As we kick off a new week, let’s take a look back at the week that was.
Top stories this past week included:
The Little League baseball youth program of Swansea has had a spring to remember. Two teams — the 11U and 10U programs — each recently won District championships in their respective age groups.
Our picks for Greater Fall River’s High School Softball All-Scholastic Team, and Greater Fall River’s High School Baseball All-Scholastic Team.
Looking to make some plans for a night or day out on the SouthCoast? Here are some Things To Do.
Hungry? How hungry? Enough to take on a challenge? Duke’s Bakery presents: the Chicken ‘n’ Waffles Gauntlet.
SATA, Azores Airlines’ parent company, posted a $96 million loss in 2024. How are the Boston routes performing?
The closure of Casa da Saudade library, the only Portuguese public library in the United States, as part of a series of “austerity measures” announced by New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell to respond to recent budget cuts by the city council, has sent shock waves through the local community.
These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com:
Gabriel House fire: What we know
A fire at the Gabriel House in Fall River claimed the lives of 10 people as of Saturday morning, and sent 30 others to the hospital, including five of the nearly 50 firefighters who responded.
In the wake of the July 13 tragedy, there has been an outpouring of community support for Gabriel House residents, fire victims, and their families.
This story will continue to develop in the weeks and months ahead, but here is some of what we know, as of this writing:
The memorial outside Gabriel House in Fall River, 261 Oliver St., grows on Wednesday, July 16, as the city mourns the people who died in a fire at the assisted living facility on July 13. Residents place flowers and candles outside the building, which was home to about 70 residents.
The fire does not appear suspicious, but investigators haven’t yet narrowed down the potential factors to a single cause, according to Department of Fire Services spokesperson Jake Wark. How long it might take, and how fire investigations work.
Donations have poured in for Gabriel House fire survivors. Catholic Charities in Fall River is sorting, folding and packaging donations received by generous community members. Each survivor will receive an individual parcel.
Here’s how you can help.
How local hospitals have responded.
Local organizations, like Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, are urging state legislators to enact sweeping assisted living and rest home reforms.
Though the Fall River Fire Department called mutual aid from nearby towns, those departments covered stations, not the fire. This is why.
How Fall River firefighters will their protect mental health in the wake of the tragedy.
Police on Thursday released “a brief glimpse” of body-worn camera footage from officers who responded to the Gabriel House fire on the night of July 13.
Mayor Paul Coogan and Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon are urging long-term care facilities to conduct fire drills often and review emergency preparedness plans.
Residents who were evacuated from Gabriel House assisted living facility after the deadly July 13 fire did not paint a pretty picture of the building. The city on July 16 and 17 released Building and Fire Department reports for the last several years. Despite residents’ concerns, the documents show a facility that was up to code and passed all fire safety inspections the last six years running — including holding fire drills, which some residents have claimed did not occur.
Who owns Gabriel House, and a history of the property.
How to help Gabriel House fire victims: GoFundMe and donations drive places
Waterfront businesses thrive despite Route 79 roadwork
Since 2023, construction has taken place along the Davol Street corridor in Fall River and has yet to let up until mid-2026.
Duke’s Bakery has seen an increase in business despite Route 79 construction near 1082 Davol St., on July 7, 2025.
With frequent detours and road closures, businesses have been affected, but not necessarily in the way one might expect:
There have been positive effects.
‘One of the best years we’ve had’: Waterfront businesses thrive despite Route 79 roadwork
The future of Fall River’s rental market may not be affordable housing, developer says
Edd Hamzanlui started MassCan Capital LLC with his wife, Gia Azhar, two years ago, and the development firm is making strides in the SouthCoast.
His “most advanced” project in the SouthCoast is slated to transform the Yarn Mills at 460 Globe St. in Fall River into 89 new apartments.
Globe Yarn Mills at 460 Globe St., Fall River, is seen here April 3, 2025.
Development: The future of Fall River’s rental market may not be affordable housing, developer says
Fall River man killed after opening fire on police in armed standoff, police say
Bristol Count District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III announced that Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office are investigating an officer involved shooting that took place early Tuesday morning at 117 Langley St. in Fall River.
What we know, as of this writing.
Police say: Fall River man killed after opening fire on police in armed standoff
Cape-style home in an idyllic Swansea neighborhood sells for almost $700K
The latest Greater Fall River real estate report featured a Cape-style home in Swansea that sold for $681,000.
Located on Gardners Neck Road, it’s minutes away from the beach and has over 3,000 square feet of living space.
Top selling house in Swansea this week.
Built in 1960, this open-concept home features four bedrooms, an updated kitchen with a breakfast nook, a cozy fireplaced living room, and a finished basement complete with a second kitchen and a fireplace.
Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.
Weekly home sales: Cape-style home in an idyllic Swansea neighborhood sells for almost $700K
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories: Gabriel House fire updates; how to help