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18 hours ago
Legendary rock band to reunite 2 years after farewell tour
An iconic rock band is reuniting despite previously saying their 2023 concerts would be their last together.KISS will perform an unmasked live show as part of the three-day KISS Army Storms Vegas event from Nov. 14-16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Loudwire reported. An email e-mail sent to followers of KISS' recently updated website indicated that fans can expect “a special live performance from former KISS member Bruce Kulick, along with other special guests, activities, exclusive experiences and more,” Loudwire reported. A full schedule of activities should be announced soon. Frontman Gene Simmons previously told Rolling Stone that KISS' “final” concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 2, 2023, would be “the final KISS-in-makeup appearance.” The show was part of the band’s four-year long End of the Road farewell tour.However, Simmons seemingly left the door open to still reunite with bandmates Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.The news comes days after Simmons canceled 17 tour dates with The Gene Simmons Band. According to NME, the 75-year-old rock star denied it was due to any health issues and said the shows would be rescheduled in 2026. Refunds are being offered.KISS is a rock band known for its elaborate costumes, makeup and theatrical performances. Simmons (a.k.a. the Demon) and Stanley (a.k.a. Starchild) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 with original KISS bandmates Ace Frehley (Space Ace) and Peter Criss (Catman).The group sold more than 100 million records over five decades of music, featuring hits “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Lick It Up” and “Detroit Rock City.” Last April, the band sold its music catalogue, name and image for $300 million to Pophouse Entertainment Group AB in hopes of bringing “exciting new projects to the KISS army.”
18 hours ago
‘I’m scared to eat.‘ Ex-Boston Red Sox MVP has lost 25 pounds to mystery illness
There’s something wrong with Mookie Betts' stomach, and doctors don’t quite know what it is.All the former Boston Red Sox star knows is that he can’t keep down solid food, which has caused him to weigh in as low as 150 pounds. That’s 25 pounds down from when the team left spring training.“I don’t think anybody really knows ... My body’s just kind of eating itself, and so it’s hard to not fuel it,” Betts told reporters Sunday. “Every time – literally, every time I fuel my body, I throw it up and I don’t know what to do about it.”The 32-year-old Betts has been sidelined with an illness since just before the Los Angeles Dodgers left for their two-game series in Tokyo a week earlier. He says he received two liters of IV while in Tokyo and doesn’t remember the last time he managed to keep down solid food. Betts described the ride to and from Japan as “brutal” and some of the worst trips he’s ever had.The Dodgers star has gone for testing. But so far, doctors have yet to pin down a diagnosis. “My vitals, everything has come back clean. Blood tests, everything has come back really, really clean, healthy,” Betts said. “So I guess it’s just something with my stomach being really aggravated. So I’m just starting some new medicine now to try and calm my stomach down.”Betts said that he has been improving and has managed to keep down some liquid foods, like smoothies. He had been working out in recent days and was set to play in Sunday’s exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels.That was until he threw up again. Betts says he wants to play. Most of the initial symptoms have subsided and his body feels better. However, his stomach simply isn’t cooperating.“I’m scared to eat, so I don’t really know what to do,” he said.Betts is set to be the Dodgers' primary shortstop in 2025. Betts has primarily been a right field for most of his career -- particularly his six seasons in Boston. However, Betts has taken on more infield assignments out of necessity in recent seasons for L.A.Betts is coming off his eighth All-Star season and third World Series title. He previously won championships with the Red Sox in 2018 and the Dodgers in 2020.Betts, who was named the AL MVP in 2018, was viewed as Boston’s franchise cornerstone early in his career. However, in one of the most controversial moves in recent history, Boston traded him to L.A. after the 2019 season after failing to sign him to a long-term contract extension.BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
18 hours ago
Man hospitalized after stabbing at Mass. home; woman charged in connection with stabbing
A Newburyport woman was charged in connection with a man who was hospitalized after a stabbing Sunday morning, the Newburyport Police Department said.The woman, 34, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, police said in a statement. Her name was not released.“I’m grateful for the quick response and actions of all the first responders involved in this call,” Police Marshal Matthew Simons said in the statement. “Everyone worked diligently to bring a volatile situation under control very quickly.”At around 1:45 a.m., officers went to a Newburyport home after receiving a call asking for medical aid. Officers arrived to find a 46-year-old man with a stab wound. Officers also met the woman and arrested her, police said. The hurt man was flown to a Boston hospital in a medical helicopter. The woman is being held on $100,000 cash bail and is expected to be arraigned in Newburyport District Court on Monday. Police have determined that this stabbing was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
19 hours ago
For first time in six decades, trains will run between South Coast and Boston Monday
For the first time in more than six decades, residents of Massachusetts' South Coast can take a train to Boston beginning Monday.The MBTA’s South Coast rail begins service Monday, shuttling riders from Boston’s South Station to Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford. Those three communities were the only “major cities” within 50 miles of Boston that were not serviced by the Commuter Rail — until Monday. The South Coast rail will run 15 trips a day between Fall River and Boston, and 17 trips per day between New Bedford and Boston. The project extends service on the Middleborough/Lakeville line, which is set to be renamed the Fall River/New Bedford line. Trains will run every 70 minutes Monday through Friday. On weekends, 26 trips will be made between the two stations — with trains running every two hours. The East Taunton station will serve as a free transfer point between direct trains coming from or heading to Boston and connecting trains to the new termini of Fall River and New Bedford.“This allows for even more frequent service,” the MBTA said in a statement announcing the start of service, adding that this type of scheduling is “consistent with the all-day service model across the rest of the Commuter Rail network.”All new South Coast Rail stations will be located in the MBTA’s Zone 8, meaning riders pay a fare of $12.25 for a one-way ride, and $6 for those who qualify for reduced fares. A single round-trip ticket will cost $24.50 for the average rider.“With service beginning on March 24, thousands of cars will come off the roads, and thousands of people will experience the convenience and benefits of public transportation firsthand,” Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in the statement.
19 hours ago
Wintry conditions expected across Mass. on Monday, with snow possible
After a largely dry weekend, Massachusetts is in for a wet start to the work week.A round of precipitation moving in over the Bay State Monday morning will bring rain — and in some areas, snow — to much of the state. While the precipitation may come down as snow at first, warm air is expected to cause it to fall as rain by mid-morning for most parts of Massachusetts.Higher elevations like the Berkshires could see the wintry conditions last a little longer, to about mid-afternoon. About an inch could accumulate there, National Weather Service forecasters say. But for the rest of the state, any snow that does fall will likely only amount to a coating. Any accumulation is likely to be quickly washed away by rain.The rain should end between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. as a swath of dry air moves west to east.Monday night and Tuesday will be dry, with temperatures climbing to the mid to low 50s on Tuesday. The next chance for precipitation comes Wednesday, though forecasters say Massachusetts should only see light rain for much of the day. Another round of showers drifts in Thursday night into Friday morning.
20 hours ago
Boston Celtics sharpen key edge ahead of playoffs in Blazers win
As expected, the Celtics keep having shorthanded nights as the regular season comes to a close. That’s partly a byproduct of opponent and standings as the C’s can afford to rest guys down the stretch. But, most importantly, they also keep winning games.This time, the Celtics beat the Blazers 129-116 despite missing three starters for their fifth straight victory. Portland has struggled in a losing season, but the Blazers came into Sunday’s game on a four-game win streak. The Celtics were too much as they got a huge lift from their reserves and their entire roster.The Celtics got the chance Sunday to sharpen their key advantage ahead of the playoffs: their depth. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla often preaches how the process of winning has to be consistent, and for the Celtics, they do that on a nightly basis no matter who’s on the court. That’s because guys like Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet and more have excelled in their roles.It’s always a luxury when the Celtics can trot their primary bench guys as starters or reserves. Pritchard had 16 points and five assists in his first start of the season Sunday. Hauser was excellent on his way to 24 points on 8-for-10 3-point shooting. Kornet was a perfect 6-for-6 for 13 points and five rebounds, turning in another great plus-minus game at plus-16.But it’s not just them. The C’s also leaned on some of the deeper bench guys. Baylor Scheierman impressed in his 26 minutes Sunday, putting up six points, five rebounds and three assists. The game has clearly slowed down for the rookie, especially compared to the start of the season, as he provided solid production.“This is their time” Pritchard told reporters, via NBC Sports Boston. “They’ve been working hard. I’ve been in a position like that. So when you get an opportunity like this, you gotta take full advantage of it and learn from it, so when more opportunities come in the future, you’re even more ready to take it and run. I’m glad to see them doing well and having success.”Others bench guys also got rotation minutes, like Torrey Craig (13 minutes) and two-way guard JD Davison (eight). They were also solid during their stints with differing goals for each player. Craig was signed off the buyout market last month, so every game he plays is important to continue meshing with the team. Davison has earned real minutes recently as he continues his development since being drafted in 2022.Most of these deeper bench guys, realistically, won’t be leaned upon heavily during the playoffs, pending injury. But as seen in past years, there will be opportunities or short spurts where their number could be called unexpectedly. So the Celtics will hope all these reps now will pay off in the long run as they also continue winning games.“(Hauser and Kornet have) proven themselves tremendously,” Mazzulla said. “So it’s important that we just keep doing whatever it takes to win and playing with the right mindset. Regardless of who plays, I thought Luke, who was great in his minutes. I thought Torrey (Craig) contributed a lot. I thought Baylor (Scheierman) was good. JD (Davison) hit a shot and got a couple of deflections.”BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
20 hours ago
Woman seriously injured after being hit by truck in Cape Cod restaurant parking lot
A 21-year-old man is facing several criminal charges after police say he hit two women with a truck in the parking lot of a Hyannis restaurant Sunday afternoon, seriously wounding one of the women. At around 1:50 p.m. Sunday, Barnstable police went to the parking area of the Tiki Port restaurant on Route 132 for reports of a hit-and-run involving multiple pedestrians, the department said in a statement. First responders treated two injured women at the scene.One of the women was taken by ambulance to an airport and then brought to a Rhode Island Trauma Center by medical helicopter for treatment of severe injuries, police said. The other woman was taken to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.Officers identified the vehicle involved in the crash as a white pickup truck. They subsequently located and stopped the truck, police said.The truck driver, Maxwell Dean, 21, of Yarmouthport, was arrested. He is charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and one count each of leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating with a suspended license, operation of an unregistered motor vehicle, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle and attaching wrong motor vehicle plates to conceal identity. Dean is being held on $20,000 bail at the Barnstable Police Department. He is set to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court on Monday.
20 hours ago
Dear Abby: My boyfriend says he loves me but won’t commit to marriage
Dear Abby: I’m 29, and my boyfriend is 36. We met on a dating site and were together for three years. He broke up with me two months ago because he didn’t think he could marry me. (We weren’t engaged.) He says I’m the love of his life, soulmate, and his dream come true, and I feel the same, but he has commitment issues.When I met him, I was in the process of getting divorced and ending an abusive marriage. He was the best boyfriend, and, to us, our relationship was perfect. But his commitment issues gave him doubt that I’m the one he’s supposed to be with.I truly believe that God put him in my life. Something told me he was The One. How can I get him to see that we are meant to be and not to give up on the best relationship both of us have ever had?—True Soulmate in GeorgiaDear True Soulmate: I love your sales pitch, but the person who has to buy it is him, and he’s not in the market for a permanent attachment. Believe me, I sympathize, but both partners have to believe the other is “The One,” and the urge to commit appears to be definitely one-sided here.Remember, you met this man as you were getting out of an abusive relationship. He was kind; you pounced. It would be interesting to know if you received any kind of counseling after that prior relationship because you may need some now to make sure you don’t repeat an unhealthy pattern.Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.COPYRIGHT 2024 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
20 hours ago
Capital Expenditure Committee endorses several capital projects
SOUTHWICK — During the last meeting of the town’s Capital Expenditure Committee before Town Meeting, it endorsed spending requests from the Fire Department, Police Department, the Building and Grounds Department, and DPW.“I think this year the thing to finish this year is the Fire Department,” Committee member Doug Moglin referring to a project first proposed two years ago by Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz to build new bunks in the firehouse.At an estimated cost of between $250,000 and $300,000, the project calls for building six unisex dormitory-style rooms to replace the current quarters, which are essentially six repurposed cubicles with bunks inside each area.
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March 22, 2025
The National Police Association Supports a West Virginia State Bill to Create Harsher Penalties for Harming a Police Dog
Indianapolis – March 22, 2025. Police dogs are essential to law enforcement’s mission of maintaining order and keeping our communities safe. These four-legged heroes help locate missing people, track criminal suspects, detect drugs and explosives, and protect their human partners. Because these dogs work on the frontlines, they are subject to being assaulted and killed, just as human officers are. Thankfully, a growing number of states are recognizing that police K-9s need stronger protections, especially in an environment where officers are being targeted in greater numbers. One such state is West Virginia, where a bill (H.B. 2628) was recently introduced to increase the penalties for harming a police dog. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Delegate Clay Riley (72), and is currently in the State’s Justice Committee. The bill’s text can be found here. Under current West Virginia law, injuring a police dog is classified either as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the viciousness of the attack. The maximum possible punishment for these crimes is a sentence of three years imprisonment and a possible maximum fine of $5,000 dollars. What H.B. 2628 does is amend current West Virginia law to define an actively working police dog as a law enforcement officer. This would ensure that these animals receive the same legal protections as their human counterparts. Maliciously or intentionally assaulting a law enforcement in West Virginia is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to fifteen years, which is three times the current maximum sentence for injuring a police dog. “Police canines are public servants who work tirelessly to keep our streets safe. They’re loved by their communities, and develop strong bonds with their human partners, who are deeply impacted when one of these dogs is injured,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. “Police K-9s are deserving of respect and more robust legal protections. This West Virginia state bill would go a long way in accomplishing this,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA applauds Delegate Riley for introducing this important bill that would classify police dogs as law enforcement officers, thus ensuring more stringent penalties for injuring one. We ask all members of the West Virginia legislature to support this bill, and we encourage every state in the union to adopt similar legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 21, 2025
The National Police Association #31 Toyota Spotlights Missing Person at the ARCA Pensacola 150
Indianapolis/ March 29, 2025/ — The National Police Association’s #31 Toyota, driven by full-time police officer and Rise Motorsports co-owner Rita Goulet, will feature a photograph of missing Pensacola teenager Caleb Nathaniel Cook during the ARCA Menards Pensacola 150 race at Five Flags Speedway. The event will be streamed live on FloRacing at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22nd. In a collaborative effort to raise national awareness about Caleb’s disappearance, Goulet and the NPA will use the high-profile platform of motorsports to bring attention to the case. Caleb Nathaniel Cook, a 17-year-old from Pensacola, FL, has been missing since December 7, 2024. “The National Police Association is committed to supporting the search for missing children across the country,” said Rita Goulet. “By featuring Caleb’s image on our race car, we hope to reach a large audience and generate vital leads that could assist in finding him.” Goulet’s dual role as a police officer and race car driver allows her to uniquely connect public safety with the expansive reach of motorsports. In addition to raising awareness about Caleb’s case, Goulet and the NPA aim to promote their broader #SupportThePolice initiative during the race. Anyone with information regarding Caleb’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) at 1-850-436-9620 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The National Police Association Statement Responding to Swatting Surge
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 / — There has been an alarming rise in “swatting” incidents primarily targeting conservative media figures and social media influencers. The National Police Association denounces this weaponization of law enforcement against its own citizens and urges the media, political leadership, the public and American law enforcement to be aware of and speak out against this disturbing trend. The false reporting of a violent act in progress is a crime and should be rigorously investigated and prosecuted. “Swatting” is an act of violence against both law enforcement and those being targeted. It is designed to not only physically harm people, but to drive a wedge between police officers and the citizens they are trying to protect. The NPA encourages potential targets of this crime to contact their local law enforcement agency and do the following: Explain why you are a potential victim Advise them of any “swatting” threats you receive Provide them with your cell phone number(s) Stay in touch If you see the police surrounding your property, call 911 and advise the dispatcher of the situation. Follow all directions by law enforcement until the incident has been declared over. It is essential that the public understands the extraordinarily dangerous nature of this trend. We are grateful that FBI Director Kash Patel is publicly addressing this issue and we encourage all law enforcement leadership in the United States to work together to stop and prevent these heinous acts. – Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret), NPA spokesperson The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The MN Department of Corrections Needs to Hear from You. Killer of Claremont Police Chief Up for Parole.
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 /Press Release/ –The National Police Association is asking supporters of law enforcement to email the Minnesota Department of Corrections. A man convicted of murdering Claremont Police Chief Greg Lange in 1988 is scheduled for a parole hearing on April 11. Andrew Salinas, along with his brother Robert, attacked, shot, and killed Chief Lange, 39, while he was responding to a domestic disturbance. The brothers then disposed of his body in an alley. Salinas will face the parole board for the fifth time, having last appeared in 2023. Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose, a longtime advocate for fallen officers and their families through his Officer Down Memorial Podcast, has been a vocal supporter of the Lange family. “Andrew took Greg’s gun, placed it on his back—just about an inch away—and pulled the trigger, ensuring he wouldn’t survive,” Rose said. He emphasized the emotional toll these hearings take on families. “For these families, it’s brutal to go through this over and over again,” Rose stated. Sheriff Rose is urging the public to submit letters to the parole board advocating for the denial of Salinas’ release. He stressed that every letter is reviewed and considered by the board. “The board needs to understand how important it is to the public that he remains incarcerated,” he said. “We must take a stand against those who murder police officers. The Lange family was sentenced to life without a father, a husband, and a police chief. This community believes Andrew Salinas should serve no less than life in prison for his crime.” In a 2020 interview, Lange’s widow, Sue, spoke about her commitment to seeking justice. “One of the last things I promised him at the cemetery was that we would fight for justice,” she said. Letters opposing Salinas’ parole are due by March 21 and can be submitted via mail or email. Sample letters and additional details can be found on the Officer Down Memorial Podcast website. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 16, 2025
Talladega, AL Police Reserves Awarded Grant by the National Police Association
Pictured left to right: Officer Andre Golden, Interim Chief Ron McElrath, Administrative Assistant Anna Eliuk, City Manager Derrick Swanson, and Officer Jason Robinson. (Indianapolis, IN) March 16, 2025 – The National Police Association announced today it has awarded the Talladega, AL Police Department’s Reserve Program a $1000.00 grant. Police reserves perform many important functions, including preserving life, protecting property, and serving their community. Reserves uphold these responsibilities by assisting regularly appointed full-time police officers in their routine duties and supporting the efforts of other law enforcement and community organizations that share this conviction. “The National Police Association is proud to support the Talladega Police Department’s Reserve Officer Program with this donation. Reserve officers play a vital role in strengthening public safety, and we are committed to providing resources that help law enforcement agencies enhance their effectiveness in serving their communities. We appreciate the dedication of Talladega’s reserve officers and their commitment to protecting and serving.” – Spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 14, 2025
The National Police Association Backs the 287(g) Program Protection Act
Indianapolis – March 14, 2025. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rely on the assistance of local law enforcement agencies to help identify and remove illegal migrants suspected of violent acts. Given that ICE is overtaxed, these partnerships have become even more of a necessity. A new federal bill called the 287(g) Program Protection Act (H.R. 756) would strengthen these alliances and make them more readily available to police agencies across the country. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill’s text is here. The 287(g) program -named for Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)- is a product of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This voluntary program allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into working agreements with ICE and receive dedicated training. The program has unfortunately been underutilized. Just 135 of approximately 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies currently participate in the program, and no new agreements have been generated since 2021. The 287(g) Program Protection Act would amend the INA to strengthen this crucial program, ensure that it’s working as intended, and make it widely available to law enforcement agencies across the country. This bill seeks to do the following: Require ICE to approve new agreements with state and local police agencies within 90 days of application. The agency would be required to notify Congress when it issues a denial. Prohibit the federal government from canceling current agreements with state and local police agencies unless a solid reason is provided. Agencies would be given an opportunity to challenge the decision. Mandate the Department of Homeland Security to publish annual reports describing the program’s progress. Design a plan to recruit police agencies for participation in the program. Provide funding to help local law enforcement agencies train officers and enforce the program. “Americans overwhelmingly support the removal of dangerous illegal migrants from our streets. It is an effort that requires collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “The 287(g) Program Protection Act would facilitate this endeavor by making improvements to this vital program and expanding its use,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA extends its gratitude to Rep. Cloud for introducing the 287(g) Program Protection Act. We have confidence that if this bill is passed, it would foster greater cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement agencies, which will ultimately aid in keeping our communities safe. We urge members of Congress to prioritize the welfare of the American people by supporting this bill. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For additional information visit NationalPolice.org ###
March 9, 2025
Did an Anti-Police Activist Lie to Get on the Officer Brad Lunsford Jury?
Per a new court filing, the trial of former Las Cruces police officer, Brad Lunsford, who was wrongfully charged for defending himself and his partner from an armed suspect, was poisoned by an anti-police activist who managed to get on the jury through perjury. The filing alleges that “Juror #8” concealed outrageous bias before and during the trial. Misconduct that would not only eliminate the fairness of the verdict but also violate the law. The filing states Juror #8 failed to disclose anti-police social media activity, anti-police protest participation, anti-police activist group membership, and past anti-police authorship all pointing to a clear and strong bias against police. The filing can be read here. In voir dire (the jury selection process), the potential jurors were asked if they had strong feelings about a case involving a white police officer and a Black suspect – essentially probing for attitudes on police use of force and racial issues. Juror #8 stayed silent, implying they had no such bias. Per the filing, however, it was later discovered that this juror had a documented history of anti-police sentiment, which they did not reveal. For example, defense investigators found that Juror #8 had participated in protests over police shootings and even appeared on a podcast discussing racial injustice and police violence, where the juror stated that American society “is founded on racism” and continues to be racist (a viewpoint suggesting a predisposition against a police defendant). Additionally, Juror #8’s social media activity showed they had retweeted calls to cancel TV programs like “COPS” and “Live PD,” which indicates a clear negative view of law enforcement. All of these activities should have been disclosed during voir dire, especially when the court asked about any potential bias or familiarity with the case – but Juror #8 said nothing. By remaining silent, Juror #8 lied by omission to the court. If a potential juror knows they have strong preconceived opinions that could favor one side, they must alert the court. Here, Juror #8’s purported bias was directly relevant: the case involved a police officer’s use of force on a person of color, exactly the kind of scenario about which the juror had strong feelings and opinions. By concealing this, Juror #8 unfairly got onto the jury and even became the foreperson (the juror who leads deliberations). When a juror conceals bias or gives false answers during voir dire, the law provides a remedy: the verdict can be thrown out and a new trial granted. The right to an impartial jury is fundamental. Both the United States Constitution and the New Mexico Constitution guarantee criminal defendants a trial by an impartial jury. And lying to get on a jury is a crime. Prosecuting a dishonest juror would serve two main purposes. First, it holds the individual accountable for violating the law and violating the defendant’s rights. As alleged, this juror’s actions forced a defendant to face conviction without a fair jury – a very serious harm. Second, prosecution would send a message that juror misconduct has consequences, helping deter future jurors from similar deceit. In New Mexico, a conviction for perjury can result in prison time, reflecting how severe the offense is considered. Under New Mexico law and precedent, the alleged misconduct demands a new trial for Brad Lunsford and a perjury trial for Juror #8.
March 6, 2025
The National Police Association Supports New York State Bill Criminalizing the Menacing of Law Enforcement Officers
Protesters Menacing a Police Officer The war on police transcends the shootings, stabbings, and other malicious assaults that have spiked in recent years. Law enforcement officers are also subjected to being menaced, harassed, and threatened simply because of the uniform they wear. In some states, like New York, these egregious acts -that include throwing water on a police officer- do not always count as crimes under penal law. It’s why the National Police Association (NPA) is heartened by a new bill (S. 615) introduced in the New York state legislature by Sen. Anthony Palumbo to address the attacks on officers that are too often overlooked. This bill, which is currently being deliberated on in committee, creates two new criminal offenses to penalize threats, assaults, and menacing of law enforcement officers. The bill’s text can be found here. This New York state bill creates the offense of first-degree menacing of an officer, classified as a C felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It is defined by knowingly placing an officer in fear of physical danger by displaying a deadly weapon. A second-degree offense, classified as a D felony and punishable by up to seven years in prison, includes assaulting an officer by throwing or spraying water, urine, or other substances. The bill also modifies the terms related to appearance tickets by listing these new offenses as serious felonies. “Menacing, harassing, and threatening officers of the law is not just disrespectful and a source of demoralization for them. Police officers have no way of knowing whether a substance being thrown at them is toxic, or if the person making the threat plans to carry it out. These shameful acts distract officers from performing arrests and investigations, which places them, their colleagues, and civilians in danger,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “Sen. Palumbo’s bill addresses these often-unpunished offenses at a time when assaults on police officers continue unabated and are originating from a myriad of directions,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA commends Sen. Palumbo for recognizing that threatening and menacing creates a hazardous work environment for the men and women of law enforcement. We ask Sen. Palumbo’s colleagues to support this legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 4, 2025
The National Police Association Asks New York to Correct Dangerous Loophole in State Vehicle Law
Indianapolis, IN – March 4, 2025 – The National Police Association (NPA) endorses New York State Senate Bill S4774, introduced by Senator Christopher J. Ryan, and Assembly Bill A05953, introduced by Assemblymember Judy Griffin, for the 2025 legislative session. These bills aim to amend the penal law to include causing serious physical injury or death while operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or no license as a class E felony under vehicular assault in the second degree and establish the crime of vehicular homicide. The memo can be read here. Background: A Tragic Incident Spurs Legislative Action In July 2020, a tragic incident in Wantagh, New York, claimed the life of 20-year-old Kyriakoula (Kyra) Gasparis. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed individual who, despite the severity of the incident, received no jail time due to inadequate New York laws and judicial discretion. This profound injustice prompted Kyra’s mother, Rena Gasparis, to advocate for legislative change to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Proposed Legislation: Closing Legal Gaps In response to such incidents, Senator Christopher J. Ryan of the 50th Senate District introduced Senate Bill S4774, and Assemblymember Judy Griffin introduced Assembly Bill A05953. The bills seek to amend the penal law to include causing serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or no license as a class E felony under vehicular assault in the second degree. Additionally, they propose the creation of the crime of vehicular homicide, addressing cases where unlicensed driving results in fatality due to driver negligence. The Need for Reform: Ensuring Accountability and Deterrence The current legal framework in New York inadequately addresses the consequences of unlicensed individuals causing severe harm or death on the roads. Operating a vehicle without a valid license is not merely a minor infraction; it is a deliberate disregard for the law and public safety. When such negligence leads to catastrophic outcomes, the penalties must reflect the gravity of the offense. The bills aim to rectify this gap by ensuring that individuals who choose to drive without a valid license and subsequently cause serious injury or death are held accountable through appropriate felony charges. This legislative change serves multiple purposes: it delivers justice to victims and their families, acts as a deterrent against unlicensed driving, and underscores the State’s commitment to road safety. Introducing Vehicular Homicide: A Pivotal Aspect The introduction of vehicular homicide as a distinct offense is a pivotal aspect of this bill. It acknowledges the severe consequences of unlicensed driving and ensures that perpetrators face commensurate repercussions. This provision not only brings justice to victims but also serves as a potent deterrent, signaling that New York State will not tolerate such reckless behavior. NPA’s Position: Advocating for Stronger Penalties The National Police Association strongly supports these legislative efforts. “By enacting this legislation, New York State will honor the memory of individuals like Kyriakoula Gasparis and take a definitive step toward preventing similar tragedies in the future,” said Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.), spokesperson for the NPA. “It is imperative that lawmakers prioritize the passage of this bill to reinforce the sanctity of life and the rule of law on New York roads.” Call to Action: Urging Legislative Support The NPA urges members of the New York State Legislature to support and expedite the passage of Senate Bill S4774 and Assembly Bill A05953. These bills are a necessary and compassionate response to a critical issue affecting New York’s communities. By enacting this legislation, the state will take a definitive step toward preventing similar tragedies in the future. About the National Police Association The National Police Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on education and advocacy for law enforcement. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
February 27, 2025
Georgetown County, SC Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program Awarded a Grant by the National Police Association
Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office Explorers and Personnel (Indianapolis, IN) February 27, 2025 – The National Police Association has awarded the Georgetown County, SC Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program a $1000.00 grant. From their Facebook page: “Sheriff Carter Weaver and the Georgetown County Explorers Post 333 are excited to announce that they have received a grant from the National Police Association to help them buy equipment and fund trips to Explorer events and conferences. Post 333 was established in 2024 and Leaders Sergeant Tiffany Kinloch and Corporal Gene Wilson say the Explorer teens have been enthusiastic and engaged and are ready for new training and trips that this money can help fund. The GCSO Explorer Post was established in 2024 and is open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in Georgetown County. The Explorers pledge to avoid drugs and alcohol and obey the laws of the state and nation. They learn about all aspects of law enforcement during their meetings, have their own uniforms, and even get to help serve at events like parades and educational events.” The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
February 25, 2025
As Gangs Grow Stronger Some Want to Surrender Our Streets
The recent arrests of nearly two dozen Trinitarios gang members in Massachusetts should be a wake-up call to every law-abiding citizen. These arrests, part of a sweeping federal RICO conspiracy case, reveal a chilling reality: ruthless criminal gangs like the Trinitarios are operating in our communities, engaging in violence, and spreading terror. In Massachusetts, federal and state authorities just charged 22 members and leaders of the Trinitarios—a Dominican gang notorious for extreme violence—with a range of crimes including murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, and illegal weapons possession. These are not street-level offenders engaging in petty crime. These are organized criminals enforcing their rule through ruthless violence, using intimidation and murder to consolidate power. The indictment details a six-year campaign of brutal dominance, with members operating under a structured leadership that directed assassinations and violent reprisals. Yet the news about the high-profile arrests had barely broken when the New York City Council became the latest extremist enclave to seek to protect gang members by wiping the NYPD gang database clean and closing it forever. It is this woke extremism that caused the National Police Association (NPA) to step in to support law enforcement’s ability to use confidential gang databases. The NPA filed an amicus brief in defense of the Boston Police Department’s gang database, which had come under attack from the ACLU. It is the NPA’s position that gang databases are a critical intelligence tool, allowing law enforcement agencies to track affiliations, map networks, and identify crime patterns before more blood is shed. They enable police to learn who the key players are in these violent organizations. The ACLU, woke city governments and woke state Attorneys General, however, see it differently. Their position, framed as a defense of civil liberties, contends that gang databases are overly broad, racially biased, and lead to profiling. Their lawsuit against the Boston Police Department argued that such classification results in unwarranted surveillance and scrutiny. In their worldview, building cases against criminals is prohibited by the constitution. That argument is detached from reality. It ignores the fundamental truth that gang databases are not designed to harass innocent individuals but to identify networks of dangerous criminals who threaten public safety. The arrests of the Trinitarios in Massachusetts prove precisely why these databases are necessary. Police did not stumble upon this gang overnight; it took intelligence-gathering, coordination, and monitoring of known associates to build the case that led to these federal indictments. Without these tools law enforcement would be blind to the expanding influence of these organizations, forced to play catch-up only after violence erupts. Furthermore, the critics’ position utterly fails to address the lived reality of the communities most affected by gang violence. In the neighborhoods plagued by gangs like the Trinitarios, residents are not demanding fewer police resources; they are pleading for protection. They are the ones terrorized by drive-by shootings, extortion, and drug-related violence. The crusade against police intelligence efforts effectively leaves these communities defenseless, prioritizing abstract ideologies over real-world safety. The NPA’s legal filing argued that dismantling these databases is a catastrophic mistake. Law enforcement must be allowed to use every legal tool available to identify organized crime before more innocent lives are lost. The gang database is not an indiscriminate list—it is a strategic resource. What the anti-police extremists propose—abolishing gang databases—would make life easier for criminals and harder for victims. The evidence is clear: gangs like the Trinitarios are expanding their reach, embedding themselves in communities, and engaging in ruthless acts of violence. Their recent arrests should be seen as a victory for law enforcement, but it is a victory that would be impossible without intelligence-gathering tools. The battle for our communities is ongoing, and the choice before us is clear: Support law enforcement’s ability to fight crime or surrender to the violence that unchecked gangs inevitably bring.
