Latest news with #JamaicaPlain
CBS News
02-07-2025
- CBS News
Communities in Massachusetts upset after several anti-LGBTQ+ incidents
A series of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents across Massachusetts has left local communities outraged. In Provincetown, police are investigating a potential hate crime after a man was attacked on Monday morning. The victim described the attackers as three men in their 20s or 30s who used homophobic slurs during the assault. "Provincetown is a safe haven and safe space for the LGBT community, and we intend to keep it that way," said Provincetown Town manager Alex Morse. "I want to thank our police department, our residents. Obviously, people are a little bit on edge, but we are being vigilant. We will have additional officers out and about in the coming days." Morse said that Provincetown police are working around the clock to locate the suspects. In Jamaica Plain, a number of Pride flags have been torn down from homes in recent days. Residents have expressed anger and frustration at the vandalism. Anti-LGBTQ+ sign outside Medford church In Medford, controversy has erupted over a sign posted outside the New England Baptist Church that reads, "Homosexuality is an abomination." Residents said they were surprised to see the sign there. "I know it's a church and people can celebrate anything that they want, but that's not celebrating anything, that's creating more hate," said Erin, a Medford resident and a member of the LGBT community. "It's something we definitely don't need right now." The Modern Pastry owner next door said that when she saw the sign, she immediately painted a rainbow on their window. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has been tracking anti-LGBT incidents across the country. From May 2024 to May 2025, over 900 incidents were recorded. Sarah Moore, a spokesperson for GLAAD, attributed the uptick to harmful political rhetoric. "When we allow harmful and defamatory tropes to be perpetuated through this political rhetoric. That same rhetoric is then being used as justification for these acts of violence against the community," Moore said. People in Medford said that the sign is not representative of the town's beliefs. Many consider the area an inclusive and welcoming part of town.
CBS News
26-06-2025
- CBS News
Neighbors not intimidated after pride flags torn down in Boston; "I will not be going anywhere"
Neighbors in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood said they won't be intimidated after two of their pride flags were torn down by a vandal this week. The vandalism happened sometime on Tuesday and there's no leads on who did it. One of the flags has since been replaced. Two pride flags torn down A neighbor with a Ring camera didn't have any footage but did show their solidarity by promising to buy a flag of their own. "It's good to be in a neighborhood that your actual neighbors are otherwise supportive," said the Jamaica Plain resident whose flag was torn down. They also see what's going on beyond their neighborhood. "There's a lot of anger growing towards people who are more progressive," said a Jamaica Plain resident. "I genuinely think it's a trend, it's 'cool' to hate people who are different," said another. GLAAD: People cautious about pride due to fear According to GLADD, there was 208 incidents last year where pride flags or other symbols were targeted. That's actually down from 2023 but Sarah Moore of GLAAD credits some of that to fear. "People are taking a more cautious approach to pride," said Moore. "Sometimes, people choose to do more internal or private facing work rather than this kind of like public facing support in terms of putting out pride flags or other kinds of support like that." People in Jamaica Plain said if the person in this case was trying to send a message, it didn't work. "Bigots empower bigots but unfortunately for them, I will not be going anywhere," said the Jamaica Plain resident whose flag was torn down. The police are not involved in the vandalism case because the victims said they chose not to file a report.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
Boston man charged following high-speed chase
A Jamaica Plain, Mass. man was detained in the Harnett County Jail on a $40,000 secured bond after allegedly leading a state trooper on a high-speed chase. Jose Maria Santos Pires Jr., 27, was arrested June 12. He was charged with felony fleeing to elude along with reckless driving, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, failure to heed light or siren and unsafe lane change. His 2011 Chevy Camaro was impounded following the arrest, according to eCourts. According to the arrest warrant, Santos Pires eluded Trooper L.J. Cason at 150 mph in a 70 mph zone on Interstate 95. A motion by the prosecution to increase his bond was denied on June 13.
CBS News
06-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Boston shoe store closing its doors after more than 100 years in business
After more than a century pairing customers with their sole mate, George's Shoes, a beloved staple in Jamaica Plain, will close its doors for good on Saturday, June 14. "It's really bittersweet," said Leslie Natale, who began managing the store in 1984. "I don't think there will ever be another shoe store like George's." Passed down through generations The family-owned shop, known for offering luxury brand shoes at a discounted price, has been passed down through three generations. Susan Baroff, the current owner, took over from her father and grandfather. "I was kind of the steward for the last 30 years," Baroff said. "But it really is a testament to my father and mother- where it was and the level of service and quality that was there." Once overflowing with shoes, clothes, and accessories, the now nearly empty store holds memories for customers like Pat Libby, who bought her wedding shoes there 31 years ago. "It's sad because it's always been here, and you always counted on it being here." Baroff said the decision to close wasn't financial. "We're getting a little tired and It's just time," she said. Natale added, "Not many stores can say they've been in business for 103 years and go out on top." It's a bittersweet ending for the store that throughout the years became a pivotal part of the community. "We always wanted it to be when you came in as a customer, you left as family," Natale said. "And I think we did a really good job doing that."
Boston Globe
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Mayor Wu's testimony showcased her eloquence, compassion
Regarding Mayor Wu's performance in Washington, D.C., in the face of extremely antagonistic Republicans: Bravo, well done, and thank you. Her Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up Philip Mahler Advertisement Carlisle With her testimony, Mayor Wu served as Boston's brilliant lodestar, citing fact after fact on how well Boston does taking care of its most serious problems and assuring us that immigrants are not 'others.' Separately, in a recent It is not lost on me that the standout mayor and innovative governor pushing back now are women. I was watching during the early 1960s when all the rooms of power were full of white men, with few women and no minority or openly gay people to be found. Those of us who have worked for decades for women's rights are not fools. We now have women fighter pilots, brain surgeons, police, and presidential candidates, and an army of talented and strong stay-at-home mothers. We are ready to fight for the rights that are being torn away, state by state. Our daughters are grown women now, with the likes of Healey and Wu here to demonstrate how to lead with reasonable laws, organization, courage, collective work, and compassion. Advertisement Dr. Maureen Sayres Van Niel Cambridge My 9-year-old plans to be mayor of Boston. She's even created a three-pronged platform: Make sure everyone has a home, plant more trees so every neighborhood has shade, and teach more about nature so everyone knows why we need to protect it. Her priorities for our communities are already rooted in housing and environmental justice. Where, might you ask, did she get these ideas from? Watching and learning from the incredible role model that is Mayor Wu. We are well aware of Wu's wicked smarts and dedication to every Bostonian. But the nation just got a peek at her pluck, nerves of steel, and inability to be pushed off course by vendetta-driven members of Congress. My daughter, along with every other Boston resident, is lucky to have such a staunch advocate and role model. Sarah Winter Whelan Jamaica Plain
