Nothing upsets a president's re-election groove like ugly economic numbers.

AP File Photo In this May 29, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

WASHINGTON — Nothing upsets a president's re-election groove like ugly economic numbers.

A spring slowdown in hiring and a rise in the unemployment rate are weighing on President Barack Obama, while enhancing Republican challenger Mitt Romney's argument that the Democratic incumbent is in over his head.

Some questions and answers about how Friday's economic news may play in a close presidential race:

Q: How bad is this for Obama?

A: Pretty awful. Polls show Obama's handling of the economy is his biggest weak spot. People in the United States overwhelmingly rate the economy as their biggest worry, and jobs are what they say matters most.

But the president still has time for the jobs outlook to improve. Five more monthly unemployment reports are due — the last coming just four days before the Nov. 6 election. The fall numbers will mean more when voters head to the polls.

Q: What can Obama tell voters if the job picture stays bleak?

A: After 3 1/2 years in office, it's getting harder to blame the painfully slow recovery on the mistakes of his predecessor, George W. Bush. But Obama keeps reminding the public of how bad things were when he took office in January 2009. The economy was deep into the recession and losing jobs month after bleak month.

In contrast, over the past two years, Obama notes, businesses have been consistently adding jobs, just not as quickly as needed.

He's also tried shifting blame to congressional Republicans, saying they've held up the recovery by refusing to pass most elements of his jobs bill. And he says some factors dragging down the U.S. economy are beyond a president's control, such as the European economic crisis and fluctuating gasoline prices. The weakening economy in China and turbulence in the Middle East haven't helped, either.

Q: Is Romney seizing this opportunity?

A: With both hands. The lousy jobs numbers fit neatly into Romney's central campaign pitch: That guy doesn't have a clue how to fix the economy, so let me get it done.

He called the jobs news "devastating" and a "harsh indictment" of Obama. Romney says his own experience with a private equity firm, making millions of dollars by overhauling struggling companies, taught him how to revive the economy and create jobs.

Q: So which guy do the voters believe?

A: It's a toss-up so far.

There hasn't been time to measure the impact of Friday's figures. But in an Associated Press-GfK poll last month, people were split over who they'd trust most to handle the economy, Romney or Obama. Asked specifically whether they approve of the way Obama has dealt with unemployment, about half did and half didn't, mostly along party lines.

Still, jobs are clearly a weakness for Obama. His poll numbers are stronger than Romney's on many other qualities, such as which candidate understands regular people, is a strong leader and says what he really believes.

He may benefit from the perception that the mess is so big no one knows what to do. In an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, two-thirds of those surveyed said they were only somewhat confident or not at all confident that Obama has the right goals and policies to improve the economy. Asked this about Romney, three-quarters were only somewhat or not at all confident.

Q: Sure, people care about jobs, but do they really follow the latest economic reports?

A: One number seems to break through: the unemployment rate. That easy-to-understand figure — representing what share of Americans are looking for work and can't find it — edged up to 8.2 percent in May, from 8.1 percent the month before.

And Obama has yet to get it down to even the troublingly high 7.8 percent in place when he took office. (It zoomed to a peak of 10 percent in October 2009.)

Since the government began closely tracking unemployment in 1948, no president has won re-election with numbers as high as those Obama's staring down. The champ is Ronald Reagan, who coasted to a second term in 1984 despite 7.4 percent unemployment in October. A far greater percentage of people were out of work in 1936, when Franklin Roosevelt won re-election in a landslide amid the Great Depression.

Prospects for the unemployment rate to drop sharply before November aren't good. The economy needs to generate at least 125,000 jobs per month just to keep up with population growth — a mark it's fallen far short of for the past two months. And it would take tens of thousands more jobs each month to bring the rate down.

Q: Couldn't the economic outlook brighten before Election Day?

A: It might. Some economists think the weakness could be temporary, reflecting the fallout from an unusually warm winter and technical issues that can sway the government's numbers. Consumer spending and exports remain solid, says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, and the outlook may bounce back to last winter's optimism.

Or the weak report could mark the beginning of a stall in the already sluggish recovery. Discouraging numbers can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just look at the way they drove the stock market down 275 points Friday, in the worst trading day of the year. That sort of thing rattles the business leaders who make hiring decisions.

Many of them are feeling uneasy about world events.

"Europe is the key swing factor," Zandi said.

If Europe addresses its financial troubles, and keeps Greece in the eurozone, the financial markets are likely to settle, he said, and boost U.S. employers' confidence. But if Europe slowly worsens, it will be a drag on the U.S. economy.

By Nov. 6, when a president is picked, the employment picture may look rosier — or glum.

Rich was handed his award by Al Jaffee, best known for his illustrations in Mad Magazine.

Bob Rich

SPRINGFIELD – Bob Rich, staff artist for The Republican, won the award for Best Newspaper Illustration at the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards Weekend on May 26 in Las Vegas.

This is Rich’s third win and fourth nomination for the national prize. His winning picture, which graced the cover of The Republican’s Weekend section on Jan. 6, 2011, illustrated an article on “Livewire: A look at the Best in Local Music.”

It shows a scruffy rocker with goatee, pierced ear, sleeve tattoo and patched jeans swiping an electric guitar whose gaping mouth reveals a dangerous set of teeth. “I was just playing around,” said Rich, “when I came up with the idea of a literally screaming guitar.”

As Rich walked up in his tuxedo to get his award, images of the winning illustration were cast on two giant screens. He was handed the plaque by Al Jaffee, best known for his illustrations in Mad Magazine.

“All these famous cartoonists who inspired me when I was starting out are now friends,” said Rich, whose fellow participants at the conference included Jim Davis and Mike Peters of “Garfield” and “Mother Goose and Grimm fame” respectively, and Stan Goldberg, who is best known for drawing “Archie” comics.

Awards were given out in 14 categories, from Greeting Card to Feature Animation to Editorial Cartoon.

This drawing of It a scruffy rocker with goatee, pierced ear, sleeve tattoo and patched jeans earned Bob Rich the National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Award for Best Newspaper Illustration last week in Las Vegas.

The Reuben Award, which is the profession’s highest honor, is named after Rube Goldberg, longtime honorary president of the National Cartoonists Society.

Goldberg also designed the silver plaque on a black background, which has naked bas-relief cartoon figures cavorting around the frame.

The four-day gathering includes workshops, and Rich said he attends all of them.

Rich joined The Republican in 2002 and has attended the annual event all but two years since then. Last year it was held in Boston.

“It’s one of the professional organizations where, instead of a handshake, you get a hug,” said Rich.

Obituaries from The Republican.

Lilly Ann McCaskill

Lilly Ann McCaskill, 88, of Springfield, passed away on Monday. She was born to the late Isaiah Nash and Mattie Belle (Brown) Nash in Greenwood, Miss. McCaskill was a resident of Springfield for the past 67 years. She was a long-term employee and retiree of the City of Springfield.

Obituaries from The Republican:

• 
  Allessio, Louis
  



• 
  Anderson, Michael G. "Shorty"
  



• 
  Beckwith, Lawrence "Lonnie"
  



• 
  Bozek, Mary (Morsky)
  



• 
  Galaska, Walter J.
  



• 
  Galica, Nancy J. (Bowen)
  



• 
  Hallam, Barbara L. (Barnett)
  



• 
  Hebert, John A. "A Bear"
  



• 
  Hogue, Micheline Parisi "Mickie"
  



• 
  Jablonski Jr., Stanley E.
  



• 
  Martin, Betty J. (Benner)
  



• 
  McCaskill, Lilly Ann
  



• 
  Mueller, Ruth D.
  



• 
  Oleksak, Sharon L. (Teigen)
  



• 
  Paquette, Joan A. (Collins)
  



• 
  Phillips, Bertram M.
  



• 
  Post, Elenor A. (Zajac)
  



• 
  Reveruzzi, Rose (Bartolucci)
  



• 
  Smith, Joanne L. (L'Archeveque)
  



• 
  Trezza, Luigi
  

Despite the rain, a capacity crowd packed the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield as Democrats from across the state gathered for the 2012 Massachusetts Democratic Convention.

The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation gave retiring U.S. Reps. John Olver and Barney Frank a warm send-off. Here, Olver waves as he exits the stage to applause. (Staff photo by Robert Rizzuto)

By Robert Rizzuto & Dan Ring

SPRINGFIELD- Despite the rain, a capacity crowd packed the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield as Democrats from across the state gathered for the 2012 Massachusetts Democratic Convention.

Shortly after party Chair John Walsh kicked-off the convention, the Massachusetts Congressional delegation took the stage to pay tribute to retiring Representatives Barney Frank and John Olver.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, said that the due will be missed but their accomplishments will live on through their legacy.

"Barney Frank, in terms of the witt, humor and great skill of an accomplished legislator, we are going to miss that debating skill and the keen insight he brought," Neal said. "And with John Olver, my colegue here in Western Massachusetts, how many people have benefited from his kindness?"

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, said that while reflecting on the time spent with both representatives, good memories come to mind.

"John Olver, I'm proud to say I've been arrested with him, twice. And he's more fun than you might think in a jail cell," McGovern told the crowd. "Barney Frank, sometimes he can be a pain in the neck but his heart is always in the right place. The commonwealth is better off for their service and the House of Representatives will not be the same withot them."

Attorney General Martha Coakley, who is polling the highest among potential candidates for governor in 2014, gave a brief speech at the convention after canceling her overseas travel plans.

Coakley made no mention of her former nemesis, Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown.

She said Democrats need to remind people about the terrible recession that occurred after eight years of former Republican President George W. Bush.

“We are on the right course,” she said, calling for the re-election of President Barack Obama.“We are not going back.”

Coakley lost to Brown in a special election in 2010 but went on to be re-elected as attorney general, a position which she talked about while addressing the delegates.

"We are fighting to make sure Citizens United is thrown out or overturned to keep corporate money out of politics. We are fighting to keep it so people in Massachusetts can marry anyone they love," Coakley said to a huge ovation. "We need to send Democrats to the House and the Senate in Washington. And the next time a Republican asks if we are better off than 4 years ago, you tell them that's the wrong question. You ask them why were things so bad four years ago?"

Later in the program, Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Elizabeth Warren and Marisa DeFranco will take the stage for 15 minutes each to make their case to the delegates who will endorse one candidate as the party's official choice to take on Brown in November.

Stick with MassLive.com for the latest from the convention.

The Selectboard discussed the possibility of having the Falls designated a Historic District by the state.

SOUTH HADLEY – The Selectboard approved several proposals this week related to the Falls neighborhood of South Hadley, including elimination of a sharp corner for drivers, application for status as a historical district and creation of a new committee dedicated to the Falls.

The Falls district, in the southern part of town by the river, was a vibrant part of South Hadley for earlier generations, but fell victim to neglect after many of its factories closed.

In the past few years, the officials have devoted much time and energy to the “Rise of the Falls,” as they are calling the mission.

South Hadley selectmen Robert Judge, left, and Francis DeToma are seen in this composite file photo.

One problem has been the building at Canal and Main Streets that was vacated by the FiberMark company and is still known by that name.

Many options were studied. Then, at a meeting of the town’s Community and Economic Development Committee, chairman Jeffrey Labrecque expressed what at the time was a truly “out of the box” idea. Not only did he recommend tearing down the building, but also rebuilding the road there to “smooth out” the dangerous curve where Main, High and Canal Streets converge.

The same recommendation was echoed when a team of architecture and design experts came to town in April to study the Falls on a grant.

This week the Selectboard formally approved the plan. Town Planner Richard Harris suggested applying for a road work grant that would include the demolition of the FiberMark building.

Also discussed at the Selectboard meeting was the prospect of having the Falls designated a Historic District by the state.

Selectman Robert Judge said the Historical Commission in town “did considerable work” in 2007-8 to start the process, but never completed it.

Selectman Francis DeToma said he strongly supports pursuing the designation, adding that it would increase property values in the neighborhood.

The board said the town’s Historical Commission currently has a vacant seat. Any resident interested in filling it (and helping pursue Historic District status) can contact the Selectboard at selectboard@southhadleyma.gov or 413-538-5017, ext. 135.

Finally, the Selectboard approved a proposal to create a new “Rise of the Falls Facilitation Group.”

In his presentation, Harris recommended that the group consist of 9-13 members, including residents of the Falls and other neighborhoods, as well as representatives of the Conservation Commission, the Historical Society, the Planning Board and other relevant committees.

Members would be appointed to three-year terms, and the Rise of the Falls group would dissolve after three years.

By then, the reasoning went, the infant Falls Neighborhood Association will be firmly established and able to take over the functions of the temporary group.

Patrick, who formally endorsed Warren ahead of the convention this week, said that Democrats must work to be clear about what they stand for and not just speak on the things they are against.

Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's speech to the delegates at the 2012 Democratic state convention drew wild applause and cheers from the thousands of delegates in attendance. (Staff photo by Robert Rizzuto)

By Robert Rizzuto & Dan Ring

SPRINGFIELD - The two top Democrats in Massachusetts drew a huge response at the Bay State's Democratic convention in Springfield on Saturday with each man talking about the issues that face the party and the country this election year.

Gov. Deval Patrick said that regardless of whether Harvard Law School professor Elizabeth Warren or Middleton immigration attorney Marisa DeFranco go on to the general election, be feels the Democrats will defeat Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown.

"One way or another, with the help of everyone in this room, Massachusetts will have a strong Democratic Woman in the US Senate next year," Patrick said to wild applause and cheering at the MassMutual Center. "This is the election of a lifetime, because more than any one candidate, what is at stake is the American Dream."

Patrick, who formally endorsed Warren ahead of the convention this week, said that Democrats must work to be clear about what they stand for and not just speak on the things they are against.

"We believe government is about people not abstract policy. We believe that government has a role to play. We Democrats believe in the American Dream," Patrick said. "If we want to earn the privilege to lead than it is time for Democrats to grow a backbone and stand up for what we believe. What people crave and what Democrats must offer is the politics of conviction. Some of our choices in Massachusetts and some facing our nation make us uncomfortable. But the times demand we reconnect with our highest and best values."

Patrick, who has said he will not to run for a third term as governor, said the people in his party need to take charge of their own destiny.

"We shape our own future. When the American Dream is at stake you want Democrats in charge," Patrick said. "I believe the American Dream is worth fighting for. President Barack Obama believes the American Dream is worth fighting for. Democrats believe the American Dream is worth fighting for. I say that because I have lived it. I see how transformative it is and how defining it is for us as a nation."

Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray rallied the delegates with a finger-waving speech and the need to be “all in” for Democratic candidates.

Murray is not ruling out a run for governor in 2014, but his image may have been tarnished by a November car crash on Interstate 1-190 in Sterling. Murray was driving about 90 miles per hour upon impact with a rocky ledge, without a seat belt. He suffered no injuries but was ticketed by State Police.

“It’s time to get all in,” Murray said, emphasizing a convention theme. “Are you in? it’s time to get fired up for the fall. We’re proud to be Democrats.”

Murray also paid tribute to first responders for last year's June 1 tornado, which he said was 39 miles long from Westfield to Charlton.

Springfield Promise director praises scholarship program's first three years.

SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno is dropping his proposal to take $5 million from a state-funded scholarship program to help balance the city budget because it doesn’t have the support of legislators.

Sarno said Friday his proposal to take money from the ACCESS Springfield Promise scholarship program was never intended to harm it, and he didn’t rule out pursuing his proposal again.

Lorenzo Gaines, program director, said that even with a cut of that magnitude, if approved, the change “should not hamper any operations over the next three to five years.” The program focuses on counseling Springfield public school students, assisting them with financial aid, and providing “last-dollar scholarships” of up to $1,000 each, he said.

The Springfield Promise program was created in July of 2009, and initially provided scholarships totaling $238,000 to a total of 271 Springfield students from the classes of 2009 and 2010. The number of seniors using the services has grown each year, Gaines said.

“The greatest value that ACCESS Springfield Promise provides to the young people and families of Springfield is expert information and guidance throughout the financial aid process,” Gaines said. “The prohibitive cost of college results in far too many low- and moderate-income students abandoning all thoughts of college, or failing to persist once enrolled.”

Counselors helped students and families leverage close to $24 million in the Class of 2010 and Class of 2011, an ACCESS spokeswoman said.

The program was created by the state-imposed Finance Control Board that oversaw city finances for five years.

The city had received a $52 million, interest-free loan from the state in 2004, when placed under the control board. Once finances improved, the city repaid all the money except $10 million which the state allowed to be used to fund the Springfield Promise program.

Bob Giannino-Racine, chief executive officer of ACCESS, based in Boston, said that Sarno, in a recent meeting, “shared his support for the Promise Program and the role it plays in building the city’s future,” while also speaking of the current budget challenges in Springfield.

“Communities across the commonwealth are struggling to find ways to maintain services with a shrinking revenue base,” Giannino-Racine said.

Sarno presented a series of proposals to legislative leaders a month ago, including a request to take funds from the Springfield Promise trust.

“I don’t believe it would hurt Springfield Promise,” Sarno said. “There would still be $3 million, and I have asked them to be much more aggressive in going after more funding.”

Sarno said he is a big proponent of the program, believing it help Springfield students in furthering their education, which helps with employment opportunities and with reducing poverty.

Sarno said legislators have told him they won’t support his proposal.

ACCESS has raised approximately $70,000 in private contributions this year. The major partners include the Davis Foundation, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts MassMutual Financial Group, and Berkshire Bank.

Gaines said that approximately 700 seniors used the Springfield Promise services in the inaugural year, 2009-10. This year the number has climbed to 979.

ACCESS has partnered with 22 community-based organizations to allow greater results in helping students, Gaines said.

ACCESS is playing a significant role in encouraging ore students to attend college, Gaines said.

This year, 81 percent of the graduating seniors in Springfield that were advised by ACCESS-Springfield Promise have enrolled in higher education institutions, according to an ACCESS spokeswoman.

Warren, who is facing in-party competition from immigration attorney Marisa DeFranco, took aim at what she sees as failures evident in Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown's voting record.

Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren drew cheers and praise from many of the delegates at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Springfield. (Staff Photo by Robert Rizzuto)

SPRINGFIELD- In her 15 minute speech to delegates at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Springfield on Saturday, Harvard Law School professor Elizabeth Warren said she wants to be a champion for the people as a U.S. Senator representing the Bay State.

Warren, who is facing in-party competition from immigration attorney Marisa DeFranco, took the stage to Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down" following an introduction by two of her granddaughters.

Warren used part of her speech to take aim at what she sees as failures evident in Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown's record.

"Two years ago, Massachusetts sent someone to Washington who seemed like a decent guy, but boy, did he let us down," Warren told the crowd. "In no time at all, he chose Wall Street over Main Street, millionaires over the middle class and big oil over big ideas. We need a senator who will stand up for hard-working people, who won't sell out to Wall Street, who will fight for our future."

Warren, who has been dogged for more than a month over questions about her Native American heritage, spent time ahead of the convention holding interviews with local and national media in an attempt to put the issue to rest.

While some thought the allegations that she used her ancestry to boost her career would hurt her politically, several polls including the latest Western New England University poll conducted with The Republican newspaper and MassLive.com concluded that voters were more concerned about the economy.

Warren, as she made her pitch to delegates, several times mentioned the late Senator Ted Kennedy, honoring the man who Brown replaced following his death and drawing comparisons between the two.

"Like many of you, I was deeply blessed to have had the chance to support Senator Kennedy in his fight for working families. To this day, I keep a voicemail from Senator Kennedy thanking me for my help on consumer work," Warren said. "It's a long way from Ted Kennedy to Scott Brown. Look, I don't care what kind of truck Scott Brown drives... I care how he votes."

The delegates are expected to endorse Warren as the official Democratic candidate to take on Brown in November but if DeFranco lands support from 15 percent of the delegates, she will be on the primary ballot, perhaps forcing some debates ahead of the general election.

Thirty-five students graduates from the school on Saturday.

SPRINGFIELD – Alesia Days, keynote speaker for the New Leadership Charter School’s 2012 commencement ceremony, told the 35 graduates to thank their parents, study hard and to surround themselves with good people who share their goals.

Days, a lawyer as well as the city of Springfield’s director of licensing, spoke at the ceremony on Saturday at American International College’s Karen Sprague Cultural Center.

While she told them to study and work hard, she also told them to have fun, to travel, “to really take the time and explore yourselves.” Those who don’t have any goals will be doing the same thing 10 years from now, she said.

Charmaine White, the school’s chief executive officer, told the graduates that making a mistake is a part of a learning.

“Use your success to fortify you, and your mistakes to fuel you. Your success in the world is in your hands,” White said.

Peter Daboul, chairman of the school’s Board of Directors, told the graduates that one tool they will always have at their disposal is their education.

Valedictorian Jasmine A. Jiles said she views her classmates as an ambitious group. She mentioned Shannoya Scott, the track star; Kaila Barnett, who became a certified nursing assistant and will go on to study nursing; and salutatorian Sashoy P. Bailey.

“Who are we are going to be? That’s a mystery to all of us. I ask that you, our families, our friends, our role models, support us on our journey of discovery,” Jiles said.

Before the ceremony, Jiles, 17, said she will attend Springfield College to study English and the performing arts. Her career goals are to be either an English teacher or a musician, as she plays the piano. She said she has been looking forward to graduation, but will miss the school because she had so many good experiences.

“I’m proud to say I graduated from New Leadership,” Jiles said.

Bailey, 17, will head to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell to study chemical engineering. She wants to find a cure for cancer someday because her aunt and grandmother both suffered from it.

Katie J. Santiago, 18, hopes to go to Newbury College in Boston to study culinary arts. Her plan is to become a pastry chef, and she would like to work in a bakery and make cakes. She enjoys making bread and cakes for her family.

Stephen L. Jackson, 17, said he was nervous about graduating, but excited, too.

“I’ve been waiting for this forever. I’m ready to take the next step,” Jackson said.

Jackson will go the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for engineering. He said he’s always been good at math and science.

Graduate Dajhe Martin received an award for making exceptional strides and for his improvement during his years at New Leadership.

The fiery Marisa DeFranco said Democrats need to remember what they are about and how that separates them from the competition.

SPRINGFIELD - Marisa DeFranco, the fiery federal immigration attorney facing Elizabeth Warren for the Democratic nomination to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in November, told the delegates at the state convention in Springfield that she has what it takes to go up against the popular senator.

DeFranco, who delivered her 15 minute speech to the 3,554 delegates in attendance following a slideshow of her statewide appearances, said Democrats need to remember what they are about and how that separates them from the competition.

"Everyday people need someone who understand their problems and can offer real world solutions. Scott Brown and the GOP just don't get it," DeFranco told the delegates. "Small businesses are the soul of American and the very bedrock of our economy. And we as the Democratic party are the very heartbeat of Democracy. We are the party that helps lift people up while Scott Brown supports the people in corporations. We must support our sisters and brothers in the unions so we can restore fairness to workers across the nation."

DeFranco also talked jobs and health care during her speech, two issues she has been quite vocal about as she presented her case to the Massachusetts people and now the delegates.

"Health care- the fight has not even begun. And as a reality check, we have the rationing of healthcare in this country right now and it's called your health insurance company," said DeFranco, who feels the Democrats gave too many concessions with the president's health care overhaul.

On the topic of jobs, DeFranco reiterated her stance that through deficit spending, "we can put people back to work tomorrow."

"It is un-American to say we are unwilling to invest the billions in the American people that we've invested in (corporations). We need jobs now, DeFranco said to applause. "Democrats have always been the ones to bring up the economy after the Republicans flat-line it and leave it in pieces."

And although Warren focused on Brown during her speech, DeFranco took a swipe at the Harvard Law School professor, insinuating that she wasn't tough enough for a election-year fight.

"Scott Brown has made it evident that he is making this Senate race a street fight," DeFranco said. "We need a candidate that won't back down and will stand a fight. I have a history of representing people from all walks of life, going up against long odds and winning."

The delegates are expected to endorse Warren as the official party choice to take on Brown but as long as DeFranco lands support from 15 percent of the delegates, she will remain on the primary ballot and perhaps force the consumer advocate into a few debates ahead of the general election.

A spokewoman for the state fire marshal's office said adults need to keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of children. She said adult smokers in the home should only have one lighter, not dozens.

This is an update of a story posted Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

WALES -The fire that destroyed a home at 10 Lynch Road on Wednesday was started by a child who was misusing fire, according to a spokeswoman from the state fire marshal’s office.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Mieth said adults need to keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of children. She said adult smokers in the home should only have one lighter, not dozens. She said the family will be referred to a program designed to prevent another occurrence.

The Red Cross assisted the family with housing, as the house is a total loss. No one was injured.

Authorities say he walked off with cash from a teller at the first bank, left empty-handed from the second one, but scored again at the third bank.

The robber was described as Hispanic, about 5-foot-7, and 150 pounds. He wore black pants, a red shirt and a red baseball hat.

NEW YORK – Police say a busy crook robbed three New York City banks in just 30 minutes.

The holdups happened on Friday afternoon in Brooklyn, all along a road called Kings Highway.

Police tell The New York Times the man never showed a weapon. He simply handed the tellers notes and waited for the money.

Authorities say he walked off with cash from a teller at the first bank, left empty-handed from the second one, but scored again at the third bank.

Police did not say how much was lost as they continue to search for a suspect.

"What Really Happened" is set to be released on June 26.

This photo provided by RMT PR Management shows the cover of "What Really Happened," a memoir about Rielle Hunter, her relationship with former presidential candidate and Sen. John Edwards and their daughter. (AP Photo/RMT PR Management)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — John Edwards' mistress Rielle Hunter is publishing a memoir about her relationship with the former presidential candidate and their daughter.

Jennifer Canzoneri, marketing manager at Dallas-based BenBella Books, says "What Really Happened" is set to be released on June 26.

Edwards and Hunter had an affair while the Democrat was running for the White House in 2008 and have a daughter together, Frances Quinn Hunter.

On Thursday, a jury acquitted Edwards on one count of illegally accepting campaign contributions and deadlocked on five other charges. He had been accused of orchestrating a plan to use money from campaign donors to hide Hunter while he ran for the White House.

His relationship with Hunter currently remains unclear.

To resounding cheers and applause, Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren walked away from the state party's convention in Springfield as the official Democratic candidate to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in November. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD 06.02.12. - Harvard Law School professor Elizabeth Warren answers questions from reporters after it was announced that she won a record percentage of support from the delegates at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Springfield to become the party's official candidate to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in November. (Republican Photo by Robert Rizzuto)

SPRINGFIELD- To resounding cheers and applause, Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren walked away from the state party's convention in Springfield as the official Democratic candidate to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in November.

"We've been endorsing candidates this way for 30 years and we've never had a candidate get 86 percent of the delegates votes," said party Chair John Walsh, referencing the minimum 15 percent support threshold Marisa DeFranco needed to appear on the party's primary ballot.

With Warren landing 95.77 percent of the delegate votes and shattering the record, she prevented DeFranco from getting the votes she needed, effectively ending the immigration attorney's candidacy.

Warren, who was the party favorite to take on Brown since she entered the race in late 2011, took on the Republican incumbent in her speech to the delegates and in her speech accepting the party's official endorsement.

"Thank you Marisa for your passion and commitment to Democratic values," Warren said. "And now, I've got just one thing to say, I'm ready!"

Following her acceptance speech, she stood alongside supporters at the MassMutual Center in Springfield where she said the convention's outcome was a validation of their efforts.

"I faced this, working for every single vote, every single day and today, I worked for every single vote, every single hour," Warren said. "It's what you do. Now, I'd love to see some debates with Scott Brown. Let's get started."

DeFranco was unavailable for comment immediately following the convention.

Walsh said Warren won because of her "impressive grassroots organization" and "her record as a tireless advocate for middle class families"

“Never before have Massachusetts Democrats rallied around a candidate with such passion and determination," Walsh said in a statement. "We think that Elizabeth is the candidate who can beat Scott Brown and we know that she will be a senator who will make Massachusetts families proud. The choice facing Massachusetts voters in November is now crystal clear. Scott Brown stands with Wall Street and big corporations and Elizabeth Warren will fight for middle class Massachusetts families."

Warren, a Harvard Law School professor who has been dogged for weeks by a controversy surrounding her Native American ancestry and what part, if any it played in her career advancement, came to Springfield on Friday working to put the issue behind her.

She took several interviews with local and national reporters and arguably, for the first time since the controversy surfaced, tackled the issue head-on.

Following the convention, Deputy Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party Peter Blute, said that the commonwealth benefits from having diversity in its Senate delegation, as Brown, a Republican, and Democratic U.S. Sen. John Kerry now provide.

"In Washington, it is a two-party place and it is better to have someone in the other caucus to advocate for the state," Blute said. "A lot of time, the discussions take place in the other caucus room and you are better off to have someone there."

Blute described the way the Democratic Party rallied around Warren at the convention as the systematic "snuffing out" of DeFranco's campaign, as the outside money and influence makes an impact on the state party.

"It's obvious what happened today-they took the opportunity to snuff out a burgeoning campaign because she (DeFranco) was starting to ask uncomfortable questions," Blute said.

Walsh did take time to commend DeFranco for her efforts and Democrats at the convention hinted that this is likely not the last of the fiery federal immigration attorney as far as politics in concerned.

“Marisa worked hard and she should be proud of how she stood up for what she believes,” Walsh said. “I hope she continues to fight for our Democratic principles.”

A Western New England University poll conducted in a partnership with The Republican newspaper and MassLive.com, concluded that Warren and Brown are running neck-and-neck despite the controversy, with the consumer advocate gaining support in key demographics across the state.

In Western Massachusetts, Warren is holding a small lead over Brown, 44 to 41 percent.

The crime happened on Thursday at Yes, a computer store, in the city.

submitted photoHere is the man that the Northampton police believe was responsible for shoplifting items from the Yes computer store this week.

submitted photoHere is the woman that Northampton police believe stole items from the Yes computer store this week.

NORTHAMPTON – The Northampton Police Department is seeking a man and a woman suspected of stealing more than $2,500 worth of merchandise from Yes, a computer store on Pleasant Street, on Thursday.

The store's surveillance video captured images of two individuals police believe are responsible for the crime.

Anyone with information regarding the identities of the two individuals can call the Northampton Police Department at (413) 587-1105.

If anyone wishes to remain anonymous they can text a tip at on their cell phone at 274637 and type PROTECT preceding the information.

Democratic Rep. Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera of Springfield said it was a glaring omission considering that 39 percent of Springfield's population is Hispanic.

By Dan Ring & Robert Rizzuto

SPRINGFIELD - No Hispanics were on the speaking program of the Democratic State Convention on Saturday, in an apparent oversight by party officials that drew the ire of Hispanic leaders.

Democratic Rep. Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera of Springfield said it was a glaring omission considering that 39 percent of Springfield's population is Hispanic and considering the importance of Hispanics to the Democratic party. She said that Democrats are supposed to be the inclusive party and it was important to have Hispanics on the stage speaking.

"They want our vote," Rivera said. "But they don't want to see our faces?"

Kevin Franck, communications director for the Massachusetts Democrats, said party leaders take full responsibility for "the error."

"It was a serious mistake," Franck said. "There is no excuse for it."

John E. Walsh , chairman of the Democratic state party, said that there were a couple of prominent Hispanic people on stage throughout the program, and that three Hispanic children led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Despite their inclusion, he acknowledged the party should have had included a Latino speaker at the convention.

Coakley-Rivera wasn't the only Democrat who took issue with the convention's speaker lineup.

Bill Shein, an Alford-based political activist running against U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and Andrea Nuciforo Jr. to represent the newly drawn 1st Congressional District, boycotted the convention after taking issue with several actions of the party in regards to the event.

Shein said the party showed "inappropriate official favoritism" in a contested primary by using a delegate selection caucus as a Neal campaign event, sharing office space in two locations with Neal, sending and paying for communications from Neal and by not offering equal time to himself and Nuciforo at the state convention, where Neal addressed more than 3,000 delegates on Saturday.

In response to Shein's grievances, Franck denied the party engaged in any institutional favoritism toward Neal, saying that the Springfield native was speaking because he represents the current 2nd Congressional District, of which Springfield is a part until the new districts take effect next year.

At the convention, Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren won a record 95.77 percent of the delegate vote effectively ending the candidacy of Marisa DeFranco, a Middleton immigration attorney.

Warren will now proceed to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in November's general election.

The charter school's director said a majority of the Class of 2012 began their academic careers as kindergarten students 13 years ago.

Staff photo by Michael BeswickStudents gather on the second floor of the Hall before the Ceremony as Sabis International Charter School held their 12th Commencement Exercises at Symphony Hall Saturday.

SPRINGFIELD – Put the supporters of 114 dreams and goals in a room and you’ll get a pretty big crowd.

Such was the case at the 12th graduation ceremony on Saturday for SABIS International Charter School at Symphony Hall. The milestone filled most of the seats at the venue, as the school yielded 114 new graduates. School Director Karen Reuter noted that the majority of this class had joined the SABIS rolls early.

“You should know 51 of the 114 began their school careers as members of our kindergarten class, and this class has achieved legendary MCAS scores,” Reuter told a crowd who greeted the soon-to-be-graduates with hoots of support and optimism to the tradition tune of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Since its founding in 1995, the college preparatory charter school on Joan Street has become one of the most sought-after high school alma maters in the city, with a waiting list thousands of students long.

SABIS does not choose valedictorians or salutatorians; its line-up of speakers included onetime SABIS volleyball star Chelsea Orefice, who noted the hall included 114 reasons to be optimistic, clad in white and crimson robes and mortarboards.

Reuter said that the hall was filled not only with proposed graduates but those who nudged and nurtured them along the way.

“A high school diploma is nothing to take for granted,” she said.

On a soaker of a day that drove the weekend’s spate of graduation ceremonies and parties indoors, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno reminded the crowd that the city had endured its share of weather disasters this year, and commended the class for its part in establishing a tradition in Springfield in the school’s relatively short tenure. Sarno said the school is an example of not letting “a zip code dictate your future.”

“Don’t let anyone, and I mean anyone, tell you that you can’t achieve your goals. Use that as adrenaline to prove them wrong,” he said.

Eamon J. Wick, of Northampton, used the words cohesive, eclectic, multi-talented and approachable to describe his graduating class at The Academy at Charlemont.

The Academy at Charlemont and Four Rivers Charter Public School in Greenfield awarded high school diplomas in separate ceremonies held at the Franklin County schools Saturday.

Eamon J. Wick, of Northampton, used the words cohesive, eclectic, multi-talented and approachable to describe his graduating class at The Academy at Charlemont.

“Our class really works hard, but our studies are not the only things we do,” said Wick, 18, a National Merit Scholarship commended student who was involved in school and non-school bands, played soccer, basketball and ultimate Frisbee, and served on the Community Service Council that participated in Tropical Storm Irene cleanup.

He will attend Tufts University to pursue interests in media studies and communications or sound recordings.

Of the 17 graduates, three are returning to their home countries to complete their own high school programs, 12 will be attending college in the fall, one will complete a post-graduate year at the academy, and one plans to take a year off before heading to college.

Besides Massachusetts, members of the Class of 2012 come from Italy, Germany, Finland and China.

During a telephone interview from his home, Wick said attending a small school has been a blessing. “It’s awesome to connect with teachers and classmates and have a close bond,” he said.

Nineteen eighth-grade students were to be honored at the academy’s commencement as they completed their studies in the lower school.

For Four Rivers Charter Public School Class of 2012, 28 students were graduating with 24 heading to college either immediately or after a year off.

“We are very proud of our graduating seniors. Each one of them has met or exceeded the requirements and standards Four Rivers set for them,” said Peter Garbus, principal and head of school. These include a significant senior project plus four years of English, social studies and science.

“They have proven themselves through their efforts and have shown us that they are ready for lives of learning and service as our school mission sets forth,” he said.

Scheduled speakers were: Troy Harrington-Woodard, of Northfield; Carin Allman Wales, of Charlemont; Kate Tease, of Greenfield; Fiona Wilson, of Orange; Bryan Kernan-Dufresne, of Ashfield; Israel Bernard, of Buckland; Jessica LaCoy, of Montague, and Kaethe Armitage, of Shutesbury.

Cora Paul earned the valedictorian address as the highest academic achiever. She spoke about how quickly high school years passed.

The Republican / Mike Beswick2012 Class President Kara Rys delivers the welcome address to students, faculty, family and friends at the 2012 graduation at Ware High School Saturday.

WARE - Ware high school graduated 70 Saturday, and at Quaboag Regional School District 67 earned diplomas in ceremonies Saturday.

Of the Ware graduates, 87 percent plan to continue their education or join the military.

The senior class chose as its theme song “Tattoos on this Town” by Jason Aldean.

Cora Paul earned the valedictorian address as the highest academic achiever. She spoke about how quickly high school years passed, the importance of family and social roots.

“I’ve learned how quickly time can pass before our eyes,” Paul said. “We can never forget where we came from and grew up with.” She plans to attend Bridgewater State University, majoring in dance education.

Second-best grade point average belongs to Nicholas Sloat, who remembers the inspiration when his older brother, Nathan, graduated from Ware High School in 2005. Nathan went onto college and graduated from Cornell University in 2009.

Nicholas will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall, majoring in electrical engineering.

“Seven years ago when I watched my brother recite his graduation speech, I never imagined I would be reading one myself,” Sloat said. He is the son of Kim and Peter Sloat.

The Quaboag Regional School District includes the towns of Warren and West Brookfield. Saturday’s keynote speaker was 1977 graduate Cliff Lanier, who is now on the Quaboag high school math faculty.

Jessica McCann, of Warren, the senior class president, recalled that many students have known one another since childhood.

“Many of us have been friends since kindergarten, learning, growing, and playing together since we were just small children,” she said. “I hope that we remember that wherever the next chapter brings us, and whatever challenge we may choose to take, I hope that we all remember and hold true to what shaped our yesterdays.”

The boarding and day school yielded 124 graduates at its commencement ceremony.

Photo by Conor BrennanGraduates celebrated at the 171st Commencement of The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton.

EASTHAMPTON - The Williston Northampton School sent off 124 new graduates at its commencement service on Saturday.

Students at the boarding and day school hailed from as far as Seoul, San Francisco and Saudi Arabia, but a majority of its graduating class came from communities in Massachusetts including several from Easthampton.

The 171st commencement ceremony featured an address from Joanna T. Lau, founder and chief executive officer of Lau Technologies, a consulting and investment company in Concord. It was founded by in 1990 and specialized in military contracts until segueing into debt and equity financing and consulting to mid-sized companies.

Lau was named the 1995 Entrepreneur of the Year by INC and Ernst and Young, and also has been awarded the Mass High Tech All-Star Awards and First New England Leadership Award.

Virtually all of the graduating class at Williston Northampton is college-bound. Among those who received athletic and academic awards were Daniel Rowe, of Orange, N.J.; Bridget Instrum, of Granby; Sarah Hubbard, of Westfield; Midori Tagawa, of Kagawa, Japan; Joseph Newlin, of West Whately; Connor Sheehan, of Westfield; Kevin Conroy, of Easthampton; Lauren O’Connor, of Ocean Ridge, Fla.; Andrew White, of Conway; Sarah Wilkie, of Ashby; Hansen Yang, of Taiyuan, China; Addison Coley, of South Deerfield; Adrian Mendoza, of Santa Ana, Calif., and Katherine Cavanaugh, of South Hadley.

Hansen Yang of Shan Xi, People's Republic of China, won the valedictorian's award in a tight race.

“The Class of 2012 leaves Williston Northampton prepared to face the challenges ahead, which I know they will do admirably. We are proud to send off such an extraordinary, talented, and accomplished group of students - we know they bring purpose, passion, and integrity with them into all that comes next in their lives,” said Head of School Robert W. Hill III.