Across Massachusetts
Crime & Safety

4 Swimmers Saved By Civilians + Teen Stabbed + Lawmakers Work To Dedicate Day To Dolly: MA Weekend

Here is a recap of the top stories in the state from the weekend.

| Updated

Two civilians came to rescue when four swimmers struggled to find their way back to the shore in Cape Cod this past weekend.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old is under arrest on charges related to stabbing a fellow teenager in Milford.

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Plus, a couple of local legislators are coming together in an effort to have a day dedicated to a music icon.

4 People, Including 2 Children, Rescued From Water By Bystanders Off Cape Cod

Barnstable police were notified about four people possibly in distress in the water off Sandy Neck Beach at 11:30 a.m. Saturday morning. When officers arrived at the scene, they learned that two children were in the water and having difficulty returning to shore due to the current. Two adults were approximately 100 yards farther offshore and were also having difficulty making their way back to safety. Two bystanders reportedly swam out and assisted all four individuals safely back to shore.

Teen Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries In Milford Stabbing

A 19-year-old has been charged after the incident on Sunday evening in the Hayward Street area, where an 18-year-old victim had reportedly been stabbed. Officers found several bloodstains on the pavement after arriving at the scene. They also located the suspect and saw blood on his arms and legs while speaking with him. Authorities had not publicly identified the victim or disclosed what led to the stabbing.

Massachusetts Legislators Seek To Honor Dolly Parton With '9 To 5 Day'

State Sen. Julian Cyr and State Rep. Sam Montano filed a bill to have the fallen country icon honored annually on Sep. 25. On the proposed day of recognition, Cyr suggested Massachusetts residents "celebrate Dolly how she would have wanted: with plenty of laughs, a bit of sparkle, and a lot of kindness. After all, the only thing bigger than Dolly's hair was her heart." Parton died on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at age 80.

MA Residents Told To Squish Spotted Lanternflies As Pest Spreads

Massachusetts agricultural officials are asking residents to help control the spread of spotted lanternflies as the invasive insect appears in more communities.

Guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources tells residents to smash or squish adults, nymphs and egg masses. Residents can also place the insects in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. More than 115 Massachusetts communities had identified the insect by the end of 2025, according to MDAR. Residents can check the state's interactive infestation map for the latest town-by-town information.

Where To Get A Flu Shot In MA This Fall

Community health centers, pharmacies, urgent care clinics and local health departments are among the options available this fall. The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers says community health centers across the state often hold seasonal flu clinics. Residents can use the league's online directory to find a nearby center. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also directs residents to Vaccines.gov and recommends contacting local boards of health about municipal clinics, including which age groups they serve. Appointments, costs, age requirements and vaccine availability may vary by provider.

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