The low-cost airline will also offer flights to Ireland and Northern Ireland from T.F. Green Airport in Providence and New York's Stewart International Airport.

WINDSOR LOCKS -- Low-cost airline Norwegian Air Express plans to offer flights from Bradley International Airport to Edinburgh, Scotland, with introductory fares as low as $65 one way.

Norwegian Air is the second transatlantic carrier to expand to Bradley in the past year. In September, Aer Lingus started flying nonstop between Bradley and Dublin, returning European service to the Knowledge Corridor region of Massachusetts and Connecticut for the first time since Northwest scrapped its Amsterdam flights in 2008.

More than 7,500 passengers took Aer Lingus to and from Bradley in the last four months of 2016, according to airport statistics. Overall, Bradley saw more than 6 million travelers in calendar year 2016. That was a 2.1 percent increase from 5.9 million in 2015.

Norwegian Air will also offer flights to Ireland and Northern Ireland from T.F. Green Airport in Providence and New York's Stewart International Airport, about 60 miles north of Manhattan.

The Bradley flights to Scotland begin June 17 and will be offered year-round. Tickets are on sale now at norwegian.com/us, with fares beginning at $65, including taxes. The no-frills price does not include checked baggage or a meal and allows for only a small carry-on.

Passengers have the option to receive additional savings by bundling a seat reservation, pre-ordering a meal service (including alcoholic beverages) and prepaying for checked luggage.

Norwegian Air does not charge customers for carry-on luggage.

"With the addition of these flights, travelers flying internationally for business or pleasure have even more convenient travel options in the Greater Hartford region," Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a news release. "Bradley International Airport is recognized by many as being faster and less stressful than other nearby airports -- and with the addition of new flights to Europe, as well as new destinations around the country, that reputation only improves."

Norwegain Air will use a Boeing 7378-MAX aircraft with 189-seat capacity. Flights will be offered year-round, with planes departing Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays in summer and on Wednesday and Saturdays in winter. Flights will leave Bradley at 9:35 p.m. and arrive in Edinburgh at 9:30 a.m. local time, for a flight time of seven hours.

Norwegian Air won FAA approval last week after a protracted fight of more than two years. U.S. labor unions opposed Norwegian Air's expansion and the Barack Obama administration listened. The new Donald Trump administration approved the flights.

Bjorn Kjos, CEO and founder of Norwegian Air, said in a news release:

"We are pleased to announce our new highly anticipated transatlantic routes. Our new, nonstop service will enable tens of thousands of new travelers to fly between the continents much more comfortably and affordably. Norwegian's latest transatlantic offering is not only great news for the traveling public, but also for the local U.S. economies as we will bring more tourists that will increase spending, consequently creating thousands of new local jobs. We are excited to finally be able to launch service and we would like to express a big gratitude for the extensive support from consumer groups, government officials, airports, tourism organizations and the travel and tourism industry on both sides of the Atlantic in our quest to offer affordable transatlantic flights for all."

Norwegian Air and Aer Lingus are not the only airlines expanding into Bradly or adding flights. Airlines, buoyed by an improving economy and low fuel prices, are adding flights across the county and especially into smaller, underserved airports like Bradley.

A list of new service:

• OneJet to Pittsburgh: OneJet began weekday nonstop service to Pittsburgh International Airport in May 2016. The regional carrier uses leased corporate jets.
• United Airlines to Denver: United Airlines started flying nonstop to Denver, also in May 2016. The airline uses an Airbus 319 with 128 seats.
• American Airlines to Los Angeles: American started flying nonstop to Los Angeles June 2, 2016, using 150-seat Boeing 737 aircraft.
• Spirit Airlines to three vacation destinations: Starting April 27, Spirit Airlines will offer nonstop service between Bradley and Orlando International Airport in Florida and Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina. Spirit will also commence daily nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport June 15.

Hampden County's former and current sheriffs, Mike Ashe and Nick Cocchi, respectively, were honored Tuesday night by the Ludlow Board of Selectmen, which presented the men with official citations thanking them for their dedication to Ludlow and the rest of the county.

LUDLOW -- The "two fine, distinguished people" Ludlow Board of Selectmen Chairman Brian M. Mannix was referring to at Tuesday's meeting were none other than barely retired Sheriff Michael J. Ashe and brand-new Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi, both of whom were presented with citations from the Town of Ludlow.

That's how Mannix introduced the former and current sheriffs of Hampden County, neither of whom required an introduction. Cocchi is a native and lifelong resident of Ludlow, while Ashe was the county's longtime sheriff up until last month. 

"As chairman of the Board of Selectmen, I'd like to recognize you for the many years of service that you've put in down at the jail," Mannix said to Ashe, whose 42-year run as sheriff officially ended Jan. 4.

That's also when when Cocchi, Ashe's protege, was sworn in as sheriff during a ceremony at the county jail in Ludlow.

Mannix, a retired Ludlow police officer, recalled the time he had to wake up Ashe in the dead of the night because of a prisoner issue. The sheriff was always a gentleman, according to Mannix, who praised Ashe's stewardship of the jail as a model for the nation's corrections industry.

"What you've done has gone across the country," Mannix said.

Selectman William E. Rooney said Ashe was always "a good neighbor" over the many years he logged in Ludlow, where some residents initially were less than thrilled to learn that a correctional facility was coming to town.

"We appreciate everything you've down for the Town of Ludlow," Rooney said.

Selectwoman Carmina D. Fernandes credited Ashe's politic approach to building bridges between the jail and Ludlow residents.

"You've reached out to this community. You've built a relationship the good old-fashioned way, where it's not all about 'What's in it for me?'" Fernandes said. "It was more 'Let's help each other,' and we're going to miss that."

On a lighter note, Fernandes said she's also going to miss Ashe's legendary clambake, an annual summertime event featuring beer, food, and politicians from across the Bay State.

"Your clambakes were spectacular, so I hope you're going to continue those," she said, shifting her gaze from Ashe to Cocchi. "Absolutely," Cocchi said.

Mannix recalled that the new sheriff was a former "star soccer and hockey player" at Ludlow High School, while Rooney credited Cocchi with running a political campaign that was second to none.

"The campaign you ran was just ridiculous -- how intense you were and the supporters that you had," he said.

Rooney also pointed out that Cocchi, Hampden County's sixth sheriff, was the only sheriff to have risen through the ranks of the department. "That, I have to say, really impressed me," Rooney said.

Ashe and Cocchi offered their thanks to the board and reiterated their philosophies for corrections in the 21st century, an era that so far has featured a heroin epidemic and other challenges.

"We will continue to be a major player in trying to do the best we can to slow down, halt, and bring into reverse this opioid crisis that is just devastating each and every one of our communities and our families," Cocchi said.

A condemned house in Springfield's Forest Park neighborhood is slated for a foreclosure auction in late March, leaving a Housing Court case on hold.

SPRINGFIELD -- The bank holding the mortgage on a house at 47-49 Draper St. in Forest Park, which was condemned by the city in January, has agreed to clean up and secure the property pending a foreclosure auction scheduled in late March.

Michael K. Roche, associate city solicitor, said Thursday that the city's request for a court-appointed receiver to take control of the property was continued in Western Division Housing Court to give the bank time to assume control.

"They represented that a foreclosure auction is scheduled for March 27, and they agreed to be responsible for cleaning and securing the property starting now," Roche said. "We have a re-inspection set up for next week to check on the status of their efforts."

The motion for a court-appointed receivership was delayed until after the auction date, he said.

The city ordered the house vacated on Jan. 10, alleging there were numerous code violations and fire hazards. Violations of the state sanitary and electrical codes were found after a sweep by code enforcement officials and police, according to the city.

The joint inspections by code enforcement officials and police occurred following an earlier incident where shots were fired and 23 shell casings were found in the neighborhood, officials said. There were no reported injuries.

The homeowner stated in prior court hearings that she believed the house was foreclosed and was unwilling or unable to bring the property into code compliance, Roche said.

Wells Fargo Bank is represented by lawyer Kurt R. McHugh of Newton, who was not immediately available for comment.

No tenants are permitted back into the building until the condemnation order is lifted, Roche said.

According to city officials, conditions at the property included: "no gas, no electricity, missing/defective smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, malfunctioning lights, exposed wires, missing/defective outlets, broken windows, temporary wiring, first-floor and rear blocked egress, maintenance and land violations, missing gutters," and a second-floor porch in need of repairs.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker expressed disappointment in President Donald Trump's decision to roll back federal guidance on transgender students and said the move sends the wrong message. Watch video

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker expressed disappointment in President Donald Trump's decision to roll back federal guidance on transgender students and said the move sends the wrong message.

Memos issued under President Obama called for schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that aligned with their gender identity. The Trump administration's move means the issue is now in the hands of states and individual school districts.

"Thankfully, here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we've had in place standing administrative guidance on this issue for school districts in Massachusetts for the better part of four or five years and we signed, as you know, legislation last year protecting transgendered individuals," Baker told reporters on Thursday, referring to an anti-discrimination bill the Massachusetts Legislature passed and he signed.

Trump administration revokes transgender bathroom guidance

Baker noted that he has three children who were once teenagers. "That's an incredibly difficult and challenging time," the governor said. "And I think we should all be proud of the fact that in Massachusetts we're doing the best we can to make sure that kids feel comfortable and feel safe in school and in our communities."

Asked if he was concerned about the message the Trump administration sent through its rollback of protections, Baker said, "Well look, I obviously don't support the message and I don't believe it's the right message."

"But I do believe that here in the Commonwealth of Mass. and this is an important message for us to share with our colleagues in education and our colleagues in communities, that here in Massachusetts, kids are going to be protected and kids are going to be able to feel safe and secure in the communities that they live in and the schools that they go to," Baker added.

AG Healey, Rep. Kennedy decry Trump action on transgender guidance

The problem, Michael Sullivan said, is the Hampshire Council of Government board's desire to become more involved in setting the trust's insurance rates.

SOUTH HADLEY -- The town administrator here is expressing concern about a potential "breach of practice" at the municipality's health insurer after it raised rates.

The Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust provides health care coverage for 11,000 employees in 69 member entities, including South Hadley and other area municipalities, school districts and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission. In a briefing to the Hampshire Council of Governments board last month, Joseph Shea, executive director of the trust, said recent multimillion-dollar losses have forced it to raise rates.

At the Jan. 26 meeting, Shea requested and received the board's approval of an approximately 10 percent hike to generate an estimated $5 million of additional revenue in the coming fiscal year.

South Hadley Town Administrator Michael Sullivan, who is also a member of the trust's Executive Committee, expressed concerns about the situation in a Feb. 16 letter to the Selectboard. The problem, he said, is the Hampshire Council of Government board's desire to become more involved in setting the trust's insurance rates.

"The (trust) has always set rates through their Executive Committee and the Insurance Advisory Board," Sullivan wrote. "I expressed that any change to this process which would give HCOG more influence or control of the $26 million in holdings managed by (the trust) would be seen by South Hadley as a breach of practice and may cause us to seek guidance from the state inspector general."

Sullivan's letter to the Selectboard continues: "Remember, about $2.6 million of the trust's $26 million came from South Hadley employees and taxpayers. Given the recent track record of the HCOG, this should be seen as a 'red flag' in regards to the future stability of the fund. The fund already pays a premium to HCOG, which confounds many (trust) Executive Committee members, including this one."

The Belchertown Board of Selectman last fall sharply criticized Hampshire Council of Governments Executive Director Todd Ford for high staff turnover at the agency and the failure of a municipal electricity purchasing program.

The trust's Insurance Advisory Committee is made up of representatives of each of the 69 member entities. The committee votes to approve insurance rates each January.

The smaller Executive Committee meets in December to recommend rates to the Insurance Advisory Committee. According to Shea, the Executive Committee currently is made up of representatives from South Hadley, Belchertown, Gill and Southampton, as well as the Franklin County Technical and and Gateway and Hampshire regional school districts.

In a telephone interview on Wednesday, Shea said that the Hampshire Council of Governments board wants to have information about the proposed yearly rates prior to the January vote of the Insurance Advisory Commitee. When the board of commissioners voted in favor of the rates last month, the Insurance Advisory Committee had already voted to approve them, Shea said.

Ware Police Officer John Cacela said Amber Joubert was found in Springfield on Thursday at about 2:30 p.m.

Updates story posted at 1:35 p.m.

WARE -- A 33-year-old Pleasant Street woman, who has not been seen by her family since early January, has been found safe and sound in Springfield, police said.

Officer John Cacela said Amber Joubert was found on Thursday at about 2:30 p.m. He did not know where in the city she had been found.

Ware police recently posted about Joubert on the department's Facebook page.

A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted Toney Kelsey, according to the U.S. Attorney.

Toney KelseyWeathersfield Police  

A 25-year-old Hartford man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he trafficking minors for the purpose of prostitution. 

Toney Kelsey was indicted Wednesday in New Haven, according to U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Deirdre M. Daly. 

The indictment charges him with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and three counts of sex trafficking of minors.

Kelsey, who is known by his nickname "Blaze," is accused of trafficking children between May 2015 and May 2016. 

Kelsey has been in custody since his arrest by Wethersfield police on Nov. 30.

The investigation in the case is being handled by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Connecticut State police, the Hartford and Wethersfield police, and the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force.

If convicted, Kelsey could face a sentence of between 10 years and life in prison.

The 23-member commission will focus on issues of importance to the black community in Massachusetts, with a focus on economic inclusion and equality.

BOSTON -- Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order Thursday re-establishing a state Black Advisory Commission.

The 23-member commission will discuss issues of importance to the black community, with a focus on economic inclusion and equality.

Commission chairwoman Deborah Enos, an executive consultant and former CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan, said the commission will have a commitment to seriously looking at the "obstacles and concerns of the black community." It will also celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of the community. Additionally, she said it will create opportunities for public-private partnerships.

"I honestly believe we will produce some tangible results that will impact not only the black community in Massachusetts in all of its many wonderful forms but also the larger commonwealth," Enos said.

Baker said it is important in Massachusetts that "all voices believe they have a chance to be heard." Baker said he meets quarterly with the legislative black and Latino caucus. "A bunch of that time they're telling me I'm a boneheaded idiot," Baker joked. But he said, "If we weren't talking, neither one of us would benefit from the life experience of the other, which would be a tremendous missed opportunity for us all."

At a press conference, several speakers stressed the diversity of the black community in Massachusetts, which includes African-Americans as well as individuals from Africa, the Caribbean, Cape Verde and elsewhere.

One issue likely to be discussed by the commission is economic improvement for the black community. The black unemployment rate in Massachusetts is 6 percent today, which is more than twice the overall state unemployment rate.

"One of the best social programs we can have is a job," said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ron Walker.

State Rep. Russell Holmes, D-Mattapan, who chairs the black and Latino caucus, said the commission is being established a time when "there's an awful lot of fear and anxiety in this country," with hate crimes on the rise against African-Americans, Muslims and Jews.

State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, D-Dorchester, said nationwide, "Young black men and women feel they're being left out of the discussion when it comes to the future of our nation."

Dorcena Forry said issues that the commission could look at include ensuring that black-owned businesses get state contracts and reforming the criminal justice system.

Commission members, who were appointed by the governor, will serve for four years. The commission will meet quarterly and submit a report every two years. It will make recommendations to the governor on what the priorities of the black community are that need to be addressed.

The members come from nonprofits, industry, law, education, philanthropy, social services, the military and other backgrounds. Members from Western Massachusetts include Westfield State University's Dean of Education Cheryl Stanley and Director of the Urban Education Program Azanda Seymour, as well as Victor Woolridge, vice president of debt placement and syndications at Barings Real Estate Advisers.

The live forum will air Feb. 23, 2017 from 8-9 p.m. on WGBY.

SPRINGFIELD — PBS station WGBY has teamed up with the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley to engage a live studio audience as well as viewers at home in a town hall format discussion about racism tonight from 8-9 p.m.

The local public television station will take questions from a live studio audience, but viewers at home also encouraged to join the conversation using the hashtag #wgbydialogue on Facebook and Twitter. They can follow WGBY at facebook.com/wgbytv and @wgby on twitter.com/wgby.

For those who may not be near a television, the above video provided by WGBY will live stream the hour-long discussion.

Panelists will include Lisa Bakowski, principal of Boland Elementary School in Springfield, Heshima Moja, co-facilitator of Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley's two-day seminars, Bishop Talbert Swan, president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, and David Woods, principle of Springfield-based Woods Financial Group.

The panel will be moderated by WGBH news reporter Tina Martin.

Students graduating from Smith College this year will get to hear a commencement address from none other than Oprah Winfrey.

Students graduating from Smith College this year will get to hear a commencement address from none other than Oprah Winfrey.

Winfrey, well-known for her television show and work as a philanthropist, producer and actress, will deliver the address during Smith's graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 21, the college announced on Thursday.

Winfrey will also receive an honorary degree. She was the host of the self-titled Oprah Winfrey Show for 25 years. Now, she is chairman and CEO of her cable network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network; is the founder of O, The Oprah Magazine; and oversees Harpo Films.

"Oprah Winfrey is a global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress," Smith said in a statement. "She has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired people today."

In 2007, Winfrey established The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, with a mission to provide education for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Morgan Mpungose is graduating from Smith this year and is a graduate of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, the college said.

Winfrey last month released her first cookbook, Food, Health and Happiness: 115 On Point Recipes for Great Meals and a Better Life.

She is also an Academy Award-nominated actress for her role in The Color Purple. Winfrey earned critical acclaim in Lee Daniels' The Butler. She also produced and acted in the Academy Award-winning film Selma. 

Other honorary degrees will be awarded during the ceremony to:

• Clare Higgins, the executive director at Community Action and former mayor of Northampton
• Michelle Kwan, an Olympic medalist and world and U.S. champion figure skater
• Henrietta Mann, a Native American education and tribal leader and founding president of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal College
• Erin O'Shea, the president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a Harvard University professor and 1988 Smith College graduate

The ceremony will be translated live, into Spanish and Mandarin, Smith College said.

Mark Anthony Crichlow was found guilty of rape of a child aggravated by age in a Springfield case after the jury deliberated for two days.

The exterior of the Hampden County Hall of Justice is seen Saturday evening, April 25. (Dwight B. Shepard / The Republican)Dwight B. Shepard / The Republican 

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Superior Court Judge Richard J. Carey has sentenced a 51-year-old city man to 12 to 15 years in state prison for rape of a child aggravated by age.

Carey sentenced Mark Anthony Crichlow on Feb. 16. A jury had found Crichlow guilty of the charge the previous week.

The jury took two days to reach its verdict.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lee Baker. Crichlow was represented by defense attorney Joan M. Williams.

John McConomy was thrown from his snowmobile when he hit a tree stump, police said.

Patrick Johnson | pjohnson@repub.com 

RUTLAND, Vermont -  A 64-year-old Pennsylvania man died Wednesday, apparently as a result of injuries suffered when he was thrown from a snowmobile during a guided tour near Killington Peak, Vermont State Police said.

The man, identified as John McConomy of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, was riding with his wife, Judith McConomy, on a rented snowmobile as part of a riding tour offered by Killington Snowmobile Tours.

According to police, McConomy was exiting a turnaround on the Juggernaut snowmobile trail off West Glade Road. He was apparently going too fast and hit a tree stump, causing him and his wife to be flung from the snowmobile, police said.

According to police, he suffered injuries to his torso.

First responders arrived at the scene and carried him to the ambulance on West Glade Road. While en route to the hospital, his condition worsened and he was rushed into the operating room.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.

Judith McConomy was also injured but her injuries were not considered life-threatening.

According to police, the death remains under investigation.

States that have legalized recreational marijuana can expect stronger enforcement of federal laws against the controversial substance, a top aide to President Donald Trump seemed to suggest on Thursday.

States that have legalized recreational marijuana can expect stronger enforcement of federal laws against the controversial substance, a top aide to President Donald Trump seemed to suggest on Thursday.

Massachusetts voters endorsed legalization of recreational marijuana in November 2016. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Asked about legal marijuana in states, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the issue of legalization is up to the US Department of Justice.

"You'll see greater enforcement," he said.

Under President Obama, the Justice Department took more of a hands-off approach to states with recreational marijuana.

Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, is an opponent of marijuana legalization.

Spicer said there is a "big difference" between recreational marijuana and medical use of marijuana.

Massachusetts voters signed off on medical marijuana in 2012.

Here's how law enforcement officials are handling legal weed in Mass.

Massachusetts lawmakers have set up a special committee to tackle the subject of recreational marijuana and potentially overhaul the law passed by voters.

Parts of the new Massachusetts marijuana law went into effect on Dec. 15, 2016, allowing possession and cultivation of certain amounts.

But parts of the law dealing with the retail pot shops and the set-up of a Cannabis Control Commission, are delayed, thanks to fast-tracked legislation signed by Gov. Charlie Baker earlier this year.

Now retail pot shops are slated to open in mid-2018, if the federal government doesn't intervene.

Mass. marijuana activists express dismay at delay in new law

Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association, said in a statement he is disappointed with Spicer's comments.

"It would be a mistake for the Department of Justice to overthrow the will of the voters and state governments who have created carefully regulated adult-use marijuana programs," he said. "It would represent a rejection of the values of economic growth, limited government, and respect for federalism that Republicans claim to embrace."

Smith also pointed to polls showing steady support for legal use of recreational marijuana.

"As a candidate, President Trump said on many occasions that he believed marijuana policy - both medical and adult-use - should be left to the states," Smith said in his statement. "When asked if he would allow his Attorney General to shut down adult-use programs like Colorado's, he said, 'I wouldn't do it - no...I think it should be up to the states, absolutely.'"

This post was updated at 6:15 p.m. with Smith's comments.

Healey said she anticipates being involved in federal litigation to defend the rights of transgender students to use the bathrooms that conform with their gender identity.

BOSTON -- Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said she anticipates being involved in federal litigation to defend the rights of transgender students to use the bathrooms that conform with their gender identity.

Her comments came a day after President Donald Trump withdrew guidance from former President Barack Obama's administration that required schools to let students use the locker rooms and bathrooms that fit with their gender identity rather than their biological sex.

Healey said she anticipates joining other attorneys general filing briefs in support of a transgender student in a case coming before the U.S. Supreme Court in March. In that case, a transgender boy from Virginia sued his local school board for barring him from using the boys' bathroom at his high school. A U.S. Appeals Court found in favor of the student, but the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the ruling pending its decision.

"We've been in court before joining in briefs in support of equality, and that will continue to be our position," Healey said.

"The position of this office has been, and will continue to be ... that the U.S. law Title IX prohibits this kind of discrimination based on one's gender identity," Healey said. "We think that kind of discrimination is unlawful as it is, irrespective of any particular guidance issued by a Department of Education or a Department of Justice at any particular time."

Nationally, Obama's guidance never went into effect because it was stayed by a federal judge in Texas. But Healey said the symbolism of Trump's move is important.

"I'd like to see Donald Trump pick on somebody his own size and not a child," Healey said.

Neither the Obama guidance nor the Trump guidance will have any real impact in Massachusetts, which already has laws in place allowing students to use the locker rooms or bathrooms that conform with their gender identity.

The Obama rules were modeled after Massachusetts' rules, which were written in 2012 after the state Legislature passed a rule prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity in education and other areas.

Last year, Massachusetts lawmakers passed a new law prohibiting discrimination against transgender people in all places of public accommodation.

"In this situation, we have already done our job," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst.

Rosenberg framed the issue as one of equal protection under the Constitution.

"I think folks in the Trump administration need to go back to school and join these children who we're protecting and reread the Constitution and take a lesson along with their schoolmates about what it means to protect the civil rights of everyone in our society," Rosenberg said.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, quipped that the administration that Trump recently described as a "fine-tuned machine" is "probably a machine that's ready for the scrap heap."

"I find it very shameful that the Trump administration has chosen to propagate an atmosphere of bigotry and bullying against young and vulnerable citizens," DeLeo said. "When we stand together, we're saying not in Massachusetts."

Healey, considered a likely Democratic candidate for higher office in the future, has become one of the chief critics of the Trump administration in Massachusetts. She continued to take that role Thursday, calling a press conference with Rosenberg, DeLeo and advocates for transgender rights to slam the Trump administration's actions.

"This isn't about states' rights or presidential power," Healey said. "This is about the targeting of an already vulnerable population -- our transgender students and young people across this country."

Healey called Trump's actions "shameful" and said he "went after children." Healey said Trump should visit Massachusetts and meet with families of transgender children who have been subjected to bullying and harassment because of their gender identity.

Healey said her message to Massachusetts residents is, "If the federal government won't protect your rights, we can and we will."

Mimi Lemay, whose 7-year-old son is transgender, called Trump's move "unwarranted" and "cruel." She said the notion that affirming a student's gender identify threatens privacy or state's rights "is as ludicrous as it is disingenuous."

The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal group is seeking to build a third Connecticut casino to compete with MGM Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD -- Former Springfield City Councilor Anthony W. Ravosa Jr., whose East Hartford casino plan was rejected by Connecticut's tribal gaming operators in January, has pleaded for support from the Connecticut Legislature.

"I'm intent on making the case to you that East Hartford presents the single most compelling opportunity to develop a transformative entertainment and gaming destination Greater Hartford area," Ravosa said in testimony on Thursday before the Connecticut General Assembly's Public Safety and Security Committee.

"Simply put, the supporting evidence and rationale for East Hartford as the premier location for this project is overpowering," Ravosa said.

Ravosa is managing member of the Silver Lane Partners, proposing the East Hartford casino at a former Showcase cinemas property.

In January, Ravosa sharply criticized the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot-led process to find a location for Connecticut's third casino after the joint tribal group announced it had selected two other locations in East Windsor and Windsor Locks as finalists.

The third casino in Connecticut is proposed to compete with the $950 million MGM Springfield casino slated to open in September 2018.

Ravosa urged Connecticut legislators to support his group's concept "that a vibrant urban core is absolutely essential to the health and vitality of the entire region."

Ravosa said that his group's proposal in partnership with East Hartford "is far superior in offering a broad-based economic development vision for the region."

"Most importantly, if a third Connecticut casino is to be built in the Hartford area, I am here to tell you that East Hartford presents the absolute highest and best opportunity to generate maximal revenue return to the state's coffers," Ravosa said.

The selection of the third casino location will involve a negotiated agreement between MMCT, the joint tribal gaming company, and the General Assembly, Ravosa said.

As such, Ravosa said his group is asking the Public Safety and Security Committee to consider all proposals for the site, "to independently determine the best location, and to then negotiate with MMCT to reach a mutually beneficial conclusion - one that works well for both the state and the Tribes."

Ravosa said his group's location has "attributes like no other," and listed those attributes as including:

• A 40-year history of entertainment and amusement activity as the Showcase site.

• "Unmatched" interstate highway frontage and visibility.

• Traffic at 283,000 vehicles a day.

• Traffic studies commissioned by Silver Lane Partners found minimal anticipated infrastructure costs.

• Site has the least number of local land use approval hurdles.

• The site has no referendum requirement.

• Reuse of the Showcase has a "speed-to-market scenario."

• Overwhelming support from the public and elected, civic and business

Dog owners can obtain or renew licenses online now with the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts with new licenses available March 1, City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee said.

HOLYOKE -- Obtaining and renewing dog licenses with the city can now be done online.

"In our continuing efforts to modernize, and improve efficiency, within the city clerk's office for our residents and customers, I believe that adding online dog licensing is adding an extra step of convenience for our city's dog owners," City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee said in a press release.

Click here to renew or obtain a dog license.(https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/selection)

Eliminating a trip to City Hall for dog owners, registration will be available online, round the clock, and clerk staff will mail dog tags to residents who complete renewal forms, she said.

Owners with dogs whose rabies certification has expired can still register onoline by uploading a rabies certification with newly completed applications, she said.

Dog licenses run from April 1 to March 31 and the city will begin accepting fees for new licenses on March 1, she said.

The fee to license dogs that are spayed or neutered is $5. The fee for unaltered dogs 6 months or older $15, for unaltered dogs under 6 months, $10, she said.

Owners of dogs unlicensed by April 30 will receive citations for $50 and owners of dogs not vaccinated for rabies are subject to a $100 fine, she said.

For more information call 413-322-5520.

A crane pulled a front-end loader from the third-level canal off Water Street in Holyoke, Massachusetts on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 after the vehicle wound up in the water on Wednesday with the driver of the construction vehicle declining medical treatment, officials said.

HOLYOKE -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection was on the scene Thursday as a crane lifted a front-end loader out of the third-level canal near Water Street after the construction vehicle wound up there the day before.

Staff from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) placed absorbent booms, which resemble thick floating ropes, in the water to soak up diesel fuel from the front-end loader. It was unclear how much fuel went into the water, DEP spokeswoman Elizabeth Steinhart said. A DEP staff member at the scene referred questions to Steinhart.

It was unclear whether DEP would have further involvement in the incident, she said.

The circumstances that led to the vehicle getting into the canal remained unclear Thursday as The Republican sought comments from the Holyoke Police Department.

The Fire Department responded to the scene at 3:38 p.m. Wednesday and the driver of the vehicle declined medical treatment, Fire Department Capt. Anthony Cerruti said.

The front-end loader belongs to Quantum Properties, said Michael J. Sullivan, a licensed contractor with Max Salvage & Maintenance Inc here, which was working with Quantum Properties in the area. Sullivan is a member of the City Council.

Obituaries from The Republican.

Producer and writer Turlough McConnell is the 26th recipient of the Ambassador Award from the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade Committee in an award bestowed for fostering relations between Ireland and the United States, the committee said on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017.

HOLYOKE -- Turlough McConnell, who produces live events and documentaries about Irish America, is the 26th recipient of the Ambassador Award from the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade Committee, the committee said Thursday.

The Ambassador Award is presented to a person or organization that has worked to promote the relationship between the people of the Republic of Ireland and the people of the United States, committee spokeswoman Hayley Dunn said.

McConnell is president and CEO of Turlough McConnell Communications of Brooklyn, New York.

"Our 2017 Ambassador Award recipient truly embodies the spirit of our prestigious award, presented ... to an individual who strengthens the ties between United States and Ireland. Through his two decade experience as a creative executive in the Irish-American market, producing live events of interest to Irish American, he is most-worthy of this award," said Kateri B. Walsh, chairwoman of the Ambassador's Award Selection Committee.

Mary C. Kelly, a history professor at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire, was Ambassador Award recipient in 2016. Recipients have included the late Frank McCourt, a Pulitzer Prize winning writer, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, and the late Tommy Makem, singer and songwriter with the Clancy Brothers.

McConnell's works have included "1916-2016: Proclaiming the American Story," a theatrical presentation of "How the Nuns of New York Tamed the Gangs of New York" at the Sheen Center in Manhattan and "The Brian P. Burns Collection of Irish Paintings: Portrait of a People."

According to the company Facebook page, Turlough McConnell Communications is a marketing and promotional company; provides curatorial, production, tour management, marketing, venue location, and grant and sponsorship help to museums and exhibitions; offers production coordination, script development and marketing for film and multi-media presentations such as for documentaries, TV and radio broadcasts; and develops print products like books, catalogs and brochures.

As contributing director of special features for Irish America Magazine, Turlough produces special supplements with recent subjects including the John J. Burns Library at Boston College and the "Titanic Belfast" tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, Dunn said.

"Our Committee is committed to promoting our Irish heritage and strong, positive relations with the Republic of Ireland," said Michael J. Moriarty, 2017 Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade president.

"Each year since 1992, we select an individual whose life work exemplifies these values. We are honored that our award is recognized by the Consul General's office and by the presence of Fionnuala Quinlan (consul general of Ireland in Boston) when we announced our highly deserving 2017 recipient," Moriarty said.

McConnell will be honored at the Ambassador's Breakfast the morning of the parade here on March 19. To buy tickets contact Brynn Feyre at brynnfeyre@yahoo.com.

The 66th Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade will be March 19 and the 42nd Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race will be the day before.

For more information visit holyokestpatricksparade.com

Fionnuala Quinlan, the Consul General of Ireland, will tour the new Irish Cultural Center of Western New England at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. The center is located at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield.

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Fionnuala Quinlan, the Consul General of Ireland, will tour the new Irish Cultural Center of Western New England at 2 p.m. Friday, according to West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, who is among the local dignitaries expected to attend the event.

In 2015, the Irish Cutlural Center moved to the site of the former Elks Lodge at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield. The facility has since undergone renovations, including a new bar that serves -- what else -- Guinness, and is expected to open in March. Before relocating to West Side, the ICC was based at Elms College in Chicopee, where the center first opened in 1999.

Quinlan has led the Consulate General of Ireland in Boston since 2015. She officially represents the Irish government in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Rhode Island. Her focus is on deepening the historic cultural, business, and political ties between Ireland and New England, including engaging the region's vibrant Irish and Irish-American communities.

She was formerly director of press relations at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin, where she managed the department's engagement with traditional and new media. Prior to that, the former journalist in Ireland and Australia was press adviser for Irish Aid, the government's overseas aid program, and traveled extensively through Africa and Asia in that role.

"The Guinness tap is in at the Irish Cultural Center & opening soon!" Reichelt said Thursday in a tweet that included a photo of the new bar.

Others expected to attend Friday's event, which runs from 2-4 p.m., include ICC President Sean Cahillane, former West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan, several ICC board members, and representatives of the West Springfield community. Mary Ellen Lowney, ICC board secretary, has more information at 413-313-6957.

Quinlan's visit comes just before the opening of the new ICC facility, which will include
the Trinity Pub, the Irish House Restaurant, and a gathering space that will be run by the Log Cabin of Holyoke.

"We're honored to have the likes of Fionnuala Quinlan here to help christen our new place," Cahillane said. "This is the beginning of a longstanding relationship that is sure to grow."

The ICC is an independent, nonprofit organization.

Media Alert! Boston Irish Consul General Fionnuala Quinlan will tour the 429 Morgan Road facility on Friday, Feb. 24 from 2-4 p.m. pic.twitter.com/4bmnJlmO8z

-- Mayor Will Reichelt (@MayorReichelt) February 23, 2017

The Guinness tap is in at the Irish Cultural Center & opening soon! #irishinwestside @Westsidestpats @CBerry413 @413Tweets @VisitWestMass pic.twitter.com/cLWIBxl6mm

-- Mayor Will Reichelt (@MayorReichelt) February 23, 2017