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Remembering Nancy Reagan: Friends, family say final farewells at funeral

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Inseparable in life, Nancy Reagan is to be reunited in death with her husband in side-by-side graves at Ronald Reagan's presidential library.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) -- Mourners from the top ranks of Washington and Hollywood paid final tribute to Nancy Reagan on Friday, recalling at her funeral how the former first lady and her husband made up "two halves of a circle," with a legendary love that seemed to inspire everyone they met.

Inseparable in life, the pair were to be reunited in death in side-by-side graves at Ronald Reagan's presidential library.

During a service filled with poignant and often humorous memories, each speaker came back to the couple's love story.

"When they were together, he hid love notes around the house for her to find," said Reagan's former chief of staff, James Baker. "She reciprocated by secreting little notes in jellybeans in his suitcase.

"Ronald and Nancy Reagan were defined by their love for each other," Baker added. "They were as close to being one person as it is possible for any two people to be."

Although many speakers invoked the president's name, they were also quick to add that Mrs. Reagan was more than just a supportive wife. She was a force of nature herself.

"There would be no Ronald Reagan Presidential Library without a President Ronald Reagan, and there likely wouldn't have been a President Ronald Reagan without a Nancy Reagan," said the couple's son, Ron Reagan.

It was her belief in what her husband could accomplish that gave his father the "chutzpah" to seek political office, he added.

"It would be a mistake, by the way, to consider her as somehow subordinate to him just because he was the one usually taking the center stage," Reagan said. "They were co-equals. They complemented one another."

While her husband was affable, Mrs. Reagan could be loving, friendly and quick to laugh. But, if anyone did anything she thought was harmful to her husband, she was fiercely protective and sometimes quick to anger.

Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw recalled that when he once questioned the hard-luck story of the president's early life, Mrs. Reagan was so angry that Reagan's own staff advised him to stay away from the White House until she calmed down. Reagan didn't mind the criticism, Brokaw said, but his wife did.

"Occasionally I've thought that even God might not have the guts to argue with Nancy Reagan," the couple's daughter, Patti Davis, quipped.

For his part, Reagan spoke in public so warmly, and so often, about his wife, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney recalled, that he once told Reagan he was making every other world leader look bad in front of their wives.

"Well, Brian," he said the president told him with a smile, "That's your problem."

A waterproof tent was put up behind the library to shield its 1,000 invited guests from a rainy forecast. Although it sprinkled lightly during the 90-minute ceremony, the heavens didn't open up into a full downpour until its conclusion, forcing guests to open umbrellas as they left.

Among those in the front row were first lady Michelle Obama, who was seated next to former President George W. Bush. Hillary Clinton sat between Bush's wife, Laura, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

The sprawling, Spanish mission-style library is located between the Reagan's post-White House home in the upscale Bel Air section of Los Angeles and Rancho del Cielo, the "ranch in the sky" where the Reagans spent their leisure time, sometimes on horseback, in the rugged mountains near Santa Barbara.

The guest list for the funeral told the story of the couple's life together, which stretched from Hollywood's Golden Age to the California statehouse during Reagan's time as governor to Washington.

Mourners included former Reagan administration official Ed Meese, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mike Love of the Beach Boys and singer Johnny Mathis.

As the group gathered briefly outside the library to chat, Mathis reminisced about how he and Mrs. Reagan would sing together during his visits to the Reagan family home. Their favorite song: "Our Love is Here to Stay."

The memorial service brought together Democrat and Republican, an unusual tableau at a time of deep division in Washington and on the 2016 campaign trail.

On Wednesday and Thursday at the library, more than 5,500 mourners filed slowly past the former first lady's closed casket, blanketed with white roses and peonies, Mrs. Reagan's favorite flower.

Tears often fell. The crowd, many in graying years, spoke to a time when it was "morning again in America" and the nation followed the Reagan doctrine to weaken Soviet influence during the Cold War.

Reagan left the presidency after eight years, on January 20, 1989.

"Ronald Reagan was one of the best presidents we've ever had, and I admired them both as a couple for their love story and the support they showed to each other," said retired school teacher Mary Ellen Gruendyke, from Riverside.

Mrs. Reagan, who died Sunday at 94, planned the smallest details of her funeral. She selected the funeral's flower arrangements, the music to be played by a Marine Corps band and the list of guests invited to the private memorial.

The library site, where the 40th president was buried in 2004, provides sweeping views of horse country dotted with oaks and, on a clear day, a vista to the Pacific.

The Reagans "just fell in love" with the spot, Boston developer and Republican fundraiser Gerald Blakeley recalled in a 2004 interview. He was part of a partnership that donated the land where the library now sits.


Congressman Jim McGovern joining President Obama on March trip to Cuba

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Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, plans to travel with President Obama to Cuba on March 21 and March 22, the first trip by a sitting president in 88 years. While the full list of fellow travelers isn't available, McGovern's office said First Lady Michelle Obama, senior White House officials and Congress colleagues are also going to be on the trip.

Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, plans to travel with President Obama to Cuba on March 21 and March 22, the first trip by a sitting president to the communist country in 88 years.

While the full list of fellow travelers isn't available yet, McGovern's office said First Lady Michelle Obama, senior White House officials and his Congressional colleagues are also going to be on the trip.

McGovern traveled with Secretary of State John Kerry on a trip to Cuba in August. He has long pushed for normalizing relations with Cuba, a country that remains under communist control, despite years of U.S. sanctions.

"I was proud to stand with Secretary Kerry as the American flag was once again raised over the U.S. Embassy in Havana last summer and look forward to joining President Obama in Cuba this month as we continue to build on the progress that has already been achieved," McGovern said in a statement.

McGovern has also put together a bipartisan Cuba Working Group that seeks through legislation to lift restrictions on economic moves and travel, and "effectively eliminate the U.S. embargo on Cuba."

In October, Gov. Charlie Baker's economic development chief told MassLive.com that Massachusetts that the administration had assigned a lower-level official to take a look at Cuba.

"If there's a door open, we've assigned a low-level person to take a look at it," Jay Ash, the economic development chief, said. "If there's a door open, we'll take a peek into it."

"I've been focused on emerging industries that have the potential of providing hundreds if not thousands of jobs right away, as opposed to something that may be much farther out into the future," Ash said at the time.

Earlier this month, JetBlue announced that they were looking to provide daily flights to Havana from six cities, including Boston. The company has proposed one daily flight between Boston and Havana.

Pioneer Valley looks to leverage $643M Connecticut passenger rail investment in New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line

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Connecticut authorities hope to run 12 additional north-south trains a day to Springfield by 2018.

HARTFORD -- Connecticut is spending $643 million in state and federal money improving the rail line from Springfield south to New Haven, with plans to run frequent commuter service by the beginning of 2018.

And now is the time, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal said Friday, for Springfield and the Pioneer Valley to figure out how to leverage that investment and cooperate with Connecticut to bring more passenger rail service here going both north-south and running east-west from Boston through Worcester to Springfield -- and then on either to New Haven and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor or to Montreal.

"Before you know it they are going to be in Springfield from the Connecticut side," Neal-D-Springfield said Friday following a closed-door meeting with Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy at the statehouse in Hartford. "The state of Connecticut has made a sizable investment in rail." 

Malloy, a Democrat who recently came to Springfield stumping for Hillary Clinton, accepted Neal's invitation to visit Springfield again and talk rail service with civic, government and business leaders. Neal also wants to set up a meeting here on passenger rail with Malloy and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican.

"Gov. Baker has been very open minded. I've talked to him about it," Neal said.

Baker and Beacon Hill leaders are talking about expanding the BTA Green Line or creating a rall link between Boston's North Station and its South Station, itself a $2 billion to $4 billion project. Fall River is also looking for more commuter rail.

"Obviously we are looking for some regional equity," Neal said.

Malloy spoke Friday of Connecticut's plans to use increased commuter rail service to spur economic development in cities including Springfield, Neal said. The need was clear for the Congressman to see Friday, as he was stuck in traffic headed north on Interstate 91 -- one of a rush of people getting out of Hartford at 3 p.m. on a lovely Friday afternoon.

"It is one of the great challenges and opportunities for government," Neal said. "Getting people efficiently from one place to another."

Brennan said metro areas around the country are finding it harder, if not impossible, to add highway lanes. Rail is a good solution to relieve highway congestion.

At this point, Connecticut plans to add 16 trains a day from New Haven to Hartford, with a dozen of those going through Hartford to Springfield.

According to one plan floated, east-west service might involve as many as eight Springfield-Worcester-Boston shuttles a day, as well as long-distance service between Boston and New Haven, Boston and Montreal and New Haven and Montreal through Springfield.

"It underscores that Springfield is really the crossroads of New England when it comes to rail travel," Brennan said.

But it could be 15 years before east-west service is up and running, Brennan said. Tracks are in poor condition for passenger service.

Today, there is only one east-west train a day through Springfield: Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited, which services Cleveland, Chicago and cities in New York.

Springfield man held on $10,000 bail on child pornography charge

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In one case, a man sexually abuses a girl estimated to be three or four years old, the prosecutor said.

SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield man is facing up to five years in prison after police found thousands of images on his computer showing children as young as three or four years old engaged in sexual acts, a prosecutor said Friday.

Glenn Moore, 43, pleaded not guilty possession of child pornography during his arraignment in Springfield District Court.

State troopers seized an extensive collection of child pornography during a raid on Moore's Warner Street home, Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranksi said at the defendant's bail hearing.

During an interview with police, Moore admitted sharing his collection with others, according to the prosecutor, who said the files include depictions of sexual acts involving young children and adults, Szafranski said.

In one case, a man sexually abuses a girl estimated to be three or four years old, the prosecutor said.

Szafranski asked for $100,000 bail, noting that the defendant had a criminal record in Kansas and faces a state prison term of up to five years if convicted here.

Defense lawyer David Pritchard opposed the bail request, saying his client is unemployed and lives on federal disability checks.

Moore has no criminal record in Massachusetts and his charges in Kansas date back several decades, according to Pritchard, who said there are no court defaults on his record.

In addition, Moore has been diagnosed with several mental health disorders, raising questions about whether his statements to state troopers were voluntary, Pritchard added.

"He is an excellent candidate for (release) on personal recognizance," Pritchard said, calling the $100,000 bail "was excessive."

In response to questions from Judge Paul Smyth, the prosecutor said the defendant did not make or distribute child pornography and there were no minors living at his home.

Smyth set bail at $10,000 and scheduled a pretrial hearing for April 7.

Suffolk DA: Single shooter responsible for mass shooting at Chelsea house party that injured 6, killed 1

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Emanuel Marrero, 16, of Lynn, is charged with murder, armed assault with intent to murder, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the March 6 shooting.

CHELSEA — Prosecutors say a single shooter was responsible for the gunfire that left several people injured and one person dead at a crowded house party in Chelsea over the weekend.

Based on witness statements, video surveillance, telephone records, and other evidence in the case, investigators have determined that the mass shooting was committed by "one gun and one shooter," Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Julie Higgins said.

Sixteen-year-old Emanuel Marrero opened fire at the March 6 house party, injuring six young people and killing 19-year-old Pablo Villeda, according to Higgins.

Marrero denied charges of murder, armed assault to murder, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon at his arraignment in Chelsea District Court earlier this week. He's being held without bail in connection with the shooting, which elicited strong reactions from law enforcement officials due to the young age of the victims, some as young as 15.

Under state law, juveniles age 14 or older who are accused of murder are automatically tried as adults.

About 50 people were attending the house party, held at a vacant, three-room apartment on Washington Avenue, when the shots rang out, police and prosecutors said.

District Attorney Daniel F. Conley praised witnesses for sharing information with investigators. "One young man is dead. Six others, some as young as 15, were nearly killed," Conley said. "Chelsea and State Police detectives took this case extremely seriously, and it's clear the community did as well. The progress we've made so far reflects valuable assistance on the street and in the neighborhood."

Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes praised first responders for working "in unity to triage and render aid" to the victims. "Although this incident ended in the senseless loss of life of a young man, the actions of the first responders in providing immediate medical aid to several victims during a chaotic scene clearly minimized further injuries," Kyes said.

Marrero, of Lynn, is due back in court for a hearing on April 8.


 

Donald Trump calls off Chicago rally after protesters clash with supporters

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Before the announcement the event wouldn't take place, a handful of intense verbal clashes took place between Trump supporters and protesters as the crowd waited for his arrival.

CHICAGO -- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump canceled one of his signature rallies on Friday, calling off the event in Chicago due to safety concerns after protesters packed into the arena where it was to take place.

The announcement that the billionaire businessman would postpone the rally until another day led a large portion of the crowd inside the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion to break out into raucous cheers. Meanwhile, supporters of the candidate started chanting "We want Trump! We want Trump!"

There were isolated physical confrontations between some members of the crowd after the event was canceled.

There was no sign of Trump inside the arena on the college campus, where dozens of UIC faculty and staff had petitioned university administrators to cancel the rally. They cited concerns it would create a "hostile and physically dangerous environment" for students.


Before the announcement the event wouldn't take place, a handful of intense verbal clashes took place between Trump supporters and protesters as the crowd waited for his arrival. For the first time during his White House bid, the crowd appeared to be an equal mix of those eager to cheer on the real estate mogul and those overtly opposed to his candidacy.

When one African-American protester was escorted out before the event started, the crowd erupted into chants of "Let them stay!"

Veronica Kowalkowsky, an 18-year-old Trump supporter, said before the event started that she had no ill will toward the protesters -- but didn't think they felt the same way.

"I feel a lot of hate," she said. "I haven't said anything bad to anyone."

Hours before the event was scheduled to start, hundreds of people lined up outside the arena at the University of Illinois at Chicago -- a civil and immigrant rights organizing hub with large minority student populations. Trump backers were separated from an equally large crowd of anti-Trump protesters by a heavy police presence and barricades.

Some Trump supporters walking into the area chanted, "USA! USA!" and "Illegal is illegal." One demonstrator shouted back, "Racist!"

One protester, 64-year-old Dede Rottman of Chicago, carried a placard that read: "Build a Wall Around Trump. I'll Pay for it."

However, 19-year-old Rusty Shackleford of Lombard, in line to attend the Trump rally, said he was there to "support the man who wants to make America great again."

Chicago community activist Quo Vadis said hundreds of protesters had positioned themselves in groups around the arena, and that they intend to demonstrate right after Trump takes the stage. Their goal, he said, is "for Donald to take the stage and to completely interrupt him. The plan is to shut Donald Trump all the way down."

Ben Carson endorses Trump

Jack Griffin kicks off Hampden County sheriff campaign in Springfield

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Weeks after officially entering the race to succeed outgoing Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr., Jack Griffin ceremonially kicked-off his campaign in Springfield Friday evening.

Updated at 12:30 a.m. Saturday, March 12: By the end of Friday night's kickoff party, more than 400 people had stopped by the Springfield Elks Lodge, the venue where the event was held, according to officials with the Committee to Elect Jack Griffin. This information has been added to the story below.



SPRINGFIELD — Weeks after officially entering the race to succeed outgoing Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr., Jack Griffin ceremonially kicked off his campaign in Springfield Friday evening.

Griffin, a 57-year-old retired addiction specialist for the Connecticut Department of Corrections, joined a few hundred supporters for a campaign kickoff fundraiser at the Springfield Elks Lodge.

The event came less than a month after the Democratic sheriff hopeful took out nomination papers to begin collecting the signatures needed to place his name on the ballot.

Speaking to supporters, Griffin stressed that he's running for sheriff because he wants to use his knowledge and experience from working in corrections to help people. The alcohol and drug treatment professional, who has personally been in recovery for more than 30 years, added that he also wants to address the number of people dying from opioid and drug abuse.

"My message is simple: I'm in this race because I want to make a difference. There are kids out here who are dying," he said. "I want to give it a shot to ... do something about it."

While Griffin acknowledged that his lack of political experience gives his campaign a bit of an uphill battle, he remained optimistic about his chances, comparing himself to unlikely horse racing champion "Seabiscuit."

"Hey, didn't Seabiscuit win?" he said, calling on attendees to spread his message and support him on Election Day.

Jose Roman, who shared the story of how he met the Springfield native while incarcerated in Connecticut, also urged support for Griffin's sheriff campaign, saying he was the first person to give him hope about how to change his life around.

"This man has given me and many other people something that we otherwise probably couldn't have, and what he gave us was a word of wisdom given by Alcoholics Anonymous," he said.

Griffin is among a handful of candidates running for Hampden County sheriff.

Fellow Democrats Nick Cocchi, a deputy superintendent with the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, and Michael Albano, a former Springfield mayor and member of the Governor's Council, are also seeking the position.

James Gill, an assistant deputy superintendent at the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, meanwhile, is running as an independent candidate.

By the end of Friday night's event, more than 400 people had stopped by the Elks Lodge, according to the Committee to Elect Jack Griffin.


Vehicle winds up in tree after sensational crash in front of Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield

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The crash was reported shortly before 8 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2016, on Main Street in the city's South End.

SPRINGFIELD — A vehicle wound up stuck in a tree after an SUV struck several cars parked in front of Red Rose Pizzeria on Friday night.

Police and firefighters responded to a 7:54 p.m. report of an accident with injuries outside the landmark South End restaurant at 1060 Main St. When officials arrived on scene, they found four heavily damaged vehicles, including one that was pushed halfway up a small tree in front of the Italian restaurant.

The driver of the SUV, described by witnesses as a Hispanic man in his thirties, was taken to Baystate Medical Center for emergency treatment. An update on his condition was not immediately available, but witnesses said he seemed to drive directly into the vehicles without applying his brakes.

A child was also in the SUV, but apparently was not seriously injured. The child was checked out by AMR ambulance personnel at the scene and later taken to his mother's home, according to police reports.

Witnesses said the SUV driver was northbound on Main Street when he crossed into oncoming traffic and hit three vehicles parked on the southbound side of the street. The driver first sideswiped a sedan, then struck two other vehicles, pushing one of them into the tree. The vehicle in the tree was also an SUV.

Red Rose patrons peered through the restaurant's windows while others spilled out onto the sidewalk to watch as police closed a roughly 100-yard stretch of Main Street between Cross and Union streets. Firefighters and AMR personnel arrived within minutes of the initial report.

"We heard a peculiar sound," said Robert Jones, who was celebrating the birthday of his best friend, Danielle Jackson, at Red Rose. "And it was different because there was no braking. We knew it wasn't a normal sound," he said.

Bystanders pulled out cellphones and started snapping photos and shooting videos of the chaotic scene. There was no apparent damage to the restaurant itself, and Main Street reopened to traffic around 9:40 p.m.

The Red Rose incident was the second sensational crash in Springfield this week. On Wednesday night, a speeding vehicle slammed into several parked cars on Cambridge Street, sparking a fire and loud explosions that rocked the neighborhood.



MAP showing approximate location of crash:

Wall Street extends rally to 4th week as energy companies recover

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The Dow Jones industrial average rose 218 points to close the week at 17,213.

By BERNARD CONDON

NEW YORK -- A jump in crude oil and a rise in European markets set off a rally in U.S. stocks to cap a four-week winning streak for major indexes.

Investors bought across industries from the start of trading on Friday. Drillers, refiners and other energy companies rose sharply as the price for U.S. crude hit a high for the year. Devon Energy jumped 11 percent and Southwestern Energy gained 10 percent.

Just a month ago, investors were dumping shares amid talk of a possible U.S. recession. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell to almost a two-year low. But confidence has returned as data has suggested the U.S. economy is strengthening.

"While things aren't great, they're not the disaster we thought," said Bill Strazzullo, chief market strategist at Bell Curve Trading. "We've rallied after a horrendous start to the year."

The S&P 500 is up now nearly 11 percent from Feb. 11.

On Friday, the S&P 500 gained 32.62 points, or 1.6 percent, to 2,022.19. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 218.18 points, or 1.3 percent, to 17,213.31. The Nasdaq composite climbed 86.31 points, or 1.9 percent, to 4,748.47.

U.S. crude gained after the International Energy Agency said signs that the market has "bottomed out" have emerged. Energy companies have been shutting down rigs and laying off thousands of workers as oil prices plunged to around $30 per barrel, from well over $100 per barrel just two years ago.

U.S. crude has risen 47 percent from a 13-year low of $26.21 a month ago.

Bank stocks also rose sharply. That sector had been beaten down in recent weeks as investors worried about loans to highly leveraged energy companies going bad.

The rally has got some investors worried, though.

Chief Equity Strategist Phil Orlando of Federated Investors said the "terrific four-week run" makes him a "little nervous." Among his concerns are a steeper China slowdown, a U.S. dollar strengthening even more and hurting U.S. exports, no relief from the corporate profits drop over the last year and more surprises in the presidential election.

"Don't discount the fiscal policy uncertainty of the election," he warned.

Xavier Smith, manager of the Centre Global Select Equity Fund, said he doesn't buy the oil rally, either.

"Oil is a proxy for the overall economy, and it's not going on four cylinders anywhere," Smith said. "So why would oil be strong? It doesn't make any sense."

European markets rose sharply as investors hoped that the European Central Bank's latest blast of stimulus policies would help revive the region's economy. Germany's DAX gained 3.5 percent, France's CAC 40 advanced 3.3 percent and Britain's FTSE 100 rose 1.7 percent.

The ECB moves included three interest rate cuts, loans to banks, and the expansion of a bond-buying stimulus program. Shares in banks, which will be supported by the ECB loans, were among the biggest gainers.

Investors turn their attention to a meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve next week. Unlike its counterparts in Europe and Japan, the Fed is looking to wind down its economic stimulus, though most investors do not expect it to tighten credit next week. The Fed raised rates for the first time in nine years in December.

Among stocks making big moves, driller Anadarko Petroleum rose $3.79, or 9 percent, to $46.29 after saying it would cut 1,000 workers, or 17 percent of its work force.

Power company Pepco Holdings fell $2.18, or 9 percent, to $22.07 after officials for the District of Columbia where it operates rejected a proposal to salvage its troubled $6.8 billion merger with Exelon Corp. District regulators rejected the merger twice before.

U.S. crude added 66 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $38.50 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange Brent crude, which is used to price international oils, gained 34 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $40.39 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline rose 0.5 cents to $1.444 a gallon, heating oil rose 0.2 cents to $1.218 a gallon and natural gas gained 3.4 cents to $1.822 per 1,000 cubic feet.

The dollar strengthened to 113.70 yen from 113.11 yen while the euro fell to $1.1157 from $1.1196.

U.S. government bonds fell, pushing their yields higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 1.98 percent from 1.93 percent late Thursday

Industrial and precious metals were mixed. Gold fell $13.40 to $1,259.40 an ounce. Silver climbed 5.6 cents to $15.61 an ounce and copper rose 2.1 cents to $2.24 a pound.

 

MSP: Springfield man arrested in Holyoke with gun, charged with impersonating Hampden County correctional officer

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Tyrus Martin, 26, was charged with a slew of offenses, including illegal gun possession and impersonating a law enforcement officer.

HOLYOKE — A Springfield man was arrested in Holyoke for illegally carrying a gun and impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to Massachusetts State Police officials at Framingham headquarters.

Around 3 p.m. Thursday, a trooper from the Northampton barracks pulled over a Nissan 350Z on Homestead Avenue for several motor vehicle infractions, State Police said.

After a subsequent investigation, 26-year-old Tyrus Martin was found to be in possession of a Hampden County Sheriff's Department jacket and badge, as well as a correctional officer's identification card, police said.

Further investigation revealed that Martin was in possession of a Hi-Point C9 9mm handgun with 5 rounds of ammunition in the magazine, police said. Martin was arrested and taken to the Northampton barracks, where he was booked on the following charges:

  • possession of a gun without a license;
  • possession of ammunition without a Firearms Identification Card;
  • driving with a revoked registration;
  • driving an uninsured vehicle;
  • driving an unregistered vehicle;
  • and impersonating a public official.

Martin was expected to be arraigned on the charges in Holyoke District Court. It was not immediately known if he has a lawyer.

"Further investigation into the Hampden County Sheriff's Department items continues," State Police said in a press release.

Martin's name does not appear on the state's public employee database.


Yesterday's top stories: Worcester shooting victims identified, restaurant delivers pizza to hospital as dying man's last wish, and more

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Police are seeking the public's help finding a 16-year-old Springfield girl who has been missing since Jan. 14.

These were the most read stories on MassLive.com yesterday. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now. The most viewed photo gallery was Frederick Gore's pictures from the 5th annual Celebrate Springfield Award Dinner, above.

1) Victims of shooting inside Worcester apartment identified as Alex Lora and Jessica McKeon [Lindsay Corcoran]

2) The Boynton fulfills dying man's wish by delivering pizza to Worcester hospital [Lindsay Corcoran]

3) Springfield police seek help finding missing 16-year-old girl [George Graham]

4) 3 arrested as Connecticut 'drug factory' shut down; 5 pounds of cocaine, crack, heroin, plus $80K in cash & guns seized [Patrick Johnson]

5) What to know about WR Chris Hogan, likely to join the New England Patriots [Kevin Duffy]

Photos: Seen@ CityStage for interactive Beatles tribute 'Yesterday and Today'

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City Stage was rocked by the sounds of the Beatles Friday night during the Yesterday and Today interactive musical performance.

SPRINGFIELD - CityStage was rocked by the sounds of the Beatles Friday night during the Yesterday and Today interactive musical performance. The band is known for no wigs, no accents and pure interaction with members of the audience, who pick the night's musical playlist.

Band members include Billy McGuigan, Matthew McGuigan, Ryan McGuigan, Jay Hanson, Rich Miller and Tara Vaughan.

"I like referring to what we do as a grassroots Beatles show, a term that seems especially appropriate during this political season," founder Billy McGuigan said in a recent interview with The Republican. "People have been responding to the fact we don't wear wigs and to the fact that they control the show in every way, that we are a vessel for them as they pick the songs they want to hear and the stories that go along with them."

Request cards are available in the lobby of CityStage, where concert-goers can list their name, favorite Beatles song and why they chose it, such as a memory it brings back for them.

A second performance is set for Saturday, March 12. For more information on the show call the box office at 413-788-7033 or check out the official CityStage website here.


2 accidents within 1 mile on Massachusetts Turnpike in Brimfield cause traffic delay Friday

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Massachusetts State Police responded to two separate accidents that occurred in the eastbound lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike Friday afternoon.

Massachusetts State Police responded to two separate accidents that occurred in the eastbound lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike Friday afternoon.

Both were reported around 3 p.m., a sergeant in the Charlton barracks said. One occurred in Brimfield near the 73 mile marker along the turnpike, the other less than a half-mile away. Neither accident resulted in injuries, police said.

By 3:30 p.m., both vehicles were moved into the breakdown lane. The standstill traffic that gathered following the accidents is expected to clear soon.

Bernie Sanders calls Donald Trump 'pathological liar,' denies campaign organized protests that disrupted Chicago rally

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Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders blasted GOP front-runner Donald Trump Saturday as a "pathological liar," stressing that his campaign did not organize protests that disrupted the businessman's Friday night rally in Chicago.

SPRINGFIELD ‒ Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders blasted GOP front-runner Donald Trump Saturday as a "pathological liar," stressing that his campaign did not organize protests that disrupted the businessman's Friday night rally in Chicago.

Sanders, in response to Trump's suggestion that the Vermont senator should tell his supporters to 'stop,' contended that protests targeted at the businessman are brought on by his own actions.

"What caused the protests at Trump's rally is a candidate that has promoted hatred and division against Latinos, Muslims, women and people with disabilities, and his birther attacks against the legitimacy of President (Barack) Obama," he said. "What caused the violence at Trump's rally is a campaign whose words and actions have encouraged it on the part of his supporters."

Sanders pointed to comments the GOP front-runner has reportedly made about wanting to punch protesters in the face, as well as reports of a female journalist allegedly being assaulted by Trump's campaign manager.

"When that is what the Trump campaign is doing, we should not be surprised that there is a response," the senator said.

Sanders called on his Republican rival to "stop provoking violence" and tell supporters that protesters should not be assaulted.

Trump, while campaigning in Dayton, Ohio, blamed Sanders for having to cancel the Chicago rally, arguing that his own backers "caused no problem," The Hill reported.

"They were taunted, they were harassed by these other people -- by the way, some represented Bernie, our communist friend," Trump reportedly said. "With Bernie, he should really get up and say to his people, 'stop, stop.' Not me."

The Chicago campaign event was canceled following large demonstrations and fights between supporters and protesters.

Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also raised concerns about Chicago protests, saying while Trump's not totally to blame, he "bears some responsibility for the general tone for the things happening."

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who Trump also blamed in part for the protests, meanwhile, stressed that "violence has no place in our politics."

"We should use our words and deeds to bring Americans together," she said in a statement.

Photos: Seen@ Westfield YMCA holds annual Chili, Chowder and Chocolate Cook-Off

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Local residents' taste buds got a workout Saturday, as the Westfield YMCA held its sixth annual Chili, Chowder and Chocolate Cook-Off fundraiser.

WESTFIELD – Local residents' taste buds got a workout Saturday, as the Westfield YMCA held its sixth annual Chili, Chowder and Chocolate Cook-Off fundraiser.

Local chefs put their culinary skills on display, while attendees got to sample and vote for a variety of dishes, prepared by local restaurants and civic organizations, in three categories - chili, chowder and chocolate. The cook-off drew hundreds of guests to the YMCA building.

YMCA CEO Andrea Allard said the event helped raise funds for YMCA of Greater Westfield's annual campaign and Kev's Foundation, an organization that aims to educate and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults.

Susan Canning, director of Kev's Foundation and mother of Kevin, for whom the foundation is named, said the organization facilitates free youth heart screenings, helps provide resources for public access defibrillator programs and teaches the importance of early bystander CPR/AED education and awareness in communities.

Cook-off winners included the Westfield Rotary Club, in the chili and chocolate categories; and Shortstop Bar & Grill of Westfield, in the chowder category.


Girard Avenue fire displaces 2, causes $10,000-plus in damage

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A fire at a Girard Avenue apartment complex has displaced two city residents and resulted in more than $10,000 in damage, Springfield Fire officials reported Saturday.

SPRINGFIELD ‒ A fire at a Girard Avenue apartment complex has displaced two city residents and resulted in more than $10,000 in damage, Springfield Fire officials reported Saturday.

Firefighters responded to reports of a blaze at Bergen Circle Towers, located at 15 Girard Ave., just after 3:30 p.m.

Dennis Leger, executive aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said the fire was sparked in the bedroom of an apartment due to an overloaded electrical circuit. It caused an estimated $10,000 to 15,000 in damage.

According to Leger, no injuries have been reported and the flames were quickly extinguished. The fire did not spread to other apartments.

While the unit's two adult occupants have been displaced by the fire, Leger said the management company has offered them another apartment. The Red Cross will also provide assistance.

State Police: Dump truck's wheels dislodged, caused multi-car crash on I-95 in Waltham

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A 27-year-old Boston woman sustained serious injuries after her car was reportedly struck by a wheel that dislodged from a dump truck on Interstate 95 in Waltham on Saturday, Massachusetts State Police have reported.

WALTHAM ‒ A 27-year-old Boston woman sustained serious injuries Saturday after her car was reportedly struck by a wheel that dislodged from a dump truck on Interstate 95 in Waltham, Massachusetts State Police have reported.

Troopers from the Concord barracks responded to reports of a multi-vehicle crash on I-95 North near exit 26 just after 11 a.m.

Preliminary investigation suggested that the crash occurred after the right rear wheels dislodged from a 1999 Ford Super Duty truck with a dump body that was traveling south on the highway, according to state police. One of the tires reportedly struck a 2008 Toyota Prius traveling in the left lane, while the other allegedly bounced over the concrete median barrier where it struck a 2013 Mazda 3 traveling northbound.

The 60-year-old operator of the Prius and his passenger were not injured in the incident, police said. The unidentified female operator of the Mazda, which suffered heavy damage to the roof and windshield, was transported to the Lahey Clinic with serious injuries.

According to state police, the cause of the wheels being dislodged remains under investigation.

Valdir Dossantos, 48, of Lowell, the truck's operator and only occupant, was arrested for alleged unlicensed operation and transported to the Concord Barracks for booking. He was released on bail and is set to appear in Waltham District Court on Monday.

Waltham Fire and EMS assisted state police on scene.

NY tugboat sinks in 'shocking, horrific' crash with barge; 1 dead, 2 missing

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New York State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and fire and police agencies from Westchester and Rockland counties were searching for the missing crew members.

NEW YORK -- A tugboat crashed into a barge on the Hudson River north of New York City early Saturday, killing one crew member and leaving two missing and presumed dead.

The 90-foot tugboat named Specialist hit a barge around 5:20 a.m. near where the new Tappan Zee Bridge, which connects two counties north of New York City, is being built, police said. The tugboat sank, spilling about 5,000 gallons of fuel into the water, authorities said.

New York State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and fire and police agencies from Westchester and Rockland counties were searching for the missing crew members.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino identified the dead crewman as Paul Amon, 62, of Bayville, New Jersey. Attempts to reach his family were not immediately successful. The missing crewmen have yet to be identified.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said State Police divers were using sonar equipment to determine the exact location of the sunken tug and still assessing whether it was safe to send divers into the river to search for the other two victims. He said the exact location of the tugboat on the river bottom was not yet known.

While not specifically saying the other two had died, Cuomo said: "You have three people who left for work and who aren't going to come home."


Authorities said three tugboats were pushing a barge from Albany to Jersey City, New Jersey, when one of the three -- situated on the right side as it headed south -- hit a stationary barge that was part of the Tappan Zee Bridge construction project.

A tugboat on the left side of the barge that was being pushed, as well as one that was pushing the barge from the rear, were not involved in the accident.

Cuomo said in a statement that 21 workers were on the bridge construction barge that was hit, but none of them was injured. He said it appeared the workers realized the barge was about to be struck and braced for impact. He added the construction barge was illuminated at the time of the pre-dawn collision.

The accident occurred near the center of the existing Tappan Zee Bridge, and the Specialist sank in about 40 feet of water within minutes, authorities said. The water temperature in the area was about 40 degrees, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Cuomo said a team from the state Department of Environmental Conservation was on site with a private contractor and were deploying booms to contain the leaking diesel fuel. He said he did not expect any "long-term damage" as a result of the spill.

Crewmember killed in NY tugboat crash ID'd as NJ man

James Mercante, an attorney for the owner of Specialist, said the crew was licensed, competent and experienced personnel.

"It's a shocking, horrific marine tragedy," Mercante said. "Right now the company is more concerned with the families of the crew and mourning."

A spokeswoman for Tappan Zee Constructors, a consortium of companies building the new bridge, said the company is cooperating in the investigation.

The crash occurred near the scene of a 2013 boat crash that killed a bride-to-be and her fiance's best man.

That incident, which killed Lindsey Stewart and Mark Lennon, both 30, also involved a Tappan Zee Bridge construction barge. Victims' families have filed lawsuits against several construction companies in that crash. The Coast Guard and the state Thruway Authority, which is building the bridge, said the barge was properly lighted, although additional lighting was installed after the crash.

The new bridge is to replace an adjacent aging span that now connects Westchester and Rockland counties. Construction on the $3.9 billion project began in October 2013 and is expected to be completed by 2018.

Police deliver 1,100 'care bags' to Easthampton Community Center

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Students in Longmeadow assembled the bags of personal care products for local food pantries through a "Read to Care" program.

A police department truck pulled up to the Easthampton Community Center Friday morning and six officers sprang into action.

However, there was no crime in progress -- the truck had just returned from the Center Elementary School in Longmeadow where students had assembled hundreds of full-size grocery bags full of personal care products. More than a thousand of the "care bags" were earmarked for the community center's food pantry, and had been transported from one community to the other courtesy of the Easthampton Police Department.

Officers Ed Murray, Billy Mielke, Chad Alexander, Kyle Kinlock, Alan Schadel and Sgt. Chris Patenaude made short work of the unloading task, and within moments had transferred dozens of boxes of the care bags into the building.

"We're just happy to help out," said Alexander.

The Longmeadow students had earned the bags for charity through a "Read to Care" program, where they collectively read for 264,026 minutes. The children on Friday celebrated with a Peace Rally attended by State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, police from several communities, and other officials.

Robin Bialecki, director of the community center, said she was "incredibly impressed" with the effort, and that the care packages will be put to good use.

"One thing people don't understand is that you can't use food stamps to buy things like shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant," Bialecki said. "And personal care products are not generally available from the food bank."

Bialecki said that many of her clients are seniors, and living on a fixed income. "It's impossible to live on Social Security," she said. "These are full-size, one-gallon bags full of good, high-quality, products. It's going to help them a lot. We're very grateful."

New York State Police: Amber Alert canceled, 7-year-old Conn. boy recovered

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A 7-year-old Connecticut boy who was reportedly abducted by his father early Saturday has been located and safely recovered, New York State Police have reported.

SPRINGFIELD ‒ A 7-year-old Connecticut boy who was reportedly abducted by his father early Saturday has been located and safely recovered, New York State Police have reported.

According to state police, the Trumbull, Connecticut Police Department canceled the Amber Alert for Ariel Revello around 6:30 p.m.

New York State Police said on Facebook that Revello had been safely recovered. No further details on the cancelation have been reported.

The Amber Alert was issued Saturday morning after Rodolfo Revello allegedly forced his way into the child's home. Police reported that he assaulted his estranged wife in a bedroom before grabbing a knife, which his 17-year-old stepson wrested away.

According to police, the elder Revello allegedly escaped through a window with jewelry, thousands in cash and 7-year-old Ariel.

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