Free Republic

Bill Belichick didn’t sugarcoat anything when he discussed the Massachusetts’ state income tax and the challenge it imposes on the Patriots signing free agents. The 72-year-old Belichick — who parted ways with the Patriots after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles in January — recalled negotiations being difficult in Foxboro due to state’s four percent surtax on taxable income more than $1 million, which was implemented in 2022. “That’s Taxachusetts,” Belichick said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, which drew laughs from Pat McAfee and his co-host AJ Hawk. “Virtually every player, even the practice...

WRENTHAM, Mass. (AP) -- The pastor of a Foxborough church has been charged with attempting to scam four elderly people out of their Social Security checks by telling them they were lottery winners. Ranulfo Luther Raposo of the Seventh-day Adventist Church pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges including attempted larceny and identity fraud. He was granted $5,000 bail. Police say the alleged victims are in their 70s and 80s, live in Michigan, New Mexico and Arkansas, and are unconnected with the church. Authorities tell The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro the 51-year-old Raposo convinced them to disclose their Social Security...