U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was too early to know whether diplomatic and economic pressures being exerted on the North Korean government are having an impact in the wake of the latest missile test.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea fired a medium-range missile on Sunday, U.S. and South Korean officials said, the latest ballistics test by a country speeding up its development of nuclear weapons and missiles.

The rocket was fired from an area near the North Korean county of Pukchang, in South Phyongan Province, and flew eastward about 500 kilometers (310 miles), said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The U.S. Pacific Command said it tracked the missile before it landed in the sea.

White House officials traveling in Saudi Arabia with President Donald Trump said the system that was tested, which was last launched in February, had a shorter range than the missiles fired in North Korea's most recent tests.

An official from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also said the missile appeared to be similar in range and apogee to the midrange missile that North Korea test-fired in February. The missile launched on Sunday reached a maximum altitude of 560 kilometers (347 miles), said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing office rules.

In February, North Korea used a launcher truck to fire a solid-fuel missile that it calls the Pukguksong (Polaris)-2, a land-based version of a submarine-launched missile the country revealed earlier. That missile traveled about 500 kilometers before crashing into the sea, according to South Korean and U.S. officials.

The February launch, the North's first missile test after Trump took office, alarmed neighbors because solid-fuel missiles can be fired more quickly than liquid-fuel missiles, which need to be fueled before launch and require a larger number of vehicles, including fuel trucks, that could be spotted by satellites.

In an interview with "Fox News Sunday," U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was too early to know whether diplomatic and economic pressures being exerted on the North Korean government are having an impact in the wake of the latest missile test.

"We're early in the stages of applying the economic pressure as well as the diplomatic pressure to the regime in North Korea," Tillerson said. "Hopefully they will get the message that the path of continuing their nuclear arms program is not a pathway to security or certainly prosperity. The ongoing testing is disappointing, it's disturbing. We ask that they cease that because until they cease that testing, clearly they have not changed their view."

South Korea's new president, Moon Jae-in, held a National Security Council meeting to discuss Sunday's launch, which came hours after he named his new foreign minister nominee and top advisers for security and foreign policy. He did not make a public statement after the meeting.

In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the launch a "challenge to the world" that tramples international efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear and missile problems peacefully, and vowed to bring up the issue as the "main agenda" of this week's G-7 summit in Italy.

The launch came a week after North Korea successfully tested a new midrange missile that it said could carry a heavy nuclear warhead. Experts said that rocket flew higher and for a longer time than any other missile previously tested by North Korea, and that it could one day reach targets as far away as Hawaii and Alaska.

Under the watch of third-generation dictator Kim Jong Un, North Korea has been aggressively pursuing a decades-long goal of putting a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

North Korea conducted two nuclear tests last year alone, possibly improving its ability to make nuclear weapons small enough to fit on long-range missiles. The country has also conducted a slew of rocket launches as it continues to advance its arsenal of ballistic weapons, which also include midrange solid-fuel missiles that could be fired from land mobile launchers or submarines.

If North Korea did indeed fire the Pukguksong-2 again, it might be part of attempts to stabilize the system's functions before it operationally deploys the missiles, said Kim Dong-yub, an analyst at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies.

Kim said there's also a possibility that the North is conducting engine tests and other experiments as it pushes for the development of a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile that could potentially reach the U.S. mainland. If the North ever obtains a solid-fuel ICBM, it would likely be a rocket powered by a cluster of several Pukguksong-2 engines, Kim said.

Missile tests such as Sunday's present a difficult challenge to Moon, a liberal who took over as South Korea's president on May 10 and has expressed a desire to reach out to the North. Pyongyang's aggressive push to boost its weapons program also makes it one of the most urgent foreign policy concerns for the Trump administration, though Washington has struggled to settle on a policy.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the North's latest launch "throws cold water" on the expectations by Moon's government to "stabilize peace and denuclearize the Korean Peninsula."

"Our government is open to the possibility of dialogue with North Korea, but will also maintain a stance of firmly responding to provocations," the ministry said.

The victim was struck in the ear, under the eye and grazed in his neck.

LUDLOW - A 34-year-old man shot multiple times in the face is recovering from his injuries as police continue to search for a suspect in the Saturday night shooting.

The victim, a Ludlow resident, was shot in the ear, under one eye and was grazed in the neck at about 11:11 p.m. He was treated by the Ludlow Fire Department paramedics and taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by ambulance. He remains in the hospital, Police Sgt. Daniel Valadas said.

The shooting happened around the 200 block of State Street near the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. Witnesses reported hearing approximately half-dozen shots fired, Valadas said.

The man was hit with a pellet gun investigators discovered, Valadas said.

Ludlow Police continue to investigate with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police investigation unit tied to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni's office, he said.

A Palmer Police a K-9 unit assisted in the search, but the dog was not able to follow a scent. Wilbraham Police also helped by by searching along the Chicopee River where it parallels both River Road and State Street.

The shooting happened in a densely-populated area and police received multiple 911 calls reporting it happened. Detectives are now interviewing witnesses to the shooting, Valadas said.

The suspect had fled the scene and was described as being a male who is about 6 feet tall. He was holding what appeared to be a handgun in one of his hands, Valadas.

Currently there is no motive and police are still trying to identify the suspect or suspects, he said.

The road was closed for a short time between Essex Street and Worcester Street while police investigated the crime, Valadas said.

Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to call Ludlow Police detectives at 583-8305 or send an anonymous text to CRIMES (274637), then type the word SOLVE, and then send the information, he said.

Detectives are currently interviewing a person of interest in the crime.

SPRINGFIELD - A woman was seriously injured in an overnight stabbing in the Old Hill section of the city.

The stabbing happened at 31 Colonial Ave. and there is a secondary crime scene on 135 Westminster St., Police Capt. Cheryl Clapprood said.

Detectives are currently interviewing a person of interest in the crime, she said.

The woman was brought to the hospital. She was seriously injured but her condition is currently unknown, Clapprood said.

Detectives were at the crime scene early Sunday morning collecting evidence. There was a blood trail that led from the house to the driveway and down the sidewalk.

The Crime Scene van was also dispatched to the location.

This is a breaking story. Masslive will update as more information becomes available.

Reporter Dave Canton contributed to this story.

Selectmen Chairwoman Sue Bunnell has been re-elected to another term after warding off a challenge from Dave Sanders, a "family values" conservative with local GOP support.

WILBRAHAM -- Selectmen Chairwoman Sue Bunnell has been re-elected to another term after warding off a challenge from Dave Sanders, a "family values" conservative with local GOP support and a history of service to the town. 

Voters awarded Bunnell, a political independent with a reputation for being a political pragmatist, with another 3-year term in Saturday's annual town election. Official results for all town races were not immediately available.

Bunnell took to social media to thank her supporters.

"So honored to have been re-elected as Selectman in Wilbraham," she posted on Facebook following her victory.

"Thanks to all those who stepped up to run for office; your engagement is critical to the success of this community we love!" she said.

Another big race featured five candidates for two Wilbraham seats on the seven-member Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee.

Political newcomer Patrick Kiernan, who ran as an independent, and retiring Wilbraham school principal Sherrill Caruana, a Democrat, led the field. Each won a 3-year term on the school board, bumping off incumbent Patricia Gordon and two other challengers.

"Thanks for all your support. I can't describe how grateful I am to all of you for placing your faith and trust in me to make sure your children get the best education possible!" Caruana said on her campaign page.

She congratulated Kiernan and said she's looking forward to serving with him. "I am very excited to be working with him for the good of our children," Caruana said.

For Planning Board, Republican Jim Rooney defeated independent Kevin Corridan for a 5-year term. Rooney grew up in town and campaigned on making Boston Road a "bustling, successful road again." He owed his victory to "some great and wonderful friends," he said on Facebook. 

For Board of Library Trustees, incumbent Linda Moriarty retained her seat in a three-way race for two trustees. The other victor was Linda Dagradi, a former college administrator and career educator.

Meanwhile, well-wishers flooded Bunnell's Facebook campaign page with messages after the preliminary results were in.

"Congratulations, Sue! Wilbraham sure is fortunate to have your leadership and expertise," posted Jean Canosa Albano.

"Thanks for all your hard work!" said Lisa M. Chapline.

Police are trying to identify the owner of the cat.

CHICOPEE - Firefighters rescued a cat which had climbed into a car engine and rode from West Springfield to Memorial Drive Saturday.

The long-haired black cat was uninjured but police are trying to locate the owner. Animal Control Officers also responded and the cat was taken to the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control Center for evaluation, Michael Wilk, Chicopee Police public information officer, said.

A motorist discovered a cat had crawled into the car engine compartment when arriving at the Stop & Shop on 672 Memorial Drive. The driver called police at about 12:35 p.m. and said a meowing sound came from the engine compartment after the car was turned off, Wilk said.

Police and firefighters arrived and were able to free the cat, he said.

The owner is not familiar with the cat. If anyone can identify the cat's owner they are asked to call the Animal Control Center at 781-1484.

New England Dermatology and Laser Center Dr. Rachel Ivker says sun protection should be a year-round way of life for New Englanders.

Dr. Rachel A. Ivker, a dermatologist with New England Dermatology and Laser Center, notes New Englanders are no strangers to skin cancers, and with the approach of summer reminds it is time to think sunscreen, protective wear and doing outdoor activities at the start and end of the day.

The Amherst College graduate who earned her medical degree at New York University School of Medicine and did her residency in dermatology at the University of North Carolina Hospitals stresses broad-brimmed sun hats for protection. She gives an emphatic no to baseball caps for this purpose, and an equally firm no to the statement that getting a tan is healthy.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and May 26 is Don't Fry Day.

The day, which is always the Friday before Memorial Day, is sponsored by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention to "encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors."

Ivker was asked further about skin cancer, and lower one's risk for developing it.

Broad-brimmed hats provide good protection from the sun.Anne-Gerard Flynn photo 

Q. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to one statistic, more people have had skin cancer in the last three decades than any other type of cancer. New England has had some of the highest rates in the past. This seems a bit surprising since we are not a sunshine state. Is skin cancer in general considered a preventable cancer? What puts us at risk for it and are we all at equal risk?

A. It is currently estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. Despite being in New England, skin cancers are very common in this region. Anyone can develop skin cancer. However, those who burn easily, like blond or red-haired people, are at higher risk. Anyone who has a history of excessive natural or artificial indoor ultraviolet light exposure is also at increased risk.

People who have diseases or therapies that suppress their immunity carry increased skin cancer risk. A previous skin cancer also places a person at higher risk of developing additional skin cancers, which is the reason it is recommended that people with skin cancer have skin examinations at least once yearly.

The American Board of Dermatology recommends people use a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher applied at least 15 minutes before going outside. Anne-Gerard Flynn photo 

People who have more than 50 moles or have family history of melanoma have increased risk of developing malignant melanoma. The most significant risk factor, ultraviolet light, is the one risk factor we can control. It is estimated that sun and tanning bed avoidance could reduce the number of skin cancers by over three million cases per year.

The popularity of tanning beds has been a public health catastrophe. Over 400,000 skin cancer cases have been linked to tanning bed use in the U.S. yearly, including over 6,000 melanomas.

The World Health Organization placed tanning beds in their list of cancer-causing agents that also include cigarettes and plutonium. Australia and Brazil have banned indoor tanning. Tanning bed usage before age 35 increases risk of melanoma by 75 percent. In Massachusetts, people under age 18 are prohibited from using tanning beds.

Q. As we head into summer, what do you recommend to your patients in terms of protecting their skin from sun damage? Has sunscreen been shown, percentage wise, to significantly lower cancer risk? Do you recommend any particular strength sunscreen lotion? And, what do you say to people who want a tan at any time of the year?

A. As the warmer months approach, people would be well served to exercise sensible sun precautions. When possible enjoy outside activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

While sunscreen is necessary, protective clothing is just as important. Eyeglasses protecting against UV light promote eye health. Broad-brimmed hats - not baseball caps - are essential to protect the face, scalp, ears, and neck. There are shirts with SPF factor already built into the cloth. These are wonderful for swimming. Unlike sunscreen, they don't wear off in the water.

Sitting in the shade or under an umbrella helps. Many of my patients inform me that they don't lie in the sun. They then proceed to tell me how they are avid gardeners spending hours in their yards. They are likely getting as much sun as someone on the beach.

Dr. Rachel Ivker recommends people check their skin once a month to spot any changes. A friend or family member might check difficult areas to observe like the back or the scalp. Anne-Gerard Flynn photo 

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. In fact, tanning is our body's response to injury from cancer-causing ultraviolet light. Tanning is never good for someone's health and it should be avoided year-round.

Sunscreens have been shown to reduce the incidence of melanoma by over 50 percent. There is no published evidence that sunscreen use is hazardous to people's health, but there is ample evidence that sunscreens can help prevent all forms of skin cancer.

The American Board of Dermatology recommends people use a broad spectrum -meaning it protects against UVA and UVB light - sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher that should be applied 15- to 30-minutes before going outside.

Sunscreen should be applied a minimum of every two hours. It needs to be reapplied each time after swimming. For an average-sized person, one ounce is required to cover a person in a bathing suit.

To put this in perspective, if you spent the entire day or eight hours at the beach, you should empty the typical four-ounce sunscreen bottle. People who state that sunscreen does not work for them are likely not putting the product on frequently enough or thick enough or both.

Q. What should people avoid doing in their younger years to lower their risk for skin cancer later in life? Do you see much correlation between sports like golf, tennis, running and rates of skin cancer?

Dr. Rachel Ivker advises that tanning is "never good for someone's health and it should be avoided year-round." Anne-Gerard Flynn photo 

A. Sun damage is cumulative and young people already acquire almost 25 percent of their lifetime ultraviolet exposure by the time they are 18 years old. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing should be encouraged.

Staying in the shade whenever possible is also helpful. Outdoor athletes may have an increased risk of skin cancer since practice often occurs at peak sun exposure times. Furthermore, when people are exercising, they tend to sweat and sunscreen may be wiped away.

In addition, athletes frequently do not have ideal clothing or uniforms to protect them from ultraviolet light. Sports in which people are outside for prolonged periods may put participants, like marathon runners and mountain climbers, at particular risk.

Lifeguards may have increased risk because of long shifts in the sun often without any shade. The sun reflects off the water onto them and they are in and out of the pool without necessarily reapplying sunscreen as often as they should.

Q. What types of skin cancer do you see the most among your patients and what does most treatment involve? What is Mohs surgery and is it a common treatment for skin cancer?

A. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma with over four million cases yearly in the U.S. It is exceedingly rare for this type of cancer to spread internally.

Treatments may include topical therapy for the earliest lesions. Other treatments for earlier lesions include electrodesiccation and curettage ("scraping" the lesion with an instrument and then using an electric needle to cauterize the base) or an excision in which the cancer is cut out with a scalpel and the skin is "sewn" together with stitches.

For skin cancers on the face in functionally important areas or for larger cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery is employed. In more unusual circumstances radiation treatment is suggested.

Whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish with omega-3 fatty oils are among foods likely to help promote skin health, along with avoiding the consumption of too much alcohol. Anne-Gerard Flynn photo 

The next most commonly seen cancer is squamous cell carcinoma with more than one million cases diagnosed yearly. Most squamous cell carcinomas are discovered early and remain localized to the skin, but they can occasionally metastasize and result in death. Treatment of this cancer includes the surgical interventions and occasionally radiation mentioned above.

Mohs surgery is performed as an in-office procedure typically by a dermatologist who completed additional fellowship training. This treatment is frequently used for facial non-melanoma skin cancers. The Mohs surgeon removes the cancer and then looks at the specimen under the microscope examining every edge of the specimen to ensure that the cancer is completely removed.

If a margin still shows cancer, the Mohs surgeon brings the patient back into the treatment room and removes another piece of tissue at the positive margin. A Mohs surgeon's goal is to remove the cancer while taking the smallest amount of normal skin as possible.

Q. Melanoma has been described as the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Why is that and does it always become invasive?

A. Malignant melanoma is not diagnosed as frequently as basal and squamous cell carcinoma with estimates of over 150,000 cases yearly. Close to half are noninvasive, but over 80,000 melanomas are invasive, meaning that they can metastasize to internal organs. Over 9,000 people are estimated to die from metastatic melanoma this year. The earlier melanoma is discovered, the better the prognosis.

Noninvasive melanoma is typically cured after the cancer is surgically excised.

Q. What is the role of the skin as the body's largest organ?

A. The skin is the body's largest organ. Its most obvious function is a barrier. It protects us from dehydration and from toxins and germs. It also helps us to maintain a normal body temperature.

Q. What is the best treatment for keeping skin healthy, wrinkle free and clean on a daily basis?

A. The best treatment for keeping the skin healthy is to protect the skin from the sun and tanning beds. Smoking accelerates wrinkling and photoaging (accelerated aging of the skin due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolent radiation primarily from the sun or artificial indoor ultraviolet light).

Use mild cleansers with warm water rather than harsh soaps and hot water when bathing. If the skin feels dry, pat dry after bathing and immediately apply a lubricating, unscented moisturizing cream.

This is particularly important during the long New England winter to help prevent dry skin leading to itching and "winter" eczema.

Q. What foods/drink benefit the skin the most?

A. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, omega-3 fatty oils, and whole grains likely promotes healthy skin. Excessive alcohol should be avoided.

Q. What do you tell patients about a self-exam, and when should someone see a dermatologist?

A. People should become familiar with their skin. Ideally a person should inspect his skin monthly and be aware of moles or other growths. A mole that changes in color, size, or shape should prompt a visit to a dermatologist.

Any new lesion that looks different from the other moles or growths on the body (an "ugly duckling") should also prompt an evaluation by a dermatologist.

Using mirrors to check hard to see areas is helpful. It is useful if a friend or family member can help in areas more difficult to observe like the back or the scalp. It is normal for people to have moles, and most moles do not become cancerous.

Also, some moles and other types of growths may change or mature without there being anything wrong with them. Dermatologists are best able to interpret skin lesions since they have years of experience examining people's skin.

Q. What should people keep in mind year-round in New England in terms of being outdoors and protecting their skin?

A. For people living in New England, sun protection should be a year-round way of life. Since ultraviolet light is more intense at higher elevations and reflects off the snow, skiers are at risk for sunburns. It is also important to remember that up to 70 percent of ultraviolet light passes through the clouds, so people can develop intense sunburns on overcast days.

While glass reflects ultraviolet B light, ultraviolet A light comes through windshields exposing drivers to harmful rays as they commute to and from work.

The 17-year-old jumped into the water Saturday and his friends did not see him resurface.

Update: The Massachusetts State Police dive team has been called and is searching the pond, Springfield Police Capt. Robert Strzempek said.

SPRINGFIELD - Police and fire officials are searching Watershops Pond for city teenager who has been missing since Saturday.

The 17-year-old boy was with a group of friends when he jumped into the water off Allen Street. No one saw him resurface, Police Capt. Cheryl Clapprood said.

"They were scared because they didn't think they were supposed to there and didn't report it," she said. People are allowed in the area of Watershops Ponds.

The teenager never returned home. His friends reported his disappearance to police at around 11 a.m. Sunday, she said.

Police checked at his home and the area around the pond and called the Springfield Fire Department for an assist to search the water, she said.

Firefighters launched a boat and searched the pond for a male who had reportedly been missing since 6 p.m. Saturday. They did not find anything from the surface of the water, Dennis G. Leger, Fire Department spokesman, said.

"It is dark and deep there," Clapprood said. "We are trying to get a dive team there now."

The Massachusetts State Police Dive Team is now searching the water, Capt. Robert Strzempek said.

The Springfield Police Department does have a dive team but police were unable to mobilize enough members on Sunday.

Smith College held it's 139th Commencement Ceremony on May 21, 2017. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON -- "I encourage you to take care of yourself. Love yourself, because only people who love themselves have enough love to give to the rest of the world, " said Oprah Winfrey during her keynote address at Smith College Sunday, and the graduating class of 2017 hung on every word.

Smith celebrated its 139th Commencement Ceremony on campus and while every year is special for the graduates and their families, there was a bit more excitement this time around as Oprah Winfrey made her way to the stage.

"I was nervous enough knowing when I was elected class president that I had to make this speech in front of so many people I have the highest respect for, but now Oprah! Really? Well that's Smith for you," said Senior Class President Badriyyah Salem Alsabath.

Before Winfrey's speech Smith College President Kathleen McCartney awarded honorary degrees to several women including Winfrey, former Northampton Mayor Mary Clare Higgins, Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, Erin O'Shea '88, president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Harvard University professor. Along with Winfrey, fellow honorary degree recipient Henrietta Mann, a Native American education and tribal leader and founding president of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal College, was also given a standing ovation by students.

Mann extended her arms to the audience and mouthed "Thank you, I love you," to the crowd.

Winfrey congratulated all of the "Smithies," including Nonkululeko (Morgan) Mpungose, who studied at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which opened in South Africa in 2007 to educate academically gifted girls from impoverished backgrounds. At age 12, Mpungose was handpicked by Winfrey to be among the first 152 students at the school, according to the college website.

Winfrey said Mpungose, along with all of the other graduates, leaves the college with a desire to do something for the world.

"She leaves confident and assured, with her heart on fire to serve a cause greater than her own, a woman of the world. That's what you do here at Smith," she said.

Winfrey also thanked the college for the Black Lives Matter banners hanging outside many buildings in the school.

" Don't think I didn't notice all the Black Lives Matter signs...You all understood that justice for all really matters," she said. "I appreciate that you see the other, notice the other, and recognize that our differences make us a whole nation, a whole wide world."

Winfrey offered up a few life lessons to the graduates including the idea that every person wants to feel validated.

She said that after interviewing thousands of people over the years she noticed a striking similarity in all of them. After an interview or a performance was completed, they all asked her if they had done well, if they "did OK," she said.

"It's because every person just wants to know they were heard," she said. "What I've learned is when you create your work and your life based on an intention to serve with purpose, you will have a blessed life."

Winfrey shared an anecdote about a man she interviewed who almost died in an airplane crash and said he saw the auras of people leaving their bodies as they burned in their seats. Some auras were brighter than others and that made him think they lived brighter lives. Winfrey said she has a prayer for every Smith graduate.

"My closing prayer for you Smithies, (is) that you leave here and live the brightest life," she said.

The state troopers were outside the cars at the time of the accident.

GLASTONBURY, Conn. - A driver is expected to face charges after slamming into a cruiser early Sunday morning.

Two Connecticut Police State Troopers were parked on Route 2 eastbound while investigating a one-car accident at about 1:10 a.m. when the second crash happened, Connecticut State Police said.

Both troopers were outside the cars when the driver of a 2010 Subaru struck the rear of one of the cruisers, police said.

The driver of the Subaru received minor injuries and was brought to Hartford Hospital by ambulance. The troopers and the driver involved in the first accident were not hurt, police said.

Police are still investigating the crash involving the cruisers but charges are expected to be filed, police said.

The way Rodney L. Jones saw it, he did the tow truck driver a favor by only smashing bottles against the truck and slashing its tires. "I spared your life," he said, according to the arrest report.

These were the top stories out of Springfield District Court last week. If you missed any, click on the links below to read them now.

Father, son plead guilty in Springfield EBT fraud case; must pay $2,400 in fines, forfeitures

Nothing to sniff at: Springfield police dog finds $36,874 in cash in drug suspect's Land Rover

Man charged in knife attack on Springfield police officer held on $5,000 bail

Springfield man denies kicking 3 cops in face during fight in entertainment district

Police: Springfield man attacks tow truck after his car was hauled away twice in one week

Springfield lawyer guarantees client's return to court: 'If she can't get a ride, I'll pick her up'

Springfield man arrested on gun, drug charges has extensive record; bail set at $25,000

Prius, 4 less environmentally friendly vehicles targeted in Springfield vandalism spree

Watch an excerpt from Oprah Winfrey's Commencement Address to Smith College's class of 2017. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON - Media mogul and television personality Oprah Winfrey gave the Commencement Address at Smith College's 2017 graduation ceremony on Saturday. 

Winfrey's career began when she was just 19-years-old and living in Nashville, Tennessee--working as a news anchor for local news station.

In the 1980s, Winfrey launched The Oprah Winfrey Show, which would run for over 25 years, garnering a following of millions of viewers and making Winfrey one of the most iconic figures in television history.   

Winfrey, who is now one of the wealthiest women in the world--with a net worth of over $2 billion--told the "Smithies" Saturday about the "secret to her success" as a businesswoman.   

You can watch an excerpt of Oprah's address above.

Charges are expected to be filed against driver for negligent operation and operating under the influence of alcohol, police said.

MONSON - One person was seriously injured in a head-on accident that was believed to be caused by a drunken driver.

The victim was taken to the hospital with injuries that were serious but not life threatening in the accident that happened at 2:44 p.m. Saturday, police said.

"Charges for operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation are expected," Monson police said.

The accident happened on Route 20 and forced part of the road to be closed for some time. Monson Police were assisted by Palmer Police and Fire departments and the Palmer Ambulance, police said.

Some graduating seniors at the University of Notre Dame walked out of their own graduation ceremony to protest Vice President Mike Pence when he began to deliver the commencement speech on Sunday morning. Watch video

Some graduating seniors at the University of Notre Dame walked out of their own graduation ceremony to protest Vice President Mike Pence when he began to deliver the commencement speech on Sunday morning.

Pence was chosen to give the commencement address at the nation's most prominent Catholic university - even though the school ordinarily invites newly inaugurated presidents to give the address in their first year of office. Thousands of students and faculty members signed a petition asking Notre Dame's president, the Rev. John Jenkins, not to invite President Donald Trump, and the university chose instead to invite Pence, a former Indiana governor.

A coalition of student activist groups at Notre Dame called We StaND For planned a walkout to protest policies Pence pursued as governor that they say targeted the most vulnerable. Pence was planning to seek reelection as governor when Trump selected him to be his vice presidential running mate in the summer of 2016, but Pence was unpopular at the time in his own state and many thought he would lose his reelection bid.

School officials knew of the student walkout plans and did not try to stop them. The students -- more than 100 -- walked quietly out, and there were some cheers and boos sounded, though only briefly. Paul Browne, vice president for public affairs and communications, said Notre Dame has been the site of protests of presidents and vice presidents in the past, and as long as the students did not disrupt the ceremony, it would be allowed to take place.

Hundreds of antiabortion activists protested President Barack Obama when he spoke at the 2009 graduation ceremony, and there were smaller protests too for Vice President Joe Biden at the 2016 commencement.

On Saturday, Pence delivered the commencement speech at Grove City College, a Christian liberal arts school in Grove City, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles north of Pittsburgh. Grove City is one of a handful of religious schools that have refused federal funds so they do not have to comply with specific federal mandates, such as Title IX, which bans discrimination based on the sex of a student.

There were strong similarities -- even identical language -- in his speeches before the Grove City and Notre Dame audiences. For example, in both speeches, Pence urged the graduating students to become leaders in various walks of life, and he asked them to stand up, "catch the eye of a loved one's in the crowd" and thank them for their support through college.

The Notre Dame protest was far smaller than that faced by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos when she recently delivered the commencement speech at Bethune-Cookman University, a historically black college in Florida. Some students stood up and turned their back, and the booing was so loud at different points in the speech that the school's president stood up, interrupted DeVos, took to the microphone, and said to the students, "If this behavior continues, your degrees will be mailed to you. Choose which way you want to go."

(c) 2017, The Washington Post. Valerie Strauss wrote this story

A crucial phase of comedian Bill Cosby's sex assault trial starts Monday when lawyers gather in Pittsburgh to pick the jury that will weigh his case.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A crucial phase of comedian Bill Cosby's sex assault trial starts Monday when lawyers gather in Pittsburgh to pick the jury that will weigh his case.

The jury must decide if the 79-year-old actor drugged and molested a Temple University women's basketball team manager at his home near Philadelphia in 2004.

Trial consultant Howard Varinsky believes lawyers will be on guard for celebrity worshippers or jurors who may want to serve to write a book.

Cosby calls the encounter with accuser Andrea Constand consensual. The felony charge carries a potential 10-year prison term, but Cosby is also focused on the court of public opinion. On the eve of jury selection, he told a talk radio host last week that he hopes to clear his name and resume his stand-up comedy career.

Once known as America's Dad for his beloved portrayal of Dr. Cliff Huxtable on his top-ranked "The Cosby Show" in the 1980s and '90s, Cosby said he does not expect to testify because of fears he would misspeak during cross-examination.

Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill will sequester the jury during the estimated two-week trial because of the frenzied media coverage expected. Jurors will be about 300 miles (482 kilometers) from home, across the state in suburban Philadelphia.

The trial starts June 5. One other accuser will be allowed to testify for prosecutors who hope to show that Cosby's encounter with Constand was not accidental but part of a broader pattern of sexual misconduct.

The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are sexual assault victims unless they grant permission, which Constand has done.

A run-down of what to expect as a dozen jurors and six alternates are selected:

Q: Why is the jury being picked in Pittsburgh?

A: Cosby's lawyers sought an outside jury because the case had been a flash point in the 2015 race for Montgomery County district attorney. Former prosecutor Bruce Castor, the Republican candidate, had declined to charge Cosby a decade earlier. First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele, a Democrat whose office had reopened the case, attacked Castor over the Cosby case in campaign ads.

Q: What will it be like to serve on the jury?

A: In a rare move, the jury will be sequestered near the courthouse in Norristown, some 300 miles (482 kilometers) away from their homes. Court officers will keep close tabs on their cellphone use, TV time and reading material, given the huge media coverage the case will bring. The trial is expected to last about two weeks, but could go longer if rebuttal witnesses are called or the jury struggles to reach a verdict.

Q: What type of jurors will the defense seek?

A: The defense will likely seek jurors who are black, male, older and perhaps celebrity worshippers, in the view of jury consultant Howard Varinksy, who advised prosecutors in the murder trials of Scott Peterson, who was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Timothy McVeigh and others. Black jurors may be more willing to doubt police and prosecutors, while older jurors may blame the victim for being in the married Cosby's home, he said. Celebrity worshippers may be sympathetic or try to form a connection to the star, relating to the fact they once saw them in a store or come from the same hometown or have children the same age.

Q: How about the prosecution?

A: Younger jurors may have more modern views of sexual assault cases, especially those, like Cosby's, that involve acquaintance situations or a delay in contacting police. Varinsky expects about one in four jurors to say they or someone close to them has been the victim of a sexual assault. Those individuals would likely be dismissed by the judge.

Q: How much leeway does each side have to pick jurors?

A: Either side can ask the judge to strike a potential juror for cause, without it counting against them. That might include jurors who admit having a biased view of the case, or have a hardship -- a medical condition, family obligation or financial or job situation -- that prevents them from serving. After that, each side can strike seven jurors and three alternates without cause, simply because they sense they fear they would hurt their sides.

Q: Will the jurors be identified?

A: Judge Steven O'Neill plans to keep the jurors' names private. However, the press will be covering the proceedings, reporting on both the nature of the arguments over jury selection and the willingness of people to serve in the high-profile case.

Q: What should I watch for?

A: The elements to watch for include:

--Jurors too eager to serve in a celebrity case. Some may even hope to write a book afterward, if past cases are any guide.

--Can the parties find 18 people without strong feelings about the case or Cosby's career? Do they express fond memories of benevolent TV dad Cliff Huxtable or cartoon character Fat Albert? Or are they bitter about Cosby's scolding of the young black community?

--Is the jury pool familiar with the scores of other Cosby accusers? Are people being truthful if they say they're not, given the widespread media coverage?

--What's the final breakdown in terms of men/women; old/young; black/white/other? gay/straight? (Cosby is 79, black, long-married, a father of five, American and a career entertainer. Trial accuser Andrea Constand is 43, white, single, gay, Canadian and a basketball professional-turned-massage therapist.)

--Will politics come into play, subtly or not? Given sex assault allegations raised against President Donald Trump, and his vulgar comments caught on tape about grabbing women, will lawyers try to glean the jurors' political leanings?

Q: Will jurors hear from Cosby during the trial?

A: Cosby told an interviewer this past week that he does not expect to testify, given his fear of wading into trouble while trying to be truthful during cross-examination.

Watch scenes from the Smith College commencement. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON - The Smith College class of 2017 graduated Saturday.

You can watch scenes from the Commencement in the video above. 

Mt. Holyoke College celebrated its 180th Commencement Ceremony.

SOUTH HADLEY — As they head off to the next chapter of their lives Mt. Holyoke College graduates were encouraged to become active in their communities and be engaged politically.

Mt. Holyoke celebrated its 180th commencement ceremony Sunday and graduates were told to go and make a difference in the world.

"Mount Holyoke was built on the principle that its students would, in its own motto, 'live to do good,' and that in the founder's words, they would 'take hold where no one else will'," said the college's acting president, Sonya Stephens. "This is our heritage, and this is the charge that comes with your diploma. You've made a difference at Mount Holyoke and you will make a difference in the world."

Nearly 600 graduates received degrees as well as two honorary degrees given to filmmaker and photographer Joan Biren and entrepreneur Kathryn Finney.

Labor activist Dolores Huertas delivered the keynote address. Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, the precursor to United Farm Workers and is an activist for the rights of the working poor, women and children.

She told graduates to become engaged in politics and help change the world.

"One of the challenges that we have ahead of us -- I believe it is probably the greatest challenge that we have right now in our United States of America and if not the world -- is to kind of erase the ignorance," she said. "Erase the ignorance that we have in our society right now that creates the racism, the bigotry, the homophobia, the misogyny... that we have now, that exists in our society."

Huerta said it is important for graduates to care for each other.

"As one human family, which we are, only one human race... we have to support each other. We have to take care of each other...we have to fight for each other," she said.

She also asked graduates to consider running for political office.

"Please, be engaged politically. You know, be involved in campaigns. Go out there and support people, progressive candidates that are running for office," she said. " Because they are the ones that are going to make the decisions. And, please, I hope that some of you will also get involved and some of you will also run for office."

She ended by telling graduates to be courageous.

"I think the word that fits this graduating class and will serve you when you go out there in the world, is courage. Courage to be able to have faith in yourselves, have faith in people, have faith in the world and go out there and do the work that we have to do to make a really free and a just society," she said.

Nathan W. Jensen of Ludlow is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to Sgt. Daniel Valadas.

LUDLOW - Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on charges that he shot a man multiple times in the face with a pellet gun late Saturday night.

Nathan W. Jensen of Ludlow is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to Sgt. Daniel Valadas.

Jensen was arrested at his residence at 3:30 p.m. Sunday by Ludlow detectives, patrol officers and a Massachusetts State Police detective. His address was not immediately available.

Valadas said Jensen and the 34-year-old victim were strangers. The shooting in the 200 block of State Street, near the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, happened after a "sudden altercation on the street" at around 11 p.m., he said.

The victim, a Ludlow resident, was shot in the ear and under one eye, and was grazed in the neck. Witnesses reported hearing about half a dozen shots.

The victim was treated by Ludlow Fire Department paramedics and taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by ambulance. His condition is unknown.

Jensen will be arraigned Monday in Palmer District Court.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ludlow Police detectives at 413-583-8305 or send an anonymous text to CRIMES (274637). Type the word SOLVE followed by the information.

The student was seen in a photograph with a handgun and it was captioned "Better not go to school tomorrow."

LUDLOW -- Police investigated the actions of middle school student on Sunday after a photograph of the student holding a gun and a threatening message was posted on Snapchat.

The student was seen in a photograph with a handgun and the caption read "Better not go to school tomorrow," according to Superintendent of Schools Todd Gazda.

Police confirmed the identity of the Baird Middle School student and determined the handgun was an Airsoft pellet gun, Gazda said.

Appropriate, but undisclosed, action has been taken, he said.

"Our students were never in danger," Gazda said. "They are completely safe and the threat has been addressed."

He praised the actions of two students who reported the online posting.

Gazda provided the information to parents and faculty in a robocall to dispel online rumors about the extent of the incident.

The agenda for the ward meeting includes the formation of a downtown neighborhood watch program.

WESTFIELD - City Councilor Andrew Surprise is inviting residents of Ward 3 to a ward meeting and potluck picnic on Wednesday evening.

The event at Grandmother's Garden at Chauncey Allen Park will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The agenda for the ward meeting includes the formation of a downtown neighborhood watch program, the reconstruction of Franklin Street, and proposed changes to traffic patterns on Arnold and Orange streets.

"The purpose of this meeting is to let residents of the downtown neighborhoods of Ward 3 get to know one another, and encourage them to work together to improve day to day life in their neighborhoods," said Surprise. "This will also allow the citizens of Ward 3 to ask questions and hear directly from their elected officials and city departments."

Mayor Brian Sullivan, City Engineer Mark Cressotti and Lt. Eric Hall of the Westfield Police Department's Community Policing Unit are scheduled to participate.

The meeting is open to the public, and residents of Ward 3 are encouraged to attend.

Anyone seeking more information can contact Andrew Surprise.

The rain location for the event is Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy.

A video from Canada shows the terrifying moment a sea lion yanked a girl into the water. Watch video

The first part of a now-viral video shows a sea lion swimming near a dock in Steveston, a seaside community on Canada's western coast. The sound of cameras clicking can be heard in the background as onlookers marveled at its size.

The animal swims closer to the dock after grabbing a piece of food that someone threw.

It then rises from the water toward a little girl kneeling near the dock, then goes back in. The girl and others laugh.

She sits on the dock. After just one second, the sea lion jumps back, swiftly grabbing the girl by her white dress and dragging her into the water. Onlookers can be heard screaming in horror. A man immediately gets into the water to save the girl.

Neither the girl nor the man was injured. She can be seen immediately leaving after the incident at Steveston Fisherman's Wharf near Vancouver, B.C.

The video, taken by Michael Fujiwara, was posted on YouTube on Saturday and has garnered 1.5 million page views as of Sunday afternoon.

"They were pretty shaken up," Fujiwara told CBC News. "Her family was just in shock."

Fujiwara said he goes to the dock regularly but has never seen anything like what he captured in the video. It's unclear whether Fujiwara and the man who jumped into the water know the girl. Fujiwara did not respond Sunday to a request for comment.

Andrew Tites, director of the University of British Columbia's Marine Mammal Research Unit, criticized those who got close to the animal, which he said is a California sea lion.

"My first reaction to the video is just how stupid some people can be to not treat wildlife with proper respect," he told CBC News, adding later: "They are not circus performers. They're not trained to be next to people."

Tites said it's likely that the sea lion thought the girl's dress was food. Such animals, he added, are not naturally dangerous.

Sea lion drags girl underwater in Richmond, B.C. https://t.co/Z3qWmkL1A4 pic.twitter.com/l2D3FZZCpj

-- CBC News (@CBCNews) May 21, 2017

Attacks by sea lions on humans are rare, Lt. John Sandmeyer told a local television station in San Diego, where a sea lion dragged a 62-year-old man off his boat and about 20 feet underwater. Dan Carlin was posing for a picture with a yellowtail fish he had caught when the sea lion bit into his hand and pulled him overboard, the TV station reported.

Carlin survived the 2015 incident, but his hand required 20 stitches.

An adult California sea lion is about the same size as a 6-foot man and weighs about 610 to 860 pounds.Though the "cliched circus seal" that balances a ball on its nose and jumps through hoops is typically a California sea lion, such animals once in the wild are sleek and faster than any other sea lion, according to a National Geographic article.

-- Kristine Phillips, The Washington Post