American farmers are still expected to produce their 8th-largest harvest ever, and while there's sure to be a rise in prices at the grocery stores, there's little risk of a failed harvest that would lead to shortages on the shelves.

By JIM SUHR | AP Business Writer

Associated PressThis photo from Aug. 1, 2012, shows a drought damaged ear of corn in Westfield, Ind., corn field. U.S. corn growers could have their worst crop in a generation as the harshest drought in decades takes its toll, the government reported Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, as it forecast the lowest average yield in 17 years. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A deepening drought in the nation's farm states has cut further into this fall's harvest, with farmers now expected to pull from their fields the lowest corn yield in more than a decade.

But American farmers are still expected to produce their eighth-largest harvest ever, and while there's sure to be a rise in prices at the grocery stores, there's little risk of a failed harvest that would lead to shortages on the shelves.

The U.S. Agriculture Department predicted the nation's biggest harvest ever in the spring, when farmers planted 96.4 million acres of corn — the most since 1937. But it cut its estimate a month ago and again Friday, saying it now expects the nation to produce 10.8 billion bushels, the least since 2006.

If that estimate holds, the federal government says it will be enough to meet the world's needs and ensure there are no shortages. But experts say food prices will almost certainly climb as corn is a widely used ingredient found in everything from cosmetics to cereal, colas and candy bars.

The drought stretching across the U.S. from Ohio west to California is deepest in the middle of the country, and major farm states like Iowa and Illinois are seeing conditions get worse each week. Farmers credit advances in seed technology that have produced hardier, more drought-tolerant corn for any harvest at all.

"I have to be honest with you, I'm totally stunned we have corn with green stalks and leaves after going through weeks of 105-degree temperature," said Garry Niemeyer, the National Corn Growers Associated president who has 1,200 acres of corn and 800 acres of soybeans near Auburn, Ill. "Our corn yield normally would be about 190 bushels per acre. This year, if I get 110, I'd be thrilled to death."

The USDA's latest estimate predicts corn farmers will average 123.4 bushels per acre, down 24 bushels from last year in what would be the lowest average yield in 17 years. But the yield would still be as good as nearly a decade ago, when the average was about 129 bushels in a year without drought.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack trumpeted the resilience of U.S. farmers and ranchers on Friday, saying he didn't expect immediate increases in food prices and was optimistic the U.S. would continue meeting global demand for grain. The U.S. is the world's top exporter of corn, soybeans and wheat.

"Americans shouldn't see immediate increases in food prices due to the drought," Vilsack said during a trip to drought-stricken Nebraska. "What is important going forward is that we continue to do all we can to help the farmers, ranchers, small businesses and communities being impacted by this drought."

But experts have already been predicting increases in food prices. Rick Whitacre, a professor of agricultural economics at Illinois State University, said he believes the greatest impact will be in meat and poultry prices, given that many ranchers have sold off livestock as pastures dry up and feed costs rise.

The selloff will result in lower prices through December with a glut of meat on the market — but higher costs beginning next year. Whitacre predicted an eventual 4 to 6 percent increase in the cost of pork and beef.

"You're going to see the ripple of this go out for quite a distance," he said.

The effect on packaged goods and other products is harder to predict because the price of corn may be only a small part of the total cost. For example, even with today's high corn prices, a 12-ounce box of cornflakes would have only about 8 cents worth of corn, said Paul Bertels, vice president of production and utilization at the National Corn Growers Association. That's a very small portion of the $4 or so consumers might pay for that box of cereal.

Dennis Conley, an agricultural economist in University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said he expected to see nominally higher prices in U.S. supermarkets, although when "is the million-dollar question." He thought it might be a month or two before products using corn as an ingredient cost more.

Corn prices have already been going up with steady reports of worsening drought and crop damage, jumping from just under $6 a bushel in late June to over $8 a bushel in early August. There was little immediate effect from Friday's report, perhaps because the commodities sector expected the bad news.

"There was nothing really surprising. We've already had some private analysts suggesting the crop could be that low," said Mark Schultz, chief analyst at Northstar Commodity in Minneapolis. "In another two weeks there will be people picking corn in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa. So we'll start getting an idea of what these yields truly are."

AP Business writers Candice Choi, Seth Sutel and Christina Rexrode in New York contributed to this story.

Beginning in July 2014, school districts will have to provide expelled and suspended students with education opportunities, like alternative schools, tutoring or Internet learning modules.

File photo | Associated Press

By SHANNON YOUNG

BOSTON — Students who are suspended or expelled from Massachusetts schools will soon have more educational options, under a new state law signed by Gov. Deval Patrick.

Beginning in July 2014, school districts will have to provide expelled and suspended students with education opportunities, like alternative schools, tutoring or Internet learning modules. Each district will determine the options it will offer.

Mitchell Chester, the state's Elementary and Secondary Education commissioner, said there is currently no requirement to provide expelled or suspended students with these opportunities, with only a handful providing excluded students with alternative education programs.

Chester said the department fully supports the new law, which Patrick signed Monday, as it helps to ensure a student's "right to an education."

"We shouldn't be washing our hands of school-aged youth by expelling them," the commissioner said.

Under the new law, school districts will be required to report to the state the number of days each student is barred during the school year, which education officials say will allow the state to better investigate racial and ethnic disparities in these punishments.

The law will establish a 90-school day long maximum period of exclusion and requires schools to consider alternative disciplines before suspending or expelling students.

Supporters say these changes will help students like 19-year-old Somerville resident Sonia Vivas, who was nearly expelled from school in 8th grade.

Vivas said school officials told her she could not return to school after a former friend accused Vivas of physically threatening her.

"It's the worst feeling when you're 14 and you don't know who you are and everyone thinks you're going to be nothing," said Vivas, who strongly denies the allegation. After working with an advocate and missing about six months of school, Vivas was finally allowed back. She graduated from high school in 2011.

She said the new law will give students education options that she didn't have. The law requiring school districts to send discipline notices in both English and a family's primary language will also help parents understand their options, she said.

Thomas Mela, who worked on Vivas' case through Massachusetts Advocates for Children, said while he wished the law would've taken effect immediately, he hopes "school districts will see the law as a good practice and undertake compliance ... as soon as possible."

Educators and school administrators have also raised concerns over the legislation, saying it will be costly to implement and that the current provisions in place help protect the safety of other students.

In written testimony, the Massachusetts Elementary Principals Association called the legislation "unrealistic in many ways." The group argues that school administrators do not have the time or resources to collect missing work and lesson plans for suspended or expelled students.

The association did not respond to requests for comment on the new law.

Rep. Alice Peisch, a Wellesley Democrat and chair of the Joint Education Committee, said while funding for the law's programs and practices are a concern, schools will be able to use existing funding to help cover costs.

According to the most recent data from the state's Department of Education, over 48,000 students received out-of-school suspensions in the 2010-2011 school year in Massachusetts.

Over 100 students were removed from school to an "alternative setting" and nearly 200 were permanently expelled during the same school year, according to state data. But a department spokesman said this data does not reflect the total number of expulsions or long-term suspensions that occurred, as the state currently only collects information on when these disciplines were granted for drug or violent offenses.

The weekend marks the state’s eighth sales tax holiday in the past nine years.

The Republican / David MolnarAs Deb Penzias look through hand-woven rugs, Sarah Penzias and Cindy Roberts, all of Northampton, look through a book of sample rugs at American Rug. They were shopping during the tax-free weekend.

HOLYOKE – Arthur T. Lichtenberger had been thinking about replacing a bedroom rug for years, but the sales tax holiday was what convinced him to finally make the purchase.

“That’s why we bought it. No question about it,” said Lichtenberger, of Westfield, after he completed his transaction at American Rug on Dwight Street on Saturday.

Lichtenberger picked out a new off-white carpet for the bedroom and new flooring for the basement, a total cost of $950, resulting in a savings of $60.

Saturday was the first day of the sales tax-free weekend, meaning that the state will not collect its 6.25 percent sales tax on most items. State sales tax will continue to be collected on restaurant meals, tobacco and single items that cost more than $2,500. The weekend marks the state’s eighth sales tax holiday in the past nine years.

President and owner William M. Radner, whose family started American Rug in 1905, said people were waiting for the store to open its doors at 9 a.m. Radner said he hopes the boost in business means that the rest of summer and fall will be busy.

“This is probably the best thing we’ve had for business in a little while,” Radner said. “People were excited about it.”

He said several customers “pre-shopped” making their decisions on what to buy earlier in the week and sealing the deal on Saturday to get the discount. He said he could tell that the discount was a factor in their decision because when he went into some homes to measure rooms for new carpeting, he encountered rugs that should have been replaced 10 years ago.

The only problem with the sales tax-free weekend, Radner said, is that the days following it “will be totally dead.”

Last year, Radner said he took advantage of the sales tax-free weekend by picking up a $600 iPad at the Apple store at Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, saving $37.

On Saturday, the Apple store was busy, with a long, but relatively quick-moving line. Darlene Fucci brought her daughter Mary Fucci to the store to buy a new $1,200 MacBook Pro, so she can use it during her freshman year at Holyoke Community College. They estimated they saved approximately $300, counting in the absence of sales tax and an educational discount that was offered.

“We were waiting for this weekend,” said Darlene Fucci, of Westfield.

Waiting in line with a friend was Thomas J. Nault, of Suffield, Conn. Nault said his friend was going to buy a new computer, and he said he was thinking about picking up a new television later at Costco.

“I’ll take any tax-free any day,” Nault said.

At Lorilil Jewelers at Tower Square in Springfield, Sonia Vivenzio, of Longmeadow, was picking out silver bracelets to give to her baby son’s godparents at his upcoming baptism. She said she expected to save a significant amount by not paying sales tax.

Victor Oundjian, Lorilil’s manager, said business had been steady all day.

“It was definitely a lot busier this year than in year’s past,” Oundjian said.

Garrard was forced to undergo arthroscopic surgery Saturday morning.

APDavid Garrard

Miami Dolphins quarterback David Garrard was forced to undergo arthroscopic Saturday morning to clean up some "loose cartilage" in his knee.

Garrard had been experiencing pain in the joint for three days, but decided enough was enough when he turned to look at his son in his backyard Thursday night and felt something in his knee pop, according to a source.

After learning that MassLive.com was pursuing this story, Garrard contacted us to clarify that the incident with his son wasn't the cause of his injury, though it was the last thing that happened before he went to see the Dolphins' training staff.

"I wasn't out playing basketball or football with my son," Garrard said. "I saw him running for the pool and I turned and felt some popping and clicking. I went in and told (the trainers) that, but that wasn't the cause. It had been swelling up on me throughout camp.

"It doesn't matter what it was. It could have been a cloud that I looked at. I knew when I woke up that morning that I was probably going to have to get surgery."

Garrard wore a sleeve on his knee throughout camp but never missed a practice that was open to the public. He was expected to start in Miami's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Friday night.

His injury was announced just hours before kickoff and Matt Moore started in his place.

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The officer was brought to the hospital by ambulance and treated for minor injuries.

l

LUDLOW – Police are continuing to investigate a Friday accident between a car and a police cruiser, but no charges are expected to be filed.

“The cruiser had its lights and siren on but it was right in the middle of a rain storm,” Police Sgt. Daniel Valadas said. Visibility was limited because of the severe thunderstorm.

Neither the driver of the car nor the police officer was identified. The officer was brought to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by ambulance, treated for minor injuries and released. The cruiser had to be towed from the scene but the other car was still operable, he said.

The accident happened at about 5:27 p.m. at the corner of Chapin and Reynolds streets. The officer was responding to a domestic emergency call, Valadas said.

The project also includes putting in dedicated bus stops, resurfacing the road and putting in bike lanes

File photo | The Republican

AMHERST — The Main Street project that will put in new sidewalks with curb cuts to make Main Street accessible has begun and will continue into October or November, said Department of Public Works Superintendent Guilford B. Mooring.

The Sunderland-based Warner Bros. is doing the work that is being paid for in part with $375,000 in community development block grant money.

The work on Main from South East to South Whitney streets qualifies for the block grant spending because it addresses accessibility issues.

The project also includes putting in dedicated bus stops – the buses have to just pull to the side of the road now – resurfacing the road and putting in bike lanes, Mooring said.

The road will be widened by about 2 or 3 feet to accommodate the bike lanes.

Mooring said Main Street will remain open throughout the project.

In a press release providing more details, Town Engineer Jason O. Skeels said that roadway excavation is set to begin Monday with sidewalk excavation on Friday.

People will have driveway access, but there could be short delays, and construction equipment could temporarily block driveway or street access. Skeels suggested people take alternate routes if possible.

Mooring said the town will also be resurfacing a number of other roads as part of its annual resurfacing project. Those roads include Sunderland Road, Cherry Lane, Cottage Street, University Drive, a section of North Pleasant Street and South Pleasant Street.

He said the sewer extension work on Harkness Road that was expected to be done this year will be put off until next spring instead.

Town Meeting last November agreed to spend $4.2 million to extend the sewer line to Harkness Road and Amherst Woods, areas that were deemed in moderate need.

Other charges are pending for Fachini in Massachusetts.

Republican file photo

STAMFORD, Vt. (AP) — Vermont State Police have arrested a Massachusetts man on domestic assault charges involving two family members.

Police said 22-year-old David Fachini, of Williamstown, is accused of attacking both his wife and sister early Saturday. Police said he also was violent toward others.

Police said the incident happened in the woods in the town of Stamford. They said other charges are pending for Fachini in Massachusetts.

It wasn't immediately known if he had a lawyer.

Dimock Road is not expected to open again until 10 p.m.

File photo / The Associated Press

NORTHAMPTON – A tree knocked down by the storm took down two utility poles and damaged two others on Dimock Road in the Leeds section of the city Saturday.

The incident happened shortly after 6 p.m. The road is now closed and work is being done to replace the poles. It is estimated that the road will not be reopened until 10 p.m. or later, Police Lt. Michael Patenaude said.

Western Massachusetts Electric Company reported that about 30 homes were without power.

Warren said if Romney and Ryan are elected, the Republican duo "will work to make the rich and powerful, richer and more powerful."

(AP File Photo)Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren.

More politics news

Mitt Romney names Paul Ryan his vice presidential running mate

Mitt Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate on Saturday, turning to the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending.

• Log Cabin Republicans: 'Addition of Paul Ryan to GOP ticket helps Republicans up and down the ballot'
• Gov. Deval Patrick says Ryan budget 'would decimate education funding and end Medicare'
• Republican Richard Tisei: 'I don't agree with Paul Ryan on every single issue'

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren, who is running against Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race, released the following statement in regards to the presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney choosing U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, as his running mate.

"For years now, America’s working families have been getting hammered, and Mitt Romney just picked up a bigger hammer. The Ryan Budget is a plan to hit families, seniors, our kids harder—all so that millionaires and billionaires can get more tax breaks. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are a demolition team that will wreck our economy and leave working people and small businesses to struggle in the mess.

"The choice is clear. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will work to make the rich and powerful, richer and more powerful. I’m standing with President Obama to work for our families, to invest in our kids, and to give our small businesses a fighting chance to succeed because I believe that’s how we build a strong foundation for our future."

Romney selected the 42-year-old Ryan, a seven-term congressman, from a short list that included Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Ryan is the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending.

His selection immediately thrusts those budget plans into the forefront of the presidential contest.

R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of the pro-LGBT Log Cabin Republicans, said Romney choosing Ryan "is a choice that all Republicans can be excited about."

R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans. (Associated Press File Photo)

More politics news

Mitt Romney names Paul Ryan his vice presidential running mate

Mitt Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate on Saturday, turning to the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending.

• Elizabeth Warren: 'Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are a demolition team that will wreck our economy'
• Gov. Deval Patrick says Ryan budget 'would decimate education funding and end Medicare'
• Republican Richard Tisei: 'I don't agree with Paul Ryan on every single issue'

R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of the pro-LGBT Log Cabin Republicans, released the following statement after Mitt Romney, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, announced that U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, is his running mate.

"Congressman Paul Ryan is a strong choice for vice president, and his addition to the GOP ticket will help Republican candidates up and down the ballot. As chairman of the House Budget Committee and author of the Republican 'path to prosperity' that provided the blueprint for serious spending cuts in this Congress, nobody is more qualified to articulate a conservative economic vision to restore the American economy and stimulate job creation.

At the same time, Congressman Ryan's 2007 vote in favor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act and his consistent willingness to engage with Log Cabin on a range of issues speaks to his record as a fair-minded policymaker. Overall, while Log Cabin Republicans have not completed the endorsement process for the 2012 presidential election, this is a choice that all Republicans can be excited about, and which sends a good message about the kind of campaign Governor Romney wants to run, and the kind of president Governor Romney wants to be."

Romney selected the 42-year-old Ryan, a seven-term congressman, from a short list that included Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Ryan is the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending.

His selection immediately thrusts those budget plans into the forefront of the presidential contest.

The fight began over a receipt for a box of condoms.

APMiami Dolphins wide receiver Chad Johnson (85) stretches during warm ups before the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012 in Miami.

Dolphins wide receiver Chad Johnson was arrested for domestic violence Saturday night in Miami.

The former New England Patriot allegedly head-butted his new wife, Evelyn Lozada, after the two got into an argument while in their vehicle, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Lozada had lacerations on her forehead when police arrived and Johnson was arrested. Johnson was also arrested for a domestic dispute during college.

A police spokesperson told the Palm Beach Post that the fight began when Lozada found a receipt for a box of condoms.

"It gets pretty heated," the police spokesman told the paper. "By the time they get home here in Davie it's pretty heated. She alleges he leaned over and head-butted her. He says she leaned towards him and that they butted heads. Needless to say she has a good laceration on her forehead."

Johnson and Lozada were married on July 4. He will remain in police custody until a bail hearing is set.

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At issue was the amount Monson was being charged, which resulted in that town not paying its fourth quarter bills dating back to 2008.

The towns of Palmer and Monson have finally come to an agreement regarding Monson's use of Palmer's wastewater treatment plant.

The agreement, which runs through 2024, can be extended for additional years. At issue was the amount Monson was being charged, which resulted in that town not paying its fourth quarter bills dating back to 2008.

"The formula in the revised agreement more accurately allocates the actual cost to each community, addressing the concerns raised in the past by Monson officials, and the previous bills that were held by Monson will be recalculated based on the revised formula. The revised agreement was a cooperative effort and is a win-win situation for both communities," Palmer Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard said.

Blanchard said Monson's costs for fiscal 2011 have been recalculated.

As a result of the new agreement, Monson will pay Palmer $292,641, instead of $320,848, the amount under the old formula, Blanchard said. He said Monson had paid Palmer all of that bill with the exception of $73,000. Now, it owes Palmer $45,000 under the new calculation, saving approximately $30,000, he said.

While that it is about 9 percent less, Blanchard said it doesn't necessarily mean Monson will receive the same decrease in the remaining outstanding bills.

According to Blanchard, the new agreement revised the language on how wastewater flow is measured. Costs involving the operation of the wastewater treatment plant and Palmer town administration in relation to the wastewater treatment plant also were updated, as well as how the two towns will share capital improvement expenses.

There also will be regular meetings between Monson and Palmer officials to discuss operational and capital improvement issues that may arise, he said.

Blanchard said that depending on normal variances in flow, Monson typically pays 20 to 25 percent of the total cost to run the wastewater treatment plant. That remains the same under the new agreement.

As of late last year, Monson owed Palmer almost $300,000 in unpaid bills from fourth quarters in fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The wastewater issue began when Palmer's government switched to a Town Council and town manager six years ago; at that time, the former town manager started charging Monson ancillary costs, such as paying portions of salaries for Palmer officials involved some way in the wastewater operation. The new agreement continues that requirement.

Monson always has been required to pay part of the overall operation of the joint wastewater treatment plant, ever since the agreement was signed in 1974.

Monson Town Administrator Gretchen E. Neggers referred questions about the agreement to Monson Water and Sewer Superintendent Craig W. Jalbert, who did not return calls for comment.

Jalbert has said approximately 4,000 users are connected to the town sewer system.

Patrick, an Obama surrogate, attacked Ryan and Romney for believing that "government has no role to play in making a better future for the next generation."

AP Photo/Steven SenneMassachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick faces reporters at the Statehouse, in Boston.

More politics news

Mitt Romney names Paul Ryan his vice presidential running mate

Mitt Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate on Saturday, turning to the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending.

• Elizabeth Warren: 'Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are a demolition team that will wreck our economy'
• Log Cabin Republicans: 'Addition of Paul Ryan to GOP ticket helps Republicans up and down the ballot'
• Republican Richard Tisei: 'I don't agree with Paul Ryan on every single issue'

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, a Democrat, released the following statement after Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney chose Congressman Paul Ryan as his pick for vice president:

"In case it was ever in doubt, what is truly at stake in this election was made even clearer today by the selection of Congressman Ryan as the Republican Vice-Presidential nominee. Congressman Ryan was the chief architect of a budget that would decimate education funding and end Medicare. He and Governor Romney believe that each and every one of us is on his or her own, and that government has no role to play in making a better future for the next generation.

We know better - that government does have a role to play, not in solving every problem in every person's life, but in helping people help themselves. The very character of our nation, and the American Dream itself, are at stake in this election - let's stand up and show that it is worth fighting for."

Patrick has long been a strong surrogate for Democratic President Barack Obama. Patrick campaigned for Obama during the president’s 2008 campaign, and the two have maintained a close political relationship since then.

Ryan, a seven-term congressman and chairman of the House Budget committee, is the author of a controversial budget plan that would cut trillions in federal spending, and turn Medicare into a voucher program.

A few scattered showers persist through the rest of the weekend, but plenty of sunshine returns by Monday.

An area of low pressure continues spinning over the Great Lakes region overnight, which is drawing up a line of showers and thunderstorms from the south. While there have been some breaks in the rain and clouds this evening, there are plenty of showers all along the Atlantic coast associated with this low. The worst bands of rain have already moved through, and we are expecting the activity to continue quieting down as we head toward Sunday morning.

That low pressure system packs up and heads out tomorrow but as it does so, it will develop another line of showers and thunderstorms. Most of that activity will be concentrated towards the immediate coast, but we will still be on the look out for a few scattered showers here in Western Massachusetts. It will be another muggy day on Sunday with highs in the mid-80s.

Monday will feature much improvement with mostly sunny skies and lower humidity scheduled for the region. The next batch of showers and thunderstorms arrives Tuesday evening and lingers through Wednesday.

Tonight: A few scattered showers, muggy, low 68.

Sunday: Partly sunny, a few scattered showers, especially east, humid, high 84.

Monday: Sunny and seasonal, less humid, high 84.

Tuesday: Sunny start, thunderstorms arriving by the evening, high 88.

Tisei, a congressional candidate, calls the Ryan budget plan a "good starting point for discussion."

State House News ServiceIn this file photo, Richard Tisei, a Republican running for Congress in Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District, speaks to reporters outside the State House in Boston.

More politics news

Mitt Romney names Paul Ryan his vice presidential running mate

Mitt Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate on Saturday, turning to the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending.

• Elizabeth Warren: 'Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are a demolition team that will wreck our economy'
• Log Cabin Republicans: 'Addition of Paul Ryan to GOP ticket helps Republicans up and down the ballot'
• Gov. Deval Patrick says Ryan budget 'would decimate education funding and end Medicare'

Richard Tisei, a Republican running for Congress in Massachusetts 6th Congressional District, released the following statement after Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney chose Congressman Paul Ryan as his vice presidential pick:

"Congressman Ryan, whether one agrees with him on every issue or not, is a serious politician who sees our country's economic problems in clear terms. I don't agree with him - or anyone else - on every single issue. I do believe that it's critical that we have leaders from both parties who aren't in denial about the problems we face and who are determined to resolve them. The days of name-calling need to end. The people expect no less and are entitled to no less. They're also sick to death of politicians who, ignoring the country's peril, spend their days only to make cheap political points.

My opponent, John Tierney, can't say my name without repeating the tired and unbelievable line that I'm an 'extremist.' Most of the voters join me in finding that absurd as well as laughable. What's extreme is ignoring our fiscal peril. That's an unacceptable dereliction of duty. We need problem solvers who look beyond party and who are willing to step up to the plate and lead. I hope to be that Congressman and it is my hope that Congressman Ryan and Mitt Romney will also be such leaders.

Today, you'll hear (yet, again) from John Tierney that I supported the Ryan plan. Ask him for his source, next time you hear it. As a matter of fact, I said that it was a "good starting point for discussion," just as the President's Simpson-Bowles Commission was a good starting point for discussion. Unfortunately, both John Tierney and the President have ignored the Commission and have spent their days making cheap political points in decrying the Ryan plan.

The true danger to our country and to the social programs that we all believe are necessary for those who are truly in need, is that we are lacking political leaders who will candidly discuss the unsustainability of the spending path we are now on. It cannot continue and will ultimately undermine the very social programs that are so essential to the truly needy. I'm serious about addressing these issues. I believe Paul Ryan is, too, just as the President's Commission was."

Paul Ryan's friends and opponents in Wisconsin and his hometown of Janesville are nearly unanimous in describing the congressman as likable and intelligent. The common ground ends when it comes to his politics.

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, right, and vice presidential running mate Rep. Paul Ryan R-Wis. are joined by Ronmey's granddaughter Chloe while talking to reporters on the charter flight between Virginia and North Carolina, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

More politics news

Mitt Romney names Paul Ryan his vice presidential running mate

Mitt Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate on Saturday, turning to the architect of a conservative and intensely controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending.

• Elizabeth Warren: 'Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are a demolition team that will wreck our economy'
• Gov. Deval Patrick says Ryan budget 'would decimate education funding and end Medicare'
• Republican Richard Tisei: 'I don't agree with Paul Ryan on every single issue'

By DINESH RAMDE, Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Paul Ryan's friends and opponents in Wisconsin and his hometown of Janesville are nearly unanimous in describing the congressman as likable and intelligent. The common ground ends when it comes to his politics.

Democrats and Republicans alike say Ryan is serious, hard-working and has a solid grasp of budget issues. They agree he is cordial and charismatic and that he relates well to voters.

But there's stark disagreement about his signature effort, a conservative budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions in federal spending. He is also emerging as a leading intellectual force in the conservative opposition to President Barack Obama, and has given little ground in negotiations over the federal budget and the deficit.

Those actions have made him a darling of conservative Republicans and tea party members, who say they're elated that Mitt Romney has selected Ryan as his running mate.

Ryan "brings a record of leadership and personal integrity that we need in Washington," said U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican. "Nobody understands the federal budget better than Paul, or has worked harder to develop and offer real solutions to the fiscal challenges facing America."

Ryan, 42, is chairman of the House Budget Committee and primary author of conservative tax-and-spending blueprints that the tea party-infused Republican majority approved despite Democratic opposition in 2011 and again in 2012.

He envisions transforming Medicare into a program in which seniors would receive government checks that they could use to purchase health insurance. Under the current program, the government directly pays doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate Rep. Paul Ryan R-Wis., speaks during a rally, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012 in Manassas, Va. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Peter Barca, the Democratic minority leader in the Wisconsin state Assembly, previously represented the same congressional district that Ryan does now.

"He's an articulate, good-looking guy," Barca said of Ryan. "He'd talk like a moderate in Wisconsin but it wasn't until his last budget that people saw how extreme his views are."

Despite being a vice presidential candidate, Ryan isn't dropping his bid for his eighth congressional term. Wisconsin law generally prevents candidates from seeking two offices at the same time, but provides an exception when one of the offices is either president or vice president.

If Ryan prevails in both races, the vice presidency would void his congressional win. A special election would be held to fill the congressional vacancy.

Even though Democrats may disagree with Ryan's policies, they agree their dealings with him as a congressman are almost always cordial. However, they said being vice president is about more than just being a nice guy.

Republican Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, left , and his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. wave to the crowd as they arrive for a rally at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012. ( AP Photo/Steve Helber)

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is giving up her seat to run for the U.S. Senate, said she considers Ryan a friend. But she said Romney and Ryan would support tax cuts for millionaires at the expense of providing senior care and keeping college costs down.

Some Democrats were more tempered in their assessment of Ryan's policies.

State Sen. Tim Cullen, a moderate Democrat whose district overlaps with Ryan's, said the two had worked together in their effort to save a General Motors plant in Janesville. Although they weren't successful, Cullen said it wasn't because of a lack of effort from Ryan.

"I've known Paul Ryan for a long time. He's a serious guy," Cullen said. "I think the American people need more serious people in Washington and fewer bomb-throwers."

At least one person saw Ryan's potential more than 20 years ago. Sam Loizzo taught Ryan's government class in high school, and said it was apparent — even in 1988 — that Ryan was destined for great things.

"He was a great kid, a super student," Loizzo said. "He was definitely motivated to succeed."

The NFL is exposing players to unnecessary danger.

APHouston Texans coach Gary Kubiak argues with an official during the first half of a NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012.

Like most everyone else, I didn't give it much thought when the National Football League announced replacement officials were being ushered in to take the place of the regulars who preside over the game we love.

They're all lousy, I thought. Wearing stripes at any level of the game instantaneously makes you dumb, deaf and blind. You don’t need to see or hear to keep a flag in your pocket or blow a whistle at the wrong time.

So, when the officials demanded more money to keep doing their jobs, the NFL undoubtedly realized that nearly everyone shares in my sentiments and figured, “How much worse can it get?”

Well, it turns out that the old guys are actually pretty good at their jobs and the officiating can get comically hideous.

Just look at some highlights from the first week of preseason action: There was a ball downed at the 4-yard line that was ruled a touchback in the Bills-Redskins game, a blown coin flip in the Hall of Fame game, a missed touchdown in the Eagles-Steelers game, and countless embarrassing cries of “wait” pleaded over a hot microphone during the Patriots-Saint game.

To keep the public in the dark about how bad the officiating has become, the NFL circulated a list of suggested talking points in regards to the replacements– recruited from the Arena League, small college leagues and high schools – but one look was enough for Patriots coach Bill Belichick to go off script.

“I think Mike Pereira has made his comments on the officials,” Belichick said, referencing the former vice president of officiating. “I don’t know who knows more about the NFL officiating than Mike Pereira, so we’ll leave it to him.”

Obviously, uttering Pereira's name wasn’t on the memo. And that’s because he correctly thinks that the replacements are going to endanger the integrity of the NFL.

“The integrity of the game will be compromised when you put people out on the field who have no idea of the timing, rules or management of the game or player safety,” Pereira said during a FOX Sports Radio. ”Much like not seeing the best players, you won’t be seeing the best officiating. You’re going to have people that have never officiated player safety rules at this level before and that will lead to mistakes.”

I know what you are thinking. It’s the preseason, these games don’t matter and they’ll eventually get the situation resolved and bring back the regulars. All will be good.

Maybe that’s true. But hopefully it isn’t too late by then. The NFL is faster and more violent than anything the replacements have ever presided over. What happens when someone swallows his or her whistle and Tom Brady becomes injured on an unnecessary late hit?

Something like that can't be fixed with a challenge flag.

For a guy that supposedly will stop at nothing for player safety, Roger Goodell is putting every player that takes the field in unnecessary danger over what amounts to a few hundred thousand dollars per team.

Being a hardliner is a good thing sometimes. Other times it just makes you cheap and dumb.

It’s easy to see which side of the line Goodell falls on this time.

Just ask Mike Pereira.

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The 16-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the murder.

This is an update to stories posted at 12:53 p.m. and at 9:33 a.m.

The Republican/Michael GordonThe area along Bay Sreet where a shooting took place early Saturday morning, claiming the life of Marion Street resident Antonio Gonzales.

SPRINGFIELD – A 38-year-old city man lost his life on Bay Street early Saturday morning to a teenage gunman as he attempted to intervene in a disturbance that spilled out on the roadway from a birthday party.

“Investigators determined that there was some type of ‘birthday party’ involving juveniles taking place on Bay Street and the 16-year-old suspect came over looking to start trouble and was armed. No calls came into the police department to assist in breaking up a party,” Sgt. John M. Delaney, executive aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said in a statement.

He said the victim – Antonio Gonzales of Marion Street – was shot in the chest.

“Gonzales attempted to intervene and was shot. At this time there does not seem to be any other motive,” Delaney said.

The 16-year-old shooter, whose identity is not being released, was apprehended near his home on Wilbraham Road. Delaney said officers on the scene found out who the shooter was, and headed to the area of his home, where they set up surveillance.

The officers - Chris Goodrow, Thomas Hervieux, Scott Richard and Michael Dyer - saw a cab pull up behind a home directly behind the suspect’s house, and saw the suspect come off the porch and attempt to get inside it, Delaney said. Officers arrested him, and recovered the firearm used in the murder from the front porch.

“Less than one hour and fifteen minutes after the murder, the Springfield Police Department had their suspect in custody and the firearm was recovered and taken off the streets. This is outstanding police work,” Delaney said.

Delaney said the suspect is known to the police.

The victim did not have any criminal record, Delaney said.

The investigation is continuing, Delaney said.

Delaney said officers responded to the “shotspotter” activation in the area of Bay and Dartmouth streets just before 2 a.m. As they headed to the scene, several 911 calls came in from residents reporting that shots were being fired, Delaney said.

Officers were greeted by approximately 30 people in front of 305 Bay St. who told them that someone had just been shot. The officers attempted to perform CPR on Gonzalez and called for an ambulance, which took Gonzalez to Baystate Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:18 a.m., Delaney said.

Neighbor Lila Acevedo, who lives next door to 305 Bay St., said there was a crowd of people in the street, spilling out from a nearby party., who were making a lot of noise. She said she saw her neighbor gunned down as he walked past the crowd.

“I heard a commotion and saw people fighting. I looked out and I saw my neighbor hit the floor,” Acevedo said.

“He was a dad, a husband, a great man. He was going to buy cigarettes. He was an awesome person and he was an innocent bystander,” Acevedo said.

She said she knew him only as “Tony,” but said he was pleasant and never bothered anyone. He often would be seen with his 3-year-old son, or walking his pitbull, she said. Acevedo said the man’s wife told her he had gone out to purchase cigarettes.

“This is really scary,” said Acevedo, who said she has only been living in her apartment for three months, and this happened.

Acevedo said she thinks the shooter was trying to hit more than one person. She saw him walking up and down the street with the gun in his hand.

Brenda Herrera, of 294 Bay St., said she is distraught over what happened. She had a birthday party for her 18-year-old daughter and tried to shut it down before 11 p.m., but said the kids started it up again. Herrera said the boy who was arrested told her inside the house that he wanted to kill someone.

She said he went outside and “started shooting everything.”

“I don’t want to do another party at my house again in my life,” Herrera said.

Herrera said she served only soda and juice. She said her daughter knew the shooter.

Another neighbor, Liz Wills-Ogilvie, who lives on Dartmouth Street, said she was asleep when the sound of fighting woke her up. The shooting happened around 2 a.m., according to media reports.

She called 911 about the noise. Right after she hung up she heard the gunshots.

“It was like the wild, wild west,” Wills-Ogilvie said.

Wills-Ogilvie said she grabbed her 3-year-old son and they went into the bathroom until she heard the shooting stop. She said people from the party were running all over the street, and some even ran into her yard. She estimates she heard at least 10 gunshots.

“It’s just so sad these young people don’t value their lives . . . It’s so disheartening. Guns are just out of control,” Wills-Ogilvie said. “If we want our city to change we’ve got to get a handle on it.”


This was the city’s first murder since Officer Kevin Ambrose was gunned down while answering a call for a domestic dispute in June. The man who killed Ambrose, Shawn Bryan of Hempstead, N.Y., died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest, police said.

The killing of Gonzales marks the seventh murder this year.

There were 19 murders in Springfield in 2011.

Mankins is back.

AP file photoLogan Mankins

FOXBOROUGH -- Logan Mankins is back.

The New England Patriots offensive guard started training camp on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from offseason ACL surgery, but he is currently out on the field, in uniform, going through stretches with the team.

This seems like a pretty good indication that he is coming off PUP, which is obviously a big break for a Patriots team that has become dangerously thin across the offensive line.

We'll have more after practice wraps.

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About 5.8 inches of rain fell in the town in three hours, causing flooding on a number of roads.

Submitted photo / Michael RoescherPart of Beebe Road was washed out during the severe thunderstorms.

MONSON – Town officials are reporting that all roads are now passable after severe flooding damaged at least three streets in the town and flooded dozens of others early Sunday morning.

A slow-moving thunderstorm drenched the town dumping as much as 5.8 inches of rain in three hours. The excess water caused streams, brooks and the town’s storm drains to overflow, said Gretchen E. Neggers, the town administrator.

Beebe and T-Peck roads and Chestnut Street all sustained damage. Most repairs made were temporary so the roads could be reopened. A variety of other streets, including parts of Route 32, were flooded and impassable during the storm but they were not damaged, she said.

There was no widespread property damage reported beyond flooded basements in the town which is still recovering from serious damage from the June 1, 2011 tornado, she said.

Emergency Management Director Evan Brassard and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Richard Smith did declare a state of emergency until the roads were cleared.

“It looks pretty serious but it isn’t a major disaster like the tornado was,” said Selectman Edward S. Harrison.

Harrison, who lives on Beebe Road, said there was a giant hole in the middle of his street. The Department of Public Works spent most of the day filling in the hole and clearing debris that came from a nearby brook which overflowed.

The water also carried a large amount of slit and boulders, some the size of footballs, down the street and deposited it in different spots. The bottom of his neighbor’s driveway was partly washed out and a pile of mud and stones was deposited in it, Harrison said.

Since Saturday, lines of slow-moving thunderstorms moved through and it poured in isolated areas, said CBS 3 meteorologist Mike Skurko, The Republican media partners.

While the National Weather Service estimated 5.8 inches of rain fell in three hours in Monson, nearby Brimfield received a small amount. The same thing happened in the Berkshires Saturday when Hancock reported 5.2 inches of rain in a short period of time while the neighboring Pittsfield received one inch, he said.