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Expelled Springfield College football player wins reinstatement, pending trial

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The judge ruled the private school essentially trampled on the student's right to a fair investigation into suspected drug use.

SPRINGFIELD -- A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Springfield College to reinstate a student athlete suing the school over what he says was an unfair expulsion over suspected drug possession.

Zachary Wekilsky, a junior and starting offensive guard at the school, last week filed a lawsuit alleging the expulsion -- which came after a white substance was found in his dorm room during a holiday break inspection -- violated the college's own procedures around discipline.

His attorneys sought an emergency lift of the expulsion.

Wekilsky contends the substance found in his room was not an illicit drug and was recovered while he was 300 miles away on winter break at his family's home in New Jersey. 

The substance tested positive for cocaine, college officials claim.

U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni agreed the expulsion was improper and ordered Wekilsky be allowed back to school while the case heads toward an accelerated trial 60 days from now.

In an eight-page decision issued one day after a hearing for an injunction to reverse the expulsion, the judge ruled the college acted "arbitrarily and capriciously" when it suspended Wekilsky through the end of his senior year.

Mastroianni added that the school's investigation into the substance found in Wekilsky's room was "fundamentally unfair" in that it did not provide the student access to basic things to build a defense such as reports, despite the student's repeated requests for information.

Attorneys for the college have argued college administrators and campus police followed proper procedures.

Wekilsky, 20, has consistently asserted he gave his friends access to his private dorm room over Thanksgiving break so they could tap into his stash of Ding Dongs and beer.

The college argues student residential staff and campus police discovered a white substance "in a near perfect line" on Wekilsky's desk during the break. 

According to Wekilsky, he quizzed his suite-mates over the matter, who said they only crushed up caffeine pills to add to their beer for endurance during parties.

Attorney Daniel J. O'Connell, argued during a hearing on Tuesday -- which became testy at times -- that the college railroaded Wekilsky using flimsy evidence and denied him a fair disciplinary process. Wekilsky was present in court, with seven of his teammates in the gallery behind him.

"Like my client wrote in an impassioned appeal of the suspension: 'What kind of an idiot would leave cocaine in (his) room after he's been at the school for three years and knows rooms are searched over holiday breaks?'" O'Connell argued during the hearing.

The judge repeatedly redirected O'Connell and an attorney for the school, Ariel G. Sullivan, to stick to the issues at hand and not argue their dueling facts of the case.

"We're gonna kind of save the drama," Mastroianni said.

The case shines a light on the near-sovereign power private colleges have over disciplining students. Mastroianni pointed out that the standard of proof for colleges considering discipline against students is "very low."

"The college's reaction to this ... seems to be extreme. but the college has a significant interest in protecting its campus," Mastroianni told the lawyers. The judge added that the college's evidence was thin, however, and would never stand up in a criminal court.

O'Connell has argued the school violated its own policies by not allowing Wekilsky a fair process, which is outlined in its student handbook. Wekilsky said he was unable to obtain copies of any of the reports in his disciplinary case and that he and two friends who came forward were bullied by administrators.

In considering his ruling on the temporary injunction allowing Wekilsky back to school, the judge considered factors such as the likelihood of success on the merits of the plaintiff's case, the public's interest and whether Wekilsky would suffer "irreparable harm" if the motion had been denied.

O'Connell said the abrupt expulsion would have cost Wekilsky, a special education and history major, an internship at a local school, a hard-fought spot as a starting player and academic momentum.

"He's devastated by that ... money can't change that," O'Connell argued.

And speaking of money, the Wekilskys had already paid the school $50,000 in tuition when he was ejected, he added.

Sullivan argued the substance found in Wekilsky's room was cocaine and was tested twice by campus police using a field test kit.

Mastroianni, a former defense attorney who was serving as Hampden District Attorney when he was appointed to the bench, quizzed Sullivan about whether the school sent the substance out for lab testing.

She said the school had not.

"I'm starting to be as dramatically upset about this case as Mr. O'Connell. Do you know anything about the reliability of the kit?" he asked at the hearing.

Sullivan said she did not.

"Perhaps you should have had that information before you categorically stand up here and represent that this was cocaine," the judge remarked, before taking the motion under advisement. He issued his ruling 24 hours later.

During an interview after the ruling was made public, Wekilsky said he was grateful for the support of his family, his attorneys and his teammates.

He added that he was "miserable" as he watched his teammates return to school for off-season workouts while he labored away at home, uncertain of his future.

"I love Springfield College and my team and all my coaches," Wekilsky said. "I put my heart and soul, and my blood, sweat and tears into that team."

He said he studied for and completed final exams late last year during the ongoing investigation, while his academic future hung in the balance.

"I finished strong, with a good GPA so I feel good about that," he said.

Wekilsky said he plans to return to the college tomorrow, but is not sure where he will stay since the judge's order does not require the college to allow him his old dorm room back -- or any housing, for that matter.

The Republican has a request for comment pending with the college's attorneys.


Help for Holyoke pledged by Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, President Christina Royal of Holyoke Community College

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Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and President Christina Royal of Holyoke Community College were featured speakers on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 at the annual Candidates and Elected Officials Reception held by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce at Gary Rome Hyundai, 150 Whiting Farms Road in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

HOLYOKE -- The new sheriff said Wednesday this generation will be judged by how it handles the opioid crisis and his administration is committed to helping incarcerated addicts return to freedom as productive workers instead of as harmful criminals.

The new president of Holyoke Community College (HCC) said such institutions are key to helping a community not only train and hire skilled workers, but innovate to succeed through changes.

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and HCC President Christina Royal were featured speakers at the annual Candidates and Elected Officials Reception held by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce at Gary Rome Hyundai, 150 Whiting Farms Road.

The event filled Rome's showroom with mostly dark-suited state legislators, Holyoke city councilors and city officials and business men and women.

Cocchi and Royal both committed to helping Holyoke.

"Holyoke, I want to be good for you, so hold me accountable to that," Cocchi said.

"I'm very grateful to be part of this community," Royal said, adding at another point, "Our futures are interdependent and intertwined."

Cocchi was elected Hampden County Sheriff on Nov. 8 and sworn into office Jan. 4.

The opioid epidemic prompted Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker in March to sign a law aimed at fighting the addiction crisis that included a provision limiting opioid prescriptions to 7-day supply for first timers. Many addicts become dependent by taking opioid pain killers and shift to heroin when the prescriptions expire.

People of this era will be judged by how they responded to the opioid crisis, Cocchi said.

According to the state Department of Children and Families, 30 percent of neglect and abuse cases in the state were linked to such substance abuse.

Cocchi said the sheriff"s department works to help addicts and others who incarcerated turn lives around. That means exposing them to training to secure jobs, helping them find homes and instilling a discipline to attend treatment and other appointments, he said.

"That's what we do every day and we do it on behalf of the community," Cocchi said.

A successful person out of jail is someone less likely to hurt someone, vandalize property or otherwise detract from the community, he said.

Cocchi said Holyoke was good to him in last year's election campaign and he plans to return the favor. The sheriff's department has two restitution crews working with the Holyoke Housing Authority and one with the Department of Public Works, he said.

He praised the work of Ed Caisse, sheriff's department program supervisor and organizer of the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative.

Cocchi said Holyoke and the sheriff's department even forged a closer relationship in the past few years. Mayor Alex B. Morse worked out a licensing arrangement to have the department's Western Massachusetts Correctional Addiction Center temporarily occupy space at the former Holyoke Geriatric Authority when it had to vacate its longtime Springfield home.

"I'm looking forward to working with you in a Cocchi administration because my philosophy is very simple: We're here to serve you," Cocchi said.

Royal came to HCC after having been provost and vice president of academic affairs at Inver Hills Community College in the Minnesota State Colleges system.

She grew up on the East Coast and has spent ample time in New York City, she said, joking that New England seems to provide the middle ground between the fast-paced activity of the Big Apple and the laid-back attitude of the Midwest.

"I'm so excited to be here," Royal said.

She listed statistics she said show the impact of Holyoke Community College on the region. Enrollment is over 11,000 students, including 776 from Holyoke. Over 1,000 students graduated from HCC last year, she said.

And the affordability of community colleges for graduates pays off for Massachusetts, she said.

"They stay in Massachusetts," she said.

HCC has working arrangements with Dean Technical High School and Holyoke High School and with Springfield Technical Community College, she said.

The community college has helped the economy in recent years with $54 million in capital improvements, including the Center for Health Education at 400 Jarvis Ave. and the soon-to-open the MGM Resorts HCC Center for Culinary Arts at Holyoke, she said.

Community colleges with such relationships and projects, and in the training of future workers, help the community such as by "looking for ways to strengthen the region with innovations that will mutually benefit all of us."

Should a politician's family be off-limits?

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Many people, on both sides of the political spectrum, have come to President Trump's defense to say his son should be off-limits to jokes and criticism.

"Saturday Night Live" writer Katie Rich was suspended indefinitely after tweeting a harsh joke about Donald Trump's 10-year-old son, Barron. Many people, on both sides of the political spectrum, came to President Trump's defense to say his son should be off-limits to jokes and criticism. Critics say censoring jokes infringes on free speech, and also find it hypocritical that a man who has attacked other people's family members is offended when it happens to him. What do you think?

'SNL' writer deletes Twitter account after Barron Trump tweet

PERSPECTIVES

There was an outpouring of support for Barron Trump after he was ridiculed and criticized on Twitter.

Judging by the reaction to a "Saturday Night Live" writer's tweet, one norm of American politics remains unshakable: The children of presidents should be off limits.
...
It was a rare point of agreement across the political spectrum on social media over a weekend during which hundreds of thousands of people marched to protest the new administration.

Comedians rallied around Katie Rich after she was suspended indefinitely for her SNL tweet. Here's why they stand with her.

chelsea-clinton-tylt.jpg 

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State Police investigating officer involved shooting in Pittsfield

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State Police are involved in an investigation of an officer involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday morning.

PITTSFIELD — Massachusetts State Police are working together with Pittsfield authorities to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred in the city's Springside Park on Wednesday morning, according to Western Mass News.

55-year-old Mark A. Marauszwski is recovering at Berkshire Medical Center after being shot by Officer Martin Streit of the Pittsfield Police Department.

Authorities say Marauszwski is in stable condition but is now facing a number of charges, including two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon, operating after suspension, and failure to stop for a police officer.

The incident allegedly occurred as Pittsfield Police Officer David Hallas was conducting a routine traffic stop.

Police say Marauszwski had a known traffic violation and Hallas pulled him over as a result. However, when Hallas approached the stopped vehicle, Maurauszwski apparently drove away, hitting the police officer with his car door as he went.

Hallas proceeded to get back in his cruiser and pursue the fleeing suspect, while simultaneously calling dispatch to request assistance.

The chase ended in the city's Springside Park--where Marauszwski attempted to escape by apparently driving at responding police officer Martin Streit, who had stepped out of his patrol car.

Police say that Streit fired three shots at Marauszwski, striking him once.

Marauszwski was subsequently given first aid and taken to the Berkshire Medical Center for treatment.

Any further details regarding the case will be released through the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office.

 

Federal Rail Administration open house in Springfield invites public to learn about new rail plan

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A FRA open house on Wednesday gave the public access to plans for an updated rail system.

SPRINGFIELD — A Federal Rail Administration (FRA) open house held in Springfield on Wednesday allowed the public to come out and learn about plans for an updated rail system.

Held at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission on Congress Street, the primary reason for the open house was to give the public access to information about the NEC FUTURE program--a federal plan to update aging infrastructure and expand rail services in the northeastern corridor.

Information boards were laid out explaining the various aspects of the proposed rail plan, and members of the FRA were also present to answer questions from the public about the project.

The current plan, dubbed the "Preferred Alternative" and arrived at through a combination of public input and professional analysis, calls for more daily trains between cities, faster trip times, and more accessibility to jobs in a 45-minute commute time.

As a means of transporting goods and people across state lines, the FRA has said that the updated rail system would not only be convenient to passengers but vital to continued economic growth in the northeastern states.

For Springfield, specifically, the plan calls for an expansion of the rail services already available to city residents as part of the larger, comprehensive plan to restructure and expand rail travel across the northeastern corridor.

"The biggest impact [for the Springfield area] is increased access," said Rebecca Reyes-Alycia, joint program manager of the project. "Improved capacity so that we can accommodate better service," she said.

Under the new plan, Reyes-Alycia said that more Springfield residents would have access to rail travel, as well as to a larger variety of destinations.

Increasing "connectivity" is one of the stated goals of the NEC--meaning that gaps that presently exist in certain rail networks would be filled and previously unconnected transportation hubs would be allowed access to each other.

"For Springfield it's about access, performance of the services, and the flexibility to provide a higher frequency of service," Reyes-Alycia said, adding that access to a wider diversity of areas through travel would hopefully be a result.

Vermont man arrested as accessory after the fact in connection to Montpelier homicide case

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A man has been arrested as an accessory after the fact in connection with a recent homicide in Montpelier, Vermont.

MONTPELIER, Vt -- A man has been arrested as an accessory after the fact in connection to the murder of Markus Austin--a state employee and former professional basketball player--who was gunned down in front of an apartment complex in Montpelier, Vermont on January 22.

Major Glenn Hall of the Vermont State Police reported Wednesday that 36-year-old Reginald Jones, of Barre, has been taken into custody.

Hall said investigations by law enforcement had revealed Jones drove the primary suspect in the case--29-year-old Jayveon Caballero, also of Barre--to a bus stop in White River Junction on the morning of the murder, where he also bought him a bus ticket.

On January 22, Markus Austin was found shot to death in a parking lot off of Barre Street. 

Caballero and Austin were apparently involved in a fight outside of a Barre bar several hours before the shooting occurred. Witnesses of the fight told police that Austin had assaulted Caballero's girlfriend. 

Caballero's girlfriend, 22-year-old Desiree Cary, was taken into custody on the night of the murder and charged with a number of charges, including sale of crack cocaine and heroin. 

By January 23, an arrest warrant had been issued for Caballero--who police believed to have fled the state. Law enforcement's search for him continues. 

Anyone who believes they may have information regarding the homicide or the whereabouts of Jayveon Caballero has been encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police. 

Dogfish -- at UMass, it's what's for dinner

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All the dining commons serve the fish as part of a fish fry every Friday night, and in other dishes throughout the week. Watch video

AMHERST -- It may not have the tastiest name, but a University of Massachusetts chef says dogfish is becoming a popular fish on campus.

All the dining commons serve the fish -- 400 to 500 pounds of it -- as part of a fish fry every Friday night.   

Bob Bankert, chef de cuisine for UMass Dining, said UMass began seeking alternatives to cod several years ago, and began serving dogfish in the fall.

"Cod is way over fished," Bankert said.

Before arriving at dogfish, the dining halls also began serving other so-called "trash fish" such as pollock and redfish.

But Bankert rejects the "trash fish" moniker -- born from the practice of fisherman tossing such species out instead of bringing them to market -- and instead calls fish like dogfish "under loved." 

Bankert said people don't have problems with the idea of eating catfish -- but some balk at the name "dogfish."

df.jpgA spiny dogfish swims along a stretch of sandy seafloor. UMass-Amherst serves the fish during a weekly fish fry.  

Dogfish -- a shark species also known as "cape shark" -- is native to New England waters. But, about 90 percent of the harvest has been sent to England for that country's fish and chips, Bankert said.

He's hoping that through word of mouth and focus on the fish, more people will try it and be able to find it at markets.

A few years ago, he said, shoppers couldn't find fish like pollock or redfish in markets -- and now they can.

UMass students are always open to trying new things -- and, anyway, he said, "We know how to make it tasty." 

So, dogfish will stay on the menu.

Besides the fish fries, the dining halls serve dogfish in wraps once a week and in bouillabaisse or other fish stews.

Bankert described dogfish as not as flaky as cod or haddock, but not as thick as swordfish. He compared it to halibut in texture, with a stronger taste than cod.

Besides serving more plentiful native fish, dogfish is less expensive -- and he said, "We're supporting local fisheries."

A recent PBS Newshour story on the fish has raised its profile, Bankert said, Boston Magazine published a story last summer.

He's hoping more positive attention will do the same.

Obituaries from The Republican, Jan. 26, 2017

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Obituaries from The Republican.


'We always need food' Nuestras Raices official says in launching farmer training in Holyoke

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Farming training for 100 applicants will be provided for free over the next two years by the nonprofit Nuestras Raices in Holyoke, Massachusetts funded by an $800,000 federal grant, officials said at a press conference at the facility at 329 Main St. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Watch video

This story elaborates on an article published at 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017: Welcome to farming career, Nuestras Raices in Holyoke says

HOLYOKE -- Rafael Herrero was not guaranteeing jobs, but he made an interesting point about food Wednesday in discussing the new program at Nuestras Raices to train people to be farmers.

"Food is really important, is something that we need every day. It's not going anywhere. Farming is not going anywhere," Herrero, the nonprofit organization's director of agriculture and environment, said at a press conference at Neustras Raices' 329 Main St. offices.

Nuestras Raices ("our roots") will train 100 people to be farmers over the next two years, 50 each year. The program will be split between the organization's farm at 24 Jones Ferry Road and classroom instruction at Dean Technical High School at 1045 Main St.

The program is free of charge for applicants, who can be from anywhere as long as they're 16 or older, thanks to an $800,000 federal grant.

The 100 hours of the program will be taught in English and Spanish from April to October, across one full growing season, planting to harvesting.

The first round of training will begin April 4 and the application deadline is March 15.

Click here to obtain an application or visit nuestras-raices.org

Topics will include organic principles and crop planning, organic production techniques, marketing for small farmers, small business management and record-keeping and regulations.

"They're going to be really learning the business from this class," Herrero said. "So once they graduate, they can go to a bank for a loan and have their business plan and say, 'This is the machinery I'll need.' "

Nuestras Raices is working on the program with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the department that provided the grant.

Holyoke's Nuestras Raices to mark 20th anniversary with dinner celebration, photo exhibit

Farmers who came to mainland America from Puerto Rico founded Nuestras Raices in 1992.

"They wanted to continue farming," said Hilda Roque, Nuestras Raices executive director.

The farmer training program now for Nuestras Raices is a natural step, she said.

"It's an amazing program that I know a lot of people will benefit (from)," Roque said.

Nuestras Raices seeks to promote economic, human and community development in Holyoke through projects relating to food, agriculture and the environment.

Mayor Alex B. Morse said the farmer training, providing skills to help people earn a living, underscores that Nuestras Raices is an asset here (see video above).

"We encourage people from all over the city to come and explore what they have to offer here," Morse said.

Herrero said the five acres that Nuestras Raices farms on Jones Ferry Road includes hot and sweet peppers, lettuce, pumpkins, squash, white beans, pigeon peas, garlic, tomatoes and flowers.

"We always need food," Herrero said after the press conference. "People eat three times a day, sometimes six times a day. Food is going nowhere."

Springfield License Commission to consider new manager, ownership at troubled ShowBar strip club

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The Springfield License Commission will consider a new owner, a new manager and a new name for the troubled ShowBar strip club on Chestnut Street downtown.

SPRINGFIELD -- The License Commission on Thursday is slated to consider a liquor license transfer and new management for the closed ShowBar strip club on Chestnut Street in downtown Springfield.

Daniel Kelly, a lawyer representing the ShowBar, said there is a pending sale of the strip club to Paul Ramesh of East Longmeadow, who is also the proposed new manager. The license transfer and new management need approval from the License Commission and state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

There is also a request to change the name of the club to Wonderland.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall.

Kelly said he held off on the requested changes pending the sale agreement being reached.

ShowBar was the subject of two major suspensions in the past year issued by the commission and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who oversees entertainment licenses.

The bar has been closed in recent months, as the sale was pursued and in light of a new, 60-day license suspension issued by the License Commission and mayor in December, officials said.

The latest suspension was related to the sale of alcohol to a minor and for violations of the club's security plan, and had followed other trouble, city officials said. There was a fight last March between two dancers in which one was stabbed and struck with a chair.

In addition, the bar has been accused last year of hiring a 17-year-old dancer, whose employment came to an end in June when the mother intervened. The allegation of exposing a child in a state of nudity is under the review of state agencies, with local hearings on hold, officials said.

If approved, the liquor license of the ShowBar will be transferred from Downtown Boys LLC to Ramesh. Also, management of the club is to be transferred from Matthew Hubney to Ramesh.

Ramesh is the current owner of The Zone nightclub, 80 Worthington St., and also was the owner of the Shadow Lounge at 278 Worthington St. before it closed on Dec. 31.

There was a double stabbing at the Shadow Lounge last July, but the city did not pursue any violation hearing with knowledge that it was the bar's intent to close by the end of 2016 and to relinquish its license, according to the city.

There was an altercation and shots fired outside The Zone in December of 2014, after which the club was given a three-day suspension for failing to post its liquor license.

Chicopee School officials call for budget freeze to save for next year

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Last budget year some layoffs were prevented because the School Department had saved about $2.4 million from the previous year's budget.

CHICOPEE - Concerned about education funding for the next year, Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. announced he has placed a budget freeze on all school spending.

"It is not because we have overspent line items and it is not because we are running in the red," Rege said when telling the School Committee about his plans to limit spending as much as possible. "We are trying to conserve."

The freeze is a way to save as much money as possible and to prepare in case education funding for the upcoming year is low.

Last year school officials faced a difficult time balancing the budget since it had to pay 2 percent negotiated salary increases to nearly all staff and was hit with a 7.7 percent health insurance increase while state assistance, which funds about two-thirds of the school budget, increased by just $200,000.

The School Department sent layoff notices to about 170 staff as a precaution, although administrators were able to recall them after the School Committee adopted an $81 million budget, which was $2.6 million less than the previous year's budget.

School officials managed to prevent layoffs and budget cuts that would directly impact the classroom in part by an infusion of about $1.25 million from the City Council. It was the first time in many years the city agreed to spend more than the amount required by the Education Reform Act of 1993.

But teaching jobs were also preserved because the School Department was able to save $2.4 million from previous years' budgets and put that money toward paying salaries of teachers and teacher assistants for this school year. An additional $1.5 million from money it received by accepting out-of-town students into city schools was also used to balance the budget.

No one is certain how much state money will be allocated to public school education this year and Rege said he wants to be able to be as financially conservative as possible in case the schools have to face another lean year.

The freeze does not mean teachers will face a completely austere six months. It just means all spending proposals will be carefully reviewed and student-centered.

"If it is an emergency-type purchase you need for kids it will probably be approved," Rege said.

The School Committee had no objection to the plan.

A few days after Rege's announcement, Gov. Charlie Baker said he is proposing a $91 million increase in Chapter 70 education aid, which is the money used to fund schools, that would raise that account to more than $4.7 billion and deliver an increase of at least $20 per pupil to all of the state's 322 school districts.

While officials in the governor's office described its recommended Chapter 70 funding level as "historic," others questioned if it would help schools much, according to State House News Service.

In this year's state budget, Chapter 70 aid rose by more than $116 million, or 2.6 percent, and unrestricted aid by $42 million, or 4.3 percent, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, according to State House News Service.

Reputed 'Al Bruno' heroin salesman held on $100,000 bail

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From Kurt Cobain to Donald Trump, names of celebrities, politicians and athletes have have been found on heroin packets seized locally. But the appearance of Bruno's name and image apparently marks the first time a local figure has been spotted on a drug stamp.

SPRINGFIELD -- A Springfield teenager is being held on $100,000 bail after police allegedly seized more than 3,000 bags of heroin and a loaded .38-caliber firearm during a raid at his home.

Jose Mendez, 18, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Springfield District Court to heroin trafficking, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card and improper storage of a firearm.

Following an extensive investigation, narcotics detectives raided a Marion Street home around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Mary Simeoli said.

In addition to 3,070 bags of heroin, many stamped with the name and likeness of slain Springifeld crime boss Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno, detectives found $2,100 in cash and a loaded revolver, Simeoli said.

Mendez told investigators the gun, drugs and cash belonged to him and not his family members. When police asked if he was selling the drugs, he responded: "If you want to put it that way, yes," Simeoli said.

The gun was found in cardboard box in his third-floor bedroom, close to a crib holding Mendez's infant son, the prosecutor said.

She asked for $100,000 bail, citing the volume of drugs seized, the loaded firearm and a firearms-related arrest that Mendez picked up as a 15-year-old.

Defense lawyer Joe A. Smith III opposed the bail request, calling it "grossly excessive."

Mendez has strong family ties to the Springfield area and poses no risk of flight, according to Smith, who said both of the defendant's parents came to court to support him.

During the raid, Mendez not only took responsibility for the drugs, he showed the detectives where to find them, the lawyer said. "He was as cooperative as a person could be," Smith said.

He asked Judge William Boyle to set bail at $10,000, with GPS monitoring if necessary. He also suggested that Mendez be required to attend GED classes while out on bail.

Boyle set bail at $100,000 and continued the case for Feb. 22.

The raid was conducted by Springfield police, the Hampden County Narcotics Task Force and Massachusetts State Police. They obtained a search warrant for the address based on surveillance and three heroin purchases made by a cooperating source, Simeoli said.

The packets were either stamped with Bruno's name and image or "Louis Vuitton," the brand name of a line of designer handbags and luggage. Law enforcement officials say the stamps sometimes signify a particular type of heroin, but are often meaningless since they change frequently and are quickly copied by other dealers.

Bruno, a high-profile Springfield mobster, was shot to death outside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Social Club in 2003. Federal prosecutors said the killing was sanctioned by top Genovese crime family members after Bruno had allegedly discussed mob business with FBI Agent Clifford Hedges.

From Kurt Cobain to Donald Trump, names of celebrities, politicians and athletes have been found on heroin packets seized locally. But the appearance of Bruno's name and image apparently marks the first time a local figure has been spotted on a drug stamp. Given his proffessed disdain for drugs, Bruno might not have appreciated the tribute.

Springfield police investigate early morning shooting, victim uncooperative

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The victim, who was dropped off at Baystate Center by a friend at about 3 a.m., told police he had been shot at Dwight and Lyman streets, Police Capt. Brian Keenan said.

SPRINGFIELD -- A male, shot in the upper body early Thursday, was treated at Baystate Medical Center and released.

The victim, who was dropped off at Baystate by a friend at about 3 a.m., told police he had been shot at Dwight and Lyman streets, Police Capt. Brian Keenan said.

There had been no ShotSpotter activation there, however, and detectives found no evidence in the area, Keenan said.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Attorney gets probation after running over and killing a man while parking

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66-year-old Valerie Semensi was convicted by a jury Wednesday of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation.

 

A Cohasset defense attorney has been sentenced to a year of probation after running over and killing a man while attempting to park an SUV at Brockton District Court, the Associated Press reported.

66-year-old Valerie Semensi was convicted by a jury Wednesday of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation. A judge also suspended Semensi's license for 15 years.

Semensi was attempting to back into a parking space on June 1 when her White Mercedes-Benz SUV accelerated over a curb and struck 66-year-old John Buckley Jr. Her vehicle continued to accelerate until it crashed into a building.

According to the Sentinel-Enterprise, Semensi reversed a total of 200 feet, dragging Buckley much of the way. Buckley was taken to a hospital in Brockton, where he later died.

Semensi was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, the Enterprise reported. 

Should there be stricter voter ID laws?

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President Trump is ordering a "major investigation" into voter fraud, despite no evidence to support his claim.

President Trump is ordering a "major investigation" into voter fraud, despite no evidence to support his claim. Trump's Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor Steve Bannon, and his daughter Tiffany are both registered in two places--although the president has rallied against this type of voter fraud. His supporters say implementing voter ID laws would be the most effective way to prevent fraud. Voting rights activists argue placing restrictions will suppress voters. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

Voter IDs are a common-sense solution that helps secure American democracy. Photo ID is needed for a huge number of day-to-day activities. It's not too much to ask a voter to show their photo ID before voting.

Photo IDs have become ubiquitous and unavoidable. You can't cash a check, board a plane or drive without one. That is why it's not unreasonable to require picture identification to protect our most important privilege of citizenship. And just in case a voter lacks a photo ID, Kansas's legislation requires that he or she be given one free of charge.
Photo ID requirements are a reasonable way to secure our elections. It's absurd to suggest that anyone is "disenfranchised" by such protective measures. More states are moving to ensure the integrity of our voting process by requiring photo IDs, not as part of a devious plot to discourage voting, but because voter fraud is a real problem. And it's a problem that voters want solved.

The problem is there really are Americans who do not own a government issued form of photo ID and more often than not, they are a member of a disenfranchised minority group. Voter ID laws do not actually address voter fraud--it's incredibly rare that people will show up to falsely vote in person. Rather, it's absentee and mail-in ballots that see the highest rates of fraud.

Voter ID laws deprive many voters of their right to vote, reduce participation, and stand in direct opposition to our country's trend of including more Americans in the democratic process. Many Americans do not have one of the forms of identification states acceptable for voting. These voters are disproportionately low-income, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Such voters more frequently have difficulty obtaining ID, because they cannot afford or cannot obtain the underlying documents that are a prerequisite to obtaining government-issued photo ID card.

ACLU: Oppose Voter ID Legislation Fact Sheet >>

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TD Garden dumps security firm, guards allegedly beat homeless

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TD Garden president Amy Latimer on Wednesday announced the Garden was ending its relationship with Allied security after an alleged pattern of abuse by guards against homeless people inside North Station.

TD Garden president Amy Latimer on Wednesday announced the Garden was ending its relationship with Allied security after an alleged pattern of abuse by guards against homeless people inside North Station, The Boston Globe reports.

The Boston Globe earlier reported the arrest of an Allied guard who allegedly bashed a homeless man over the head with his own cane in December and followed up on the story by interviewing numerous other guards and local homeless people.

Former Allied private security guard Jake Meehan told The Globe "guards routinely shoved, kicked, and dragged the people who took shelter there, following supervisors' directive to remove them from the building."

Meanwhile, The Globe unearthed at least three other police reports filed by homeless people alleging assault by Allied guards. 

Meehan told The Globe the culture among guards was, "If you witnessed it, you don't report it, you don't talk about it, it never happened. If you did bring it up, it was, 'Don't worry about it. You weren't involved.' "

Latimer responded to the findings, saying, "As you can imagine, it's absolutely unacceptable to us. We're committed to equal treatment and respect of all patrons. It is just not the way we operate."

Former Boston police commissioner Edward Davis has been hired by TD Garden to help it contract a new security provider within 90 days, The Globe reports. Allied will continue to provide security in the interim. 


 

Prosecutor: Springfield man arrested 7 times for driving with suspended license 'thumbing his nose at the court'

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"At this point the defendant is basically thumbing his nose at the court," Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said.

SPRINGFIELD -- If Abdulmalik Zaher wondered how many times he could get arrested for the same offense without being jailed, he found out last week.

Zaher, 25, of Springfield, was ordered held without right to bail for 90 days following his seventh arraignment in the past year for driving with a suspended license.

"At this point the defendant is basically thumbing his nose at the court," Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said in Springfield District Court.

Not only did Zaher rack up "case after case after case after case" of driving with a suspended license last year, he was arrested Jan. 10 on the same charge, Szafranski told Judge William Boyle.

Eight days later, he was stopped again, this time by the Massachusetts State Police, and held overnight for arraignment Jan. 19, Szafranski said.

The prosecutor asked Boyle to revoke Zaher's release in the six earlier cases and find probable cause that he violated his probation in Palmer District Court on a charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Boyle agreed and continued the latest case for a pretrial hearing Friday.

Anti-Trump protesters unfurl immigration banner near Sumner Tunnel

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An immigration protest group calling themselves the "Cosecha movement" have unfurled a large banner near the Sumner Tunnel that reads, "Un Dia Sin Inmigrantes," meaning "A Day Without Immigrants."

An immigration protest group calling themselves the "Cosecha Movement" have unfurled a large banner near the Sumner Tunnel that reads, "Un Dia Sin Inmigrantes," meaning "A Day Without Immigrants."

Members of the movement told Fox25 that they are protesting President Donald Trump's immigration policy.

"We are live from East Boston reminding the immigrant community that this country depends on our labour power to be able to function," a post on the group's Facebook page reads.

Less than a week after taking office, President Trump has signed executive orders to strip federal funding for sanctuary cities, and ordered the construction of a massive wall on the Mexican border.

The group first unfurled the banner in the Sumner Tunnel bridge, attempting to hang it over so passing drivers could see it. Authorities said the group was not allowed to hang the banner but they could unfurl it while standing on the bridge.

The Cosecha movement members are now parading their 40-foot banner on the streets of Boston. According to WHDH.com, the group will be moving their demonstration to Maverick Square.

According to a post on the group's Facebook page, today's demonstration is part of a week-long protest called, "A week without immigrants." The purpose of the protest is to demonstrate America's dependence on foreign labor. 

 

Child reportedly hit by vehicle on Main Street in Springfield's South End

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The pedestrian accident was reported shortly before 8 a.m. in the area of 714 Main St. The child, taken away in an ambulance, did not appear to be seriously injured.

SPRINGFIELD -- A child, reportedly hit by a vehicle on Main Street in the South End Thursday morning, was taken away by American Medical Response ambulance.

The child, identified over the police radio as 7-years-old, did not appear to be seriously injured. Police could not be immediately reached for comment.

The accident was reported shortly before 8 a.m. in the area of 714 Main St.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.


'The Secret Lives of Teens' to be revealed tonight at West Springfield High School

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Jon Mattleman, a parenting expert and youth counselor, will present "The Secret Lives of Teens" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at West Springfield High School. The free talk is sponsored by the West Springfield CARE Coalition, in collaboration with the Lions Club and the West Springfield Park & Recreation Department.

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Ever wonder what makes today's teens tick? Well, parenting expert Jon Mattleman will shed some light on the topic when he presents "The Secret Lives of Teens" this evening at 6:30 at West Springfield High School.

The free talk is sponsored by the West Springfield CARE Coalition, in collaboration with the Lions Club and the West Springfield Park & Recreation Department, and includes a chance to win a flat-screen TV.

A free pasta dinner, compliments of the Lions Club, will be held at the Piper Road school from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. After dinner, Mattleman will give a high-energy talk on what teens are thinking, including such topics as depression, suicide and substance abuse.

Mattleman, a Boston-area mental health counselor with a master's degree in counseling, is director of Needham Youth Services. He also runs jonmattleman.com, a consulting and presentation business.

West Side Park & Rec staff will provide supervised activities for younger kids and teens so parents can attend Mattleman's talk.

Activities include games, swimming in the school's pool, and a showing of the movie "The Secret Lives of Pets." Additional information is available by calling 413-263-3284.

The CARE Coalition provides education, prevention and intervention efforts to address and reduce underage alcohol and substance abuse.


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