Tag: Boston News

Thousands lose power in Massachusetts as nor’easter brings down trees and wires

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The September nor’easter is leaving its mark across the state, with several reports of trees and wires down in multiple communities.  A large tree completely uprooted on Lucy Street in Stoneham around 3 a.m. Sunday morning.  The homeowner told WBZ-TV he heard a huge crash and left a mess in his backyard. The tree grazed a back window, luckily leaving most of the damage outside his house.  But some homeowners weren’t as fortunate, like residents on 4th Street in Medford.

Another massive tree uprooted, crashing down on several parked cars and damaging one home. Crews were on the scene restoring power to the neighborhood after more than 12 hours in the dark. But the cleanup is far from over, as wires, branches and leaves are still scattered across the roadway. And a big tree still sits in the back of a pickup truck.  In Revere, more than 800 residents lost power when a driver lost control of her car and crashed into a utility pole on Mountain Avenue Sunday morning, police said.  Crews are still working to clean up the damage left behind, repairing the pole and getting lights turned back on. But working to restore power lines in this kind of storm isn’t always easy.

“This one it’s really hard because you have to wait for it to become safe before we can put a bucket in the air, and that threshold is 35 mph. So, if you’re getting 50 mph winds, you’re going to have to wait it out before we can actually get to it,” National Grid Vice President of Electric Operations Sean Vacher told WBZ-TV.  Vacher said they have 400 crews stationed across the state. Before the storm, they expected the worst of the outages to be along the coast and the islands, but the impact has been widespread.  “It seemed to migrate north and away from the coast so Merrimack Valley got hit pretty good and then western Massachusetts even,” Vacher said. “So out toward the Berkshires we’re seeing it, so it’s been fairly even across the board.” 

As of Sunday afternoon, National Grid had restored power to more than 80,000 customers, but the storm isn’t done yet. They’re hoping to have power back on for all of their customers by Monday night.  Roughly 1,000 customers were without power across the state as of Sunday at 7 p.m., according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) outage map.

Source: Thousands lose power in Massachusetts as nor’easter brings down trees and wires – CBS Boston

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1

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Flood watch issued for parts of Massachusetts with torrential rain in the weather forecast Sunday

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The WBZ-TV Weather Team is issuing a NEXT Weather Alert for a potentially tricky weather situation for Sunday, especially across Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts, where a flood watch is now in effect. The main concern will be from roughly 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday, with the greatest potential for heavy rainfall between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. We’re expecting periods of showers, along with a few embedded thunderstorms.

Most locations should see rainfall totals in the 0.50–2 inch range, but the bigger concern is the potential for localized narrow bands of torrential rain. If one of these heavier bands develops and stalls over an area, 2 to 4 inches of rain could fall within just 3 hours. That’s enough to create localized flash flooding, particularly in vulnerable urban areas where drainage can quickly become overwhelmed. Even though the overall setup isn’t necessarily a widespread flooding event, a localized corridor of very heavy rain could cause problems quickly. If you’re heading out Sunday morning or early afternoon, remember to never drive through a flooded roadway; turn around and find another route.

For now, the focus is on the potential for localized flash flooding within an otherwise fairly wet Sunday, with the greatest concern during the late morning and early afternoon hours. After the line moves through, we’ll actually end the day with some sunshine and much calmer conditions. 

Source: Flood watch issued for parts of Massachusetts with torrential rain in the weather forecast Sunday – CBS Boston

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Hunted for Following Jesus

In some communities, Muslims who leave Islam to follow Christ face rejection, threats, violence, and even death because of their faith. For Muslim-background believers, choosing to follow Jesus…

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Boston Public Garden flags honor 2,977 lives lost in 9/11 attacks 25 years ago

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Volunteers and students came together Thursday evening in Boston’s Public Garden to plant nearly 3,000 flags, each one a tribute to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Behind each flag is a name, a family, and a life representing the 2,977 people killed in the terrorist attacks. Twenty-five years later, the sea of red, white and blue stands on the Public Garden as a reminder to never forget. Among the flags, one is honoring Mark Bavis, who was aboard one of the two hijacked planes that took off from Boston’s Logan Airport that morning.

Teaming up with the Massachusetts 9/11 fund, his brother Patrick has now made it his mission to make sure younger generations understand what happened that day and always remember. “It seemed like yesterday,” said Patrick Bavis. “The young kids are the future of this country, they got to understand that life isn’t fair and people get taken from you. For us in Boston, 206 victims were taken that day.” Helping put the display together were the Navy Junior ROTC at John D. O’Bryant School and Scouting America who were learning while remembering.

“I want to give them my respects as well as honor them because that’s a really big moment in our history even though it wasn’t the best one, it’s something we all want to pay attention to,” said ROTC student Karissa Jean-Michel. The impact of 9/11 heightens our appreciation for our first responders and service members like retired Air Force Gen. Jonathan Treacy, who commanded Otis Air National Guard Base fighter jets to respond to the attacks. “It’s a little surreal, 25 years have gone so very fast,” said Treacy.

“Those lessons that we’ve learned from 9/11 aren’t something that get passed on unless every generation has a sense for what happened, why it happened, the incredible impact of what happened and the loss of life.” And as long as the flags stand, they also symbolize the resolve of our country after one of its darkest days. “Nineteen terrorists took us to our knees that day, yeah they beat us that day, but the next day America came back, and I want the students today to understand that we can be strong together,” said Bavis.

The 9/11 commemoration events start at the State House on Friday at 8:30 a.m. with a reading of the names of the 219 victims with ties to Massachusetts, a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., and the presentation of the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery inside the House Chamber.

Source: Boston Public Garden flags honor 2,977 lives lost in 9/11 attacks 25 years ago – CBS Boston

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

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Invasive spotted lanternfly threatens trees, plants in Massachusetts

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An invasive species has begun to cover trees in the MetroWest area of Massachusetts. It’s called the spotted lanternfly, and its presence could spell doom for some vegetation while creating a sticky mess in the woods near people’s homes. The insect arrived in the United States around 2014. It first showed up in Philadelphia by way of Asia. “These actually cannot fly. So the spotted lanternflies are hitchhikers or hoppers,” said Quentin Nowland, president of Lynch Landscaping.

“They are bark and sap feeders, so you will see them excrete what is called honeydew.” Spotted lanternflies on tree in Massachusetts.  The excretion will rain down from the trees covering the base in a black, sweet, sticky substance. This can attract bees, ants, and other insects to the base of the tree. It can also land on smaller vegetation causing potentially fatal issues from sooty mold. “It will damage the growth of the plant, the health of the plant, and also have issues preventing photosynthesis,” explained Nowland. Tim Abrahmsen spotted one on the patio of his Sudbury property.

“Out of the side crawled what I thought was a wasp. It was big and black. At least that’s what it looked like. I swatted it and jumped up,” said Abrahmsen. “Lying dead on the ground was the lanternfly, an unmistakable giant red dot on its back. Giant and menacing.” Tim went down a rabbit hole, researching how to protect his large property that abuts the woods.  Spotted lanternflies in Massachusetts.  “Once people understand how to kill them, or get rid of them, we can do our part,” said Abrahmsen. He began killing the insects he saw, while also searching for their eggs. “As for the eggs, that’s where you want to stop it before they hatch. They have a distinctive look like a smear of mud.

They lay them on flat or horizontal smooth surfaces,” said Abrahmsen. “Best way to get rid of them is to get a plastic, sealable bag with soapy water, or straight alcohol, and scrape them into the bag.” Lynch Landscaping is also helping people to combat the clusters of them that can form on trees. They apply a chemical to the base of the tree. It is absorbed into the sap inside the tree and then eaten by the flies. In a few days, the insects will begin to die.

Source: Invasive spotted lanternfly threatens trees, plants in Massachusetts – CBS Boston

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
Amos 5:14

For God so Loved the World

“God loved you enough to send His Son, Jesus loved you enough to give His life, and through faith, you are offered a hope this world can never…

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2 Timothy 3:12 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Paul was reminding Timothy that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life. When we…

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John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own;…

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Beloved Massachusetts zoo closed after powerful storm damages animal enclosures: “It was overwhelming”

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A beloved Springfield, Massachusetts, zoo is closed, after significant damage from a powerful macroburst on Saturday. Before the gates at The Zoo in Forest Park can reopen, there’s a lot of work to do to make sure it’s safe for the animals and the people who come to see them. The animals are safe, but their home took a direct hit that left parts of the zoo unrecognizable. “It was overwhelming. It was really overwhelming,” said zoo executive director Sarah Tsitso. Enclosures were crushed, narrowly missing animals inside. Fifty-year-old oak trees were ripped from the roots, and debris was scattered everywhere from broken tree limbs.

Trees fell during a macroburst, crushing animal enclosures at The Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts.   CBS Boston “To know that every single animal here not only survived but was unharmed and that’s just really remarkable,” Tsitso said.  Since Saturday’s storm, the people who care for the animals are still figuring out how to put their home back together. More than 220 rescue and rehab animals find sanctuary at the zoo, and many have been reshuffled to other parts of the zoo. “At the end of the day, all these animals still live here and no matter what’s happened we still have to feed the animals, clean up after the animals, take care of them and make sure they’re safe and happy and healthy every day,” said Tsitso. The Zoo in Forest Park is a seasonal nonprofit, relying on admission revenue during its limited season. “We’re losing out on $35,000 of revenue every week that we’re closed,” said Tsitso. “

So, the financial part is daunting.” The public is already stepping up, reaching out to offer donations and help with cleanup, hoping there’s still a staple for this community to come back to. “We were really in a bad place when this happened. You never want to see a place you love have something like this happen to it, but the one good part has really been the community rallying around us and showing their love and support for the animals and for the place that so many people come to every year,” said Tsitso.

Source: Beloved Massachusetts zoo closed after powerful storm damages animal enclosures: “It was overwhelming” – CBS Boston

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18

Galatians 1:6-10

“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him…

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Isaiah 45:2

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, This verse reminds us that God…

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Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. This verse emphasizes that people who carefully watch what they say will protect themselves from serious trouble. “Guarding your mouth…

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Over half a dozen sharks seen on video near popular Maine beach in two days

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Five sharks swimming over white sandy seabed with sunlight patterns

More than half a dozen white sharks have been spotted close to shore in Scarborough, Maine over a 48-hour period, prompting warnings and increased monitoring near a popular beach. The sightings have generated interest from both beachgoers and biologists. Scarborough Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata said many of the sharks spotted in the area are juveniles, including one captured on video by a paddleboarder. “Usually we’ll see one or two [sharks] here and there. This is a large volume, larger than I’ve seen, and I’ve worked this area for 30-plus years,” Granata said. “Five to seven, fairly good-sized sharks, probably six to eight feet. And then there were some drone videos of some larger ones. You know, 10-12 feet, but we’re just keeping an eye on it.”

Granata joined biologists on a boat to survey the waters near a popular sandbar at Pine Point Beach where the sharks have been spotted. The area is also frequently used by swimmers and people fishing from the water. “We know it’s a place where people recreationally fish in waist-deep water; they typically swim right there,” Granata said. “They’re right in an intertidal zone. At low tide, it’s exposed. At high tide, there’s 10 feet of water.” “We started flying aircrafts and drones, and making sure that we can keep track. And they’ve been there consistently for the last  48 hours,” Granata added. While it is not rare to see sharks along the New England coast this time of year, some less common sights are becoming more frequent. Like the volume of sharks in Maine and the variety, like the tiger shark, which was reeled in off the coast of Falmouth, Massachusetts, this week. New England Aquarium adjunct scientist John Chisholm, who was with the crew aiming to tag sharks in Scarborough, said warmer water is making the region more hospitable to some sharks.

“[Tiger Sharks] were just coming up here occasionally. Now they’re coming up here reliably year after year because the water temperature is hospitable to them,” Chisholm said. “The waters in New England are warming faster than any other places in the ocean around the world.” “That’s more like numbers we see down when we’re tagging off of the Cape; the numbers were a little surprising,” Chisholm said about the number of sharks seen in Maine. “But it’s definitely not unusual for white sharks to be in this area this time of year. Chisholm said the recent sightings are also a reminder that people entering the ocean are entering a wild environment. “Be aware of your surroundings and prepare before you go to the beach because you’re going into a wilderness area,” Chisholm said. At Pine Point Beach, beachgoer Mark Coleman said sharks are something he keeps in mind while visiting the coast.

“I don’t want to get eaten, but no problem. Sharks are sharks; they’ll stay out there, and I’ll stay here, no worries,” Coleman said. For those who do choose to enter the water, experts recommend avoiding splashing, seals and schools of fish.

Source: Over half a dozen sharks seen on video near popular Maine beach in two days – CBS Boston

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Psalm 5:8

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. In the verse David is praying in the morning while people who…

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Fisherman treads water for hours, miles off Cape Cod before rescue: “We were there for a reason”

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A fisherman who treaded water for hours several miles off the coast of Cape Cod was rescued after he was spotted by another fishing crew. The three-man crew aboard the fishing boat Seel Jr. had been in the home stretch of a nine-day trip Saturday when they changed course to lend a hand.  “A distress call came over the radio about 12:15 more or less from the Western Edge stating to the Coast Guard that he was missing a crewmember,” Joao DaSilva recalled.  Coincidentally, the captain of Western Edge used to own the Seel crew’s boat. They traveled in that direction for about an hour. Then suddenly, about eight miles off of Truro, they could hear cries for help.  

“As I’m going up the ladder Phil’s like ‘it’s either a seal or somebody’s head. I see something bobbing in front of the boat about 200 feet.’ I turned forward and there’s the lime green shirt and this dude waving his hand and he’s bobbing in the water. I’m like ‘that’s him! He’s right there! He’s alive!’ We just started crying,” DaSilva said.  Just a few months ago, the Seel crew spotted an orca off of P-Town. The rare sight is believed to be a good omen. It’s been a tragic year for the fishing community, making this outcome especially meaningful.  “It’s been a horrific year. It started with Lily Jean up in Gloucester, which was seven lives that were lost to the ocean. Tommy Williams – big part of the waterfront down in Connecticut. We had the Yankee Rose that went down off of P-Town which was out of New Bedford; two guys got lost there. It’s nice to pull somebody out of the water alive,” he said.  The man they rescued Saturday had been treading water for two and a half hours without a life jacket. The Seel crew tossed him a life ring and other floatation devices, and alerted the Coast Guard who arrived with a rescue swimmer to pull him to safety.  The man was treated for hypothermia. DaSilva said he’s already seen him back at the dock. “Saturday was just special,” DaSilva said. “We were there for a reason you know what I mean? And it wasn’t to catch fish on that last tow.”

Source: Fisherman treads water for hours, miles off Cape Cod before rescue: “We were there for a reason” – CBS Boston

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24

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“One more rough day”: Sensitive groups urged to limit exposure to wildfire smoke in Massachusetts

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city in fog

The sky over Boston has become a yellow haze that has turned the air into a smoke scented frustration as people try to enjoy the summer weather. The haze is the result of roughly 800 wildfires in Canada that have pushed smoke into New England and created an alien feel. “I thought I was on Mars, except I could breathe and I wasn’t too cold,” said Mike Cloud who came to the city for Sail Boston. “Someone this morning was pointing out the sun looked orange.”

“It almost felt like you were at a campsite with an active fire going,” said West Roxbury resident James Venezia. WBZ meteorologists say the haze began to descend on Wednesday, which resulted in an air quality alert statewide through Thursday night. “Honestly, I felt like I was getting a little issue with my heart and with my breathing. As I inhaled, I don’t know if it was my mind playing tricks on me, or if it was truly the environment just bothering me,” said Keneshia Venezia. Wildfire smoke health concerns James and Keneshia came to the city with their two little ones to see Sail Boston. The thick air left her concerned. “I was just thinking is it even safe for us to be out here? He’s two, he’s four. Can their little lungs handle this?” said Keneshia.

“Any kids that have asthma, similar symptoms to that, should probably limit their exposure and their exertion just today and tomorrow,” National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Frank Nocera said on Wednesday. He says ozone and smoke particulates are to blame for some of the breathing issues. “Unfortunately, people who have any sensitivities to smoke or any pollutants are suffering today, and unfortunately it looks like we have one more rough day coming up tomorrow,” said Nocera.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is monitoring air quality from one of their 26 stations around the state. They took WBZ inside their one in Kenmore Square. “In here we have air monitoring analyzers. Each analyzes for a different air pollutant,” said Massachusetts DEP Deputy Division Director Sean Dunn. Air quality alert through Thursday When those thresholds get too high, they issue an air quality alert. They have extended the alert through Thursday. “Currently we are in the orange part of that air quality index. That is unhealthy for sensitive groups which include young people or senior citizens,” said Dunn. “We recommend limited activity outdoors and staying inside when possible.” “I’m fine. I can deal with it.

I smoked 22 years, two packs a day, but I quit in 1990. I knew when to quit,” said Dennis Quick, a tourist from Pennsylvania who was also taking in Sail Boston. Quick spent years on a research vessel for Columbia University. They were tasked with gathering 40,000 samples from the ocean floor. During his travels at sea, he saw some interesting skies, but never a yellow haze like the one over Boston. “Out there in the sky, I saw a green flash when the sun went down on the horizon,” said Quick. He will be sure to watch the sunset Wednesday evening as well. Whatever color that may be.

Source: “One more rough day”: Sensitive groups urged to limit exposure to wildfire smoke in Massachusetts – CBS Boston

You, O LORD, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation.
Lamentations 5:19

Finding Truth and Life in Jesus

In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything around you…

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Snow in the weather forecast? Unusual storm could bring flakes to Massachusetts Saturday.

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snow covered shrubs in winter landscape

Believe it or not, the possibility of snow is in the weekend weather forecast for part of Massachusetts. It would be one thing to have a rainy day, like last Sunday, but the forecast for this Saturday truly takes the cake and has even our weather team shaking their heads. We have issued a NEXT Weather Alert for late Friday and Saturday for a very chilly, wet and windy spring storm in the Boston area. This is a highly anomalous storm for a number of reasons.   Omega Block affecting Boston weather Take a look at the jet stream forecast in the coming days. You don’t need a degree in meteorology to recognize that something isn’t right.

WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston There will be a huge ridge of high pressure extending from the Midwest way up into Canada. This will bring record heat to areas up near Hudson Bay with temperatures expected to top 80 degrees. Conversely, major troughs in the jetstream will form on either side of that giant ridge, one in the Pacific Northwest and another right over New England. This specific configuration is known as an “Omega Block,” and when you get this much twisting and turning, some wild weather is bound to occur. And, wouldn’t you know it, New England is in just the right (or wrong) place. The storm is literally coming right out of the Arctic Circle and making a beeline for our backyard. Boston weekend weather forecast There will be a few showers Friday evening and overnight. The storm will peak during the day on Saturday when a band of windswept rain will pivot from north to south across central and eastern Massachusetts.

It will have the feel of a nor’easter at times on Saturday, with strong northeast winds pushing waves of rainfall inland. Winds will gust between 30-to-50 mph within that band of heavy rainfall, perhaps even leading to some minor tree damage.

Source: Snow in the weather forecast? Unusual storm could bring flakes to Massachusetts Saturday. – CBS Boston

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Over 37,000 American flags planted on Boston Common for annual Memorial Day tradition

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an american cemetery

Tens of thousands of American flags are on display on the Boston Common as part of the annual Memorial Day weekend tradition.  It’s the 16th year the flags have been on display, honoring over 37,000 Massachusetts service members who have died since the Revolutionary War.  Daniella Palma has spent the last five years volunteering to help place the whopping number of flags. Hundreds of volunteers from Home Base, A Sox Foundation, Mass General programs and Military Families of the Fallen take part.  “I love it. I think it’s a great thing that we do for the people that have served,” Palma said. “For me, it’s a hope that people take a moment and pause and reflect on what people have given for this country.”

Governor Maura Healey, alongside other state officials, visited the flags ahead of Memorial Day to honor fallen service members.  “What makes this memorial so meaningful is that it’s built by people showing up, year after year, to remember. A simple act of love and gratitude that, together, becomes something even more powerful,” said Governor Maura Healey in a social media post.  People walking around the historic park stopped to remember those who served and gave their lives for their country.  “I know a lot of people [who served], people I graduated with were in the Vietnam War,” Elizabeth Kingsley said.  “My late father served in World War II. I am active with Home Base and a couple of other veteran organizations to honor his memory,” Ed Scheinbart said. Doug Dell served in Vietnam and said Memorial Day has a deep meaning for him. He said that it took him a while to visit the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, but now he makes sure he stops by every year.

Source: Over 37,000 American flags planted on Boston Common for annual Memorial Day tradition – CBS Boston

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35

Hope in the dark

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s…

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Tree falls on Massachusetts school playground, injuring 2 children, adult

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playground with colorful fence in city

Two children and an adult were injured after a large tree fell onto a school playground in Melrose, Massachusetts on Monday afternoon. The city is calling it a “serious accident.” It happened at the Winthrop Elementary School just moments after school was let out for the day. “It was after school; kids were playing on the playground as they usually do,” said Nancy Clover of Melrose. “The wind picked up and a tree fell.” Police caution tape was put up around the swing sets and slide where the tree fell. The trunk of the tree bent a fence as it fell from the neighboring property onto the playground.  The Melrose Fire Department said two children and an adult were injured and taken to the hospital in ambulances. The ages and conditions of those who were injured were not released.

Source: Tree falls on Massachusetts school playground, injuring 2 children, adult – CBS Boston

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.
Psalm 112:1

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United flight from Germany to Chicago diverted to Boston due to unruly passenger, airline says

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airplane in flight against cloudy sky

An unruly passenger caused a United Airlines flight from Germany to Chicago to be diverted to a Boston airport on Monday morning. United Airlines flight 945 was diverted to Logan Airport, where it landed around 8:30 a.m. Chicago time due to the unruly passenger. According to the Massachusetts State Police, the passenger was restrained on the flight, but was cooperative by the time troopers boarded the plane. EMS also responded to evaluate the passenger, who declined medical attention.

The flight, a Boeing 787, was heading to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport from Frankfurt International Airport. It had 231 passengers and 12 crew members on board.  United said in a statement after the passenger was removed, “the flight then continued to Chicago.” The individual was placed into custody by U.S. Customs officials and was later taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Source: United flight from Germany to Chicago diverted to Boston due to unruly passenger, airline says – CBS Boston

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30

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Little Joe, gorilla that once escaped Franklin Park Zoo, is on the move again and is leaving Boston

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close up of the head of a gorilla

Little Joe is leaving Boston after decades at the Franklin Park Zoo. The zoo did not say exactly where the 33-year-old gorilla is going, but said he’ll move to an accredited institution, “where it is hoped that he will be successful in starting his own family.” In 2003, Little Joe made national headlines when he escaped his enclosure and ran into the city, injuring a 2-year-old girl. The zoo made safety upgrades in the years that followed. Little Joe is a western lowland gorilla, which is a critically endangered species that is threatened in the wild by disease and poaching, as well as logging and mining practices, the zoo said.

“This news is bittersweet to share as we will all miss Little Joe, but we are also excited for this opportunity for him to lead his own troop and start a family, which is important for the preservation of the species,” Zoo New England president and CEO Stephanie Brinley said in a statement.  Little Joe will leave Boston sometime in the coming months. As part of the breeding program, he will be replaced by two young gorillas in the spring. One of them is an 8-year-old named Moke that is currently at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Later in the year, a male silverback gorilla will come to Boston from another zoo. The two young gorillas will join a 5-year-old at Franklin Park Zoo named Pablo to form a “bachelor group,” the zoo said. “Pablo is reaching the age where he will be testing his family and pushing boundaries more,” assistant curator Erica Farrell said. “We hope that Pablo will bond with his new bachelor troop members while they are still young and develop relationships that will help them grow together through their teenage years, and beyond.”

Source: Little Joe, gorilla that once escaped Franklin Park Zoo, is leaving Boston – CBS Boston

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 53:4

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Unusual killer whale “Old Thom” seen near Boston swimming with dolphins in new video

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orca in sea

There’s been another sighting of an unusual killer whale in the waters off Massachusetts.

Video posted Monday by Kevin DePersia, known as @drtunafish on Instagram, shows the orca swimming with “a huge pod of dolphins” in the Stellwagen Bank, about 20 miles from Boston. Jeff Blackman, Dan Shannon and John Dentino on the fishing boat Sorry Charlie captured the video.

“Been waiting my entire life to see one,” Blackman wrote on Facebook.

Orla O’Brien, a research scientist with the New England Aquarium, confirmed that it is the killer whale known as “Old Thom.”

Source: Unusual killer whale “Old Thom” seen near Boston swimming with dolphins in new video – CBS Boston

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Psalm 37:7

Boston Replaced Some Cops With Social Workers — One Was Just Attacked By Sword-Wielding Man

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a female volunteering in search of missing person

A sword-wielding man in Boston attacked a mental health clinician on Saturday after speaking with the worker — who was sent to assist police — for about 40 minutes through a locked door. The man called 911, claiming that four armed people were trying to harm him. When police officers arrived, they found him behind a locked door and sent a clinician, who spoke with him for nearly 45 minutes while the door remained closed, CBS News reported Monday. However, as soon as the man opened the door at first responders’ urging, he brandished a sword, swiftly knocked the mental health worker to the ground, and stabbed one of the officers in the arm.

Source: Boston Replaced Some Cops With Social Workers — One Was Just Attacked By Sword-Wielding Man | The Daily Caller

Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
Ecclesiastes 7:10