Massachusetts

Two hard-to-believe tornadoes touched ground in western Massachusetts Wednesday afternoon and have caused ample damage in the major city of Springfield and the minor cities of Westfield and Wilbraham.

The 10-mile high funnel thought to be at least 1-mile wide struck at about 4:45 p.m. ET and has reportedly killed four so far while destroying hundreds of homes and dozens of communities.

The destruction and injuries caused by the tornado, not common in the area, has triggered Gov. Deval Patrick to declare a state of emergency and dispatch 1,000 National Guard members to help with relief efforts. more >>

The former CEO of Burger King and vice president of Pillsbury is taking his faith into a whole new area of expertise.

Heading administration and development efforts for the soon to be founded C.S. Lewis College – a private Christian college in Northfield, Mass. – Charles Olcott will begin his role as the executive vice president of the College.

Olcott will bring his extensive experience and expertise to bear on the founding of the new four-year institution, responsible for all aspects of finance, administration and development. more >>

“Die with dignity” is the controversial message being given to East Boston residents this month, garnering criticism from many religious leaders.

Part of a nationwide campaign to legalize physician-assisted suicide, the message is plastered on a billboard, purchased by the Final Exit Network – a national, volunteer-run nonprofit organization.

The ad states, “Irreversible illness? Unbearable suffering? Die with Dignity.” more >>

In an unprecedented move in Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick nominated lesbian candidate Barbara A. Lenk for an opening in the state’s highest court on Monday.

"My story is the American story – where anything is possible," Lenk said, according to Reuters.

The 60-year-old native of Queens, N.Y., joined her partner at the altar in 2004 after Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to approve same-sex marriage. Lenk holds a Ph.D. in political philosophy from Yale University as well as a Harvard law degree. She and her partner currently have two daughters. more >>

The trial of a suspect in the burning of a predominantly black church in Massachusetts just hours after Barack Obama was elected president begins Monday.

Federal prosecutors say Michael Jacques was among three white men who set fire to the then-under-construction Macedonia Church of God in Springfield, Mass., on Nov. 5, 2008, according to The Associated Press.

Jacques, 26, is accused of burning down the church out of anger that Obama, a black man, was elected president of the United States. Jacques, however, has denied wrongdoing, saying he was forced to sign a confession. more >>

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s high court ruled this week in favor of a minister who married two women, reversing a lower court's guilty verdict.

According to the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly, the lower court erred when it determined that Jean K. Southard violated the PC(USA) constitution.

Southard had officiated at a marriage ceremony between Jennifer Irene Duhamel and Sara Jane Herwig in 2008. The ceremony took place at First Presbyterian Church in Waltham, Mass., after she concluded that the two were well suited for marriage. more >>