$11.9m coming for home heating aid

Massachusetts will be given more than $11.9 million to help low-income homeowners and renters meet their heating needs this fall and winter, the federal government announced yesterday. The funds come from the federal government's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The government is releasing more than $131 million nationally. In a statement, US Senator Edward M. Kennedy commended the Department of Health and Human Services for releasing the funds. "No family in need should be denied the support they deserve to help keep their home warm," he said. "This emergency aid will provide extra resources so Massachusetts can better support its most vulnerable citizens," Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a statement.

Federal prosecutors have charged a New Bedford fish wholesaler with concealing about $774,000 in cash fish purchases over four years, undermining federal regulatory efforts. Aristides "Steve" Couto is accused of offering fishing boat captains cash for part of their catch in exchange for their agreement to sell below the prevailing daily prices. The 57-year-old Couto also allegedly paid captains cash for fish they caught over federal limits. Federal prosecutors said Couto routinely understated the amount of fish he bought in dealer reports he filed with federal fishery regulators and tried to hide his larger cash transactions. Couto was charged with making false statements to a federal agency and with structuring cash transactions to evade currency reporting requirements. Couto did not immediately return a call seeking comment. (AP)

Two unidentified people were transported to Jordan Hospital last night after their vehicle plunged into Plymouth Harbor, Plymouth police said. Police did not provide information about the vehicle, the crash, or the victims. The Fire Department said the vehicle had gone in at the state boat ramp, but did not provide other details. State Police declined to comment.

US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan answered tough questions and earned praise at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Suillivan has been nominated by President Bush to be the new head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He has been acting director of the agency for more than a year. Sullivan was grilled about gun laws, but also earned praise from Massachusetts' two Democratic senators. Senator Edward M. Kennedy lauded Sullivan's "distinguished career in public service." Senator John F. Kerry said Sullivan is a good law enforcement officer doing a tough job with character. It is unclear when the full Senate will vote on the nomination. Sullivan is a former Republican state legislator and district attorney. (AP)

State fire inspectors do not know why a massive 425-unit housing development in Danvers went up in flames in April. The project, Avalon at Hathorne Hill, was built on the grounds of the former Danvers State Hospital. About 147 apartments were destroyed when the almost-complete building burned one early Saturday morning. State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Danvers Fire Chief James P. Tutko announced yesterday that their investigation has ended and said the cause of the fire is officially undetermined. In a written statement, Tutko said the destruction "was so extensive that the concrete footings of the building were affected, leaving investigators with little evidence to determine the point of origin and the cause."

A judge has asked the state and environmentalists to come up with a plan that would allow some construction to proceed on the Interstate 93 widening project in southern New Hampshire. Transportation Commissioner Charles O'Leary said US District Judge Paul Barbadoro asked the state Transportation Department and the Conservation Law Foundation to work on a plan that would focus on a red list of bridges along the 20-mile route. Those bridges are those most in need of repair or at risk of being closed. Six of the state's 10 worst red-list bridges are along I-93 between Salem and Manchester. Last month, Barbadoro agreed with the environmental group that the state used outdated population growth statistics as part of its environmental impact study for the project. He ordered a second study. (AP)