Officers responding to a reported shooting in the area of 165 Carl Ave. around 3 p.m. found the woman injured, according to police.

A detective located the suspect soon after and placed him in custody. His name has not been released.

The 39-year-old woman was taken to the hospital with what were considered non-life-threatening injuries.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

The Worcester Police Department had issued an arrest warrant for Santos-Padgett for Armed Assault to Murder and worked in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Squad and the Haverhill Police Department to apprehend the individual.

According to court documents, Santos-Padgett aimed a gun at the victim’s head and pulled the trigger, killing her.

Police identified the suspect through surveillance video and license plate readers, which caught his vehicle in the area where the shooting took place.

Worcester Police Department said officers first responded to the Angie’s Bodywork Spa at 383 Pleasant Street around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday after receiving a report of a female “experiencing a possible medical issue.”

Police said a male individual soon flagged down arriving officers and brought them to an unconscious female. 

Officers rendered medical aid, according to police, until the unconscious female was pronounced dead.

Authorities have not yet identified the victim or a potential motive.

This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

Consumers are under pressure as their savings dwindle and their credit card debt grows. Inflation has eased but many goods and services like meat and rent are still far higher than they were three years ago.

Yvonne Carey, 72, was among the first shoppers at Macy’s Herald Square store in Manhattan where she snapped up discounted Michael Kors slippers and Ugg boots for herself. But Carey said she plans to stick to the same $1,000 budget as last year as she shops for gifts for her six grandchildren and her husband.

“The prices are crazy on everything food, clothes,” Carey said.

Many retailers ordered fewer goods for this holiday season and pushed holiday sales earlier in October than last year to help shoppers spread out their spending, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic when clogs in the supply network. But this year, retailers said more shoppers were willing to wait until the last minute in hopes of finding better deals.

“In this economy it’s really hard. We had to save some gift cards. We’ve been saving for like months ahead, to try and make it work, keep it normal,” said Damaris Fay Bayard, shopping with her husband and daughter at a mall in Metairie, Louisiana.

Gone are the Black Fridays of years ago when customers would stand in line for hours in the middle of the night, or brawls would break out over high demand items. But Black Friday shopping remains a favorite tradition for many, and retailers tried to reward devotees with steeper discounts and other surprises.

“Tradition every year, get up at four o’ clock, eat breakfast and come in the mall and shop all day,” said Martha Stewart, singing and giddily looking through her shopping bags at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metarie.

Nearby, Jenell Rayford was delighted when workers at Lakeside popped champagne for shoppers.

“I have champagne and a new pair of shoes in my hand,” Rayford said. “I just wasn’t expecting all of this.”

At Macy’s Herald Square store, the Disney Princess shop had augmented reality allowing delighted youngsters to virtually step into one of the princess dresses. Shoppers who streamed in soon after the doors opened at 6 a.m. were greeted with discounts of between 40% and 60% on footwear, handbags and diamond jewelry.

“The customer is under pressure. You see it with what is going on in luxury. That is a recent development,” Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette said in an interview with The Associated Press, adding that shoppers across all income levels are ”more discerning about how they are spending their budget.”

About 12,000 customers showed up at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, in the first hour of its 7 a.m. opening — 20% more than last year, said Jill Renslow, executive vice president of business development and marketing for the shopping center. She said she expects sales to be up anywhere from 3% to 4% at the mall.

Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of mall operator CBL Properties, also said traffic was similar or better on Friday compared with a year ago based on a spot check of 18 of its 54 malls. He said more stores brought back doorbuster discounts, a Black Friday hallmark before the advent of online shopping. Palmetto Moon gave out $25 gift cards to the first 50 people in line, while JCPenney gave out 200 discount cards every four hours.

Consumers spent $5.6 billion on Thanksgiving Day, when most of the major stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s closed and shoppers focused on online shopping, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks online spending. That was up 5.5% compared with a year ago. For the first 23 days of November, consumers spent $76.7 billion online, up 6.8% from the same period a year ago. Online sales on Black Friday are expected to bring in $9.6 billion, up 5.7% compared with the year-ago period, Adobe said.

The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, expects shoppers will spend more this year than last year, but their pace will slow.

The group has forecast that U.S. holiday sales will rise 3% to 4% for November through December, compared with 5.4% growth a year ago. The forecast is consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to pre-pandemic 2019. Americans ramped up spending during the pandemic, with money in their pockets from federal relief checks and nowhere to go during lockdowns.

Online discounts should be better than a year ago, particularly for toys, electronics and clothing, according to Adobe. It predicts toys will be discounted on average by 35%, compared with 22% a year ago, while electronics should see 30% cuts, compared with last year’s 27%. In clothing, shoppers will see an average discount of 25%, compared with 19% last year.

Analysts consider the five-day Black Friday weekend — which includes the Monday after the holiday known as Cyber Monday — a key barometer of shoppers’ willingness to spend.

This year, “it has been slow,” said Gabriella Santaniello, founder of A Line Partners, an independent retail research firm in Los Angles, who had a network of associates scoping out malls and stores in Dallas, Philadelphia, Orlando, Florida and other parts of the country on Friday. “They’re getting out to shop. But I don’t think they’re buying as much.”

Worker unrest and protests over the Israel-Gaza war clouded the shopping experience in some parts of the world. Pro-Palestinian activists staged Black Friday protests Los Angeles and Washington. In Europe, the UNI Global Union said it organized “Make Amazon Pay” strikes and protests in 30 countries. Amazon said the strikes would not affect customers.

Black Friday is expected as usual to be the busiest shopping day of the year, according to Sensormatic Solutions, which tracks store traffic.

But some shoppers who returned to stores for Black Friday for the first time in years were unimpressed by the size of the crowds and the quality of the discounts.

Samuel Alvez, 44, and his wife bought two computer monitors and a pressure cooker at a Walmart in Germantown, Maryland, but came away disappointed in the discounts during their first Black Friday outing in years.

“Back in the day, they had these good deals in stores,” Alvez said. “Now, we don’t see that anymore.

___

The spelling of Metairie, Louisiana, has been corrected. It is Metairie, not Metarie.

___

Associated Press reporters Haleluya Hadero in Germantown, Maryland, Stephen Smith in Metairie, Louisiana, and Courtney Bonnell in London contributed to this story.

The fire left the top level of the home completely charred.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No additional information is immediately available.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

The Barnstable Police Department in a statement said police first responded around 5:30 p.m. to the area of Hamden Circle after they received a report of a woman with apparent gunshot injuries. 

An investigation got underway and the victim was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Police were seen working in the area of Hamden Circle Thursday night, taping off a home with crime scene tape. 

Authorities had left the scene as of around 10 p.m.

While the incident remained under investigation, police said it appeared to be targeted. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators by phone at 508-778-3874 or by email at 214@barnstablepolice.com.

This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

The 7NEWS sports department has all the scores from eastern and central Massachusetts games: 

Eastern Mass.

ABINGTON – 46

WHITMAN-HANSON – 6

–

WESTFORD ACADEMY – 35

ACTON-BOXBOROUGH – 10

–

NEWBURYPORT – 44

AMESBURY – 26

–

NORTH ANDOVER – 13

ANDOVER – 27

–

OLD ROCHESTER – 21

APPONEQUET – 36

–

ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS – 42

CARDINAL SPELLMAN – 14

–

WALTHAM – 7

ARLINGTON – 27

–

SHAWSHEEN VALLEY TECH – 41

ARLINGTON CATHOLIC – 7

–

HOPKINTON – 0

ASHLAND – 35

–

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH – 20

ATTLEBOROUGH – 15

–

AYER-SHIRLEY – 18

LITTLETON – 35

–

BARNSTABLE – 54

FALMOUTH – 8

–

BEDFORD – 34

BURLINGTON – 19

–

NORTON – 13

BELLINGHAM – 20

–

BELMONT – 47

WATERTOWN – 0

–

SALEM – 35

BEVERLY – 14

–

CHELMSFORD – 13

BILLERICA – 27

–

BISHOP FEEHAN – 31

BISHOP STANG – 6

–

MASCONOMET – 3

BISHOP FENWICK – 39

–

TECHBOSTON – 14

BRIGHTON – 20

–

BLUE HILLS – 22

BRISTOL-PLYMOUTH – 6

–

CATHOLIC MEMORIAL – 50

BC HIGH – 22

–

BOSTON LATIN – 19

BOSTON ENGLISH – 6

–

BOSTON LATIN ACADEMY – 6

O’BRYANT – 36

–

BOURNE – 36

WAREHAM – 26

–

MILTON – 19

BRAINTREE – 33

–

BROCKTON – 7

BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM – 22

–

NEWTON NORTH – 42

BROOKLINE – 21

–

SOMERVILLE – 20

CAMBRIDGE RINDGE & LATIN – 43

–

CANTON – 19

STOUGHTON – 0

–

CAPE COD TECH – 16

UPPER CAPE COD – 6

–

MIDDLEBOROUGH – 56

CARVER – 0

–

ATLANTIS CHARTER – 0

CASE – 26

–

CHELSEA – 20

CATHEDRAL – 0

–

CENTRAL – 22

SOMERSET BERKLEY – 26

–

LAWRENCE – 14

CENTRAL CATHOLIC – 17

–

COHASSET – 3

HULL – 10

–

LEXINGTON – 6

CONCORD-CARLISLE – 33

–

GLOUCESTER – 0

DANVERS – 35

–

FAIRHAVEN – 24

DARTMOUTH – 21

–

DEDHAM – 12

NORWOOD – 15

–

DENNIS-YARMOUTH – 35

NAUSET – 32

–

SEEKONK – 16

DIGHTON-REHOBOTH – 42

–

GREATER NEW BEDFORD – 27

DIMAN – 8

–

MEDFIELD – 25

DOVER-SHERBORN – 7

–

DRACUT – 16

METHUEN – 48

–

NEW BEDFORD – 26

DURFEE – 21

–

MARSHFIELD – 21

DUXBURY – 23

–

EAST BRIDGEWATER – 21

ROCKLAND – 42

–

ESSEX TECH – 14

NORTHEAST METRO TECH – 16

–

ST MARY’S – 28

EVERETT – 56

–

FOXBOROUGH – 30

MANSFIELD – 17

–

NATICK – 13

FRAMINGHAM – 15

–

KING PHILIP – 35

FRANKLIN – 0

–

GREATER LAWRENCE – 30

WHITTIER – 20

–

LOWELL CATHOLIC – 6

GREATER LOWELL TECH – 42

–

IPSWICH – 0

HAMILTON-WENHAM – 34

–

HANOVER – 0

NORWELL – 32

–

SCITUATE – 13

HINGHAM – 10

–

SOUTH SHORE VOC TECH – 41

HOLBROOK/AVON – 30

–

HOLLISTON – 36

WESTWOOD – 53

–

KEEFE TECH – 28

MINUTEMAN – 12

–

LYNN TECH – 19

KIPP ACADEMY – 45

–

NEWTON SOUTH – 7

LINCOLN-SUDBURY – 35

–

LOWELL – 12

HAVERHILL – 20

–

LYNN CLASSICAL – 8

LYNN ENGLISH – 6

–

NORTH READING – 0

LYNNFIELD – 34

–

MALDEN – 14

MEDFORD – 30

–

ST. JOHN’S (S) – 33

MALDEN CATHOLIC – 14

–

NORTH MIDDLESEX – 28

MANCHESTER-ESSEX – 8

–

MARBLEHEAD – 28

SWAMPSCOTT – 21

–

SANDWICH – 15

MASHPEE – 22

–

MAYNARD – 20

WEST BOYLSTON – 50

–

MILLIS – 14

MEDWAY – 0

–

MELROSE – 3

WAKEFIELD – 7

–

TAUNTON – 21

MILFORD – 31

–

MONOMOY – 42

ST. JOHN PAUL II – 0

–

NEEDHAM – 21

WELLESLEY – 7

–

QUINCY – 20

NORTH QUINCY – 43

–

TRI-COUNTY – 8

OLD COLONY – 43

–

SHARON – 42

OLIVER AMES – 6

–

SAUGUS – 6

PEABODY – 27

–

PEMBROKE – 27

SILVER LAKE – 21

–

TRITON – 7

PENTUCKET – 21

–

PLYMOUTH SOUTH – 7

PLYMOUTH NORTH – 28

–

READING – 0

STONEHAM – 39

–

WINTHROP – 22

REVERE – 0

–

SOUTHEASTERN – 0

WEST BRIDGEWATER – 48

–

ST. JOHN’S PREP – 21

XAVERIAN – 23

–

TEWKSBURY – 29

WILMINGTON – 19

WALPOLE – 44

WEYMOUTH – 20

–

WESTON – 18

WAYLAND – 49

–

WINCHESTER – 17

WOBURN – 20

Central Mass.

ABBY KELLEY FOSTER – 0

WORCESTER TECH – 14

–

ALGONQUIN REGIONAL – 6

WESTBOROUGH – 28

–

MAHAR – 8

ATHOL – 40

–

AUBURN – 18

LEICESTER – 7

–

SOUTHBRIDGE – 8

BARTLETT – 10

–

BAY PATH RVT – 42

OXFORD – 34

–

BLACKSTONE-MILLVILLE – 40

SUTTON – 6

–

NIPMUC – 14

BLACKSTONE VALLEY TECH – 35

–

DOHERTY MEMORIAL – 32

BURNCOAT – 6

–

CLINTON – 42

NASHOBA REG – 14

–

LEOMINSTER – 59

FITCHBURG – 7

–

GARDNER – 31

QUABBIN – 16

–

MILLBURY – 0

GRAFTON – 14

–

TYNGSBOROUGH – 44

GROTON-DUNSTABLE – 22

–

MARLBOROUGH – 0

HUDSON – 41

–

OAKMONT REG – 40

LUNENBURG – 7

–

MONTACHUSETT RVT – 22

NASHOBA VALLEY TECH – 26

–

NARRAGANSETT – 40

MURDOCK – 8

–

UXBRIDGE – 35

NORTHBRIDGE – 14

–

WARE – 20

QUABOAG – 14

–

ST. PAUL DIOCESAN – 6

ST. BERNARD’S – 32

–

SHEPHERD HILL – 14

TANTASQUA – 17

–

SHREWSBURY – 22

WACHUSETT – 31

–

WORCESTER SOUTH – 20

WORCESTER NORTH – 14

Emergency crews were first called to the scene on Moody Street around 5:30 p.m. In all, officials said four buildings were damaged. Fifteen people were displaced. 

“It literally punched me in the face,” Leandro Paola said of the thick smoke that at one point filled the neighborhood. “Just the scent of burning woods, it was ridiculous.” 

Video shared with 7NEWS showed the entire back of one building engulfed in flames. The siding on one other building was visibly melted. 

One woman in the area said she saw two of her neighbors, 12-year-old girls, go door to door as the flames grew to tell their neighbors to get out of their buildings. 

“The house just caught fire super quick,” the woman said. “We saw it, just like paper, everything just started flying into the sky.” 

Crews from Cambridge, Newton and Waltham ultimately worked together to put the fire out, with dozens of firefighters working to get people to safety and douse flames. 

Several people were seen being taken away by paramedics. 

Later speaking with reporters, Waltham Fire Chief Andrew Mullen said crews experienced heavy fire conditions as they responded. 

“People were still inside. We were getting people out,” Mullen said. “They had to tackle the fire and full houses at the same time.”

As shock and sadness spread Thursday night, and despite the damage, there was a moment of thanks that no one was seriously hurt and no lives were lost in this Thanksgiving Day fire. 

“It’s just sad,” said the woman who saw her young neighbors sounding the alarm. “I just hope these people find shelter for right now and I’m just glad that everyone’s OK because, you know, material things we can recover.” 

Officials said one firefighter was injured and treated on the scene during this response. The firefighter is expected to be OK.

Though the fire had been extinguished, crews remained on scene around 9 p.m. Thursday. The Red Cross was also on scene to help people who were displaced. 

Chief Mullen said the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

That is ringing true at Abington High School where coach Jim Kelliher is retiring after leading the school’s football program for the past half-century. 

Kelliher is the only coach in Massachusetts history to coach the same high school football team for 50 or more years. He recently spoke to 7NEWS about his career. 

“It has been an honor,” he said. “I feel like I am the luckiest guy in the world.” 

“It has been just a wonderful journey. To be at this point still is amazing to me,” he continued. 

Kelliher had a lifelong dream of coaching his alma mater program. Having fulfilled that dream, he will be remembered for bringing out the best in his players. 

In this 50th and final year on the sideline for Kelliher, his team dedicated their season to their coach.

“We need to put in everything we have because he has put in everything he’s had for the past 50 years,” said Abington senior captain Connor Pease.

“This year is very focused on Kel,” said fellow senior captain Connor O’Donnell. “Every single time someone is unmotivated, you can say ‘Alright, it is for Kel.’” 

Coach Kelliher has led the Green Wave to five state titles during his career. 

His former players say he hasn’t changed. 

“He is still a gentleman first. That’s what we always like to say. That’s what he has always taught us,” said current Abington associate head football coach Ed Reilly.

Reilly, now one of Kelliher’s top assistants, was Kelliher’s quarterback in the 1980s. He said he is going to miss Kelliher’s presence off the gridiron the most. 

“One of the first words that comes to mind when I think of him is just class,” Reilly said. “He does so many things that people don’t even realize.” 

Reilly said Kelliher gets away from the football field, attending events such as National Honors Society inductions and games for other teams and sports. 

“I don’t want to just be thought about as just simply being a football coach,” Kelliher said. “I know that I grew up just like they did and I would have appreciated if I saw my football coach come to my graduation and just shake my hand.” 

Being like a second father to more than 2,000 players throughout his career, Kelliher is leaving a lasting impact on his players and community. 

“I got to give them some more than simple stuff because they give me a heck of a lot,” Kelliher said. 

“We have a lot of other great players too, for sure, but they have set a standard,” said Methuen head football coach Tom Ryan, discussing brothers Shane and Drew Eason. 

Ryan continued, crediting the Eason brothers for their standard in the weight room and their standard in practice. 

“They’re excellent, hard working kids and it shows,” he said. “The results show for them.”

The Easons made it look relatively easy over the past two seasons with Drew under center and Shane in the backfield. 

Speaking with 7NEWS, Shane said Drew is a great leader and a great role model who “does all the things for the team.” 

“[He] steps up in the biggest moments,” Shane said.

Drew similarly praised his brother. 

“When there is someone I need to go to, he is the guy,” he said of Shane. 

Shane and Drew together helped drive Methuen to an 18-6 record through the past two seasons, highlighted by a Final Four berth in 2022.

Coach Ryan said Shane “has got to be one of the best running backs I have ever encountered.” 

“And Drew has such good command of our offense,” he continued. “He can sling it with the best of them in the state.” 

The Eason brothers’ talent is reminiscent of their father PJ, who was a standout for powerhouse Everett in the 1990s. 

Drew said his father told him he led the league in scoring. 

“I will take his word for it,” Drew said. 

“He was a power back,” Shane said of his father. “He also used his speed. He was faster than most. He could run through most. He was just an all-out dog.” 

The Eason brothers’ mother and father have had a front row seat as their children helped put Methuen football on the map. 

“I think that he is a big piece of them,” said the brothers’ mother, Tammi. “They are very coachable kids. I think that comes from their dad for sure.” 

PJ, the brother’s father, said it has been fun watching the two play together. 

“When one does something good, the other one is the first one there to cheer them on,” he continued. 

PJ said he had been hoping to see his sons play sports together. To now see that happen, he said, “is tremendous.” 

With all their football success, Coach Ryan said the Eason brothers are leaving a legacy that will impact the next generation of Rangers players. 

Ryan said their brand of success, though, may be unique. 

“We’re going to be able to show kids films of these kids one day and be like ‘Hey, this is kind of how we want you to do things,’” Ryan said. “But I don’t think you’re ever going to be able to copy what these kids have done.” 

Shane Eason is a junior. Drew, a senior, threw for 120 yards and three scored in a 48-16 win over Dracut Wednesday night, finishing his high school career with a school record 6,212 passing yards and a school record 62 career passing touchdowns.

In addition to the school records, Drew’s 6,212 passing yards are good for ninth place all-time in Massachusetts history.

A holiday tradition in the community, the event is the largest Thanksgiving Day road race in New England. This year, former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara served as the race’s official starter. 

“People are here to be with family,” said race director David McGillivray. 

“I always enjoy being part of the community,” Chara said. “And having this race on Thanksgiving, seeing all the people coming out and supporting it, it’s a lot of fun.”

More than 7,000 runners and walkers participated in this year’s race. 

Back for another year, the 2023 iteration of the event was extra special, with the Feaster Five Kids’ Run now named Sidney’s Rainbow Run to honor the memory of Sidney Mae Olson. 

Olson, 5, was hit and killed by a tractor-trailer in Andover back in May. Her father, Eric Olson, spoke to 7NEWS saying he and his wife wanted to find a way for Sidney’s legacy of love to live on. 

“It’s going to be a celebration of who she was, what she stood for, her family,” McGillivray said of the newly renamed kids’ run. “We’re going to remember her in a big way.”

“Since the day Sidney died, we knew we had have to have a new type of relationship with her,” Eric Olson said. “This is just one way that we’re seeing her spirit live on and live on through so many kids in the community.”

Five hundred young runners participated in the rainbow-themed kids’ run Thursday. 

Continuing in his comments, Eric Olson said his daughter loved everyone, adding that her love of rainbows was inspired by her love for her friends. 

“For her fifth birthday party, she asked for a rainbow birthday party because it was all the colors of her friends,” he said. “That’s what kind of kid she was. That’s where the name of the race came from.”

“She was just a lover,” Olson said. “She loved everybody and she would just love to see this rainbow of children out here today.”

Part of the proceeds from this year’s race will go to the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund, which helps to create safer neighborhoods and provides children with access to educational programs in the community. 

Scott Macaulay has held the tradition for nearly 40 years. He had to make some changes in delivery due to the pandemic. Recently speaking to 7NEWS, though, he said he is always happy to help out his community.

“They’re not just names,” Macaulay said as he handed out food this week. “They’re people. They’re people with a story.” 

For the broken and the forgotten, Macaulay has always had a hot meal and a shoulder to lean on over the years. 

This year, Macaulay said he gave out more than 100 meals. 

“You get sort of attached to them,” he said of the people receiving meals. 

“Then, there’s different ones you remember more than others,” he continued. “Some of them are funny and some of them are sad.”

Nicole Stanley said she lost her mother a few days after Thanksgiving last year. 

“Scott was the first phone call,” she said. 

For Macaulay, the work is not just a Thanksgiving tradition but a lesson in gratitude.

“They’re individuals and, if they share their story, that makes it not just a name on my list,” he said. “It makes them a person, a real live person.”

He said he has people write down what they’re thankful for.

“It gives them a place to come and go and get a meal and it makes the day better than it would be if it would be if I’m not here, I guess,” Macaulay said.

Macaulay continued, saying it will all be worth it if one less person is alone for the holidays.  

“As long as there’s a need, I guess I got to keep doing it,” he said. “I might be doing it with a cane, but I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.”

Officers could be seen blocking the entrance to Angies Bodywork Spa at 383 Pleasant Street early Thursday afternoon. 

In a later update, the Worcester Police Department said officers first responded around 11:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a female “experiencing a possible medical issue.”

Police said a male individual soon flagged down arriving officers and brought them to an unconscious female. 

Officers rendered medical aid, according to police, until the unconscious female was pronounced dead.

“The death appears to be suspicious,” police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.

Police remained on scene around 9 p.m., with Angies Bodywork Spa still taped off. Neighbors reacted, in the meantime, describing the initial police response and sharing their thoughts on the situation. 

“I’m shocked,” said Richard Caballero. “Like, what happened in there?”

One other person said they saw “a whole bunch of cops and stuff.” 

Caballero said his children told him about the police cars and ambulances outside. 

“I was like, OK, what happened? Maybe a crash or something,” he said. 

“Now, we got to watch out whatever happened here,” he continued. 

CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker said in an email Thursday afternoon that “the fire is completely out.” He said that authorities and CSX officials reviewed air monitoring data and decided it was safe to let displaced return home.

The CSX train derailed around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday near Livingston, a remote town with about 200 people in Rockcastle County. Residents were encouraged to evacuate.

Two of the 16 cars that derailed carried molten sulfur, which caught fire after the cars were breached, CSX said in a statement.

It’s believed that the fire released the potentially harmful gas sulfur dioxide, but officials have not released results of measurements taken from air monitoring equipment that was being deployed Wednesday night.

The derailment meant some Livingston residents woke up on Thanksgiving in a middle school shelter.

Cindy Bradley had just finished cooking for the big meal Wednesday when an official knocking loudly urged her to leave her small Kentucky home as soon as possible because a train had derailed.

She ended up at Rockcastle County Middle School in Livingston — unsure what was to come next.

“It’s just really scary. We don’t know how long this is,” Bradley told WTVQ-TV on Wednesday night, surrounded by dozens of cots.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems, depending on the concentration and length of exposure. The gas is commonly produced by burning fossil fuels at power plants and other industrial processes, the EPA says.

Evelyn Gray noticed a problem when her back door was opened by someone telling her to evacuate.

“As soon as he opened the back door to come in the chemical hit me, and I had a real bad asthma attack,” Gray told the TV station.

The danger from sulfur dioxide tends to be direct and quick, irritating the lungs and skin, said Neil Donahue, a chemistry professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

“It is just nasty, caustic, and acidic stuff that hurts. It’s unpleasant to be in,” Donahue said.

Once the fire was put out, the threat from the chemicals was expected to diminish quickly, Donahue said.

CSX is now working to clean up an additional spilled chemical and restore the area.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the county, assuring crews all the help from the state they need. He asked the public to keep in mind the emergency workers and people forced to spend Thanksgiving away from home.

“Please think about them and pray for a resolution that gets them back in their homes. Thank you to all the first responders spending this day protecting our people,” the governor said in a statement Thursday.

CSX promised to pay the costs of anyone asked to evacuate, including a Thanksgiving dinner.

Alarms were raised from New York to Washington, DC, late Wednesday morning after the incident on the US side of the Rainbow Bridge crossing. Investigators believe the couple was traveling in a Bentley at high speed when it struck a curb at the checkpoint, then hit a guardrail that sent the vehicle airborne and into a screening area before it exploded, according to the sources.

Despite initial concerns of a terror attack, the FBI has not found any connection to terrorism and no explosives were found at the scene, the agency’s Buffalo field office announced Wednesday night. The case is being turned over to local police as a traffic investigation.

“I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers: At this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a news conference Wednesday evening.

“Two individuals died in the vehicle,” Hochul said, noting the car is associated with a western New York resident.

Investigators believe the man who died had plans to attend a KISS concert in Canada, but when it was canceled he went to a casino in the US instead. The crash occurred sometime after the couple left the casino, the sources said.

“There’s a lot of unanswered questions,” Hochul said of the vehicle’s occupants Wednesday. She noted it was still unclear whether the crash was an accident or an intentional act.

The explosion prompted a temporary shutdown of all four bridges between Canada and the US near Niagara Falls on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Three of the bridges reopened later Wednesday, but Rainbow Bridge remains closed.

Here’s what we know so far.

Crash looked ‘absolutely surreal,’ governor says

The vehicle was traveling at an “extraordinarily high rate of speed” when it approached the border crossing around 11:30 a.m. and hit a barrier, Hochul said.

The impact sent the car soaring several feet into the air before it came crashing down into a Customs and Border Protection booth and burst into flames, Hochul said. She described footage of the incident as “absolutely surreal.”

An officer working in the booth was treated for minor injuries, she said.

The vehicle was “basically incinerated” and pieces of the wreck were scattered across more than a dozen checkpoint booths, the governor said.

Rickie Wilson saw the car flying past him “almost like a movie,” and for a moment, he thought it was a plane, the witness told CNN affiliate WKBW.

FBI investigated explosion as possible terrorist threat

In the aftermath of the crash, federal investigators scrambled to determine whether the incident was an act of terrorism. Within hours, officials shared preliminary findings and assured the public they hadn’t found any indication of terrorist motivation.

“But we will continue to stay vigilant. We will continue to make sure that the information we have is passed onto the public,” US Attorney Trini Ross of the Western District of New York said in a news conference.

The leaders of both the US and Canada were briefed on the incident as the investigation was underway.

The initial explosion triggered heightened security precautions around the region, including the evacuation of local government offices on the US side.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport closed to international arriving and departing flights but later lifted the restriction, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration. All cars coming into the airport were also being screened by bomb-detecting dogs, a Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority spokesperson said.

Amtrak temporarily suspended part of its cross-border route connecting New York to Toronto.

Officials investigating the crash had been looking into an individual but working through the Joint Terrorism Task Force did not initially find any concerning information, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia said Wednesday afternoon.

“We do not have any derogatory information on this person that we’ve identified,” he said. “We’re scanning his social media, there’s nothing there. We’re still running a full investigation so that’s a preliminary assessment.”

By Wednesday night, the FBI announced it had concluded its investigation at the scene and turned the case over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.

Officers responding to a report of a person stabbed in the area of 51 Stuart St. around 2 a.m. found two men suffering from non-life-threatening stab wounds, according to Boston police. Both were taken to a nearby hospital.

Police officers could be seen gathering evidence in a taped-off area outside the nightclub.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

No additional information was immediately available.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

After messy weather earlier in the day, the store was as stuffed as the shopping carts in the parking lot. 

“It was pretty messy inside,” said last-minute shopper Ariana Nichols. 

“Insane,” said fellow last-minute shopper Mark Perrault. “This is like Black Friday times 10. 

Many in Chelsea were hoping to gobble up deals on holiday staples. 

Perrault, though, wasn’t so lucky. 

“We got 99% except for the one main thing — the turkey,” he said. 

Turning to plan B, he said he now hopes to get a turkey from the VA.

“We’re actually down to like a plan F right now,” he said. 

This week’s pre-Thanksgiving storm dropped a mix of snow and rain across part of the region beginning Tuesday night. Clearer skies are now expected to linger through the weekend. 

While many may be staying at home, millions are expected to hit the road or take to the sky for travel before the end of the day Sunday. 

And where some were scrambling Wednesday night, the American Farm Bureau Federation recently estimated Thanksgiving dinner this year will cost roughly 5% less than it did a year ago, marking good news for consumers. 

RELATED: What’s open and closed on Thanksgiving Day?

Israel’s cabinet approved a deal on Tuesday to free at least 50 hostages during a four-day pause in the ongoing war with Hamas. Under the agreement, Israel must also release 150 Palestinian prisoners in a trade only for women and children on both sides of the conflict.

The deal is structured such that, each day, a group of hostages will be released to be taken to a designated border point. As of Wednesday, though, at least one official said releases are not expected to begin until at least Friday. 

“I was hoping for a Thanksgiving Day miracle and my hopes were dashed,” said Boston-area resident Jason Greenberg. 

Greenberg said five of his family members were taken hostage when gunmen stormed into southern Israel back in early October. 

Greenberg said two family members are now dead.

“I understand that this is the best deal that has been negotiated to date and that there is a delay, but there are 240 souls that need to be returned to their families,” he told 7NEWS. “So my hope is that, by Friday, hostages will start returning home to their families.”

With the planned pause in fighting also delayed, several explosions could be seen lighting up northern Gaza Wednesday.

Israeli leaders said their operations will continue until the pause begins. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war will also resume after the pause expires

“The war continues,” Netanyahu said. “We will continue with it until all our goals are achieved.”

Back in Massachusetts, Rep. Jake Auchincloss this week told CNN the recently approved deal is acceptable because it will bring hostages home. 

He continued, discussing the tenuous nature of ongoing negotiations.

“We should all be concerned that this deal could fall apart at any moment,” he continued. “The statecraft required to get here has been some of the toughest in modern memory.”

Waiting for releases, US officials reportedly have a certain list of hostages they believe will be released on day one. 

It was not clear as of Wednesday night whether any of the three remaining American hostages were on the list.

The game had been scheduled for Thursday. In a statement shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday, though, East Boston High School Headmaster Phillip Brangiforte said South Boston planned to forfeit. 

In place of the originally scheduled game, Brangiforte said East Boston will hold an intersquad scrimmage Thursday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that I deliver this sad news,” Brangiforte said. “We all know our annual East Boston High School vs South Boston High School Thanksgiving day game has been an important part of our school’s tradition for the past 105 years.”

Brangiforte continued, saying he is “deeply saddened” for East Boston High School, players, cheerleaders, coaches “and especially our seniors.” 

“I know it will not be the same,” Brangiforte said of the now-planned scrimmage, “but please let’s show our Class, Pride and Tradition by coming out to support our students, especially our seniors.”

No further information was immediately available on the reason for the forfeit. 

The school community at Dr. Gertrude Bailey Elementary School was gathered for their Thanksgiving Trot assembly. Later speaking with 7NEWS, Heather DeLucia described her response after she was initially told she had won a raffle and called up to the stage.

“When I went up to get my prize, our principal Ms. Kimberly Clements said ‘Bailey Bulldog, our school mascot, has a special surprise for Ms. DeLucia today,’” DeLucia said.

When she turned around, the mascot had appeared carrying a wrapped present.

Inside the costume, DeLucia’s soon-to-be fiance Nick Hoar was ready to propose.

“I was like, ‘No way!’” DeLucia said. “‘This is not happening right now.’” 

Hoar and the entire school came together to help make the proposal happen. 

A team effort, Hoar said the process was not entirely without challenges. One person, Hoar said, needed to guide him while he was in the costume since the costume itself obstructed part of his vision. 

DeLucia said she was surprised Hoar was brave enough to propose in front of 400 students. 

All those students, though, were thrilled. Some former students also came back to the school for the special moment. 

“They were just so happy for us so it was nice to see some former students come back and connect and say congratulations to us,” DeLucia said.

DeLucia and Hoar have been together for eight years and plan to get married next fall.

Kennedy was killed in 1963. Honoring the 35th president, library officials said they hoped Wednesday’s events will keep Kennedy alive in people’s memories. 

“It had a huge influence on me, I think, in terms of my values and also seeing what violence in our society could do,” said Judah Leblang while visiting the library. 

The library offered free entry Wednesday for a special commemorative performance and a rare exhibit featuring items not normally on display. 

Featured in the exhibit was the American flag that was draped over Kennedy’s casket after his death. There were also condolence letters from notable leaders of the time, including Martin Luther King, Jr. 

“I think it’s a powerful firsthand experience that’s better than just experiencing it online,” said JFK Presidential Library Director Alan Price.

“Though he was a truly inspirational president and figure, he is a man, he was a soldier and he defended the nation as best he knew how,” Price continued.

In addition to the flag, letters and other items, the special exhibit at the JFK library places a heavy emphasis on the former first lady, including handwritten notes by Jacqueline Kennedy regarding her husband’s funeral arrangements. 

“Her presence of mind in that moment is yet further evidence of her power as a person,” Price said. “To be in such grief and yet have the presence of mind to direct both the funeral and give notes to Lady Bird Johnson on things that must carry on in the next administration, truly impressive.”

Library officials said it is important to create the types of experiences on display Wednesday for those who do not have a living memory of JFK. 

For those seeing the flag that lay across Kennedy’s casket for the first time, the sight this week was also a poignant reminder of Kennedy’s service both in office and in the Navy. 

“It’s beautiful,” said visitor Marcos Barrios. “It’s representative of our nation and everything Kennedy stood for across party lines.” 

“Everybody can look at that flag and feel American,” he continued.

The flag that was draped over Kennedy’s casket was only on display Wednesday. 

Interested visitors can still catch the rest of the exhibit, though, through Monday.

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts detailed allegations against Benson on Wednesday. Among allegations, officials said Benson allegedly recorded and saved the Zoom calls to his Dropbox account. 

Benson was arrested on Tuesday. Following an initial court appearance, he was back in court for a detention hearing Wednesday. 

In a complaint filed with the court, officials said investigators interviewed Benson about the allegations. Officials said Benson told investigators he “had someone living with him briefly and that person had asked if he could transfer files.” 

“Benson claimed that he allowed this person to use Benson’s Dropbox account,” the complaint continued. “Benson indicated that Dropbox reported to him that Benson had illegal pornographic content.” 

The complaint said “Benson denied having anything to do with child pornography found in his Dropbox account.” 

Prosecutors, meanwhile, told a judge they have video of Benson participating, saying he talked sexually in the Zoom calls. 

Benson’s defense attorney claimed Benson did not create the child porn and could have been roleplaying. He also revealed Benson has a drug issue. 

Benson was an admissions director at Northeastern. In court, it was revealed his most recent role with the college was as director of global enrollment. 

Contacted on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Northeastern said Benson had been suspended indefinitely. 

Back in court, Benson was shaking and crying Wednesday afternoon, asking to hug his partner who was in the courtroom. 

Though the partner later refused to comment on the charges, Benson, himself, spoke to the judge.

“I’m not the person that’s been depicted there,” he said. “I am a good person.”

Facing the question of whether Benson should be released, for the time being, prosecutors said Benson is a danger to society.

His defense attorney, though, said there are conditions where he could be released.

The judge on Wednesday said too much information was revealed in court to make an immediate decision and opted to hold Benson through at least Monday.

Lawyers for Han Lee and Junmyung Lee agreed to a voluntary order of detention during a brief court hearing two weeks after their arrest. Magistrate Judge David Hennessy in Worcester, Massachusetts, entered the order without prejudice, which means defense lawyers can move for their release at a later date.

Their attorneys declined to comment after the hearing.

Authorities have said the commercial sex ring in Massachusetts and northern Virginia catered to politicians, company executives, military officers, lawyers, professors and other well-connected clients.

Prosecutors have not publicly named any of the buyers and they have not been charged. But acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Josh Levy has said the investigation is ongoing and that prosecutors are committed to holding accountable both those who ran the scheme and those who fueled the demand.

Prosecutors have argued Han Lee and Junmyung Lee pose a risk of flight, pointing to their financial resources and lack of ties to the community. A Homeland Security Investigations agent said in court papers filed Wednesday that authorities believe Han Lee made an “astounding” amount of money as the leader of the operation.

It was run using websites that falsely claimed to advertise nude Asian models for professional photography, prosecutors allege. The operators rented high-end apartments to use as brothels in Watertown and Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Tysons and Fairfax, Virginia, prosecutors said.

Authorities say Han Lee recruited women and maintained the websites and brothels. She paid Junmyung Lee, who was one of her employees, between $6,000 to $8,000 in cash per month in exchange for his work booking appointments for the buyers and bringing women to the brothels, among other things, the agent wrote.

Prosecutors believe the operators raked in hundreds of dollars through the network, where men paid upwards of $600 per hour for services. Officials say Han Lee concealed more than $1 million in proceeds from the ring by converting the cash into money orders, among other things, to make it look legitimate.

Authorities seized from their apartments cash, ledgers detailing the activities of the brothels and phones believed to be used to communicate with the sex customers, according to court papers. The agent wrote investigators at Han Lee’s home also found items indicative of her “lavish and extravagant spending habits,” including luxury shoes and bags.

A third person charged in the case, James Lee, was arrested in California and was ordered by a judge there to remain behind bars while he awaits trial. He has yet to appear in court in Massachusetts.

The Boston Police Department said the arrest came after officers heard the sound of a dog crying while walking in the area of Boston Common on Tuesday around 8:40 p.m.

According to the department, a passerby told police that a woman was beating a dog near 131 Tremont St., leading to officers responding to the area and coming across the suspect, who they reportedly observed kicking the animal.

“Officers were able to quickly separate the suspect from the dog, and moved the dog to a safe location as there was broken glass and unknown liquid on the ground,” Boston PD stated in a news release.

Police went on to investigate the incident further and spoke with witnesses who claimed to have seen the woman strike the dog “multiple times,” with officers learning she allegedly struck the dog with a glass bottle at one point, in addition to kicking and punching it.

A student who saw the alleged beating said the scene broke his heart.

“She was screaming at the dog, saying ‘Shut up, shut up, shut up,'” said Felipe Giesteira. “…Seeing a person actually do such a thing with an animal, especially a service dog, which is there to help her, [I’m] just heartbroken.”

Keith Brewer also witnessed the incident and said he could not believe what he saw. 

“Just terrible to witness and to hear the dog howling in pain every time that she hit him,” Brewer said. 

Brewer continued, saying he comforted the dog after police arrived. 

“The dog came to me and kind of backed into me as I crouched down and was very calm considering what happened,” he said.

The individual, Jasmine Velasquez, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty as well as assault and battery on a police officer. Officials later said the assault charge came about after the suspect allegedly spat at an officer while being booked.

Velasquez appeared in court Wednesday morning, where the prosecution said the animal kicked was her service dog.

“Ms. Velasquez hit the dog with an open right hand one time, hit the dog with a glass bottle eleven times, and kicked the dog three times,” said prosecutor Samuel Jones.

During the arraignment, officials also detailed how the 26-year-old told police she had been bitten by the dog before admitting to officers that she had kicked it.

An attorney for Velasquez said the defendant lives at the Pine Street Inn and has a four-month-old child who is in state custody. The attorney said Velasquez fractured a bone in her leg last year and needs a service dog to help her walk.

“She’s still recovering and she still has balance and ambulation issues with respect there, too, so that’s why she has the service dog,” said defense attorney Denise Moore. “She has some psychological issues, but she’s dealing with them and she’s compliant with her medication regime.”

Velasquez was ordered held on $1,500 bail.

The police department said the dog, described as a male Australian Cattle Dog named “Rocky,” was later taken in by Animal Control services. Details on the dog’s condition were not released.

Witnesses, in the meantime, said they just want what is best for the dog. 

“I just hope that the dog can find a family that loves him,” Giesteira said.

The fire burned at Los Amigos Restaurant and sparked a massive response from firefighters from Chelsea and surrounding communities. 

Heavy smoke and flames could be seen billowing out of both stories of the structure on Broadway when fire crews arrived around 9 a.m. Fire crews could soon be seen attempting entry through the charred rear of the building and on the roof hammering down.

Authorities said the fire was put out in about an hour. Though the damage was limited to the one structure, officials said neighboring buildings potentially had water damage.

In an update later Wednesday afternoon, authorities said a Revere firefighter was taken to a hospital for what was considered a head injury.

“We’re in a commercial block, buildings are attached,” said Chelsea Fire Chief Leonard Albanese. “These are tough fire fights.”

“They were able to keep it to the structure of origin. Really strong work by the members,” Albanese continued.

With two families forced out of their homes on the day before Thanksgiving, crews worked into the night Wednesday to hopefully bring the displaced families home. 

Chelsea Emergency Management Director Steve Staffier said crews were working to get power restored after the fire. A second issue, he said, “is obviously cleanup.” 

At businesses near the site of this fire, such as the Calaveras Tattoo Studio, workers were thankful they had no damage. 

Though crews contained the fire, one area store owner said this fire’s timing and the need to close up shop on the day before a major holiday hit hard. 

“We lost business,” said Thaier Tuffaha. “It’s Thanksgiving Day tomorrow. We sell aluminum foil, kitchen stuff, all the things, that’s the stuff we sell here.”

An investigation into the cause of this fire remained ongoing as of Wednesday evening.

Kennedy, who was born in Brookline, was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas in 1963 while riding in an open top limousine as part of a motorcade welcoming him to the city.

His killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, was arrested but later shot and killed while in police custody before he could be charged for the crime.

The JFK Library in Dorchester is marking the occasion with a display of the American flag that was draped on his coffin during his funeral. There will also be an exhibit on display featuring items related to the assassination, including letters of condolence sent to First Lady Jackie Kennedy.

The library said their focus is typically on the president’s legacy and not the assassination, but they wanted to do something to mark the anniversary.

“It’s a special commemoration, a somber occasion, of course,” said Alan Price, Director of the JFK Presidential Library. “Just in a very small capsule conveys the importance of that occasion. Some things that you ordinarily would never see.”

Kennedy was just 46 years old at the time of his death. He remains the youngest person ever elected President of the United States.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced the brothel network’s breakup earlier this month, which officials believe had clients who included “elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others.”

Han Lee, 41, of Cambridge, Mass., and Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, Mass., are expected in court today. A third suspect, James Lee, 68, of Torrance, Calif., is under investigation.

Citing charging documents at the time of their arrest, the US Attorney’s Office said that since at least July 2020, the suspects had operated an “interstate prostitution network” with brothels in Cambridge and Watertown in Massachusetts, along with locations in Fairfax and Tysons, Va.

“It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution,” the US Attorney’s Office stated in a news release.

Officials said the three would allegedly rent high-end apartment complexes for their brothels, paying as much as $3,664 in rent as they furnished and regularly maintained the units.

Advertising their network online, the suspects would “advertise nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios as a front for prostitution offered through appointments with women listed on their websites.”

Federal prosecutors said clients in this case paid for sex at price ranges “from approximately $350 to upwards of $600 per hour depending on different services.”

While only three people have been charged, to date, prosecutors said the men they’ve talked to and identified as clients could still face charges.

Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily in a statement said the crash happened at the Nouria gas station on Tremont Street Tuesday afternoon.

Officers responded around 2:30 p.m. and found a roughly six-foot hole in the back of the station’s wall, according to Duphily. The driver, Duphily said, had fled the scene. 

Though the driver left the area, Duphily said a state police trooper was at the gas station at the time of the crash and followed the driver down the street. 

The driver was taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries and is expected to be summonsed to court to face charges including operating under the influence and leaving the scene of a property damage accident, according to Duphily. 

Duphily said additional charges are likely.

There were no other reported injuries. 

The Patriots Foundation teamed up with Goodwill for the event with the goal of helping more families put dinner on the table. 

Speaking with 7NEWS, event attendees shared their gratitude. 

“I think it’s very wonderful,” said Gigi Fedna. “Especially out here, sometimes, families are struggling.” 

“It’s definitely a helping hand,” Fedna said. 

Two hundred families ultimately lined up at the Morgan memorial Goodwill headquarters in Roxbury to score a thanksgiving basket hand-delivered by a Patriots player.

“It means a lot for us to be able to be out here and make a difference,” said Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott. 

“It shows they care,” said event attendee Famara Jane. 

This marked the 30th year the New England Patriots Foundation has teamed up with Goodwill to give back for Thanksgiving.

It was the first time since 2019, though, that Patriots players were able to meet families in person.

“I realize, if we have our health and we have good friends and good relations and we can pay our bills, how we should give the good Lord thanks,” said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. 

“Any chance we can to give back and be part of something like this, especially around the holidays, it means a lot,” said Patriots center David Andrews.

This latest event came as Goodwill is seeing increased hunger needs in the community. 

Many families, according to Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries President and CEO Joanne Hilferty, are dealing with increased prices and “aren’t really in the position to be able to purchase a full Thanksgiving dinner.” 

“It just doesn’t fit in their budget,” Hilferty said. 

With prices in mind, those in attendance Tuesday said events like this one help a lot for the holidays. 

“This is a big help for my household,” said attendee Santa Mauricio. 

Goodwill has been doing distributions like the one on Tuesday for more than 100 years. 

Goodwill officials said they are thankful to partners like the Patriots for playing their part.

McCourty retired earlier this year. Speaking to 7’s Amaka Ubaka, he detailed efforts to make an impact off the field and more.

“Being a part of this, that was everything that we kind of worked hard and built up, it was the top of the mountain,” he said.

McCourty was recently honored for his work in the case of William Allen, who had been in prison for 27 years serving a life sentence for murder and armed robbery. 

While Allen was involved in the crime, he was not the man who fatally stabbed the victim. McCourty learned about Allen’s case and knew he had to help. 

“I was blown away from there and told everybody, ‘I’m in, let me know how I can help, what we need to do, but I’m all in on this,” he said. 

McCourty moved fast, signing a letter to then-Gov. Charlie Baker pleading for Allen’s release. McCourty also appeared at a rally on the State House Steps and testified at an ensuing commutation hearing. 

In January of 2022, he got the call — Allen’s sentence had been commuted. 

“For me, it was the best feeling I’ve ever had other than my kids being born,” McCourty said. 

“This man gets to come home and have freedom,” he continued. “To me, that end result trumps anything else that I’ve ever done on the football field.”

Fighting social injustice is not new for McCourty. 

In 2016, he raised his fist after the national anthem during the season opener and was willing to take the heat. 

“You don’t step out and do something and think that ‘This is all going to go so smooth,’” he said. 

He continued, saying he remembers a public relations worker later handing him a packet of letters and emails that had been written to the team. 

“It was every name you could be called as an African American in the country,” he said. “I should be cut immediately, should never play in the NFL, it was all of that backlash.”

As for any backlash against the Patriots, McCourty has remained loyal to his old coach Bill Belichick.

“I know that the thing around town now is Bill and ‘Should Bill be there?’” he said. “I think Bill is still a great coach.”

Asked if Mac Jones is the right quarterback for the Patriots, McCourty responded. 

“I do think Mac needs more things around him to be successful,” he said. 

Further asked if he could give Jones one piece of advice, he continued. 

“Just go play ball,” McCourty said. “It sounds so cliche, but you can only control what you can control.” 

McCourty said he will watch with interest to see what moves the Patriots make next. Now that he is off the field, though, he said he has more time for his favorite activity — being a dad.

“My biggest inspiration is my kids,” he said. “I don’t think they even know that.”

“My kids go and they play with anybody,” McCourty said. “They don’t think about ‘What’s your race? Where are you from? None of that stuff matters. They just go.”

“Being around youth is always inspirational,” McCourty continued.

McCourty said, so far, retirement has been nice. At 36-years-old, he added, he is just getting started.

Santa Claus was on hand to help welcome the new tree to Boston. Crews were later seen working to secure the tree in place. 

This year’s tree is a 40-year-old white spruce. It stands 45-feet tall and was donated by landowner Bette Gourley in the town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. 

Nova Scotia has, for decades, sent a tree to Boston as a sign of thanks for relief efforts after a massive explosion in Halifax, Nova Scotia in December, 1917. 

The explosion happened aboard a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor and devastated part of the city. Boston quickly sent a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel to aid with the response, as described in a statement from the office of Mayor Michelle Wu.

Back for an 82nd year, this year’s Boston Common Tree Lighting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 30. 

Festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. next to the Visitor’s Information Center at 139 Tremont Street on the Common and are set to include live music and other attractions in addition to the tree lighting itself.

“The Boston Common Tree Lighting has always been a special tradition kicking off Boston’s holiday season, and I’m grateful for Nova Scotia’s generous gift as we continue to honor our enduring friendship,” Wu said in a statement Tuesday. “We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors to the Common this winter with a symbol of the compassion and community spirit that the holiday season brings.”

In addition to the official Boston Common tree itself, the tree lighting event on Nov. 30 will light other trees around Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden.

Officials are then scheduled to flip the switch to light trees on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

The kitten, now named Applesauce, was found amongst a cat colony by a resident who monitors and feeds the colony and was very alarmed when the kitten was found cold and listless. The finder took the kitten inside, contacted ARL’s Field Services Department, and did their best to warm up the kitten, by using blankets and providing sugar water.

ARL responded to the home and transported the kitten to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center. Upon intake, the kitten’s temperature was just 93F – a cat’s normal body temperature is typically between 100.5-102.5F.

ARL’s veterinary team used a heated blanket to help increase the kitten’s body temperature and closely monitored him. Over the course of several hours, the kitten’s temperature had risen to 98 degrees, and he was starting to perk up, indicated by a voracious appetite. Aside from being nearly frozen to death, the kitten was otherwise in good health.

With the kitten stable, ARL placed Applesauce into foster care, where his foster family reported that for the first 24-36 hours the kitten was lethargic and spent most of his time curled up in a blanket sleeping. However, by the third day in the foster home, Applesauce rebounded, being very vocal, attention-seeking, and purring for hours on end!

At just 7 weeks old, Applesauce is still too young to find his forever home, however, ARL is thrilled that after the quick actions of the finder, he will have the opportunity to find a family and live the life he deserves. He should be available for adoption in a matter of weeks.

The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. at a low clearance bridge on Mount Pleasant Street. 

Police said the truck had been removed as of around 8:30 p.m.

No one was hurt in the crash and police said there was no structural damage to the bridge.

While state leaders have said the state’s shelter system is at capacity, with no more space to house new arrivals, migrant families have continued to flood into Massachusetts. 

Early Monday afternoon, the state’s Emergency Assistance Director explained plans for the transportation building.

“In order to ensure that families eligible for Emergency Assistance shelter have a safe and warm place to sleep at night when there is not a shelter unit immediately available, the administration is utilizing space at 10 Park Plaza as a temporary, overnight facility,” said Gen. Scott Rice.

Crews could be seen making preparations through the afternoon Monday. 

7NEWS was then on site at the transportation building as Gov. Maura Healey showed up ahead of the migrants’ arrival. 

The shelter at the transportation building is expected to be a short-term shelter, providing space for up to 25 families to stay overnight until a more permanent shelter is found. 

While crews continued preparations, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng addressed an email to MBTA workers, writing “The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the MBTA, in coordination with other state agencies, have stepped up to aid arriving families.” 

Crews were seen setting up computers and cell phone charging stations and wheeling in boxes of food and drinks Monday, making the transportation building the latest unconventional spot converted into a shelter for migrants in recent months. 

Indeed, the recent surge of migrants has seen people gather at colleges and hotels. Some families have also camped out in the emergency room of Boston Medical Center. Others have spent time at Logan Airport. 

“I think that it’s very important that we house these individuals for temporary shelter with the understanding that that’s not sustainable,” said Gladys Vega, a migrant advocate with La Colaborativa, on Monday. 

“Taking that action is the right action to take, understanding that it’s just a Band-Aid,” she separately said.

The shelter at the transportation building is only available to families that have been assessed at a state intake site and determined to be eligible for emergency assistance. 

The shelter is expected to operate for approximately two weeks.

The Boston field office of Enforcement and Removal Operations announced the arrest on Monday. The arrest, itself, happened on Nov. 14. 

Officials in their statement said the 37-year-old undocumented man previously received multiple criminal convictions for raping a child but fled Brazil before his sentencing in May of 2019. 

Officials said the man unlawfully entered the US “on an unknown date at an unknown location without being inspected or admitted by an immigration official.”

Several years after Brazilian authorities issued a warrant for his arrest, US officials said they learned of the man’s presence on Martha’s vineyard in late September. 

Authorities ultimately took the man into custody during a vehicle stop, according to Monday’s Enforcement and Removal Operations announcement. 

Enforcement and Removal Operations is part of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The man, who was not named in the announcement, is expected to remain in Enforcement and Removal Operations custody while awaiting removal proceedings before a federal immigration judge. 

ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons discussed the case, in the meantime, saying in a statement “This undocumented Brazilian national represented a significant threat to the inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard.” 

“He sexually assaulted a five-year-old child in his homeland and then ran from authorities when held accountable for his actions,” Lyons said. “ERO Boston will not allow such predators to threaten our residents.”

On Monday, the foundation handed out meal baskets to dozens of cancer patients and their families in North Attleboro. 

“We’re giving back here at the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, helping cancer patients through this great holiday called Thanksgiving,” Andruzzi said. 

For 15 years, the Andruzzi Foundation has been helping families living with cancer.

At Monday’s event, the foundation distributed more than 70 Thanksgiving meal baskets to families who need them. 

The mission hits close to home after Andruzzi’s own battle with cancer in 2007. Though he is now cancer free, Andruzzi said he knows others are still fighting their own battle. 

“When you’re battling cancer, you got to choose between putting food on your table or buying your medicine,” Andruzzi said. “We don’t want anybody to choose that. That’s why we step in and try to help them complete both those tasks so they can get better for their loved ones and for themselves.” 

The food baskets being given to people in need are a team effort, including food and other items donated from local businesses. 

Andruzzi and his wife Jen, who run the Andruzzi Foundation, will be delivering some meals personally. 

Speaking on Monday, the Andruzzis said it means so much to see the community come together and help brighten the holidays. 

“Everybody joining forces together and coming together, it’s teamwork.” Andruzzi said. “To get more people involved to help us pay it forward and help those in need, it’s truly rewarding.”

Last year, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation helped raise more than $1 million to help families battling cancer.

Prosecutors said many more people have since come forward, saying they were also victims. 

Approached after his court appearance, Dr. Richard Kauff would not comment on the felony sexual assault charges against him. 

Kauff, 68, was not arrested when charges were filed. As a result, he walked into court for his arraignment where a prosecutor said at least two dozen girls or women have now said they were victimized. 

“Since the first two alleged adult victims came forward, 22 more patients of this doctor have come forward, two of which are juveniles,” said prosecutor Jeremy Kusmin.

As Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz listened, his prosecutor detailed allegations from two women who said Kauff molested them during annual checkups as far back as 1990.

“Both victim one and victim two indicated there were times their parents were in the room during the exams but that the defendant would position himself in such a way that he would block the parents’ view of what was happening,” Kusmin said.

Kauff, according to the victims’ allegations detailed in a Norwell police report, assaulted the girls from the time they were 7 or 8-years-old until they were about 18 or 19. 

Prosecutors said they expect to file more charges and requested the judge set bail at $100,000 cash. 

Kauff’s attorney noted Kauff’s wife was with him in court and argued for just $10,000 cash bail. 

“Bail is not supposed to be punitive,” said defense attorney Kelli Porges. “Every action he has taken shows he will come back.” 

“He adamantly denies the charges,” Porges continued.

Judge Heather Bradley opted to set cash bail at $50,000.

Kauff now cannot have unsupervised contact with children and has been ordered to stay away from South Shore Medical locations in Norwell and Kingston, where he worked prior to his retirement last year. Kauff must also stay away from the victims who are accusing him. 

Kauff is facing charges including four counts of rape of a child with force and 12 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office.

He has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court in January.

Kauff has additionally agreed, at least temporarily, to not practice medicine. 

Michael Heineman of the law firm HBMH Law said the firm filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of the family on Monday against multiple parties linked to the shooting. The suit, in turn, comes a matter of days after officials announced a judge ruled the shooting of 37-year-old Brendan Reilly was justified.

“Until now, we have abstained from making public comments about Brendan’s tragic loss of life with the hope that we would receive answers through a moral and accurate Inquest process,” Reilly’s family said in a statement. 

“We attended all court dates for the Inquest proceedings,” the family continued. “Unfortunately, the Inquest did not adequately provide all answers to what happened to Brendan. 

The shooting happened on Feb. 12, 2022. 

In his report, Judge Michael Brennan said officers had been responding to an incident when Reilly allegedly threatened them with a knife. 

Brennan said one officer slipped and fell on the scene, at which point Reilly allegedly charged at officers with the knife. Brennan said another officer ultimately shot and killed Reilly. 

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan addressed the shooting and the recent judge’s report in a statement on Saturday, saying “The Reilly family remains in our thoughts as they continue to mourn Brendan.”

Reilly’s family continued in their statement on Monday, saying the court overseeing the inquest into Reilly’s death “only heard evidence which the District Attorney’s Office selectively chose to present.”

“Important evidence was never presented for the Court’s consideration,” the family continued. 

The family said the Middlesex District Attorney’s office also chose not to call an eyewitness to the shooting and the moments before it, adding the witnesses’ phone “was used to take photographs and video of the scene.” 

“On February 12, 2022, Brendan lost his life at the hands of the Lexington police while suffering a mental health crisis outside of his home owned and operated by Eliot Community Human Services,” Reilly’s family said. “He was afraid for his life and desperately in need of care.”

“The use of aggressive behavior and force by the Lexington Police was unnecessary,” Reilly’s family continued. “Logical steps were not practiced by police responders.”

The family said it is suing the town of Lexington, the officers involved “and those who failed to provide necessary medical care to Brendan.”

“We look ahead to obtaining all evidence surrounding Brendan’s death, as any factual court proceeding should include,” the family said.

The Tewksbury Police Department said it has been investigating an armed robbery that happened Sunday night on Woburn Street. According to the department, it was just after 8:30 p.m. when officers were called to Andy’s Convenience Store for the incident.

Police said during the robbery, a suspect, believed to be a male in his mid-20s, entered the store with a large-capacity firearm and demanded cash and other items from an employee.

After the robbery, the suspect then ran across Woburn Street and into a wooded area.

Reviewing surveillance footage, police described the suspect as wearing a black sweatshirt with white stripes/strings, black pants, a navy blue backpack and white and black Nike sneakers with “an orange or red swoosh.”

The suspect was also believed to have shown a Tec9-style firearm with an extended magazine during the robbery.

Anyone with information on the suspect or incident is asked to call the police department at 978-851-7373 or to email tewks_detectives@tewksbury-ma.gov.

While the police investigation continued, community members shared their reactions Monday. 

“It’s just horrible,” said Sue Cipollo, a regular customer at Andy’s Convenience Store. “8:30 at night. What if someone came in? You just don’t expect it here.” 

Cipollo said the store is “a very busy location,” adding “They have a lot of regulars.”

“The guy was a good guy that was working, he’s always good, so I just feel bad,” Cipollo said. “I hope he’s OK.”

“I just hope they catch whoever did it or something,” said area resident James Belmore. “Hopefully they are not too shaken up. They are very nice people. No one deserves that.”

7NEWS learned the clerk who was working at the time of this incident is OK and is taking a few days off work.

The DA’s office in a statement said the crash happened around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Plain Street at Lady Slipper Lane in Marshfield.

Emergency crews responding to the scene soon found the female driver of a red Subaru Forester “with injuries,” according to the DA’s office. 

Officials said the woman was taken to South Shore Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The Marshfield police officer driving the other vehicle involved in this crash was not hurt.

The DA’s office on Monday identified the woman who died as Michelle Freestone of Marshfield and said a state police investigation into this crash was ongoing.

“Preliminarily, it appears the operator of the red Subaru [Forester] turned left in front of the tan motor vehicle and contact was made between the two vehicles,” the DA’s office said. 

Officials continued, saying the police officer behind the wheel of the police vehicle was not responding to a call at the time of the crash. 

Marshfield police previously addressed the crash in a post on social media, saying Plain Street would be closed between its intersections with Flaggler and Old Plain Street “due to a motor vehicle accident.”

“Please seek alternate routes,” police said. 

In an update moments after 2 p.m., police said Plain Street had reopened. 

SKY7-HD flying over the scene earlier in the day spotted the aftermath of the crash, with significant damage visible on the front of a red SUV.

This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

The Hate Crimes Awareness and Response Team (HART) will be tasked with improving statewide data collection efforts to identify patterns and trends, developing “advanced training” with the Municipal Police Training Committee, and improving law enforcement coordination at the federal, state and local levels, Healey announced Monday.

Healey said HART is part of the commonwealth’s broader approach for deterring hate crimes and protecting at-risk individuals, as other law enforcement and state agencies, plus the state’s Task Force on Hate Crimes, continue their efforts to promote tolerance.

“I think what today is about is a recognition of the moment that we are in as a country and as a commonwealth, and it is appropriate and good that we are taking steps to enhance law enforcement’s capability when it comes to intelligence gathering and investigative techniques, information sharing,” Healey said at a press conference. “It will further help our ability to hold those accountable who need to be held accountable for perpetrating hate crimes, and it will also help us get better ahead of what is happening in this space, where we have seen here and around the world increased incidents of hate.”

The team is staffed by four to five sworn State Police members who will function as a “primary point of contact for local law enforcement, community and religious groups in a specific geographic area,” Interim Col. John Mawn Jr. said. He said the team will coordinate closely with the Fusion Center, which monitors threats, security updates and suspicious incidents.

“The HART team is a diverse and multilingual group of troopers who have demonstrated exceptional investigative experience and skill,” Mawn said. “Their work will continue to build upon the many proactive initiatives and strong partnerships in Massachusetts, where our level of public safety coordination is unprecedented.”

Attorney General Andrea Campbell said she looks forward to working with the team, as she vowed her office will continue to tackle hate, harassment, discrimination and bullying, among other issues. Campbell urged residents who have experienced acts of hate to file complaints with her office.

Massachusetts logged 440 hate crime incidents last year, and 406 in 2021, according to a report from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. It was the highest volume since 2002, Healey’s office said.

“In recent years, we’ve seen not just around the country but even here in Massachusetts, attacks on Black churches with increasingly open declarations of white supremacy and organized white nationalism; spikes in anti-immigrant and anti-Latino rhetoric that target the vulnerable and betray our nation’s ideals as a beacon of hope; cruel attacks on the members of the Asian-American community, especially during COVID and beyond; a rise in homophobic and transphobic rhetoric and violence,” Healey said. “The Jewish community has experienced a frightening surge in antisemitism, especially in the last month, but also for some time before that. And there’s been a rise, as well, in Islamophobic incidents.”

Massachusetts recorded the country’s sixth-highest rate of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and assault in 2022, as well as the second-highest number of white supremacist propaganda incidents, according to a report from the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism.

The report had called Beacon Hill lawmakers to pass a string of bills to strengthen hate crime statutes, install protections for hate crime victims dealing with property damage, and clamp down on online harassment like doxing. House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have not identified hate crime legislation as a priority this session, though lawmakers this fall voted to override Healey’s veto that had to sought to slash funding for a nonprofit security grant program, intended to benefit groups at high risk for terrorists attacks and hate crimes.

Jeremy Burton, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, called the HART team a “step in the right direction.”

“There is a higher level of coordination that has to happen from the local to the federal (levels),” Burton told the News Service. “Not every local police department has the capacity or the training necessary to analyze everything, and certainly doesn’t have a direct line to all levels, like the federal government, so this is definitely one more tool in that toolbox. And frankly, at a time like this, where there is an incredible rise in antisemitism and hate, we need all the tools we can get.”

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said she hopes the HART team will serve as a partner to her Anti-Hate, Anti-Bias Task Force.

“The more partners, the better, and we’ll have to see how this goes,” Ryan said. “Unfortunately, there’s more than enough work for people.”

Ten school districts are also receiving grants totaling nearly $462,000 to cover professional development for educators, community engagement and other efforts to clamp down on bias incidents and hate crimes, the Healey administration also announced Monday.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said another $340,000 in funding is also available to school districts that have experienced hate crimes or incidents of bias in the last two years but have not received grant money this year. The grants are meant to spur partnerships between schools, community groups and law enforcement, she said.

“There has to be a unity of purpose, authentic relationships with the impacted groups, and proactive partnerships on the ground to make the type of lasting change we hope to,” Driscoll said.

The Southborough Police Department said its officers made the arrest Sunday, after responding to a Dunkin location on Cordaville Road. The department had initially received a report that a male customer had accosted a female employee, who arriving officers made contact with.

The department said that, according to the employee, a male suspect accosted and “inappropriately grabbed” her during the incident.

Reviewing surveillance footage, officers identified and later arrested Paul Smith of Southborough.

According to Southborough PD, Smith now faces charges that include Assault and Battery and Indecent Assault and Battery On A Person 14 Or Over.

New Hampshire’s Departments of Health and Human Services and Safety hosted the vigil to honor 63-year-old Bradley Haas and stand in support of staff and patients of the hospital.

More than 1,000 people came out to show their support. 

Haas was a former chief of police in Franklin, New Hampshire, spending a total of 28 years at the Franklin Police Department. 

Haas retired from the Franklin Police Department and was working as a security officer at New Hampshire Hospital, a state psychiatric hospital in Concord, when officials said a man opened fire in the hospital lobby, shooting and killing Haas.

The shooting happened Friday afternoon and ended when a state police trooper on patrol at the hospital fatally shot suspect John Madore, according to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office.

The shooting drew a massive emergency response on Friday and prompted an outpouring of tributes for Haas that continued on Monday.

“He was often the first person we met when we came in to work and the last person we saw when we left,” said Ellen LaPointe of New Hampshire Hospital during the vigil for Haas. “Under his quiet, unassuming demeanor, was a courageous professional who died protecting New Hampshire Hospital patients and staff.”

Also in attendance at Monday’s vigil, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said Haas was “an absolute hero.”

“He saved countless lives, which is incredible,” Sununu said.

The Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service said it was transporting 28 premature babies from a hospital in southern Gaza to another across the border in Egypt on Monday.

Egypt’s Al-Qahera satellite channel broadcast images of the babies inside Egyptian ambulances, without specifying how many had arrived. Over the weekend, 31 babies were evacuated from Shifa.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Heavy fighting erupted Monday around a hospital in northern Gaza where thousands of patients and displaced people have been sheltering for weeks, as Israel pressed an offensive it says is aimed at eradicating Hamas and uprooting their militant infrastructure.

A shell struck the second floor of the Indonesian Hospital, killing at least 12 people, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza and a medical worker inside the facility. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

The advance came a day after the World Health Organization evacuated 31 premature babies from Shifa Hospital, with plans to bring them to Egypt. More than 250 critically ill or wounded patients remain stranded at the compound, which Israeli forces stormed days ago.

The plight of Gaza’s hospitals is at the focus of a battle of narratives over the war’s brutal toll on Palestinian civilians, thousands of whom have been killed or buried in rubble since the conflict was sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel.

Israel says Hamas uses civilians as human shields and operated a major command hub inside and beneath Shifa, while critics say Israel’s siege and relentless aerial bombardment amount to collective punishment of the territory’s 2.3 million Palestinians.

Marwan Abdallah, the medical worker at the Indonesian Hospital, said Israeli tanks were operating less than 200 meters (yards) from the hospital, and that Israeli snipers could be seen on the roofs of nearby buildings. As he spoke over the phone, the sound of gunfire could be heard in the background.

Abdallah said the hospital had received dozens of dead and wounded in airstrikes and shelling overnight.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra, who is now based in southern Gaza, said some 600 patients, 200 health care workers and 2,000 displaced people are sheltering there.

In a separate development that could relieve some of the pressure on Gaza’s collapsing health system, dozens of trucks entered the territory from Egypt on Monday with equipment from Jordan to set up a field hospital. Jordan’s state-run media said the hospital in the southern town of Khan Younis would be up and running within 48 hours.CLAIMS ABOUT SHIFA

Following the evacuation of the babies, over 250 patients with severely infected wounds and other urgent conditions remain in Shifa, which can no longer provide most treatment after it ran out of water, medical supplies and fuel for emergency generators amid a territory-wide blackout.

Israeli forces battled Palestinian militants outside its gates for days before entering the facility in Wednesday. Four babies died in the two days before the evacuation, according to Mohamed Zaqout, the director of Gaza hospitals.

Israel’s army said it has evidence supporting its claims that Hamas maintained a sprawling command post inside and under the hospital’s 20-acre (8-hectare) complex, which includes several buildings.

On Sunday, the military released a video showing what it said was a tunnel discovered at the hospital, 55 meters (60 yards) long and about 10 meters (33 feet) below ground. It said the tunnel included a hole for gunmen to fire out of, and ended at a blast-proof door that troops have not yet opened.

Israeli forces also released security camera video showing what they said were two foreign hostages, one Thai and one Nepalese, who were captured by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attack and taken to the hospital. Hamas said its fighters brought them in for medical care.

The army also said an investigation had determined that Israeli army Cpl. Noa Marciano, another captive whose body was recovered in Gaza, had been wounded in an Israeli strike on Nov. 9 that killed her captor, but was then killed by a Hamas militant in Shifa.

The military has previously released images of several guns it said were found inside an MRI lab and said that the bodies of two hostages were found near the complex.

The Associated Press was not able to independently confirm the military’s findings.

Hamas and hospital staff have denied the allegations of a command post under Shifa. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan dismissed the latest announcement, saying “the Israelis said there was a command and control center, which means that the matter is greater than just a tunnel.”THREE IN FOUR PEOPLE DISPLACED

Israel has repeatedly ordered Palestinians to leave northern Gaza and seek refuge in the south, which has also been under aerial bombardment since the start of the war. Some 1.7 million people, nearly three quarters of Gaza’s population, have been displaced, with 900,000 packing into crowded U.N.-run shelters, according to the U.N.

International aid group Doctors Without Borders said 70 people were killed and at least 52 wounded, including children, in strikes in the southern town of Khan Younis on Saturday. It said it was performing 10 burn surgeries a day at the town’s overwhelmed Nasser Hospital, where hundreds of people need such operations.

More than 11,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried in rubble. The count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants.

Violence has also surged in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where attacks by Jewish settlers are on the rise and where more than 200 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, mostly in gunbattles triggered by Israeli military raids.

About 1,200 people have been killed on the Israeli side, mainly civilians during the Oct. 7 attack, in which Hamas dragged some 240 captives back into Gaza. The military says 66 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza ground operations.

Hamas has released four hostages, Israel has rescued one, and the bodies of two were found near Shifa.

Israel, the United States and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas, have been negotiating a hostage release for weeks. Israel’s three-member war Cabinet is to meet with representatives of the hostages’ families on Monday evening.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed.

State and local officials in a joint statement said Franklin officers first responded to an apartment building on West Bow Street around 10 p.m. Sunday after receiving a 911 call from a woman who said her neighbor across a hallway had tried to smash through her front door. 

Responding officers soon found the woman’s door had been shot at with a firearm, evacuated the woman from the building and tried to contact the man across the hall, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey and Franklin Police Chief David Goldstein.

Officials said state police SWAT personnel responded to the scene after officers heard gunshots coming from inside the man’s residence. 

Near 2:35 a.m., officials said, officers reportedly spotted black smoke coming from the windows and eaves of the apartment building. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for area neighborhoods around 2:45 a.m. and saw fire inside the building moments after 3 a.m., according to state and local officials. 

Officials said the man exchanged gunfire with state police troopers and was later found outside the residence near a first-floor window suffering from “apparent gunshot wounds.”

“Life saving measures were later attempted, but the severity of the fire prevented officers from being able to get to the male to provide immediate medical aid,” officials said.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and had not been publicly identified as of Monday afternoon. His autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.

Formella, Toomey and Goldstein said no law enforcement officers were physically injured in this incident. The earlier shelter-in-place order was lifted and officials said there was no threat to the public as of Monday afternoon. 

While the origin and cause of the fire as well as the broader standoff remained under investigation, officials said “there are no apparent indications that the fire was caused by any law enforcement action.”

The water main break impacted homes in Frank Street, Lynn Road, and Williams Street.

The water main has since repaired and water service has been restored.

Video from the scene shows the trailer on Pratt Court fully engulfed in flames.

No additional information was immediately available.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

Lucic was previously arrested on Saturday morning at his North End apartment in Boston following what was reported to be a domestic incident, leading to the Bruins placing him on indefinite leave.

A police report obtained by 7NEWS described how officers were called to Lucic’s apartment in the North End by a family member, who had called police stating Lucic attempted to choke her.

According to the report, officers met with the family member in the apartment’s lobby and learned that the incident occurred after, sometime during the night, Lucic had come home and could not find his cell phone.

The family member said Lucic accused her of hiding the phone and demanded it back, and that when she told him she did not have it or know where it was, he grabbed her by the hair and pulled her backwards as she tried to walk away, stating that she “wasn’t going anywhere.”

The report also detailed how the family member declined treatment and told police she had not been strangled when asked, after an officer spotted what appeared to be redness in her chest area.

She also told police that she thought Lucic had been consuming alcohol.

After speaking with her, police headed upstairs and met with Lucic, who they say appeared to have been drinking. The suspect also claimed nothing had happened.

While bringing Lucic into a bedroom to retrieve clothing, officers noted seeing a broken lamp on one of the nightstands and a small amount of broken glass on the floor, which Lucic claimed was broken shards of plastic.

The 35-year-old was later booked at the Boston Police Department’s A-1 police station and was allowed out on bail.

Lucic is now expected to face a judge on Tuesday.

Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery and team Captain Brad Marchand reacted to the situation, in the meantime. 

“We’re all very concerned and upset for them with what they’re going through,” Marchand said.

“We support the Lucic family and we will continue to provide support and help,” Montgomery said.

It’s unclear how the child fell from the shopping cart but it appears it was an accident.

No additional information was immediately available.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

Officers responding to a report of a pedestrian struck on Wollaston Avenue around 1:45 p.m. Arlington found an 81-year-old woman who had been struck while crossing Park Avenue in a crosswalk, according to police.

She was transported by Arlington Fire/EMS to an area hospital for further treatment of injuries.

The driver, a 79-year-old Arlington woman, remained at the scene and is cooperating with an ongoing investigation. She did not report any injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

Officers responding to a reported shooting in the area of 61 Lowell St. around 2 a.m. found Carlos Rodriguez, of Manchester, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella and Manchester Police Chief Allen D. Aldenberg.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Investigators are continuing to investigate the individuals involved as well as the sequence of events from the motor vehicle accident leading up to the shooting, but there are no indications of any specific threat to the general public at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the events leading up to the shooting is asked to contact the Manchester Police Department at (603) 668-8711.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.