‘Unbearably’ Sad News + Group Sues In Court It Doesn’t Recognize

ACROSS AMERICA — The news this week about Bear 211 is, frankly, unbearably sad for many Fairfield County, Connecticut, residents charmed by the bruin described as a real-life Yogi Bear — that is, “smarter than the average bear.”

Bear 211 was gravely hurt in a hit-and-run while crossing the road and was euthanized later after veterinarians determined injuries were too extensive for recovery.

But what a bear! Bear 211 was known to take a dip in the pool or cool off on a splash pad, sample bird food and snack on watermelon, attempt a home break-in and, failing that, flop in a backyard hammock.

“RIP 211,” a member of the bear’s 5,000-person strong fan group wrote on Facebook. “We enjoyed your company when you visited us a few weeks ago. You'll be missed. You were so much smarter than the average bear." Read the full story on Fairfield, Connecticut, Patch

Group Rejects Court But Wants Its Ruling

From the "Say what?" department:

Members of the Rhode Island-based group The Rise of The Moors don’t recognize the judicial system’s authority and refused to give their names when they appeared in court earlier this month on charges related to the Interstate 95 standoff in Massachusetts.

Yet they’re using the same judicial system members say lacks authority to sue the state of Massachusetts, state police, a judge and several others for $70 million in damages. Read the full story on Cranston, Rhode Island, Patch.

More Good Reads

Mark Konkol’s Road Trip: The Patch columnist stopped in Dallas on his storytelling tour of America, inquiring about Chicago’s new top cop, David O. Brown, who as Dallas' chief issued the order to detonate a robot-delivered bomb to end a sniper’s siege that killed five police officers five years ago this month, via Chicago Patch.

The Old Man And The Sea Of Hemingways: For decades, scores of white-bearded older men have taken over Papa, a bar that bears the nickname of one of America’s most beloved authors, Ernest Hemingway, via Miami Patch.

How To Get Kicked Out Of Church: Wear a mask to his church as protection against the coronavirus, lightning rod pastor Greg Locke promises, and he’ll ask you to leave, via Nashville, Tennessee, Patch.

Vaccination? No Service: A tiny Italian restaurant is pushing against the tide, provoking local health officials, as the coronavirus public health issue becomes increasingly political, via Orange County, California, Patch.

Live Like One Of “Charlie’s Angels”: Shelley Hack, one of the stars of the late-1970s and early-1980s television crime drama series, sold her mansion for $11.4 million, via Santa Monica, California, Patch.

COVID-palooza? No: At least that’s what Chicago’s top doc says about the Lollapalooza music festival, which is moving ahead this weekend despite surging coronavirus cases nationwide, via Chicago Patch.

Music To Your Ears: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio claims never to have seen a concert lineup as impressive as the one planned for upcoming “We Love New York City: The Homecoming Concert” — but you won’t see it, either, if you’re unable to prove you’ve been jabbed, via New York City Patch.

Mall Of America Lawsuit: The family of a 5-year-old boy thrown over a third-floor railing at the Mall of America is seeking unspecified monetary damages in a personal injury lawsuit against the mall, via Richfield, Minnesota, Patch.

The Nature Of Love: In “Greener Pastures,” Patch contributor Hal Green writes weekly about love, relationships and matters of the heart, via Across America Patch.

Quotable

“People love live music. They've had a weary travel day. They're not expecting this, and it changes everything.”

— Piano player Tonee Carter on his job playing piano to soothe travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, via Atlanta Patch

Trending Across Patch

• Actor Bob Odenkirk Collapses On Set, via Culver City, California, Patch
• Critical Race Theory Ban Pushes Counselor To Resign, via Marietta, Georgia, Patch
• U.S. Renters Fear Eviction As Moratorium Ends, via Across America Patch
• ‘Voluntary Phase Is Over’ As NYC Enters Strict Vaccine Period, via New York City Patch
• Delta Airlines To Add 5,000 Jobs To Meet Travel Surge, via Atlanta Patch
• Shooter Opened Fire On Vehicles Stopped At Red Light, via Libertyville, Illinois, Patch

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