Here are the winning numbers in Wednesday's Powerball drawing.

Wednesday's Powerball drawing has a lottery jackpot that's grown to one of the biggest ever. Let's see if that $2 you plunked down for a ticket pays off.

File

Here are the winning numbers:

05-28-33-38-42, Powerball: 19, PowerPlay: 2X

The estimated jackpot is $317 million. The lump sum payment before taxes will be about $189 million. If there is no jackpot winner, the amount grows even larger for the next drawing.

The amount has been creeping up since a $121.6 million jackpot was won by a Pennsylvania couple Dec. 17.

Powerball is held in 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

A $2 ticket gives you a one in 292.2 million chance at joining the hall of Powerball champions.

The drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Wednesdays and Saturdays. Deadline to purchase tickets is 9:45 p.m.

A list of what is open and closed on Presidents Day .

Presidents Day is the day set aside to honor our nation's chief executives and this year it falls on Monday, Feb. 20.

George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732 -- or Feb. 11, according to the old style calendar in use in the British Colony of Virginia at the time.

Abraham Lincoln was born Feb. 12, 1809.

But for decades, the two dates have been celebrated together on the third Monday of February as Presidents Day. However, Washington's Birthday remains the legal name for the holiday.

Here is a list of what is open and what is closed on Presidents Day.

Government

• Post Offices: Closed
• State offices: Closed
• Federal offices: Closed
• Town and city halls: Closed
• Schools: Closed, and this is a week-long school winter vacation
• Massachusetts state courts: Closed.
• U.S. District Court in Springfield: Closed
• Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Open.
• Massachusetts State Parks: Open, check here for hours and events at specific parks.

Businesses

• Retailers: Open
• Liquor stores: Open
• Stock market: Both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed.
• UPS: Open
• FedEx: Open
• Banks: Most are closed. The Federal Reserve is closed and thus is not processing checks, according to the Massachusetts Bankers Association. But some individual bank branches might remain open Monday, processing transactions on Tuesday. Customers should check with their branch.

The City Council in Holyoke, Massachusetts wants to know if the city qualifies as a "sanctuary city" in terms of declining to help federal authorities in certain cases involving immigrants living here illegally after Mayor Alex Morse vowed to defy President Donald Trump on the issue and with millions of dollars in federal funds potentially at stake. Watch video

HOLYOKE -- In light of the mayor's vow to defy President Donald Trump, the City Council wants advice.

The council has requested opinions from Police Chief James M. Neiswanger, the city Law Department and others on whether Holyoke qualifies as a "sanctuary city" in terms of its police declining to help federal authorities detain and deport some immigrants living here illegally.

Mayor Alex B. Morse said on Jan. 26 he would fight Trump's plan to block federal funding to so-called "sanctuary cities" where police departments do not assist federal agencies regarding certain immigrants living here without legal permission.

Mayor Alex Morse vows Holyoke will defy President Donald Trump on sanctuary city order

Morse issued an executive order in November 2014 that directed police to avoid enforcing federal civil detainer requests aimed at holding immigrants past the point when they usually would be released.

The order would not apply if an individual is the subject of a criminal warrant, has been indicted, arraigned or convicted in relation to a criminal offense or is a registered Massachusetts sex offender.

The City Council on Feb. 7 considered and referred the following orders, which are preceded by names of the councilors who filed them:

• President Kevin A. Jourdain, Ward 5 Councilor Linda L. Vacon: ordered, that That the law department render a legal opinion to determine if Holyoke could be (or already is) classified as a "sanctuary city." Do current policies of Mayor Morse's administration rise to the level that it could deem Holyoke with this status? Secondly, please provide a list gathered from department heads of all federal grants and funding that the city currently receives by name of source, name of dept. impacted and amount. In the event that Holyoke policies cause to deem us a sanctuary city we need to be aware of the potential financial impact to the city of these policies in light of new executive orders on this topic being created at the federal level. Action: Adopted and referred to the Law and Police departments, city auditor and city treasurer, with copy to council Finance Committee. Approved by the mayor.

• Jourdain: Ordered, that Holyoke Police Chief and Law Department report to the City Council if the Holyoke Police Department is fully compliant with 8 USC 1373? If not, how so and why? Action: Referred to Finance Committee with copies to Law and Police departments.

• Councilor at Large Rebecca Lisi: Ordered that the Holyoke Law Department submit a brief regarding the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling: Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius. The justices agreed in this decision that there was "coercion," and that the Federal Government does not have limitless authority to withhold "non-germane" funds that don't have anything to do with the policy in question. Action: Adopted and referred to Law Department. Approved by mayor.

• Lisi: Ordered, that the Police Chief report on (1) the impact of a loss of federal grants related to "smart policing" (Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program) on the City's current police budget and/or practices, (2) if complying with 8 USC 1373 will sow fear and resentment toward local police among the Latino community, with the outcome being that some might stop reporting crimes, (3) if the City receives/will receive federal funds to compensate for the extra staffing and/or administrative needs that would be associated with compliance with 8 USC 1373, and (4) whether state and/or local court and prison systems receive/will receive additional federal funds to compensate for the increased work load associated with compliance with 8 USC 1373. Action: Referred to Finance Committee, copy to police chief.

The law referred to in the orders -- 8 USC 1373 -- is related to communication between government agencies and the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service: "Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal, State, or local law, a Federal, State, or local government entity or official may not prohibit, or in any way restrict, any government entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, the Immigration and Naturalization Service information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual."

The city received nearly $19.6 million in federal funds last year to help students living in poverty meet academic standards and for school lunches, housing, sidewalks and programs for the elderly.

$19.6 million potentially at stake if Holyoke defies President Donald Trump on sanctuary city order

Neiswanger has said it is rare that police get requests from agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain immigrants who are in police custody longer than the normal 48-hour holding period.

The chief supported Morse's executive order. The goal is to eliminate the fear that illegal immigrants have of police and encourage them to help if a crime occurs, given that 15 million to 20 million illegal immigrants are living in the country n ow, he said.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority granted early stage approvals for two new schools along with funding for four accelerated repair projects.

SPRINGFIELD -- The city's efforts to obtain state grant assistance for two new schools and for accelerated repairs at four other schools received a significant boost this week with various votes of support from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Representatives of the School Building Authority, including chairwoman and state Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, announced that the board has invited the William N. Deberry School in the Mason Square area into its "eligibility round" regarding a proposed new building, and has authorized Springfield to launch a feasibility study to construct a new school to replace the Brightwood Elementary School in the North End.

In addition, the School Building Authority's board of directors approved funds for accelerated repairs at four school sites in Springfield, ranging from new roofs to new windows and doors.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Patrick J. Sullivan, the city's director of parks and buildings, praised the School Building Authority and city and school officials for the efforts to replace and repair schools that are old and/or have significant repair needs.

"Due to the continued investment and belief in Springfield by the MSBA, and by working with the city, they have ensured the stabilization of our schools," Sarno said as part of a joint statement with Sullivan issued Wednesday. "This collaboration has improved the learning environment for our children."

Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick said the average age of schools in Springfield is 55. Brightwood was built in the 1890s and lacks a gymnasium, cafeteria and science facilities, he said.

Details of the new schools are not finalized and are subject to the review and discussions, city officials said.

The School Building Authority has been a great partner to the city," Warwick said.

During the 270-day eligibility period for the Deberry School project, the School Building Authority will work with the district to determine the city's "financial and community readiness" to proceed with the proposed new school. The city could qualify for up to 80 percent state reimbursement of eligible costs, officials said.

In addition, the School Building Authority authorized Springfield to launch a feasibility study for the construction of a new school to replace the Brightwood Elementary School in the North End, deemed a critical step for that project.

The School Building Authority also announced support for funding for repairs at the following schools:

• Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, windows/doors, $3,156,421 total estimated cost.
• Kensington Avenue International School, roof, $1,488,913.
• M. Marcus Kiley Middle School, windows/doors, $9,498,611
• Mary M. Lynch Elementary School, roof, $2,117,130.

Sarno said the City Council and School Committee have played critical roles in advancing plans to build new schools and to repair and improve existing schools.

Separately, the City Council voted on Feb. 6 to submit "statements of interest" to the School Building Authority, which begins the application process for two other new schools and seven accelerated repairs projects. The new buildings are proposed to replace Homer Street Elementary and Lincoln Elementary School.

Other statements of interest authorized by the council were:

• Bowles Elementary, Sumner Avenue Elementary, Milton Bradley and the High School of Commerce: new roofing systems.
• Gerena Community School: heating system replacement and upgrade, energy management systems.
• South End Middle School and Arthur Talmadge Elementary: new windows and exterior doors.

Following the Gill-Montague Regional School Committee's decision Tuesday to retire its Native American mascot and Indians name for its sporting teams, take a look at other Massachusetts high schools maintaining similar logos, sporting team names and imagery.

Responding to a significant number of flue cases, Cooley Dickinson Hospital restricted visiting hours at the start of the week to prevent the spread of the virus.

Responding to a significant number of flue cases, Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton has restricted visiting hours at the start of the week to prevent the spread of the virus. 

In place since Monday, the restrictions bar visitors under 14 from entering the hospital, limits the number of visitors allowed and implements more stringent hand-washing requirements. 

Linda Riley, infection prevention nurse at the Northampton hospital, said the number of flu cases the hospital has seen this season already outstrips last year's total. 

"We have so many students and children in our community, it's essential we take these precautionary measures," Riley said in a press release. 

Similar restrictions have already been enforced at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

The restriction, which will remain in place until further notice, calls on sick visitors to stay home and patients to come to appointments alone. Anyone who has not received a flu vaccination should consider doing so, the hospital adds.  

The two were charged with one count of trafficking a class A substance and were arraigned in Brockton District Court Wednesday.

The Bridgewater Police Department has released images of two people accused of trafficking fentanyl in Massachusetts.

Authorities said the duo have been suspected of drug activity in Bridgewater for some time. Multiple agencies collaborated on a long-term investigation on the two alleged dealers. 

Bridgewater police began conducting surveillance on 45 Wood St. and eventually obtained a search warrant for the property. 

33-year-old Saira Perez, of Johnston, Rhode Island, was arrested at the Wood Street residence, and her alleged partner, 22-year-old Steven Irving Jr., of Hanson, was arrested at a shopping center. 

Police said both were taken into custody without incident. 

A search of the home turned up more than $10,000 in cash and yielded nearly 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl. 

The two were charged with one count of trafficking a class A substance and were arraigned in Brockton District Court Wednesday. 

"I commend all agencies involved in this investigation, as it is part of our proactive strategy to protect our community from the dangers of drugs," Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte said. "Our three-pronged approach includes education, enforcement, and follow-up treatment programs. We encourage anyone struggling with the disease of addiction to reach out to the Bridgewater Police Department and utilize the resources available on our webpage."

The $477,631 grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority will be used to help pay for a new boiler at the school.

AGAWAM -- The city of Agawam has scored a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority that will help pay for a new boiler at the Roberta G. Doering School.

The MSBA announced Wednesday that it was executing a project funding agreement with Agwam that includes a $477,631 facilities grant for a new boiler. The total project budget is $968,569.

The funding is part of a $54 million funding package for 35 accelerated repair projects in 20 school districts across the commonwealth.

"The MSBA continues to partner with Massachusetts communities in the ongoing work of upgrading their public schools," Jack McCarthy, the organization's executive director, said in a statement. "These improvements to school facilities can only enhance students' ability to excel in the classroom."

The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of public school facilities. Since the authority was established in 2004, over 250 school districts have received more than $12.4 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.

Reports say protesters interrupted Skreli several times during his talk and one student pulled a fire alarm just before he was scheduled to speak.

Undergraduates at Harvard made their voices heard, as well as a false fire alarm, during a speech by the controversial, ex-pharmaceutical executive and security-fraud suspect Martin Shrkeli on Wednesday night.

The "unapologetically aggressive" executive is widely-known for spiking the cost from of Daraprim, a life-saving drug for HIV patients. Shkreli, former owner of Turing Pharmaceuticals, upped the price of the drug from $13.50 to $750 in 2015, several months before the Federal Bureau of Investigation charged him with security fraud for an $11 million Ponzi scheme. He was released on $5 million bail and is awaiting trial.

Martin Shkreli, pharmaceutical CEO who hiked price of AIDS medication 5,000 percent, arrested by FBI

According to the Harvard Crimson, banner-carrying protesters chanted "pharma greed kills" and an unidentified person pulled a fire alarm before the executive could begin speaking at 8:30 p.m. The "Pharma Bro" was invited to speak by the university's Financial Analysts Club for a question and answer session.

Scene from the Martin Shkreli protest at Harvard pic.twitter.com/5Zp8mPdeJM

-- Emma Sandoe (@emma_sandoe) 16 February 2017

Once he was able to speak, Shkreli was disrupted by protesters, some of whom reportedly told the fraud-suspect he was racist and a sexual predator. Reports say the former executive shrugged off the undergraduate protesters with light-hearted defenses, claiming he had a "tame sex life" and that he could not be racist because he was friends with Lil Wayne.

Shkreli continued his speech despite protests and said the main purpose of spiking the cost of his company's life-rescuing medicine was to increase profits for the drug's shareholders, according to the Crimson. He reportedly added that re-investment was necessary in order for the drug to be improved.

The university's paper also reports that the event was labeled as closed to press, and reporters were originally barred from entering by security.

The girl initially wanted a tattoo on her armpit, but Corchado told her a breast tattoo would be less painful, the report said.

SPRINGFIELD -- A Springfield man is facing criminal charges after allegedly fondling a 17-year-old girl's breast after tattooing it.

Francisco Corchado

Francisco Corchado, 28, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Springfield District Court to tattooing without a license and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.

On Jan. 5, he allegedly charged the girl $20 each for three tattoos after she and a friend went to his apartment on Mansfield Street, according to the police report.

After the girl received tattoos on her upper leg, hip and left breast, Corchado applied cream to each area, the report said. The girl initially wanted a tattoo on her armpit, but he told her a breast tattoo would be less painful, the report said.

Later, when the girl was getting dressed in the bathroom, Corchado walked in, fondled her left breast and began to suck on it, the report said. He told her "he was down to do that if she wanted," but stopped when she told him no, the report said.

When the girl's friend was finished getting her tattoos, they both left, the report said. 

"The child told me that she regrets getting the tattoos and is upset that (the defendant) touched her," Springfield police officer Gizenia Sedergen wrote in the report.

Corchado advertised his tattooing services on Facebook, but does not have a license. Under state law, tattooing must be performed at a licensed business, not a home, the report said.

Following his arraignment, Corchado was released on personal recognizance. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on March 28.

Firefighters responded to 185 Balboa and 193 Winterset drives shortly before 8 a.m., Dennis Leger, aide to Commissioner Joseph Conant said. The two addresses are approximately a mile apart.

George Graham | ggraham@repub.com 

SPRINGFIELD -- Firefighters responded two vehicle fires -- reported nearly simultaneously Thursday morning - at two addresses in the Sixteen Acres neighborhood.

Firefighters responded to reports of vehicle fires at 185 Balboa and 193 Winterset drives shortly before 8 a.m., Dennis Leger, aide to Commissioner Joseph Conant said.

Scannner reports of the two fires were broadcast within seconds of each other. The two addresses, approximately a mile apart, are both a short distance away from Wilbraham Road.

Firefighters have since reported the blaze on Winterset has been extinguished. Leger had no additional information on the fires.

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

Four parents are suing North Adams Public Schools and its contracted bus company after their children with special needs were allegedly left unattended on a mini-bus for an hour last year.

Four parents are suing the North Adams Public School system after their children with special needs were allegedly left unattended on a mini-bus for an hour last year. 

According to the Berkshire Eagle, although the suit claims the students were left alone for an hour, a police investigation shows the kids were only left alone for 20 minutes. 

Nevertheless, the parents say their children have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the incident and they are seeking damages for negligence on behalf of the school district, the bus company and various staff that assist with special needs students. 

The suit claims that on Jan. 6, 2016, the children of Shannon and Christopher Perin and Rebecca and Joshua Luczynski were on a mini-bus being driven to Johnson School, a pre-K school. When the bus arrived at the school, school monitor Jenna Melanson escorted an unruly student off the bus, the Berkshire Eagle reported.

The driver drove to downtown North Adams for lunch and parked the bus in a nearby parking lot, leaving the two students inside alone. 

Some of the restaurant patrons noticed the two students and alerted the driver, who returned them to the school. 

A representative from the school allegedly told both families that the children may come home late after having an "extra-long bus ride," and did not mention that they were left unattended. 

Perin found out about the incident after speaking with her son later that night, the Berkshire Eagle reported. 

The families claim that because their sons told them they had to eat lunch alone around 12:45 p.m., the kids must have been left unattended for more than 20 minutes. The trauma of being left alone for so long unattended had caused both boys to regress developmentally and to display a fear of busses.

Furthermore, the parents were distressed by what they claim was a lack of transparency by the school and authorities. 

Addressing an audience of Greater Boston business leaders, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced the launch of a search for a permanent CEO for the MBTA. Baker said the person who takes the job must be a "turnaround CEO" and not a "traditional" transit manager.

BOSTON - Addressing an audience of Greater Boston business leaders, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced the launch of a search for a permanent CEO for the MBTA.

Baker said the person who takes the job must be a "turnaround CEO" and not a "traditional" transit manager.

Stephanie Pollack, Baker's transportation chief, is leading the search. Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve is serving as the acting general manager of the public transit agency, which is overseen by a fiscal management and control board.

The fiscal control board is expected to extend a two-year extension of its existence to 2020, which it is allowed to do under a state law passed after a battery of winter storms crippled the MBTA in 2015.

MBTA ordering up more Red Line cars from CRRC's Springfield factory

A general manager search advisory panel will work with Pollack and an executive search firm to find candidates who can change the culture of the MBTA and focus on capital investment as well as better customer service. A member of the MBTA's fiscal control board, Steve Poftak, is serving on the search panel.

"The MBTA now has the momentum to implement changes which will give customers the service they need and deserve and to rebuild its aging infrastructure," Pollack said in a statement.

"A new General Manager and the continued partnership of the Fiscal and Management Control Board will create the stability necessary for the MBTA to complete its transformation into the high performing, customer-focused transit agency to better serve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," she added.

Springfield factory, still under construction, on track to supply nation's rail cars

Now it's up to Springfield to do all it can to take advantage of the casino to bring more people, business and development to the neighborhood, a consultant says. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- MGM Springfield is living up to its host community agreement at the halfway point of construction of its resort casino, city officials said Thursday morning.

Now it's up to the city to do all it can to take advantage of the casino to bring more people, business and development to the neighborhoods surrounding the $950 million project, according to a memo from The Chicago Consultants Studio, an urban planning company helping the city hold MGM to its promises.

The casino is expected to open in the fall of 2018.

MGM has promised to create no fewer than 3,000 jobs at the casino, including at least 2,200 full-time jobs.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy outlined MGM's halfway progress report during a press conference at the Department of Public Works.

"I am extremely pleased to be able to say that MGM's designs continue to be consistent with what has been outlined within the Host Community Agreement and that MGM Springfield continues to strive to bring a world class venue to the City's downtown," Sarno said in prepared statement. "MGM and the City have always had a very strong relationship and we are very pleased to be able to ensure the citizens of Springfield as well as the City Council that the commitments outlined in the HCA are being monitored by the City and are being complied with by MGM."

Also at the press conference, Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri announced that the city is seeking proposals from landlords interested in hosting a police substation near the casino site. Once the city has a site for the substation, police and MGM can figure out where to place new staffed police kiosks for best effectiveness. 

A formal request for proposals went live on the city's procurement website Thursday.

The city is planning to add 41 officers to police the casino district at a cost to MGM of $2.5 million a year plus a small annual slice of gaming revenue.

It's part of $25 million in tax and other payments from MGM to the city called for in its 2013 host community agreement with Springfield.

That same agreement called for MGM to be mindful of how the buildings on its 14.5-acre campus look from the street and from surrounding neighborhoods. The document also calls for MGM to make improvements to its properties.

UPDATES ON ISSUES AND PROJECTS:

Overall landscaping / streetscaping: There is a new MGM landscape team in place, and The Chicago Consultants Studio says the plan appears to be of high quality.

Leonardo da Vinci Park on Howard Street: MGM promised in the host community agreement to redo this park at its expense after buying the old Da Vinci Park to build an entertainment venue. Overall, The Chicago Consultants Studio  likes MGM's plans, but it notes the city has concerns over the proposed use of artificial turf for lawn areas of the park.

Inviting more activity on Howard Street: The city's consultants were concerned that there wasn't going to be enough to draw pedestrians to this part of the complex, especially in cold weather.

MGM responded with plans to use lighting or video projection to jazz up a blank wall on its side of Howard Street. MGM also promises retail in a plaza on Howard Street and places for two food trucks.

Main Street / Union Street corner: MGM has presented three scenarios for this corner. The Chicago Consultants Studio likes two options. One would create a traditional urban retail "Main Street." Another favorable option would create a courtyard with outdoor dining and shopping.

The Chicago Consultants Studio doesn't like a plan that would have development set back from the street.

Interior design: Called "of very high quality" by The Chicago Consultants Studio.

Cinema: MGM is considering whether or not a planned movie theater will include dinner. The theater would be larger if it had no restaurant because no kitchen would be required. The city would like the dinner-and-a-movie setup.

MGM Halfway point review by Jim Kinney on Scribd

Taking aim at unnamed sources who have reportedly leaked information about his administration, President Donald Trump pledged Thursday to catch those individuals and called on news outlets who have used them as sources to apologize.

Taking aim at unnamed sources who have reportedly leaked information about his administration, President Donald Trump pledged Thursday to catch those individuals and called on news outlets who have used them as sources to apologize.

Trump, who has turned up his criticism of what he called "low-life leakers" following the resignation of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, continued to rail against White House information releases in a series of morning tweets.

President Donald Trump says Michael Flynn treated unfairly by the 'fake media'

The president's tweets came just hours after two U.S. House committee chairmen urged the Department of Justice's inspector general to investigate news leaks regarding Flynn's calls with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak -- reports which led, in part, to his resignation.

Arguing that federal officials "leaking" classified information to reporters has long been a problem in Washington D.C., Trump called on the New York Times "and others" to apologize. The president further pledged to catch those sharing such information with news outlets.

"Leaking, and even illegal classified leaking, has been a big problem in Washington for years. Failing @nytimes (and others) must apologize!" he tweeted. "The spotlight has finally been put on the low-life leakers! They will be caught!"

Leaking, and even illegal classified leaking, has been a big problem in Washington for years. Failing @nytimes (and others) must apologize!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017

The spotlight has finally been put on the low-life leakers! They will be caught!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017

Further pushing back against reports that his campaign was in frequent contact with senior Russian officials, Trump echoed his Wednesday claim that Democrats made up such allegations to explain their loss in the 2016 presidential election.

"Fake news media, which makes up stories and 'sources,' is far more effective than the discredited Democrats - but they are fading fast!," he wrote. "The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why they lost the election, and so badly (306), so they made up a story - Russia. Fake news!"

FAKE NEWS media, which makes up stories and "sources," is far more effective than the discredited Democrats - but they are fading fast!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017

The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why they lost the election, and so badly (306), so they made up a story - RUSSIA. Fake news!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017

Joining the president in raising concerns about the release of classified information to news outlets, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and House Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Virginia, asked Justice IG Michael Horowitz this week to investigate leaks.

"We have serious concerns about the potential inadequate protection of classified information here," they wrote in a Wednesday letter, citing news reports that led up to Flynn's ouster.

"The release of classified national security information can, by definition, have grave effects on national security," the chairmen continued. "In light of this, we request that your office begin an immediate investigation into whether classified information was mishandled here."

House Democrats, however, called for a probe into the ties between Trump and Russia.

Arguing that "the ties between the Trump team and the Russian government are much more extensive than any of us had thought," U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, urged "Democrats and Republicans to stand together and demand an independent, bipartisan investigation to get to the truth."

When I took my oath I swore to defend the US. America can't ignore Russia attack on our democracy. We must #InvestigateNow. #DoTheOath pic.twitter.com/Llgbv9pEw9

-- Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) February 15, 2017

McGovern further blasted Trump for publicly criticizing alleged leakers "instead of taking responsibility for misconduct."

"Now we know what Nixon would be like on Twitter. Instead of taking responsibility for misconduct, Trump attacks those exposing the truth," he tweeted Thursday.

Now we know what Nixon would be like on Twitter. Instead of taking responsibility for misconduct, Trump attacks those exposing the truth. https://t.co/gbUW6ora1w

-- Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) February 16, 2017

Flynn announced his resignation late Monday amidst reports that he had misled administration officials about his communications with Russia's ambassador to the U.S.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said officials had been reviewing and evaluating the situation for weeks before Trump asked for Flynn's resignation. The president, he added, "instinctively thought that General Flynn did not do anything wrong, and the White House Counsel's review corroborated that."

Officials from Littleton and Boxborough have responded to a major crash near the town line on Interstate 495 North.

Officials from Littleton and Boxborough have responded to a major crash near the town line on Interstate 495 North.

State police and police and firefighters from Boxborough and Littleton responded to the crash shortly before 10 a.m.

Boxborough police described the crash as "serious" and cautioned drivers to expect delays.

The Littleton Fire Department said people did suffer injuries in the crash. The extent of those injuries was not immediately known.

No further information was available.

@BoxboroughPD, @MassStatePolice, @LittletonMAPD out @495 North with serious accident. Expect delays. #MATraffic pic.twitter.com/afmIxIMQLb

-- Boxborough Police (@BoxboroughPD) February 16, 2017

Edward R. Rigney Jr., a member of the Wilbraham Board of Fire Commissioners, is reminding town residents to help keep fire hydrants accessible during this snowy winter season. Watch video

WILBRAHAM -- Edward R. Rigney Jr., a member of the Wilbraham Board of Fire Commissioners, is reminding town residents to help keep fire hydrants accessible during this snowy winter season.

Winter in Western Massachusetts started off rather slowly this year, but this month's heavy snowfall is making up for what was shaping up to be one of the driest seasons in recent memory. With all of the snow comes the public safety burden of clearing sidewalks and fire hydrants, which is why town officials are asking citizens to lend a hand.

The public should try to maintain and dig out fire hydrants as much as possible, according to Rigney, exercising his charge to make public safety and emergency management recommendations to the fire chief and Board of Selectman.

Rigney sent an email about the hydrant issue to Town Administrator Nick Breault, who shared Rigney's concerns at the selectmen's meeting on Feb. 13.

"You could be saving your own life," Breault said.

Enough snow needs to be dug out to create a roughly 2- to 3-foot perimeter around a hydrant to ensure access during a fire, according to town officials.

Turning to town roads, highway workers did "a great job" handling the recent snowstorms, said Susan C. Bunnell, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen.

"Commendations to the Highway Department, as always, for keeping the roads clear and keeping all of us safe," Bunnell said.

The Highway Department is a division of the Department of Public Works.

An aspiring burgler tried and failed to break in to a Norwood convenience store around 3 a.m. on Friday, after repeatedly heaving a rock at the business' front door. Watch video

An aspiring burgler tried and failed to break in to a Norwood convenience store around 3 a.m. on Friday, after repeatedly heaving a rock at the business' front door.

The attempted break-in at Pam's Market, captured on security video released Thursday by the Norwood Police Department, shows a tall, thin man in a hoodie cradling the stone in his arms before trying to break the door's glass pane.

The first three throws bounce off. On the fourth, the rock sails through but the glass does not shatter, leading the man to pound on the door in apparent frustration. 

"He has the ability to hurl a 10 pound boulder, multiple times, but lacks the strength to provide proper trajectory in order to gain entry," Norwood police wrote in a Facebook post. "Had he not been scared off by the vehicle seen at the residence behind him, he may still be trying to get in."

Police responded to a burglar alarm at the store and searched the area with the help of a State Police K-9 unit. The suspect had fled the area and was not located.

Norwood police are asking for tips to identify the man, either through the main police line at (781) 440-5100 or via an anonymous line at (781) 550-5181.

"While we use a sense of humor, the fact is that the suspect committed a serious offense and a local business was inconvenienced," police wrote. "Had the suspect gained entry, which was his ultimate goal, we would be looking at an even larger offense."

Police said the car crashed into the Valley Aikido building behind Fitzwillys. The driver and a passenger were taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital as a precaution

George Graham | ggraham@repub.com 

NORTHAMPTON -- Two people were taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital as a precaution Wednesday afternoon after their vehicle crashed into a brick building on Merrick Lane.

The single-vehicle accident occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. at 15 Merrick Lane, home to Valley Aikido, Capt. John Cartledge said.

The car, a blue Toyota, went from Main Street into the parking lot behind Fitzwilly's where it struck a corner of the Valley Aikido building, he said.

The Toyota sustained heavy front-end damage. The building inspector was summoned to the scene because there was a crack on the front of the building, Cartledge said.

The crash remains under investigation.

The city is seeking to rent space in downtown Springfield for a police substation.

SPRINGFIELD -- City officials announced Thursday that they will accept proposals from property owners willing to lease space to the city for a proposed downtown police substation.

The Request for Proposals was announced by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief Procurement Officer Lauren Stabilo.

Proposals are due by 2 p.m., March 20, at the Office of Procurement at City Hall.

The plans for a police substation occur as Springfield is preparing to rampup police patrols in the downtown and South End area ahead of the opening of the $995 million MGM Springfield casino project on Main Street.

Sarno and Police Commissioner John Barbieri have announced that 41 police officers will make up a new police unit dedicated to the downtown and South End, including six supervisors and 35 patrol officers, In addition, the city is preparing to open Union Station on Fran k B. Murray Street following a $94 million restoration project.

At a minimum, the city is seeking to lease approximately 2,500 square feet of space for the police substaion that can accommodate the Police Substation and support functions, officials said.

The city realizes that the property offered for substation would need renovations and improvements, and will be the landlord's responsibility, the costs can be built into the lease agreement, city officials said.

The City is seeking a 5-year lease for the desired space, with one (1) optional renewal term of five (5) years, for a total lease term of ten (10) years.

The Request for Proposals documents are available at the Office of Procurement, located in City Hall, Room 307, or by emailing Theo Theocles, deputy procurement officer at ttheocles@springfieldcityhall.com.

All questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing and received by the Office of Procurement no later than Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.. Questions may be faxed or emailed.