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Bill in Massachusetts could result in a fine for those who use the "b-word"

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:43:36 -0400

A bill in Massachusetts' state legislature could mean the next time people in that state use the word "b***h", they may have to pay a fine or even face jail time.

According to the Massachusetts state legislature's website, House Bill 3719, if passed, would ban the word "b***h", when it is directed at another person to "accost, annoy, degrade or demean the other person". People who are found guilty of using the word will be considered to be a "disorderly person", as defined by a section of Massachusetts law, and will be fined $150 for the first offense. From the second violation onward, the person will be fined no more than $200, be sentenced to six months in jail, or both.

According to Boston FOX affiliate WFXT-TV, the lawmaker who filed the bill did so at the request of a constituent. The bill was filed in May.

This story was reported on in Phoenix.

Police and firefighters rescue dog trapped in icy pond

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:06:17 -0500

First responders in Amesbury, Massachusetts, braved icy waters to rescue a dog trapped in a frozen pond, as seen in this video shared by the local police department on January 5.

Personnel from the Amesbury Police Department and the Amesbury Fire Department teamed up to rescue a three-year-old pit bull called Navia in Clarks Pond.

The dog had run off from a sitter and was reported missing, 7 News Boston reported.

“Navia was warmed up and returned to her owners. Everyone involved in the daring rescue is safe and healthy,” the police department said on Facebook.

MORE NEWS: Firefighters work to rescue dog that fell through ice

Firefighters have had their hands full this season rescuing dogs from icy ponds.

Just weeks ago, an 8-month-old dog named Pepper fell through some freezing ice. A volunteer fire department worked together to pull the dog to shore in a video that went viral.

Police officers deliver gifts to 4-year-old whose mother was recently murdered

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 07:54:55 -0500

A group of police officers came together to try and bring some holiday joy to a little boy in Massachusetts whose mother was murdered last month.

Officers with the Fitchburg Police Department posted photos to Facebook of their recent visit with 4-year-old JJ.

According to WYFF, 26-year-old Kelsey Lynne Clifford was found dead in November and a friend of her boyfriend is facing charges in the case. JJ is now living with his grandparents.

Knowing this would be JJ's first Christmas without his mom, the officers wanted to try and make it special.

A parade of police cars lined up outside of JJ's home on Sunday to visit with the young boy. The officers brought a mountain of presents, including a new bike.

"We were happy to make a Christmas wish come true for a Leominster boy today," the department wrote on Facebook. "JJ loves anything to do with police."

First responders rescue dog trapped in icy pond

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 08:44:42 -0500

Thanks to police and firefighters in Massachusetts, a dog who had runaway and fallen into an icy pond was able to return home to her family.

Amesbury Police Department and the Amesbury Fire Department teamed up to rescue Navi, a three-year-old pit bull.

According to reports, Navi had run off from a sitter and was reported missing.

Video captured by police personnel shows firefighters TJ Poussard and Mike Sweeney braving the icy waters of Clarks Pond to save the good girl, who had been in the freeezing water for under 10 minutes.

“Navia was warmed up and returned to her owners. Everyone involved in the daring rescue is safe and healthy,” the police department said on Facebook.

A job well done to the entire team!

Woman with Down syndrome surprised with car parade on 21st birthday

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:16:56 -0400

A Massachusetts woman's friends and family surprised her on what would have been her 21st birthday with an epic car parade.

Mikayla DaPonte always dreamed of going all out for her the big 2-1 by celebrating at Foxwoods casino but amid coronavirus her plans were put on pause.

Karl DaPonte, Mikayla's dad, told FOX 5, "She wanted to get "lit on sherly temples and play the penny machines. Her quote not mine."

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Her parents still wanted to do something special for her, so they organized a spontaneous car parade.

In a wholesome video posted to Facebook Karl a line of honking cars filled their street as the birthday girl excitedly watched from a balcony.

COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

The parade of cars was escorted by members of the Fall River Police Department. Some were decked out bumper to bumper with signs and balloons!

An emotional Mikayla screamed with joy as the cars continued drive by.

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Needless to say, it was an epic day that Mikayla will be sure to remember.