The Dow Jones industrial average rose 140 points to close just below 16,740.

By KEN SWEET

NEW YORK -- Stocks posted solid gains Wednesday ahead of a closely watched decision by the Federal Reserve on whether or not to raise interest rates.

Beer companies gained on word of a possible deal between two giant brewers, and energy stocks rose sharply following a big jump in the price of oil.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 140.10 points, or 0.8 percent, to 16,739.95. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 17.22 points, or 0.9 percent, to 1,995.31 and the Nasdaq composite added 28.72 points, or 0.6 percent, to 4,889.24.

Investors have been speculating about when the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates for months. The Fed started its two-day policy meeting Wednesday and will announce its decision Thursday afternoon, which will be followed by a press conference by Fed Chair Janet Yellen.

Interest rates have been near zero since 2008, when the Fed cut rates sharply in response to the financial crisis and Great Recession. The Fed's low interest rate policy was designed to encourage lending, but it also helped drive a seven-year bull market in stocks by making bonds, CDs and other interest-bearing investments less attractive, driving investors to put money into the stock market.

"If they raise tomorrow, it's going to be nasty for the stock market. Much of the rally back has had much to do with investors believing the Fed isn't going to move," said Tom di Galoma, head of fixed income rates trading at ED&F Man Capital.

Investors' opinions are mixed on the chance of a rate increase. Two months ago, it seemed almost certain that the Fed was going to raise rates in September. Now, after the turmoil in financial markets in August over concerns about China's economy, investors are far less certain.

"I just don't think the economy is strong enough and inflation remains too low to justify a rate increase," di Galoma said.

Stocks have been rising steadily ahead of the Fed's meeting. Investors have said that stocks recovered partly because the chances of an interest rate hike diminished.

In company news, SABMiller, a major beer maker whose brands include Miller and Foster's, jumped 20 percent in London after the company said it received a takeover offer from Anheuser-Busch InBev of Belgium. A combination of the two would create a massive conglomerate worth $275 billion. Any potential deal would be heavily scrutinized by regulators.

U.S.-traded shares of AB InBev rose $7.39, or 7 percent, to $115.43. Other beer makers also rose. Molson Coors jumped $10.34, or 14 percent, to $82.98.

Energy stocks also rose after a steeper-than-expected drop in crude inventories sent oil prices sharply higher.

U.S. benchmark crude jumped $2.56, or 5.7 percent, to $47.15 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, a benchmark for many international types of oil imported into the U.S., gained $2, or 4.2 percent, to $49.75 a barrel in London.

The Energy Information Administration said U.S. oil supplies fell last week by a steeper-than-expected 2.2 million barrels. Analysts surveyed by Platts expected a decline of 200,000 barrels. The plunge follows news that oil drillers in the U.S. are cutting production in the face of low oil prices.

Oil company stocks followed crude oil higher. The energy sector of the S&P 500 shot up up 2.8 percent, more than twice as much as the rest of the market.

U.S. government bond prices were little changed from Tuesday. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note held at 2.30 percent.

The dollar was little changed at 120.61 yen and the euro edged up to $1.1285.

Gold rose $16.40 to $1,119 an ounce. Silver gained 56 cents to $14.89 an ounce and copper climbed 2.6 cents to $2.45 a pound.

In other energy futures trading:

1. Wholesale gasoline rose 4.9 cents to $1.382 a gallon
2. Heating oil rose 4.1 cents to $1.541 a gallon
3. Natural gas slipped 6.8 cents to $2.66 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Chilean authorities issued a tsunami alert for the country's entire coast, and U.S. officials posted an alert for Hawaii.

SANTIAGO, Chile -- A powerful magnitude-8.3 earthquake shook Chile's capital Wednesday night, causing buildings to sway and people to take refuge in the streets. Several strong aftershocks hit within minutes as tsunami alarms sounded in the nearby port of Valparaiso.

There were no immediate reports on any injuries or damage, but communications were disrupted.

Chilean authorities issued a tsunami alert for the country's entire coast, and U.S. officials posted an alert for Hawaii. Chile's emergency office warned that big waves caused by the quake could hit the coast by 11 p.m.

The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the quake at a preliminary magnitude of 7.9 but quickly revised the reading upward to 8.3. U.S. officials said the quake struck just offshore in the Pacific at 6:54 p.m. and was centered about 141 miles north-northwest of Santiago. It said the quake was 4.8 miles below the surface.

A magnitude-8.8 quake and ensuing tsunami in central Chile in 2010 killed more than 500 people, destroyed 220,000 homes, and washed away docks, riverfronts and seaside resorts. That quake released so much energy, it actually it shortened the Earth's day by a fraction of a second by changing the planet's rotation.

Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries because just off the coast, the Nazca tectonic plate plunges beneath the South American plate, pushing the towering Andes cordillera to ever-higher altitudes.

The strongest earthquake ever recorded on Earth happened in Chile -- a magnitude-9.5 tremor in 1960 that killed more than 5,000 people.

Jose Javier Rosado-Rabell, 30, of Lynn, and Miguel Rodriguez, 40, of Lawrence, were charged with heroin trafficking, cocaine trafficking and conspiracy to violate drug laws after a Wednesday night police traffic stop on I-84 in Sturbridge.

STURBRIDGE — Two men were arrested on drug-trafficking charges after a police traffic stop on Interstate 84 in Sturbridge at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Massachusetts State Police officials in Framingham.

Trooper Sergio Figueiredo pulled over a car in the eastbound lane of I-84 "for motor vehicle violations," police said Wednesday. The driver, 30-year-old Jose Javier Rosado-Rabell of Lynn, had a suspended license and provided Figueiredo with a false name and forged ID, police said.

"Further investigation led to the discovery of heroin and cocaine inside the vehicle," police said.

As a result, Rosado-Rabell and his passenger, 40-year-old Miguel Rodriguez of Lawrence, were taken to the Sturbridge barracks and booked on charges of heroin trafficking, cocaine trafficking and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Rosado-Rabell was additionally charged with speeding, driving with a revoked license, marked-lanes violation, providing a false name, and forgery/misuse of a Registry of Motor Vehicles document.

Bail was set at $50,000 for Rosado-Rabell and $25,000 for Rodriguez. Both were arraigned Wednesday in Dudley District Court.

The Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center is temporarily located in Holyoke.

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health once again met with the New North Citizens Council and North End residents to discuss updates on the search for developers or a new location for the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center.

"During the last meeting we left with a set of assignments and that was to explore opportunities to connect with developers to see if we could get other developers interested in providing an alternative to the Brightwood site," said Dr. Frank Robinson, Vice President of Public Health and Community Relations for Baystate.

The facility is temporarily located at the Holyoke Geriatric Authority. The program was displaced from its home on Howard Street in Springfield to make room for the MGM casino. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse has expressed an interest in renovating the authority building and keeping the program permanently in Holyoke, however a bid has not been submitted by the city.

Gilberto "Jimmy" Rivera, president of the Board of Directors for the New North Citizens Council, said he hopes to speak with Morse in the coming weeks. Rivera has spoken to the current proposed developer Thomas Henshon, of Wason Avenue Partners, as well as another developer who asked to remain anonymous.

"I had a conversation with the Wason Avenue developer and he said if appropriate he would consider another location," Rivera said.

This is the third meeting between Baystate, the residents and the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, although Sheriff Michael Ashe was not present at this meeting.

"The sheriff wasn't needed here for the update, but I have been in touch with him regarding the (Wason Avenue) bid as well as the Mill Street bid," Robinson said.

Rivera said the fact that Mill Street is still being considered is good news.

"That is the new information that we got this week, that Mill Street is still in play," he said.

Robinson said the group plans to meet again in the coming weeks.

Both bodies were found inside burned-out homes Tuesday, Calaveras County coroner Kevin Raggio said.

By BRIAN SKOLOFF
KRISTIN J. BENDER

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. -- Two bodies were found at the site of a wildfire in the Sierra Nevada foothills, while dogs were used Wednesday to search for a former police reporter and several other people who authorities fear were killed in a separate, fast-moving blaze in Northern California.

Both bodies were found inside burned-out homes Tuesday, Calaveras County coroner Kevin Raggio said.

One of the victims was identified as Mark McCloud, 65, who was found inside his residence in the Mountain Ranch area. Raggio wouldn't release the name of the second victim, also found in Mountain Ranch, because the family has not been notified.

He said both were found in an area where mandatory evacuations were ordered after the fire burning 60 miles southeast of Sacrament exploded in size over the weekend.

The deaths came in addition to an elderly, disabled woman whose body was found Sunday in the ruins of her Lake County home about 100 miles north of San Francisco.

Authorities were searching nearby for a 69-year-old Leonard Neft, who was reported missing by his family. His burned-out car was discovered on a route he would have used to escape.

"We have reports of several others that may have perished in the fire," Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said during a tour of the disaster zone with state emergency officials.

Neft, who worked for the San Jose Mercury News, last spoke with his family Saturday.

His daughter Joselyn Neft said his wife, Adela Neft, repeatedly called him then to tell him to leave the house, but he told her he didn't think the fire was coming toward him.

His house was in the same area where Barbara McWilliams, 72, was found dead. She told her caretaker she didn't want to leave her home near Middletown and would be fine.

Martin was among the state and local officials who traveled in a convoy of government SUVs to inspect the still-smoldering ruins in the devastated Lake County region.

Smoking power lines dangled overhead in one area as officials looked over the hardest-hit places.

The officials were considering asking President Barack Obama for emergency federal assistance. Obama and Gov. Jerry Brown were expected to discuss the matter Wednesday.

"It's not a pretty picture," state fire chief Kim Zagaris, said on the tour. "There's going to be a lot of heartbreak for the folks who live out here."

Zagaris said the official tally of homes destroyed in the Lake County fire stood at 603 -- a figure that's expected to increase.

Sheriff's deputies and others have responded to a number of missing-persons reports since the fire broke out Saturday. Many of those unaccounted for could be staying with relatives, on vacation or not affected by the fire, officials said.

The fire has consumed more than 109 square miles. Crews were gaining ground on it and doubled containment from 15 percent to 30 percent, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Dan Olson said.

The weather was cooperating, with rain falling steadily at an evacuation center where hundreds of people were staying in trucks and tents. The center at the Napa County fairgrounds was feeding about 1,000 people at each meal. The food was being prepared by wine country chefs who are donating their time and skill.

Some residents have cried as they walked through the rubble of their homes. Others shared amazing stories of survival as they surveyed the twisted metal and smoking ruins lefts behind by the fire.

Ranch managers Don and Martha Grimm barely escaped with only the clothes they were wearing.

The couple, both in their 70s, held hands as they returned to their neighborhood to find ruins where their home once stood. Martha Grimm broke down in tears.

"We didn't have a chance to react," she said. "It was here, and we got out with the clothes on our back. All of our memories, everything is gone."

Don Grimm said he was surprised to find chickens, horses and llamas on the ranch had survived the fire. But 10 sheep in a barn didn't make it.

The cause of the blaze was unknown, but officials investigating the blaze spent Tuesday surveying a burned-out shed next to a two-story home in the community of Cobb, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The house was unscathed, but the fire charred a hill south of the home after possibly igniting in or near the small shed, the newspaper reported.

The Lake County fire and the blaze about 120 miles to the southeast have displaced 23,000 people and were the worst of a dozen wildfires burning in the state.

The wildfire burning in the Sierra Nevada had destroyed at least 233 homes. The blaze in Amador and Calaveras counties has charred more than 110 square miles and was 45 percent contained. It was threatening another 6,400 structures.

AP reporters Paul Elias and Olga R. Rodriguez in San Francisco, and Janie Har and Haven Daley in Middletown contributed to this report.

Donald Trump — who has upended the crowded race for the 2016 GOP nomination by leading in the polls amid a brash, insult-laden campaign — was the focal point from the start of the party's second debate.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. -- It only took minutes for Wednesday's Republican presidential debate to morph into "The Donald Trump Show."

The billionaire businessman -- who has upended the crowded race for the 2016 GOP nomination by leading in the polls amid a brash, insult-laden campaign -- was the focal point from the start of the party's second debate.

The first question from CNN's Jake Tapper, the event's moderator, was whether it's "dangerous" for Trump to become president -- as fellow candidate Bobby Jindal suggested. 

Businessman Carly Fiorina answered in a broad manner.

"I think he's accomplished a lot for an entertainer," she said. "He's done a lot for that business. All of us will be revealed over time and under pressure."

MORE: Attacking Trump may be theme of second 2016 Republican debate

Trump's response? He attacked another candidate on the stage.

"First of all, Rand Paul shouldn't even be on this stage," the real estate mogul and former reality television star said of Paul, the U.S. senator from Kentucky who has criticized Trump repeatedly. "He's number 11."

"As far as temperament, think I have a great temperament," Trump continued. "I built a phenomenal business. ... But I will tell you this: What I am far and away greater than an entertainer is a businessman. That's the kind of mindset this country needs to bring us back."

Attacking Trump was expected to be a theme of Wednesday's debate, with the former Atlantic City casino magnate rising in the polls over the last two months regardless of how much controversy he kicks up.

Paul shot back at Trump early, comparing the businessman's put-downs -- especially ones mocking the way his fellow candidates look -- to those made by someone in junior high.

"Do we want someone like that to negotiate with Iran," the senator said. "Are we not worried to have someone like that in charge of the nuclear codes?"

Trump responded with another jab. 

"I've never attacked him on his looks," Trump said of Paul. "And believe me: There's plenty of subject matter there."

Trump said he's qualified to be president because of his business career -- which he has boasted has made him billions of dollars. 

"I've dealt with people all over the world," he said. "Everything I've done virtually has been a success."

MORE POLITICS

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

Prior to the primary, Segarra said he would still run in November, even if he lost the Democratic primary.

Hartford mayoral challenger Luke Bronin beat incumbent Mayor Pedro Segarra in the city's Democratic primary Wednesday the Hartford Courant reported.

Citing unofficial figures, the newspaper reported that Bronin had 55 percent of the vote compared to Segarra's 45 percent. That translated into 5,110 votes for Bronin to 4,213 for Segarra.

WTIC-TV reported that there were some problems with voting machines at some polls early in the day, but quoted Secretary of State Denise Merrill as saying the problems were quickly resolved.

Despite the fact the Segarra told the station he felt confident early in the day, the five-year mayor was outspent 3 to 1 in his bid for re-election. He told the station that negative ads could only hurt Bronin.

"It's one thing if it's a difference of policy, another thing is attacking someone with ads that are totally negative," said Segarra. "But you know I think it's good because it's shown the type of candidate that he is."

Prior to primary day, however, Segarra had said he would still run in the November election even if he lost the Democratic primary.

During the campaign, Bronin said that the city needs more police officers. He told NBC Connecticut the city hasn't done a good enough job preparing new recruits to replace anticipated retirees.

"We need to begin the work of stabilizing the force so we make sure the force doesn't get smaller and smaller, and then begin the work of rebuilding it so we get away from officers working back-to-back shifts again and again, making huge amounts of overtime and get enough officers so they can actually be out of their cars, walking the beat, being that positive presence in the community," Bronin said.

Currently, there are fewer than 400 police officers in Hartford, but according to a report commissioned by the Police Department, full staffing would be 480 officers.

But Segarra said it is up to the state to come up with funding for more officers.

"The state is going to have to pay one way or another. The state incarcerates folks or the state provides us with the resources to make an effective reentry of our reentry population, and at the same time come up with a sufficient amount of police officers to meet the needs of the community," Segarra said.

Radio station WNPR said Segarra's campaign floundered in its early stages, while Bronin's campaign raised more than $800,000 which allowed him to advertise heavily on TV over the summer.

The Courant noted in an editorial that Bronin, a first-time Democrataic candidate, won the party's endorsement in June, and said he will be considered a heavy favorite if Segarra does, in fact, run in the November election.

"The Police are still investigating this incident. At this point we don't have any answers ... until the police can provide the details," Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Daniel Warwick said.

SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield Public Schools spokeswoman said enhanced security measures will be implemented at Central High School after trouble was reported at the city's largest school Friday night.

"I can tell you that there will be increased security," Azell Cavaan, chief communications officer for the school district, said Wednesday night.

Cavaan said she could not confirm police reports of a gun incident and multiple fights at Friday night's football game between Putnam and Commerce high schools, which was played at Fred Berte Stadium at Central. Cavaan said a "huge crowd" turned out for the game, and "some stepped-up security measures will be taken" as a result of the large turnout.

"Any time there's any sort of threat to student safety, the district takes that very seriously," she said, declining to corroborate preliminary police reports about skirmishes at the school at the intersection of Bay Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

Multiple police units responded to Central to help control the crowd after fights broke out. Officers also responded to a report of a male who tossed a gun on school grounds as he was being chased toward Smead Arena, just south of the high school. One officer surmised that a gun may have been fired after he detected an odor of gunpowder, but a police official said no shots-fired calls were received.

A Police Department shift commander who was on duty Friday night said fight reports were received, but he was unable to confirm if a gun was recovered at the scene. A BOLO – be on the lookout – was issued for the suspect who reportedly pitched the gun as he ran from officers.

Cavaan said she could not confirm reports of "fights and weapons" at the school. "All that will have to come from the police," she said. "We don't comment on the business ... conducted by agencies outside the Springfield schools."

Daniel J. Warwick, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, said district administrators are unsure what happened Friday night. "The Police are still investigating this incident," Warwick said in an email Wednesday night. "At this point we don't have any answers ... until the police can provide the details."

Capt. Trent Hufnagel, the executive aide to Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri, and police spokesman Sgt. John Delaney did not immediately respond to an email inquiry from MassLive / The Republican.

The pair were hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle in the area of 100 Damon Road.

NORTHAMPTON — A man and toddler were rushed to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Damon Road in Northampton on Wednesday evening.

The 6:15 p.m. accident temporarily closed Damon Road in the area of Mock's Convenience Store as authorities conducted their investigation. The road reopened around 10:30 p.m., according to a Northampton police officer, who had no information about the victims' conditions.

However, Western Mass News, TV partner of MassLive/The Republican, reports that both victims were in stable condition at Baystate. The man and 2-year-old child were not in a crosswalk as they attempted to cross Damon Road, according to Western Mass News.

It wasn't immediately known if any charges were filed in connection with the incident.

MAP showing approximate location of pedestrian accident:

Read more:

"There was a brief but violent struggle," according to the prosecutor, who said a crowd gathered and began shouting at the officers as they attempted to secure Rios.

SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield teenager was ordered held on $25,000 bail Wednesday after police allegedly seized 300 bags of heroin and a stolen 9 mm pistol during a traffic stop in Forest Park.

Joseph A. Rios, 19, pleaded innocent to possession of heroin with intent to distribute; carrying a firearm without a license, second offense; assault and battery on a police officer and four related charges during his arraignment in Springfield District Court.

Two others - Joseph C. Rivera, 24 and Damarilys Rivera, 21, both of Springfield - were also arrested Tuesday after detectives, acting on an anonymous tip, searched a vehicle they stopped for a traffic violation on Forest Street.

After finding 300 bags of heroin in the vehicle, police stopped Rios as he attempted to flee, according to Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski. .

"There was a brief but violent struggle," according to the prosecutor, who said a crowd gathered and began shouting at the officers as they attempted to secure Rios.

A 9mm Taurus handgun was also discovered in Rios' pants as he was being booked at police headquarters, she said. The gun was loaded, with a round in the chamber, Szafranski said.

The prosecutor asked Judge John Payne to set bail at $50,000 bail for Rios; $25,000 for Joseph Rivera, who was charged with one count of heroin possession with intent to sell.

But defense lawyer George Kelly asked for $1,000 bail for Rios while challenging the detectives' account of the traffic stop and arrests.

The arrest report was "rife with coincidences ... and absurdities," Kelly said, beginning with the anonymous phone call that three people were selling heroin from a black sports utility vehicle cruising the streets near Forest Park.

The coincidences, Kelly said, continued when the driver allegedly committed two traffic violations, allowing police to stop the vehicle; when officers spotted heroin packets inside the vehicle, allowing them to search it without a warrant; and when a stolen gun was found on Rios at police headquarters, not when he was subdued and searched following his alleged escape attempt.

"He was set upon by five officers ... and nobody found a gun? Nobody searched his pants?" Kelly asked.

Defense lawyer David Keller, representing Joseph Rivera, raised the same concerns as Kelly. He also said the struggle between Rios and the police was filmed by a neighbor, and the film, if it becomes available, could further undermine the police report.

After hearing the defense arguments, Payne set bail at $25,000 for Rios; $3,000 for Joseph Rivera and released Damarilys Rivera, who was driving the vehicle, on personal recognizance.

He also scheduled a pretrial hearing for Oct. 13.

Barre police said a Leominster man charged with attacking a 71-year-old driver in an alleged case of road rage has a lengthy criminal history, including kidnapping, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault to kill and threatening.

A digest of news stories from around New England.

Man found dead in Marshfield home told neighbor he was a diamond runner in Africa [WCVB-TV, NewsCenter5, Needham] Video above

Ryan Kobus 

Hartford police officer fired after being accused of making racist comments at Foxwoods Resort Casino [Hartford Courant] Video below

Chief Leonard Campanello 

People could eat pad Thai, watch circus performers or sign petitions.

AMHERST - Michal Orszulak from Granby had his two kids in tow in wagon and all were taking in the scene at the 4^th annual Amherst Downtown Block Party.

This was the first time he came with Emmett, 4, and Julianna 2, and he said "they were soaking it all in."

His wife was away so he thought it would be a great event to bring them to.

"We got some swag," he said, referring to the lime green sunglasses his kids were wearing. And they were going to head to the music stage in Kendrick Park.

The party, sponsored by the Amherst Business Improvement District, began at 5 p.m. with all ages of people - babies in strollers, elderly with walkers having the chance to roam North Pleasant Street that was blocked to motor vehicles.  

At one end of the closed of North Pleasant Street the Grammy-nominated family performer Mr. G was performing.

Kids were trying out the hoola hoops while they were listening to music too.

 DJ Ragoza was spinning discs on the Futurliner on the other end of North Pleasant.

In between, revelers could get free hair braids, a chair message, raw oysters, pad Thai, bagels, donuts, ice cream, and information about such social service programs as Craig's Place, the town's homeless shelter.

Claire Bertrand was one of many collecting signatures for Amherst for All - Government That Works for Everyone.

The organization is hoping to ask voters to create a charter commission and needs 3,215 signatures to do it.

 "I'm excited to have access to so many people," she said.

The Town's Health Director Julie Federman was dispensing literature about the town's drug collection as well as about opioid addiction.

 "Everyone comes to it," she said of the party. "It's such a great event. I always wished the town would do something like this."

Rev. Vicki Kemper was at her First Congregational Church booth with literature, giveaways and a sign offering free blessings to all who needed one.

Rebekah Wilder was handing out information about homelessness and had a mirror next to her table with the words "What does a homeless person look like" to show that anyone could be in that situation.

The Craig's Place executive director was positioned near Hope the cow, which raises awareness about homelessness and solicits donations.

And what would an Amherst event be without Sam the Minuteman, the University of Massachusetts mascot high-fiving kids and making friends.

Show Circus from Easthampton had all kinds of performers including Edgar Ortiz wearing bouncing stilts.

Organizers were expecting about 6,000 to attend the four-hour festival with kids and families likely leaving early and college-aged students and others closing up the party at the end. 

Joey Meek, 21, was arrested more than a month after authorities told him he was under federal investigation.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A friend of the alleged Charleston church shooter was arrested Thursday, more than a month after authorities told him he was under federal investigation for lying to them and failing to report a crime, an official close to the probe said.

Joey Meek, 21, was arrested Thursday, the official told The Associated Press, speaking only on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to publicly talk about the case. The official didn't immediately say what charges Meek faces.

Meek has said that Dylann Roof, who is accused of killing nine black church members during Bible study on June 17, stayed with him before the shootings. Meek told The Associated Press that Roof had drunkenly complained that "blacks were taking over the world" and "someone needed to do something about it for the white race."

Roof faces federal hate crime charges as well as nine counts of murder in state court.

Meek told the AP that Roof occasionally stayed with him at a mobile home in Red Bank, about 20 miles from Columbia, before the shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Meek, of Lexington, told AP that Roof said he used birthday money from his parents to buy a .45-caliber Glock semi-automatic handgun, which Meek took away from him the night of his drunken rant but gave back to him when Roof had sobered up.

Meek also said he called authorities after recognizing Roof from surveillance footage from the church. But, according to a federal law enforcement official, authorities believe Meek was dishonest with them during their investigation. That official also was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation and requested anonymity.

Meek's girlfriend, Lindsey Fry, said he called her on his cellphone Thursday afternoon and said it looked like federal agents were approaching him as he was at his job repairing air conditioners.

"They want to talk to me, but I think I'm going to jail," Fry recalled Meek saying.

He said goodbye and she hasn't heard from Meek since, Fry said outside the mobile home where they live.

Fry said she doesn't know if Meek has an attorney or where he is being held, but earlier told AP that Meek is innocent. He is expected to have a hearing Friday.

Federal officials can keep investigations secret until someone is charged, or they can opt to let subjects know they are under investigation -- as they did with Meek in a letter Aug. 6 -- in hopes that the subject will get an attorney, according to Rene Josey, a former U.S. Attorney now in private practice in South Carolina.

Meek is currently on probation, having pleaded guilty earlier this year to possessing a stolen vehicle, according to Lexington County court records.

No other family or friends who spent extensive time with Roof at the mobile home have received target letters, Fry said.

Proceeds from the charity hockey game will benefit the Gunnery Sgt. Tommy Sullivan Scholarship Fund. Sullivan, a Springfield native, was killed in a July attack at a Chattanooga military facility.

WESTFIELD — Hampden County sheriff candidate Nick Cocchi, the current chief of security at the Sheriff's Department, is expected to hit the ice for the inaugural Cocchi Cares charity hockey game at Westfield's Amelia Park Arena on Sept. 26.

Cocchi, a former hockey coach, plans to lace up his skates and play in the game, although he isn't sure if he'll deliver a Gretzky-like performance. "I will be playing in the game," the Ludlow Democrat said in an email message Thursday night. "NOT SURE HOW WELL I WILL DO," he added.

The "puck drop" is at 5 p.m. at the arena at 21 South Broad St., Westfield.

The charity game is for a "great cause," Cocchi said. All proceeds benefit the Gunnery Sgt. Tommy Sullivan Scholarship Fund. Sullivan, a Springfield native who grew up in the city's East Forest Park neighborhood, was killed in an attack at a Tennessee military facility in July. The scholarship fund was created to help a deserving local youth attend the new Pope Francis High School (formerly Cathedral High school) in East Forest Park.

Cocchi Cares, the charitable component to the Cocchi for Sheriff campaign, is an online portal to charities that Cocchi supports, according to the website. "Nick firmly believes that the significant exposure this campaign will generate should be used not just to further his own personal goals, but to also lend a spotlight on many of Hampden County's charities; organizations that Nick is passionate about," the website's welcome message states.

The event, the brainchild of Springfield native and former Marine Dave Wezniak, will feature former Boston Bruins bruiser Lyndon Byers and a match-up between the Cocchi Cares Team and the Springfield Falcons Fans Charity Hockey Club.

Nick Melikian, of the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, and Michael Southerland, both of the Cocchi Cares Team, are among the behind-the-scenes players involved in organizing the hockey game. When Southerland, an East Forest Park native, heard about Wezniak's idea for the event, he thought it was a great opportunity not just for Cocchi Cares, but also a chance to pay homage to Sullivan, his childhood friend.

The ice time, referee and timekeepers have all been donated for the event, which will also feature a 50/50 raffle and a silent raffle.

Admission is $10 for people age 16 or older; $5 for people between the ages of 15 and 6; and free for those age 5 or younger and military personnel who bring a proper military ID.

Russia on Thursday strongly urged the United States and its allies to engage the Syrian government as a "partner" in the fight against the Islamic State group.

MOSCOW (AP) -- Russia on Thursday strongly urged the United States and its allies to engage the Syrian government as a "partner" in the fight against the Islamic State group, and offered to share any information about its military supplies to Damascus with Washington.

New satellite imagery, meanwhile, showed the recent arrival of Russian tanks, armored personnel carriers and other military equipment at an air base in Syria's coastal Latakia province, confirming reports by U.S., Israeli and other officials of a military buildup.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking after talks with his Turkish counterpart in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, said the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq should coordinate its action with Syrian President Bashar Assad's government in conformity with international law.

"There is no reason to evade cooperation with the Syrian leadership, which confronts that terror threat," Lavrov said. He added that "the Syrian president commands the most capable ground force fighting terrorism."

"Rejecting such a possibility, ignoring the capability of the Syrian army as a partner and ally in the fight against the IS means sacrificing security of the entire region for political or geopolitical intentions and calculations," he said.

Washington, which has seen Assad as the cause of the Syrian crisis, has been concerned by an ongoing Russian military buildup in Syria and warned Moscow that it could further destabilize the situation. The U.S. said that Russia has ferried equipment, supplies and military personnel to Syria with the apparent goal of setting up an air base near the coastal town of Latakia, a stronghold of the Syrian president.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who spoke with Lavrov three times this month to discuss the Russian action, said Lavrov offered Tuesday to have military-to-military talks and meetings on the situation in Syria. Kerry suggested that he favored such consultations, noting that the U.S. wants a clear picture of Russia's intentions.

The satellite imagery provided by AllSource Analysis, a commercial satellite intelligence firm, confirmed a buildup in Latakia. The images show six main battle tanks, 26 armored personnel carriers, and recently deployed helicopters and artillery battery guns. The equipment apparently arrived between September 4 and 15.

The imagery also confirms new and extensive construction, including a new taxiway being built at the air base inside the Basel Assad International Airport -- also known by its old name Hemeimeem airport -- possibly in preparation for Russian troop arrivals.

The airport, named after the president's brother, who died in a car accident in 1994, lies about 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Latakia city. It is the only functioning airport in the country besides the international airport in Damascus, and is therefore of great importance to the government.

The images also show the deployment of trucks, and multiple Russian transport aircraft.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials say that Moscow has supplied weapons to Syria and sent military personnel to train its military to fight the Islamic State. They wouldn't provide any numbers or other details.

Putin also seemed to keep the door open for a broader role in Syria. Asked earlier this month if Russia could send troops into Syria to help fight the IS, he answered that "we are looking at various options."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, speaking in an interview with Syrian TV Thursday evening, said no Russian combat troops were fighting in Syria.

"Russia is supporting the Syrian government and is ready to offer everything possible to combat terrorism when it becomes necessary," al-Moallem said. He said Syria will not hesitate to ask for Russia's help in the future if it is needed. His comments were the first by a senior Syrian official on Moscow's military moves in Syria. He did not elaborate.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed Thursday that Moscow is happy to talk to Washington about its military cooperation with Syria.

"We have repeatedly told our American colleagues that we are ready to provide any information they need through the existing channels of communication, so that military experts on both sides could discuss the relevant issues," she said at a briefing.

Zakharova said that there "can be no talk about any contradiction or conflict of action or interests" between Russia and the U.S. in Syria if Washington's goal is to fight the Islamic State.

Neither Fox nor the chairman of the Board of Selectmen indicated whether they would m make any public statements after the meeting was over.

10:30 p.m. update: The meeting has ended with neither side making any public statements.

Update: A copy of Franis Fox' contract has been added at the bottom of this story.

This is an updated version of stories published at 4:20 p.m. and 5:43 p.m.

BELCHERTOWN - Suspended police chief Francis R. Fox met with Belchertown selectmen Thursday night after being summoned by the board to discuss its concerns about a traffic stop he was involved with in Granby earlier this year.

Asserting his right to meet in private with the board, Fox did not ask that the session be open to the public.

Belchertown Police Chief Francis Fox, at left, with his attorney, Andrew Gambaccini, at start of the Sept. 17, 2015 Selectmen's meeting, prior to the parties going behind closed doors to meet in executive session to discuss the chief having been pulled over by Granby police last winter Jim Russell photo 

Accompanied by Worcester lawyer Andrew Gambaccini, neither Fox nor selectman chairman Ron Aponte indicated whether there would be any public statements made following the executive session that began at 7:30 p.m. at town hall. The town was represented by lawyer Mark Terry.

The board sought to investigate an incident involving Fox that occurred on Feb. 1, but which it said only came to their attention eight days ago, via news reports, related to the disclosure of a Granby police report.

For their part, Granby police say the Belchertown policeman's actions in their town last winter put them in a compromising situation, as Fox attempted to use his influence as chief to pull rank, asking if they knew who he was, after Fox was pulled over for driving erratically.

The Granby report said Fox nearly hit another vehicle while traversing in his unmarked Belchertown police cruiser, and was observed on two occasions driving on the wrong side of the road.

He emitted a strong odor of alcohol, the report says, and refused to leave his vehicle until being threatened with arrest by Granby police.

In an Feb. 2 email provided by Granby authorities, Fox thanked Granby Police Chief Alan Wishart for how his officers handled the matter saying, "I wanted to say thank you to a couple of your officers last night I watched the Super Bowl and had a couple of beers I probably should not have been driving got stopped and they gave me a break very professional and they drove me home my apologies but tell them i greatly appreciated it.

The selectmen chairman has characterized information in the Granby report as "serious allegations."

Selectmen and the town administrator, who placed Fox on paid administrative leave, say their telephones have been ringing off the hook, and townsfolk are expressing, in person, in large numbers, their concerns.

Officially, Thuirsday night's meeting was called to "discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual."

Although the board had scheduled an executive session, Fox had the option of having the meeting held in public. He chose to keep the session private.

When Fox was placed on administrative leave nine years ago, related to allegations he had accepted personal checks sent to his home, to operate a rape awareness defense program, he allowed those investigative meetings in the open, instead of behind closed doors in executive session.

After being suspended nearly five months, he was reinstated, with a formal reprimand, in October 2006.

During those hearings, many police officers in uniform, and Belchertown residents, came out to show their support for Fox.

The lawyer the town hired to investigate the 9-year-old matter, Anthony Rice, said that although "the chief has engaged in certain behavior that is less than what the town could reasonably expect from him as its chief law enforcement officer," Rice concluded Fox had not personally gained from that. He recommended a letter of reprimand.

Fox said the rape program is a much needed public service and that is why he has been operating them -- in the public interest, to protect women from harm.

He has been the Belchertown chief chief since 2002, with a currently salary of about $95,000 per year.

For the past 20 years, Fox has been an instructor with the state's police training academy, earning $40 per hour. But the state, citing the Belchertown investigation, has suspended him from his role as an instructor of police recruits.

The following is a copy of Fox contract with the town:

Francis Fox' Contract

Bumpy trading came after the Fed decided to keep interest rates low for now, citing weakness in the global economy and unsettled financial markets.

By KEN SWEET

NEW YORK -- Stocks ended mostly lower after a volatile day as traders tried to figure out what was next for U.S. interest rates.

The bumpy trading Thursday came after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates low for now, citing weakness in the global economy and unsettled financial markets.

Investors did make significant bets on U.S. Treasuries and, for a change, precious metals. The U.S. dollar weakened against its major currency counterparts as the threat of higher interest rates abated.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 65.21 points, or 0.4 percent, to 16,674.74. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 5.11 points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,990.20 and the Nasdaq composite index rose 4.71 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,893.95.

The Fed said that while the U.S. job market is solid, there are reasons to be concerned about global economic growth. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said a rate hike is still likely this year. The Fed meets again in October and December.

"The market got what it wanted," said Alan Rechtschaffen, a portfolio manager at UBS. "The market had a 'rate rant' last month and that scared the Fed."

Interest rates have been near zero since 2008, when the Fed drastically cut rates in response to the financial crisis and Great Recession. The last time the central bank actually raised rates was 2006.

Ultra-low interest rates tend to help the stock market because they make bonds, CDs and other income-producing investments less appealing by comparison. They also make it inexpensive for companies to borrow money to buy back their own shares, which also sends stock prices higher.

On the other hand, the Fed has made it abundantly clear that the current policy of super-low rates is an unusual measure intended to shore up the economy and will eventually be dismantled. Keeping it in place is a signal that the Fed believes the economy isn't quite strong enough to withstand higher rates. For investors wondering when interest rate policy will be "normalized," that means more waiting.

"They just need a little more time. The drumbeat is getting louder for them to actually raise rates," said Tony Bedikian, head of global markets at Citizens Financial Group.

With interest rates not changing soon and inflation in check, investors bought up bonds. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note dropped to 2.19 percent from 2.30 percent the day before, a large move. The two-year Treasury note, which would be more heavily impacted by higher short-term interest rates, had even an even more dramatic move, dropping to 0.68 percent from 0.80 percent.

In precious metals markets, gold and silver saw significant buying in after-hours trading after the Fed released its statement. Gold fell $2 to settle at $1,117 an ounce in regular trading but was up $12.80 to $1,131.80 an ounce later. Silver added 10 cents to settle at $14.98 an ounce, and gained another 25 cents to $15.13 in extended trading. Copper finished unchanged at $2.45 a pound in regular trading. It was up a penny in after-hours trading.

Oil finished slightly lower after the Fed's comments. U.S. crude fell 25 cents to $46.90 a barrel. Brent crude, a benchmark for many international oils imported by U.S. refineries, fell 67 cents to $49.08 a barrel.

In other energy futures trading, wholesale gasoline fell less than a penny to $1.376 a gallon. Heating oil slipped 1.17 cents to $1.53 a gallon and natural gas fell 1 cent to $2.652 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Obituaries from The Republican.

Norbert A. Neffinger 

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Norbert A. Neffinger, 91, passed away Monday. He was born and raised in Boston to the late John and Ann (Flannery) Neffinger. He moved to the area in 1939 and worked as an aerospace engineer, specializing in propeller design for Hamilton Standard. He worked there for 40 years retiring in 1991. He was an active communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield and he taught CCD there for 30 years. He was a WW II U.S. Navy Veteran serving in the Atlantic theater. He served on the carrier, USS Guadalcanal, whose task force captured the only German U-Boat, the U-505, during the war. Though he was very active in the community, his life was devoted to his children and family.

The only person who spoke in the public comment session prior to the meeting took the opportunity to use his three minutes to urge the council to appropriate $200 to fix a patch of sidewalk near Forbes Library.

NORTHAMPTON - The City Council referred a host of committee appointments to the committee on rules, orders, appointments and ordinances Thursday in a 73-minute meeting that was short on comment by the public or the council.

The appointments, all of which passed unanimously, were almost upstaged by a $315.53 appropriation for Department of Public Works uniforms. The only person who spoke in the public comment session prior to the meeting took the opportunity to use his three minutes to urge the council to appropriate $200 to fix a patch of sidewalk near Forbes Library.

The council did not vote on the appointments but referred them to committee for study. They are as follows: Community Preservation Commission, Jack Finn and David Drake; Parks and Recreation Commission, Carol Bertrand, David Cronin, Kristin Dardano, Thomas Dunphy and Dan Smith; Agricultural Commission, John Omasta; Central Business Architecture Committee, Joseph Blumenthal; Human Rights Commission, Jordana Amato and Laurie Loisel; Transportation and Parking Commission, Ann Brooks.

No one spoke either for or against the appointment of Kristine Bissell in the public comment session and no one favored either Scanlon and Associates or Powers and Sullivan, the two bidders for the auditor contract. The auditor vote was the only one on the agenda that did not pass unanimously. Scanlon was approved 5-4, but it was unclear whether the councilors who voters "no" did so because they favored Powers and Sullivan or because they wanted more time to process the question.

Hampden Superior Court Judge C. Jeffrey Kinder suppresses drug evidence found in a Holyoke apartment.

SPRINGFIELD - Hampden Superior Court Judge C. Jeffrey Kinder
on Monday reversed a decision he made several months ago after hearing he did not get accurate information from Holyoke police.

Kinder had previously denied a motion to suppress evidence filed on behalf of four Holyoke drug defendants.

But on the eve of trial Monday Kinder was told information presented by police at the motion to suppress evidence hearing was incorrect regarding a central fact.

He reopened the motion to suppress hearing and heard testimony from Holyoke Police officer Liam Glasheen.

After Glasheen said he never saw Ernesto Pedraza, 50, pick up a gun and run off, Kinder allowed the motion to suppress evidence because police lacked probable cause to enter an apartment at 365 Appleton St.

Pedraza. Guillermo Otero, 30, Jose Rivera, 29, and Izaida Gonzalez, 22 - all of Holyoke - are all still charged for now with possession of heroin, cocaine, suboxone and cyclobezaprine.

Assistant District Attorney Mary Sandstrom told Kinder the prosecution would appeal Kinder's decision to allow the motion to suppress to the state Supreme Judicial Court.

Without the evidence Kinder suppressed Monday the prosecution can't proceed on the drug charges. Pedraza still faces a charge of possession of a firearm, and that evidence was not suppressed since the firearm was found outside the apartment.

Elizabeth Rodriguez Ross, lawyer for Rivera, argued Monday when Kinder originally denied the motion to suppress he said the issues in the case were "close calls."

At that time he said he was persuaded police officers "acted reasonable under the circumstances." She said at the hearing Sgt. Daniel Reardon testified Glasheen said the man with the red sweatshirt (Pedraza) picked up the gun and ran off.

On Jan. 23, 2014, officers of the Holyoke Police Department and state police executed a search warrant at 177 Elm St., a first floor apartment. The target was Louis Vendrell.

Testimony at the hearing was that Glasheen (who didn't testify) told other officers Vendrell threw a gun onto the second floor porch of another apartment and that a man in a red sweatshirt (Pedraza) picked up the gun and took off.

Sgt. Daniel Reardon heard foot steps running on the wooden steps above him in the direction Glasheen had pointed. He and two other officers saw a man in red (Pedraza) and Otero run into the back door of 365 Appleton St.

Officers kicked in the door of the 365 Appleton St. apartment when there was no response to a knock because they were concerned about the man who picked up the gun going into the apartment and believed the occupants might be in danger.

There were no firearms found in the apartment, but the drugs were found. A gun was later found on the porch outside of 365 Appleton St.

Officers then got a search warrant for the apartment based on what they saw and the drugs were seized.

Kinder said from testimony about the gun at the earlier motion to suppress hearing he believed police had the "exigent circumstances" to enter 365 Appleton St. without a warrant.

On Monday, Kinder said he made his earlier ruling to deny the motion to suppress evidence based on testimony police had probable cause to believe Pedraza had a gun because Glasheen had made that observation.

"Now I've found the detective (Glasheen) did not make that observation," he said. It turned out other officers had not been told by anyone the man in the red shirt (Pedraza) picked up a gun, Kinder said.

Without that observation police lacked probable cause to enter the apartment, Kinder said.

Gonzalez is represented by Erin Boylan, Pedraza by Stephen Shea, and Otero by Joe Smith III.

Vendrell and three others people were arrested that night in connection with the raid on 177 Elm St.

At the time of the arrests of the eight people, Holyoke police said both apartments were raided with a district court search warrant.

The raid was conducted by members of the Holyoke Police narcotics and vice units, the Hampden County Narcotics Task Force, the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactics and Operations Team, Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Jose Concepcion, 33 , Jeannie Jimenez, 22, Angel Ramirez, 31,
and Vendrell, 25, were arrested in connection with the raid on 177 Elm St. The other part of the building has an address of 365 Appleton St.

Conception, Jimenez and Ramirez and Vendrell were each charged possession of heroin and cocaine, and possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute.
In addition, Vendrell was charged with weapons offenses.

Vendrell was sentenced to five years in state prison after pleading guilty. The case against Concepcion was dismissed.

Ramirez was acquitted at trial. Jiminez received a one year suspended sentence.