PROVINCETOWN, Mass.

Wildlife officials cancel plan to trap black bear on Cape

Massachusetts wildlife officials have called off a plan to try to trap a black bear that’s been wandering around Cape Cod.

Division of Fisheries and Wildlife spokeswoman Marion Larson said officials changed their strategy Friday because the animal hasn’t gotten into trouble.

She said officials “were probably over-thinking it” when coming up with the idea of capturing the bear, thought to be a male around 3 years old.

Larson said the mere presence of a bear doesn’t constitute a public safety threat.

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The animal got to the Cape on Memorial Day weekend, before making its way out to its tip this week. Scientists believe it swam from the mainland.

State officials believe it’s the first time in history a black bear has been on the Cape.

WORCESTER, Mass.

About 800 mourners attend funeral for part-time officer

A 27-year-old Rutland police officer who died last week is being remembered as a caring person who loved serving others.

Fellow law enforcement officers and elected officials joined the family and friends of Sean Cooney for his funeral at Blessed Sacrament Church in Worcester, his hometown, on Friday. The Telegram & Gazette of Worcester reported that about 800 people attended Cooney’s service.

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His two brothers spoke, remembering Cooney as a caring person and a talented mechanic who “never said no” to helping friends as he worked two jobs. Cooney was a part-time Rutland officer and a trial court officer.

Cooney died while visiting Indianapolis for the funeral of a friend. His death remains under investigation.

BOSTON

Delta flight aborts landing over errant jet on runway

An air traffic controller at Boston’s Logan International Airport told an incoming flight from New York City to abort its landing after another jet taxied onto the runway without authorization.

Authorities said the Delta flight circled and made a safe landing just after 4 p.m. Thursday.

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The American Airlines flight on the ground was headed to Dallas and took off as scheduled.

No one on either flight was hurt. It was not clear how close the two jets came to each other.

An agency spokesman said the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

Last July, the wing of a large passenger jet clipped the tail of a smaller aircraft at Logan, causing serious damage to both aircraft. One person went to a hospital.

MANCHESTER, N.H.

Modular classrooms closed following collapse of ramp

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Modular classrooms in the city of Manchester, N.H., have been shut down after six students and a teacher received minor injuries when a ramp to one of the classrooms collapsed at Beech Street Elementary School.

One of the students was taken to the hospital as a precaution on Friday.

WMUR-TV reported that the superintendent closed all modular classrooms in the city after the accident and said they would be inspected over the weekend.

MONTPELIER, Vt.

Lawmakers introduce bills to expand dental coverage

Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders said America is experiencing a crisis in dental care, and has introduced legislation to address the issue.

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Sanders and Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings on Thursday introduced Senate and House bills that would expand dental coverage to millions of Americans through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The measures would authorize funding to increase access to dental services at community health centers and boost support for mobile clinics and dental clinics in schools.

And they call for increased federal assistance for those training to be dentists.

Sanders said 130 million Americans lack dental insurance, and a quarter of those over 65 have lost all their teeth.

ASHANTUCKET, Conn.

Producers holding auditions at casino for TV crime drama

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Producers of a television crime drama set in Hartford are holding auditions this weekend at the Foxwoods Resort Casino.

An open casting call for “The Second District” is scheduled for today at the Grand Pequot Tower Ballroom.

The show is expected to debut later this year through a syndication deal bringing it to networks across the country. Hartford police Officer Mark Manson took inspiration from his experiences to create it with a career criminal he met on the job.

The show is about a police department struggling to maintain order in a city overrun by gangs.

The producers are hoping to find local talent at the Connecticut casting call. Closed auditions are also scheduled for Monday in New York City.

— From news service reports


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