Latest news with #Bessette
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Juvenile, 22-year-old man arrested in connection with Facebook Marketplace robberies in Waterbury
A Waterbury man and a juvenile are facing charges in connection with a series of robberies involving items posted for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The suspects were identified as William Brown, 22, and a 17-year-old male juvenile, also from Waterbury, according to Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department. Bessette said in each incident a weapon was allegedly either displayed or threatened during the attempts to steal the items being purchased. The juvenile was arrested on May 24 and charged with conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, according to Bessette. Detectives located and arrested Brown on an active warrant on Monday and he was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery. two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, carrying a pistol without a permit and interfering with police. Bessette said Brown was also arrested on an unrelated warrant for second-degree harassment and second-degree threatening. He is being held on a $775,000 bond pending arraignment. According to Bessette, additional warrants are being sought in connection with other recent robbery incidents. 'At the time of his arrest, Brown was found in possession of a loaded firearm, which is believed to be similar to the one described by victims in the recent robbery incidents and has been recovered by investigators,' Bessette said. The investigation is ongoing.
Vogue
4 days ago
- Business
- Vogue
Welcome, Welcome! You're Now a Vogue Shopping Insider—Here's What's Next
What is Vogue Shopping Insiders? We thought you'd never ask! It's the ultimate IYKYK destination to unlock your own personal style for less. Expect to find exclusive offers and early access to coveted drops, plus bespoke curations from our favorite designers and retailers that you can only (yes, only) shop on Vogue. It's the inner circle you want to be part of if you're as shopping obsessed as we are. What kind of access do Vogue Shopping Insiders get? Here's where it gets good. There are two ways to enjoy all that Vogue Shopping Insiders has to offer: exclusive discounts and bespoke curations. Insiders can save on in-the-know brands Vogue editors are most excited about—think Agmes, Le Sundial, Liffner, Liberowe, and Hunting Season. Plus, for each label offering an exclusive code, Vogue editors will share their tried-and-true favorites from the brand to help you make the final call, because let's face it, we all need that friend when we hit the inevitable checkout crossroads. But that's not all. Vogue Shopping Insiders will also have access to bespoke curations and limited drops, available to shop while product lasts. We'll be kicking things off with a sourced-for-Insiders-only edit from Bessette (the discount luxury fashion platform where you can find contemporary labels up to 70% off) and Tab Vintage (the online vintage mecca that editors and celebrities tap for rare archival fashion). Insider offers you can shop right now Ready to shop? Here's a sneak peek at what's available this summer for Vogue Shopping Insiders: Hunting Season's timeless satin clutches and raffia baskets, Agmes and Le Sundial's sculptural statement jewelry, Liffner's buttery soft suede and leather handbags, and Liberowe's expertly-crafted feminine tailoring. You'll find pieces from each brand in our own wardrobes—why not yours, next? What if I want more? We don't like to gatekeep—after all, before it sells out, it's in Vogue Shopping. Stay on top of the shopping scoop with our weekly New Arrivals edit, Editor Wish Lists, and so much more.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hopewell city attorney on assault claim: Not his job to 'get crossways' with councilors
Hopewell's city attorney says it is not his place 'to get crossways' with anyone on City Council because they are all his clients, but he added that he plans to answer a charge of assault being brought against him by a councilor following a brief confrontation at a contentious meeting earlier this week. In a telephone interview May 16 with The Progress-Index, Anthony Bessette said it was 'on video and in clear view of the public' what transpired at the May 13 meeting between him and Ward 7 Councilor Dominic Holloway. Bessette said he planned to go to the Hopewell Police headquarters on the morning of May 19 to personally receive the summons. According to a livestream of the meeting and video shot by The Progress-Index, Holloway took offense to Bessette putting his hand on Holloway's arm as the councilor reached over to point something out to him. At the time, Bessette was wearing multiple hats as council's legal advisor, parliamentarian, and clerk – the latter after council fired Brittani Williams and City Manager Dr. Concetta Manker on May 1 in a decision that has rocked Hopewell and prompted mass calls for resignations of four councilors. The confrontation happened when a group called the Party of Socialism & Liberation – which earlier had protested outside the Municipal Building in support of Manker and Williams – stood up and began chanting for City Council to reinstate the two women. ➤ See the video at the top of this story. As Hopewell deputies escorted the protesters out, Holloway stood up as a sign to oppose Mayor Johnny Partin Jr.'s efforts to shut down his proclaimed 'point of personal privilege.' While Partin was attempting to move on with the meeting agenda, Holloway continued to stand and leaned over to point out on Bessette's computer that he was within his rights to continue speaking. At about the 1:19 mark of The Progress-Index video, Bessette can be seen trying to place his hand on Holloway's outstretched arm. 'Don't touch me, sir. That is an assault,' Holloway told Bessette. 'You just touched me. You just assaulted me. Do not touch me, sir.' As Bessette withdrew his hand, Holloway said he was in the middle of his personal privilege. 'Did you just grab me?' Holloway asked again. Meanwhile, Partin was banging his gavel and telling Holloway to sit down. 'You have been overruled by the parliamentarian,' the mayor said. Tariffs causing higher prices, Walmart warns In the moments prior to the confrontation, Holloway and Bessette had several verbal back-and-forths over Holloway's quizzing about proper meeting procedure. According to Robert's Rule of Order, which Hopewell and most other governing bodies follow on conduct of government meetings, a 'point of personal privilege' can be brought up at any time by any member. No debate or discussion of issues can be held while a point is raised. Holloway invoked the point because he sought clarity on whether Ward 4 Councilor Ronnie Ellis – a battalion chief with the Hopewell Fire Department – had acted in conflict of interest for voting to fire Manker, his de facto boss. In that position, Ellis is considered second-in-command of the department and at any given time could be called upon to act as the department head, therefore making him accountable to Manker as city manager. Bessette ruled that the issue needed to be addressed as a separate matter on the council agenda, and the council majority did not seem interested in amending the agenda to allow it. That prompted Holloway to repeat previous allegations that Bessette is part of a 'small coup' by council's White majority to quell advancement of Black citizens either in government jobs or on City Council. Washington Commanders schedule 2025: Complete list games In conversation with The Progress-Index, Bessette said he had not yet received the summons but planned to receive it first thing on the morning of May 19. In the meantime, Bessette said the incident 'is on video and in clear view of the public,' and they can see for themselves what happened. 'Councilor Holloway is one-seventh of my clients, and I serve council as a whole,' Bessette said. 'It is not my place in any way to confront or get crossways with any councilor.' Bessette joined Hopewell as city attorney last February. A former senior assistant county attorney in Albemarle, he was the only one who interviewed for the position. The city attorney is one of three Hopewell employees who report directly to City Council. The others are city manager and city clerk. Hopewell: Authorities release fire investigation details, St. James Catholic Church Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@ or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Hopewell city attorney facing assault claim from councilor after meeting
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
A PGA Tour tournament director called this Massachusetts course 'unbelievable.' Which one?
A PGA Tour tournament director called this Massachusetts course 'unbelievable.' Which one? Nathan Grube, tournament director of the Travelers Championship, called it one of the top five golf courses he has played. Andy Bessette, Travelers executive vice president and chief administrative officer, declared it was the most fun golf course he has played. So which golf course were they talking about? No, it wasn't TPC River Highlands, site of the Travelers Championship June 19-22 in Cromwell, Connecticut. They enjoy that course as well, but believe it or not, they were referring to Worcester Country Club. Bessette and Grube played in Golf Fights Cancer's Good Guy Invitational at Worcester CC last September. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan founded Golf Fights Cancer with Holy Cross graduate Brian Oates, the executive director of sales at Kraft Sports and Entertainment. Bessette and Grube have played in the event for about 15 years at various sites. Last fall was the first time they played at Worcester CC, and they raved about the course when asked about it at the Travelers media day at TPC River Highlands on April 29. 'Oh my gosh,' Grube said of the course, which ranked No. 13 in the state on Golfweek's Best private club rankings. 'That golf course is unbelievable. I've played a lot of golf courses in my life, but it became one of my top five favorite courses within probably the first seven or eight holes. The sightlines, the playability, the history. When you walk around that property, it's just like it wraps its arms around you.' 'That was phenomenal,' Bessette said. 'It was the most fun course I've played. Nathan and I both agreed.' 'We had the best time I've ever had on a golf course,' Bessette said. 'That's a great golf course. The people were fun, too. Worcester Country Club, I would join that country club in two seconds and drive an hour occasionally to go play it. That's a great golf course.' Bessette also appreciated the history of Worcester CC, home of the 1925 U.S. Open, the inaugural Ryder Cup in 1927 and the 1960 U.S. Women's Open. Worcester CC head pro Andy Lane was thrilled to hear that Grube and Bessette had praised the course. 'It's really exciting to hear feedback like that,' Lane said. 'I'm fortunate to spend every day at this golf course and see how much our membership and our guests know how special our golf course is, especially on the centennial year for our 1925 U.S. Open and two years away from our centennial of the first Ryder Cup. It's a special time here at Worcester Country Club. The golf course has never been better." Lane credited superintendent Adam Moore and his staff with keeping Worcester CC in great shape. 'They're always on top of their game,' Lane said. 'They love every inch of this golf course, and it shows.' Bessette said his son travels to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for his Type 1 diabetes care. 'Phenomenal facility,' Bessette said. 'It's a center of excellence.' He urges golf fans from the Worcester area to make the drive to watch the Travelers. When reminded about the upcoming 100th anniversary of 1925 U.S. Open at Worcester CC, Grube joked, 'If I went right now, I'd probably shoot a 100 on the 100th anniversary.' That's because he's busy preparing for the Travelers Championship. As one of the PGA Tour's eight signature events, the Travelers will host most of the tour's top players. The entire field will consist of 72 players, half the number of a regular event, but there will be no cut. So there's no danger of a top player going home after two days. Scottie Scheffler, No. 1 in the World Golf Rankings for 103 consecutive weeks, will defend his championship. The only other golfer to be ranked No. 1 for 100 or more consecutive weeks is Tiger Woods, who did it twice, for 281 and 264 consecutive weeks. Bessette pointed out that unlike other sports, golf offers the opportunity to watch many of the top players perform at the same place on the same day. Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Ludwig Aberg and Justin Thomas are among those scheduled to play at the Travelers. The Travelers has been the only PGA Tour event in New England since 2020 when TPC of Boston hosted its 17th and final PGA Tour event. Dustin Johnson won the Northern Trust that year at TPC Boston with no fans on hand due to the pandemic. Grube said the Travelers offers more than the chance to watch many of the top golfers play. 'I would put our fan experience against any other professional sport in the country,' he said, 'and I would welcome people to come experience it.' The Travelers offers convenient parking, sunscreen stations, free water and several free venues, including a treehouse constructed in a grove of trees between the 14th tee and the 15th green. Tree House Brewing Company of Charlton will host a beer garden there. This is the 19th year that the Travelers has been the title sponsor, the longest reign of any title sponsor since the PGA Tour began holding events in Connecticut in 1952. 'The PGA Tour had killed the tournament,' Bessette said, 'and we brought it back to life.' Travelers inherited the tournament debt and worked hard to draw the tour's best golfers. Last year the tournament raised more than $3.2 million for more than 100 charities, including some in Massachusetts. Since Travelers became the title sponsor in 2007, the tournament has raised more than $31 million for charity. The Travelers is the only PGA Tour event to be voted as the players' favorite event for two years in a row. 'It's a week in which the players and our families and our caddies get treated as good as we do all year,' Scheffler said. The Travelers provides a welcomed relief to golfers the week after they have to grind it out through the difficult conditions of playing in the U.S. Open. Scheffler defeated Tom Kim in a playoff at TPC River Highlands last year after they each shot 22-under for 72 holes. That was 16 strokes lower than the 6-under that Bryson DeChambeau shot to win the U.S. Open the week before. 'It's a fun, relaxing week for us as players,' Scheffler said. 'That's why I think we get excited to go play and go make some birdies and have some fun.' Grounds tickets cost $109 for Thursday or Friday, and $115 for Saturday or Sunday. General admission tickets include access to four free venues. Admission is free for children ages 15 and under. There's also no charge for members of the military, veterans, health care workers and first responders, but registration is required. For tickets, visit Scheffler's caddie, Ted Scott, carried Bubba Watson's bag when he won the Travelers in 2010, 2015 and 2018. So when Scheffler plays TPC River Highlands, Scott keeps telling him what Watson did on each hole during those victories. 'After a few holes, that can get pretty annoying listening to Teddy talk about when Bubba won,' Scheffler said. Scheffler joked that he told Scott he would hit him with his club if he kept talking about Watson. Last Christmas, Scheffler suffered what he called a 'silly injury,' a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken wine glass while making ravioli. The injury required surgery and caused him to miss the first four tournaments of the season. He wasn't as sharp as he would have liked for a while, but the week after the Travelers media day he shot 31-under par to win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas, to set a 72-hole scoring record and win by eight shots. —Contact Bill Doyle at bcdoyle15@
CBS News
18-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
FEMA scraps BRIC program, drying up funds for critical Yuba-Sutter levee project
YUBA COUNTY — Federal funding for critical flood protection in the Yuba-Sutter area was cancelled, and local agencies are scrambling to come up with a solution. Construction for a project to reinforce part of the levee along the Sutter Bypass — protecting 3,400 people — was expected to start in 2027. But now the project, which is almost six years in the making, has hit a $50 million roadblock. "It's the worst five miles of that 17-mile levee," said Michael Bessette, executive director of the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency (SBFCA). Late last year, Bessette's agency was awarded $50 million to shore up a stretch of the Sutter Bypass East Levee. The money was coming from FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, program. "We're at the confluence of several major rivers and we really depend on our levees to keep people safe," said Gary Bradford, Yuba County supervisor. Now that the BRIC program has been scrapped by FEMA , Bessette's agency has major concerns about how the critical project will be funded. "We didn't have the funding passed on to SBFCA. That's why they can just cancel it, which is what they seem to be doing right now," he said. FEMA said in a statement, in part, "The BRIC program was yet another example of a wasteful and ineffective FEMA program. It was more concerned with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters." "Those are very unfortunate and incorrect words for a project like ours. Our project is public safety," Bessette said. "Preparing local jurisdictions for disasters before they happen is much more cost-effective than waiting until after it happens, then paying for recovery," Bradford said. Now, the flood control agency and Yuba and Sutter county officials are working to come up with solutions. "We're greatly concerned. We're working very closely with Congressman Doug LaMalfa's office to see if there's any way to salvage the funding," Bessette said. A spokesperson from Congressman LaMalfa's office told CBS Sacramento, "he is less concerned about which pot of money is used and more concerned about the levee projects being completed quickly." "You're always in danger of flooding if you live behind a levee or near a river, so it's about risk reduction. So this project would've further reduced that risk," Bradford said. The goal is to get the levee in what is a rural area up to 100-year flood protection. Neighboring urban areas, like Yuba City, are at a 200-year protection.
