The suspension of Northampton Public Schools program bringing elementary school youths and city police together "puzzled" Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg, according to a Boston Herald interview.

State Sen. Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst, president of the Massachusetts Senate. Republican file photo 

The suspension of Northampton Public Schools program bringing elementary school youths and city police together "puzzled" Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg, according to a Boston Herald interview. 

The High Five Friday program saw on-duty police alternate visiting the city's four elementary schools every week to high five students at the start of the school day and lasted less than a month before a concerned group of 12 to 15 parents complained. 

"I was really puzzled by that, really puzzled," Rosenberg told The Herald. He said he planned to call Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper regarding the matter.

Added Rosenberg, "I mean, basically, good policing depends on a foundation of trust, between the people and the police offers, and in order for them to do their job, they need to have the trust and the confidence of the people in the community."

Superintendent John Provost put the program indefinitely on hold on Jan. 12. 

Rosenberg did call the decision "well-intentioned," according to The Herald, but said "we ought to be focusing on the adults and getting that problem solved, rather than affecting the children who have the opportunity to build trusting relations and see the police as the helpers in the community that they are."

He added, "There isn't a child getting off that bus who shouldn't learn and understand that the police are there to help. And if there is a problem in a particular family, then there are ways for the family and the police and others to be helpful to bridge that gap."

Provost told MassLive some new program will replace High Five Friday, possibly involving police officers entering classrooms to talk to students.

Police arrested three men and also seized shotgun and rifle ammunition, cocaine and a "Rolex" stamp to mark heroin bags.

SPRINGFIELD -- Narcotics detectives raided a North End apartment Wednesday afternoon and seized a large quantity of pure heroin - enough to make up thousands of bags worth of the drug, police said.

Police arrested three men and also seized shotgun and rifle ammunition, cocaine and a "Rolex" stamp to mark heroin bags.

"This is a huge seizure of pure heroin that would have been packaged into thousands of bags of heroin for sale on the streets of Western Massachusetts," Sgt. John Delaney said.

Police executed their search warrant at 53 Church St. at about 4:45 p.m., Delaney, public information officer for the department, said.

Arrested were: Jose Guzman Baez, 41, of 53 Church St.; Edward Olmo, 22, of 116 Spring St.; and Jose Baez, 22, of of 53 Church St.

They were charged with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in cocaine, possession of ammunition without an FID card, violation of a drug-free zone.

The seized ammunition consisted of 24 shotgun shells, 17 rounds of 30/30 and 20 rounds of 30/06.

President Donald Trump's popularity among American voters has continued to decline in the weeks since he took office with more than half disapproving of his job performance and 58 percent contending he is doing more to divide the nation, according to a new survey.

President Donald Trump's popularity among American voters has continued to decline in the weeks since he took office with more than half disapproving of his job performance and 58 percent contending he is doing more to divide the nation, according to a new survey.

A Quinnipiac University national poll released this week found that just over a third, or 38 percent, of voters said they approve of how Trump has handled his job as president -- down from 42 percent earlier this month.

By contrast, fifty-five percent of respondents offered negative takes of the president's job performance, up from 51 percent in early February and 44 percent in late January, according to survey results.

Disapproval of Trump's handling of the presidency was highest among Democrats with 91 percent offering a poor opinion of his time in the Oval Office, the poll found. Half of men, 55 percent of independents and 59 percent of women also disapproved of the president's job performance.

Support for Trump's work in the Oval Office, however, remained high among Republicans with 83 percent approving of his handling of the presidency, according to survey results.

Despite his continued popularity among Republicans, voters expressed largely negative views of the president's personal qualities, with 55 precent saying they believe he is not honest and lacks good leadership skills, 53 percent saying he does not care about average Americans and 63 percent saying he is not level-headed.

Nearly six in 10, or 58 percent, further said they believe he is doing more to divide the country and 60 percent offered that he does not share their values, the poll found.

About two-thirds of respondents, or 64 percent, however, said they believe Trump is a strong person and 58 percent said they see him as intelligent.

Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Tim Malloy called the findings "a terrible survey one month in" to the White House.

"President Donald Trump's popularity is sinking like a rock. He gets slammed on honesty, empathy, level-headedness and the ability to unite," he said in a statement. "And two of his strong points, leadership and intelligence, are sinking to new lows."

In addition to his overall job performance, voters disapproved of the president's handling of foreign policy by a 56 to 36 percent margin, terrorism by a 49 to 44 percent margin and immigration issues by a 58 to 40 percent margin, the survey found.

Respondents, by a 61 to 35 percent margin, also said they oppose how Trump talks about the media.

Nine in 10 American voters said they believe it's very or somewhat important that the news media hold public officials accountable, and 52 to 37 percent said they trust journalists more than Trump to tell the truth about important issues -- findings somewhat at odds with an Emerson College poll released earlier this month.

Poll: Voters trust President Donald Trump's administration over news media

Half of respondents, however, said they disapprove of the way news outlets have covered the president, according to poll results.

"The media, so demonized by the Trump administration, is actually a good deal more popular than President Trump," Malloy said.

The poll, which surveyed more than 1,300 voters nationwide from Feb. 16 to 21, has a margin or error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.

If you need a ride in Worcester, Pittsfield, Amherst or Springfield, Lyft is offering you a lift.

Lyft has announced their largest city expansion to date, with 54 cities now offering the company's ride-hailing services, including four cities in Massachusetts.

If you need a ride in Worcester, Pittsfield, Amherst or Springfield, Lyft is now offering you a lift.

Lyft allows users to request a ride with a "carefully-screened" driver in just a few taps on their smartphone app. Users input a pick-up location and destination, enter the number of people riding and request a driver.

Fares for the rides vary depending on the time of day, distance travelled and number of passengers. 

The service officially launches at 12 p.m. Thursday for those cities. 

The newest expansion means Lyft is now available in more than 300 cities worldwide. 

"In just the first two months of 2017, we've introduced Lyft to nearly 100 new cities, thanks in large part to today's launch," Jaime Raczka, Head of Early Stage Markets and Expansion said. "We look forward to continuing this rapid momentum, bringing Lyft's safe, affordable rides to even more cities this year."

Police were summoned to the James Street Walgreens Tuesday night.

CHICOPEE -- Police are seeking the public's help as they work to identify a woman suspected of stealing Red Bull drInks from the James Street Walgreens Tuesday night.

Police were summoned to the store, at 583 James St., shortly before 9:30 p.m. for a report of a shoplifter.

Those with information are asked to call detectives at 413-594-1730 or send a private message to the department's Facebook page.

The sister of blogger Larry Kelley has created an online fundraising page to help Kelley's two daughters after Kelley was killed last Friday in a crash on Route 9 in Belchertown.

AMHERST -- The sister of blogger Larry Kelley, who was killed last Friday in an auto accident on Route 9 in Belchertown, has created an online fundraising page to help Kelley's two daughters.

Donations can be sent to a post office box as well.

At midday Thursday, $960 of the $20,000 goal had been raised in the since the GoFundMe fundraiser was initiated Wednesday night. "Larry leaves two much-beloved daughters, Kira, 15, and Jada, 10," the GoFundMe post states.

"This page was set up by Amherst community members, in gratitude for Larry's devotion to our town and its citizens; and in hopes of raising funds which his daughters could use to defray future expenses in their adult lives, including college education costs." 

Donations can be made to The Kira and Jada Kelley Memorial Fund, c/o Easthampton Savings Bank, P.O. Box 81, Hadley, MA., 01035 as well.

The cause of the crash is "still actively under investigation," according to the Northwestern district attorney's office.

Kelley was killed in a head-on crash on Federal Street (Route 9) near a curve in Belchertown at about 2:45 p.m. on Friday. He was traveling east when the collision occurred with a westbound vehicle driven by an 18-year-old Belchertown man, according to the DA. 

The driver and his two passengers in the other vehicle were taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield with non-life-threatening injuries.

Kelley was well-known in the area and beyond for his Only in the Republic of Amherst blog. 

Visiting hours at the Douglass Funeral Home are Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Brigid's Church, 122 North Pleasant St.

The suspect, described as a 6-foot-tall and thin black man was last seen heading toward South Hadley.

CHICOPEE - Police are on the scene of a reported bank robbery Thursday morning at the Citizens Bank at 1283 Memorial Drive, according to police spokesman Mike Wilk.

Not many details are available as yet.

Wilk said the suspect is described as a 6 foot tall, thin black man. He was described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black beanie cap, and dark blue jeans. He was wearing sunglasses at the time of the robbery.

He was last seen leaving the bank and heading toward South Hadley on foot.

Wilk said anyone seeing someone matching that description is asked to call police at 413-594-1700.

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it is known.

The Feb. 23 free event is at South Hadley High School Library beginning at 7 p.m.

 

SOUTH HADLEY — The community group Know Your Town has scheduled a public forum tonight titled "Creating a Dementia Friendly Community in South Hadley."

Speakers at the event include Rachel Tierney from the Dementia Friendly Communities Coalition, who will lead the discussion, and Carol Constant, Director of Community Engagement at Loomis Communities.

"People living with dementia, and their care partners, often become isolated from their friends, neighbors and the community. The evening's program will provide you with an awareness of some of the causes and challenges of dementia and help you communicate with the people you may know, friends, family or neighbors, living with dementia," KYT said in a prepared statement announcing the program.

The Feb. 23 free event is at South Hadley High School Library beginning at 7 p.m.

A 64-year-old carjack victim allegedly struggled with Peabody double murder suspect Wes Doughty, suffering cuts, according to CBS.

A 64-year-old carjack victim allegedly struggled with Peabody double murder suspect Wes Doughty, suffering cuts, according to CBS Boston. 

Wielding a pen knife, Doughty forced his way into the victim's Honda Accord outside Hailey's Restaurant in Middleton around 7 p.m. Wednesday, the man told CBS Boston. 

The victim, who has not been identified, suffered "superficial" cuts at the hands of Doughty's knife, according to Middleton and Boston police. 

Doughty then allegedly drove the Honda to Boston, forcing victim to stay in the passenger seat throughout. 

During the three-hour ordeal, CBS reported, Doughty stopped at liquor stores in Peabody and Boston, drinking to intoxication.

The victim finally unbuckled his seat belt and escaped while Doughty was inside Hollywood Liquors on Tremont Street near the Roxbury Crossing MBTA station, according to CBS. 

Doughty remains on the run. 

Have you seen this car? Massachusetts State Police ask for help finding Peabody double homicide suspect Wes Dought

Police believe Doughty, 39, took part in the brutal killings of Mark Greenlaw, 37, and Jennifer O'Connor, 39 in Peabody last Saturday. Police found the victims' remains in the basement of a home at 19 Farm Ave. and say the bodies were killed in gruesome fashion.

Authorities arrested another suspect on Monday. Michael Hebb, 45, of Peabody, was arraigned on Tuesday on two counts of first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered to be held without bail. 

Investigators may not know his name, but they now have a profile of the man who killed 27-year-old Vanessa Marcotte just over six months ago in Princeton. Watch video

Investigators may not know his name, but they now have a profile of the man who killed 27-year-old Vanessa Marcotte just over six months ago in Princeton.

The profile of Marcotte's killer, compiled by DNA analysis and witness statements, shows he is roughly 30 years old and either Hispanic or Latino, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said outside the Princeton Police Department Thursday.

The suspect has an athletic build, light to medium skin color, either a shaved head or very short hair and is of average height.

DNA of the suspect was recovered from Marcotte's body after her Aug. 7, 2016 killing on Brooks Station Road in Princeton, Early said.

"That DNA was submitted to the State Police Crime Lab and Parabon (Parabon Nanolabs in Virginia) for testing using the latest scientific techniques and the latest procedures and the results from those tests were recently received by my office," Early said.

The district attorney did not say how long it took to send out the DNA to be analyzed. He also declined to discuss the details of the specific evidence found on Marcotte's body, which led to the recovery of DNA evidence.

The DNA of the suspect has been run through the Combined DNA Index System and through a national database, but no match has been made. 

Early said that does not necessarily mean the suspect does not have criminal record. 

The suspect would have had scratches on his face, neck, arms and upper body after the August murder, Early said. The wounds occurred as Marcotte struggled with her attacker.

"There are people that have perceptions, for example, of what that person might have looked like, what race he might be, we're kind of narrowing this down tailoring this to this specific person that we're looking for," the district attorney said. "I think this is very beneficial."

Authorities earlier said they were looking for a dark-colored SUV that was in the Brooks Station Road area at the time of Marcotte's killing. The suspect is believed to have been driving that vehicle.
 
Marcotte was found dead on Brooks Station Road on Aug. 7. She was visiting her mother's Princeton home and went out for a jog. She did not return home and her body was then discovered in the woods not far from her mother's home.

Marcotte, 27, was a Google accounts manager who lived in New York.

There have been no arrests in connection to Marcotte's killing. As of Thursday, there have been over 1,300 tips in regard to the homicide. Some of those tips helped investigators compile the suspect profile.

Anyone with information is asked to call the anonymous tip line at (508) 453-7589.

Springfield Technical Community College will be hosting its 2017 Diversity Series spoken word performance this Friday after inclement weather forced the school to reschedule from its initial date.

Springfield Technical Community College will host its 2017 Diversity Series spoken word performance this Friday after inclement weather forced the school to reschedule from its initial date.

The event, which was originally scheduled for the morning of Feb. 9, is rescheduled for Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the Scibelli Hall Gymnasium and will feature performances from poets Prentice Powell and Michael "Chief" Peterson along with three spoken word artists added in the mix.

Poets Prentice Powell, Michael 'Chief' Peterson to perform at STCC

Peterson and Powell have been featured on TV One's hit series "Verses and Flow," and other platforms where they've delivered insightful and powerful messages about life through their spoken-word pieces, serving as role models to youth across the nation as they've covered issues plaguing men and women of color in society.

Joining both artists on Friday will be poets Crystal Senter-Brown, Lynnette Johnson, and Brenda's Child.

Brown is an award-winning poet who has been featured in Vibe, Essence and Redbook magazines. She serves as an adjunct professor at Bay Path University.

Johnson is a Wilbraham poet whose work covers multiple types of love with a mix of humor, and has authored three poetry books, "I've Been Meaning to Tell You" in 2014, "Only Love Can Do That: A Collection of Poetry Inspired by Love," and "Purple" in 2015.

Poems by Lynnette Elizabeth Johnson connected 'to human experience of love'

Latoya Bosworth, known by her pen name Brenda's Child, is a Springfield native and spoken word artist who has used her poetic platform to discuss topics of healing empowerment resiliency, and self-worth.

Along with spoken word, each artist performing on Friday is an educator or role model within their respective communities, providing inspiration to youth through their professions and spreading uplifting messages.

Massachusetts is one of just two states where more than half the homeless population is comprised of families.

Since 2008, Massachusetts has experienced one of the highest increases in family homelessness in the U.S., according to a report released Thursday by the Boston Foundation.

Massachusetts is one of just two states -- the other being New York -- where more than half the homeless population is comprised of families. There are also a growing number of families with two spouses entering the state's shelter system -- 20 percent of families in shelter in fiscal 2016 had two adults, compared to just 8 percent in fiscal 2008.

"Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society," said Boston Foundation President and CEO Paul Grogan in a statement accompanying the report. "How we serve them and their parents is a reflection not only of our systems and institutions, but our character as a community."

Massachusetts is a right to shelter state, which means families with children who become homeless are guaranteed shelter. Since fiscal 2008, more than 33,000 family households, accounting for more than 100,000 individuals, have sought shelter in Massachusetts, according to the report.

During a count in 2007, Boston officials identified 771 homeless families at one time. During a similar count in 2016, there were 1,358 homeless families.

On any given day, children under 18 make up 60 percent of the 13,000 people experiencing family homelessness. Demographically, the families most likely to be struggling with homelessness tend to be larger and headed by a woman, on average 30 years old, who is African American or Hispanic.

Recent data suggest that that the number of people entering or returning to the shelter system is declining, but the length of stay in shelter is increasing to an average of nearly a year statewide. The longest shelter stays are in the Boston area. This is likely due to factors including the high cost of housing and the limited availability of public subsidies.

The report recommends targeting families early on in their shelter stays to figure out what resources the family needs, whether they might benefit from job training and whether more aggressive assistance in finding housing could be helpful.

The report, which is based on nine years of data, was written by the independent research firm Westat with data from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.

Chrystal Kornegay, undersecretary of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, said in a statement that the department is proud of its work reducing family homelessness, and the data will help guide future decisions.

Massachusetts, under Gov. Charlie Baker, has decreased the number of families living in hotels and motels. A group of families has sued the Baker administration, arguing that state officials are illegally denying housing to some families.

Read the full report here [pdf].

Jackie Evancho, a teenage classical singer who performed at Donald Trump's inauguration, joined Democrats Thursday in expressing disappointment in the president's withdrawal of federal protections for transgender students.

Jackie Evancho, a teenage classical singer who performed at Donald Trump's inauguration, joined Democrats Thursday in expressing disappointment in the president's withdrawal of federal protections for transgender students.

Evancho, in an interview with her transgender sister, Juliet, told Good Morning America that she hopes to sit down with the president to "enlighten him" on the discrimination and challenges transgender students face.

"I really want him to re-look at that," she said of the Trump administration's Wednesday ordering of public schools to disregard controversial memos issued under President Barack Obama regarding protections for transgender students.

'America's Got Talent' singer Jackie Evancho confirmed for Trump inauguration

The memos, which drew vocal pushback from some conservatives, required schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that matched their gender identities.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the president believes the issue should be left to individual states.

Pointing to the discrimination she has faced, Juliet Evancho said she thinks Trump should know that "being in such an unsafe environment won't do any good for not only the transgender and LGBT community, but as well as everyone as a whole."

Jackie Evancho, the runner-up on Season 5 of "America's Got Talent" in 2010, said she was "obviously disappointed" with the administration's move, in a series of Wednesday tweets.

She was not the only one calling on the president to reconsider his stance on transgender student protections. Several Democrats also took aim at the policy change.

Democratic National Committee Interim Chair Donna Brazile contended that "it's clear the most extreme elements of this administration are in total control."

"This isn't politics, it's disgusting violence that targets the most vulnerable members of our society," she said in a statement.

Calling the administration's action "reckless," Boston Mayor Martin Walsh stressed that his city will "continue to step up and protect our students from discrimination and always be an inclusive city for those that call it home."

AG Maura Healey, Rep. Joe Kennedy criticize President Donald Trump's rollback of transgender protections

U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Brookline, in a video to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, remained firm that the president does not speak for him or a countless number of other lawmakers.

"We know that in our country when everyone is welcome, everyone wins," he said. "Don't doubt for a second that in the weeks, months and years ahead -- in spite of the deepest fights that we have to come -- we'll always have an army of advocates at your back.

A threat to any civil right is a threat to all civil rights. #ProtectTransKids #EveryoneWelcome pic.twitter.com/M4DolpVn6d

-- Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) February 23, 2017

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, also condemned the Trump administration's move to rollback transgender student protections, arguing that "LGBT doesn't stand for Let's Go Back in Time."

Tell @realDonaldTrump "LGBT" doesn't stand for "Let's Go Back in Time." #ProtectTransKids https://t.co/PQkorfLyqr

-- Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) February 23, 2017

Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, meanwhile, cast the president as a liar, pointing to an April 2016 interview in which Trump expressed support for leaving the transgender bathroom issue untouched.

"Trump promised to #ProtectTransKids & stand up for #equality. That was a lie. #LGBT Americans deserve better," he tweeted.

VIDEO: Trump promised to #ProtectTransKids & stand up for #equality. That was a lie. #LGBT Americans deserve better. pic.twitter.com/ccZCyCj26z

-- Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) February 23, 2017

U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-Lowell, accused Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions of betraying U.S. values and students by revoking the Obama Administration's protections.

Sessions, however, offered a much different take on the move, contending that the prior guidance documents didn't contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the law.

"Congress, state legislatures and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," he said in a statement. "The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying and harassment."

Trump administration revokes transgender bathroom guidance

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos agreed that "this is an issue best solved at the state and local level."

Like Sessions, she further stressed her commitment to ensuring all students have access to learning environments free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.

One ticket was sold in Needham and the other in North Quincy.

The single winning ticket for the $435.5 million Powerball jackpot may have been sold in Indiana, but there are still other winning tickets - albeit to a lesser degree - out there.

The Massachusetts Lottery Commission announced two $1 million winners in Wednesday night's drawing were purchased in Massachusetts.

As a consolation prize, $1 million pales in comparison to $435.5 million. But on it's own merits, it remains nothing to sneeze at.

According to the lottery, one ticket was sold at Fernandes Mini Mart, 399 Great Plane Ave in Needham and another at Tobacco Treasures, 1776 Heritage Drive in North Quincy.

As of Thursday afternoon, neither ticketholder had come forward to claim their prize. People have one year from the drawing to claim their winnings.

In Powerball, the winning ticket matched the five numbers plus the Powerball number. To claim the $1 million prize, only the first five numbers had to be drawn.

Matthew Fortune, dubbed "Springfield's Most Wanted" by the city's police department, is now in custody -- less than a day after police posted his mugshot on Facebook.

Matthew Fortune, dubbed "Springfield's Most Wanted" by the city's police department, is now in custody -- less than a day after police posted his mugshot on Facebook.

Fortune, who was arrested in 2015 for heroin distribution, was wanted on charges of aggravated assault and battery, armed robbery while masked, kidnapping and threat to murder.

He also has violent crime cases pending in Hampden County Superior Court.

To assist in Fortune's capture, Springfield police posted his mugshot on the departmental Facebook page Wednesday, asking the public for assistance in locating him.

Police received dozens of tips on his whereabouts, Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney wrote in a Facebook post, and Fortune surrendered to police Thursday.

"Detectives of the Warrant Apprehension Unit along with the State Police [Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section] were on his tail all morning," Delaney wrote. "Feeling the pressure from the Press and Social Media, Mr. Fortune decided to turn himself in this morning."

It was the 11th consecutive year of record growth in whole life insurance sales.

SPRINGFIELD -- Lower investment yields and the cost of buying MetLife's distribution network of life insurance salespeople cut into MassMutual's earnings last year despite record sales, according to a press release sent Thursday by the Springfield-based financial giant.

MassMutual said its net gain from operations before policy owner dividends and taxes -- the company's primary earnings measure as a mutual company -- was $1.6 billion, compared to $2.1 billion in 2015. This result and the year-over-year decline in statutory net income to $70 million are attributed primarily to both the cost associated with the acquisition of MetLife Premier Client Group in February of 2016 for $165 million and to lower investment yields, according to the release.

It was the 11th consecutive year of record sales of whole life insurance at MassMutual.

For the year ended Dec. 31, sales of whole life insurance, MassMutual's signature product, were $657 million, up 35 percent from 2015.

Total sales of life insurance, not just whole life policies, were $709 million, up 28 percent over 2015. This was the the fifth straight year total life insurance sales reached an all-time high.

Sales of retirement plans climbed 15 percent to $11.4 billion, reaching a record level for the fourth consecutive year.

"In a year marked by global instability and market volatility, MassMutual delivered strong results across our businesses," said Roger Crandall, MassMutual chairman, president and CEO, in a prepared statement. "More importantly, because of the rampant lack of financial preparedness facing many Americans, our focus is to reach as many people as possible and provide them with more holistic financial solutions. We are as strongly positioned as ever to help millions more achieve the financial well-being needed to build a more confident financial future."

Other results:

• Dividends: In November,  MassMutual approved an estimated 2017 dividend payout for participating policy owners of $1.6 billion. The 2017 payout reflects a dividend interest rate of 6.7 percent for eligible participating life insurance policies, highest among the company's mutual competitors.
• Surplus and Capital: Two key measures of financial strength -- statutory surplus and total adjusted capital -- remained at high levels, $15.4 billion and $17.3 billion, respectively, MassMutual said.
• Revenue: MassMutual's revenue was  $29.6 billion, up from 2015 when it was  $29.5 billion, and $26.4 billion in 2014.

Amber Joubert is 5 feet 1 inch tall, approximately 130 pounds and has blue eyes and dirty blonde/reddish hair.

Amber Joubert 

WARE - Police are seeking the public's help as they work to find a 33-year-old Pleasant Street woman who has not been seen by her family since early January.

Amber Joubert is 5 feet 1 inch tall, approximately 130 pounds and has blue eyes and dirty blonde/reddish hair. She has a rose tattoo on her foot and "AJ" tattooed on the back of her neck.

Joubert may be going by her maiden name which is Carpenter. Those with information asked to call 413-967-3571.

Despite overseeing several attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner reportedly predicted Thursday that Republicans will not bring about a full repeal and replacement of the contentious health care law.

Despite overseeing several attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner reportedly predicted Thursday that Republicans will not bring about a full repeal and replacement of the contentious health care law.

The Ohio Republican, who resigned from Congress in 2015, said at a Florida conference that although he believes the GOP-controlled House, Senate and White House will make changes to the ACA, a complete elimination of the law seems unlikely.

"[Congressional Republicans are] going to fix Obamacare - I shouldn't call it repeal-and-replace, because it's not going to happen," he said, according to Politico.

Boehner further cast GOP plans to quickly pass a new health care framework as overly optimistic, the news outlet reported.

"I started laughing. Republicans never ever agree on health care," he reportedly said. "Most of the framework of the Affordable Care Act ... that's going to be there."

Mass. Democrats react to Rep. John Boehner's resignation announcement with surprise, offer kind words for GOP politician

The former speaker's remarks came just days after President Donald Trump announced that he will release a plan by mid-March detailing how the administration intends to move forward with efforts to repeal and replace the ACA.

Republican lawmakers, however, have reportedly clashed with constituents at high-profile town meetings over efforts to dismantle Obamacare, among other things -- skirmishes which some have attributed to paid protesters.

A Quinnipiac University national poll released Thursday found that 54 percent of American voters oppose efforts to repeal the ACA -- up from 50 percent earlier this month and 47 percent in January.

More than half -- 52 percent -- meanwhile, said they are "not so confident" or "not confident at all" that congressional Republicans will replace Obamacare with something that's as good or better than the current health care law, the survey found.

The poll, which surveyed more than 1,300 voters nationwide from Feb. 16 to 21 via telephone, has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.

Benjamin Rivera, 25, of Springfield, is accused of fatally shooting 22-year-old Angel Llorens in 2013 in Springfield in a dispute about a sticker for an illegal street racing club. Watch video

Update 2:45 p.m.: Jury asked Judge Daniel A. Ford to define premeditation again.

SPRINGFIELD -- Assistant District Attorney Max Bennett told jurors Thursday that Benjamin Rivera decided to kill Angel Llorens four times.

Bennett, in his closing argument in Rivera's murder trial, said with each of four shots he fired at Llorens, Rivera made the decision to kill him.

Rivera, 25, of Springfield, is accused of fatally shooting the 22-year-old Llorens at about 10:30 p.m. on May 22, 2013, in Springfield in a dispute about a sticker for an illegal street racing club.

Jurors in the trial before Hampden Superior Court Judge Daniel Ford began deliberating about 12:30 p.m.

The prosecutor said jurors should convict Rivera of first-degree murder under the theories of premeditation and extreme atrocity and cruelty.

"He has three exit wounds. He has a broken leg, broken ribs, the man has been shot in the groin. He lies there struggling for breath," Bennett said of Llorens.

Defense lawyer Edward Fogarty told jurors in his closing argument they should decide Rivera shot Llorens in self-defense.

Fogarty said one of the prosecution's main witnesses, Lee Hutchins Jr., only testified as he did so he would not be charged with providing the gun used by Rivera.

"Mr. Hutchins comes before you making a deal," Fogarty said.

Rivera, testifying Wednesday in his own defense, told jurors he shot Llorens four times because he thought Llorens was "coming at me."

Rivera said he believed Llorens had a gun, although he never saw one. Llorens had earlier said he was going to get a gun and had a hand behind his back, Rivera testified.

Fogarty said if jurors do not acquit Rivera they should find him guilty of manslaughter, not murder. He said it is a case of human frailty and events that spun out of control, leading to tragic consequences for all involved.

Bennett said evidence does not support Rivera's contention he was in danger. Llorens had no weapon out, he said.

"We know he could not have been charging at Mr. Rivera," Bennett said, citing testimony and evidence.

He told jurors not to be swayed by Rivera's testimony and demeanor on the stand. When Rivera first talked to police about the shooting he looked them in the eyes and lied to them with a straight face, just as he did with jurors, Bennett said.

Rivera said he was not a member of the racing club Backyard Built but went to parties and hung out with members, including his stepfather. He said he did race for the club, which had races on city streets after dark.

On the night of the shooting, Rivera said he went with two other men to the nearby Hollywood Street home of Llorens and one of the other men ripped a sticker for the Team Built club off Llorens' car. The two clubs are rivals.

Llorens heard the men and came out angry, threatening to get a gun, Rivera said.

Following vociferous objections in communities around Quabbin to last year's state roll-out of what has been dubbed "Rattlesnake Island," the initiative is on hold.

BELCHERTOWN -- The state's controversial plan to establish a colony of timber rattlesnakes at Quabbin Reservoir will be further discussed at a public meeting here on Tuesday.

The Rattlesnake Review Working Group will convene a public meeting at Belchertown's Lawrence Memorial Hall, 2 Jabish St., on Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Opposition to the plan to bring the venomous snakes to Mount Zion, a restricted island at Quabbin, developed when news of the state's plan became widely know about a year ago.

"In 2017, a Rattlesnake Working Group composed of Quabbin Region stakeholders, state agency officials, and scientific staff was formed to identify and consider concerns," according to the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, in an online document titled, "Massachusetts Rattlesnake Conservation: Executive Summary."

Following vociferous objections in communities around Quabbin to last year's state roll-out of what has been dubbed "Rattlesnake Island," the initiative, at least for now, is on hold.

"The formation of the Rattlesnake Review Group is a response to a promise made to legislators by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Division of Fisheries and Game at a legislative oversight hearing in 2016, to conduct a review of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's (MassWildlife's) Rattlesnake Conservation Plan," the RRWG said in a statement announcing Tuesday's Belchertown meeting.

"The Rattlesnake Review Group's purpose is to: 1) ask citizens to identify issues and concerns that may not have been adequately covered in previous public meetings, and 2) identify scientific information on rattlesnakes that may not have been considered in the current Plan. After a thorough examination of all the information, the Rattlesnake Review Group will make a recommendation about the Rattlesnake Conservation Plan to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board."

The meeting notice lists the RRWG members, who are expected to attend the meeting.

They are as follows:

• Chairman: Dr. Joseph Larson, Chairman, Fisheries and Wildlife Board; member, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee; professor emeritus, Environmental Conservation-UMass Amherst; Quabbin area resident
• George Peterson, commissioner, Department of Fish and Game (or designee)
• Leo Roy, commissioner, Department of Conservation and Recreation (or designee)
• Jack Buckley, director, MassWildlife (or designee)
• Anne Gobi, State Senator, Spencer (or designee)
• Eric Lesser, State Senator, 1st Hampden and Hampshire (or designee)
• Susannah Whipps-Lee, State Representative, 2nd Franklin (or designee)
• Dan Hammock, Quabbin Fishermen's Association
• Tony Brighenti, N. Quabbin Fishermen's Association; Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee (QUAC)
• Nancy Talbot, Selectperson and Town Clerk, Ware
• William Barnett, Selectperson, Belchertown
• David Small, Athol Bird and Nature Club
• Dr. Alan Richmond, Dept of Biology, UMass Amherst
• Dr. Mike Jones, State Herpetologist, MassWildlife

The panel includes a "Science Advisory Group" as follows:

• Dr. Tom French. assistant director, MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
• Lou Perrotti, conservation director, Roger William Zoo; head-starting project snakes
• Tom Tyning, professor, Berkshire Community College
• Anne Stengle, doctorate candidate, University of Massachusetts Amherst

State officials say the Quabbin rattlesnake idea is one way to help preserve the species in Massachusetts. "To directly address known threats and to ensure the persistence of the remaining populations, MassWildlife continues to work intensively with key partners ... to identify the most critical threats and to prioritize and implement the most necessary and urgent conservation actions," the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs website says.

Some of the opponents of the idea began an online petition last year, to Gov. Charlie Baker, via Change.Org.

"We object to this project, and ask the State to dismiss this placement, and seek an alternative area or alternate plan other than placing them in and around an area enjoyed by many," their petition says. "From closing down parts of the Quabbin to deciding to re-populate these snakes, as well as other decisions which are proving poorly handled. Leaving nowhere in the process to be responsible to taxpayers. This overreach of power should not be allowed, and voters should have a voice in this situation, as taxpayer monies are being used."

The mission of the Rattlesnake Review Working Group is in part a response to those concerns.