The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has levied a $30,000 fine against the Boston-based company that owns the former Collins Paper Co. mill complex in North Wilbraham for failing to address numerous environmental violations on the property.

WILBRAHAM -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has fined a Boston-based company that owns the former Collins Paper Co. mill complex for failing to address numerous environmental violations at the North Wilbraham site.  

Wilbraham Land and Development LLC, which owns the property at 176 Cottage Ave., was fined just under $30,000 "for failing to address numerous violations of Massachusetts environmental regulations identified at its Wilbraham property in the fall of 2016," MassDEP officials said Wednesday.

State environmental inspections in October and November revealed violations of asbestos regulations, including improper storage of materials containing the known carcinogen.

MassDEP inspectors found abandoned containers of unknown liquids -- potentially hazardous waste or waste oil -- piles of solid waste debris, numerous scrap automobiles, tires, piles of construction and demolition debris, and metal drums.

Inspectors also discovered a number of fluorescent bulbs and ballasts that had been improperly disposed of and a leaking oil supply line in the boiler room.   

On Dec. 16, 2016, the state ordered the company to clean up the site and established a schedule by which the violations had to be corrected, but the firm "did not respond to or appeal the order," MassDEP officials said.

A follow-up inspection indicated that only "limited actions" had been taken to address the requirements of the original order, officials said.

Before issuing the fine, the state agency had requested company representatives to attend an enforcement conference to discuss the violations and negotiate a mutually agreeable schedule for addressing them. The firm failed to attend the meeting, resulting in the financial penalty. 

"MassDEP has made numerous attempts to assist Wilbraham Land and Development in complying with Massachusetts environmental regulations," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. 

"It is regrettable that the failure to work cooperatively to address the necessary cleanup of the former mill complex has resulted in the assessment of this penalty. This could have been avoided," Gorski said.

Last year, Wilbraham Land and Development was touted as a savior of sorts, the company that aimed to breathe new life into the old Collins mill complex. The redevelopment effort was billed as a top development initiative in town, prompting some elected officials to pose for photos outside the former mill. 

"The complex contains five main buildings and has 250,000 square feet of usable space," Courtney Desmond, the company's asset manager, told BusinessWest.com in August 2016. "We hope to attract new businesses as our renovations continue."

The department each year pays tribute to the 18 police officers killed while in the line of duty.

Members of the Springfield Police Department paid tribute to fallen officers on Wednesday in the annual memorial outside police headquarters.

Before dozens of past and present officers, their families and city officials, Mayor Domenic Sarno and Police Commissioner John Barbieri spoke briefly to express their gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve the city, and their appreciation to those who sacrificed their lives.

"They wore their uniforms with pride and they bore the tremendous responsibility of the badge with courage," Barbieri said.  We take this time to speak of their courage and our loss. They are in our thoughts and our hearts every day."

Sarno thanked the men and women in the department for their service, and offered his condolences to the family members of fallen officers who were present.

"Today we are here to always remember and never forget what our police officers and their families sacrifice, and some who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Sarno said.

The ceremony is conducted annually in observance of national Police Memorial Day.

The ceremony was held outside the front entrance to police headquarters, and Sarno took note of how just a few days earlier and a few yards away, officer James Burgos was attacked by a man with a knife in the police station lobby.

Speaking of the ever-present dangers of policing, Sarno said, "Just this week, right in our headquarters -- right here! -- Officer Burgos had an individual he tried to help try to stab him."

Sarno said members of the public and the media are quick to criticize police when something goes wrong, but few are there give support for all that they do "day in and day out, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe."

Members of the policd department "wear their badges with integrity, honesty and bravery," he said.

"People march and protest ... but you don't see marches and protests to say 'Thank you,'" he said.

The service featured a roll call of the 18 men who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The list of names on the memorial dates back to 1675 with Constable Thomas Miller, who was killed in an Indian attack, yet is as recent as 2012 with the addition of officer Kevin Ambrose, who was shot to death responding to a domestic disturbance.

Each of the 18 names was read aloud, members of the eternal roll that the ceremony seeks to remember. A wreath was also placed in front of the memorial, and the department honor guard performed a customary three-volley salute.

Springfield's fallen officers:

• Constable Thomas Miller, Oct. 5, 1675
• Daniel Donovan, Sept. 29, 1908
• Adelbert St. Marie, Aug. 31, 1934
• Carl Rolf, Nov. 8, 1938
• John P. Sullivan Sr., Feb. 2, 1940
• Thomas F. Murphy, Feb. 2, 1940
• Raymond Moriarty, Sept. 2, 1946
• John W. Connors, Feb. 20, 1953
• Leo Hamel, Oct. 31, 1955
• Francis Sears, Sept. 11, 1967
• Walter C. Juskiewicz, June 21, 1969
• William R. Berte, Jan. 8, 1973
• Richard D. Vigneault, April 11, 1973
• Paul F. Mawaka, Oct. 30, 1973
• Michael Schiavina, Nov. 12, 1985
• Alain Beauregard, Nov. 15, 1985
• Kevin Ambrose, June 4, 2012

The Holyoke firefighters union took a vote of 61-4 to express no confidence in Fire Chief John A. Pond and Mayor Alex B. Morse over management of the department including use of brownouts, the union said on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

HOLYOKE -- The firefighters union has announced that members have taken a no-confidence vote in Fire Chief John A. Pond and Mayor Alex B. Morse over Pond's proposal to remove Engine 2 from service and the general practice of browning out trucks on some shifts.

"The members of the union feel strongly that Chief Pond is not operating or managing the Fire Department in a manner that contributes to the safest possible and most effective department for both the firefighters and the citizens of Holyoke," the union said in a press release today.

"Mayor Morse has consistently expressed full support for the chief's decisions, despite the numerous examples conveyed to the mayor by the union of the chief's ineffective and irresponsible running of the department," the press release said.

Pond has said the proposal regarding Engine 2 is part of a plan that involves shifting firefighters from that truck to other trucks, to increase the number of firefighters per vehicle who can respond to an emergency.

The vote was held Monday, the press release said.

The vote of no confidence in the chief and mayor was 61 in favor of that and 4 against, said Lt. Chad Cunningham, president of Holyoke Fire Fighters Association, Local 1693, International Association of Fire Fighters.

Pond and Morse have maintained that the brownouts, the temporary removal of service of a truck on a shift when firefighter staffing is thin, still maintains sufficient coverage given the strategic locations of fire stations while also saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in employee overtime.

Additional details and follow up stories will be added as reporting continues.

One of the Democrats running for Massachusetts governor, Jay Gonzalez, is calling for House lawmakers in Washington to impeach President Donald Trump.

One of the Democrats running for Massachusetts governor, Jay Gonzalez, is calling for House lawmakers in Washington to impeach President Donald Trump.

"No President is above the law," Gonzalez, former budget chief under Gov. Deval Patrick, said in a three-sentence statement. "President Trump has crossed the line and must be held accountable."

Gonzalez, a Democrat, added: "He should be impeached by the House of Representatives for Obstruction of Justice."

According to the New York Times and other news outlets, Trump asked James Comey, when he was head of the FBI, to drop an investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

The FBI is investigating ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russian interests that sought to disrupt the 2016 election.

Trump fired Comey last week.

President  Trump's firing of Comey 'clearly obstructs an ongoing investigation,' Sen. Warren says

Gonzalez is hoping to challenge Charlie Baker, a Republican, in the 2018 race for governor. Baker is widely expected to run for another four-year term.

Democrat Bob Massie has also announced he's running for governor.

Newton Mayor Setti Warren, also a Democrat, is expected to join the race as well.

Baker criticized Trump throughout 2016 and blanked the presidential ballot in November, saying he wasn't a fan of Hillary Clinton either.

2017 has been more complicated for the governor: Earlier this year, Baker traveled to the White House with fellow governors to meet Trump, and signed on to an opioid commission created by Trump and led by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Baker has critiqued the implementation of Trump's controversial executive orders and expressed alarm over proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health.  

After Comey's firing, the State House News Service reported Baker said, "What this says to me is there still needs to be some investigation, probably independent, into whether or not Russia in fact meddled in our elections, and I think it's really important that that investigation go forward and that it be done by a credible person or a credible body."

According to a US House of Representatives website detailing the history of impeachment proceedings, two presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998.

Both were later acquitted by the US Senate.

Clinton was impeached on charges of lying under oath to a federal grand jury and obstruction of justice.

Mass. voters look to Baker to protect federal spending in the state, poll says

A man was hospitalized after being injured in a multi-vehicle accident in Turners Falls on Wednesday.

TURNERS FALLS - A motorcyclist was injured in a three vehicle accident in Turners Falls on Wednesday, according to The Recorder. 

Police, fire and medical professionals responded to the area of Millers Falls Road at approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday, after reports came in for a crash at that location. 

Details haven't been released regarding how the crash happened. 

The motorcyclist, who was the only one injured during the crash, had to be hospitalized. Police haven't commented on the severity of the man's injuries.

"He went down, unknown on injuries," said Montague Police Sgt. Josh Hoffman, of the injured rider. "As a precaution, they called in LifeFlight," he said.  

The accident is being investigated by law enforcement. 

Haitian pastors, union members, and community advocates called on Gov. Charlie Baker Wednesday to urge the Trump administration to extend the temporary protected status for 50,000 Haitians living in the United States, including 4,300 in Massachusetts.

By Katie Lannan
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, MAY 17, 2017....Haitian pastors, union members, and community advocates called on Gov. Charlie Baker Wednesday to urge the Trump administration to extend the temporary protected status for 50,000 Haitians living in the United States, including 4,300 in Massachusetts.

As part of a Haitian Heritage Month celebration Wednesday, advocates visited Baker's office to seek his assistance ahead of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly's expected May 22 decision affecting the status of Haitians who came to the U.S. after a 2010 earthquake in their country. Haiti last year also faced the destruction of of Hurricane Matthew and a cholera epidemic, contributing to deteriorating public health conditions.

"They don't know what tomorrow will become, and it's normal for some of them to be anxious, worried," Father Gustave Miracle, archdiocese of Boston Haitian Apostolate, told the group. "They don't know where they will be in the next summer."

Ralliers said Massachusetts has the third-highest Haitian population of any state, after Florida and New York.

They delivered a letter to Baker's staff, asking him to "make a public statement in support of an 18-month extension, urge fellow Republicans to speak out in support of the TPS extension and lead an emergency appeal to DHS and the White House from a bipartisan group of governors representing the top four states with the highest population of Haitians: Massachusetts, Florida, New York and New Jersey."

After dropping off the letter, the group prayed for Baker in his public office lobby.

"Governor Baker discussed with Secretary Kelly how important the Haitian community is to Massachusetts during a recent meeting the two had earlier this month and the Baker-Polito Administration fully supports extending the temporary protected status for Haitian refugees," Baker spokesman Billy Pitman said in a statement to the News Service.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Maura Healey and Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, whose parents emigrated from Haiti, wrote to Kelly, urging him to extend the protection before it expires on July 22 because conditions in Haiti have not improved and Haitians being sent home would face "ongoing environmental and public health crises," including housing and food shortages.

"Simply put, Haiti does not have the infrastructure or resources to absorb or support the returning population," the letter said.

Forry said Haitians with temporary protected status are able to work and send money home to their families to help them rebuild.

Forry, a Dorchester Democrat, encouraged ralliers to attend a noontime flag raising Friday at Boston City Hall. She said the city council on Wednesday afternoon was taking up a resolution asking for the extension.

"So it's not just Linda, the only Haitian-American elected in Massachusetts, but it's my colleagues and my partners in government, so give it up for them," Forry said. "And I say that because we know things get done when we put our hands together."

Along with Forry, Reps. Daniel Cullinane of Boston, Daniel Cahill of Lynn and William Driscoll of Milton attended the Haitian heritage celebration.

Cullinane told the group to call every elected official "from the president on down" to voice support for extending temporary protected status.

"We will continue to rally and advocate and stand strong and fight for who we are, the values that we hold dear, and we are not going to back off because we have a White House that's dwelling on slogans and backhanded tactics and running counter to who we are as a country," he said. "We will not shy away, we will continue to fight. We know the struggles going on in Haiti."

A youth pride dance celebration will be held at Holyoke City Hall on Friday evening.

HOLYOKE - A youth pride dance celebration and drag show will be held at Holyoke City Hall on Friday.

Sponsored by the Holyoke Youth Task Force with a grant from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, the event will feature a drag show, DJ, and the promise of "rad" rainbow-themed party favors.

The celebration is designed to give local youth a LGBTQ safe space and to promote diversity.

The drag show will feature Damela Cuca, Veronica Bow, Mia E'Zlay, and others. 

The event is free to all local teens and will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday evening. No re-entry after leaving. 

The no-confidence vote from the union announced on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 is just the latest clash between Lt. Chad Cunningham, president of the Holyoke, Massachusetts firefighters union, and Fire Chief John A. Pond.

HOLYOKE -- The no-confidence vote that the firefighters union announced is just the latest clash between membership president Chad Cunningham and Chief John A. Pond.

Cunningham, president of Holyoke Fire Fighters Association, Local 1693, International Association of Fire Fighters said in a text message Wednesday that the union voted on Monday to declare no confidence in Mayor Alex B. Morse and Pond by a tally of 61 in favor of that and 4 against.

Firefighters union issues no confidence vote in Holyoke Chief John Pond, Mayor Alex Morse

The union said in a press release that Pond was not managing the department in ways that were the safest and most effective for firefighters and the public and that Morse has supported Pond. (see below)

The Republican and MassLive.com were awaiting responses from Pond and Morse to the union's no confidence vote.

The vote came a few weeks after The Republican reported that the actions of Cunningham, a lieutenant, at a deadly New Year's Day fire at 106 North East St. angered Pond and deputy chiefs and prompted Cunningham's ouster from duty on ladder trucks.

'Can't say how proud I am' says Holyoke fire chief about firefighter rescues at Jan. 1 blaze, but not all praised

Two men and a woman died and 49 tenants were displaced in a blaze at 106 North East St. that state investigators said was caused by an electrical problem in a third-floor wall outlet.

Cunningham, a 10-year veteran, has filed a grievance over the transfer with the Holyoke Fire Commission and a complaint about the transfer with the state Department of Labor Relations that asserts the move was retaliation against him for criticizing Pond.

Cunningham's lawyer said the move was retaliation for Cunningham's criticism of staffing and funding decisions made by Pond and Morse such as the controversial step known as brownouts. That's when a truck is temporarily removed from service because staffing on a particular shift is thin.

Lawyer Terence E. Coles, representing Cunningham, said Pond was engaging in fiction about Cunningham not being properly trained and retaliation.

Pond said that it wasn't a case of retaliating against the loudest critic, but that Cunningham's actions at the Jan. 1 fire led to the move. Truck 2's crew was unable to get its aerial ladder to extend, Pond said, and it was Cunningham's duty as commander of Truck 2 to ensure it was in working order. 

Truck 2 also had ground ladders that were not deployed despite a deputy chief having ordered all firefighters to focus on rescues by pulling hand-held ladders off trucks if necessary, Pond said.

Two days after the 106 Northeast St. fire, Cunningham criticized Pond during the public speak out portion of the City Council meeting for failing to stand behind firefighters and stating that adequate trucks were available for response. Cunningham suggested Pond should be removed as chief.

Deadly fire leads Holyoke union president Chad Cunningham to seek removal of Fire Chief John Pond

Pond, a 23-year veteran who has been chief since October 2011, said that Cunningham was wrong and that his commitment to the safety of firefighters and the public is unquestioned and his priority daily.

Holyoke Firefighters Association Letter by Mike Plaisance on Scribd

View obituaries from The Republican newspaper in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Holyoke, Massachusetts Mayor Alex B. Morse said on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 that Fire Chief John A. Pond has his full support and that fire protection remains strong despite a firefighters union vote of no confidence issued against Pond and Morse.

HOLYOKE -- Mayor Alex B. Morse said Wednesday that Fire Chief John A. Pond has his full support and that fire protection remains strong despite a firefighters union vote of no confidence issued against Pond and Morse.

"First, Chief Pond has my full support. He has done a great job of managing his department and ensuring fire protection for the people of Holyoke. The facts bear this out. According to the ISO (insurance service organization) rating, our fire safety rating has gone up on his watch," Morse said in an email.

"Second, I want the people of Holyoke to know that, wherever you live or work, your fire protection is more than adequate. We have outstanding firefighters," he said.

Pond hasn't immediately responded to messages seeking comment about the union's no confidence vote. Pond is a 23-year veteran who has been chief since October 2011.

The union said in a press release that Pond was not managing the department in ways that were the safest and most effective for firefighters and the public and that Morse has supported Pond.

Firefighters union issues no confidence vote in Holyoke Chief John Pond, Mayor Alex Morse

That led to a vote on Monday to declare no confidence in Pond and Morse with 61 in favor of that and 4 against, said Lt. Chad Cunningham, president of Holyoke Fire Fighters Association, Local 1693, International Association of Fire Fighters.

"The members of the union feel strongly that Chief Pond is not operating or managing the Fire Department in a manner that contributes to the safest possible and most effective department for both the firefighters and the citizens of Holyoke," a union press release said.

"Mayor Morse has consistently expressed full support for the chief's decisions, despite the numerous examples conveyed to the mayor by the union of the chief's ineffective and irresponsible running of the department," the press release said.

The dispute around the union's no confidence vote has led to references to brownouts and to a Jan. 1 fire at 106 North East St. that killed two men and a woman and destroyed homes of 49 tenants. State investigators said the fire was caused by an electrical problem in a third-floor wall outlet.

Brownout is the term used to identify a truck that is removed from service temporarily on a shift when available firefighting staffing is thin. That can happen with vacations, sick days and other matters. Instead of incurring overtime costs by calling in off-duty firefighters to work such shifts, a truck is shut down for a shift and the firefighters on that vehicle temporarily reassigned.

Engine 2 out of Fire Department headquarters at 600 High St. is the truck that is usually browned out.

Pond has said the proposal to remove Engine 2 from service is part of a plan that involves shifting firefighters from that truck to other trucks, to increase the number of firefighters per vehicle on initial responses in an emergency.

Pond and Morse have maintained that the use of brownouts still maintains sufficient coverage given the strategic locations of fire stations while also saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in employee overtime.

Cunningham, city councilors and others said public safety increases the greater the number of trucks able to mount immediate responses, and that means brownouts weaken such response.

"Such action by Chief Pond is simply unacceptable and shows a clear lack of leadership and support for the members of the Holyoke Fire Department," the union press release said.

The union reiterated the assertion made by Cunningham and others that lack of Engine 2 on New Year's Day, because the truck was browned out, hindered firefighters' abilities to field its best response.

But Pond, Morse and others said the devastation at 106 North East St. had nothing to do with a brown out but with the apartment building's alarm system malfunctioning. The office of Massachusetts Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey confirmed that. That resulted in the Fire Department not being notified until the blaze had been burning for 10 minutes.

State investigation of fatal Holyoke fire finds no annual tests of alarm system, failure to fix malfunction

Said the union: "Fire Chief Pond's decision to close Engine 2 shows a callous disregard for the safety of the citizens of Holyoke and the firefighters dedicated to protecting them. The devastating effects of closing Engine 2 were shown during the deadly New Year's Day fire, where Engine 2 would have responded to the first alarm and provided necessary support to the six firefighters on the scene."

Morse said the union's assertions "are without factual basis" because the brownout of Engine 2 didn't affect firefighters' response.

"The matter of the New Year's Day fire, in particular, has already been discussed extensively. The state Fire Marshal's office has said that the brownout of Engine 2 had no impact on the response to the fire. A number of other factors were at play, including the malfunctioning of the building's alarm system," Morse said.

"For the fire union to continue to make refuted and debunked claims, even months after this tragic fire, is deeply unfair to the people of this city. Public safety is an issue important to us all; healthy debates around public safety issues are to be expected. But these conversations should always be grounded in reason and fact, not in baseless fear-mongering.

"Moving forward, I will continue to work with Chief Pond and the Holyoke Fire Department to make sure we're providing the city with the fire protection they need," Morse said.

Authorities have identified the suspect involved in an early morning stand-off with police.

HOLYOKE - Authorities have identified the man who was involved in an armed standoff with Holyoke police on Wednesday morning.

Jim Leydon, spokesperson for the Hampden County District Attorney's Office, identified the man as 41-year-old Holyoke resident Edgar Rodriguez.

The incident started with an argument between Rodriguez and another man at a residence in Holyoke, according to 22news. 

During the course of the argument, Rodriguez allegedly threatened to go "get a gun,"; after these threats were made the other man called police. During the call, Rodriguez allegedly displayed a firearm.

Police responded to the area of the argument, after which Rodriguez fled the scene and police gave chase.

The chase led to a residence at 223 Pine Street, where Rodriguez had barricaded himself inside of an apartment.  

Police were eventually able to coax Rodriguez out and arrest him around 4:40 a.m.

Rodriguez is now facing a number of criminal charges, including: 

• Assault with a dangerous weapon
• Assault in a dwelling while armed
• Threatening to commit a crime
• Possession of a fireram without a license
• Possession of ammunition without an FID card.

Officials haven't released details on why Rodriguez is being charged with assault. 

He is scheduled to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court. 

The National Weather Service has made select predictions for how hot it's going to get in cities across Massachusetts on Thursday.

Several members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation praised the U.S. Department of Justice Wednesday for appointing special counsel to investigate alleged ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Several members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation praised the U.S. Department of Justice Wednesday for appointing special counsel to investigate alleged ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Democrats, who had previously called for special counsel to take over the investigation, touted reports that former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller had been selected to lead the probe.

They, however, stressed the importance of ensuring that the counsel remain fully independent and far removed from the White House.

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller named special counsel in Trump-Russia probe

Contending that "it is obvious to the American people that the Russia-Trump investigation requires a special counsel," U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, said she was glad to hear one was finally appointed. 

For Mueller to succeed, however, "he needs total authority to pursue this investigation - completely free of any hint of political interference," she said, urging Congress to conduct its own independent, bipartisan probe.

It is obvious to the American people that the Russia-Trump investigation requires a special counsel, & I am glad we finally have one.

-- Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 18, 2017

For Mr. Mueller to succeed, he needs total authority to pursue this investigation - completely free of any hint of political interference.

-- Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 18, 2017

As Mueller steps up to enforce the law, Congress must step up too - with its own independent, bipartisan, & transparent investigations.

-- Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 18, 2017

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, also praised Justice Department officials for doing what he called "the right thing" and joined Warren in arguing that lawmakers must ensure the special counsel is well-resources and fully independent.

"The role of a special counsel is to follow all the facts wherever they lead, and bring charges if warranted," he said in a statement. "The American people deserve answers and Robert Mueller is a good choice to get them.

Stressing that lawmakers must ensure Trump "does no additional damage to U.S. national security in his dealings with Russia," Markey further called on the White House to release the transcript of the president's recent meeting with the Russian foreign minister and ambassador to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. 

Both panels, he added, should also have access to former FBI Director James Comey's memoranda regarding his meetings with Trump. 

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem, meanwhile, said the Justice Department's decision to appoint Mueller "shows that speaking truth to power is not only effective, but vital to protecting our democracy."

"The appointment of a special prosecutor will allow us to keep fighting for the facts," he said in a statement. "And by continuing to hold the White House accountable, we will get to the truth and get back to creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity for all Americans."

US Rep. Richard Neal says focus on Trump-Russia investigation could hinder tax overhaul, other measures in Congress

Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, called the appointment of Mueller "encouraging," but said he and other House Democrats "will continue to work to demand Trump-Russia answers and fight for truth."

@realDonaldTrump While choice of #RobertMueller is encouraging, @HouseDemocrats will continue our work to demand #TrumpRussia answers & fight for truth.

-- Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) May 17, 2017

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein announced late Wednesday that the DOJ had appointed Mueller to oversee the FBI's investigation into the Russian government's reported efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters. 

Rosenstein, who said he felt it was in the public interest to name a special counsel in the probe, stressed that the decision "is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted."

"What I have determined is that based upon the unique circumstances, the public interest requires me to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command," he said in a statement.

Rosenstein added that Mueller will have all appropriate resources to conduct the investigation.

Trump, in response to Rosenstein's announcement, said he believes the investigation "will confirm what we already know - there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity. "

"I look forward to this matter concluding quickly," he said in a statement. "In the meantime, I will never stop fighting for the people and the issues that matter most to the future of our country."

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

Let the Powerball lottery fever begin again.

Wednesday's drawing offered another chance at a big jackpot, with a top prize worth more than $200 million.

File

Here are the winning numbers:

04-11-39-45-48, Powerball: 09, PowerPlay: 3X

The estimated jackpot is $205.7 million. The lump sum payment before taxes will be about $124 million. If there is no jackpot winner, the amount grows even larger for the next drawing.

The amount has been creeping up since a $435.3 million jackpot was won Feb. 22 by a graduate of Purdue University who asked to remain anonymous.

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

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

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

View obituaries from The Republican newspaper in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Public school students would be prepared in specialized academies to head into both college and a career in a redesign of the Holyoke, Massachusetts "high school experience" officials announced on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

HOLYOKE -- Attending the two public high schools has been redesigned to focus on specific preparations for each student in academies to direct them to both college and a career, officials said Wednesday.

"The academies are designed to ignite student motivation, interest and engagement in their education, setting a solid foundation of academics and work-based learning experiences," said Stephen K. Zrike, the state-appointed receiver who is managing the public schools.

Planning the redesign of Holyoke High School and Dean Technical High School has been in the works for months and Zrike's announcement contained specifics such as that the new "high school experience" will be operating for most students at both high schools for the 2018-2019 school year.

'This can make a difference' parent says about high school redesign in Holyoke (video)

"This will prepare our students for the global economy and a society that demands critical thinking and communication skills. This structure will give students a competitive advantage, ensuring they graduate with stackable credentials sought after by employers and colleges and universities alike," Zrike said in a press release.

The theme-based academies will be:

• Community and Global Studies Academy

• Technology, Engineering, and Design Academy

• Performing and Media Arts Academy

• Medical and Life Sciences Academy

• Freshman Academy

• The off-campus Opportunity Academy, an alternative program for older students who are under-accredited

• Newcomer Academy for those new to the English language and the country.

The new way of offering high school will include working with the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Holyoke Community College, Westfield State University and Springfield Technical Community College, Zrike said.

The redesign was worked on by nearly 100 teachers, principals and other administrators, parents and others. The city received a $300,000 grant from The Barr Foundation of Boston to pay for redesign team members' visits to other schools and to fund the rest of the high school redesign, Zrike told The Republican previously.

Fine-tuning high schools in Holyoke to prepare students for careers focus of study team

During freshman year, students will choose an academy of study. To prepare them for the selection, programs will be designed to help them make informed decisions, a press release said.

"The purpose of the academies is not to train students for a particular field or career, but rather to hook students' motivation to learn and increase students' ownership over their education," said Mickey Buhl, executive director of secondary education and pathways for the Holyoke public schools.

The academies-based high school process will be carried out with existing staff and within the existing school budget, Buhl said in an email.

Within each academy, students will choose among a set of concentrations, such as law and criminal justice within Community and Global Studies or computer science within the Technology, Engineering and Design. Concentrations within the a academies are seen below:

SUBMITTED IMAGE 

As students progress from grade 10 to grade 12, their pathway will become more personalized through focused projects, college courses, and real-world learning opportunities like internships, the press release said.

"The plan emphasizes preparing students for both college and the professional work world -- whether work comes immediately after high school, after college or during college," Marcus Holt, redesign team member and engineering teacher at Dean, said in the press release.

All students will have access to standards-based core studies, cross-academy electives, advanced placement classes, dual enrollment, work-based learning and college and career planning throughout high school, the press release said.

Temperatures will hit the mid-to-high 90s across Massachusetts today, the National Weather Service reports. A light wind will blow in the morning.

It's going to be a hot one Thursday. 

Temperatures will hit the mid-to-high 90s across Massachusetts today, the National Weather Service reports. A light wind will blow in the morning.

While temperatures will be hot during the day, expect things to cool off this evening and possibly feature some precipitation. 

Temperatures will fall into the 60s, 70s overnight with a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before midnight. 

A trio from Agawam, joined by two other buddies, joined forces to buy an old bus, dubbed the "Green Monster," to drive across the country while raising money for the David Ortiz Children's Fund. They left Agawam on May 9, heading south, then west. The goal is to raise $10,000 for the charity while traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast, then back home to Massachusetts.

AGAWAM -- Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters had "Further," a 1939 International Harvester school bus littered with psychedelic graffiti.

Dillon Cecchi, Luke Giusto and Jesse Jergensen have "The Green Monster Bus" -- a big green bus resembling Fenway Park's big green wall, the highest in the Major Leagues.

(FACEBOOK) 

The Agawam trio, all of whom recently graduated from college and went to Agawam High School together, purchased an old school bus last fall for their round-trip journey from Massachusetts to the West Coast. They left Agawam on May 9 and plan to be back in Massachusetts by late June.

Before you start thinking this is a story about a bunch of 20-somethings partying on the GMB -- short for "Green Monster Bus" -- keep in mind that this road trip has a purpose: These college grads are trying to raise $10,000 for the David Ortiz Children's Fund to help underprivileged kids get the life-changing pediatric surgeries they need.

The $10,000 represents the 10,000 miles that the GMB crew will cover on their cross-country journey. And they're hoping their trip will inspire people to donate generously to the Ortiz fund.

With that, the young adventurers have established a website, thegreenmonsterbus.weebly.com, which features bios of the Agawam friends and two of Cecchi's college buddies -- Shane Sullivan from Maryland and Jeff Vogel from Mansfield, Massachusetts -- who hopped on board to join the fundraising effort.

The bios include tidbits about each GMB crew member's "driving style," which run the gamut from "lead foot" to "old man." The website also includes a map with live updates on their progress.

Dillon Cecchi(FACEBOOK) 

Speaking of progress, the trip blog hasn't reported any major calamities since the crew left the Pioneer Valley nine days ago. Trip updates are also available on Instagram and Facebook @TheGMBus.

The group has already had stopovers in Baltimore, Shenandoah National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. Earlier this week, they were en route to Texas, with planned stops in Houston, Austin and El Paso. 

The crew put in hours working on the old bus, eventually transforming it into a mobile home with bunk beds, a futon, a bottle cap table, and storage space.  

Cecchi, Vogel and Sullivan all graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, while Giusto graduated from Westfield State University and Jergensen from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  

The trip is an "opportunity to give back," according to the group.

"We're trying to raise money for a great cause along the way," Cecchi said, "so we'd love to get our story out there."

The 31-year-old woman who was fatally stuck by a car while walking along Memorial Drive in Cambridge has been identified.

The 31-year-old woman who was fatally stuck by a car while walking along Memorial Drive in Cambridge has been identified. 

Molly Doub, of Cambridge, was a high school math teacher at the International School of Boston. School officials said she joined the faculty after years working in her home state of Connecticut.

Authorities are investigating the crash, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time against the 56-year-old driver. 

"Molly lived in pursuit of knowledge," Her brother, Mike, wrote in a public tribute after her death. "She was in school for most of her life and was excited to start talking classes again this summer at Harvard." 

The national average gas price will be $2.32 a gallon