TOP TUESDAY NEWS LINKS:
Houstonians Gather for Vigil
(KTRK 13 News)
Mark Arsenault, Boston Globe
Two bomb blasts, 12 seconds apart, rocked the finish line of the 117th running of the Boston Marathon Monday, killing at least three people, including an 8-year-old Dorchester boy, wounding more than 130, and leaving the sidewalks of Boylston Street covered in blood.
Medical professionals on hand to care for blisters and sore knees in Copley Square suddenly found themselves treating life-threatening lacerations and lost limbs, as a high holiday in Boston, Patriots Day, turned into an epic tragedy. Emergency workers rushed to the scene, despite the very real possibility of more blasts.
The explosions blew out windows, sent plumes of smoke into the sky, and left victims piled on each other in a scene far more reminiscent of a battlefield than a celebrated day in Boston’s Back Bay. The blasts occurred at 2:50 p.m., several hours after the elite runners had finished the race.
About 30 people were transferred to hospitals under a Code Red, meaning life-threatening injuries, which may point to a rising death toll, said a law enforcement official.
Flags were lowered to half-staff in Washington, D.C., and around the nation, as the country mourned with Boston.
A woman received help at the scene of the first of two explosions on Boylston Street Monday. Medical workers at the finish line treated life-threatening wounds and losses of limbs.
A woman received help at the scene of the first of two explosions on Boylston Street Monday. Medical workers at the finish line treated life-threatening wounds and losses of limbs.
“We will find out who did this; we’ll find out why they did this,” pledged President Obama, in remarks from the White House. “Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.”
The grief resonated sharply in Dorchester, where residents gathered Monday night at Tavolo Restaurant in memory of 8-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in the attack, and his mother and sister, who suffered grievous injuries. Martin’s father, Bill, is a community leader in the Ashmont section of Dorchester. A third child was reportedly uninjured.
“They are beloved by this community,” said City Councilor at Large Ayanna Pressley, who was among the mourners. “They contribute in many ways. That’s why you see this outpouring. It’s surreal, it’s tragic’’
(Read more of the story at The Boston Globe)
RELATED STORIES:
• Amid shock at Marathon, a rush to help strangers (Boston Globe)
• Deadly Boston blasts inspire reports of heroism (Yahoo News)
• Security to increase for MS-150, other events (Chron.com)
• Houston event organizers rethink security plans (KHOU 11 News)
• Many Houston runners in Boston for marathon (KPRC 2 News)
• After Boston blasts, Obama vows to get answers (USA Today)
LOCAL AREA HEADLINES:
- What You Need to Know About the Measles Case In Harris County (KUHF Public Radio)
- Community leaders on mission to capture ‘low-down’ rapist who nearly killed grandmother (KHOU 11 News)
- Transplant recipient has organ donation education at heart (Your Houston News)
- HISD Technology Officer: District Wants Graduates To Be ‘Good Digital Citizens’ (KUHF Public Radio)
- As Population Grows, Sugar Land Looks For New Ways To Bike And Walk (KUHF Public Radio)
- Foundation helps ease pain of buying prom dresses (KIAH 39 Newsfix)
STATE HEADLINES:
- Bill would require drug tests for elected officials (Chron.com)
- Report: Texas Falls Behind in Education, Health Care (Texas Tribune)
- Senate panel to discuss House’s education overhaul (Austin Statesman)
- Lifting the Cap on Charters, Compliments (Texas Monthly)
NATION & WORLD:
- Background Checks Bill Gains Backers On And Off Capitol Hill (NPR)
- Republicans embrace Obama’s offer to trim Social Security benefits (Washington Post)
- Immigration Overhaul Proposal Is Likely to Ignite Fierce Debate (New York Times)
- U.S. Practiced Torture After 9/11, Nonpartisan Review Concludes (New York Times)
