Frustrated East Boston commuters wait in long lines for ferry during Blue Line closure
In response, hundreds of commuters have turned to the ferry from East Boston. It is free during construction, but the wait times to get on have people upset.
"They knew this was coming, and they fumbled the bag," says Jacob Evanter. "If I was Jesus, I could have walked across the harbor and been at work 10 minutes ago."
On Tuesday, people took to social media to voice their displeasure and experiences. One person said their husband missed their daughter's graduation. Another person said there were already 100 people in line by the time they showed up at 830 a.m. Commuters say ferries that were at capacity were forced to leave people at the back of the line behind.
"[I have been waiting] about 15 minutes, but I think people have been waiting much longer too," said Bridgette Muckian.
MBTA adds more ferry trips
In response to the heavy demand, the MBTA added 12 more trips during weekdays, and 23 on the weekends. The morning pickup time has been extended, and as of June 11, the evening schedule has been extended by an hour.
The MBTA also added an extra 550-person vessel during rush hour. It made three trips Wednesday morning which helped to accommodate the huge influx.
The MBTA said the Eastie to Long Wharf ferry had 1,585 passengers from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They only had 50 passengers between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. a week prior.
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CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
Passengers evacuated from plane onto Denver runway after landing gear issue sparked fire and left 1 injured
More than 150 passengers on an American Airlines flight departing from Denver International Airport Saturday were evacuated onto the runway after a 'possible landing gear incident' left one person injured and sparked a fire, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. After the Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced a 'maintenance issue' involving an aircraft tire prior to takeoff, emergency personnel at the airport and the Denver Fire Department responded to the issue and those on board were evacuated on the runway, according to American Airlines and Denver International Airport. The evacuation is the latest in a string of alarming aviation incidents at Denver International Airport – the sixth busiest airport in the world. In March, dozens of passengers were forced to stand on the wing of an American Airlines plane as they evacuated the aircraft after one of its engines caught fire. A month later, a United Airlines plane hit an animal on takeoff and shot out fire. On Saturday, passengers on the plane, which was departing to Miami International Airport with 173 passengers and six crew members, panicked when they heard a loud bang and saw flames before being evacuated on a slide attached to the plane. The combination of blown tires and the deceleration of the plane during braking resulted in a brake fire that was extinguished by the Denver Fire Department, according to American Airlines. 'All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience,' the airline said. Five people were evaluated at the scene, and another person was evaluated at a gate and taken to the hospital with a minor injury, according to the airport and airline. The plane had been scheduled to depart from the gate at 1:12 p.m. local time, according to FlightAware, and the incident occurred around 2:45 p.m., the FAA said. FlightAware data shows 240 flights out of Denver International Airport were delayed as of Saturday evening. Customers will depart to Miami on a replacement plane later today, according to the airline. The FAA is investigating the incident. The evacuation comes a day after a harrowing moment for passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight. A privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet crossed less than two miles in front of a Boeing 737 plane within a few hundred feet of its altitude, according to the flight tracking site Flightradar24. Shay Armistead, a 17-year-old passenger from Minturn, Colorado, who was headed to Santiago, Chile, for a ski trip with her club team, said Saturday's ordeal was 'kind of traumatizing.' As the plane moved down the runway, passengers heard a loud bang and believed the tire popped, Armistead said. 'The plane started vibrating and shaking really bad,' she told CNN. 'We started tilting to the left side of the runway, and then we heard the sound of the wind from them lifting up the brakes of the plane and slamming on them really hard.' Just a few seats down, Armistead's teammate, 16-year-old Margaret Gustafson, had a clear view out of the window and saw the maintenance issue, she said. Gustafson said she knew something was wrong when she saw flames coming out from under the plane. 'That's when I started fully panicking,' she said. When she heard a big boom, Gustafson was unsure where the noise came from. 'Some of us just thought we hit something and then we started really swerving on the runway,' Gustafson said. 'I personally grabbed my friend's hand who was in front of me because we didn't really know what was going on.' The scary moment was met by immense panic among passengers. 'One passenger was screaming, 'We're all gonna die,'' Armistead said. 'Another passenger was not sitting down and cooperating, and so it was kind of just a lot of panic.' Passengers lined up the back of the plane, where they slid down the slide attached to the plane, Armistead said. The entire evacuation process took about 10 to 15 minutes, she recalled. Although their ski trip plans were derailed, the teammates' flight was rescheduled to tomorrow morning. This story has been updated with additional information.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
This Underrated Louisiana City Is The Beating Heart Of Cajun Culture
Lafayette was officially established in 1821, then known as "Vermilionville." While New Orleans draws millions of visitors each year thanks to its vibrant nightlife and eye-catching architecture, one of Louisiana's most underrated cities can be found just three hours west of The Big Easy. With well over 100,000 people residing within city limits, Lafayette has given rise to a wealth of captivating attractions, with plenty of opportunities to explore the distinct Cajun culture that's formed across Louisiana over the years. Though it tends to fly under the radar compared to larger nearby cities, those who venture to Lafayette will be richly rewarded with a seamless blend of time-honored tradition and contemporary charm, with a thriving seafood scene, esteemed museums and plenty of cozy shops to explore all across the region. Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, thousands of Acadian people settled in modern-day Louisiana either ... More through forcible relocation or elective migration. Given its large concentration of Cajun Americans, Lafayette and its surrounding parish are often referred to as the 'Heart of Acadiana'—and for a thorough immersion on the roots of this storied culture, Vermilionville is the perfect destination. Measuring in at 23 acres, this living history museum comes equipped with a wealth of restored 19th-century homes, with plenty of interpreters on-site to provide insight into the daily lives of Lafayette's historic Cajun, Creole and Native American communities. Throughout each visit, guests can enjoy woodworking demonstrations, learn about the indigenous history of the region and experience lively zydeco music performances, with each session held in hopes of preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Acadiana region that's developed across the centuries. Louisiana has long been renowned for its culinary culture, and while top-tier restaurants abound across Lafayette, history buffs should be sure to book an excursion with Cajun Food Tours for a double dose of Acadiana lore paired with incredible dining. During an Original Cajun Food Tour, guests will be treated to lengthy tales about the history of the Acadian people, with opportunities to dine on local staples like gumbo and king cake throughout the day. Meanwhile, those interested in a more international perspective on the city can opt for an Around the World tour, with Latin American, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines all highlighted during the excursion. The Louisiana crawfish was designated the state crustacean of Louisiana in 1983. Once you've gained some insight into the history of Louisiana's food scene, it's time to sample some of the state's most lauded dishes, with The Cajun Table serving as the perfect destination for a classic crawfish boil. Options span from three pounds to fifteen pounds of freshly-caught crawfish, with plenty of potatoes, boiled sausage and Cajun table dip to pair with the bugs—and as an added bonus, there are plenty of other preparation styles to sample, with alternate options including crawfish fettuccine, crawfish half and half and crawfish-topped Bloody Marys. Beyond The Cajun Table, other beloved local spots include Spoonbill and Pop's Poboys—and once you've had your fill of savory seafood, Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe is the perfect dessert spot, drawing customers with its freshly-made dairy products since 1940. Lafayette has mastered the art of traditional Pelican State favorites, but the city is no slouch when it comes to innovative contemporary dining either. During morning hours, Five Mile Eatery wows customers with its carefully-crafted plates that come packed full of locally-sourced produce and protein, with probiotic yogurt bowls, microgreen-topped caprese toast and syrup-soaked waffles all gracing the menu—and when it comes to evening fine dining, it's tough to find a better destination than Vestal. Specializing in classic Southern fare with a modern twist, this polished space offers tantalizing dishes like Thai chili-loaded mussels and yuzu butter-infused half shell redfish, while the cocktail program is just as impressive, with options like the agave-heavy You're in Trouble and tropical fruit-forward Happy Disaster serving as two must-try menu items for spirit aficionados. The American alligator is a prominent cultural symbol across Louisiana, serving as the state reptile ... More since 1983. While Lafayette is renowned for its time-honored Cajun culture, the city also offers a glimpse into the charm of contemporary Acadiana, with plenty of eye-catching shops to explore across the downtown area. To kick off the day, visitors can make their way to Rêve Coffee Lab to snag a cappuccino, then set off just a few steps down the street to explore Lagniappe Records, a cozy shop that's home to a colossal music selection spanning from cassettes to CDs to vinyl. Just across the street, Cavalier House Books also draws guests in droves thanks to its diverse collection of works, while spring and fall visitors should be sure to swing by Parc Sans Souci to enjoy Downtown Alive!, a Friday night concert series that's perfect for catching a traditional zydeco band in action. After a thorough deep dive into downtown Lafayette, visitors can gain ample insight into the local arts scene with a trip to the Hilliard Art Museum. Established in 2004, this esteemed institution is dedicated to highlighting the storied beauty of Acadiana, with a captivating collection of bucolic landscape paintings, intricate sculptures and high-definition photography on display across the space. Meanwhile, the late night hours bring the opportunity to catch all sorts of enthralling live performances across the city, with sites like the Blue Moon Saloon and Hideaway on Lee drawing local talent to the stage with plenty of cocktails and local craft beer to enjoy along the way.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tourist Says He Was Denied Entry To U.S. Over A Seemingly Innocent Photo — And It Could Happen To You
Seeing Vice President JD Vance as a bald, shiny orb can make you laugh ― but can it get you denied entry at a U.S. border? According to one tourist, yes. Norwegian tourist Mads Mikkelsen told Nordlys that he was denied entry at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on June 11 after authorities searched his phone and found a Vance meme on his phone camera roll, and then proceeded to question him about right-wing extremism and drug smuggling. Mikkelsen later told Nordlys that he did tell border officials he had tried marijuana in Germany and in New Mexico, but did not think this was relevant because they are both places where it is legal. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin refuted Mikkelsen's allegations about the meme being the reason for his heightened scrutiny. 'Claims that Mads Mikkelsen was denied entry because of a JD Vance meme are FALSE,' she wrote on X. 'Mikkelsen was refused entry into the U.S. for his admitted drug use.' But regardless of Mikkelsen's story, can a political meme on your phone be the reason you get denied entry? Following President Donald Trump's executive order for 'enhanced vetting,' border agents have been using aggressive tactics on legal immigrants and tourists. We were made for this moment. HuffPost will aggressively, fairly and honestly cover the Trump administration. But we need your help. . 'It is absolutely possible that a meme, or an article, or a photograph can be used as the basis for the denial of entry,' said Petra Molnar, lawyer and author of 'The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.' 'Decisions at the border are highly discretionary, made all the more so by the recent push for border enforcement to scrutinize social media for so-called risky behavior,' she continued, citing the State Department's recent plans to screen people applying for visas to the U.S. for perceived 'hostility' toward America, and to ask them to make their social media accounts 'public' for review. 'In this current climate, what may appear as a silly joke can be used as the basis for detention, interrogation, and deportation,' Molnar said. Here's what you need to know when traveling feels riskier than ever. Border agents have wide discretion. U.S. citizens have more protections than tourists and visa holders. Yes, the U.S. government asserts the right to search your electronic devices when you cross U.S. borders, but if you are a U.S. citizen, you cannot be denied entry, no matter what absurd caricatures of Vance you keep on your phone. 'You're an American citizen. They cannot say, 'Oh, you're not coming into your own country.' That's against the law,' explained Sophia Cope, a senior staff attorney at Electronic Frontier Foundation. As a U.S. citizen, you can, however, face interrogations, travel delays or device confiscations for refusing to comply to device searches. 'It might be confiscated for several weeks or months,' Cope said to consider. Meanwhile, visitors and visa-holders have fewer rights than U.S. citizens when they travel to the U.S. and 'are particularly vulnerable to being denied entry, or at the very least may face an unpleasant interrogation with the possibility of having to hand over their devices indefinitely,' Molnar said. Cope said a border agent denying a tourist over a meme is 'ridiculous,' but the Norwegian visitor had no real recourse, because he's a not a U.S. citizen. 'Unfortunately, non-green card holders, non-citizens have almost no leverage to not comply with the request to grant access to their device,' she said. It helps to know what's in your power to refuse. In order to prepare for travel, know your rights about what border agents can and cannot do. Know that they are supposed to put your phone into airplane mode before they start to search it and are not supposed to be looking at cloud-based applications, although there have been reports of people saying their social media accounts were reviewed. 'Disable biometric identification like FaceID, limit automatic cloud access, set up disappearing messages and consider switching to applications like Signal,' Molnar suggested. You can also go one step further and 'consider getting a second phone or not bringing your laptop, or removing materials which could possibly solicit further scrutiny,' she noted. Know that you are not required to share your password to unlock your phone, but visa holders and visitors could be denied entry for their refusal. When asked, neither Customs and Border Protection nor the Department of Homeland Security answered HuffPost questions about Mikkelsen's claim that a border agent told him he would be imprisoned or fined for not sharing his phone passcode. When asked, DHS only redirected HuffPost to McLaughlin's public statement about Mikkelsen being denied entry over drug use. To be clear, Cope explained, there's no legal basis for Customs and Border Protection officials threatening a traveler with jail time and fines for refusing to share a passcode for a device search. 'It's basically, either you're denied entry or your phone gets confiscated,' she said. 'There's no crime there.' There are pros and cons to refusing a device search, and your personal risk is highly contingent on your immigration status. 'People have to balance the privacy invasion of a device search with, do they risk being denied entry? Or do they risk missing a flight or being detained?' Cope said. Ultimately, if you are nervous about what could happen when you travel to the U.S., you are right to feel this way. Consider that 'It seems like this administration is being very touchy about ... people who express opposition to the Trump administration in one way or another,' Cope said. 'And [this JD Vance meme] is the most benign kind of opposition.' 'People are rightly worried about the growing surveillance apparatus in the U.S., which now includes scrutiny over memes and social media content,' Molnar said. She noted that the right to privacy is not just about avoiding scrutiny over wrongdoing but about 'our fundamental right to personal autonomy and freedom from surveillance, rights which are increasingly coming under attack.' The one thing we know for sure: because of this story, Vance memes that make the vice president look childlike or absurd are going to be seen even more, and that's one action this administration does not have the power to control. Related... Does Border Patrol Have The Right To Go Through Your Phone? Here Are The Alarming Facts. The Surprising Reason These Wild JD Vance Memes Keep Spreading Why You Can (And Should) Opt Out Of TSA Facial Recognition Right Now
