Police Chief Raking In $300K Resigns Amid Investigation: Patch PM

Today is Monday, Jan. 11. Here are some of the top stories we are covering.

Methuen police Chief Joseph Solomon is stepping down following a state inspector general report on exorbitant police contracts.

Solomon, who was put on leave following the release of the report, is also facing a Civil Service Commission investigation into hirings and promotions, The Boston Globe reported Monday.

Solomon makes more than $300,000 a year, making him one of the highest-paid police officers in the country.

He is accused of handing out jobs and promotions to favored candidates after the $300,000 was approved, the Globe reported.

Solomon, who has run the department for nearly two decades, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Read the full story here

'Disgraceful': U.S. Rep. Advises Belichick Punt On Trump's Award

New Englanders have long told Bill Belichick whether he should go for it or not. The consensus this time around appears to be "not."

The Patriots aren't saying whether Bill Belichick will accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom this week, but elected officials are beginning to weigh in on the matter.

"Bill Belichick should do the right thing and say, 'No thanks,'" U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern said Monday.

For once, the issue isn't President Trump as much as it is the timing. Trump faces impeachment as early as Wednesday; Belichick is scheduled to receive the award Thursday.

"This president is not fit to be in office," McGovern said. "Anything he would bestow on anybody is meaningless and to accept it is disgraceful."

Boston Celtics Games Postponed As Coronavirus Runs Through NBA

If you're tall and have a pulse, you should contact the folks at TD Garden. It's possible they might need you this week.

The NBA announced the postponement of Tuesday's game between the Celtics and Bulls. It's the second straight day the league has announced the postponement of a Celtics game.

Boston is one of several teams around the league struggling to field enough healthy players right now.

The NBA is for the first time feeling the crunch of trying to get through a season with the coronavirus bearing down on it.

Also

Boston Police Head Gross 'Strongly Considering' Run For Mayor: I-Team Sources

William Gross has been with the Boston Police Department for more than 30 years.

Young Woman Killed In Fiery Melrose Crash

The woman, in her 20s, crashed into a telephone pole and tree on Franklin Street late Saturday night.

Somerville Bicyclist Seriously Injured In Medford Crash

The man was hit by a car in Wellington Circle early Monday, state police said.

AB School Committee Members Targeted Again With Hate Speech

For a second time, the only two Black School Committee members were the targets of hate speech in the middle of a public meeting.

MCI-Framingham Unit To Be Suspended Temporarily: DOC

The South Middlesex Correctional Center unit houses only about 14 percent of MCI-Framingham's total population.