Report: Vineyard Camper Put Strap On Black Child's Neck | PatchPM

MASSACHUSETTS — It's Tuesday, August 31. Here's what you should know this afternoon:

• A U.S. Coast Guard crew rescued a sick fisherman from his ship 130 miles off the coast of Cape Cod.
• Andover hired an outside expert to investigate allegations of a toxic work environment at Andover Youth Services, the town's attorney said Monday, but she is not investigating the town manager specifically.
• A vigil will be held Tuesday evening for the Lawrence marine who died in Thursday's suicide bombing in Afghanistan.

Scroll down for more on those and other stories Patch has been covering in Massachusetts today.

Today's Top Story

A white child at a summer camp on Martha's Vineyard placed a tent strap around the neck of a Black camper last month, in an act that a civil rights group representing the boy called "reminiscent of lynching" on Monday as it urged reform.

The act involving 8- and 9-year-old boys occurred late last month at the Chilmark Community Center, according to a report released last week by the Chilmark Town Affairs Council.

The group, Lawyers for Civil Rights, has asked for a review of policies to increase racial awareness at the camp on the affluent, predominantly white vacation resort off the coast of Massachusetts.

Read the full story.

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Tuesday's Other Top Stories

Fisherman rescued: A U.S. Coast Guard crew rescued a sick fisherman from his ship 130 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod received a distress call, just before 1 p.m., Sunday. According to Coast Guard officials, a man on a 65-foot fishing boat experienced a diabetic related emergency. The Coast Guard sent a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and hoisted the fisherman to safety. The crew brought the man to an ambulance in Barnstable, who took him to Cape Cod Hospital. Watch the rescue.

'Toxic work environment' probe underway in Andover: The town hired an outside expert to investigate allegations of a toxic work environment at Andover Youth Services, the town's attorney said Monday, but she is not investigating the town manager specifically. Prior to the meeting, rumors had circulated that the Select Board had moved to investigate Town Manager Andrew Flanagan specifically. Former Youth Services employees and their supporters have said Flanagan has fostered a hostile work environment.

Eat fresh: Patch's 2021 Massachusetts Farmers Market Guide

Vigil For Fallen Marine

A vigil will be held Tuesday evening for the Lawrence marine who died in Thursday's suicide bombing in Afghanistan, the city said Monday night. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, was one of 13 American service members who died in the suicide bombing near the Kabul airport Thursday. More than 160 Afghans were killed in the attack. A vigil for Rosario will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 240 Osgood Street, at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

In Case You Missed It

Day one of Mac Jones era: The New England Patriots cut presumed starting quarterback and former NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton on the eve of the season Tuesday, according to multiple media reports. The move to jettison last year's starting quarterback — and presumed starter for next Sunday's Week 1 game vs. the Miami Dolphins — opens the door for rookie first-round draft pick Mac Jones to be the team's new starting quarterback to start the season. The stunning move ends Newton's relatively short and tumultuous on-field run at Gillette Stadium and comes after it appeared the veteran had done enough to hold off the rookie through training camp and three preseason games.