AAA said that 54.3 million Americans travel by car, bus, rail and ship this Thanksgiving weekend. That's a 4.8 percent increase since last making this the busiest travel thanksgiving since 2005. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- Union Station was busy last Thanksgiving, its first since reopening in June 2017 following extensive renovations.

And staff there expect it to be even busier today as travelers -- mainly college students -- head out for the first Thanksgiving with CTrail and Hartford Line passenger train service in place.

"This is the first Thanksgiving with the building fully occupied," said Kevin Kennedy, Springfield's chief development officer. "It will be a little bit busier than last year. We've added some police details."

AAA said that 54.3 million Americans will travel by car, bus, rail and ship this Thanksgiving weekend. That's a 4.8 percent increase since  last making this the busiest travel thanksgiving since 2005.

Union Station sees in excess of 250,000 riders a month counting Amtrak, CTrail, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound and PVTA transit buses, Kennedy said.

Wednesday's Amtrak trains running north and south from New Haven through Hartford to Springfield for were sold out by Tuesday, Kennedy said.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation didn't yet have ticket sales figures for the CTRail trains it operates as part of the Hartford line. But ConnDOT said it has assigned one of its four-car trains to Amtrak for Amtrak's use on the Hartford Line through the Thanksgiving weekend, according to a news release.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation also said this week that it will deploy managers to key stations Wednesday, and Sunday to assist customers and coordinate with Amtrak.

This allows Amtrak to reassign its available cars and will make sure that all trains -- Amtrak and CTrail -- will run with four cars this weekend.

Normally, some Amtrak trains only have two cars.

Earlier this month, ConnDOT also added another daily train to its New Haven-to-Springfield service and that service is to continue beyond the holidays. Between Amtrak and ConnDOT's CTrail trains, the Hartford Line offers 24 daily weekday trips between Hartford and Springfield.

CTrail, which started running expanded service in June, also markets itself to college students.

Thanksgiving weekend is typically the busiest time of year for Peter Pan Bus Lines, also because of college students heading home for a short holiday.

Union Station is busy even besides the holiday rush. State police and Springfield Police dedicated space in the building, Kennedy said. And the Springfield Redevelopment Authority approved Monday a deal to bring in Westfield Bank ATMs.

And Amtrak is planning to move its ticket window down onto the main concours sometime in the next few months, Kennedy said.

The Redevelopment Authority is also expanding its WiFi service after having 3.2 million people sign on to the free internet service in the first 18 months of operation, Kennedy said.

There are now 151 full time employees in Union Station counting the bus and train services, Dunkin' Donuts, Subway, the convenience store, auto rental office and office tenants Peter Pan Bus lines, Bean Restaurant Group and Dietz & Company Architects.

Massachusetts has struck a deal with ConnDOT to expand north-south rail from Springfield through Holyoke and Northampton on to Greenfield. Those trains will start running sometime in 2019.

Despite facing criticism this week over his handling of Saudi Arabia's involvement in journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing, President Donald Trump took to Twitter Wednesday to thank the country's leaders for the current low oil prices.

Despite facing criticism this week over his handling of Saudi Arabia's involvement in journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing, President Donald Trump thanked the country's leaders Wednesday for the current low oil prices. 

One day after announcing that he was "standing with Saudi Arabia" as part of his "America First" strategy, Trump lauded the current state of oil prices and urged Saudi leaders to make them even lower. 

"Oil prices getting lower. Great! Like a big Tax Cut for America and the World. Enjoy! $54, was just $82. Thank you to Saudi Arabia, but let's go lower!" he tweeted. 

Oil prices getting lower. Great! Like a big Tax Cut for America and the World. Enjoy! $54, was just $82. Thank you to Saudi Arabia, but let's go lower!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 21, 2018

The president, in announcing his foreign policy stance Tuesday, offered that while "the crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible one and one that our country does not condone ... King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder."

Killing of Jamal Khashoggi 'terrible' crime, but US remains 'steadfast partner' of Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump says

Trump added that although Saudi officials could have had knowledge of the event, "we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi."

"In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said in a statement. "They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region."

Trump also noted Saudi Arabia's importance as an oil producing nation and offered that the kingdom has "been very responsive to (his) requests to keeping oil prices at reasonable levels."

The president, meanwhile, told reporters Tuesday that his decision to stand with Saudi Arabia was "all about 'America First.'"

"It's all about, for me -- very simple -- it's 'America First,'" he said, according to White House pool reports. "Saudi Arabia -- if we broke with them, I think your oil prices would go through the roof.  I've kept them down.  They've helped me keep them down.  Right now we have low oil prices, or relatively.  I'd like to see it go down even lower -- lower." 

Trump added that he's "not going to destroy the economy for our country by being foolish with Saudi Arabia." 

Members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation, however, offered a different take on the president's approach to Saudi Arabia. 

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, argued that the president "is not only wrong, his statement is disgraceful."

"We don't need to choose between our safety and our values," he tweeted. "By standing up to authoritarians and speaking out for human rights, we do not diminish our safety -- we enhance it. And in the process, we live up to the values that make us who we are, and that generations of Americans have fought and died for."

By standing up to authoritarians and speaking out for human rights, we do not diminish our safety -- we enhance it. And in the process, we live up to the values that make us who we are, and that generations of Americans have fought and died for.

-- Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) November 21, 2018

Congressman Bill Keating, D-Bourne, argued that "there should be no currency for the sale of America's soul."

"I will work to sanction Saudi Arabia and hopefully be joined by congressional colleagues," he said. 

There is no moral equivalency between premeditated murder and money from arms sales. There should be no currency for the sale of America's soul. I will work to sanction Saudi Arabia and hopefully be joined by congressional colleagues.

-- Bill Keating (@USRepKeating) November 21, 2018

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem, meanwhile, suggested that the president is using his "America First" strategy to "cover for a leader who ordered the torture, killing and dismembering of a journalist."

"Per our American values, we need to hold Saudi Arabia accountable," he tweeted.

Trump continues to ignore CIA findings & cover for a leader who ordered the torture, killing, and dismembering of a journalist...then puts out a statement which concludes, "America First!"[?] [?]Per our American values- we need to hold Saudi Arabia accountable. https://t.co/bOL8lWX8As pic.twitter.com/GmC9dCX3Cs

-- Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) November 20, 2018

Congresswoman Katherine Clark, D-Melrose, called the president's remarks "disgraceful."

"Trump is taking the word of a foreign government over our intelligence experts to justify making a weapons sale instead of defending human rights," she said.

Trump is taking the word of a foreign government over our intelligence experts to justify making a weapons sale instead of defending human rights. Disgraceful. https://t.co/NMXw5CldSI

-- Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) November 20, 2018

Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post who had been critical of Saudi leaders, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

Saudi Arabia initially denied involvement in the journalist's disappearance, but later said his death had been an accident. Although officials later acknowledged that his murder had been premeditated, they did not implicate the crown prince in the killing.

Saudi Arabia has said it will seek the death penalty against five individuals reportedly involved in Khashoggi's murder. 

The United States, in response to the death, sanctioned 17 high ranking Saudi officials.

American intelligence officials have offered with "high confidence" that the crown prince was directly involved in the killing.

MassDOT hired a contractor, NEL Corporation of Middleton, to conduct "full depth deck repairs on the Saint James Avenue Bridge.

SPRINGFIELD -- Repair work on the northbound deck of the Saint James Avenue Bridge over Interstate 91 and the railroad is complete.

All lanes are now reopened for the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend.

Jacquelyn Goddard, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Department of transportation, announced the reopening Wednesday morning.

MassDOT had hired contractor NEL Corporation of Middleton to conduct "full depth deck repairs on the Saint James Avenue Bridge.

Detour routes were established and the southbound lanes remained open the whole time.

Damn Yankees BBQ, ranked fourth in the Best Of Mass BBQ search, is opening its doors in South Deerfield.

Opening his own restaurant has been a lifelong dream for Rich Daviau, owner of Damn Yankees BBQ. 

On the day after Thanksgiving, his dream will finally come to fruition, though it hasn't come without a few bumps in the road.

Daviau originally planned to open his BBQ joint in 398 Deerfield St. in Greenfield. He even had the menu on the chalkboard, but in a Facebook post on Nov. 21, Damn Yankees revealed they are "unable to stay at our new location in Greenfield."

Thanking a "BBQ God," Damn Yankees was happy to share that their business will continue at a new location: 20 Elm St. in South Deerfield, which formerly housed Back Porch BBQ. 

According to Damn Yankees BBQ, their restaurant will have a soft opening the day after Thanksgiving with a limited menu. "We will be in full force the week after," the Facebook post read. 

Damn Yankees BBQ, which ranked fourth on the Best Of Mass BBQ search, makes a commitment to using locally sourced wood, ingredients and has their own specialty house-made rubs. All of the BBQ is smoked low and slow with a custom-built reverse-flow Bubba Grill. Along with their BBQ menu, which includes ribs, brisket, pulled pork, Southern-style sides and more, Damn Yankees has a full bar. 

Alfredo Aldeco, 32, of Holyoke, and Emilio Rivera, 30, of Springfield, were each charged by criminal complaint with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting, according to a release issued by U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.

SPRINGFIELD - Two men were arrested on federal charges Wednesday in connection with at least nine armed robberies committed throughout Western Massachusetts.

Alfredo Aldeco, 32, of Holyoke, and Emilio Rivera, 30, of Springfield, were each charged by criminal complaint with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting, according to a release issued by U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.

The suspects are slated to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court.

According to court documents, between Oct. 25, 2018, and Nov. 14, 2018, there were at least nine armed robberies of convenience stores located in Holyoke, Chicopee, Florence, West Springfield, and Agawam.

Investigations into the robberies led law enforcement to determine that the same two men were involved in many of the robberies.

During each of the robberies, a suspect brandished a distinctive long-barreled, black firearm-type object, and during at least one of the robberies, the suspect threatened to "come back and kill" the store clerk if the clerk called the police.

The charge of interference with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

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The Holyoke City Council imposed a moratorium on a temporary sign order recently passed by the council. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court, citing the ordinance violates the First Amendment.

HOLYOKE -- The City Council put a moratorium on its own recently passed ordinance regulating temporary signs at homes and businesses, halting key components of the ordinance from taking effect.

The move comes as the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts is challenging the ordinance in U.S. District Court.

Councilor Rebecca Lisi, along with several other councilors, introduced two late-file orders at Tuesday's meeting, including the moratorium. The second order, referred to the Ordinance Committee, calls for a revising or rescinding the ordinance.

Ward 3 Councilor David K. Bartley drafted the temporary sign ordinance, which has drawn the ire of residents who questioned the ordinance's legality and constitutionality. Several residents spoke out against the regulations during the Nov. 20 meeting.

Peter 'Al' Williams, of Pearl Street held a wooden sign inscribed with the word "Ceremony." The sign was used recently to direct guests to his wedding ceremony, held at his home.

He wondered if such a sign would fall under the temporary sign ordinance.

"I personally find that a little outrageous. I find it irresponsible to have my elected officials turnaround and limit my free speech," Williams said. "I don't think it's constitutional. I think it also displays a real lack of fiduciary responsibility."

Williams said ACLU's suit would cost the City of Holyoke money, and urged the council to revoke the ordinance.

"It makes no sense to me. There's no reason for signs to be regulated between December and March," he said.

The ACLU in its court filings said the ordinance is unconstitutional, violating the First and 14th Amendments.

Council President Todd McGee said the latest ordinance was meant to correct a previous ordinance considered unconstitutional. He told residents in the gallery that the council has no intention of limiting free speech rights.

McGee, an attorney, said the moratorium and subsequent actions would make the ACLU's complaint "moot," and telegraph intent to the court that the council was keenly aware of the matter before the body.

The ordinance, passed in early-October, would require residents and businesses to register temporary signs between Dec. 1 and March 1 with the Building Department. For now, the moratorium stops that requirement.

The ordinance includes political messaging and business signs like sandwich boards and signs attached to vehicles.

Ward 5 Councilor Linda Vacon, who chairs the Ordinance Committee, said the City of Holyoke remains at legal risk even if a rescission passed.

Vacon reminded her colleagues the council and other city committees conducted hearings on Bartley's ordinance. She echoed McGee's belief the council would never limit residents' First Amendment rights.

Lisi said the council should send the court a "clear message" that the City Council was taking the federal complaint seriously.

She said the city must protect itself from monetary damages, too.

Morse and City Building Commissioner Damien Cote are lead defendants in the ACLU's suit. As a matter of procedure, such court filings list or add key city leaders and department heads as defendants.

In his veto letter to the council, Morse said the ordinance violated citizen's First Amendment Rights and caused an undue burden on residents.

Bartley did not speak on the matter during the session. He did, however, talk by phone early Tuesday about the ACLU's filing.

He said his order underwent over a dozen public meetings and hearings, drawing scant or no attention from the mayor or residents.

Like McGee, he said the order was meant to correct a faulty sign ordinance on the books, and make it constitutionally compliant. The previous ordinance did not adhere to Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona, the latest U.S. Supreme Court decision.

The Supreme Court found any restrictions, whether on content or time limits, violated the First Amendment.

Bartley, an attorney, said he disagreed with the ACLU's assertion that the newest ordinance violated the First Amendment or free speech rights.

He said the City's Law Department provided legal guidance throughout the process, ensuring the ordinance would past constitutional scrutiny.

While he said the ACLU holds the right to file suit, the organization is "targeting one of the poorest communities in the Commonwealth." He added the court filing contains much rhetoric.

"The bottom line is the bottom line. The ACLU is looking for money. They want reimbursement for attorney fees, court costs, and other remedies," Bartley said. "The altruistic ACLU proves, once again, they're really a bunch of phonies."

He added, "They say they're fighting for the First Amendment. Their arguments are so thin. They really give themselves away at the end. They want money. That's what it's all about."

Bartley said the City Council "follows the law," even if the court finds in the ACLU's favor. "We will respect and adhere to the court judge's ruling," he said.

City Solicitor Crystal Barnes could not comment on the ACLU's complaint.

Though Bartley's name appears several times in the ACLU's motion, he is not a named defendant.

"It is true the order started with me. But let us remember, the full City Council unanimously voted for the ordinance," he said. The council voted 12-0 in favor, with Ward 4 Councilor Jossie Valentin absent.

Bartley said the mayor has not fared well in veto attempts.

He recalled only a few of the named plaintiffs appeared at one of the over dozen public hearings held on Bartley's order. "The mayor didn't appear at any," he said.

Few councilors, except for members of the Ordinance Committee, participated in the process, according to Bartley.

The staff at New England Treatment Access expect a leveling off of demand at some point but no one knows when they will be.

NORTHAMPTON - Day 2 of recreational drug sales in Northampton resembled Day 1 at New England Treatment Access, as hundreds of people waited in line outside before the store opened.

At the 8 a.m. opening, the line extended from the front door across the parking lot, down the sidewalk on Pleasant Street and down Fulton Avenue.

Amanda Rositano, director of compliance for the facility, said the lines seem a little smaller than on opening day, but they are prepared for it to grow during the day.

The staff have been working to see that it moves as quickly as it can.

NETA staff have been working the line, she said. Staff are handing out menus of items available for purchase to those waiting in line, and answering any questions people have. The idea is for customers to enter the store with an idea of what they want and then to purchase it quickly, she said.

This is preferable to having customers dilly-dally inside the store because the quicker people make purchases and leave, the more quickly new customers are allowed inside and the more quickly the line outside moves, she said.

On Tuesday, the NETA facility on Conz Street became one of two marijuana facilities on the East Coast to be legally sell recreational marijuana to anyone over 21. The other is Cultivate Holdings LLC in the Worcester County town of Leicester.

The Northampton had been dispensing medical marijuana for several months.

On Day one, NETA officials estimated more than 2,000 customers had been served during the day, and that there was no shortage of product.

The wait times for as long as 3 hours during the day, and the line stretched around the corner and down the block.

The last customers were admitted into the store at 9:57 p.m., minutes before the 10 p.m. closing time.

At 8:30 p.m., 90 minutes before closing on Tuesday, people were no longer admitted into the line, and several late-comers were turned away.

On Wednesday, Northampton police continued to block off access to Fulton Avenue from Pleasant Street to control traffic. Cars were allowed enter Fulton from Conz Street to park in the NETA lot.

Temporary signs banning parking were placed along Conz and Pleasant Street, and a detail of officers stood by to keep things orderly. Side streets in the vicinity appeared to have few available parking places, but it was unclear if that was the related to NETA traffic or some other factor.

Rositano said NETA staff are anticipating demand will eventually level off and the waiting line will disappear. But for now, no one knows when that will be.

"It's hard to predict. It depends on how quickly other operations come online," she said. "We planned to be the first online and to be busy for some time."

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is reviewing applications prior to awarding retail licenses for different operations across the state.

In nearby Easthampton, the INSA medical marijuana dispensary has been granted its retail license and expects to begin sales to the general public in 2 to 3 weeks.

Rositano said the NETA management and staff have planned for opening day and all off that planning paid off.

"Yesterday was almost flawlessly executed," she said.

The facility to steps to insure there was enough product in inventory to meet the damage, and there have been no shortages over the first two days, she said. "We're looking good."

State police say the accident happened north of Route 114.

A tractor-trailer has jackknifed on I-495 north in Lawrence Wednesday and is causing major delays on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

State police say the accident happened north of Route 114.

The tractor-trailer is hung up on the guardrail. Only the center lane is open as of 11:15 a.m. and the left lane is expected to be closed for "a significant period of time," state police said in a statement on Twitter.

There is no timeline when the tractor-trailer will be cleared and there were no reports of injuries. 

Massachusetts officials are anticipating an increase of 15 to 20 percent in traffic volume on the roadways this Thanksgiving holiday, with the most traffic for Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and on Sunday afternoon as people are heading home.

A lead sponsor of a proposal to resurrect the Springfield Police Commission to oversee disciplinary issues in the department urged colleagues not to delay action.

SPRINGFIELD -- The lead sponsor of a proposal to resurrect a five-member citizen police commission to oversee promotions and discipline rejected the idea of waiting for the city's contract with Police Commissioner John R. Barbieri to expire.

Councilor Timothy Ryan said that while Barbieri's current contract is set to expire at the end of May 2019, there is nothing stopping the mayor from extending the contract before it expires.

If the council was to wait, and a contract for Barbieri is extended, "then you're caught in the situation where the City Council is chasing its tail waiting for contract after contract to expire," Ryan said.

Ryan said there is a "very strong sentiment" to bring back the police commission and to have a diverse board of citizens oversee a police department, which he described as essentially a quasi military organization.

As commissioner, Barbieri currently oversees the department including day-to-day operations and all promotions and disciplinary action.

In 2016, the council overrode a veto by Sarno and passed an ordinance to reinstate the five-member citizen police commission. That ordinance called for all commission members to be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council.

Sarno called the ordinance invalid and in conflict with city charter, and never took action to appoint the commission.

The proposed ordinance, as filed by Ryan and co-sponsors last week, received first-step approval from the council on Monday.

It would place the commission in charge of hiring, firing, promotions and discipline.

Sarno, however, said he continues to oppose the ordinance, believing that such responsibilities -- including discipline -- should remain in the hands of a single commissioner and are protected in his current five year contract. The contract expires at the end of May, and Sarno said he will make a decision regarding any contract extension "at the appropriate time."

"My position has been well defined -- keep it professional, not political, and legally sound," Sarno said. "The modern day model of a professional police commissioner administering and directing the department is the trend across the country, and has worked well here."

City Solicitor Edward Pikula also said the revised ordinance still conflicts with the city charter and Barbieri's contract.

Ryan, as Monday's meeting, said he does not foresee Barbieri "running to Superior Court" to sue the council to try to protect his current powers over disciplinary matters.

Ryan said Barbieri would retain all other administrative powers and would still be the "top cop" in Springfield, whether the police commission is formed or not. As proposed, it would convert Barbieri from commissioner to police chief.

The proposal for the commission surfaces as the Police Department has been stung by multiple police misconduct allegations including officer Gregg Bigda and former detective Steven Vigneault being indicted last month on federal civil rights charges relating to the interrogation of two juvenile suspects accused of stealing an unmarked police cruiser in 2016.

Councilor Jesse Lederman, another sponsor, praised Ryan for pushing for passage of the revised police commission ordinance, saying the council has a responsibility to the residents of the city and its police officers to adopt the most fair and most just system for disciplinary matters.

Lederman said Barbieri is "a good man, a fair man," but believes a citizen commission is needed for department oversight.

"It's about a philosophy of government that says if you break up power, then by its very nature, you increase transparency and increase accountability," Lederman said.

The proposed ordinance needs a second and third-step vote for passage, which could occur in December.

The sponsors of the ordinance are Councilors Adam Gomez, Justin Hurst, Michael Fenton, Marcus Williams, Lederman and Ryan.

A civilian police commission existed for decades in Springfield until it was eliminated by a state-appointed Finance Control Board that oversaw Springfield during a budget crisis.

The mayor appoints city boards and commissions.

Ryan is offering an amendment to the 2016 ordinance that would remove a requirement for the council to have to confirm or deny the mayor's appointments to the commission. 

Instead, Ryan is proposing that the mayor would have sole powers to appoint the board, with no council confirmation.

As another amendment aimed at resurrecting the commission, the new language calls for the ordinance to "take effect upon passage."

Boston police on Wednesday identified 23-year-old Lodimira Dos-Santos as one of two people killed during a shooting in Jamaica Plain on Monday.

Boston police on Wednesday identified 23-year-old Lodimira Dos-Santos as one of two people killed during a shooting in Jamaica Plain on Monday.

Police responded to a report of gunshots in the area of 60 Bickford St. around 5:45 p.m. Monday and found an injured man and woman.

Police said Dos-Santos was taken to the hospital, where she died of her injuries.

Dos-Santos' death marks the city's 49th homicide of the year, police said.

A man in his 30s, who police did not name, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death, police said.

Another man in his 30s was taken to the hospital for treatment of a stab wound that was not considered life-threatening.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Boston Police Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470.

Attorney Mark A. Tanner of Bacon & Wilson is Mayor Nicole LaChapelle's pick for city lawyer.

EASTHAMPTON -- Mayor Nicole LaChapelle has signaled her intention to replace longtime City Solicitor John H. "Jack" Fitz-Gibbon with Mark A. Tanner, principal trial attorney with Bacon & Wilson of Springfield.

LaChapelle submitted Tanner's name to the City Council on Monday, along with a list of other routine appointments. She said that Fitz-Gibbon's annual contract expires at the end of December, and that she would like Tanner to start in January.

The council packet contained Tanner's resume and a cover letter.

"Since returning to Western Massachusetts in 2001, I have practiced extensively in municipal law, land use law, and litigation," Tanner wrote.

"On a personal level, I enjoy helping local governments understand and navigate the complex regulatory framework in when they operate, and hope you will afford me the opportunity to do so," he added.

Councilor Daniel Rist told LaChapelle that he plans to attend any upcoming meeting where Tanner will be vetted.

"This is important," said Rist. "We have had the same city attorney for more than a decade. We need some time for that."

The matter was referred to the appointments subcommittee. Councilor Peg Conniff, who chairs the subcommittee, said a meeting would be scheduled soon, at a time that works for Tanner.

After the council meeting was adjourned, LaChapelle explained that she wants a "fresh set of eyes" on the city's legal matters.

"I have a great appreciation for attorney Fitz-Gibbon's service to the city over several decades," she told The Republican. "That said, as we go forward as a city, I'm looking for a fresh set of eyes on what we are are doing as far as economic development, charter review, and a different set of eyes on ordinances and the relationship between the executive and legislative."

LaChapelle said Tanner brings added legal resources due to his affiliation with Bacon & Wilson, a full-service law firm.

Reached by telephone Tuesday, Fitz-Gibbon said he understands that LaChapelle has the ability and authority to choose a new city lawyer, and that he wishes her well.

"I've enjoyed working with the city for the past 16 years, and will miss it," Fitz-Gibbon said. "It was fun while it lasted."

The solicitor is not an employee, and has a contractual relationship with the city.

Fitz-Gibbon was named city solicitor in 2003, replacing David Sullivan, who is now Northwestern district attorney.

Fitz-Gibbon has helped Easthampton navigate many legal issues, including neighborhood opposition to affordable housing. More recently, He drew criticism from progressive activists when he opined that the city charter does not empower the City Council to declare Easthampton a sanctuary city.

A graduate of the University of Wyoming School of Law, Tanner has served on the board of directors of People's Institute, Franklin County County Community Development Corporation, and was previously president of the Hampshire County Bar Association.

Tanner could not be reached for comment.

The Massachusetts State Treasury confirmed to MassLive that former Massachusetts State Police union president Dana Pullman has submitted his application to retire.

An embattled Massachusetts State Police officer whose payroll records have been drawn into a federal investigation is looking to retire. 

The Massachusetts State Treasury confirmed to MassLive that former Massachusetts State Police union president Dana Pullman has submitted his application to retire. The confirmation comes after WCVB first reported Wednesday that Pullman retired Nov. 2. 

Pullman, a 31-year veteran of the state police, resigned as president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts in late September, citing personal reasons. The FBI and IRS are investigating whether Pullman misused union funds for his personal benefit and have subpoenaed records from a charity run by Pullman's wife, the Boston Globe has reported. 

Pullman earned just over $91,000 from the State Police last year. He took in another $71,000 from the union in 2017, the Globe reported.

The Massachusetts State Police denied a MassLive public records request for Pullman's payroll details earlier this month, saying the records are related to an ongoing federal investigation. The denial was the first confirmation that Pullman's pay had attracted the attention of federal investigators. 

On the day of Pullman's resignation, State Police Col. Kerry Gilpin sent the union a letter saying the department would begin cracking down on allegedly improper uses of publicly funded union business leave.

The news is the latest in a string of scandals that have plagued the Massachusetts State Police in the past year that have resulted in indictments of troopers accused of abusing overtime shifts as well as four troopers facing federal charges. 

MassLive reporter Dan Glaun contributed to this story.

The proposal will go for a second reading before moving to the state legislature as a home rule petition. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON -- The City Council is trying to expand the Northampton Housing Authority board to give tenants better communication with their public housing leadership.

If the proposal, written largely by council President Ryan O'Donnell, passes the state Legislature, O'Donnell said it would be his proudest accomplishment during his City Council tenure.

"What we did is largely in reaction to public attention to issues that have been going on a long time in housing authority," O'Donnell said, calling public housing a "city within a city that's isolated in almost every way ... and we want to empower tenants and connect them with the surrounding city." 

O'Donnell first announced the proposal in July, stating that "In light of the Northampton Housing Authority's recent rule preventing tenants from having air conditioning units in their windows in the middle of a heat wave, I think major structural changes are in order."

The proposal would expand the board from five members to seven. It was approved unanimously by the council on a first reading Nov. 15. It will go for a second reading in December before being sent to the Legislature as a home rule petition.

State Sen.-elect Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, said during a community forum last week that she would support the petition through state legislation.

"It's my hope that it does set a precedent ... and that it will be policy statewide," said Councilor Bill Dwight. "I hope it does have the opportunity to expand and that individual communities don't have to resort to home rule petitions. Here's hoping that this very thoughtful, well-deliberated order will go forward and inspire other communities to respond."

"We heard many people at the (two) forums," said Councilor Gina-Louise Sciarra. "I was in favor of the first order, but I'm pleased with the amended one."

A first iteration included mandating six tenant commissioners to sit on the board, to be elected by their fellow residents. But after receiving feedback from organizations like the state Department of Housing and Community Development, O'Donnell said councilors reduced that to two appointed tenant commissioners, calling it a "political compromise."

Current legislation requires one tenant commissioner. The second would be appointed by the mayor. The proposal would also add one member from the Northampton Housing Partnership, and would expand the pool to include Northampton residents who receive a housing subsidy.

"I was not going to support the order in its original form because of concerns I heard from members of the board," said Councilor Marianne LaBarge. "It was adding too many members ... also, they were never informed of this happening and were not happy with no transparency or communication" before the initial proposal was made, she said.

The school district reported last week that McDonald was removed from the school and placed on administrative leave on Nov. 9, shortly after the district first received a complaint.

A Bellingham teacher who was placed on leave for recording a child in a faculty restroom is now facing charges.

Scott McDonald, 38, of Bellingham, appeared before a clerk magistrate Wednesday and is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 26 in court on one count each of photographing sexual or intimate parts of a child and one count of photographing a child in a sexual act or posing or exhibiting a child. 

McDonald is a teacher and baseball coach at Bellingham Memorial Middle School. The school district reported last week that McDonald was removed from the school and placed on administrative leave on Nov. 9, shortly after the district first received a complaint. 

Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Peter Marano said the school was cooperating with the investigation as well as conducting an investigation of its own.

"This individual was immediately removed from the classroom when the district learned of the alleged conduct and we immediately contacted the police," Marano said last week. "We continue to remain committed to our efforts to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. Student safety is our highest priority."

Reporter Scott J. Croteau contributed to this story.

The Springfield Rescue Mission held its annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet at its Mill Street facility, serving hundreds of hot meals to guests. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Rescue Mission held its annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet on Wednesday at its Mill Street facility, serving hundreds of free, hot meals to guests.

The door opened at 1 p.m. to welcome guests to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner.

"We have turkeys, stuffings, and mashed potatoes, and vegetables," said event coordinator Barbara Brizzolari.

"We are excited for them to come to our home and be our guests here at the Mission," she added.

Ron Willoughby, Springfield Rescue Mission's CEO, took his time walking around to give thanks to volunteer staff who spent their time helping the community. 

"Thanksgiving time is really a reflection of what God has done to all our lives throughout the year," Willoughby said.

"We are glad to be here and give these people just a measure of hope that things could be better than they were when they came through that door," he said.

Earlier in the day, almost 200 Thanksgiving meals were delivered to elderly and disabled people in the city. The Mission also offered breakfast Wednesday.

Peter Pan Bus Lines added 400 more buses to accommodate an increase of more than 50,000 passengers.

SPRINGFIELD -- You really had to watch your step at the foot of the stairs leading down from the train platforms at Union Station on Wednesday afternoon.

The CTrail train north from New Haven and Hartford was late, and folks needed to make their bus connections at the other end of the building. They were rushed, stressed and moving quickly to get where they needed to go.

Things were a little calmer for Aria Roach and Kelsey Greenway, friends and professional dancers from Brooklyn, New York. They were headed to Vermont for Thanksgiving with Roach's family. Roach's mother was picking them up.

"It's been a long ride," Roach said. "I left my  apartment at 6:30 a.m. so I could catch an express train (subway) to Grand Central Station, then Metro-North to New Haven and then Amtrak here to Springfield." It was about 1:30 p.m.

Greenway is from Hawaii and decided going home would be a little too long a trip.

Amtrak and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, which both run north-south trains on the CTrail Hartford Line, added cars for the Thanksgiving weekend.

This is the first Thanksgiving for the Hartford Line service, which markets to college students, and CTrail officials expected to be busy this weekend with scholars headed home for a short break.

Peter Pan Bus Lines also sees a lot of college student travel this time of year, as well as increased business from other age groups. On Wednesday, Peter Pan said it added 400 buses to accommodate an increase of more than 50,000 passengers.

Both the trains and Peter Pan bring passengers through Union Station. The station also offers Greyhound buses and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority buses.

The Springfield Redevelopment Authority, which runs Union Station, added more  state and city police patrols Wednesday.

AAA said that 54.3 million Americans will travel by car, bus, rail and ship this Thanksgiving weekend. That's a 4.8 percent increase since last year, making this the busiest travel Thanksgiving since 2005.

Read obituaries from The Republican newspaper in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Here are the obituaries published Wednesday in The Republican:

Obituaries from The Republican, Nov. 21, 2018

Consumers who traveled to the first retail marijuana stores east of the Mississippi spent $440,011, according to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

Consumers who traveled to the first retail marijuana stores east of the Mississippi spent $440,011 on opening day, according to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

The commission said the number of total units sold - a figure that includes things like a package of edibles, a sale of measured-out marijuana, or a bottle of lotion - hit 10,784.

Two stores opened at 8 a.m. Tuesday: Cultivate in Leicester and New England Treatment Access (NETA) in Northampton. Additional retail shops are set to open in the coming months and weeks if they clear several additional regulatory hurdles.

The state receives 17 percent of the money spent, due to the state sales tax of 6.25 percent and a 10.75 percent excise tax.

Cities and towns are allowed to throw in an additional 3 percent local tax. Both Northampton and Leicester, in Worcester County, have tacked the tax on marijuana sales.

For example, Northampton Mayor Daid Narkewicz was the first customer at NETA and paid $24 for a chocolate bar. The bar itself was $20, while the state sales tax came to $1.25 and the excise tax was $2.15. The local marijuana tax was 60 cents, bringing the total taxes paid to $4.

Marijuana sales begin in Massachusetts: Dispatches from the first day of sales on the East Coast

The mayor posted the receipt to Twitter two hours after the purchase.

The local tax that cities and towns receive is also separate from agreements that cities and towns broker with marijuana businesses. Northampton is slated to receive at least $10,000 a year for "marijuana education and prevention programs to promote safe, legal and responsible use."

Sam Barber, president of Cultivate, said in a statement that the company is "humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response" during the first days.

"This is an enormously gratifying moment for the whole Cultivate team to finally get to sell the products we have obsessed over creating for the past two years," he added. "We urge everyone to consume responsibly and have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. We will reopen at 10 am on Friday."

Massachusetts voters broadly legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over through a November 2016 ballot question.

Marijuana in Massachusetts: Here's where the next retail shops will likely open

The Palmer Town Council said they expect to appoint members to their 13-person Palmer Station Steering Committee at their December meeting - which is expected to include a representative from Ware and from Monson.

PALMER -- Before a meeting packed with passenger rail advocates, members of the Palmer Town Council said Monday they are all aboard a community effort to convince state transportation officials to build a train stop in Depot Village.

A projected 18-month, $1 million "East-West Passenger Rail Study," subtitled "A study assessing rail service alternatives along the Boston-Worcester-Springfield-Pittsfield corridor" has begun, Department of Transportation officials said this week.

Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack on Monday announced the private consultants MassDOT chose to do the work.

"We have now selected the team for that study. It's led by WSP USA; includes AECOM, Regina Villa Associates, and Keville Enterprises," Pollack said during the four-hour MasDOT board meeting in Boston.

The contracted firms will examine "the potential for high-speed rail from Pittsfield and/or Springfield, through to Boston," she said.

Pollack said the state is putting together and advisory committee that "will begin meeting in December, to help define a set of up to six service alternatives that would be studied -- including at least one that would provide for a travel time of 90 minutes or less between Boston and Western Massachusetts."

A spokesperson for Pollack said the 90-minute maximum travel time "is for Boston to Springfield, but the east-west study could recommend stops beyond Springfield."

There is "a lot of excitement out in Western Massachusetts on that," Pollack said at the MassDOT board meeting.

Palmer officials said they hope to have a local representative on the state advisory panel, and have been advised of its importance by Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Director Tim Brennan.

Councilors said they must forcefully advocate for Linda Leduc, Palmer's planning and economic development director, to represent the community on the advisory committee.

By a 7-0 vote, the council endorsed sending letters to state Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, and Rep. Todd Smola, R-Warren, asking their help to facilitate Leduc's appointment.

The Republican asked MassDOT about the composition of the east-west rail advisory committee.

"We are developing a panel of approximately 30 members," MassDOT said in a written response. The composition would be "a mix of MassDOT/MBTA officials, railroad industry representatives, elected officials, planning agency representatives, etc.," MassDOT said.

Palmer councilors also voted unanimously to create a 13-person Palmer Station Steering Committee, and said they would appoint members at their December meeting, which is expected to include representatives from Ware and Monson.

Springfield officials traveled to Forest Park Wednesday to pay their respects to late President John F. Kennedy.

SPRINGFIELD -- Despite rain, local officials and residents traveled to Forest Park Wednesday to attend the city's 55th annual John F. Kennedy remembrance ceremony. 

Mayor Domenic Sarno, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and others were among those who paid their respects at the park's Eternal Flame memorial. Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz, of Temple Beth El in  Springfield, gave brief remarks.

The event, traditionally held on Nov. 22 to mark the anniversary of the day Kennedy was slain in Dallas, Texas, in 1963, was moved because of the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Springfield's Eternal Flame memorial is one of only two in the country. The other is at the president's grave in Arlington National Cemetery.

As part of Wednesday's ceremony, three red roses were placed at the memorial stone and a wreath was placed by the flame. 

Officials gave brief remarks in remembrance of the 35th president.

"The spirit of John Fitzgerald Kennedy remains fresh in our minds more than half a century after his death," Neal said. "My lasting memory of him will always be of the youthful 43-year-old who came to Springfield the day before the historic 1960 presidential election and spoke to thousands of supporters in front of City Hall.

"Like so many others of my generation, I pursued a career in public service because of JFK's charisma, optimism and hope," the congressman said. "On this solemn anniversary of his passing, let us take a moment to reflect on his thousand days in office and how he inspired a nation to enter a new frontier."

"I am honored to be part of this important annual event honoring the legacy of President John F. Kennedy," Cocchi said. "The Eternal Flame, to me, represents the nation's commitment to continue his legacy every day -- a legacy of service above self." 

The ceremony has been an important event for Springfield for decades. Kennedy, a Massachusetts native, made strong ties to the city while running for U.S. Senate in 1952, where he connected with Lawrence F. "Larry" O'Brien, a city native who would go on to work closely with the president. 

A colorful and complex figure, Kennedy, a Democrat, attended Harvard and fought in the Navy during World War II before going on to represent the commonwealth in the U.S. House of Representatives and later the Senate. He was elected President in 1960, defeating Richard Nixon.