Palin 'Fires Shots' From Bunker Hill

Today is Friday, June 3. Here are five things you need to know today.

1. So Sarah Palin was here, allegedly. I've yet to see photographic evidence and for some reason Ms. Palin's people didn't give a call over to Patch before rolling into town, but according this news report (and many others), she "fired shots" at Mitt Romney from the Bunker Hill Monument. She criticized Romney's role in the state's health-care mandate, just moments before he formally announced his presidential bid in New Hampshire. Ah, politics. If you happened to see Palin in Charlestown yesterday, let me know. We'd love a photo.

2. Want some iced tea? For free? Ali Fornash, Charlestown's own famous blogger, is hosting a giveaway on her site, Food Fitness and Fashion. Go tell Ali about your favorite summer drink for a chance to win.

3. More evidence that people from Charlestown do amazing things. I got an email this week about Jesse Bump, who completed the "ultradistance" Comrades Marathon in South Africa last week. I didn't even know these things existed. Jesse ran, ahem, 52 miles -- in under 11 hours. We're hoping to chat with Jesse when he gets back, but here's a video you can check out in the meantime.

4. The storms that ripped through Massachusetts on Wednesday night were pretty terrifying. By now I'm sure you've all seen your share of images and videos from the aftermath, but I want to share this video because it's particularly amazing. The local CBS affiliate caught this footage over the Connecticut River. Thousands of people are still without power, and will be for days. You can help the recovery by making donations to the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay: online at Red Cross.org, by phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS, and by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give a $10 donation.

5. Today's forecast: Sunny with a high of 72. Wear your shades! And that pesky wind will be back.

For more info on what's happening around the neighborhood, check out our events calendar.