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GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, MA's AG Wants Answers GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, MA's AG Wants Answers
GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, MA's AG Wants Answers Prosecutors across the Northeast are demanding answers from GoFundMe after reports that the fundraising platform created donation pages for more than 1.4 million charities without their permission. Attorneys general from Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are among 21 states that sent a letter to GoFundMe on Tuesday, March 3. The group accused GoFundMe of potentially misleading donors and violating state charitable solicitation and consumer protection laws. Officials say the pages were created without the charities' prior knowledge or consent…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Hersheypark Rescue Hero Urges Autism Donations After Saving Boy On Monorail Hersheypark Rescue Hero Urges Autism Donations After Saving Boy On Monorail
Hersheypark Rescue Hero Urges Autism Donations After Saving Boy On Monorail The Bucks County dad who pulled a boy from the Hersheypark monorail tracks is asking the public to donate to autism charities, revealing in a new statement Sunday evening that the child he saved is on the spectrum. John Sampson, a veterinarian and father of three, became an unlikely hero on Saturday, Aug. 30, when he scaled an ice cream stand and pulled himself onto the Hersheypark monorail tracks to rescue a boy walking alone nearly 20 feet above the ground. Sampson told TODAY.com his “dad instincts” kicked in as he figured out how to reach the child while spectators looked on. “Being a da…

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by Jillian Pikora
Lifestyle
Contents Of Time Capsule Left By Princess Diana Revealed Contents Of Time Capsule Left By Princess Diana Revealed
Contents Of Time Capsule Left By Princess Diana Revealed A long-buried secret from the era of “Dianamania” has come to light, as a time capsule placed by Diana, Princess of Wales, has been opened at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.  The unveiling, which comes more than three decades after the capsule was sealed, offers a poignant reminder of Diana’s enduring legacy and the world she helped define. The time capsule, originally intended to remain hidden for centuries, was unearthed earlier than planned due to the hospital’s redevelopment project.  On Wednesday, Aug. 27, hospital officials opened that the box had been placed inside…

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by Joe Lombardi
Sports
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In MA: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In MA: See What Inspired 'Big Papi'
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In MA: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' "Big Papi" is taking a big swing with a new spirit that has deep roots in his native Dominican Republic. Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz officially launched Ozama Rum, according to a news release on Wednesday, May 28. The Baseball Hall-of-Famer also hosted pre-launch parties with distributors and influencers in Boston, Miami, New York City, and Santo Domingo. The premium liquor is made entirely in the Dominican Republic using 100% local sugarcane. The rum is aged for at least one year in oak barrels before being bottled locally and labeled with the official "Ron Dominicano" label. The th…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
GoFundMe Launches Pro Version After Reaching $40B Donation Milestone: Here's Why GoFundMe Launches Pro Version After Reaching $40B Donation Milestone: Here's Why
GoFundMe Launches Pro Version After Reaching $40B Donation Milestone: Here's Why GoFundMe is launching a new platform for nonprofits that aims to transform how charities fundraise. The popular fundraising platform unveiled GoFundMe Pro on Tuesday, May 6. The upgraded version brings together GoFundMe's wide reach with advanced tools built for professional fundraisers. The launch comes as GoFundMe has passed the $40 billion mark for money raised for charities and people in need since the company began in 2010. Nearly 200 million people and organizations have used GoFundMe to give or receive help in 15 years. GoFundMe Pro combines the company's large-scale givin…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Livvy Dunne, Simone Biles Among Celebs At Star-Studded Kentucky Derby 2025 Livvy Dunne, Simone Biles Among Celebs At Star-Studded Kentucky Derby 2025
Livvy Dunne, Simone Biles Among Celebs At Star-Studded Kentucky Derby 2025 New Jersey was well-represented at the 151st Kentucky Derby in Louisville, where Hillsdale native Livvy Dunne and Cresskill resident Tracy Morgan joined a star-studded lineup for one of the most glamorous weekends in sports. Dunne, a gymnast at LSU and Sports Illustrated model, co-hosted events at Club SI inside Churchill Downs Friday, May 2, alongside former MLB outfielder Jayson Werth, a part-owner of Derby horse Flying Mohawk, according to event organizers. The Derby will take place at 6:57 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs. Morgan, known for his roles on "SNL" and "30 Ro…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
Final Spin': Pat Sajak Returns To ‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ For Star-Studded Goodbye Final Spin': Pat Sajak Returns To ‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ For Star-Studded Goodbye
Final Spin': Pat Sajak Returns To ‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ For Star-Studded Goodbye Maryland's Pat Sajak is ready for "One Final Spin" back in prime time.  Less than a year after retiring from the beloved show following four decades on air, the Severna Park resident is set to join Vanna White for one final run hosting ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,’ with episodes beginning tonight, Wednesday, April 30. Last year, the 78-year-old Anne Arundel native announced he would be stepping away—making him the Guinness World Record holder for the longest career as a game show host—before being replaced by Ryan Seacrest. Joe Manganiello, Tiffany Haddish and Matt Walsh will be featured o…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
The Untold Story Of Milton Hershey Revealed In True Chocolate Tale 'HERSHEY' Movie The Untold Story Of Milton Hershey Revealed In True Chocolate Tale 'HERSHEY' Movie
The Untold Story Of Milton Hershey Revealed In True Chocolate Tale 'Hershey' Movie A sweeping new movie will pull back the foil on the true story behind America’s most iconic chocolate bar, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts announced on Tuesday, April 8. "HERSHEY," starring Finn Wittrock ("American Horror Story") and Alexandra Daddario ("The White Lotus"), will bring to life the love, heartbreak, and grit of Milton and Catherine Hershey, whose vision changed millions of lives — not just with candy, but with compassion. Filming begins in May 2025 across Pennsylvania, with a nationwide release planned for 2026 to coincide with America's 250th birthday. Directed by Mark W…

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by Jillian Pikora
Lifestyle
Final Spin': Pat Sajak Returns To ‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ For Star-Studded Goodbye Final Spin': Pat Sajak Returns To ‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ For Star-Studded Goodbye
Final Spin': Pat Sajak Returns To ‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ For Star-Studded Goodbye Maryland's Pat Sajak is coming back for "One Final Spin" in prime time.  Less than a year after retiring from the beloved show following four decades on air, the Severna Park resident is set to join Vanna White for one final run hosting ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,’ with episodes beginning Wednesday, April 30. Last year, the 78-year-old Anne Arundel native announced he would be stepping away—making him the Guinness World Record holder for the longest career as a game show host—before being replaced by Ryan Seacrest. Celebrities scheduled to compete during Sajak’s final run include Josh Gad…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
'His Spirit Will Carry On Forever': Ex-MLB Star, Family Pay Tribute To Miller Gardner, 14 'His Spirit Will Carry On Forever': Ex-MLB Star, Family Pay Tribute To Miller Gardner, 14
'His Spirit Will Carry On Forever': Ex-mlb Star, Family Pay Tribute To Miller Gardner, 14 The teenage son of a former Major League Baseball star who died while on a family vacation is being remember for his smile and spirit. Brett Gardner, an outfielder who spent his entire 14-year career with the New York Yankees, and his wife, Jessica, shared the devastating news of the death of their youngest son, Miller, age 14, on Sunday, March 23. Earlier report - Apparent Cause Of Death Released For Teen Son Of Ex-NY Yankees Star Brett Gardner The Gardners released a statement through the team revealing that Miller succumbed to an illness two days earlier after he became sick…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
WWE Legend Dares Governor To Step In The Ring: 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' WWE Legend Dares Governor To Step In The Ring: 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is'
WWE Legend Dares Governor To Step In The Ring: 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' WarGames?  Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs - likely better known as WWE Hall of Famer Kane - is telling Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to "put his money where his mouth is" after the former vice presidential hopeful spoke ill of Trump supporters. The Democrat said that he believed he could "kick most of (Trump supporters') a--es" when referring to elected Republicans. WATCH: Tim Walz says he could ‘kick Trump supporter’s asses’ in a WWE match pic.twitter.com/Lx9MpSBwmP — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 18, 2025 Jacobs, a seven-footer who weighs more than 300 pounds and made a name for h…

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by Zak Failla
Business
McDonald's Shamrock Shake Returns—Along With Grimace's Irish Uncle McDonald's Shamrock Shake Returns—Along With Grimace's Irish Uncle
McDonald's Shamrock Shake Returns—Along With Grimace's Irish Uncle McDonald's is bringing back its iconic Shamrock Shake — with the help of a beloved mascot's relative! McDonald's said Shamrock Shakes will return to participating restaurants on Monday, Feb. 10, the company said in a news release on Tuesday. Feb. 4. The chain will donate 25 cents per shake to local chapters for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). To help the St. Patrick's Day treat return, Grimace is reuniting with his long-lost uncle, Uncle O'Grimacey. The green version of the purple mascot primarily appeared in McDonald's commercials in the 70s and 80s. tcmedianow McDonald's …

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
'Friend To All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Ex-Stoughton Selectman Killed In Crash 'Friend To All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Ex-Stoughton Selectman Killed In Crash
'Friend To All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Ex-Stoughton Selectman Killed In Crash David "Spanky" Sousa spent his life giving back to the Stoughton community he loved. After he was killed while picking up debris along a highway, they're paying it back to his family.  "Spanky loved his hometown of Stoughton and helping people in need," an obituary for the 57-year-old said. "He was a former Selectman for the Town of Stoughton and was also the Chairman for a time. He played Santa for many charities in the area at Christmas time. He was a founder of the Parade of Lights holiday parade in Stoughton. He loved riding his motorcycle, meeting new friends, and the character Fre…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
'Generous And Humble': Families Remember Men Who Drowned In Lynn Ponds 'Generous And Humble': Families Remember Men Who Drowned In Lynn Ponds
'Generous And Humble': Families Remember Men Who Drowned In Lynn Ponds Authorities have released the names of two men who drowned in separate incidents in Lynn over the Memorial Day weekend.  Michael Petkewich, 60, and Macario Ordoñez Calmo, 30, were both killed on Sunday, May 26.  Firefighters were called to the Breeds Pond just after 7:15 p.m. to rescue Calmo. They risked their lives to pull him from the water, but they couldn't save his life. Doctors at an area hospital pronounced him dead soon after he arrived, authorities said.  Police received calls about Petkewich's drowning around 11 p.m. He had gone under at S…

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by Josh Lanier
Lifestyle
Life After Lottery: Winners Discuss How Life Changed After Hitting Jackpots; Keeping It Secret Life After Lottery: Winners Discuss How Life Changed After Hitting Jackpots; Keeping It Secret
Life After Lottery: Winners Discuss How Life Changed After Hitting Jackpots; Keeping It Secret The only thing better than winning the lottery is doing it anonymously. There are countless stories of lottery winners who've gone bankrupt in part from empty-handed "friends" or scammers looking for a rich target.  In Massachusetts, winners must divulge their names and pose with novelty checks boasting their jackpot amount unless they create a trust to collect their cash. Attorney David Spillane, a partner at the Quincy-based law firm SKB Attorneys, who's done nearly 100 of these trusts, connected us with some of those winners who chose to keep their paydays a secret to see what life …

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by Josh Lanier
News
Central Mass Lottery Winner Has Noble Plans For His Payday Central Mass Lottery Winner Has Noble Plans For His Payday
Central Mass Lottery Winner Has Noble Plans For His Payday A Worcester County lottery winner said he wants to put the money he's won to good use by funding his son's education and giving to charities he believes in.  Venkataramanan Balakrishnan, of Shrewsbury, won $25,000 a year for life after he matched the first five numbers on his Season Ticket. They're the same five numbers he's been playing for years.  Balakrishnan chose to take the one-time lump sum payment of $390,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  He said he would use the money on his mortgage, his son's education, and charitable causes. He didn't go into which cha…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Swampscott Cook Turns Scary Injury Into $40K In Donations To Hospital That Saved His Finger Swampscott Cook Turns Scary Injury Into $40K In Donations To Hospital That Saved His Finger
Swampscott Cook Turns Scary Injury Into $40K In Donations To Hospital That Saved His Finger Matthew Swartz sliced his finger open while carving his family's Thanksgiving turkey four years ago, and he's turned that scary moment into a yearly tradition of giving back to the people who saved his digit.  Swartz, of Swampscott, is a cook by trade. He opened Matteo’s, a Newton restaurant that featured Mediterranean Italian cuisine, in 1999 before he sold the place in 2005. But despite his years as a cook, slicing his index finger while trying to cut off a leg of his Thanksgiving turkey in 2019 is the worst injury he says he’s had in a kitchen. “I grabbed my butcher knife, and I de…

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by Khier Casino
News
$1M Lottery Win: Mass Man Loses Winning Ticket, Housekeeper Finds It $1M Lottery Win: Mass Man Loses Winning Ticket, Housekeeper Finds It
$1M Lottery Win: Mass Man Loses Winning Ticket, Housekeeper Finds It A Middlesex County man is $1 million richer now, thanks to his honest housekeeper.  Khalil Soussa, of Medford, won the payday playing the “15,000,000 Money Maker” scratch-off lottery game, Massachusetts Lottery Officials said.  He bought the ticket months ago but lost it. Soussa's housekeeper found it inside a vase, the lottery said.  Soussa took the lump sum of $650,000 before taxes rather than the annuity.  He said he plans to use the money to help a friend and donate to charities.  He bought the ticket at Tony’s Convenience at 416 Salem St. in Medfor…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Mass-Born Sports Commentator Wins 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' On Buzzer Beater Question Mass-Born Sports Commentator Wins 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' On Buzzer Beater Question
Mass-Born Sports Commentator Wins 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' On Buzzer Beater Question Sports commentator Katie Nolan took Wednesday night's episode of "Celebrity Jeopardy!" down to the wire when she tied with "Law & Order: SVU" alum Christopher Meloni and had to finish the game with a rare tiebreaker question.  Nolan, a former ESPN broadcaster and podcaster who now hosts "Friday Night Baseball Apple TV+, is a Framingham native. She and Meloni faced off against Sherri Shepherd, a daytime TV talk show host who formerly was a panelist on "The View." We love a tie breaker! Watch the dramatic finish of this week's #CelebrityJeopardy! Find Your Station: http://bit.ly/2B…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
'Her Memory Will Never Fade': Friends Pick Up Torch After Northborough Mom Dies 'Her Memory Will Never Fade': Friends Pick Up Torch After Northborough Mom Dies
'Her Memory Will Never Fade': Friends Pick Up Torch After Northborough Mom Dies Rebecca Maynard spent her final days worrying about her family. She feared more about what would happen to her three daughters and loving husband than the cancer that had invaded her body, her friends said.  She died last month. Now, the "ride or die" friends of the 44-year-old Northborough hairdresser and esthetician say they want to make sure those fears were not in vain. They have started a GoFundMe to help provide for her family as they grapple with their new reality and have stepped up in other ways.  She would have done the same for them and often did, they said.  To know her was to…

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by Josh Lanier
Lifestyle
Diesel Mechanic From Southeast Massachusetts Wins $3 Million Mega Millions Prize Diesel Mechanic From Southeast Massachusetts Wins $3 Million Mega Millions Prize
Diesel Mechanic From Southeast Massachusetts Wins $3 Million Mega Millions Prize Despite winning a massive prize from the Massachusetts State Lottery, a diesel mechanic from Southeast Massachusetts doesn't plan on using his winnings to take time off, but rather pay it forward. Paul Little, of Lakeville, is the winner of a $3 million Mega Millions prize on a ticket he bought for the multi-state game's Tuesday, Jan. 17 drawing, the lottery reports.  Little, who works on marine engines, said that he plans to continue to work for the time being but does have plans to use his winnings to help his family and other people. Little also plans on using some of the money to p…

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by David Cifarelli
Lifestyle
Gronk The Elf Spreads Cheer To Children At Shriners Hospital In Springfield Gronk The Elf Spreads Cheer To Children At Shriners Hospital In Springfield
Gronk The Elf Spreads Cheer To Children At Shriners Hospital In Springfield A former New England Patriots player decided to trade in the football jersey and helmet for a fuzzy coat and cap with a jingle bell to spread Christmas cheer among children at a local hospital. Robbie the Elf, otherwise known as Rob Gronkowski, made a surprise visit to Shriners Children's New England in Springfield on Tuesday, Dec. 20, the hospital said.  The four-time Super Bowl champion flexed his skills in air hockey and soccer while also doing origami with several patients. Gronk the Elf even took a note out of Santa Claus' book by bringing each child gifts that included footballs, jer…

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by David Cifarelli
Sports
Massachusetts' 'Guat Ninja' Brings Inspirational Story To American Ninja Warrior Massachusetts' 'Guat Ninja' Brings Inspirational Story To American Ninja Warrior
Massachusetts' 'Guat Ninja' Brings Inspirational Story To American Ninja Warrior One of the youngest participants on Season 14 of America Ninja Warrior is a Massachusetts resident, but he is using the competition to pay homage to his native Guatemala.  Jacob Arnstein wanted to compete on Ninja since he was about five years old and started training for the competition when he was nine. The now 15-year-old freshman at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton says there are two things that fuel his competitiveness. "I mostly do Ninja because it's really a great way to for me just to release energy," he said. "I also just really like the feeling of flying to the air,…

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by David Cifarelli
News
Restauranteur Donates 800 Pounds Of Turkey To Soup Kitchen In Need Restauranteur Donates 800 Pounds Of Turkey To Soup Kitchen In Need
Restauranteur Donates 800 Pounds Of Turkey To Soup Kitchen In Need A restaurant owner has donated 800 pounds of turkey to a local soup kitchen that had a holiday dinner scheduled - but no poultry to serve. On Friday, Konstantinos Sierros, owner of Florence Pizza and Filos Greek Taverna in Northampton, was talking with people he knows at the Manna Soup Kitchen when he heard kitchen cooks were unable to purchase turkeys for the nonprofit’s annual, free Thanksgiving Day meal. So, Sierros stepped up - in a big way. The restauranteur purchased 800 pounds of turkey as well as fixings for the community kitchen meal, according to The Daily Hampshire Gazett…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
Danbury Mayor To Comedian John Oliver: We'll Take Offer To Rename $110M Sewage Plant After You Danbury Mayor To Comedian John Oliver: We'll Take Offer To Rename $110M Sewage Plant After You
Danbury Mayor To Comedian John Oliver: We'll Take Offer To Rename $110M Sewage Plant After You * Watch a video of the announcement here Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton says he's going to make good on his promise to name the city’s $110 million sewer plant after John Oliver and has accepted an offer from the comedian - with one condition. "You must come here to Danbury when we cut the ribbon," Boughton said. Oliver said that he would donate $25,000 to the Connecticut Food Bank, $25,000 to Donors Choose fund for Danbury teachers, and $5,000 to ALS Connecticut if Boughton went through with what was initially a tongue-in-cheek proposal about renaming the sewage plant. Boughton's proposal c…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
HBO Host John Oliver Offers $55,000 To Name CT Sewage Plant After Himself HBO Host John Oliver Offers $55,000 To Name CT Sewage Plant After Himself
HBO Host John Oliver Offers $55,000 To Name CT Sewage Plant After Himself The back and forth between HBO show host John Oliver and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton is getting expensive. Oliver has pledged to give $55,000 to Danbury, Connecticut, charities if the mayor names the city’s sewage plant after him. Oliver is the host of ‘Last Week Tonight,’ a comedy news program with a late-night talk show vibe. In a tweet on Monday, Aug. 31, Boughton responded to the offer Oliver made during his Sunday, Aug. 30 show. “Yeah. We are on it,” the mayor tweeted. “Standby.” So how did we get here - the mayor of a Connecticut city sparring with a national celebrity? The bad bl…

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by Kristin Palpini
Police & Fire
Charity Bails Out Rapist; AG Vows Investigation Charity Bails Out Rapist; AG Vows Investigation
Charity Bails Out Rapist; AG Vows Investigation The Massachusetts Bail Fund is under fire for using donations to spring a convicted rapist who is accused of raping a woman in July, just weeks after he was let out of jail. The fund posted $15,000 for the release of registered Level 3 sex offender Shawn McClinton who is facing aggravated rape, kidnapping, strangulation, and other new charges, according to Boston.com. McClinton is homeless in Roxbury, according to the registry. He was convicted of rape in 1994 and 2007. In a statement defending the decision, the Massachusetts Bail Fund called the bail system racist and said it targets the p…

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by Kristin Palpini