Farmers in Hadley, Massachusetts, are hoping a warmup will stimulate growth of their asparagus crops.
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HADLEY -- When longtime farmer Wally Czajkowski has to wear a winter jacket instead of a T-shirt on a spring morning, that's not a good sign.
He's been wearing that jacket too often these days and the cool spring is affecting his asparagus yield.
"The yields are below what they should be," he said. Maybe even half of what's typical.
"Our problem is temperature. It's a chemical reaction," he said. Cool temperatures slow growth, heat accelerates it.
He said last year "we started off really hot."
But, he said, the yield tapered off at the end. He's hoping this year they get a big push at the end.
He also said the lack of snow affected the crop.
"Snow is wonderful for asparagus," he said, explaining that snow wets the roots.
They have irrigated some to compensate for the lack of moisture, but he said there's nothing they can do about temperature.
Czajkowski, who farms the crop on13 acres on his Plainview Farm, said his customers aren't happy about the supply. He sells mainly to markets and farm stands.
"I get yelled at a lot. People are frustrated," he said. "We're not coming through."
Four state legislators were no match for Chef Ben Pike's culinary students in a timed event.
Franklin County Technical School culinary arts students bested Beacon Hill politicians in a high-stakes Friday afternoon cooking contest in Turners Falls.
Out of four teams of two, high school juniors Shayla Demers and Kassidy Flores walked away with first place for an oregano chicken with cranberry-walnut rice pilaf accompanied by an impressive apple-lime meringue tart.
Stan Rosenberg, president of the Massachusetts Senate, worked with Rep. Steve Kulik of Worthington to create chicken with raisins, honey, and potatoes, followed by hand-made pizelles with local cheese -- but the competition was stiff, and the pair came in last.
Rep. Susannah Whipps Lee of Athol and Rep. Paul Mark of Peru won second place for their bruschetta and chicken with wine and mushrooms, with an asparagus goat cheese cream sauce. For dessert, the pair made an "adult apple crisp" with apple jack brandy.
Seniors Alix Burnette and Joey Barcomb took the bronze medal with a spicy chicken teriyaki, followed by an ice cream dessert that won raves from the judges.
"It was very close," said former Franklin Tech culinary instructor Paul Abbey, who served as a judge. "It was very difficult to decide."
The showdown at Franklin Tech's commercial kitchen was based on the Food Network show "Chopped." Contestants were given a "mystery basket" of fresh ingredients, told they could forage in the kitchen, and challenged to create an entree and dessert in 90 minutes.
Chef Ben Pike, who leads the culinary arts program, said his goal is to teach professional-level skills to prepare students for good jobs or for advanced culinary education.
"I have my sayings," he said. "Such as, 'knife skills will pay the bills.' You might get hired as a dishwasher. But you'll move up quickly if you have good skills, and show a willingness to pitch in. Oh, also, 'if you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean.'"
Pike said he's worked all over the world, in ski towns in Colorado and the Alps. "I love to ski and snowboard," he said. "If you're trained as a chef, you can live anywhere."
Whips Lee said she enjoyed spending time with her colleagues outside of Boston. "Usually, it's all business," she said. "This is fun."
Students said they're happy at Franklin Tech and love the culinary arts program. "We learn so much here, and the teachers are great," said Burnette.
Ingredients were contributed by Diemand Egg Farm, Hagers Farm Market, Foster's Supermarket, Greenfields Market, the Brattleboro Coop, Upingill Farm, and Pine Hill Orchard. Judges were Abbey, school superintendent Richard J. Martin, Greenfield Community College president Robert Pura, and Myron Becker of Chef Myron's Fine Cooking Sauces.
Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com
The Vermont State Police announced they have reopened I-91 in Hartland.
Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com
WATERBURY,Vt.— The Vermont State Police have reopened both travel lanes of I-91 in Hartland, Vermont.
The highway was closed in both directions at 7:55 a.m. for what police said was a serious motor vehicle accident. However, no details about the accident have been released.
Police said the accident was near mile marker 63 in Hartland, Vermont, a small town just south of White River Junction.
When the Springfield C-3 Police Unit arrested him, Santiago was wearing a C-3 Unit 'tribute' T-shirt featuring a cartoon figure urinating on the unit's logo.
These were the top stories out of Springfield District Court this week. If you missed any, click on the links below to read them now.
a href="http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/05/held_without_bail_springfield.html#incart_river_index_topics"target="_blank">
Springfield man charged with stabbing ex-girlfriend ruled too dangerous for bail
Police are investigating the death of man whose body was found on a Connecticut River sandbar near the Wilson Boat Launch early Friday.
WINDSOR, CONN. ‒ Police are investigating the death of man whose body was found on a Connecticut River sandbar near the Wilson Boat Launch early Friday.
Officers responded to reports of a male body in the river shortly after 8 a.m., the Journal Inquirer reported Saturday.
Windsor Police and fire officials worked with the Hartford Police Department dive team to recover the body.
The chief medical examiner's office in Farmington had yet to determine a cause of death, but foul play is not currently suspected, according to the Journal Inquirer.
Windsor Police are working with the Massachusetts State Police to identify the man.
It is unclear whether the body's discovery is related to recent Massachusetts State Police searches of the river.
Smoke was detected in multiple places on EgyptAir flight 804 moments before it plummeted into the Mediterranean, but the cause of the crash remains unclear.
CAIRO (AP) -- Smoke was detected in multiple places on EgyptAir flight 804 moments before it plummeted into the Mediterranean, but the cause of the crash that killed all 66 on board remains unclear, the French air accident investigation agency said on Saturday.
Agency spokesman Sebastien Barthe told The Associated Press in Paris that the plane's automatic detection system sent messages indicating smoke a few minutes before the plane disappeared from radar while flying over the east Mediterranean early on Thursday morning.
The messages, he explained, "generally mean the start of a fire," but he added: "We are drawing no conclusions from this. Everything else is pure conjecture."
Looking for clues to whether terrorists may have brought down the Airbus A320, investigators have been poring over the passenger list and questioned ground crew members at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, from which the plane took off.
The aircraft had been cruising normally in clear skies on a nighttime flight to Cairo early Thursday when it suddenly lurched left, then right, spun all the way around and plummeted 38,000 feet into the sea, never issuing a distress signal.
Search crews are scouring for further wreckage of the aircraft. Experts said answers will come only with an examination of the wreckage and the plane's cockpit voice and flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes.
Planes and vessels from Egypt and five other countries -- Greece, Britain, France, the United States and Cyprus -- continued searching a wide area of the eastern Mediterranean on Saturday, a day after the Egyptian military found debris from the passenger jet in the sea 180 miles north of the Egyptian port city of Alexandria.
The waters in the area are 8,000 to 10,000 feet deep, and the pings from the black boxes can be detected up to a depth of 20,000 feet.
On Saturday, the Egyptian military released photographs of the debris from EgyptAir flight 804. The photos were posted on the Facebook page of the chief military spokesman. They appear to show the heavily-damaged remains of plane seats, life jackets -- one of which was seemingly undamaged -- and a scrap of cloth that looks to be part of a baby's purple and pink blanket or sleeping bag.
The spokesman's Facebook page later posted a brief video that showed more debris, including what appeared to be a piece of blue carpet, seat belts, a shoe and what looked like a woman's white handbag. The short clip opened with aerial footage of an unidentified navy ship followed by a speed boat with five service members aboard heading toward floating debris.
Egyptian authorities said they believe terrorism is a more likely explanation than equipment failure, and some aviation experts have said the erratic flight suggests a bomb blast or a struggle in the cockpit. But so far no hard evidence has emerged.
No militant group has claimed to have brought down the aircraft. That is a contrast to the downing of a Russian jet in October over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula that killed all 224 on board. In that case, the Islamic State group's branch in Sinai issued a claim of responsibility within hours. On Friday, IS issued a statement on clashes with the Egyptian military in Sinai, but said nothing about the plane crash.
Three European security officials said on Friday that the passenger manifest for Flight 804 contained no names on terrorism watch lists. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. The manifest was leaked online and has not been verified by the airline.
Further checks are being conducted on relatives of the passengers.
French aviation investigators have begun to check and question all baggage handlers, maintenance workers, gate agents and other ground crew members at Charles de Gaulle Airport who had a direct or indirect link to the plane before it took off, according to a French judicial official. The official was not authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Whatever caused the aircraft to crash, the tragedy will most likely deepen Egypt's difficult predicament as it struggles to revive a battered economy and contain an increasingly resilient insurgency by Islamic militants.
In the five years since the country was first mired in turmoil caused by a popular uprising against longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak, the lucrative tourism sector has been decimated, the value of the local currency has progressively fallen and domestic debt has mushroomed.
While the latest tragedy may not reflect directly on security at Egypt's airports, as the Russian jet crash did in October, the country's association with another air disaster will impact negatively on tourism and the flow of foreign investment.
In Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Saturday that he and other officials -- including representatives of Paris Aeroport, the French prosecutor, EgyptAir, and the Egyptian ambassador to Paris -- had met with about 100 family members to express "our profound compassion" over the crash.
In a statement delivered to reporters following the meeting, he said: "All the hypotheses are being examined -- none are being favored."
"In the name of France, once more, I am expressing my solidarity, but also our affection ... for all those people who learned that a loved one, or even an entire family, have drowned in the sea -- and who want to know, to know to be able to grieve. It's a difficult moment, a painful moment. I wanted to say it again: We're on their side."
A man and woman have been transported to an area hospital following a two-vehicle crash on North Street Saturday morning.
AGAWAM ‒ A man and woman have been transported to an area hospital following a two-vehicle crash on North Street Saturday morning.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and vehicle just after 9:15 a.m., according to Agawam Police.
The unidentified male and female occupants of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries that appeared non-life-threatening and were transported to a local hospital for treatment, police said.
The crash closed a section of North Street between Cherry Street and Sylvan Lane.
Agawam Police expect the portion of the road to remain closed for the next several hours as officers conduct their investigation.
Agawam Police are working with the Massachusetts State Police's Collision Analysis and Reconstruction team in their investigation.
A 22-year-old New Haven woman was found dead in her apartment Thursday -- hours after her reported boyfriend was found hanged from a tree at a city cemetery, according to police.
NEW HAVEN, CONN ‒ A 22-year-old New Haven woman was found dead in her apartment Thursday -- hours after her reported boyfriend was found hanged from a tree at a city cemetery, according to police.
The woman, identified as Kwasiada Robinson, was found by relatives in her apartment at 7 Daisy St. around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the New Haven Register.
Officers ruled her death, which was reportedly caused by strangulation, a homicide.
Earlier that day, Jerome Reddick, 38, of Ellsworth Avenue, was found at Saint Bernard Cemetery, where police say he had hanged himself from a tree.
Police investigating the deaths, said the two had been involved in a "turbulent relationship" and lived together for several years, the Register reported.
Reddick's alleged suicide is a significant part of the investigation, police said. He is a suspect in Robinson's death, according to the newspaper.
The Register reported that Reddick was wanted on a 2014 arrest warrant on charges of second-degree domestic assault involving Robinson at the time of his death.
Elms College awarded nearly 500 degrees to graduating students Saturday, as it celebrated its 85th commencement ceremony at the MassMutual Center.
SPRINGFIELD ‒ Elms College awarded nearly 500 degrees to graduating students Saturday, as it celebrated its 85th commencement ceremony at the MassMutual Center.
The college, which was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Diocese of Springfield in 1928, gave out 487 degrees, ranging from associate's to master's, in front of an energetic crowd of family and friends.
It also awarded an honorary degree to Dr. James O'Connell, president of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, for his work as an advocate for the homeless.
O'Connell, who delivered a commencement address, spoke of his journey working with the homeless and the marked health disparities to which they are prone.
He targeted much of his address to graduating nurses -- one of Elm's most popular undergraduate majors -- whom he charged to "find ways to ease the burden of human suffering."
O'Connell also referenced "The Beloved Community," popularized by Martin Luther King Jr., and stressed how through love, excellence and faith people can make a difference in the world.
The first graduating class for the college was in 1932 and consisted of 24 graduates. Today, Elms has over 800 full-time undergraduate students and over 500 more students enrolled in part-time and graduate programs.
The three-day fair on Grove Street is a beloved institution in the neighborhood and beyond.
HAYDENVILLE -- After spending more than a year in physical therapy recovering from a back injury, potter Marty Phinney has returned to her studio and is set to host the Haydenville Craft Fair over Memorial Day weekend.
Phinney says she fractured two vertebrae when attacked and knocked down by a neighbor's dogs near her home in late 2014. Unable to work, she was forced to cancel what would have been the 41st annual Haydenville fair in 2015. The fair had been held annually since 1974.
She has again been working, turning clay into lamps, tableware and her trademark sculptures of flowers, birds and other life-like creatures. Phinney is one of the veterans of the craft revival in the Pioneer Valley, having opened her Haydenville workshop more than 44 years ago.
"I work more slowly and struggle with large, ambitious pieces because of my back," Phinney said. "I'm often sore and tired at the end of the day. Walking is difficult. But I am back in my workshop, and it feels wonderful to return to my craft, even in a limited fashion."
At the Haydenville Craft Fair, she will be joined by about a dozen Hilltown artisans, including jewelers, fabric artists, a basket maker and a beekeeper with a "visible bee hive" display.
Sculptor and Hampshire College professor Thom Haxo will demonstrate the art of clay portraiture Sunday beginning at 11 am. Over the course of a few hours, Haxo will turn an unshaped lump of clay into a likeness of a volunteer model.
The fair, held outdoors at Phinney's studio, is a beloved institution in the quaint Haydenville neighborhood, and draws visitors from miles around.
If you go:
What: Haydenville Craft Fair When: May 28, 29, and 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Grove Street, Haydenville (follow the signs from Rt. 9)
Two Chicopee residents were arrested Friday on prostitution and drug charges.
CHICOPEE — Two Chicopee residents were arrested on Friday on charges of prostitution and drug possession.
Kayla King, 23, and Robert C. McCann, 25, both of Chicopee, were arrested Friday at approximately 6 p.m., according to Officer Michael Wilk of the Chicopee Police Department.
King is charged with sexual conduct for a fee and keeping a house of prostitution while McCann is charged with possession of heroin.
A Chicopee police detective came to believe a house at 1808 Westover Rd was being used for the purposes of narcotics activity and prostitution, according to Wilk. He subsequently applied for an FBI search warrant, which authorities executed on Friday.
Both parties were subsequently booked at the Chicopee police station. King was released on bail, while McCann is still being held.
Chicopee detectives worked together with the Department of Homeland Security/Human Trafficking Task Force, along with officers from Pittsfield, West Springfield, and several other agencies, according to Wilk.
Gov. Charlie Baker gave Westfield State University graduates five pieces of wisdom and urged them to make the most of their futures during his Saturday commencement speech.
SPRINGFIELD ‒ Gov. Charlie Baker gave new Westfield State University graduates five pieces of wisdom and urged them to make the most of their futures, as he spoke at the school's commencement Saturday.
The governor, addressing thousands who crowded the MassMutual Center in Springfield, offered students advice he said he wished someone had given him upon graduating from college.
Baker urged Westfield State graduates to: not be afraid to fail; acknowledge that their first job will not likely be their last; try to marry well; take care of themselves; and, finally, not settle for average.
Pointing to his own experiences post graduation, the governor detailed lessons he has learned from his failures, including his 2010 gubernatorial campaign loss.
"I ran for governor against former Gov. Deval Patrick in 2010 and I lost, but my wife Lauren and I learned a ton from the experience," he said. "I sincerely doubt I would've won in 2014 if I hadn't run and lost in 2010."
Contending that anyone who does something that matters fails at some point, Baker stressed that "failure is almost always part of any ultimate success."
The governor further urged graduates to not be afraid of career changes, saying he has worked 14 jobs since college -- an experience which he argued has allowed him to figure out what he's good at.
"I learned a lot along the way," he said. "My advice to all of you would be, first of all, work with people you like and respect, do something you enjoy. No job is all fun and games and they're not supposed to be. There are trade-offs everywhere, but if you do something you enjoy, the broccoli will go down easy alongside the ice cream."
Baker also stressed the importance of family, encouraging students to marry someone who gets them on their best days and their worst, as well as to not neglect themselves or home lives.
The governor challenged graduates to not settle for average, saying Westfield State University's history is full of people who have pushed the envelope, including its founder Horace Mann.
"You're all just getting started and it may seem like a big part of your life is over, but hopefully for all of you, the biggest and best part of your life is in front of you ... the next chapter and every chapter after that is up to you, please make the most of it," he said. "Don't waste this precious chance you have to make a difference. The opportunities are everywhere, you just need to find them and go get them."
More than 1,100 students graduating from a total of 31 different majors were awarded degrees during Westfield State University's 177th undergraduate commencement ceremony, according to college officials.
Degrees handed out included: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
The U.S. conducted an airstrike Saturday against Taliban leader Mullah Mansour, the Pentagon said, and a U.S. official said Mansour was believed to have been killed.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. conducted an airstrike Saturday against Taliban leader Mullah Mansour, the Pentagon said, and a U.S. official said Mansour was believed to have been killed.
Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said the attack occurred in a remote region along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. He said the U.S. was studying the results of the attack.
But a U.S. official not authorized to discuss the operation publicly said Mansour and a second male combatant accompanying him in a vehicle were probably killed.
The official said the attack was carried out by unmanned aircraft operated by U.S. Special Operations Forces. The official said the operation occurred at about 6 a.m. EDT southwest of the town of Ahmad Wal, and was authorized by President Barack Obama.
Mansour was chosen to take the helm of the Afghan Taliban last summer after the death several years earlier of the organization's founder, Mullah Mohammad Omar, became public. Mullah Omar's longtime deputy, Mansour had actually been the Taliban's de facto leader for years, according to the Afghan government.
His formal ascension was divisive in the Taliban, handing him the challenge of uniting a fractured -- but still lethal -- insurgency that has seen fighters desert for more extreme groups such as the Islamic State.
The Taliban ruled Afghanistan according to a harsh interpretation of Islamic law until the group was toppled by a U.S.-led invasion following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Police discovered an alleged meth lab in Barton, Vermont, on Saturday.
BARTON, VT — Authorities discovered a meth lab and have arrested its operator, according to the Vermont State Police.
Terry Parson Jr., 33, of Barton, was arrested Friday, and is now charged with sale of methamphetamine.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Parson's residence at 60 Cottage Lane in Barton on Saturday, where police say they discovered methamphetamine manufacturing materials. The materials were subsequently confiscated by authorities.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and that further charges for Parson are expected.
Parsons is currently lodged at the North Country Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Orleans County Court on May 23.
A 2 car accident in Springfield sent 5 people to the hospital Friday night.
SPRINGFIELD — A two car accident sent multiple people to the hospital in Springfield on Friday night.
A Ford Mustang collided with a Honda Civic near the intersection of Federal St. and Worthington St., causing multiple injuries.
Two people were riding in one car, while three were riding in the other, said Officer Ray Wyszynski of the Springfield Police Department. All five were taken to the hospital with injuries but they did not appear to be serious, according to Wyszynski.
The Honda appears to have also struck a parked car during the crash, said Wyzynski.
Police blocked off the intersection of Worthington and Federal St., as well as Armory St. and Federal St., while a towing crew removed the vehicles.
The accident happened in front of multiple apartment buildings and large crowds were present as crews strapped down injured victims into stretchers so they could be taken to the hospital.
Police aren't yet sure how the accident occurred.
This is a developing story. It will be updated when new information becomes available.
While praising the center's staff and volunteers, Trial Court administrator Harry Spence gave particular credit to Western Housing Court Judge Dina Fein for establishing the Springfield center.
Designed to help people representing themselves in court, the service center is the fifth to open in the state and part of a broader campaign to improve access to courts for people without lawyers, the officials said.
"People don't come to court when things are going well," said Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey, who explained that the new center will "demystify" the court system, particularly in domestic, housing and small claims cases.
The number of self-representing litigants has increased dramatically in the last decade, making it more difficult for state courts to carry out their mission of "providing justice with dignity and speed," Trial Court administrator Harry Spence said.
Since opening earlier this year, the Springfield service center has helped more than 2,600 people without lawyers navigate the court system, Spence said.
Statewide, more than 25,000 people have used courthouse service centers in Boston, Worcester, Lawrence and Greenfield in past two years, Spence said.
Court officials hope to open service centers in the state's 15 largest courthouses, Spence said.
While praising the center's staff and volunteers, Spence gave particular credit to Western Housing Court Judge Dina Fein for establishing the Springfield center.
Like other service centers, the Springfield office is staffed by two lawyers employed by the Trial Court, with assistance from court law librarians, law school students and volunteers.
The center provides a range of services, from computer access to helping people fill out court forms in multiple languages.
Speaking to gathering of about 50 people, including several state legislators, Spence pointed out that the five service centers have been established without any new state funding.
The legislators -- state senators James Welch, D-Springfield, and Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, and state representatives Jose Tosado, D-Springfield, and Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield -- were quick to express their appreciation.
"Thank you for bringing new services here and not going back to the Legislature for more money," Tosado said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The Springfield center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, and is closed from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. It is located on the first floor of the courthouse.
Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton sought to solidify her spot as the party's likely nominee this week, setting her sights on Republican rival Donald Trump and downplaying Bernie Sanders' primary chances.
Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton sought to solidify her spot as the party's likely nominee this week, setting her sights on Republican rival Donald Trump and downplaying Bernie Sanders' primary chances.
With the former first lady still short on the delegates needed to assume the title outright, however, Sanders continued to campaign hard, picking up an important primary win and stressing that he's not going anywhere.
Trump, the lone GOP candidate left in the race, meanwhile, worked to shore up his presidential image, offering a list of potential Supreme Court nominees he would consider and making peace with Fox News' Megyn Kelly after a months-long spat.
Facing criticism from Clinton, however, the outspoken businessman had harsh words for the Democratic front-runner, who questioned his qualifications for president, as well as her husband.
Here's what happened in presidential politics this week:
Ted Cruz said his campaign has "no regrets," hinted at possible 2020 presidential run.
Weeks after bowing out of the Republican presidential contest, Cruz's campaign said it has "no regrets" about its 2016 bid and stressed that the Texas senator's White House dreams are "to be continued."
Cruz, in a campaign video titled "No Regrets," thanked supporters and volunteers for their efforts, contending that while he may have not been successful in his first presidential run, he is optimistic about his future chances.
"Ronald Reagan in 1976 came up short, I suspect at that convention there were more than a few tears shed," he said in the five-minute-long video. "It's going to be our task to go forward and continue fighting for that."
Democrats battled it out in Kentucky, Trump claimed victory in Oregon.
While Clinton inched closer to the securing the Democratic Party's presidential nomination Tuesday, picking up 27 delegates in Kentucky and 25 in Oregon on Tuesday, her campaign struggled to gain traction in the two states.
Sanders, who added a collective 61 to his bid, meanwhile, kept his presidential dreams alive with a decisive win in Oregon and neck-and-neck contest in Kentucky.
Although less than 1 percentage point separated the two in Kentucky's Democratic primary, Clinton claimed victory, the New York Times reported.
Trump also moved closer to officially being crowned the Republican nominee Tuesday, as he claimed victory in Oregon – adding 18 delegates to his count.
Trump buried the hatchet with Kelly, said failing to win the White House would be "complete waste of time."
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee defended his campaign's tone and messaging late Tuesday as he sat down with Kelly for an interview, which marked their first since Trump sparked a firestorm against the television host more than nine months ago.
Although Trump acknowledged that he has some regrets about how he's run his campaign over the last nine months, overall he said he's happy with the outcome.
"If I were soft, if I were presidential ... in a way it's a bad word, because there's nothing wrong with being presidential, but if I had not fought back in the way I fought back, I don't think I would have been successful," he said.
Trump added that despite the impact his campaign has had on American politics, failing to win the White House will have made his bid all for nothing.
"I will say this: If I don't go all the way, and if I don't win, I will consider it to be a total and complete waste of time, energy and money," he told Kelly.
Trump entered joint fundraising agreements with the Republican National Committee.
After months of largely self-funding his primary campaign, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on Tuesday finalized a joint fundraising deal with the RNC to help boost his finances in the general election.
The agreements will establish two joint fundraising committees: Trump Victory, to raise money for the businessman, RNC and 11 state Republican parties – including Connecticut's; and the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, to benefit the RNC and the GOP candidate.
The deal will allow individuals to give up to $449,400 to Trump Victory – far above the $2,700 cap the presumptive Republican nominee's campaign can accept.
Sanders' campaign accused the Democratic National Committee chair of "throwing shade" and favoring Clinton.
The Vermont senator's presidential campaign took aim at DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz Wednesday, questioning her leadership and fairness in wake of criticism sparked by the raucous Nevada Democratic convention.
Sanders' Campaign Manager Jeff Weaver told CNN that Sanders "categorically condemns any kind of threats" directed at Nevada Democratic Party Chairwoman Roberta Lange and slammed Wasserman Schultz for "throwing shade on the Sanders campaign since the very beginning."
"I've got to say it's not the DNC; by and large, people at the DNC have been very good to us. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is really the exception," he said.
The DNC chair brushed off criticism from Sanders' campaign over the party's handling of the incident in Nevada, suggesting that the Vermont senator sent a mixed message to supporters. She further contended that the process in place in Nevada was fair.
Trump announced the names of several possible Supreme Court picks he would consider if elected president.
The businessman on Wednesday released the names of nearly a dozen Supreme Court candidates he would consider to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia if sent to the White House in November.
The list, which Trump's campaign contended was assembled "first and foremost, based on constitutional principles with input from highly respected conservatives and Republican Party leadership," includes several federal appellate and state supreme court judges from across the United States.
Trump, who lauded Scalia's legacy "of protecting Americans' most cherished freedoms," said the list will not just inform his selection of the late justice's replacement, but other future nominees.
Sanders accepted a Fox News debate invitation, urged Clinton to follow suit.
The Vermont senator's campaign said Wednesday that he will accept Fox News' invitation to debate in California ahead of the state's high-stakes primary election, pending a mutual agreement on debate moderators, format and other details.
It further called on Clinton, who leads Sanders in primary wins and delegates, to make good on her campaign's promise and agree to the party's 10th and final debate.
"More than halfway through the month of May, we hope Secretary Clinton will soon make good on her campaign's commitment and agree to a time and pace for a debate," Weaver said in a statement. "There are issues of enormous importance facing the people of California and our nation and the people of our largest state deserve to hear the Democratic candidates' opinions."
Trump brought attention to former President Bill Clinton being accused of rape, pointing to an allegation that surfaced in 1999.
The businessman raised the allegation during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity after being asked if the New York Times, which recently published an article on Trump's history with women, would interview those who accused the former president of sexual misconduct.
In 1999 Juanita Broaddrick claimed she was raped by then-state Attorney General Clinton at a Little Rock hotel in 1978, according to Fox News. Clinton denied the allegations.
Hillary Clinton refused to comment on Trump's remarks, telling CNN that she knows "that's exactly what he is fishing [for.]"
Clinton contended that Trump isn't qualified to take over the White House, blasted his rhetoric, behavior.
The former secretary of state, who has turned her campaign's focus to Trump in recent weeks despite still facing a primary challenger, told CNN on Thursday that the billionaire businessman's rhetoric, behavior and proposals show he's not ready to lead the United States.
While the former first lady acknowledged that all politicians misstate things or may not be as careful in phrasing their remarks, she argued that Trump's "irresponsible, reckless and dangerous comments" are not the result of him speaking off the cuff.
"This is a pattern, it's a pattern that has gone on now for months and it's a pattern that adds up, in my opinion," she said. "Having watched presidents, having seen the incredibly difficult work that they do ... I know how hard this job is and I know that we need steadiness, as well as strength and smarts in it and I have concluded he is not qualified to be president of the United States."
Trump held a fundraiser to help New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pay off campaign debt.
The businessman hosted an event at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, on Thursday that he claimed would pay off the entirety of Christie's debt from his presidential campaign, the Associated Press reported.
Trump announced that the $200-per-head fundraiser, which attracted about 1,000 attendees, had retired most of the governor's roughly $250,000 in presidential campaign debt.
Christie said he hoped New Jersey's upcoming primary would put Trump "officially over the top as the Republican nominee for president of the United States."
Clinton said "there's no way" she won't be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, despite Sanders remaining in race.
Clinton, who leads in delegates, told CNN's Chris Cuomo on Thursday that receiving the title is largely a formality at this point in the Democratic presidential race, adding that she's confident the party will unify ahead of the November general election.
"I will be the nominee for my party, Chris. That is already done, in effect. There's no way that I won't be," she said, pointing to what she called her "insurmountable" lead.
Sanders' campaign spokesman Michael Briggs, however, offered a different take on the nomination fight.
"In the past three weeks voters in Indiana, West Virginia and Oregon respectfully disagreed with Secretary Clinton," he said in a statement. "We expect voters in the remaining eight contests also will disagree."
Trump blasted Clinton's judgment, said she's "not qualified" for the presidency.
I said that Crooked Hillary Clinton is "not qualified" to be president because she has "very bad judgement" - Bernie said the same thing!
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee hit back at the former first lady on Friday, arguing that she – not he – is the one who is unqualified to take over the White House.
Trump took to Twitter, where he blasted the former secretary of state's judgment, stamina and inability to have yet clinched the Democratic Party's nomination.
He noted that he is not the only person in the race who thinks Clinton is "unqualified" to lead the country, pointing to remarks Sanders made in early April on the subject.
Trump further took aim at Clinton's foreign policy strategy, arguing that "ISIS, China, Russia and all would love for her to be president." Calling the world "a total mess," the businessman added that he can fix it, while "Hillary has no chance!"
Celebrity Bartenders could be the name of the newest reality show, but it refers to an upcoming event at The Student Prince that hopes to raise at least $6,000 for Gray House.
SPRINGFIELD - Celebrity Bartenders could be the name of the newest reality show, but it refers to an upcoming event at The Student Prince and Fort Restaurant that hopes to raise at least $6,000 for Gray House.
The neighborhood center was established by the Sisters of St. Joseph more than three decades ago in a renovated 17-room Victorian house on Sheldon Street in the city's North End. It serves some 10,000 people yearly through its food pantry. It also runs education programs for adults and after-school and summer programs for children.
The Fort Street restaurant has hosted similar events, but this is the first time volunteer shifts of celebrity bartenders will earn tips for the center on June 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. A portion of food and drink proceeds will also benefit the center.
"The idea for the Celebrity Bartending Event came from our board of directors and it is the first event of this kind that we have done," said Dena Calvanese, the center's outgoing executive director.
"The board also recruited the celebrity bartenders. Board members got great responses from people and filled all the serving slots in just days."
Anthony D. Gulluni
Those bartenders include David A. Chase, board president and a vice president with Freedom Credit Union, as well as more than two dozen others, including Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, Vanessa Otero, deputy director at Partners for Community, which oversees the New England Farm Workers Council, and Mark E. Dupont, veteran spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.
Anthony Cignoli will be doing one of the half-hour shifts with two other celebrity bartenders.
"My own bartending skills are non-existent," said Cignoli when asked what could patrons expect from his drinks. "I'm hopeful that DA Gulluni who's on before me, might give me some tips and I'll be reading Mixology 101."
Despite his lack of behind-the-bar experience, the long-time supporter of Gray House said he will "aim high" in terms of tip expectations.
Vanessa Otero
"I'm going to do an e-mail blast asking for friends to stop by, and I'm going to work the phones, and I intend to leave a heavy tip myself at the end of my shift," Cignoli said.
Cignoli said he was recruited by Susan A. Mastroianni, who was recently elected vice president of the Gray House directors board.
"The Gray House has been a sanctuary and shelter, exactly where it is needed; in the heart of a community that needs and loves it. Moms, children, families, so many lives have benefited greatly from the unique and special help and programs in this amazing place founded by two Sisters of Saint Joseph," Cignoli said.
" I've seen the metamorphosis from the almost unsalvageable old Victorian that Sisters Cathy Homrok and Jane Morrissey had the courage to buy for $500, to the epicenter of activity it is now. I'm a supporter still because I know people, families, doing well today, because The Gray House was there for them. This place does so much, for so many, with so very little. Everything you donate here directly impacts a life."
Anthony Cignoli
Cignoli added he was a sponsor of the "larger spaghetti and meatballs event last year at the Greek Cultural Center."
"Hundreds of people attended, including many friends and members of my family. It was like Thanksgiving. Actually, it was a Thanksgiving," Cignoli said.
Other bartenders slated to take shifts include Ellen W. Freyman, a lawyer with Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin; State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield; Springfield City Councilor and Senior Vice President with the YMCA of Great Springfield Thomas Ashe, who is running for Hampden County sheriff, and Springfield City Councilor Kateri B. Walsh and husband Daniel M. Walsh III, a Marine veteran and former city councilor.
A full list of participants is found on The Gray House website.
A garage and shed at 48 Taylor St. in Holyoke were destroyed by fire Sunday morning. The fire also downed an electrical power line that charged an engine and puddles of standing water, making the area dangerous for firefighters.
Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com
HOLYOKE— Firefighters say flames from a burning garage at 48 Taylor St. were leaping 40 feet into the air when they arrived to fight what they thought was a brush fire Sunday morning . Instead, a two-car, one-and-a-half story garage was fully involved in flame and endangering houses nearby in the closely-packed neighborhood.
Holyoke Fire Department spokesman Capt. Anthony Cerruti said the initial 1:28 a.m. call was for a brush fire, which traditionally is handled by a single truck. However, when they saw what the actual situation was, fire commanders called for a full response.
Firefighters set up to protect homes near the burning garage but were not able to save a smaller shed. The initial fire was knocked down fairly quickly once additional engines arrived at the scene, but not before an electrical power line running to the garage was burned and dropped. The charged line draped over one of the engines making it dangerous to touch and charged puddles of standing water making it dangerous to walk.
Cerruti said it took more than an hour for Holyoke Gas and Electric crews to shut down power to the line.
Ultimately, Cerruti said no firefighters were injured and none of the nearby homes were damaged.
Cerruti said investigators will examine the fire scene to try to determine what caused the blaze. He said the homeowners told fire officials that electrical power to the garage had been turned off.
East Hartford police are looking for Michael Gaston, 27, saying he shot and killed a another man Monday night.
EAST HARTFORD,Conn.— East Hartford police have an arrest warrant for an East Hartford man, they said shot and killed another man Monday night.
East Hartford police are looking for Michael Gaston. They say Gaston shot and killed another man last Monday night. East Hartford Police
WTNH-TV reported that police said Michael Gaston, 27, is considered armed and dangerous.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Gaston, after police said he shot 35-year-old Marshall Wiggins as he sat in his car on Rector Street Monday night.
Police responded to a report of shots fired in the neighborhood to find Wiggins in his car. He had had been shot several times. He was transported to Hartford Hospital where he later died.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Michael Gaston is asked to contact East Hartford police at 1-860-291-7540, or contact the department's TIP line at 1-860-289-9134.
