford Public Schools, $1,449,375
Northborough Public Schools (in partnership with Southborough Public Schools), $579,750
Norwood Public Schools, $676,375
Peabody Public Schools, $822,200
Salem Public Schools, $676,375
Stoneham Public Schools, $386,500

PRISM II continuation grant:
$2.9 million to 13 grantees to strengthen early literacy through the implementation of high-quality instructional materials in pre-K through third grade:
Abington Public Schools, $217,500
Berkshire Hills Regional School District, $177,500
Community Day Public Charter School (in Lawrence), $217,500
Greenfield Public Schools, $177,500
Holliston Public Schools, $197,500
Kingston Public Schools, $197,500
Monomoy Regional School District, $197,500
Nantucket Public Schools, $197,500
Pittsfield Public Schools, $466,500
Plympton Public Schools, $177,500
Silver Lake Regional School District, $177,500
Somerset Public Schools, $217,500
Wayland Public Schools, $302,000

PRISM II second cohort grant:
$5.9 million to 36 new grantees to support the evaluation, selection, purchase, launch, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials for pre-K through third grade:
Ashland Public Schools, $202,000
Bedford Public Schools, $146,000
Berkley Public Schools, $101,770
Berlin-Boylston Regional School District, $146,000
Braintree Public Schools, $309,000
Brookline Public Schools, $153,000
Canton Public Schools, $190,000
Chelsea Public Schools, $62,000
Dover Public Schools, $98,000
Everett Public Schools, $82,000
Fall River Public Schools, $584,000
Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, $146,000
Hatfield Public Schools, $34,046
Hoosac Valley Regional School District, $102,000
Leominster Public Schools, $289,000
Lowell Public Schools, $260,000
Lunenburg Public Schools, $25,000
Maynard Public Schools, $110,000
Mendon-Upton Regional School District, $221,804
Monson Public Schools, $86,718
Natick Public Schools, $119,000
North Reading Public Schools, $81,792
Norwood Public Schools, $230,500
Old Rochester Regional School District, $117,000
Quabbin Regional School District, $117,000
Randolph Public Schools, $245,000
Rockland Public Schools, $146,000
Sharon Public Schools, $70,000
Sherborn Public Schools, $98,000
South Shore Education Collaborative, $146,000
Southbridge Public Schools, $313,538
Ware Public Schools, $110,000
Wellesley Public Schools, $309,000
Westborough Public Schools, $214,000
Westwood Public Schools, $194,500
Winchendon Public Schools, $70,000

PRISM III second cohort grant:
$5.6 million to 19 new grantees for resources, targeted coaching, and professional learning support to evaluate, select, purchase, launch, and implement high-quality instructional materials for grades 4–12:
Baystate Academy Charter Public School (in Springfield), $176,130
Brockton Public Schools, $474,525
Gill-Montague Regional School District, $176,130
Haverhill Public Schools, $467,685
Lawrence Public Schools, $500,175
Lowell Public Schools, $221,445
Medford Public Schools, $261,630
Methuen Public Schools, $221,445
Monson Public Schools, $181,260
Pittsfield Public Schools, $467,685
Quaboag Regional School District, $221,445
Randolph Public Schools, $467,685
Rockland Public Schools, $261,630
Salem Public Schools, $176,130
Southbridge Public Schools, $261,630
Springfield Public Schools (Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership), $271,890
Taunton Public Schools, $277,020
Woburn Public Schools, $261,630
Worcester Public Schools, $236,835

08/06/2026

Cooling Center at Government Center

(FALL RIVER, MA- Aug 6th, 2026)- Mayor Paul E. Coogan announces a cooling center at Fall River Government Center due to the extreme heat expected in the area.
The cooling center will be open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, Aug 6th and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, Aug 7th, 2026. The cooling center will be located in the Government
Center Cafeteria and can be accessed through the Third Street entrance.
Due to the high temperatures, we want to remind Fall River residents to check on family, friends, and neighbors. Drink plenty of water, stay indoors in a cool area when possible, and avoid
strenuous activity if you have health conditions that may be affected by the heat.

Stay cool and safe. Please call the Mayor’s Office at 508-324-2600 with any questions.

08/03/2026

07/30/2026

Scheduled to begin at 2pm

07/28/2026

Fall River City Council 7.28.26

07/28/2026

Fall River Fire Department Extinguishes Structure Fire on Hicks Street
Fall River, MA, July 27, 2026

On July 26, 2026, at approximately 1309 hours, the Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 743 Hicks Street.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing from a three-story wood-frame residential building. All residents were reported to be out of the building. Crews quickly brought the fire under control, with significant damage sustained to the second and third floors and attic. No civilian injuries were reported. Two firefighters were evaluated for heat stress/overexertion and were cleared by medical personnel.

The building’s gas and electrical services were shut off, and the Massachusetts State Police Fire Investigation Unit was requested to assist with the investigation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

07/28/2026

Governor Healey Announces New MBTA Affordability Initiatives, Extends Commuter Rail Savings Through Fall
New fare pilots simplify travel, lower costs and expand access for riders across Massachusetts

BELMONT – Governor Healey today announced a series of new MBTA pilot programs designed to make public transportation more affordable, flexible and easier to use. Beginning this fall, the MBTA will launch three new pilot programs while also extending two popular Commuter Rail affordability programs through November. Governor Healey greeted riders at the Belmont Commuter Rail station this morning and rode the commuter rail downtown to raise awareness for these affordability initiatives.
“Every day, we're looking for new ways to lower costs and make it easier for people to choose public transportation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These new fare pilots and the extension of our commuter rail savings will put money back in people's pockets while giving more riders the flexibility they need to get to work, school and everywhere in between.”

“We want public transportation to be the easiest and most affordable choice for more people,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Whether you're commuting to work, running errands or spending time with family, these fare pilots and continued commuter rail savings will help riders save money while giving them more flexibility to get where they need to go.”

“Affordability and ease of use are two things that move people towards utilizing public transportation,” said Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Over the past three years, we have been improving service, reliability, safety, and have been making the MBTA more affordable through programs like the Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program. It is my hope for more people to get onboard and to enjoy the transportation possibilities that the MBTA can offer through its network.”

This fall, the MBTA will launch three fare pilots:
Expanded 2-Hour “Unlimited” Transfer Window:

Currently, subway and bus riders can transfer only two times within a two-hour time window and pay the cost of the highest-priced service. There are other limitations as well: riders may only receive the free transfer when traveling between modes, like from subway to bus, for example, and only between different numbered bus routes. Under the expanded two-hour "unlimited" transfers pilot, riders will only pay the highest fare incurred during a two-hour window when taking subway, bus, or ferry trips. Riders can make a practically unlimited number of transfers during that period, but they must use the same form of payment between modes for transfers to apply. For example, a rider could take a bus to the subway, run errands and return home within two hours while paying just one subway fare instead of multiple fares throughout the trip. The pilot is designed to reduce complexity and make it easier for riders to travel throughout the MBTA system. It will begin on September 1 and continue for six months.

Elimination of Higher Express Bus Fares: Currently, seven routes out of the MBTA's 150+ routes charge higher rates ($4.25 full fare / $2.10 reduced) for express bus service. This pilot initiative will eliminate higher premium rates for express bus route segments and charge only local bus fare ($1.70 full fare / $0.85 reduced) for any MBTA bus. This will save a rider who commutes to work on an express bus nearly $500 over the pilot period. This pilot does not apply to the SL 1, 2, 3, and W routes. This pilot will begin on September 1 and continue for six months.

Car-Free Seniors: In partnership with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), the MBTA will offer free fares to Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive. This pilot allows any Massachusetts resident aged 75 or above who holds a Massachusetts ID card and not a driver's license to obtain a free-fare credential that applies across all of the MBTA's bus, subway, ferry and Commuter Rail services. The pilot start date will be announced this fall.

Commuter Rail Savings Extended Through November
Following strong participation in the MBTA's Commuter Rail Summer Promotions, Governor Healey is extending two popular Commuter Rail affordability programs through November 2026:

50 percent off monthly Commuter Rail passes for September, October and November.

$1 Weekend Companion Fare, allowing monthly pass holders to bring one companion on weekend trips for just $1 each way.

The MBTA will continue to offer all Summer Savings programs through the end of August, including Free Summer Fridays and expanded weekend travel for monthly pass holders. Free Summer Fridays will conclude as scheduled at the end of August due to anticipated high seasonal ridership during the fall.
The Summer Savings program has already delivered strong results. The MBTA has seen approximately a 50 percent increase in Commuter Rail ridership on Fridays in June compared to May, and riders have taken more than 6,200 companion trips during the first six weekends of the program.
This has been a strong summer for the MBTA, with major events like the World Cup and Sail Boston bringing more riders to the system and helping drive increased Commuter Rail ridership and revenue. Building on that momentum, Governor Healey is continuing to invest in initiatives that make public transportation more affordable, flexible and easier to use year-round.

More information about the Fall Fare Pilots can be found at mbta.com/FallFarePilots.

07/27/2026

Scheduled to begin at 3:30pm

07/23/2026

Committee on Ordinances & Legislation 7.23.26