Artists paint the "spirit tree" in Joplin, Mo., as a reminder of the May 22, 2011, tornado that wiped out one-third of the community. (Photo by Kellen Jenkins/The Joplin Globe)

CNHI News Service

Abby Chouinard, a Beverly, Mass., High School sophomore, has the 'perfect prom dress' picked by her mother altered by tailor Maria Martins of Danvers, Mass. (Photo/Salem, Mass., News)

By Billie Jean Chouinard
CNHI News Service

CNHI News Service

CONCORD, N.H. - A state lawmaker who yelled "Sieg Heil" on the floor of the New Hampshire House in objection to what he considered strongarm handling of a voter ID bill has touched off a firestorm over free speech and legislative decorum.

State Rep. Steve Vaillancourt, a Republican, shouted the chant associated with Nazi Germany during debate Tuesday. He was removed from the chamber by security police but allowed to return after agreeing to apologize.

CNHI News Service

TRAVERSE CITY, Mass. — Howard King is living proof that a dog is not only man’s best friend, but can be a lifesaver.

The 80-year-old King was walking past his garage with a bag of groceries in hand when he lost his balance and fell. He struck his head on the garage floor and passed out. He suffered cuts and was bleeding badly.

Somehow, the 5- or 6-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound-German Shepherd mix knew his master was in trouble. The dog ran toward a painter who was working inside the home and began running back and forth.