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Hunt on for spelling-challenged bank robber in Massachusetts

BOSTON (AP) — A bank robber dubbed the “spelling bee bandit” because the notes he’s passed to tellers contain the same misspelling is being sought for four robberies in Massachusetts.

The FBI says the man’s notes have just one word: “robery” with one “B.”

His latest target was a TD Bank in Peabody on Sunday. He’s also suspected of hitting banks in Arlington, Reading and Burlington since Oct. 31. In all the robberies, he’s worn sunglasses and either a baseball hat or hood. He’s described as white, in his late 30s or early 40s, between 5-feet, 11 inches, and 6-feet-2.

The FBI says it’s concerned because the man’s becoming increasingly aggressive toward the tellers.

The reward is up to $1,000.

Lions, tiger, panther and more removed from Pahrump home

PAHRUMP, Nev. (AP) — Officers say they have removed several exotic animals from a Nevada home, including three lions, a tiger and a panther, over concerns that the animals were not being cared for properly.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Nye County Sheriff’s Office says the animals were removed from a Pahrump home on Thursday.

Three African lions, a Bengal tiger, eight hybrid lynx cats, a black panther, a fennec fox and a hybrid caracal cat were taken from the property. According to a statement, officers discovered several cats and the fennec fox locked in bedrooms, where they had been urinating and defecating on the walls and carpet.

Officers have cited the owner for animal cruelty and are reviewing her permit to own the exotic creatures.

New Jersey man arrested over 300 toll violations worth $20K

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say a New Jersey man was arrested after racking up over 300 toll violations and failing to pay more than $20,000 in tolls and fees.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement that James Clicerio, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, was arrested on Thursday after failing to pay a toll at the Outerbridge Crossing connecting Staten Island and Pert Amboy.

Officials say Clicerio was driving a white Mercury SUV when he was pulled over and an officer discovered he had five EZ Pass accounts and 323 violations.

The fees and violations totaled $20,869.

It’s unclear whether Clicerio has an attorney who can comment on his behalf.

Clicerio faces larceny and obstructing governmental administration charges.

Dogs get in on internet’s

‘mannequin challenge’ craze

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — The “mannequin challenge” has gone to the dogs.

Canines are getting in on the internet craze that has featured videos of athletes, students and celebrities frozen in various poses.

Kansas college student Ryan Thomas has garnered nearly 200,000 retweets for his video of a boxer named Boston sitting perfectly still while wearing costumes. The dog also displays impressive willpower by posing in front of a tray of muffins and on a couch while covered in Doritos.

Not to be outdone, WTVC-TV reports Ralfi, a dog in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is the star of a challenge video, posing with bacon in its mouth, a ball on its nose and a full glass of wine on its head.

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