Firefighters Union Keeps Flying 'Thin Blue Line' Flags: Patch PM

HINGHAM, MA — Today is Monday, July 27. Here are some of the top stories we are covering today.

The widow of Weymouth Police Sergeant Michael Chesna is not happy with the proposals for police reform in Massachusetts.

Cindy Chesna weighed in on that and a controversial decision to remove the "Thin Blue Line" flag from fire department trucks in neighboring Hingham over the weekend.

Sgt. Chesna was attacked with a rock and killed with his own gun after responding to a call for an erratic driver in Weymouth on July 15, 2018. An elderly woman who lived nearby was also killed during the incident.

One town over, the president of the union representing Hingham firefighters said the "Thin Blue Line" flags meant as a tribute to local police after the anniversary of Chesna's death will remain flying until town officials provide a copy of the policy they said the flags violate.

The issue of police reform has become a controversial issue on the South Shore and across Massachusetts. Proponents of a sweeping police reform bill have argued changes are necessary, following the death of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police.

Opponents have argued the bill goes too far by taking away qualified immunity from police officers and making the job of officers more difficult. See how state representatives on the South Shore voted here.

Also on the South Shore:

Quincy Parent Tests Positive For Coronavirus After Graduation

Quincy school officials tried to calm concerns of those who attended Saturday's Quincy High graduation ceremony this weekend after a parent of one of the graduates informed the school they tested positive for the coronavirus.

Quincy Superintendent of Schools Kevin W. Mulvey sent a letter to the school community on Sunday notifying attendees that one parent tested positive after the ceremony. He said contact tracing was completed and that the belief is there was a "low risk of transmission" to most at the ceremony due to safety precautions that were taken.

Brockton Man Charged In Route 3 Crash That Killed Quincy Woman

A Brockton man has been charged with manslaughter, felony motor vehicle homicide and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with a crash that killed an 87-year-old Quincy woman and shut down Route 3 in Pembroke on July 19.

The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said Randy Campbell, 33, was charged with manslaughter by motor vehicle, felony motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence of drugs causing injury, speeding and operating to endanger.

Across Massachusetts:

Is Red Sox Season In Jeopardy After Marlins COVID Outbreak?

Questions surround the future of what was an already shaky Major League Baseball effort to play a season following an outbreak of coronavirus cases on the Miami Marlins.

It was reported Monday morning the Marlins have had at least 14 positive test results in recent days, including nearly half the players on their active roster. The team played a weekend series in Philadelphia and was scheduled to open its home schedule Monday night against Baltimore, a game that has been postponed.

Massachusetts Schools Are Still The Best In The Nation: Study

Much has changed about school in Massachusetts in 2020, but one thing that has stayed consistent is its top standing in the country.

Massachusetts schools were far and away No. 1 in a new study conducted by personal finance site WalletHub. The Bay State led both the quality and safety lists in rankings released Monday morning.

Also today:

• Massachusetts COVID-19 Case Counts on the Rise Again
• Cape Cod Island Opens To Public For First Time In 300 Years
• Colleges Plan For Virus Testing, But Strategies Vary Widely