Longmeadow police said the Bliss Road resident had started her car at around 7 a.m. to warm it up, briefly leaving it unlocked and unattended while she returned inside.

LONGMEADOW - Two people were arrested Monday in West Hartford, Conn., for allegedly stealing a Longmeadow woman's idling car from her driveway earlier in the day.

Longmeadow police said the Bliss Road resident had started her car at around 7 a.m. to warm it up, briefly leaving it unlocked and unattended while she returned inside. Within "a short period of time," the car was stolen.

Using the car's GPS technology, officers tracked the car as it traveled down I-91 and into West Hartford, where the suspects led local police on a short pursuit before they were taken into custody.

Police did not immediately release information about the suspects.

"We are asking residents to be aware of the dangers of leaving your unattended vehicle running, regardless of your location, as this is common practice for many," police said in a Facebook post detailing the incident. "Also, we remind residents to always lock your vehicles, especially during the overnight hours."

Longmeadow police thanked police in West Hartford and Newington, Conn., for their assistance.

Baker said he had not yet read Trump's executive order. But he stressed his position that Massachusetts is a 'global community.' Watch video

BOSTON - Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday that he had not yet read President Donald Trump's revised travel ban, but he reiterated his position that Massachusetts benefits from immigrant communities.

Trump signed his revised executive order Monday, after an earlier version was put on hold by federal courts. The order bans travelers from six majority Muslim countries from applying for new visas to travel to the U.S. for 90 days and bars the admission of all refugees for 120 days.

"I haven't seen it yet so I want to read it before I speak directly to it," Baker, a Republican, told reporters at the Statehouse. Baker said he will take a "good, hard look" at Trump's executive order.

Baker expressed concerns about Trump's original ban, and particularly about its chaotic implementation. Baker wrote to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly last month urging the U.S. government to reject broad-based bans on immigrants from particular countries and instead try to identify the small percentage of immigration applicants who present a real danger to the United States.

Baker said Monday, as he has in the past, that Massachusetts "is a global community, and we're a welcoming state." "A huge part of our success as a commonwealth culturally, economically and just generally is based on the fact that we have a lot of people in this country who bring points of view and perspectives from around the world to their work and to their communities, and that's a big part of who we are and what we're about," Baker said.

Baker was also asked for his reaction to the possibility of women working in state government skipping work on Wednesday to participate in a national protest called "A Day without a Woman" to highlight women's roles in the workforce and call attention to issues of discrimination and injustice.

"If people want to exercise their right to free associate or their right to protest, it's a free country, and they should be allowed to do so," Baker said. He added that he is proud of the women who work in state government "and I think if they want to make their case on their own time, they're free to do so."

Dennis Girard, of Chicopee, no longer faces and armed robbery charge in connection with the Feb. 24, 2015, armed robbery of an East Longmeadow Mobil station.

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 - The case against one of three men accused of a February 2015 armed robbery of an East Longmeadow Mobil station has been dropped by the prosecution.

According to court records, charges were dropped against Dennis Girard, 29, of Chicopee, last week because of "insufficient evidence to proceed."

Timothy A. Ring, 30, of 68 Maynard St., Springfield and Robert Krawczynski, 28, of 209 Verse St. Ludlow are still charged in connection with the robbery.

The robbery was at the 13 North Main St. Mobil station on Feb. 24, 2015 at about 9:20 p.m.

The clerk told police that the suspect came into the store and said that he was going to rob it, police said at the time. The clerk thought the suspect was joking at first and then he saw a black pistol.

As the armed robbery proceeded, the clerk saw somebody on the outside of the store bang on the window as if to tell the suspect to hurry up, police said.

The suspect took cash, left the store and jumped into the passenger seat of a silver car which then fled with somebody else behind the wheel.

Girard was represented by attorney Susan Hamilton.

The $95 million renovation at Springfield Union Station is nearing completion. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- Despite Monday's announcement that Union Station will open in June, there are a few details still to be ironed out.

Kevin Kennedy, the city's Chief Development Officer, and Armando Feliciano, chairman of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, gave some updates Monday on what has yet to be done to complete the $95 million rehabilitation of the intermodal transit facility, which dates to 1927 but has been largely inactive since the 1970s.

Retail: Thee of the four retail locations are rented. So far a newsstand and Dunkin' Donuts and Subway restaurants are signed up. That leaves one storefront available, along with a number of mall-type kiosks. The SRA's leasing agent is working to fill the space, Kennedy said. He hopes that, with the facility nearing completion, interest in rental space will increase.

Elevator and Platform C: Construction continues making train platform C, located high above the station where the tracks are, handicapped accessible. This project, spearheaded by the state Department of Transportation, will be completed by early 2018.

Lyman Street Entrance: By April, The SRA and contractor Daniel O'Connell's Sons will renovate the Lyman Street entrance to Union Station and open the pedestrian tunnel all the way through to the main concourse. This will restore the historic layout of Union Station. Currently, Amtrak passengers use only the Lyman Street entrance.

Bus transit: Peter A. Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines, said negotiations are continuing and he expects to move bus operations to Union Station, a theme Kennedy and Feliciano echoed.

"They are a business. We are a business," Feliciano said.

Union Station has a large ticketing and waiting area for intercity buses as well as 27 bus berths for intercity and PVTA transit buses.

Office space: Union Station has 62,000 square feet of office space on its second and third floors that is available for lease. Kennedy said O'Connell's Sons is leaving it as a "big white box" with utilities unfinished pending a tenant selecting a layout. There are prospects and he said an announcement is forthcoming.

Picknelly said Union Station might be the new home of his company's corporate offices once the bus operations move to Union Station. But Picknelly said 31 Elm St., the Court Square building OPAL Real Estate Group is working to redevelop, could also be the home of Peter Pan's offices.

Of the $95 million spent to rehabilitate Springfield Union Station, $80 million is from the federal government and the rest is form the state. It's all collected through the federal gasoline tax. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal had a two-letter answer Monday when asked if he could obtain federal funding for Union Station in today's Capitol Hill.

"No," he said.

The $95 million reconstruction of Union Station, now nearing completion, was accomplished with $80 million in federal money and the rest in state funds. It was all collected through the federal fuels tax used to fund improvements to the nation's transportation infrastructure, Neal said.

The federal money was an earmark, a request put in by Neal and approved the House and then by the Senate. The process of earmarks, often tucked into larger spending bills, is often under fire from those who say its simply a way for powerful lawmakers to feed pet projects and consolidate power.

House Republicans banned them in 2011. Late last year, House Speaker Paul Ryan halted a planned repeal of that ban.

Neal said Monday he used earmarks not only to rebuild Union Station, but also to get the $63 million federal courthouse on State Street built in 2008 and to accomplish the $200 million State Street Corridor Redevelopment project.

"I always defend my earmarks," Neal said. "I come from that tradition. There seems to be a situation now where public officials ask for the funding and then run away when there is criticism."

Neal announced his first run for public office, a seat on the Springfield City Council, with an event at Union Station in 1977. Part of his platform 40 years ago was the refurbishment of Union Station.

Now it's coming true with grand opening events set for June. He'll celebrate the 40th anniversary of that first announcement June 23. There will be a black tie gala June 24 and public open house June 25.

"I think, obviously, I get an award for persistence," he said jokingly.

Neal went on to thank everyone from Govs. Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker, to former U.S. Sens. Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, to the The Republican's editorial page and longtime publisher David Starr, to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

LaHood, an Illinois Republican, served with Neal in the House before Democratic President Barack Obama appointed LaHood U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Neal cited his efforts on behalf of Union Station as an example of across-the-aisle cooperation.

Police are seeking three men accused of stealing from convenience stores in town.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Police are seeking three men accused of stealing from convenience stores in town.

Investigators released surveillance images of the suspects on Monday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the West Springfield Detective Bureau at 413-263-3210.

Tips can be anonymous.

The Holyoke City Council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at City Hall on a proposed ordinance that would govern the composition of a board that will advise the Council about Community Preservation Act projects.

HOLYOKE -- Among the points of argument at a hearing Tuesday will be whether having a city councilor on board is a plus or minus.

The City Council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. at City Hall on a proposed ordinance governing the establishment of a board that will advise the Council on which projects state Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds should be spent.

Voters adopted the CPA by approving a ballot question on Nov. 8 by a vote of 8,641-6,900 against, or 55.6 percent to 44.4 percent.

Strong argument led to passage of Community Preservation Act ballot question in Holyoke: group spokesman

By adopting the CPA, the city will get revenue in two ways: by adding a 1.5 percent surcharge on top of the property taxes paid by home and business owners and gaining access to a state fund available only to cities and towns that adopt the CPA.

The money can be used only for projects in three areas: open space and recreation, affordable housing and historic restoration.

The public hearing was prompted by an 87-signature petition filed by a group that pushed for passage of the CPA in the fall and which objects to the nine-member advisory board including a city councilor able to exert "undue control."

The group Yes For a Better Holyoke also objects to the proposed ordinance including a "removal clause" that would permit ousting of members at will.

"Yes for a Better Holyoke has reviewed the proposed Community Preservation Committee (CPC) ordinance as passed out of the Ordinance Committee on Feb.14th and does not support its approval as written. Yes for a Better Holyoke advocates for checks and balances in government, greater community involvement and for independence and accountability in the (CPA board) structure," said a statement from the group provided by spokesman Jason P. Ferreira. (See below).

But Ward 2 Councilor Nelson R. Roman, who helped write the ordinance, said the proposal calls for a balanced board in a process that featured four public meetings of the Council Ordinance Committee.

"The committee's claim that there was no time for public input or ability for comment is unfounded. The draft language that is being presented is a balance that ensures three at large seats are held by non-elected or appointed community members, while at the same time having a City Council member is present to help navigate, guide and shepherd any recommendations made by the (board). Having a city councilor on the committee is an asset and not a hindrance. This truly saddening narrative that the committee is pushing that the council isn't representative of the people is untrue. All of us are elected by the people and by extension their representatives," Roman said. (See below).

The City Council will decide how the money is spent after the Community Preservation Committee, the proposed composition of which is the subject of the public hearing, discusses possible projects and makes recommendations to the Council.

The City Council will vote after the public hearing on Tuesday whether to adopt the proposed ordinance governing the CPA board composition, Council President Kevin A. Jourdain said.

Here is the proposed CPA board ordinance:

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred that City of Holyoke establish the Community Preservation Committee. The purpose of this committee shall be to study community preservation resources, possibilities and needs, and to make annual recommendations to city council on spending of Community Preservation surcharge funds.

Required members of the committee per state statue shall be one representative of the following city boards / commissions:

- Conversation Commission
- Planning Board
- Historical Commission
- Housing Authority
- Board of Park Commissioners

An 3 additional members will be appointed by the Holyoke City Council with a 4th seat being reserved for a member of the City Council, City Council appointment shall be made by the City Council President.

Here is the statement from Ward 2 Councilor Nelson R. Roman:

1.) With all due respect I disagree (with Yes For a Better Holyoke). I think overall the document that is presented is a good working document and I communicated and have emails with Josh Knox on editing and making suggested changes to the draft ordinance. The committees claim that there was no time for public input or ability for comment is unfounded. The draft language that is being presented is a balance it ensures three at large seats are held by non elected or appointed community members, while at the same time having a City Council member is present to help navigate, guide and Sheppard any recommendations made by the CPC. Having a City Councilor on the committee is an asset and not a hindrance. This truly saddening narrative that the committee is pushing that the council isn't representative of the people is untrue. All of us are elected by the people and by extension their representatives. It's borderline disrespectful. I know in speaking to my constituents and constituents from all over the City they have no issues and welcome a City Council member as a member of the CPC there are other communities in Mass who have this model and it works.

2.) I do support the citizens who signed the petition in wanting a full and separate hearing per their request. I would like to hear from new voices who have not yet had a chance to speak about their thoughts and ideas. I believe many in the Yes for Holyoke Committee have voiced their concerns and objections.

3.) What I do take issue with is this claim of wanting proportional representation from the committee. If they had they wanted to make a stronger argument for this they would have sought more than 1 signature for their petition from a resident of Ward 2 and 0 signatures from Ward 1. It is a sign of lack of respect to the communities of the lower wards who are primarily Latino. I know what my constituents are saying and they are ok with this notion of having a City Councilor on the Committee.

Yes For a Better Holyoke statement: by Mike Plaisance on Scribd

Meehan touted UMass' accomplishments while acknowledging its financial challenges.

BOSTON -- On the day that U.S. President Donald Trump released a revised version of his temporary ban on travel from six predominantly Muslim countries, University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan used his first formal State of the University address to criticize federal policy on immigration.

Meehan said learning at UMass is enhanced by the "constant flow of people and ideas" from industry, government and other countries. "Our international scholars help us solve global problems. That work results in intercultural understandings that make us stronger and safer," Meehan said. "Closing our minds and our borders does nothing to make us stronger or safer. Creating fear and anxiety does nothing to achieve those goals."

Meehan said, to applause, that when federal policies undermine the mission of UMass, "We must stand up and we must peak out."

Meehan spoke at the UMass Club in Boston Monday evening. His speech was attended by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Education Secretary Jim Peyser and officials, trustees, donors and faculty at UMass.

Meehan said the country today is experiencing "a difficult and contentious time" with "a great clash of ideas and ideology."

Meehan said institutions like UMass "are born out of concepts that are neither liberal nor conservative." He argued that making quality public higher education available "is both pragmatic and idealistic," because it prepares all citizens to achieve success and keep Massachusetts competitive.

One of several students who Meehan highlighted during his speech was Renata Teodoro, who was brought to the U.S. from Brazil illegally as a child and qualified for former President Barack Obama's executive order temporarily protecting certain immigrants from deportation. Her family was deported, but she was allowed to stay. Teodoro established United We Dream, an organization led by immigrant youth and dedicated to protecting children who were brought into the country illegally.

Much of Meehan's speech was spent touting the university's accomplishments.

"We are Massachusetts," Meehan said. "We are the workforce. We are the lifeblood of the economy, and we are the engine that drives daily life."

Meehan said UMass, compared to the private universities in Massachusetts, is uniquely committed to educating Massachusetts residents, who remain in the state after graduation. Meehan said UMass educates nearly three times as many Massachusetts residents as the top eight private universities in the state combined.

Of 17,000 students who graduate from UMass each year, more than 70 percent stay in the state after graduation, and more than 60 percent stay long-term.

"That is the workforce pipeline -- more than a third with STEM degrees -- that keeps Massachusetts competitive globally," Meehan said.

Meehan stressed the impact UMass has in the state, generating $6.2 billion in economic activity annually as the second-largest employer in the state, and doing important research. Some of this research has resulted in the growth of companies and jobs in Massachusetts.

However, Meehan also noted the financial challenges faced by the university, which have resulted in tuition and fee increases in recent years. "While we continue to find ways to become more efficient, more entrepreneurial and generate new revenue, we have struggled to hold tuition to inflation. And we will continue to struggle," Meehan said.

Meehan said UMass is participating in a program created by Baker's administration in conjunction with the state's public colleges and universities that makes it easier for students to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year college to get a cheaper degree.

The university has created more three-year degree programs. This year, it will use $275 million in university funds for student scholarships.

As part of his effort to encourage private donations, Meehan said he closed his congressional campaign account last year and converted it into a $4.2 million scholarship fund for UMass students. By law, excess money in a federal campaign committee cannot be used for personal purposes, but can be given to other political committees or candidates, used for charitable donations or put to uses other than personal gain.

When he was a student at UMass Lowell, Meehan said he was able to work to pay his way through college. "Today, the cost of UMass has shifted from the state to students and their families, so paying your way by scooping ice cream or mowing lawns is nearly impossible," Meehan said.

Meehan said in light of growing levels of student debt, UMass has been working to develop an online tool to teach students about financial literacy and paying for college.

Protesters outside UMass President Marty Meehan's State of the University address on March 6, 2016 ask for more state funding of public higher education. (Shira Schoenberg / The Republican)
 

Outside the UMass Club, around 20 people protested what they decried as inadequate state funding for public higher education.

"We have grave concerns about what the funding of public higher education has been in Massachusetts," said Anneta Argyres, who is director of the UMass Labor Extension Program. "We believe there is the public money and public will there to truly fully fund our public education system."

According to the liberal-leaning Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, the state has cut funding for higher education by $200 million since 2001 -- a year that saw the highest amount of funding in the last 15 years, although the exact amount has ebbed and flowed with the economy.

The budget proposed by Baker for fiscal 2018 would provide a $10.3 million increase to higher education over the current year, including $516 million to UMass. UMass has asked for $555 million.

Argyres said as state funding for higher education has lagged, students have been paying higher fees and tuition, and student debt has been "going up and through the roof." Campuses are seeing cuts, including the loss of faculty and classes, increased workloads and a hiring freeze, Argyres said.

Khizr Khan cancelled a planned speech in Toronto as a result of the review.

Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who memorably clashed with Donald Trump during last year's presidential campaign, cancelled a speech in Toronto after being told his freedom to travel abroad was placed under review.

Khan was scheduled to speak at a luncheon in Toronto on Tuesday on the political situation in the United States, according to Politico. Ramsay Talks, which organized the luncheon, said in a Facebook post that Khan cancelled after being notified his travel privileges were under review.

The news was first reported by CTV News in Canada.

Khan released a statement through Ramsay Talks.

"This turn of events is not just of deep concern to me, but to all my fellow Americans who cherish our freedom to travel abroad," Khan said in the statement, according to Politico. "I have not been given any reason as to why. I am grateful for your support and look forward to visiting Toronto in the near future."

Tuesday's event was to include a presentation and question-and-answer session. Tickets were priced at about $100, Politico said.

Khan criticized Trump during a speech at the Democratic National Convention last year, telling the candidate that he had sacrificed nothing. He asked if Trump had even read the Constitution while holding up a pocket-sized copy.

Trump later criticized Khan and his wife on Twitter and in media interviews.

Khan has been a U.S. citizen for over 30 years, Politico said. His son, Humayun Khan, a University of Virginia graduate and Muslim American Army captain, died in Iraq in 2004.

He was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Khan immigrated to the United States from Pakistan.

Christina Royal, the first female president of Holyoke Community College, will be the keynote speaker as the college celebrates International Women's Day at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 in the courtyard of the 303 Homestead Ave. campus.

HOLYOKE -- Christina Royal, the first female president of Holyoke Community College, will be the keynote speaker as the college celebrates International Women's Day at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the courtyard of the 303 Homestead Ave. campus.

Refreshments and group discussions will follow the rally, which is open to all, said a press release from Holyoke Community College (HCC).

"International Women's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Yet progress has slowed in many places across the world, so global action is needed to accelerate gender parity," according to internationalwomensday.com

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

Enrollment at HCC is over 11,000 students, Royal said.

As Washington lawmakers continue negotiations on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pledging to protect community health centers, saying they're one way to bring down health care costs.

As Washington lawmakers continue to talk through the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pledging to protect community health centers, saying they're one way to bring down health care costs.

"This is one of the places that is demonstrating how to give better care at lower cost," Warren, D-Mass., said after a Monday tour of the Lynn Community Health Center.

"I think that's the approach we need to use," she said. "We need to support and fully fund those places that are delivering top quality health care at lower and lower costs."

Republicans will have a "fight on their hands" if they try to tear up the Affordable Care Act, Warren said. State Rep. Brendan Crighton, a Lynn Democrat who joined Warren on the tour, said there is "anxiety" and "fear" in the community due to the potential repeal of Obamacare.

Warren received a tour of the community health center's expanded footprint, which was built with funds from the Affordable Care Act. Lori Abrams Berry, the health center's executive director, said a parking lot occupied the space before July 2010.

Due to the increased capacity, the center's patient visits rose to 300,000 in 2016 from 190,000 in 2011. The center also fully integrated primary care and behavior health services.

The center estimates roughly $50 million in annual savings due to their approach, which they say leaves patients less reliant on expensive specialty care and emergency room visits.

Numbers of overdose deaths 2015-present posted at Lynn Community Health Center. Trending way down #7News pic.twitter.com/8qmu9R4H3J

-- Sharman Sacchetti (@SharmanTV) March 6, 2017

Gov. Baker: Health care discussion with Congress, Trump administration a 'one-way street'

House Republicans on Monday released their long-awaited plan for unraveling former President Barack Obama's health care law.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans on Monday released their long-awaited plan for unraveling former President Barack Obama's health care law, a package that would scale back the government's role in health care and likely leave more Americans uninsured.

House committees planned to begin voting on the 123-page legislation Wednesday, launching what could be the year's defining battle in Congress.

GOP success is by no means a slam dunk. In perhaps their riskiest political gamble, the plan is expected to cover fewer than the 20 million people insured under Obama's overhaul, including many residents of states carried by President Donald Trump in November's election.

Republicans said they don't have official estimates on those figures yet. But aides from both parties and nonpartisan analysts have said they expect coverage numbers to be lower.

BREAKING NEWS - We just introduced our bill to #RepealAndReplace Obamacare. https://t.co/Ut0DDR4wzG pic.twitter.com/1qTCXvkZzE

-- Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) March 6, 2017

The proposal would continue the expansion of Medicaid to additional low-earning Americans until 2020. After that, states adding Medicaid recipients would no longer receive the additional federal funds Obama's law has provided.

More significantly, Republicans would overhaul the federal-state Medicaid program, changing its open-ended federal financing to a limit based on enrollment and costs in each state.

"Our legislation transfers power from Washington back to the American people." @RepKevinBradyhttps://t.co/sYxOjNGoJW pic.twitter.com/EZKfxuXfIN

-- Ways and Means (@WaysandMeansGOP) March 6, 2017

In a last-minute change to satisfy conservative lawmakers, business and unions, Republicans dropped a plan pushed by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to impose a first-ever tax on the most generous employer-provided health plans.

Popular consumer protections in the Obama law would be retained, such as insurance safeguards for people with pre-existing medical problems, and parents' ability to keep young adult children on their insurance until age 26.

The ruling comes six months after oral arguments were heard at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

New Orleans officials can begin the process of removing the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee at Lee Circle and three other monuments at the center of a long-running, city-led effort, a federal appeals court ruled Monday (March 6).

In the ruling, the three-judge panel with the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found that the groups trying to block the removal of the monuments, Monumental Task Committee and the Louisiana Landmarks Society, failed to present a case that contained a legal argument that showed the monuments should stay up. The court wrote that the groups relied on two legal claims, "both of which wholly lack legal viability or support."

Mayor Mitch Landrieu's office said that a request for proposals will be issued within the next day to obtain bids for a company to remove the monuments, which will be stored in a city-owned warehouse until it's determined what will happen to them.

In addition to Lee's statue, the monuments slated for removal are Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard at the City Park entrance near Esplanade Avenue and the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in Mid-City.

Also slated for removal is the Battle of Liberty Place monument near the foot of Iberville Street, although it has been treated separately from the other three because it was previously moved from Canal Street for a federally funded transportation project. It honors a white separatist-led skirmish to overthrow the Reconstructionist leadership of New Orleans.

The ruling comes as litigation surrounding the monuments continues to play out in U.S. District Court. Although the case is still being litigated there, Judge Carl Barbier had ruled the city could take down the monuments because there is not a strong likelihood that the groups opposing the removal will prevail. The 5th Circuit decision upheld that ruling.

In a statement, Landrieu said that the court's ruling affirms "the city's ability to control its property."

"This win today will allow us to begin to turn a page on our divisive past and chart the course for a more inclusive future," Landrieu said. "Moving the location of these monuments -- from prominent public places in our city where they are revered to a place where they can be remembered -- changes only their geography, not our history."

Landrieu added that "these monuments will be preserved until an appropriate place to display them is determined."

In the ruling, the court wrote that "by failing to show a constitutionally or otherwise legally protected interest in the monuments," the groups opposing the monument removal "have also failed to show that any irreparable harm to the monuments -- even assuming such evidence -- would constitute harm."

The groups opposing removal also argued that there is uncertainty about the ownership of the land where the monuments stand, and that the court should block removal until it can be determined who really owns the land. The city has maintained it owns the land freely and clearly; some of the land was in private hands in the past but ownership eventually passed to the city.

The court agreed.

"We have exhaustively reviewed the record and can find no evidence in the record suggesting that any party other than the city has ownership," the court wrote.

There were also arguments that the city had not proven it could remove the monuments without damaging them. The court rejected that argument, writing, "we accept the city's assurances that it will hire only qualified and highly skilled crane operators and riggers to relocate the monuments .. (and) that the monuments are merely to be relocated, not destroyed."

In the end, the court said it would not comment on the "wisdom of this local legislature's policy determination," nor how states should "memorialize, preserve and acknowledge their distinct histories."

"Wise or unwise, the ultimate determination made here, by all accounts, followed a robust democratic process," the court wrote.

In a statement, the Monumental Task Committee said its members and the Louisiana Landmarks Commission are considering whether to ask the 5th Circuit for an en banc hearing, in which all 14 of its judges would be asked to reconsider the three-judge panel's decision.

"Despite this setback, the non-profit organizations that filed the original suit will continue to argue that all the City's historic monuments and cultural sites should be preserved and protected, and that a more appropriate response to calls for the monuments' removal is a program to include explanatory plaques and markers to present these individuals in the context of their time," the statement said.

City officials have acknowledged there are likely to be protests associated with the monuments' removal. City Attorney Rebecca Dietz wrote the court a letter in December asking for prior warning to a decision so that the city could deploy police resources in anticipation of the ruling.

This story was updated to include comment from the Monumental Task Committee.

Casey Anthony knows that much of the world believes she killed her 2-year-old daughter, despite her acquittal. But nearly nine years later, she insists she doesn't know how the last hours of Caylee's life unfolded.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Casey Anthony knows that much of the world believes she killed her 2-year-old daughter, despite her acquittal. But nearly nine years later, she insists she doesn't know how the last hours of Caylee's life unfolded.

"Caylee would be 12 right now. And would be a total badass," she told The Associated Press in one of a series of exclusive interviews. "I'd like to think she'd be listening to classic rock, playing sports" and putting up with no nonsense.

But discussing Caylee's last moments, the 30-year-old Anthony spoke in halting, sober tones: "I'm still not even certain as I stand here today about what happened," she said.

"Based off what was in the media" -- the story of a woman who could not account for a month in which her child was missing, whose defense involved an accidental drowning for which there was no eyewitness testimony -- "I understand the reasons people feel about me. I understand why people have the opinions that they do."

This was the first time Anthony spoke to a news media outlet about her daughter's death or her years since the trial. Her responses were at turns revealing, bizarre and often contradictory, and they ultimately raised more questions than answers about the case that has captivated the nation.

It's been almost nine years since Caylee went missing, and six since the circus-like Orlando trial that ended in her mother's acquittal. The trial was carried live on cable networks and was the focus of daily commentaries by HLN's Nancy Grace, who called her "the most hated mom in America," and, derisively, "tot mom."

Anthony views herself as something of an Alice in Wonderland, with the public as the Red Queen.

In this Feb. 11, 2017 photo, Casey Anthony takes photos at the Morikami Gardens in Delray Beach, Fla. Anthony knows that much of the world believes she killed her 2-year-old daughter, despite her acquittal. But nearly nine years later, she insists she doesn't know how the last hours of Caylee's life unfolded. (AP Photo/Joshua Replogle)

The child was supposedly last seen on June 16, 2008; she was first reported missing, by Casey Anthony's mother, on July 15. A day later, Casey Anthony was arrested on charges of child neglect. She told police that Caylee had disappeared with a baby sitter.

A utility worker working in a wooded area near the Anthony home on Dec. 11 found skeletal remains that were later determined to be Caylee's. Experts would testify that air samples indicated that decaying human remains had been present in Casey Anthony's trunk.

In the end, prosecutors proved Casey Anthony was a liar, but convinced the jury of little else. The government failed to establish how Caylee died, and they couldn't find her mother's DNA on the duct tape they said was used to suffocate her. After a trial of a month and a half, the jury took less than 11 hours to find Anthony not guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse.

Still, the Florida Department of Children and Families concluded that Anthony was responsible for her daughter's death because her "actions or the lack of actions ... ultimately resulted or contributed in the death of the child." And just this month, former Circuit Judge Belvin Perry Jr., who presided at the trial, theorized that Anthony may have killed Caylee accidentally when she was using chloroform to calm her.

In this Feb. 13, 2017 photo, Casey Anthony looks up at a portrait of her with her daughter, Caylee, in her West Palm Beach, Fla., bedroom. The Florida woman who was dubbed by cable TV show hosts as "the most hated mom in America" after she was accused of killing her toddler says she still doesn't know how the last hours of her daughter's life unfolded. (AP Photo/Joshua Replogle)

She admits that she lied to police: about being employed at Universal Studios; about leaving Caylee with a baby-sitter; about telling two people, both of them imaginary, that Caylee was missing; about receiving a phone call from Caylee the day before she was reported missing.

"Even if I would've told them everything that I told to the psychologist, I hate to say this but I firmly believe I would have been in the same place. Because cops believe other cops. Cops tend to victimize the victims. I understand now ... I see why I was treated the way I was even had I been completely truthful."

She added: "Cops lie to people every day. I'm just one of the unfortunate idiots who admitted they lied."

She paused.

"My dad was a cop, you can read into that what you want to."

At the trial, lead defense attorney Jose Baez suggested that the little girl drowned and that Casey Anthony's father, George, helped cover that up -- and sexually abused his daughter. Her father has vehemently denied the accusations.

Anthony doesn't talk about her parents much, other than to say she was disappointed when they took money from television's Dr. Phil and appeared on his show. The host donated $600,000 to Caylee's Fund, a nonprofit started by Anthony's parents. At the time, he said George and Cindy Anthony would derive no income from the money. The nonprofit was later dissolved.

Asked about the drowning defense, Casey Anthony hesitated: "Everyone has their theories, I don't know. As I stand here today I can't tell you one way or another. The last time I saw my daughter I believed she was alive and was going to be OK, and that's what was told to me. "

Anthony lives in the South Florida home of Patrick McKenna, a private detective who was the lead investigator on her defense team. She also works for him, doing online social media searches and other investigative work. McKenna was also the lead investigator for OJ Simpson, when he was accused of killing his wife and acquitted; Anthony said she's become fascinated with the case, and there are "a lot of parallels" to her own circumstances.

"I can empathize with his situation," she said.

An Associated Press reporter met Anthony as she protested against President Donald Trump at a Palm Beach rally.

It's unclear why Anthony agreed to speak to the AP. She later texted the reporter, asking that the AP not run the story. Among other things, she cited the bankruptcy case in which she has been embroiled since 2013: "During the course of my bankruptcy, the rights to my story were purchased by a third party company for $25k to protect my interests. Without written authorization from the controlling members of this company, I am prohibited from speaking publicly about my case at any time."

In addition, she said she had violated a confidentiality agreement with her employer, and remains under subpoena and subject to deposition in her bankruptcy case.

Yet she had participated in five on-the-record interviews over a one-week period, many of them audiotaped.

She still dreads the supermarket checkout line for fear she'll see photos of her daughter on the cover of tabloid papers. Her bedroom walls are decorated with photos of Caylee and she weeps when she shows off her daughter's colorful, finger-painted artwork.

Still, she asserts she is happy. For her 31st birthday she plans to go skydiving. She enjoys taking photos, mostly of squirrels and other wildlife. And she loves her investigative work.

"I love the fact that I have a unique perspective and I get a chance to do for other people what so many others have done for me," she said. Someday, she said, she'd like to get a private investigator's license and work for a defense team.

She talks of working on a DUI manslaughter case where the accused took a plea deal.

"I look at him and I think this kid almost lost his life for something they can't definitively prove that he did," she said. "I've lived it firsthand. I didn't do what I was accused of but I fought for three years. Not just for me, but for my daughter."

Occasionally she goes out with friends to area bars and has struck up a few short-lived romantic relationships. When she's out in public, men are attracted to her long, dark locks and petite frame, and often pay for her signature drinks: either a Fat Tire beer or a Jack Daniels and diet coke, with a lime wedge. But news that she is there spreads quickly; people whisper and snap photos, and she retreats to her newly purchased SUV so she can return home, alone.

Anthony speaks defiantly of her pariah status.

"I don't give a s--- about what anyone thinks about me, I never will," she said. "I'm OK with myself, I sleep pretty good at night."

Obituaries from The Republican.

"Please make sure you lock your vehicle. Unlocked cars have been entered overnight in areas of town," Hampden police said Monday in a Facebook post, urging town residents to play it safe.

HAMPDEN -- The Hampden Police Department is urging residents to lock their vehicles and remove all personal items after a series of overnight break-ins.

"Please make sure you lock your vehicle," police said Monday on Facebook. "Unlocked cars have been entered overnight in areas of town."

A Somers Road resident reported seeing the same young man hanging around various residential neighborhoods at least twice in recent days, including before sunrise, but it's unclear if he is the culprit.

Meanwhile, police in Longmeadow are reminding residents not to leave their cars unlocked and running after a woman's car was stolen from her driveway on Monday. The Bliss Road resident had started her car around 7 a.m. to warm it up, briefly leaving it unlocked and unattended while she returned inside. Within "a short period of time," the car was stolen, police said.

"We are asking residents to be aware of the dangers of leaving your unattended vehicle running, regardless of your location, as this is common practice for many," Longmeadow police said on Facebook. "Also, we remind residents to always lock your vehicles, especially during the overnight hours."

The car's GPS technology led officers to the stolen vehicle, which was recovered after a brief pursuit in West Hartford. Two people were taken into custody and charged.

Irizarry "saw the cruiser, but did not believe the lights were on and did not hear the siren," the report said.

SPRINGFIELD -- A Springfield woman with no driver's license is facing criminal charges after allegedly colliding with a state police cruiser last month.

Katrina Irizarry, 23, pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court Wednesday to obstructing an emergency vehicle and driving without a license in connection with an accident late on Feb. 13.

Katrina Irizarry 

As the trooper passed, Irizarry turned left, colliding with his cruiser. Neither driver was injured, but the cruiser suffered front-end damage and the front bumper and driver's side mirror were torn off Irizarry's 2002 Honda, the report said.

The defendant "saw the cruiser, but did not believe the lights were on and did not hear the siren," the report said.

Driscoll was driving north on Belmont Avenue to assist another trooper chasing a suspect, according to the report, which said Irizarry's left blinker was on before she made the turn.

Questioned at the scene by another trooper, Irizarry said she had no driver's license, which police later confirmed, the report said. She was issued a criminal summons for driving without a license and failing to yield for the cruiser.

Following her arraignment, Irizarry was released on personal recognizance and ordered to return for a pretrial hearing on April 1.

Palmer Deputy Fire Chief David Pranaitis told WWLP the fire started shortly before 6 p.m. Monday in the backyard of a home at 145 Ware St.

PALMER - Two dozen chickens succumbed in a coop fire on Ware Street Monday night.

Palmer Deputy Fire Chief David Pranaitis told WWLP the fire started shortly before 6 p.m. in the backyard of a home at 145 Ware St.

The deputy fire chief said the home, which is about eight feet away from the coop, sustained some damage. One chicken survived the fire.

Cause of the fire was not available.

The incident happened Monday afternoon and the male rider made it safely to shore, according to a post on the Goshen Fire Department's Facebook page

GOSHEN -- A male made it safely to the shore of Lower Highland Lake after his utility terrain vehicle broke through the ice Monday afternoon.

"The same couldn't be said for his ride," stated a post on the Goshen Fire Department's Facebook page.

Additional information was not immediately available.

Over 2000 requests to adopt Ivan poured in from Canada, the U.K., Spain, Thailand, China and Australia.

Ivan the cat's search for a forever home has ended after more than 2,000 people requested to adopt him this week.

Ivan is not like regular cats, the Boston MSPCA said.

He was born without radial bones in his front legs and is missing two toes on each front paw. His left hind leg is deformed, which makes it impossible for him to walk.

And yet, like any other kitty, Ivan loves to play, cuddle and be pet. 

"What Ivan lacks in mobility he more than makes up for in personality," Alyssa Krieger, the adoption center manager at the MSPCA said.

His owner showed no interest in Ivan, and for two weeks, no one wanted to adopt him. 

However, when news broke that Ivan was struggling to find a home, the MSPCA said it received over 300 emails from people wanting to adopt him. 

Then 2,000 people requested to adopt him. Requests poured in from Canada, the U.K., Spain, Thailand, China and Australia. 

Thanks to Ivan's story, every single cat in the adoption room was picked up, including several other special cats and two 15-year-old cats.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but we're thrilled to be sending him to a great home and that he encouraged so many other wonderful adoptions this weekend," a post on the MSPCA Facebook read.