Kerry tips his bike helmet to Kennedy

August 4, 2008

US Senator John F. Kerry has raised more than $120,000 so far for cancer research after biking 100 miles in honor of his Senate colleague Edward M. Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May. Kerry biked the first day of the 190-mile Pan-Massachusetts Challenge on Saturday with more than 5,500 other cyclists. Volunteers and supporters lined the streets yesterday, cheering the cyclists. Organizers hope to raise more than $34 million this year. The money is not due until Nov. 9, so well-wishers have time to raise more funds. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Kerry said this year's ride will be a tribute to Kennedy, who has been undergoing treatment in Boston. (AP)

Environmental activists are celebrating a string of big wins on Beacon Hill during the recently completed legislative session. From ocean management to global warming, "green jobs" to clean energy, it's hard to find a politician or interest group with bigger bragging rights than environmentalists. They were helped by a sympathetic governor, powerful House speaker, and worries about soaring energy prices and the state's uncertain economy. Activists hope the successes pay long-term dividends, from preserving open spaces to reversing the emission of greenhouse gases. Some of the bills are still awaiting Governor Deval Patrick's signature. (AP)

Transit police were called to the JFK-UMass station's bus area early yesterday after a 29-year-old man reported that he was robbed there, authorities said. The victim called police from a pay phone at 4:44 a.m., shortly before the station opened, said MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo. Officers arrived to find the victim with an arm injury, which he said was a stab wound. The man, who has no known address, was transported to Boston Medical Center for an injury not considered life-threatening, Pesaturo said. The event did not affect train service.

State finance authorities say the Holyoke Community Charter School will save $200,000 annually in debt servicing under a $10.9 million refinancing package. The Republican newspaper of Springfield reported yesterday that the school will receive an $8.4 million tax-exempt bond purchased by TD Banknorth and a $2.5 million charter loan guarantee issued by MassDevelopment. The package will refinance debt incurred by the school in the purchase and renovation of its building. (AP)

A 40-year-old man scuba diving with a group in Folly Cove died yesterday, according to the Essex district attorney's office. Twelve divers led by MASS Diving of Natick were about 75 feet from shore and 10 feet under the surface when one man in the group apparently began having trouble, said Stephen O'Connell, spokesman for the Essex district attorney. Officers from Gloucester police and fire departments responded about 10 a.m., after the victim's companions pulled him from the water. He died yesterday at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, O'Connell said. The cause of death will be determined following an autopsy, he said. O'Connell declined to identify the man until family members were notified.

A 25-year-old woman was killed when the car she was driving was hit by a pickup truck on Route 6 near an adult entertainment venue early Saturday, according to southcoasttoday.com. "It appeared the lady was coming out of the parking lot and she was hit broadside by a pickup truck" shortly after 2 a.m., District Fire Chief Paul Coderre said. He said emergency workers were on the scene for about two hours. No other details were provided, including the woman's name.

A 2-year-old girl who pulled a large television set onto herself, becoming trapped last month, has died from her injuries. Janiya Powe-Santiago of West Haven had been in grave condition since the July 25 accident at a family friend's house, where she and her mother were staying overnight. The friend, Crystal Webber, confirmed for the New Haven Register in yesterdaySunday's edition that the childdied Friday. (AP)