Hampshire

Unleashing the Debate: How Varied Leash Laws Impact Safety Across Hampshire County

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Northampton, MA — In Hampshire County, where local municipalities assert their authority distinctly, pet owners find themselves navigating a complex quilt of leash laws that vary significantly from one town to the next. Such a patchwork of regulations presents a unique blend of challenges and responsibilities for dog owners keen on respecting local statutes while ensuring public safety. Leash laws, fundamentally designed to protect communities and maintain order, typically dictate whether a dog must be on a leash in public spaces and what length the leash must be. However, what’s permissible in one locality might … Read more

Mistrial Announced in High-Profile New Hampshire Youth Center Rape Case Following Jury Standstill

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Concord, NH — A New Hampshire court declared a mistrial in the rape case against a former worker of a youth rehabilitation center after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, officials said Friday. The case has spotlighted the broader issues of safety and oversight in juvenile rehabilitation facilities. The jury was deadlocked on several charges, including aggravated felonious sexual assault, against David Manson, 38, who worked at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester. Manson was accused of assaulting a teenage detainee multiple times in 2016. Despite days of deliberation, the jurors were … Read more

New Hampshire State Representative Settles Defamation Suit, Pays $200,000 to Drag Queens After False Accusations

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Derry, NH — A defamation lawsuit concluded with a New Hampshire state legislator agreeing to issue a six-figure settlement and a public apology to two drag performers whom he had falsely accused of criminal and inappropriate behavior. The lawsuit centered around Rep. David Love’s allegations during a 2021 legislative session, which were later admitted to be based on erroneous information. Local performers Robert Champion, known on stage as Monique Toosoon, and Michael McMahon, whose stage name is Clara Divine, filed the lawsuit against Love in April 2022. This followed public claims by Love, suggesting Champion … Read more

Landmark Trial Begins in New Hampshire Youth Center Abuse Case

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CONCORD, N.H. — A jury was selected Wednesday to deliberate in the inaugural criminal trial tied to extensive allegations of abuse at New Hampshire’s youth detention facilities, marking a pivotal moment in a scandal that spans decades. The case involves Victor Malavet, a 52-year-old former employee from Gilford, who faces 12 charges of aggravated felonious sexual assault. According to court documents, Malavet is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl multiple times while she was detained at the Youth Detention Services Unit in Concord during the summer and fall of 2001. This trial is part … Read more