As we kickstart a new week, let's take a quick look at the top headlines from last week.
Last week, Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that New Bedford will not provide its voter registration list to the U.S. Department of Justice after receiving a federal request to review the city's election practices. The DOJ sought the information to review compliance with the Voting Rights Act for non-English-speaking voters. Mitchell expressed concern that the request is a pretext for federal intrusion into a local election.
In other news, Massachusetts will invest nearly $6 million in workforce training programs across the state, including a $499,865 grant to the Greater New Bedford Workforce Board that will prepare 122 people for nursing assistant jobs. The Greater New Bedford Workforce Board will offer training and job placement services for unemployed and underemployed residents pursuing nursing assistant careers.
Sentencing also happened last week for Nina Busnengo. The 33-year-old who pleaded guilty in July to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury in connection with a homeless man's death in 2024 was sentenced Aug. 10. She was sentenced to 2 1/2 to three years on the charge in Fall River Superior Court.
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 were the most-read stories for the week on https://www.southcoasttoday.com:
New Bedford got a little help from Hollywood to celebrate the city's role in one of America's best-known novels.
Emmy-winning actor Sam Waterston, best known for playing prosecutor Jack McCoy on "Law & Order," took part in the dedication of the new Herman Melville statue at Seamen's Bethel.
Stephanie Rocknak was selected to create the statue from a field of 41 artists who applied for the project.
Moby Dick: Hollywood comes to New Bedford for Herman Melville statue unveiling
Last call's coming a lot earlier at a downtown bar and grill that police targeted for its role in a downtown "disturbance" after 2 a.m. May 31 that involved over 75 people and led to four arrests.
The Licensing Board voted unanimously to change closing time at Bento's Bar and Grill, 555 Pleasant St., from 2 a.m. to 10 p.m. following a July 28 hearing.
Last call: Bento's loses late-night hours after downtown New Bedford melee
Cove Surf and Turf did not open with its elevated terrace expansion this spring as expected, but there is ongoing progress happening behind the scenes.
The project, which will add a waterfront terrace with more than 80 outdoor seats and a 15-seat bar overlooking Clark's Cove, was originally expected to open this spring. However, utility relocations, permitting requirements, and engineering work have pushed the anticipated opening to next summer,
New Bedford: Cove Surf and Turf elevated terrace expansion delayed
Moments after winning the 96th Annual Country Club of New Bedford Men's Four-Ball on Sunday, Aug. 9, Mike Rogers and Mike DoCouto embraced on the green just steps away from the 17th hole as fans cheered from the fairway.
Rogers and DoCouto went ahead three after the 10th hole and held on to win 2-up over Brad Richard and Dan Miller.
Golf news: Emotional victory for new CCNB Four-Ball champions
New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody has announced that police will temporarily suspend use of Flock cameras and that an officer has been placed on administrative leave while being investigated for possible misuse of the system.
Then, an abuse prevention order against a New Bedford police officer, lodged by an ex-girlfriend due to Flock camera surveillance, was extended in New Bedford District Court.
Judge Heath Antonio ruled that the restraining order against Officer Emily H. Pacheco be extended for six months after a hearing on Aug. 13. The initial order was issued Aug. 10.
Flock: Judge extends restraining order against New Bedford officer
Read these stories in their entirety at https://www.southcoasttoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Sam Waterston visit, Flock misuse, CCNB Four-Ball champs: Top stories