NEW BEDFORD – It’s hard to believe, but Christmas week is upon us, but before we start unwrapping the presents, let’s unwrap the news from last week.

Of course, as we head into the Christmas holidays, the outlook for COVID is grim. Cases are on the rise and vaccination rates are low locally. Neighboring Rhode Island reinstated a mask warrant, effective Monday. And those planning to celebrate with their loved ones are urged to take precautions. If you need a COVID test, the New Bedford testing sites have announced their vacation hours.

And to prepare you for the week ahead, we’ve got a look at some of the best stories from the past week for you.

Hip-hop artist returns to New Bedford

A local hip hop artist will return to New Bedford for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to launch his first music video, “Rick Ross Grunt”.

“New Bedford is really where I started out and my inspiration for it all,” said Alex Carr, 24. “I thought this would be the best place to throw it.”

Carr, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area in California, grew up in the North End and attended New Bedford High School. In his freshman year, he joined a hip-hop club organized by the non-profit 3rd EyE Youth Empowerment.

Learn more about Alex Carr: New Bedford-raised hip hop artist releases city-inspired music video

Lakeville light show draws crowds

Year after year, Lakeville resident Wayne Gateman says he’s really not sure if Crazy Tech’s animated Christmas light show will return.

It’s a lot of work. Lots of lights. Lots of visitors.

But for 12 years in a row, he came to the same conclusion: the show must go on.

“Really, it’s the looks on people’s faces. The impact it has. This is the part I love, ”Gateman said on a recent Friday night.

Crazy Tech Christmas Show: 12 years of Christmas: Lakeville’s light exhibition has become a popular local attraction

New Bedford Police team up with Patriots

The story continues

New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira has met with Patriots owner Robert Kraft to announce a new initiative within the police department – the first in New England.

The New England Patriots, New England Revolution and the New Bedford Police Department have announced the launch of Lights On! a community program whose mission is to improve relations between communities and law enforcement agencies.

New Bedford is the first New England partner to bring this innovative program to market thanks to a donation from the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, according to a media advisory from the Patriots organization.

Learn more about Lights On! : New Bedford Police and Patriots team up for Lights On! program – first in New England

Fall River Diocese priests found “credibly accused”

The Fall River Diocese announced Monday that it considers three additional priests to be “credibly accused” of sexual abuse.

The three priests are Father James Buckley, Father Edward Byington and Father Richard Degagne. Degagne, previously pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Easton, was suspended in 2019. Buckley and Byington were both already retired but were suspended last year.

The diocese independently reviewed the facts related to the alleged abuse and received recommendations from a review committee established by the diocese to analyze accusations of abuse against members of the local clergy, he said. in the ad.

The examination found that the allegations against the three priests were credible, and the diocese informed them that they would not return to the ministry.

Priests accused of abuse: Three other priests in Fall River diocese now considered “credibly accused” of abuse

School threat spreads via TikTok

Schools in the area saw an increased police presence on Friday, December 17, due to vague threats of school violence spreading over the TikTok social media app.

Officials from several local school districts – including Fall River, Somerset Berkley, Dighton, Middleboro, Dartmouth and New Bedford – have posted notices advising parents and citizens that they are aware of the viral threats circulating online and that they expected more police in and around schools.

The threat was not specific and was found not to be credible, but the police presence was reinforced out of caution. The threat has spread nationwide and hinted at a general threat to “all schools in the United States, even elementary” on Friday.

Threats at school: Schools on the south coast could see a greater police presence on Friday. TikTok is to blame

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Top New Bedford Stories: Christmas Display, TikTok Threat, Priest Abuse