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Ebola quarantines: US governors, Army go separate ways

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As contradictory state policies proliferate in response to Ebola fears, the CDC's recommendations mark an effort to create a national standard, one that would protect public health without discouraging people from helping fight its spread overseas.

By DAVID PORTER
and COLLEEN BARRY

NEWARK, N.J. — The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday recommended new restrictions for people at highest risk for coming down with the Ebola virus and symptom monitoring for those at lower risk, but some state governors and even the Army are carving their own paths.

As contradictory state policies proliferate in response to Ebola fears, the CDC's recommendations mark an effort to create a national standard, one that would protect public health without discouraging people from helping fight its spread overseas.

The CDC now says even if people have no symptoms and are not considered contagious they should stay away from commercial transportation or public gatherings if they have been in direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone sick with Ebola — say, by touching their fluids without protective gear or by suffering an injury from a contaminated needle.

Absent that direct contact, simply caring for Ebola patients or traveling in West Africa doesn't warrant quarantine conditions, the public health agency said.

But quarantines are determined state by state in the U.S., and the CDC is empowered only to issue guidelines. And even within the federal government, authorities were improvising Monday: A U.S. Army commander in Italy said he and his troops returning from Liberia would remain in isolation for 21 days, even though he feels they face no risk and show no symptoms. The Army's chief of staff, Gen. Ray Odierno, directed the 21-day controlled monitoring period for all redeploying soldiers returning from the Ebola fight in West Africa, an Army spokeswoman said.

A nurse who volunteered with Doctors Without Borders in Africa was released after being forced to spend her weekend in a tent in New Jersey upon her return, despite showing no symptoms other than an elevated temperature she blamed on "inhumane" treatment at Newark International Airport.

President Barack Obama has told his Ebola team that any measures involving health care workers should be crafted to avoid unnecessarily discouraging people from responding to the outbreak. That's already happening, Doctors Without Borders said Monday: Some medical workers are reducing their time in the field to include potential quarantines afterward.

"The best way to protect us is to stop the epidemic in Africa, and we need those health care workers, so we do not want to put them in a position where it makes it very, very uncomfortable for them to even volunteer to go," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

But the governors of New York and New Jersey defended their quarantine policies as necessary precautions in dealing with a virus that already has killed nearly half the over 10,000 people infected this year in West Africa. Maj. Gen. Darryl Williams said that the decision to isolate returning troops was taken to ensure their family members' comfort, even though none is showing symptoms, and he does not believe any soldier under his command is at risk.

Speaking by telephone from a U.S. base in Vicenza, Italy, Williams said he and his soldiers will be living in isolation under controlled monitoring during the three weeks it takes to be sure Ebola hasn't infected them. Williams returned to Italy Sunday with 10 soldiers with another 65 due back in two groups by Saturday.

It's just "normal concern," Williams said. "There was nothing elevated that triggered this increased posture."

A senior defense official said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is expected to review the recommendations on Ebola but has made no decision. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the Pentagon's policy on isolating returning personnel has not been settled and implemented yet.

Also absent is any uniform response within the United States to the increasing number of people and medical volunteers returning from Ebola-stricken countries in Africa.

"The response to Ebola must not be guided primarily by panic in countries not overly affected by the epidemic," said Sophie Delaunay, the U.S. director of Doctors Without Borders.

New York's and New Jersey's governors announced Friday that any health care workers returning from West Africa to their states would face mandatory 21-day quarantines. New York's and New Jersey's governors announced Friday that any health care workers returning from West Africa to their states would face mandatory 21-day quarantines. Other states including Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Georgia have since announced measures of their own.

Some other governors, like Rhode Island Democrat Lincoln Chafee, urged his colleagues Monday to "ratchet down some of the hysteria," since scientists have repeatedly said that people carrying the virus are not contagious until they show symptoms.

Ebola fears can have consequences beyond public health. New York City school officials warned principals to be on the lookout for bullying of West African students after two brothers from Senegal, which the World Health Organization declared Ebola-free this month, reported being taunted with chants of "Ebola."

Meanwhile, nurse Kaci Hickox was on the road, driving in a private car from New Jersey to her home in Maine. She was freed Monday from the quarantine tent where Gov. Chris Christie said she had been kept since Friday "because she was running a high fever and was symptomatic" at the outset.

Hickox denied that — she said she never had symptoms and tested negative for Ebola.

Her criticism of the quarantines was backed by the White House, American Civil Liberties Union, the United Nations secretary-general and the American Medical Association's president. The New England Journal of Medicine said governors imposing mandatory quarantines on health workers "have it wrong."

But New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, backed his Republican neighbor Christie in calling the quarantines "entirely reasonable."

"You could say I am being overcautious," Cuomo said. "I would rather be, in this situation, a little overcautious."


AP writers Brian Witte in Baltimore; Geoff Mulvihill in Haddonfield, New Jersey; Bruce Shipkowski in Trenton, New Jersey; Frank Eltman in Mineola, New York; Lolita C. Baldor, Josh Lederman and Thomas Strong in Washington; Matt Sedensky in Florida; Sophia Tareen in Chicago; and Jonathan Lemire and Jennifer Peltz in New York contributed to this report.


Pittsfield sex abuse victim tells defendant 'I hate you' before judge imposes 50 year sentence

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Both state and federal prosecutions began with a police raid in July 2013 on Gendron’s home that uncovered more than 20,000 images of child pornography, including videos of him sexually abusing local children ages 3, 7 and 13.

SPRINGFIELD — Moments after giving the defendant a 50-year sentence Monday for child sexual abuse, U.S. Judge William G. Young offered a few words of perspective.

“I’ve been a judge longer than you’ve been alive,” the veteran jurist told Jason Gendron, 35, of Pittsfield, who pleaded guilty to 17 child sex charges, including raping three girls as young as 3 and videotaping it.

“But for cold-blooded murder, I have never seen a case that descends to the depths of depravity that this case demonstrates. You are a serial child abuser of the worst sort," he added.

During an hour-long sentencing hearing in U.S. District Court in Springfield, one of the victims, now a young teenager, sounded a more personal note.

“I hate you…I hope you go to a place where they treat you the same way you treated me,” she said, staring at the defendant.

In July, Gendron pleaded guilty in federal court to 16 counts of sexual exploitation of minors and one count of possession of child pornography.

In a parallel state case, Gendron pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Court to 10 counts of child rape and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. He is expected to be sentenced in that case on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Both state and federal prosecutions began with a July 2013 police raid on Gendron’s Pittsfield home, which uncovered more than 20,000 images of child pornography, including videos of him sexually abusing local children.

Going into Monday’s hearing, prosecution and defense lawyers had proposed a 40- to 50-year sentence for Gendron, who has been held in state custody since July 2013.

In recommending a sentence in the 50-year range, Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow said the defendant amassed a “staggering” amount of child pornography while subjecting four children to sexual abuse “so severe it’s hard to fathom.”

A court-appointed psychiatrist found that the defendant had an uncontrollable sexual appetite for young children while insisting he did not, Breslow said.

Imposing a 50-year sentence would punish the defendant and deter others involved in child pornography in Western Massachusetts and beyond, the prosecutor said.

But defense lawyer Marissa Elkins said the prosecution had misread Gendron’s psychiatric profile. As his plea deal indicates, the defendant is showing a growing understanding of the harm he inflicted on the children, according to Elkins, who said he posed a “low to moderate low” risk of committing new offenses and deserved a sentence closer to 40 years.

“He does not wish to die in prison,” she said.

Dressed in an orange jail-issued jump suit, Gendron showed no emotion during the hearing. Moments before the sentence was imposed, however, he stood and offered a brief apology.

“I just want to say I am sorry for my actions, and the pain they have caused,” he said.

In handing down the sentence, Young noted that imposing a single 50-year term would exceed federal sentencing guidelines; instead, he imposed consecutive terms on several charges until they reached 50 years.

Following the hearing, the victim left the courtroom escorted by supporters and court personnel. As she approached the elevator, she raised her right hand and gave a supporter a high-five.

Westfield State University ready to move on, select new president, says Richard Freeland, state higher ed chief

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Freeland says Westfield State is ready to move on.

This story follows: Massachusetts economy may suffer for lack of college graduates

WESTFIELD - Richard Freeland, the state Commissioner of Higher Education, said Tuesday that Westfield State University is ready to select its next permanent president in the wake of Evan Dobelle and Freeland is is keeping tabs on that search.

"We want to make sure that the travails of the past are behind us. "My opinion is that they are. the Inspector General's Report is the last word."

Freeland, speaking on a conference call with reporters Tuesday, described the formal search for a new Westfield State University president as "just beginning". He added that a regular check on the process is on his to-do list for this week.

A former president of Northeastern University, Freeland has announced that he will step down at the end of this academic year.

The Inspector General's Report  released in August accused ex-University President Evan S. Dobelle of repeatedly abusing his authority while running up more than $450,000 in bills on five school-related credit cards.

The university has implemented financial controls called for in the report.

Dobelle left office in 2013. For the last year, Elizabeth Preston has been serving as acting university president.

The search had been slowed while vacancies were filled on the Westfield State Board of Trustees. The Oct. 3 appointments of Madeline Landrau and Dr. Linda Slakey and the September appointment of Robert Johnson have brought the board up to full membership of 11 trustees.Dobelle still has civil litigation pending saying university trustees and others alleging they conspired to damage his reputation and that he is owed lost wages, legal fees and other costs related to his resignation.

Wanted: Boston resident Jonathan Hernandez, 33, bolted from Norfolk Superior Court shortly before jury convicted him of cocaine trafficking

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Jonathan Hernandez, 33, of Boston, walked away from his criminal trial on Friday, Oct. 24, according to Massachusetts State Police, who are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to call (617) 740-7600.

DEDHAM — Jonathan Hernandez, 33, of Boston, was convicted of cocaine trafficking and a school-zone drug violation on Friday in Norfolk Superior Court, but he didn't stick around to hear the verdict.

Hernandez, who was free on bail during his trial, fled during a lunchtime break, according to police and prosecutors, who are seeking the public's help in locating the Roxbury resident.

Hernandez is facing up to 20 years in state prison, according to Massachusetts State Police, who are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to call Troop H Headquarters in South Boston at (617) 740-7600. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The 6-foot-tall, 205-pound man has a heavily tattooed right forearm and ties to the Boston and Milton areas, police said.

Hernandez was free on $14,000 cash bail when he walked away from Friday's trial, the Boston Herald reports. He will likely face additional criminal charges for fleeing.


Material from the Boston Herald, Massachusetts State Police and wickedlocal.com was used in this report.

Commercial supply rocket bound for International Space station explodes at liftoff

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Orbital Sciences Corp.'s unmanned rocket blew up over the launch complex in Virginia just six seconds after liftoff.

By MARCIA DUNN

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — An unmanned commercial supply ship bound for the International Space Station exploded moments after liftoff Tuesday evening, with debris falling in flames over the launch site.

No injuries were reported following the first catastrophic launch in NASA's commercial spaceflight effort.

Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Antares rocket blew up over the launch complex at Wallops Island, Virginia, just six seconds after liftoff. The company said everyone at the launch site had been accounted for, and the damage appeared to be limited to the facilities.

Flames could be seen shooting into the sky as the sun set.

"Maintain your consoles," Orbital Sciences' Mission Control informed the roomful of engineers and technicians. All data were being collected for use in the ensuing investigation.

The Cygnus cargo ship was loaded with 5,000 pounds of experiments and equipment for the six people living on the space station. It was the fourth Cygnus bound for the orbiting lab; the first flew just over a year ago.

NASA spokesman Rob Navias said there was nothing urgently needed by the space station crew on that flight. In fact, the Russian Space Agency was proceeding with its own supply run on Wednesday.

NASA is paying the Virginia-based Orbital Sciences and the California-based SpaceX company to keep the space station stocked in the post-shuttle era.

Until Tuesday, all of the companies' missions had been near-flawless and the accident was sure to draw criticism in Washington. The commercial spaceflight program has been championed by President Barack Obama.

NASA said the six residents of the orbiting lab were informed of the accident.

Public invited to legislative summit to identify priorities for Western Massachusetts

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The goal is to develop a set of priorities for the four western counties.

NORTHAMPTON — Those who believe that Beacon Hill's priorities don't extend  to Western Massachusetts will have an opportunity next month to organize for change.

The Hampshire Council of Governments will host a legislative summit with the goal of identifying priorities common to the four western counties of Massachusetts and developing a legislative agenda. Members of the public, business owners and local officials are encouraged to attend the free event.

"HCOG Legislative Summit: Developing an Agenda for Western Massachusetts" will be held Sat., Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Middle School in Northampton.

State senators and representatives from Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire, and Franklin counties have been invited, said HCOG staffer Lydia King.

The idea is to develop a set of bills to benefit western Massachusetts, said King, and to encourage lawmakers to put their collective muscle behind getting them passed.

"If a broad, local coalition comes to consensus on a well-vetted selection on bills, then they can be introduced in the House and Senate by members of our powerful delegation," said King, who noted that the next legislative cycle begins in January.

Dan Hodge of the UMass Donahue Institute will present regional data and information, then state senators and representatives will join participants during breakout sessions, and over lunch, to listen and provide feedback, said King.

The event is co-hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Valley Community Development Corporation.

Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas, issues, and suggestions to debate and discuss, in order to develop a vision of what is needed for the region.

 Preregistration is encouraged.

If you go
What: HCOG Legislative Summit: Developing an Agenda for Western Massachusetts
Where: JFK Middle School, 100 Bridge Road, Northampton
When: Sat. Nov. 15, 8:30-1 p.m.

Authorities search after dark for Amherst teenager Richard Hogans, last seen Monday; Amherst school officials urge counseling for students, staff upset over missing student

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Updates story published at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. AMHERST — Police continued to search after dark on Tuesday for missing Amherst teen Richard Hogans Jr., who was last seen late Monday afternoon in downtown Amherst. "It's under investigation," an Amherst police official said around 7 p.m., offering no further details about the search effort. "It's a work in progress,"...

Updates story published at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.


AMHERST — Police continued to search after dark on Tuesday for missing Amherst teen Richard Hogans Jr., who was last seen late Monday afternoon in downtown Amherst.

"It's under investigation," an Amherst police official said around 7 p.m., offering no further details about the search effort. "It's a work in progress," he said.

A Massachusetts State Police official confirmed that troopers from the Northampton barracks were still actively involved in the search, which extended into the evening. He said he had "no idea" when that effort might wrap up for the night.

The 15-year-old Hogans is about 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds with a medium build. He was wearing blue jeans, black Adidas sneakers and a button-down red, white and blue shirt when he was last seen around 3 p.m. Monday near Bart's Ice Cream on North Pleasant Street.

A search of nearby Mount Sugarloaf in Deerfield on Tuesday morning turned up no trace of the boy, according to police. That search was conducted by Deerfield police and several other agencies, including State Police K-9 and aerial units, Whately police, South Deerfield firefighters, and members of the South County Emergency Medical Service.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the missing teen's whereabouts to call the Amherst Police Department at (413) 259-3000 or 911.

richard hogans.jpgRichard Hogans Jr. 

Meanwhile, Amherst school officials say counseling is available for students and staff who are upset about the disappearance of Hogans, a student at Amherst Regional High School.

Principal Mark Jackson, in an email to parents and guardians, said there is "concern about the student's well-being," adding that anyone who is stressed out about the matter can avail themselves of mental health counseling during regular school hours. After-hours counseling is available from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the High School's library, Jackson said.

Clinical and Support Options, a mental health resource, is also available 24 hours a day at (413) 586-5555.

A copy of the email was posted on Twitter by Larry Kelley, the independent online journalist based in Amherst.

Amherst School Superintendent Maria Geryk said Tuesday that "plans are underway to address questions about the missing student" on Wednesday at both the high and middle schools.

Lieutenant governor hopefuls Karyn Polito, Steve Kerrigan square off in televised debate

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Polito and Kerrigan squared off in a 30-minute debate televised over New England Cable News.

NEWTON - In their only debate of the campaign, lieutenant governor candidates Karyn Polito and Steve Kerrigan took to cable television Tuesday night in an attempt to define themselves and each other, and to persuade voters to support their respective tickets on election day.

Kerrigan, a Democrat from Lancaster, and Polito, a Republican from Shrewsbury, took part in a 30-minute debate that was broadcast by New England Cable News, and moderated by the network’s political reporter Jim Braude.

In a rapid-fire format that more resembled a two-subject interview than a traditional debate, Braude ask questions of the candidates and then posed follow-ups based on their replies.

Polito and Kerrigan each sought to define their positions and their respective tickets on issues ranging from the state’s handling of the Ebola issue, the graduated income tax, and even whether they believe the lieutenant governor’s position serves any purpose. (Both agreed that it does.)

Kerrigan, the running mate of Democrat Martha Coakley, defended Coakley’s decision as Attorney General not to settle a lawsuit filed against the state Department of Children and Families by a children’s advocacy group. He said her decision was the best move for the state at the time.

Polito defended her running mate, Republican Charlie Baker, for his role as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim in particular the charge that he outsourced jobs in Massachusetts to India. She said Baker saved jobs by preventing the collapse of Harvard Pilgrim, and that any outsourcing there occurred after his time there.

Polito said she found problems with Patrick’s handling of the state’s Ebola response, calling it a “measured approach.”

Kerrigan replied that he felt Patrick’s stance was correct. The key to any potential public health emergency is coordination, communication and preparation, and “I believe the governor is right.”

Braude’s second question, directed at Kerrigan, asked if he really believed in his own rhetoric from the campaign trail where he has characterized Polito as someone “who has loyalties to the tea party.”

Kerrigan replied “I do believe it, based on her record.”

He then said that she voted against marriage equality five times while a state legislator, and twice sponsored a voter ID bill “that was worse than what they have in Texas.” He said it called for people to having to show a driver’s license to vote, and if put in effect it would have barred many poor and elderly people from voting.

Polito laughed off the suggestion that she is a tea party candidate.

“I have traveled all over this state, and the only person who has been calling me that is you,” she said to Kerrigan.

She took issue with Kerrigan’s characterization, saying “it doesn’t reflect who I am and what I bring to this team.”

When Braude followed up to ask if she supported voter-ID laws, she said she does, saying she feels it important that people prove their identities at the polls in order to prevent fraud.

Kerrigan declined Braude’s invitation to pledge that the Coakley administration would not raise taxes or to lay off state employees.

He said he could not make any pledge because although the goal is to grow the economy, circumstances could change and it may require either be considered.

“Our hope is not to raise taxes, (and) we will put people first always,” he said.

Asked by Braude if the Baker administration is opposed to graduated income tax, where an individual’s tax rate is determined by income, Polito responded “We’re against raising taxes.”

She said people across the state “want the opportunity to work and climb the ladder,” and the Baker administration wants to help them out by lowering taxes and easing some of the state’s regulations that hamper business.

Polito and Kerrigan agreed on one issue: the importance of the position of lieutenant governor. The state has been without a lieutenant governor since the May 2013 resignation of Tim Murray. When Braude asked if either could name one aspect of government that has suffered in the void created by Murray’s departure, Polito and Kerrigan each said Murray did a great job as a liaison between the administration and municipal governments across the state.

The debate closed with each candidate having 30 seconds to make their final statement. With such a narrow window, each had to make in essence an elevator pitch to voters rather than a traditional closing statement.

Kerrigan urged voters to support the Coakley- Kerrigan ticket.

He said he and Coakley are committed to investing in the people, which he called the
state’s greatest resource.

“That is what we have done for our entire careers,” he said.

He specifically mentioned investing in early childhood education as an example of where the Coakley administration would invest.

“We stand up for the people of this state instead of for outsourcing and corporate tax cuts,” he said.

Polito, in her closing statement, urged people to support the Baker-Polito ticket, saying that she and Baker “are the right team, the right people and have the right experience in the public and private sectors.”

She mentioned their team supports marriage equality and a woman’s right to chose.


“We are the team that will bring bipartisanship, independence and accountability to Beacon Hill.”


Chicopee downtown Halloween Walk attracts more than 1,000 superheroes, zombies and Elsa's

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The event was organized through the mayor's office and with the help of a number of local business owners.

CHICOPEE - Hunter Piedra, 9, was quick to identify the best part of the city's second Halloween Costume Walk and Pumpkin Patch Party Tuesday.

It wasn't the trick-or-treating, the cookie decorating, the hayrides, the live music or the free hot dogs, popcorn and doughnuts, although he called all of that "awesome."

"It's the costumes," he said, looking at a sea of clever outfits including a walking cupcake, several superheroes, Teenage Mutant Turtles, a firefighter and a Wizard of Oz trio complete with Dorothy, the scarecrow and Toto in a basket.

"We have been counting Elsa's. So far we have seen 16," added his 8-year-old sister Madison Pierre, who was dressed as a bee. She was referring to a character from the popular Disney movie "Frozen."

The two, their younger siblings Dakota, 7 and Zoey, 5, their mother Rachel Montemagni and her boyfriend Jason Lashway said they were having a lot of fun at the event which drew more than 1,000 people downtown.

"It is great. The kids are having a great time," Montemagni said.

This is the second year the mayor's office coordinated the event with dozens of local businesses. They closed off part of Exchange and Center streets, marked out a trick-or-treat walkway and offered a variety of fun activities.

"This is our second time here. We love it," said MaryAnn Crossman. A nanny, she came with Daniel Tereso, 8, who dressed as a mad scientist.

Among the things new this year were the local band The Varlets entertaining the crowd, a jack-o-lantern judging and City Councilors George Moreau, John Vieau, Frank Laflamme and their wives cooked more than 1,000 hotdogs donated by local businesses.

"Last year it was a success and this year the mayor did the right thing by continuing what Mayor (Michael) Bissonnette started," Laflamme said.

The crew started serving hot dogs at about 4:30 p.m. and by 5:40 p.m. they were close to running out of food. The pre-Halloween party was to continue until 8 p.m.

Mayor Richard Kos greeted families like a rock star, wearing a Rod Stewart wig while his wife Gina admired children's costumes while wearing her own Taylor Swift outfit.

He thanked the city staff and businesses for all pitching in to make the event happen and said they were especially lucky with the 60 degree weather which made the mostly outdoor event even more fun.

"It is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the city," he said.

Downtown business owners set up tables along Exchange Street and gave out all types of treats. Polish National Credit Union staff handed out lollipops and coloring books for its coloring contest and owners of the Herbarium poured out mulled cider and sold packages of spices so people could make their own.

The event helps people realize the downtown in Chicopee has a variety of businesses and it is on comeback, said Jonathan Evans, owner of the Herbarium.

Evelyn's Bakery was one of the first stops on the trick-or-treat walkway. Staff handed out candy and put their cupcakes on sale.

One family came in for trick-or-treating and ordered a birthday cake at the same time.
"It might bring us some new customers and it is fun to see all the costumes," said Marie Brault, assistant manager.

Downtown businesses were not the only ones to participate. A number from other businesses from different parts of the city also set up booths.

Salter College employees Betsy Tetrault, who works in admissions, and Nichole Rockafellow, the receptionist, attended even though the school is located across the city.

They attended dressed as ghoulish medical students, complete with bloody bandages wrapped around their heads and red paint on their hands. They brought an arm that is used to teach students in the medical careers how to suture wounds, and a brain as props.

"We jointed the Chamber of Commerce and a lot of students are local so we wanted to get involved in the community," Tetrault said.

Northampton City Council solicits input on mayor's plan at public hearing

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Mayor David J. Narkewicz has proposed renaming the Fire Department the Fire/Rescue Department as part of his administrative order reorganizing all city departments.

NORTHAMPTON - The firefighters union felt slighted that it was not consulted on the proposed name change of the department, a union official told the City Council in an otherwise uneventful public hearing Tuesday.

Mayor David J. Narkewicz has proposed renaming the Fire Department the Fire/Rescue Department as part of his administrative order reorganizing all city departments. The mayor, who was mandated to draw up the order by the revised city charter, presented the changes to the council at the end of September. It has until the end of November to accept or reject the order. Tuesday's hearing was the second of two designed to solicit public input.

Matt Lemberg, president of Local 108, told the council that the name change could cost up to $40,00 in new uniforms and relettering. Narkewicz, who attended the hearing, said there will be no cost because clothes and equipment will only be replaced on an as-needed basis.

Lemberg added, however, that firefighters dislike the name change.

"We were not even asked our opinion," he said. "It was a morale killer."

Some ten citizens turned out for the hearing, about half the turnout for the first one. One of the few significant changes in the mayor's order is reducing the Board of Public Works, which now sets policy and allocates money, to an advisory board. M.J. Adams, who is on the Board of Public Works, told the council that many board members have expertise in specific areas germane to its mission and that all put in long hours studying issues.

"We need to absorb a lot of information," she said. "I think the board can keep the focus on the long-term vision."

However, Adams said she would remain on the board even if it is only in an advisory capacity.

"You have to have a passion for it," she said.

Ludlow parents: school administration should be held accountable for their children's missed chance at soccer title

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Students had parents have worked for the title since they were six years old, the parents said.

LUDLOW – Parents, upset that the Ludlow High School boys soccer team forfeited its chance to play for the boys’ Western Mass. Championship title after a player was ruled ineligible because of grades, had their say at Tuesday’s School Committee meeting.

“You’re only a senior once,” said Pam Hastings, parent of a senior soccer player. “We have had to navigate our kids’ emotions, and we feel like the rug was pulled out from underneath all of us.”

School Superintendent Todd Gazda said there were no legal grounds for Ludlow to win its appeal of the MIAA decision.

“Our only chance was compassion,” Gazda said. “This was a mistake caused by the administration,” he said. “We asked that the kids not be punished.”

Gazda said the MIAA followed its procedures, and Ludlow was afforded due process. “We have exhausted our remedies with the MIAA,” Gazda said. “”This is as far as the appeal can go.”

Donna Goncalves, mother of Ludlow senior soccer player Mike Goncalves, said, “My son did nothing wrong.” She added that the senior year of Ludlow senior soccer players has been ruined.

“Our sons have worked since they were six years old, playing together,” she said. “The kids are devastated.”

Matt Growalkski, the father of a sophomore soccer player, said the coaches have done a good job of keeping the boys together.

“I don’t see a lot of outrage from the administration,” Growalski said.

Jose Pereira asked how it took 11 games to find out that one player was ineligible to play because he had not made up F grades.

“A guidance counselor questioned this,” Gazda said. “Once we realized it we had to report it.”

He said the student, who registered late to play soccer, got color coded green in a school Excel program when he turned his physical form in, and his athletic record was not checked further.

Athletic Director Tim Brillo said he has apologized for the mistake. “Ludlow is passionate about soccer,” Brillo said. “I get it.”

He added, “I didn’t take this job so I could hurt kids.”

Hastings asked what consequences there would be for Brillo and Ludlow High School Principal Lisa Nemeth.

Gazda responded that he cannot address personnel issues publicly.

Nemeth said that in the future there will be more meetings about student eligibility and fewer emails so things do not get missed.



Martha Coakley, Charlie Baker fight in aggressive - and emotional - final debate

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The two sparred over policy issues like taxes and fees and rehashed controversies, including questions about Coakley's role in prosecuting former House speaker Sal DiMasi and whether Baker outsourced jobs as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Watch video

NEEDHAM - Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Baker met for their final televised debate before Tuesday's gubernatorial election in an aggressive, and at times awkward and emotional, exchange.

The two sparred over policy issues like taxes and fees and rehashed controversies that flared over the last few weeks, including questions about Coakley's role in prosecuting former House speaker Salvatore DiMasi and whether Baker outsourced jobs as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

The debate was sponsored by a consortium of Boston media and held at WCVB-TV, Channel 5, studios in Needham. It featured questions from WCVB political reporter Janet Wu, WHDH political reporter Andy Hiller and WBUR Morning Edition anchor Bob Oakes.

One testy exchange came when Baker asked Coakley why she was open to raising taxes. Coakley said previously that if the state needed revenue, she would be willing to raise taxes on the top 2 percent of earners and would be open to exploring a graduated income tax, which would require a constitutional amendment. Coakley later said she does not necessarily support a graduated income tax and hopes taxes will go down.

 "I have not talked about raising taxes. I hope we don't have to do it," she said Tuesday night.

"You practically came out in support of graduated income tax," Baker responded.

"That's inaccurate," Coakley said, saying she was asked in principle if the Legislature wanted to raise taxes, how it could be done without hurting the middle class.

"I didn't say I was in favor of it or I was going to do it," she said.

The moderators then asked about raising fees. Baker, who has ruled out raising taxes, said in a previous debate that he would not pledge not to raise fees, remarking, "It depends which fee you're talking about."

This time, however, both candidates said they would not raise fees. In an awkward moment, Coakley appeared to check with Baker before taking a stance.

"I do not intend to raise fees," Coakley said. Asked by Wu if that was a "pledge," Coakley turned to Baker and asked, "Are you signing that in blood, Charlie, that you're not going to raise fees?"

"I'm not going to raise fees," Baker responded.

"Then I'm not going to raise fees either," Coakley said.

After the debate, Coakley she was "trying to make a joke" and it "wasn't the best joke I've ever made."

Baker said Coakley on taxes has been "wobbly" and "week by week, she seems to change."

The debate also saw one of the most emotional moments yet, when the candidates were asked when they last cried. Coakley said Tuesday, at a memorial service for a union organizer who died of leukemia.

 

Baker told of meeting a fisherman in New Bedford and his two sons. The man said his sons received football scholarships, but he did not let them go to college, telling them they were going to become fishermen like their father, uncles and grandfather.

"I told them...you're going to be a fisherman, and I ruined their lives," Baker recalled the man telling him. Baker broke down in tears as he spoke.

"You hear those kinds of stories every day, and it's a big part of why people like you and me get into public service because we want to help people like that," Baker said.

The debate touched on several recent controversies. The moderators pressed Coakley on allegations made by former inspector general Gregory Sullivan, who said Coakley told him to discontinue his investigation into the conduct of DiMasi, who was later convicted of corruption in federal court. Coakley said she worked with the U.S. Attorney's office to prosecute DiMasi, and the state prosecuted a DiMasi ally Richard Vitale. Coakley disputes Sullivan's allegations, and her campaign has criticized Sullivan as an ally of the national Republican Party because he works as research director of the conservative-leaning Pioneer Institute.

Baker called Sullivan, a Democrat, a "long-term public servant who did not deserve the character assassination he got from the Coakley campaign."

Baker mentioned a press release from the U.S. Attorney's office that said it worked with Sullivan, not Coakley.

"I think it's very weird" that the release mentioned the inspector general, not the attorney general, Baker said. 

"I don't think we can draw conclusions from a press release from the U.S. Attorney's office," Coakley responded. 

Coakley asked Baker why a company that contracted with Harvard Pilgrim "outsourced 200 jobs to India." "What did you say to the 200 people and their families that lost jobs?" Coakley asked.

Baker won an award for "outsourcing excellence" in 2008 for hiring the vendor Perot System in 1999 to take over Harvard Pilgrim's information technology system, as part of efforts to turn Harvard Pilgrim around financially. The employees continued working at Harvard Pilgrim's offices in Quincy and Wellesley. In 2006, Perot System moved 200 jobs to India.

Baker said nobody got laid off in Massachusetts.

"They're still working today in Quincy and Wellesley. I'd suggest you pay them a visit to make sure they're still there," Baker said.

The two also sparred, as they have previously, over Coakley's decision to defend a lawsuit filed by a national advocacy group against the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, and about a donation Baker made to the New Jersey Republican State Committee before a company he worked with received an investment from the New Jersey pension fund.

The candidates were also asked about whether voluntary quarantine policies in New York and New Jersey for returning health care workers who have treated Ebola patients in West Africa go too far. 

Coakley said she respects the governors' determinations on "what they think is in the best interests of their state and the health of their people." She would not say whether she would do the same as governor.

Baker said the voluntary quarantine "is a better safe than sorry strategy, and I think that works for everybody."

Baker criticized the Massachusetts government for not being open with residents about how it is handling Ebola preparedness. For example, Baker said he does not know if the state has picked a particular hospital to handle Ebola patients.

"Charlie, you are running for governor. You can ask," Coakley said.

New Mexico deputy sheriff charged with shooting colleague in alcohol-fueled dispute

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Deputy Tai Chan, a warrant officer with Santa Fe County, was held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

By JUAN CARLOS LLORCA

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A northern New Mexico sheriff's deputy was charged with an open count of murder Tuesday after he allegedly fired several rounds from his handgun as his colleague tried to flee an alcohol-fueled argument at a hotel, police said.

Deputy Tai Chan, a warrant officer with Santa Fe County, was held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

The shooting happened just after midnight at Hotel Encanto in the southern New Mexico city of Las Cruces, where the two Santa Fe County deputies had stopped to spend the night after transporting a prisoner to Safford, Arizona.

Investigators say Chan, 27, and Deputy Jeremy Martin, 29, went to three restaurants Monday night, including Dublin's Street Pub where they drank and got into a heated argument. The fight escalated once they were back at the hotel.

Witnesses heard arguing and then several gunshots rang out.

As Martin tried to flee into an elevator, he was shot in the back and arms, authorities said.

Police arrived at the hotel and found Martin staggering off the elevator with multiple wounds, Las Cruces police spokesman Dan Trujillo said.

Martin was taken to a Las Cruces hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Chan was found in a stairwell near the hotel's roof. He was taken into custody without incident and a Glock semi-automatic handgun, believed to be his duty weapon, was found nearby.

Chan's attorney, John Day, said the shooting was still under investigation and details were limited.

"It's a tragic situation for everybody involved," the Santa Fe lawyer said.

Investigators with the Las Cruces Police Department were at Hotel Encanto's parking lot Tuesday collecting evidence that appeared to be from a deputy's vehicle. Hotel security staff prevented reporters from approaching the scene and ordered media off the property.

Inside, areas of the hotel were cordoned off with crime scene tape while investigators worked.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Robert Garcia said his department was mourning.

"I have grief counselors or crisis counselors here now meeting with a lot of my personnel, but it's a grieving law enforcement agency," Garcia said.

He said Martin had been a deputy for 2 1/2 years, and Chan was on the force for three years.

Martin, a patrol officer, was married and had three children, all under the age of 10, the sheriff's office said.

At an emotional news conference, Garcia called both deputies "hardworking, committed individuals."

"I'm lost," Garcia said. "I'm at a loss for words."

Martin's widow Sarah told the Albuquerque Journal in a brief telephone interview that the sheriff came to her home early Tuesday to deliver news of the death.

"He was a self-sacrificing kind of a person and put everyone else first," she said of her husband. "He was very well-balanced as far as family and career. He had a big heart and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt."


AP writers Russell Contreras and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, and Paul Davenport in Phoenix, contributed to this report.

Say it ain't snow ... yes, that four-letter word is in the forecast, though it's not expected to pack an October punch

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We could get a sneak peak at winter by Saturday evening, when rain is expected to change over to snow as temperatures dip below the freezing mark during the overnight hours. There won't be any significant accumulation to speak of, but still ...

SPRINGFIELD — "Snow in October."

No, it's not a sequel to Pete Hamill's best-selling novel, "Snow in August." It's the forecast for the end of this week. And it's not unprecedented.

The good news is that it won't pack anything close to the punch delivered by the 2011 October nor'easter, which pummeled much of Massachusetts, Connecticut and other parts of New England.

However, we could get a sneak preview of winter by this weekend, says Nick Morganelli, meteorologist with CBS3 Springfield, media partner of MassLive / The Republican.

A low-pressure system tracking toward the region for the start of the weekend will likely deliver a snow shower or flurries by Saturday evening, according to Morganelli.

With blustery, cold conditions on tap for the entire weekend, the projected high temperature for both days is only expected to reach about 42 degrees, while the projected lows for Saturday and Sunday are 32 and 28 degrees, respectively.

The National Weather Service is predicting back-and-forth weather over the next few days, including scattered showers by late Wednesday morning, a high of around 67 degrees, and gradual clearing overnight.

On Thursday, we can expect sunny skies, a daytime high of around 56, and a nighttime low dipping to about 36.

Friday will feature partly sunny skies, a high near 52, and a chance of rain after 11 p.m., while Saturday will feature more rain and temperatures falling into the mid-40s.

By Saturday night it's snow time, with rain changing over to flurries as temperatures fall to around 30 degrees. Partly sunny skies return for Sunday, with temperatures staying in the low-40s.

Slow-moving lava from Kilauea volcano creeps closer to Hawaii homes

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Residents of Pahoa Village, the commercial center of the island's rural Puna district south of Hilo, have had weeks to prepare for what's been described as a slow-motion disaster.

By AUDREY McAVOY and
JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER

PAHOA, Hawaii — After weeks of slow, stop-and-go movement, a river of asphalt-black lava from the Kilauea volcano was less than the length of a football field from homes in a Big Island community Tuesday.

The lava flow easily burned down an empty shed at about 7:30 a.m., several hours after entering a residential property in Pahoa Village, said Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira.

A branch of the molten stream was less than 100 yards from a two-story house. It could hit the home later Tuesday if it continues on its current path, Oliveira estimated.

Residents of Pahoa Village, the commercial center of the island's rural Puna district south of Hilo, have had weeks to prepare for what's been described as a slow-motion disaster. Most have either already left or are prepared to go.

At least 50 or 60 structures — including homes and businesses — are in the area likely to be hit.

Imelda Raras lives on Apaa Street, which was hit by the lava Sunday. She and her husband are ready to go to a friend's home if officials tell them they should leave.

"We are still praying," Raras said. "I hope our home will be spared."

On Tuesday morning, civil defense officials said the lava was about 500 yards from Pahoa Village Road, which runs through downtown and is one of the town's main roads.

Josiah Hunt, who has farm in a part of Puna that is not immediately threatened, described smelling burning grass, feeling warmth from the lava and hearing "popping and sizzling and all the methane bursts that are happening in the distance ... mixed with the birds chirping and the coqui frogs."

Slow-motion disaster

Scientists began warning the public about the lava from Kilauea volcano Aug. 22. At the time, residents were cleaning up from a tropical storm that made landfall over the Puna district.

The flow's advance has been inconsistent, ranging from about 2 to 20 yards per hour, depending on topography, said Janet Babb, a spokeswoman for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The couple living in the house closest to the flow evacuated but have returned periodically to gather belongings, Oliveira said. At one point they allowed civil defense workers to view the lava from their balcony.

A branch of the lava flow was about 100 yards from the house Tuesday, while the "flow front" was about 200 yards from another home on the property.

Raras said she and her husband began putting their belongings in storage in September. What they can't take with them they're photographing for insurance purposes.

Jeff and Denise Lagrimas packed dishes and other belongings into cardboard boxes Tuesday to move their nine-member household to a new rental home in Kurtistown, about 14 miles away.

"It's so surreal, it's so surreal. Never in my wildest dreams as a kid growing up did I think I would be running from lava," said Denise Lagrimas.

Their new house is far from the lava flow.

"We didn't want to go anywhere where it's close enough where we would have to evacuate again," she said.

Watching the flow

County officials are making arrangements for those living in the lava's path to be able to watch the flow destroy their homes as a means of closure.

"You can only imagine the frustration as well as ... despair they're going through," Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said.

Hunt watched last week as the lava crept toward Pahoa and saw a woman whose house is near its path put a lei at the front of the flow. "It helps a person come to grips with the reality of the situation," he said. "I found it to be oddly comforting in a really strange way."

Preparations

Some schools are closing this week and sending their students to a temporary facility and to other area schools.

Crews have been building alternate roads, and officials are preparing for the lava to cut off access for some residents who are assigned to vote Nov. 4 at the Pahoa Community Center.

The center will remain open for voting for those who can reach it. Those living on the north side of the flow who are assigned to the center can instead go to the Hawaiian Paradise Community Center.

Voters also can cast ballots early by going to the Nanawale Community Center until Friday.

The bright side?

Terri Mulroy, who runs Kumu Aina Farm with her husband, said the lava flow, while unnerving, has a cleansing quality to it because it keeps development on the lush Hawaiian island in check.

"If it wasn't for the flow, I wouldn't be able to live here," she said. "This land would have been a golf course for the rich."


AP writer Alina Hartounian contributed to this report.


CBS 3 Springfield report on search for suspected rapist Gregory Lewis

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Lewis is believed to have committed an armed robbery at a hotel in Indianapolis on Saturday.

Analysis: Coakley, Baker dive into weeds again, but show their emotional sides in final debate

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The final televised debate between the two leading candidates for governor touched on new issues, still found a way to get mired down in the weeds of campaign oppo minutiae, and featured a rare display of what appeared to be raw emotion. Watch video

NEEDHAM — The final televised debate between the two leading candidates for governor touched on new issues, still found a way to get mired down in the weeds of campaign oppo minutiae and featured a rare display of what appeared to be raw emotion.

Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Baker delivered their most unusual sparing round as gubernatorial candidates while seated at a roundtable where they were peppered with questions from WCVB's Janet Wu, WBUR's Bob Oakes and WHDH's Andy Hiller.

Sparse new ground was covered by the pair when they predictably sparred over the intricate details of Baker's alleged involvement with a New Jersey Pension Fund where some form of "pay-to-play" may have occurred. The same can be said for questions about former Inspector General Gregory Sullivan and Coakley's commitment to investigating disgraced former House Speaker Sal DiMasi.

Both appeared at times flippant, irritated and sometimes angry when addressing, once again, these intricate issues in short sound bites that surely sounded like insidery Beacon Hill gibberish to voters just tuning in. During the insider exchanges, Coakley, ever the prosecutor, tried to elicit a display of Baker's famous temper but mostly failed while she often retrenched into the guarded prosecutorial style we've become familiar with at these debates.

When the issue of taxes and fees was broached, Coakley and Baker were more direct at first and said that they would not raise taxes.

Coakley questioned Baker's ability to pay for things without raising taxes and suggested that an increase in state fees may make up the difference.

Wu pressed Coakley on whether or not she would raise fees but the attorney general refused to give a yes or no answer.

A flustered Coakley then turned to Baker asking, "Are you signing that in blood, Charlie, that you're not going to raise fees?"

"I'm not going to raise fees," said Baker.

Coakley replied quickly, "Then I'm not going to raise fees either."

At the conclusion of the exchange, a muted, awkward laughter rose from the debate hall at Coakley's response while the press gallery, too, let out a loud collective laugh.

During the post-debate scrum, Coakley said that her comments were a "joke" while Baker said her view on fees was "wobbly" at best.

Later in the debate, Coakley did not even try to guess the level of funds in the state's rainy day account. Baker guessed $1.8 billion. It's actually $1.2 billion.

Both made efforts to fire up their bases with red meat comments on wedge issues like illegal immigration and campaign finance reform. Coakley scolded Baker for not signing a campaign gimmick that blocks third party spending in campaigns known as the "People's Pledge" while pressing him on supporting a constitutional amendment that would reform campaign finance laws. Baker responded by saying that he'd like to see reforms, but the constitutional amendment process is far too slow.

Baker said that his biggest disagreement with Coakley was her support for legislation that would issue driver's licenses to immigrants living in the country illegally.

"I don't support providing driver's licenses to people who are undocumented," said Baker.

The pivotal moment in the debate, though, came during a question and answer session that focused on more lighthearted issues. Wu asked the two candidates who are sometimes seen as steely robots without personality, one a calculated businessman and the other a cold prosectuor, when they cried last.

Coakley offered a short response and said that it was earlier that day at the funeral of John Laughlin, a local labor organizer.

Baker, the supposed corporate Tin Man with no heart, teared up while relaying his story of a conversation about the two sons of a New Bedford fisherman.

The unnamed fisherman in the story told Baker that he could not let his two sons, star football players with athletics scholarships, go to college because he needed them to stay and work as fishermen.

"'I told them I was a fisherman, my brothers were fisherman, my father was a fisherman, you're going to be a fisherman, and I ruined their lives,'" he said the fisherman told Baker, before breaking down into tears during the debate.

Baker collected himself before saying that it was stories like the fisherman's that encouraged him and Coakley to work in public service.

"We want to help people like that," said Baker.

In the press scrum after the debate, Baker said that he's always been "a passionate guy" and that he always will be.

"I am a passionate guy about the people of the Commonwealth," said Baker.

Chicopee police investigating possible gunpoint robbery at Neighbors Variety, a Springfield Street convenience store

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A handgun may have been used by a man who robbed Neighbor's Variety, a convenience store on Springfield Street, just after 9 p.m. Tuesday.

CHICOPEE — Police were investigating a possible gunpoint robbery at Neighbors Variety, 447 Springfield St., shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday.

"A possible handgun was shown," Chicopee police said on the department's Facebook page.

There were no reported injuries and police didn't indicate if money or merchandise were taken.

Officers scoured the area around the store, which is about a half-dozen blocks from the Springfield line, but they were unable to immediately locate the suspect. He was about 5-foot-6 and wore dark clothing. A more detailed description was unavailable.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Chicopee Police Department at (413) 592-6341.

Moroccan man who talked of flying bombs on remote-control planes gets 2 years from federal judge in Connecticut

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U.S. District Judge Janet Hall in New Haven also ordered El Mehdi Semlali Fathi, 27, deported to Morocco after he finishes his prison sentence.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - A Moroccan man who told people he wanted to fly bombs on remote-control planes into a federal building and into Harvard University was sentenced on Wednesday to two years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Janet Hall in New Haven also ordered El Mehdi Semlali Fathi, 27, deported to Morocco after he finishes his prison sentence.

Fathi, who was living with friends in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty in July to perjury in connection with a bogus refugee application. Federal prosecutors said Fathi's guilty plea and his willingness to be deported played roles in his avoiding a potential terrorism charge for his statements about wanting to bomb the federal building in Hartford and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Fathi's public defender, Paul Thomas, declined to comment after the sentencing. He said in court documents that Fathi wasn't serious about carrying out the bombings and didn't have the means or motive to do so.

"His statements were nothing more than far-fetched, foolish and false," Thomas said in a sentencing brief, adding that Fathi "should not be punished for the stupid things he said to the (government) informant."

But federal prosecutors said they were unsure whether Fathi planned to carry out the attacks. Authorities said Fathi also talked about having been trained in Afghanistan and knowing how to make bombs. Prosecutors said, at best, Fathi's comments were misguided and caused authorities to divert resources to investigate him and, at worst, he was intent on causing harm.

Fathi was admitted into the United States on a student visa in January 2008 to attend Virginia International University. But a year later his visa was terminated after he failed all his classes in the fall 2008 semester and didn't register for classes in the spring 2009 semester.

Facing deportation and wanting to remain in the U.S., Fathi submitted a bogus refugee application, under penalty of perjury, falsely claiming he would be persecuted by Morocco officials because of his political opinions and membership in a social group.

 

Amherst police: Missing teenager Richard Hogans Jr. found safe in Connecticut

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The teen was found in New Haven, Connecticut, on Wednesday evening and was expected to soon be reunited with his family in Amherst, according to law enforcement officials.

richard hogans.jpgRichard Hogans Jr. 
AMHERST — Richard Hogans Jr., the 15-year-old boy missing since Monday, was found safe Wednesday evening in New Haven, Connecticut, Amherst Police Sgt. Gabriel Ting said.

Hogans, a student at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School, was last seen in downtown Amherst late Monday afternoon. His disappearance sparked an extensive search effort by local and state police, who had feared for the teen's safety.

Authorities did not indicate precisely when and where Hogans was found, but he was expected to be reunited soon with his family in Amherst.

The Amherst Police Department issued the following statement about the case late Wednesday night:

Richard Hogans Jr., an Amherst juvenile who had been reported missing since October 27th, 2014, has been found safe this evening in New Haven, Connecticut. Richard Hogans Jr. is in route to be reunited with his family.

Amherst police thanked "the various law enforcement and civilian agencies that provided resources dedicated to the investigation and search."

Police also issued "a special thank you" to the general public and to Hogans' family and friends, all of whom were "instrumental in finding him and getting him home."

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