The FBI said Wednesday that it will not publicly disclose the method that allowed it to access a locked iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino attackers, saying it lacks enough "technical information" about the software vulnerability that was exploited.

WASHINGTON -- The FBI said Wednesday that it will not publicly disclose the method that allowed it to access a locked iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino attackers, saying it lacks enough "technical information" about the software vulnerability that was exploited.

The decision resolves one of the thorniest questions that has confronted the federal government since it revealed last month, with minimal details, that an unidentified third party had come forward with a successful method for opening the phone. The FBI did not say how it had obtained access, leaving manufacturer Apple Inc. in the dark about how it was done.

The new announcement means that details of how the outside entity and the FBI managed to bypass the digital locks on the phone without help from Apple will remain secret, frustrating public efforts to understand the vulnerability that was detected and potentially complicating efforts to fix it.

In a statement Wednesday, FBI official Amy Hess said that although the FBI had purchased the method to access the phone -- FBI Director James Comey suggested last week it had paid more than $1 million -- the agency did not "purchase the rights to technical details about how the method functions, or the nature and extent of any vulnerability upon which the method may rely in order to operate."

The FBI's explanation raises the possibility that it applied a purchased exploit against what it described as a potentially key piece of evidence in a sensational terrorism investigation without knowing the full technical details of what it was doing to that iPhone.

The government has for years recommended that security researchers work cooperatively and confidentially with software manufacturers before revealing that a product might be susceptible to hackers. The Obama administration has said that while disclosing a software vulnerability can weaken an opportunity to gather intelligence, leaving unprotected Internet users vulnerable to intrusions is not ideal either.

An interagency federal government effort known as the vulnerability equities process is responsible for reviewing such defects and weighing the pros and cons of disclosing them, taking into account whether the vulnerability can be fixed, whether it poses a significant risk if left unpatched and how much harm it could cause if discovered by an adversary.

Hess, the executive assistant director of the FBI's science and technology branch, said Wednesday the FBI did not have enough technical details about the vulnerability to submit it to that process.

"By necessity, that process requires significant technical insight into a vulnerability. The VEP cannot perform its function without sufficient detail about the nature and extent of a vulnerability," she said.

An Apple lawyer told reporters earlier this month that the company still believes the iPhone to be one of the most secure products on the market and expressed confidence that the vulnerability that was discovered would have a "short shelf life."

The revelation last month that the FBI had managed to access the work phone of Syed Farook -- who along with his wife killed 14 people in the December attacks in San Bernardino before dying in a police shootout -- halted an extraordinary court fight that flared a month earlier when a federal magistrate in California directed Apple to help the FBI hack into the device. Since then, the government has not disclosed the entity or said anything about how the work was done.

At an appearance earlier this month at Kenyon College in Ohio, Comey said the FBI had not yet decided whether to disclose details to Apple but suggested that the agency had reservations about doing so.

"If we tell Apple, they're going to fix it and we're back where we started," Comey said. "As silly as it may sound, we may end up there. We just haven't decided yet."

The FBI director was correct, but that's exactly the way the process should work, said Joseph Lorenzo Hall, senior technologist at the Center for Democracy and Technology.

"If you're going to use flaws in the technology to gain access, then you better be prepared to report it," he said.

Given the imperfections inherent in software writing, and their ability to be exploited for access, "Those bugs need to be fixed as fast as we can because we have no clue about whether there are tons and tons of bugs -- or just a few," he said.

Though one can imagine a scenario in which the FBI would hold onto its secret for "a little while," vulnerabilities generally should be reported to the company so they have an opportunity to patch them, said Susan Landau, a cybersecurity policy professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

"To me, and I think the government would clearly agree, the default should be report," she said.

The discussion is recommended for those who enjoyed the book, "Being Mortal," Wilbraham Public Library Adult Services Librarian Mary Bell said.

WILBRAHAM — Margot Malachowski will lead a discussion of the book "Your Medical Mind" on May 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wilbraham Public Library.

"If you enjoyed 'Being Mortal,' and started thinking about ways in which we interact with our doctors to determine treatment, this will be an excellent practical follow-up," Adult Services Librarian Mary Bell said.

In "Your Medical Mind," doctors Jerome Groopman and Pamela Hartzband draw from doctors, patients, psychologists and more to discuss how we make choices and how to make the best decisions about our medical care.

Margot Malachowski, Baystate Health Community Outreach Librarian, will lead the discussion.

Participants can pick up a copy of the book at the library to read before coming, or request the book through the library catalog accessible through the library's website www.wilbrahamlibrary.org. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 413-596-6141.

Dr. Jen Childs-Roshak, president of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and its advocacy fund, says a just-released survey on what constitutes consent in a sexual encounter shows little consensus among respondents and underscores a need for better sex education in schools

A just-released survey (pdf) on what constitutes consent in a sexual encounter shows little consensus among respondents and underscores a need for better sex education in schools, said Dr. Jen Childs-Roshak, president of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and its advocacy fund.

The survey shows women are still considered to be "asking for trouble" when they go to a party in "revealing clothes," and to be "at least somewhat responsible" if they are sexually assaulted while drunk.

"Education about consent is a key component of sexual assault prevention," said Childs-Roshak whose fund is among the supporters of the proposed Healthy Youth Act in the Massachusetts Legislature. It address what should constitute appropriate sex education curriculum.

"Open, honest communication between partners is necessary to ensure that sex is safe and mutually consensual, and this is a skill that can be learned. Silence is not consent. Saying 'I don't know' is not consent. Being pressured or manipulated into doing something is not consent. We need to teach young people how to say 'no' or 'I'm not sure' and how to listen to and respect others' boundaries."

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, one out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime, and 15 percent of sexual assault and rape victims are under age 12.

Childs-Roshak, the first physician to lead PPLM, said "its becoming clear in schools, workplaces, and communities that sex without consent is sexual assault and it is unacceptable," but said "more needs to be done."

She said Planned Parenthood Federation of America did the survey because "enjoying healthy relationships free from sexual violence is a sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice issue."

Designed to highlight what is understood about consent and assault during a sexual encounter, the survey involved some 2,012 adults, ages 18 to 95.

More women than men disagreed that "mixed signals can sometimes mean consent" and more women than men disagreed that "someone not saying no means they are giving consent for more sexual activity."

More women than men also disagreed that "if a woman is sexually assaulted while she is drunk, she is at least somewhat responsible for what happened."

"No one should be blamed for being assaulted, belittled, or brushed aside when they come forward about their experience. Policies and resources for survivors of sexual assault should support, not shame or judge, survivors," Childs-Roshak said.

She attributed some misconceptions to the fact that "less than a third of U.S. adults were taught anything at all related to consent, sexual assault, or healthy relationships in middle or high school."

Childs-Roshak said the survey's results "show there is a strong need and desire for sex education that includes lessons about consent and healthy relationships"

"In order to curb sexual violence, we need to teach young people how to talk about sex, including how to ask for and recognize consent," Childs-Roshak said.

"Age-appropriate comprehensive sex education combats sexual assault at its roots by providing young people with the tools and skills they need to ensure healthy, respectful and mutually consensual experiences."

Childs-Roshak said the survey "doesn't provide answers" to why women and men differ in their understanding of consent as well as sexual assault. However, she said it does show "parents talked with their daughters more than their sons about how to say no to a sexual activity, how to reduce the risk of being sexually assaulted, and rights and support services available if they have been sexually assaulted."

"It's not enough for us to only talk with young women about how to say no to sex or how to reduce their risk of being sexually assaulted -- all young people need the tools and skills to ensure healthy, respectful, and mutually consensual experiences," Childs-Roshak said.

In Massachusetts, the minimum age of consent for sexual intercourse is 16.

Childs-Roshak said the survey shows "overwhelming public support for teaching how to ask for consent, how to recognize whether your partner is giving consent and how to avoid sexually assaulting someone in high schools." Percentage of respondents supporting those areas of education were 88 percent, 93 percent and 95 percent.

There is no mandatory (pdf) sex education in the commonwealth, but the Healthy Youth Act before the House Committee on Ways and Means would require any curriculum taught to be "age appropriate" and "medically accurate."

Childs-Roshak said the mandates of the act "would ensure that a Massachusetts public school electing to teach sex education selects an appropriate curriculum that's medically accurate, age-appropriate, and truly comprehensive."

"Such curriculum would include age-appropriate discussions about consent that help students develop the relationship and communication skills to form healthy, respectful relationships free of violence, coercion, or intimidation," Childs-Roshak said.

She added that "parents should be their children's primary sexuality educator" and that PPLM offers programs "to help parents and caregivers gain information and resources to empower them to have honest, open communication with their children about healthy relationships and sexuality."

"Unfortunately, not every young person has this type of relationship with a parent or guardian," Childs-Roshak said.

"We need to make sure schools offer comprehensive sex education that teaches this information as well, so every young person can learn about healthy relationships."

She added that "young people need to understand that without a freely given and clear 'yes,' they do not have consent and sex should not happen."

"If young people of all genders learn about consent before they are sexually active, they are in a much better position to understand and value it."

Highlights posted by PPFA from the survey (pdf) include statistics that show:

• Between 19 and 37 percent of people responding indicated they strongly agree that taking off their own clothes (35 percent); getting a condom (37 percent); nodding in agreement (24 percent); engaging in foreplay (22 percent) or not saying "no" (19 percent) indicates consent for more sexual activity. Between 12 and 13 percent of people indicated they strongly disagree that these behaviors mean consent (with the exception that 20 percent of people indicate they strongly disagree that not saying "no" is giving consent).


• Women were statistically significantly more likely than men to strongly agree that consent must be given at each step in a sexual encounter (women 27 percent, men 19 percent); that if a person initiates sex, but during foreplay says they no longer want to, the person has not given consent to continue (women 36 percent, men 31 percent).


• Women were statistically significantly more likely than men to strongly disagree that consent for sex one time is consent for future sex (women 75 percent, men 64 percent); that mixed signals can sometimes mean consent (women 45 percent, men 35 percent); engaging in foreplay such as kissing or touching means someone is giving consent for more sexual activity (women 17 percent, men 10 percent); and that someone not saying no means they are giving consent for more sexual activity (12 percent women, 9 percent men).


• Women were also statistically significantly less likely to hold misconceptions about sexual assault, including being more likely than men to strongly disagree that if a woman is sexually assaulted while she is drunk, she is at least somewhat responsible for what happened (women 57 percent, men 48 percent); that when women go to parties wearing revealing clothes, they are asking for trouble (women 48 percent, men 35 percent); and sexual assault accusations are often used by women as a way of getting back at men (women 25 percent, men 13 percent).

Narcan can be a lifeline for opoiods addicts, according to the district attorney. "Any chance at saving a young person's life is a worthy endeavor," Gulluni said.

AGAWAM — Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni praised Agawam Public Schools for embracing Narcan, a drug that reverses the effects of a heroin or opioid painkiller overdose.

Rather than debate the subject – is opioid abuse a crime or a public safety crisis? – Agawam wants to be ready if any of its students overdose on heroin, painkillers or other opioids. Gulluni commended the school district for its preparedness.

"I applaud the Agawam School Department for its proactive approach," the county's top law enforcer told The Republican on Wednesday. "The pre-deployment of this lifesaving drug offers potential victims a chance at recovery."

By Sept. 1, all Agawam schools will stock Narcan, a nasal spray that acts as a medical antidote for heroin or painkiller overdoses. Agawam schools should use every tool to save a student's life, Superintendent William P. Sapelli said. The drug is on order for the school district, but information about the cost and quantity was not immediately available.

Adapt Pharma, the creators of Narcan, announced in January that the company was donating the drug to high schools across the U.S. to help address the growing risk of teenagers overdosing on opioids. The pharmaceutical company also provided a grant to the National Association of School Nurses for additional opioid overdose training.

Narcan, which is used by first responders and public safety agencies across Massachusetts, will be distributed to high schools throughout the state by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In the case of Agawam, Sapelli said, the drug will be available in all city schools, grades kindergarten through 12.

"You don't have to do this, but you'd be crazy not to," the superintendent said, referring to schools that don't stock the drug.

Critics point out that Narcan does nothing to stanch the epidemic of heroin and opioid overdoses sweeping Massachusetts and the rest of the nation, because the drug itself does nothing to treat the root cause of the problem – addiction.

Still, state officials believe that preventing deaths – especially of teenagers who get trapped in the cycle of addiction – is a good thing, no matter what the cause. According to the demographics of addiction in Massachusetts, the people most likely to die from heroin and other opioid overdoses are under the age of 50. And an increasing number of these victims are teens.

Narcan is typically administered in a nasal spray format. (MassLive / File Photo) 

Public schools across the commonwealth are coming to terms with the opioid crisis, realizing that no district is immune from the threat. An October 2015 survey by the state Department of Public Health found that at least 30 percent of Bay State school districts have already equipped or plan to equip their nurses with Narcan.

State data show that the opioid crisis primarily affects younger residents. From January to September 2015, almost 250 Massachusetts residents between the ages of 25 and 34 died of opioid overdoses, according to the Health Department's Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.

During that same period, people ranging in age from 35 to 44 were the second-highest age group to die from an overdose (203 deaths), while the group composed of 45- to 54-year-olds ranked third (178 deaths). Also during that eight-month period, 81 commonwealth residents between the ages of 15 to 24 died of an opioid overdose, state data show.

Narcan isn't a panacea, but it can be a lifeline for addicts, according to Gulluni. "Any chance at saving a young person's life is a worthy endeavor," the district attorney said.

The program would be from 6 to 7 a.m. at Minnechaug Regional High School from September through November. Anyone interested is asked to call the high school.

WILBRAHAM — The Adult and Community Education Department at Minnechaug Regional High School is trying to gauge interest in a morning lap swim at the high school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.

The program will start in September and run through the end of November.

Anyone who is interested is asked to call 413-599-1831.

The East Longmeadow Police Department will hold a drug take-back on Saturday.

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow will hold a drug take-back program on Saturday, enabling the public to rid their homes of unused, expired or unwanted pills.

Residents may take their pills to the East Longmeadow Police Department on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"We are proud to partner with the DEA for this Take Back, and with the ELYSC in the coordinated effort to battle the opioid epidemic that has plagued our community," an East Longmeadow Police Department statement says.

Only pills will be accepted, the statement said. The disposal program does not include service for liquids or needles. "The ELPD has taken part in past Take Back events, where a total of over 1,000 lbs of expired and unused medication has been disposed of properly," the release states.

Gianna Pedace-Allentuck's new book is dedicated to her late father, John Joseph Pedace, former principal of Soule Road School and Wilbraham Junior High School in Wilbraham.

WILBRAHAM — Gianna Pedace-Allentuck, of Longmeadow, a Springfield educator, has written a book, the sales of which she hopes will help underprivileged youth and their families in Springfield.

Allentuck said she hopes sales of the book will help Springfield youth gain access to boxing and poetry hip-hop programs, as well as provide funds for attendance incentives, field trips, books and uniforms.

Allentuck is an adjustment counselor at Elias Brookings Elementary School in Springfield. She also is a member of the Mayor's Citywide Violence Prevention Task Force.

Allentuck has partnered with African American Point of View, a community news magazine, to produce her new book, "Education: Our Foundation – A Portrait in Words and Beauty."

She said the book celebrates education.

She will have a book signing on May 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wilbraham Middle School on Stony Hill Road. A donation of $25 to the non-profit Sonelia Incorporated, by cash or check, is asked for a copy of the book to support initiatives that benefit underprivileged youth.

The book is dedicated to the memory of Gianna's father, John Joseph Pedace, who served as principal of Soule Road School and Wilbraham Junior High School. He died in 2013 at age 74.

In the book dedication, Allentuck calls her father, "beloved father, model educator and purveyor of strength, faith and hope."

The photographs in the book are by Allentuck's brother, John Pedace, also an educator.

The book contains contributions from Chris Matthews, author of "Hardball: How Politics is Played by One Who Knows the Game," and by Frederick and Marjorie Hurst, co-owners of African American Point of View.

Programs that the sale of the book will fund include, but are not limited to, The Officials Club Boxing program for at-risk youth, the Peace through Education Acceptance Courage and Expression (PEACE) Poetry Hip Hop program, attendance incentives, United in Hope Celebrating Education Community Engagement event, Character RISE! character development initiative, Celebration of the Arts youth performance showcase, uniforms, field trips and positive behavior incentives.

Anyone with questions may contact Allentuck at GAllentuck@aol.com.

The Holyoke Historical Commission still wants the 115-year-old Mater Dolorosa Church preserved, though another push to protect the closed church by seeking establishment of a Polish historic district is unlikely.

HOLYOKE -- A year after a rejection, little chance exists that another attempt will be made to establish a Polish Heritage Historic District.

The City Council voted 8-7 against the plan on April 7, 2015 despite supporters saying the historic designation was necessary to save the closed Mater Dolorosa Church from demolition.

"As for another effort regarding a new Polish historic district, I don't think there is an appetite for that ...," Historical Commission Chairwoman Olivia Mausel said Wednesday.

But, Mausel said, the commission's desire remains as strong as ever to preserve the 115-year-old Mater Dolorosa Church at Lyman and Maple streets whose heritage is that it was built and paid for by Polish immigrants.

"Yes, the Historical Commission does want the 'MD Church' to be preserved. The broken glass in the front door needs to be fixed. We would like to see new ownership of the building, new owners who respect the building and what it stands for and will restore the building to its former glory," Mausel said.

The latter was a reference to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, which owns the church and whose officials have denied assertions that the yoke of historic privilege was needed to stop them from ordering the church leveled.

The church remains closed and the Diocese welcomes proposals from buyers or others with reuse ideas, spokesman Mark E. Dupont said.

"We remain open to any proposals that come our way," Dupont said.

Aside, that is, from Mater Dolorosa ever becoming a church again, he said.

"There are absolutely no plans to restore it as a Catholic church," Dupont said.

Mater Dolorosa Church closed in 2011, one of more than 60 churches shut down since 2000 by the Diocese, which covers Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties.

The apparent final blow for Mater Dolorosa Church fell in May 2015 with the announcement from the Vatican's high court, the Apostolic Signatura, that the Diocese can officially close the church.

The Apostolic Signatura ruling came after appeals by the group Friends of Mater Dolorosa. The group's desire to restore Mater Dolorosa as a parish inspired members to keep a 24-hour vigil in the church for a full year after the June 2011 closing.

Friends of Mater Dolorosa members still hold gatherings outside the church such as a prayer and memorial service Christmas morning.

Meanwhile, Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski has ordered that updated structural analyses be done on numerous Diocese facilities including Mater Dolorosa Church in a step Dupont said was routine.

The level of mistrust and even vitriol between the sides that clashed over the Polish historic district issue in the four years that the proposal was being compiled suggests other motives might be detected in the Diocese's ordering of a structural analysis.

When the Diocese closed Mater Dolorosa Church, two reasons were cited: declining parishioner numbers and concerns about the stability of the church's steeple. But while an engineer for the Diocese said that the steeple was unsound, an engineer for Friends of Mater Dolorosa countered that the steeple would stand for years.

The proposed historic district would have included 21 residential and commercial properties on the south side of Lyman Street, with Mater Dolorosa Church the unquestioned prize.

The Diocese argued that including Mater Dolorosa Church in such a district would have created an unfair financial burden. The burden would have fallen on Our Lady of the Cross parishioners here in the form of funding historic-standard upkeep of the church, Diocese officials said.

If a historic district were established and included Mater Dolorosa Church, the Diocese would consider filing a lawsuit against the city, Dupont had said.

The City Council's 8-7 vote of a year ago on the Polish Heritage Historic District wasn't as close as it seemed: Because the proposal was a zoning matter, a two-thirds majority of the 15-member City Council -- or 10 votes -- was necessary for passage.

The First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow will hold a plant, bake and tag sale next month.

EAST LONGMEADOW — Rain or shine, the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow will hold a benefit sale next month.

The plant, bake and tag sale will be held at the church on May 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a statement from the church says. Local crafters who make and sell garden-related items will be selling their wares at the sale.

"A large variety of perennials, ground covers, small shrubs and flowering vines will be on sale," the statement says. "A raffle will be held for a beautiful 'Gardener's Gift Basket.'"

All proceeds for the event benefit the church's Gardens and Grounds Committee. Those with questions can call the church at (413) 525-4121.

Hampden Superior Court files from 1990 to 1995 will be shredded beginning in late May or early June to make space for new cases.

SPRINGFIELD -- Thousands of criminal and civil court files containing indictments, complaints, pleadings and judgments, dating from 1990 to 1995, will be destroyed this year at Hampden Superior Court to make room in the archives in the Hall of Justice.

Laura S. Gentile, clerk of courts, said the project comes on the heels of her efforts to streamline all facets of the operation. That included returning $70,000 in cash held as evidence to the state treasury, she said.

"We have to keep cases for 20 years and we need to do this spring cleaning," Gentile said.

Gentile said she expects the process of shredding files to begin in late May or early June and continue until the project is completed.

Laura GentileFile photo 

Persons wishing to get further information about the targeted court files should call the clerk's office at 413-735-6013.

"We keep files with historical significance, those that are two inches thick or more and those of people still serving sentences," she said.

Gentile said Judith Fabricant, chief justice of the Superior Court, sanctioned the undertaking.

The Supreme Judicial Court requires files that end in double zero and 50 be kept.

Gentile said that files that see greater use, such as those with 2005 and 2006 docket numbers, will be moved to the basement to permit storage of newly created files in the third floor clerk's office.

"It makes us more effective while giving the public maximum immediate access to case files," she said.

Brady Kahle and Landen Palatino of Springfield have stirred up international attention after Brady began selling his baseball cards to raise money for Landen, who is battling brain cancer.

SPRINGFIELD -- It all started with a monthly card show, a few baseball cards and a genuine friendship between two boys.

Brady Kahle, 9, decided to help his friend Landen Palatino, 8, after Landen was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer several months ago. Brady heard his parents talking about how to help the family and asked them if selling some of his baseball cards would help raise money for Landen's mom, who had to leave her job to care for him.

Brady's mom, Jessie Kahle, said she was touched by his desire to help and set up a table for him at the monthly "Cards, Coins and Collectibles Show" at the Chicopee Boys & Girls Club. At the first show, he raised almost $4,000.

Since then, the boys have been interviewed on television and radio and got a call from Roberto Clemente's widow, free tickets to a Springfield Falcons game, a visit from Star Wars impersonators, tons of cards and letters and calls of support.

Most recently, they got a chance to each pitch a ball at a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park.

"It's been incredible. At this point, Brady has raised just shy of $8,000," said Jessie Kahle.

Kahle and Landen's mom, Tina Palatino, have been friends since high school. Their sons were on the same youth baseball team, although not in the same division.

After hearing about their story, the Red Sox reached out to the moms and asked if the boys could come to Boston to throw the ceremonial first pitch, tour Fenway Park, meet some players and hang out in the dugout.

"My favorite thing was going on the field and throwing the first pitch," said Landen.

Brady said he loved "all of it," especially "going inside the Green Monster and getting my jersey," he said, referring to the famed Fenway Park left field wall and Red Sox jerseys each boy received with their last names stitched on the back.

Springfield boy to sell baseball card collection to benefit friend battling cancer

Landen had surgery to have a grade 4 tumor removed in January. He is doing well, but still has to undergo treatment. Brady said he will continue to raise money as long as people want to help.

He will be at the "Cards, Coins and Collectibles Show" at the Chicopee Boys & Girls Club this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. He is also auctioning off his own baseball card signed "Brady 'The Moose' Kahle" on eBay, with proceeds going to Landen's family. The current highest bid is $103, and there are still four days to bid.

The city received a $400,000 state grant to do some of the work.

CHICOPEE - Concerned there is only one operational outdoor pool left, the City Council voted to borrow $2 million to remove and replace the pool at Ray Ash Park.

The work is expected to begin this spring but will take a season to build so the new pool will not be open until the summer of 2017 at the earliest.

The city has already received a $400,000 state grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs which will pay for part of the pool replacement. It is the only pool that was eligible for the grant.

"This goes to show the commitment we have to our youth. We do have a number of people who use our pools," City Councilor Gary Labrie said.

The new pool will meet modern standards, including being accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Repairs will be made to the existing bathhouse as part of the project.

City Councilor Stanley Walczak asked for a public hearing once the schematic design of the pool is finished so residents can ask questions and make suggestions for amenities or other changes.

The pool at Ray Ash Park closed down two summers ago after serious leaks and other problems were found with it.

Then an architecture and engineering firm hired to examine the condition of all four pools in the city found hazardous PCB's in the paint of three of the pools located at Ash, Szot and Fairview parks.

All three had to be closed last summer, leaving the pool at Rivers Park the only outdoor one open. The city also opened pools at Chicopee and Comprehensive high schools to give residents other spots to swim.

"It will be state of the art. This will be the beginning of making decisions about pools," Councilor James K. Tillotson said. "The cost of replacing pools is very expensive."

Tillotson said the city may not need to spend the entire $2 million on the project, especially since the state grant will fund some of the work.

The pool at Rivers Park is aging so it would be good to have at least one new pool that is new, Councilor William Courchesne said.

"We need to do this since Rivers is on its last legs," he said.

The City Council granted a special permit to Baystate Health Systems to build a $27 million combined heat and power plant, expected to result in millions of dollars in cost savings and reduced gas emissions.

SPRINGFIELD -- Baystate Health Systems received City Council approval this week to construct a new $27 million combined heat and power plant that will trigger millions of dollars in energy savings and a significant reduction in greenhouse gases.

The council voted unanimously to grant a special permit for the project on Monday night following a public hearing at City Hall.

The power plant will be located at 257 Marvin St., adjacent to the existing power plant, said Sean Gouvin, Baystate Health's director of facilities. Baystate owns the Marvin Street property and will relocate a historic house there to another site in the neighborhood, he said.

The current power plant was built over 80 years ago, and the existing equipment and boilers are over 40 years old, Gouvin said.

The current plant is "outdated and inefficient," but will remain as a back-up system, Gouvin said.

Baystate Health is estimating that the new plant will result in $2.7 million in annual cost savings for the health system. In addition, the new plant, which includes a 4.6-megawatt generator, will reduce harmful greenhouse gases by more than 13,000 metric tons annually and produce water, steam and electricity, Gouvin said.

Baystate is constructing the new plant after working with the city to obtain grant funds for innovative energy projects, officials said.

The cost of the new power system will be covered in part by a $5 million resiliency grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and by a $2.8 million grant from the Department of Energy Resources, Gouvin said. In addition Eversource contributed $5 million to the project and Baystate Health is investing $14.4 million, he said.

According to a city Planning Department review, the combined heat and power plant will provide Baystate with "non-grid electricity, chilled water and steam." It would also allow Baystate to operate for at least 30 days uninterrupted during a utility crisis, the review stated.

The project will provide 80 percent of Baystate's annual energy consumption, according to the review.

Council President Michael Fenton, who represents the Ward 2 district that includes Baystate Medical Center, praised Baystate for working closely with the Atwater Park Civic Association.

"There are a lot of things to be excited about (in) this project," Fenton said. "It's a great thing for the hospital. We need more corporate partners like Baystate."

A man allegedly dressed in a panda outfit was "neutralized" by police after threatening to blow up a TV news station in Baltimore, Maryland on Thursday.

BALTIMORE — Police appear to have shot a man who threatened to blow up a TV news station in Baltimore, Maryland, while dressed as a panda bear, according to CBS News.

The man dressed in a panda hoodie or "onesie," sunglasses, and a surgical mask, has reportedly been "neutralized" by authorities after he walked into the lobby of FOX45 claiming that he had a bomb strapped to his chest and was going to "blow up" the station unless his demands were met.

The man allegedly entered the building around 1:20 p.m. on Thursday and claimed that he had a USB drive with information concerning a government conspiracy that he wanted to be aired, according to FOX45. He reportedly compared his information to the Panama Papers – the recent data leak that exposed the firm Mossack Fonseca and its international tax-haven scheme.

The building was quickly evacuated after the announcement of the man's prescence.

After exiting the news station building and refusing to comply with police demands, the suspect dressed as a panda was shot by a sniper.

As he lay on the ground, he was scanned by a "bomb robot" for the explosives he claimed to have strapped to his body.

The suspect was subsequently taken into custody by a SWAT team. He is believed to have survived his experience with law enforcement.

City police were called to the Upper Hill neighborhood of Springfield Thursday for a report of shots fired on the street.

SPRINGFIELD -- City police were called to the Upper Hill neighborhood of Springfield Thursday for a report of shots fired on the street. 

A caller reported a passenger in a grey sedan firing a weapon minutes before 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 near the intersection of Cortland Street and Roosevelt Terrace. The vehicle reportedly fled the scene after shots were fired. 

Officers went to the scene shortly after to search for shell casings and interview any witnesses. 

This is a breaking news story. More information will be posted when it becomes available. 

Jorge Rodriguez-Nieves, of Holyoke, is charged with the fatal stabbing of Angel David Morales on July 13, 2014, in Holyoke. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD — A medical examiner on Thursday gave Hampden Superior Court jurors in the murder trial of Jorge Rodriguez-Nieves a tutorial on what happens when a chef's knife goes five inches into a man's neck.

Dr. Robert Welton, a state medical examiner who did the autopsy on Angel David Morales of Holyoke, said the left internal jugular was cut, as was the right carotid artery. The trachea (or windpipe) was partially cut, he said.

Welton was testifying at the trial of Rodriguez-Nieves, 42, of Holyoke, charged with murder for the fatal stabbing of Morales.

Welton said Morales would have been conscious for minutes immediately after the stabbing and would have felt pain while he was conscious. He said Morales would have been choking on his own blood, which would have been spurting because of the cutting of the major artery.

Jurors saw a waist-up photograph of Morales, 33, on the autopsy table, as Welton showed where the knife entered his neck on July 13, 2014, near Elm and Appleton streets at about 11:15 a.m.

Welton explained, using an anatomical image of the structure of the neck, where the carotid artery, the trachea and the jugular are located.

Also on display, introduced during testimony of state chemist Jennifer Preisig, was the chef's knife found in the utensil drawer in the 173 Elm St. apartment where Rodriguez-Nieves lived with his family. Preisig said there were red/brown stains on the knife and it was packaged for testing.

The trial, which will continue Friday, is being held in front of Hampden Superior Court Judge John A. Ferrara.

Morales was running away from a furious Rodriguez-Nieves on a Holyoke street two summers ago when Morales tripped and fell, Assistant District Attorney Henry Rigali said in his opening statement Wednesday. Rodriguez-Nieves got on top of Morales and stabbed him in the throat, Rigali said.

Rigali said Rodriguez-Nieves had heard a rumor Morales was saying he (Rodriguez-Nieves) was spending time with a woman other than his (Rodriguez-Nieves') wife.

Welton testified Morales had fresh abrasions on his left knee and arm and that he had a cut on the back of his left hand.

Rain will be in the forecast through the weekend in Massachusetts.

SPRINGFIELD -- Rain will be in the forecast through the weekend in Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service reports a slight chance of light rain Thursday evening, between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. in Western Massachusetts.

Skies are expected to stay dry in Central and Eastern Massachusetts overnight. The low will be around 38 degrees in Springfield and Worcester, 40 near Boston.

Friday will offer partly sunny skies, with a high near 60 degrees in Springfield, 57 in Worcester and 52 in Boston.

Ronald Brace III, former New England Patriots defensive tackle, and Springfield native, will be remembered on Monday.

SPRINGFIELD — Funeral services will be Monday for former New England Patriots defensive tackle and Springfield native Ron Brace.

Brace died of an apparent heart attack at his family's home in Springfield on Tuesday. He was 29.

Brace's life will be celebrated at St. John's Congregational Church, 45 Hancock St., Springfield, on Monday. Calling hours are at 10 a.m. with a funeral service at noon. He will be buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield.

Born on Dec. 18, 1986 in Springfield, Brace graduated from Burncoat High School in Worcester, before going on to play at Boston College from 2005 to 2008. In 2009, he was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Patriots. Among many other things, he was known for his generous charity efforts toward his hometown.

Brace is survived by his parents Ronald J. Brace, Jr. and Vonda Lewis, siblings; Nicholl (Michael) Young, Marquis Henry Brace, Natasha Brace, Christopher Mckenzie, Michael Mckenzie and Nastasia Mckenzie, one niece; Brooklyn Brace, one nephew; Maxwell Young, and many family members and friends.

 

A family in Agawam, Massachusetts told local authorities that a drone was spying on their teenage daughter.

AGAWAM — A family in Agawam, Massachusetts, reported to local police that a drone was seen hovering outside their 19-year-old daughter's window early Wednesday morning, according to Western Mass News.

Ali DiCioccio, 19, was allegedly lying in bed in her second story room, when she heard a humming noise and felt a vibration. Looking out the window, she saw what she thought was a drone hovering in the air outside.

The event reportedly took place at approximately 3 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

DiCioccio allegedly rushed to the window and was able to capture 9 seconds of the drone on the camera on her cell phone before the device took off.

Ali's mother Kristin DiCioccio said that the family found the experience "creepy" and expressed concern over why the drone was there.

"It's our property, it's a violation of our space," DiCioccio said, according to Western Mass News.

Agawam Police Lt. Jennifer Blanchette said that while the event was "disturbing," it's technically not illegal to fly a drone over someone's property, unless it lands.

The Celebration of Hope of Western Massachusetts staged its first Beer & Wine Sampling as part of a fundraiser staged at the Dunn & Phillips Law Office in Springfield on Thursday with an estimated 125 people in attendance.

SPRINGFIELD — The Celebration of Hope of Western Massachusetts staged its first Beer & Wine Sampling as part of a fundraiser at the Dunn & Phillips Law Office in Springfield on Thursday with an estimated 125 people in attendance.

The Celebration of Hope of Western Massachusetts, a non-profit corporation made up entirely of community volunteers who have in some way been affected by cancer, was formed in 2011 in Springfield.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cancer House of Hope, Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center, Rays of Hope & Prostate Cancer through Baystate Health Foundation and Livestrong at the YMCA.

Entertainment was provided by the Ringo Fire Band and a photo booth was donated by BTTR Booths.

Partners of the event were: Wine of Moldova, the White Lion Brewing Company, the Italian Bread Shop, Springfield Florists Supply, Rent a Tent, the Ringo Fire Band, BTTR Booths and the Dunn & Phillips Law Office in Springfield.

For more information, check out the organization's website at www.CelebrationOfHope.org.