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Springfield homicide suspect apprehended in Vermont by U.S. Marshals

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Yabdiel Castro, 18, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Northfield, Vermont on Wednesday.

NORTHFIELD, Vermont - An 18-year-old Springfield man who is considered a suspect in a recent homicide was apprehended in Vermont Wednesday by members of the U.S. Marshals, the Associated Press is reporting.

Yabdile castro.pngYabdiel Castro

Marshals have Yabdiel Casto in custody. He has been wanted on a fugitive from justice warrant issued in Springfield since Sept. 12.

He is a suspect in the Sept. 9 homicide of Sergio Davilla, 20.

Davilla was shot and critically injured at Worthington and Armory streets on Sept. 6 at around 10 p.m. and died three days later.

According to the Associated Press, Marshals are holding him withouth the right to bail until an extradition hearing can be held in Vermont.

Once that happens, he will be returned to Massachusetts to face the muder charge.

Northfield, Vermont is just south of Montpelier, and is roughly 170 miles north of Springfield.


Springfield climate justice meeting lets residents discuss solutions for the future

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Springfield Climate Justice Coalition held a first of several meetings on Thursday, designed to get city residents thinking about ways to combat global warming.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield residents had an opportunity to discuss the perils of global climate change at an event in the city's Indian Orchard neighborhood on Thursday night.

Springfield Climate Justice Coalition (SCJC) hosted a dinner and community conversation about climate change at the Orchard Covenant Church at 95 Berkshire Street.

Jesse Lederman, a local activist, and an organizer with SCJC, also talked to residents about his hopes for a greener future for Springfield.

"It really all started with the Biomass incinerator," said Lederman--alluding to the proposed plant that he and other activists spent years fighting the construction of. The incinerator was what got him "personally involved" with fighting for environmental rights, he said.

"We realized that there were no organizations in Springfield that were specifically dedicated to confronting environmental issues and the public health issues that come with them," Lederman said. That led to the founding of the SCJC, Lederman said.

The SCJC organized to create a study on climate change that could be used to make policy suggestions for change.

After multiple rallies and other forms of activism, the organizers were finally able to convince Mayor Sarnov to commission a city plan to study and address climate change.

That study ended up being the Pioneer Valley Climate Action and Clean Energy Plan, published in 2014, which proposes strategies that will allow communities to reduce green house gases while adapting to the environmental shifts and challenges caused by global warming.

Residents who showed up at the dinner Thursday night were invited to discuss their concerns for the future. Many expressed concerns about pollution. Throughout the talk, activists pointed out that finding ways to "green" Springfield presented a real opportunity, both environmental and economic.

"There's a real opportunity to change things--to improve the health in the city while also creating the jobs we so desperately need in Springfield," said Michaelanne Bewsee, a longtime organizer and activist with the SCJC, who was present Thursday night.

Westfield considers $5 million bond request to finance treatment and repairs to municipal water system

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The treatment facility will be installed at city wells #7 and #8 near Barnes Regional Airport.

WESTFIELD - Mayor Brian P. Sullivan asked the City Council Thursday night to approve a $5 million bond for the purchase and installation of a water filtration system and overall repairs to city water distribution.

The request is the direct result of chemical contamination of Wells #7 and #8 near Barnes Regional Airport and the Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing. Chemicals PFOA and PFOS, used in a variety of manufacturing procedures and in fighting aviation related fires, were found in the two wells last May. The wells have not been used.

Sullivan told councilors the city intends to seek restitution for expenses once responsibility for the contamination is identified. "Right now our priority is to fix the problem and clean our drinking water," the mayor said.

The $5 million will finance the purchase and installation of a carbon filtration system at the well site. It will also finance repairs to existing municipal water tanks and distribution facilities, Department of Public Works Superintendent David Billips said.

In a related matter, Sullivan has asked the council to appropriate $7,500 from city reserve accounts to the Law Departments to finance legal assistance relating to the contamination issue.

In response to a question from Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski, Sullivan and Billips said they know of no private wells contaminated with the chemicals found in the city wells.

"We do not know how deep the contamination is," Billips said, adding the Air National Guard will conduct tests to determine the extent of contamination.

The bond request was referred to the council's Finance Committee for review and recommendation. Bond orders require two separate votes by the full City Council for approval, meaning the earliest funding can become available is January.

The Board of Water Commissioners earlier this month approved a 10 percent increase in municipal water rates to finance the necessary filtration system and distribution repairs.

The average homeowner can expect to pay about $30 more a year for city water as a result of the increase.

Wells #7 and #8 are located off East Mountain Road at the rear of East Mountain Country Club.

Northampton event aims to 're-energize Democracy' by encouraging participation in the community

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While Northampton residents tend to be very generous with their time for philanthropic endeavors, the lion's share of volunteer hours tend to focus on charities and non-profits rather than participating on local boards and commissions and at public meetings.

NORTHAMPTON--- While Northampton residents tend to be very generous with their time for philanthropic endeavors, the lion's share of volunteer hours tend to focus on charities and non-profits rather than participating on local boards and commissions and at public meetings.

This, according to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, which, along with Northampton officials, are set to host a city-wide public meeting on the topic this coming Monday. Scheduled to run from 7 to 9 at the Senior Center, the commission expects to hear from residents on what is causing that lack of interest in municipal matters and make their pitch for the good that can be done through involvement in local government.

The meeting is yet another piece of a larger Re-Energize Democracy campaign in town that has also included outreach to traditionally marginalized groups like low-income public housing residents as well as young professionals.

"Nothing makes a more fundamental impact on a citizen's quality of life quite as much as local government," said Mayor David Narkewicz in a statement. "I look forward to seeing the final recommendations on how to further enhance resident participation in our local municipal matters here in Northampton."

The Re-Energizing Democracy campaign is sponsored by Partners for Places - a project of the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities is a successful matching grant program that improves U.S. and Canadian communities by building partnerships between local government sustainability leaders, and place-based foundations.

National funders invest in local projects developed through these partnerships to promote a healthy environment, a strong economy, and well-being for all residents. Through these investments, Partners for Places fosters long-term relationships that make our urban areas more prosperous, livable, and vibrant.

A final report of recommendations on how to increase participation in local government will be created by Casa Latina, the Human Rights Commission, Northampton Housing Authority, and Verdant Multicultural Media.

Jack Russell terrier fatally shot during afternoon altercation, police say

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A small dog was killed Friday afternoon, following a fight between the dog's owner and another man.

SPRINGFIELD -- A small dog was killed Friday afternoon, following a fight between the dog's owner and another man.

Springfield police were called to Fort Pleasant Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, responding to a report of a pair of men fighting on the sidewalk.

During the altercation, a man pulled out a gun and fatally shot the other man's dog, a Jack Russell terrier mix, Springfield Police Lt. Mark Roland told 22News. 

The shooter fled on foot and was followed by police. A suspect was arrested on Belmont Avenue and taken into custody shortly after. No weapon was found on his person and police believe it was discarded during the foot chase.

Neither of the men have been identified by police at this time.  

Jury decides 68 bags of heroin found on Springfield defendant were for personal use

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Jotsan Rosado was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute on Jan. 7, 2015, in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD -- Jotsan Rosado was acquitted of possession of heroin with intent to distribute by a Hampden Superior Court jury late Friday afternoon.

Jotsan-Rosado.jpgJotsan Rosado

The jury took only an hour to decide Rosado was guilty of the lesser offense of possession of heroin. Rosado was sentenced to a year in the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow. The trial took four days.

Rosado has been held awaiting trial, and will have a yet to be determined amount of time served credit on his sentence.

Rosado, 27, of Springfield, took the witness stand in his own defense Friday and told jurors he did not possess 68 small heroin bags with the intent to sell them. He said he planned to use all of the bags himself.

The defendant said although several police officers had testified $1,132 in cash was found on him when he was stopped in a car on Jan. 7, 2015, he did not have more than a little over $100 on him.

Joe Smith III, his lawyer, in his closing argument asked the jury to convict Rosado only of possession of heroin.

Rosado said at the time of his arrest, "I believe I was up to 10 or 15 bags a day."

Assistant District Attorney Mary Sandstrom told jurors in her closing argument in the trial before Judge Tina S. Page not to believe the "conspiracy theory" Rosado and Smith laid out.

She told jurors to discard the idea that officers planted the $1,132 in cash. Sandstrom said the cash found on Rosado was the proceeds from his drug dealing.

The idea that Rosado bought the 68 bags -- priced from $2.50 to $5 each, according to police testimony -- for several days' use is not realistic, Sandstrom said.

"You don't save it for a rainy day," she said.

Sandstrom said the "healthy, robust" defendant did not meet the physical profile for a heroin addict at the time he was arrested.

Smith said the prosecution has no evidence that Rosado sold the heroin.

Sandstrom said, "My burden isn't to show a drug deal took place."

Smith told jurors that just because police who have a gun and a badge testified, they don't have to believe them. "What proof do you have he was going to deal anyone some drugs?" Smith said.

Rosado testified he is thankful he was arrested Jan. 7, 2015, because it allowed him to go into recovery from his heroin addiction.

Rosado was arrested after leaving 41 Belmont Ave., where Fernando Rosado, Jotsan Rosado's father, was arrested with 48 bags of heroin on him. Jotsan Rosado said his father was an addict as long as he could remember.

Jotsan Rosado said he stayed there some nights, and other nights stayed with his girlfriend.

Sandstrom said small, empty bags used for packaging heroin were found in the Belmont Avenue apartment.

Smith said the empty containers had a different name stamp on them than the heroin the Rosados were carrying. Rosado testified other addicted people either lived in the house or visited.

US Sen. Elizabeth Warren blasts Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general

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US Sen. Elizabeth Warren urged President-elect Donald Trump to reconsider appointing Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general. The attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer in the United States. Watch video

BOSTON - US Sen. Elizabeth Warren urged President-elect Donald Trump to reconsider appointing Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general.

The attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer in the United States. Sessions is a former prosecutor and would have to be confirmed by the US Senate.

"But if Donald Trump fails to do that, then there will be a moral question in the United States Senate, and that is, 'Can the Republicans step up and say no, no to Jeff Sessions?'"

According to CNN, "The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony during hearings in March and May 1986, that Sessions had made racist remarks and called the NAACP and ACLU 'un-American.'" Sessions told the committee at the time that he supported civil rights and denied that he is a racist.

Warren, D-Mass., said Sessions, R-Alabama, would be in charge of enforcement of civil rights laws.

"Senator Sessions was vetted for a federal judgeship several years ago and at that time it became quite public that he made jokes about the KKK, that he made racial slurs, used racial slurs, that he said things that caused not just Democrats, but people in his own party, Republicans, to say this is a man who is not fit to be a federal judge," Warren told reporters after speaking at the New England Women's Policy Conference at UMass Boston.

Mass. AG Maura Healey: Trump nomination of Jeff Sessions for attorney general is 'alarming'

Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls Donald Trump 'large orange elephant,' says Republicans don't have mandate in Washington

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Speaking to attendees of a women's policy conference, US Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Friday immediately sought to address the "large orange elephant" in the room. Watch video

BOSTON - Speaking to attendees of a women's policy conference, US Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Friday immediately sought to address the "large orange elephant" in the room.

"The early signs are bad," Warren, D-Cambridge, said in criticizing President-elect Donald Trump's proposed appointments, including Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general.

"The time for whimpering, the time for crying is over," Warren added,

Warren spoke to reporters after her speech. Asked about Democrats losing the White House and unable to grab the House and Senate, Warren said Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, won the popular vote and Democrats picked up some seats in both branches.

"Anyone thinks that the Republicans got a mandate coming out of this election is just not paying attention," Warren said. "Donald Trump said he was going to be out there for the working people and yet he's been president-elect for less than two weeks, and already he has filled his transition team with lobbyists, with corporate executives who want to enrich themselves and their industries."

Warren, who campaigned for Clinton, added, "Donald Trump is proving that it was nothing more than a con to claim that he was going to work for the American people. He seems to be throwing all in to help the Wall Street, and the biggest banks and the biggest corporations get even richer."

US Sen. Elizabeth Warren blasts Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump's pick for AG


Mohegan Sun opens new $130 million 'Earth Tower' hotel in Connecticut

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Mohegan Sun opened its new "Earth Tower" hotel in Connecticut on Friday.

UNCASVILLE, Ct — Connecticut casino Mohegan Sun invested $139 million into the creation of its newest luxury hotel, the Earth Tower, which opened its doors Friday morning.

Located along the Thames River in Uncasville, the Tower--a 400-room, 242,000 square-foot structure--held a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the building's opening early Friday.

Mohegan Sun President and General Manager Ray Pineault, as well as the casino's Tribal Chairman, Kevin Brown were present at the ceremony, and thanked the people responsible for designing and constructing the new building.

Brown said the new hotel represents not just a new addition to the entertainment venue, but an economic opportunity as well, saying that "for us, this new hotel does represent the ability to have more room nights and stays, right here at the casino and that has already, just in these early days, proven itself out with the demand that has been placed on this new hotel. But it's also important to the state, because it represents the 2,000 jobs as this went through the construction phase and represents 200 permanent jobs, as we extend our team members, into this facility, and keep it up and running."

After the construction of Mohegan Sun's 1,200-room Sky Tower hotel, the organization had always maintained plans to create a second hotel at the casino's flagship location. However, plans were tabled after the economic downturn of 2008.

A number of Connecticut officials were present at the hotel's opening on Friday, including Governor, Malloy, Lt. Governor, Congressman Joe Courtney, Nancy Wyman, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Blumenthal called the Mohegan Sun a "great American success story" saying that "in Washington, when I talk to colleague's about what is happening to the Native American tribes in their state, they look, with reverence, and some envy, at what you have done here."

Teen girls charged with hate crime after assaulting woman in Boston

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Three teen girls have been charged with a hate-crime after assaulting a woman in Dorchester.

DORCHESTER — Three teenage girls were arraigned on the charge of committing a hate-crime in Boston this week, according to The Boston Globe.

The girls, all of which are 15-years-old, are alleged to have attacked a woman while riding on a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red Line train, after the woman got on at the Savin Hill Station.

The girls reportedly mocked and harassed the woman because of her accent, telling her to "go back to her country" before striking her multiple times in the face with a cell phone when she attempted to change seats.

According to witnesses, the girls were seen "celebrating" as they departed the train.

The girls involved in the incident were identified by authorities using a picture that the witness had taken during the incident.

The girls have additionally been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as with civil rights violations, according to the paper.

 

Southwick prepares for winter

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The Fire Department is also looking at creation of a training schedule.

SOUTHWICK - The Select Board this week approved funding to allow the Department of Public Works to fill its new salt shed with salt and sand for the upcoming winter months.

The three-member board also authorized the Fire Department to create drills and other training activity at the town's former salt shed located to the rear of the Fire and Police complex on Depot Street.

The new town salt shed, compliments of a $400,000 state grant is complete and ready to be filled for the 2016-2017 winter season, officials said.

Selectmen Russell Fox, Joseph Deedy and Doug Moglin agreed Monday night to appropriate $182,000 for salt and other winter road materials and authorized DPW Director Randal D. Brown to proceed with the necessary purchase orders.

The Select Board had already budgeted $50,000 in the DPW's snow removal account for this winter. The additional appropriation constitutes deficit spending which is allowed for cities and towns.

Brown told selectmen the total $232,000 is expected to be sufficient to meet winter needs.

Officials noted that $325,000 was spent for winter road operations during Fiscal 2015.

Once the town's old shed is empty, officials said demolition and site clean up will begin.

Fire Chief Russell Anderson received endorsement from the selectmen to proceed with a plan to use that site for training operations involving live fires. Anderson said he plans to purchase a steel-lined container that will be used to burn wooden pallets and hay during training.

Holiday wagon rides to benefit Westfield home for youth program

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WESTFIELD - Meadowbrook Antiques will host Holiday Family Wagon Rides to benefit Our House, a Domus Inc. home for unaccompanied youth. The rides are scheduled on Nov. 26 and 27 and Dec. 3 and 4 at 658 Montgomery Road by proprietors Timothy and Susan Crane. The rides are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on each day. Rides will...

WESTFIELD - Meadowbrook Antiques will host Holiday Family Wagon Rides to benefit Our House, a Domus Inc. home for unaccompanied youth.

The rides are scheduled on Nov. 26 and 27 and Dec. 3 and 4 at 658 Montgomery Road by proprietors Timothy and Susan Crane.

The rides are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on each day. Rides will include family fun, baked goods, hot beverages, games and music.

Monetary donations will be accepted to benefit Our House in the form of cash or checks payable to Domus Inc. - Our House.

Otis man charged with raping 5-year-old girl had history of sex abuse complaints

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A man from Otis who was recently charged with raping a five-year-old girl had a history of complaints lodged against him.

PITTSFIELD — The Otis man who was recently charged with raping a five-year-old girl has a history of sex abuse complaints--none of which were ever brought to court, according to The Berkshire Eagle.

32-year-old Stephen Hyland is accused of assaulting the child in 2011, reportedly undressing her, assaulting her, and exposing himself before warning her not to tell people what had occurred.

The girl kept the assault a secret for five years before recently telling a relative what had happened.

Hyland, who pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape of a child with force, open and gross lewdness, and intimidation of a witness in Berkshire Superior Court last week, had a history of sexual abuse complaints.

Hyland admitted in 2000 that he had been consistently having intercourse with a 16-year-old girl. However, the case never went to court because the girl's family did not make the decision to prosecute Hyland.

Later, in 2013, a report emerged that Hyland had assaulted an 11-year-old girl while he was employed as a lift operator in Otis. Again, the girl's family did not make a decision to prosecute.

In 2014, a complaint was lodged with the state Department of Children and Families that alleged Hyland had touched a 6-year-old girl inappropriately. Charges were dropped because the victim's mental health counselors advised that she should not be involved in a criminal case against her attacker.

Massachusetts State Police Detective Sgt. Christopher J. Meiklejohn said that the cases "illustrate Hyland's propensity to sexually assault and abuse young female victims."

 

Westfield to kick off holiday season Nov. 26

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WESTFIELD - Mayor Brian P. Sullivan will lead city residents in kicking off the 2016 holiday season with the traditional tree lighting ceremony Nov. 26 at Park Square. The lighting will take place at about 6:30 p.m. following the city's annual Lanternlight Parade that will step off from 51 Franklin St. at about 6:15 p.m.. The parade, featuring Father Christmas...

WESTFIELD - Mayor Brian P. Sullivan will lead city residents in kicking off the 2016 holiday season with the traditional tree lighting ceremony Nov. 26 at Park Square.

The lighting will take place at about 6:30 p.m. following the city's annual Lanternlight Parade that will step off from 51 Franklin St. at about 6:15 p.m.. The parade, featuring Father Christmas and Dickens Christmas Carole characters will proceed down Elm Street to Park Square Green.

Santa will be at the square and hot cocoa and other refreshments will be available.

"This is a great community event to begin the holiday season, It is a time to come together and be thankful and positive through the holidays. It is an event I look forward to every year," Sullivan said.

As part of the holiday kick-off downtown stores will be open and participate in the annual Shop Small, Shop Local program.

Former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown being considered for Veterans Affairs secretary in Trump cabinet

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Former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown is being considered for a cabinet position in the Trump White House.

Former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown is reportedly being considered as a choice for Veterans Affairs secretary in the Trump cabinet, according to The Boston Globe.

Trump reportedly called Brown on his cell phone on Friday to discuss his possible appointment to the position.

"He said he's making his highest recommendation to his committee that they consider me," Brown said in an interview with the paper.

Brown, who was a Republican senator in Massachusetts from 2010 to 2013, reportedly supported Trump early on in his campaign, backing him during the Republican presidential primary.

Brown has expressed confidence in his abilities to take on the role.

"Having served for 35 years in military, last 4 years at Pentagon, serving on Armed Services, Veterans and working on these issues for decades, it would be a great challenge to fix and a great honor to serve if asked. Time will tell," Brown told the New York Post.



11 men indicted in large meth trafficking operation

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Eleven men were indicted in Boston on Friday in connection with a large conspiracy to traffick meth and launder money.

BOSTON — Eleven men from Massachusetts and California have been indicted for allegedly working together to orchestrate a "large-scale" methamphetamine trafficking operation that also involved laundering money.

According to the indictment, the men conspired to transport large amounts of methamphetamine from San Diego, California, to Massachusetts, where it was sold in the Boston area.

The money from the drug sales was then taken back to California where it was laundered through various methods.

The men listed in the indictment are as follows:

* Jesse Gillis, 31, of Boston;
* James Giannetta, 61, of Quincy;
* Christopher Halfond, 35, of Carlsbad, Calif.;
* Matthew Metz, 41, of Boston;
* Steven Beadles, 58, of Chelsea;
* Russell Ormiston, 50, of Chelsea;
* Jorge Grandon, 47, of Boston;
* Mario Castro, 48, of Boston;
* Jeffrey Carlo, 28, of Dorchester;
* Bruce Reisman, 57, of Boston; and
* Daniel Ponce, 38, of Boston.

For the charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine in quantities of 50 grams or more, the men involved could face up to 30 years in prison from combined sentences. If found guilty of laundering money, the men could be facing an additional 20 years in prison.

 

Man arrested in Springfield for shooting dog during afternoon altercation

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The man allegedly responsible for shooting a dog in Springfield on Friday has been arrested.

SPRINGFIELD — The man responsible for fatally shooting a Jack Russell terrier during an altercation in Springfield on Friday afternoon has been arrested, according to Lt. Mark Rolland of the Springfield Police Department.

At approximately 4 p.m., a heated argument broke out between two men on Fort Pleasant Avenue that quickly escalated into a physical altercation. During the fight, a 22 caliber handgun was produced and the dog was fatally shot, Rolland said.

Sgt. John Delaney of the Springfield Police Department has identified the culprit of the dog killing as Edwin Harrison, 37, of Springfield, according to 22News.

After the shooting, Harrison fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later by police.

Rolland says the suspect now faces a lengthy list of charges, including killing a domestic animal, carrying a firearm without a license, resisting arrest, and a number of other firearm violations.

The gun that was used in the incident was stolen from New Hampshire in 2007, said Rolland.

Additionally, Rolland said that a search of the suspect found him to be in possession of 46 bags of heroin, crack, and cocaine.

Harrison is scheduled to be arraigned in Springfield District Court on Monday.

 

Mike Pence sees 'Hamilton,' receives sharp message from VP Aaron Burr

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Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Friday was the latest high-profile person to attend the Broadway hit "Hamilton," but he became the first to get a sharp message from a cast member from the stage.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Friday was the latest high-profile person to attend the Broadway hit "Hamilton," but he became the first to get a sharp message from a cast member from the stage.

Actor Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, the nation's third vice president, gave a speech Friday for his political descendant after the curtain call, telling Pence the multiracial and multicultural cast is worried about the Donald Trump administration.

"We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights," Dixon said. "We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us."


Pence ducked out before Dixon finished the unprecedented message. But a show spokesman said Pence stood in the hallway outside the entrance to the auditorium and heard the full remarks.

The vice president-elect's appearance at the Richard Rodgers Theatre triggered both cheers and boos when he slipped into row F in the prime orchestra seats.

"Vice President-elect Pence, I see you walking out, but I hope you will hear us, just a few more moments. There's nothing to boo here, ladies and gentlemen," Dixon said from the stage. "We're all here sharing a story about love."

Mike PenceProtesters shout slogans at Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he leaves the Richard Rodgers Theatre after a performance of "Hamilton," in New York, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
Outside, many protesters jeered, including one woman who held up a sign with a line from the musical that always gets a cheer: "Immigrants, we get the job done." Dixon's speech, which ended with a plea to donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, brought down the house.

"Hamilton," which won 11 Tony Awards, has been praised by politicians and rap stars alike, influenced the debate over the nation's currency and burst through the Broadway bubble like none other.

The first family has been big boosters of the show. President Barack Obama took daughters Sasha and Malia to see it last year after first lady Michelle Obama caught it last spring. Pence's predecessor, Vice President Joe Biden, also has seen it.

The show is by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the musical's book, music and lyrics. It stresses the orphan, immigrant roots of Hamilton and has a terrifically varied score, ranging from pop ballads to gospel to sexy R&B. It has been cheered for reclaiming the nation's founding story by a multicultural cast.

Pence HamiltonIn this image made from a video provided by Hamilton LLC, actor Brandon Victor Dixon who plays Aaron Burr, the nation's third vice president, in "Hamilton" speaks from the stage after the curtain call in New York, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Vice President-elect Mike Pence is the latest celebrity to attend the Broadway hit "Hamilton," but the first to get a sharp message from a cast member from the stage. (Hamilton LLC via AP)
The Alexander Hamilton that Pence saw was Javier Munoz, an openly gay actor. Pence supported numerous efforts to ban gay marriage as governor of Indiana and opposed unfettered federal funding for HIV and AIDS treatment.

After Pence left, Jeffrey Seller, the show's lead producer, said he hopes the politician would share the show's message of empathy: "I hope that maybe it inspires him to feel for those not like him."

Seller, a Tony Award winner who has produced such shows as "Rent" and "Avenue Q," said such notable Republicans as former Vice President Dick Cheney and presidential speechwriter Peggy Noonan have come to "Hamilton."

"This show is absolutely for Republicans as well as Democrats, and we would like to host any Republican who would like to see the show," he said.

President-elect Donald Trump calls on cast of 'Hamilton' to apologize to Mike Pence

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Hours after the cast of Broadway musical "Hamilton" urged Mike Pence to work on behalf of all Americans, President-elect Donald Trump called on the actors to apologize to his vice presidential running mate Saturday.

Hours after the cast of Broadway musical "Hamilton" urged Mike Pence to work on behalf of all Americans, President-elect Donald Trump called on the actors to apologize to his vice presidential running mate Saturday.

The president-elect blasted the cast in a couple of Saturday morning tweets, contending that they were "very rude last night to a very good man."

Arguing that "the theater must always be a safe and special place," Trump further called on the "Hamilton" cast to apologize for having "harassed" the vice president-elect, who attended the performance.

"Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing.This should not happen!" he tweeted.

Minutes later Trump added: "The Theater must always be a safe and special place.The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!"

Following Friday night's performance of "Hamilton," actors came together on stage as Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays the role of Aaron Burr in the historically based musical, addressed Pence during the curtain call speech.

"Vice president-elect Pence, we welcome you and we truly thank you for joining us here at 'Hamilton: An American Musical,' we really do. We sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights," he said. "But, we truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us."

Dixon, who urged audience members not to "boo" the vice president-elect, added that the show's American story is "told by a diverse group of men and women of different colors, creeds and orientations."

He told Broadway.com that his curtain call speech was a message from "the producers, the creative and the cast."

"If you have differences, say something! What better place than on this stage telling this story with these people?" he told the website. "I hope he thinks of us every time he has to deal with an issue or talk about a bill or present anything."

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, praised the "Hamilton" cast's curtain call speech, calling it "a powerful message" to Pence.

"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda performed at an October benefit for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Chicopee firefighters knock down early morning blaze

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Two people have been displaced following an early Saturday morning blaze at a State Street home, according to the Chicopee Fire Department.

CHICOPEE ‒ Fire officials are investigating the cause of an early morning fire that charred a State Street home.

Firefighters responded to reports of flames in a single-family home located at 107 State St. around 3 a.m., according to WWLP.

They quickly controlled fire, which appeared to have started in a bedroom on the left side of the house, Acting Deputy Fire Chief Douglas Sanford told the news station.

Two people in the home at the time of the blaze escaped without injury, Sanford said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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