The city of Springfield has announced that public swimming has been restored at Camp Wilder, Bass Pond and the Paddle Club, after new test results showed bacteria counts within normal levels.

SPRINGFIELD -- Helen Caulton-Harris, the city's health commissioner, announced Friday that new bacteria test results at Springfield ponds have ended a "no swimming" advisory at Camp Wilder, Bass Pond and the Paddle Club.

The swimming ponds can be reopened and residents should feel encouraged to use the ponds, said,Caulton-Harris, the commissioner of health and human services, in a prepared release.

The test results for bacteria at all three sites came back within normal limits, Caulton-Harris said.

The swimming ban was announced Thursday. At that time, the new test results were expected Saturday but came in a day sooner.

A car fire on Rt 90 is causing traffic in Chicopee, according to Massachusetts State Police.

UPDATE at 6:38 p.m: Traffic appears to be moving smoothly again along Rt 90.

UPDATED at 5:42 p.m: Both eastbound lanes of Rt 90 have been reopened, according to Sgt. Hamilton of the Massachusetts State Police. Hamilton said there would likely be "residual traffic" for a period of time.

CHICOPEE — A car fire on Rt 90 is causing significant traffic delays in Chicopee, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Police stated at 4:46 p.m. that the fire had caused "minor injuries" and that both of the eastbound lanes on Rt 90 would be closed until the fire was extinguished and the scene had been cleared.

The area of traffic congestion currently stretches for more than six miles.

Additionally, the same area of the turnpike also appears to be experiencing slowdowns from several construction sites.

Holyoke, Massachusetts police were given no notice and the random drug testing of officers -- all of whom emerged clean -- was done as the phrase suggests, with officers required to provide urine samples upon arriving at work one day in the spring, officials said Friday, Aug. 5, 2016.

This story elaborates on an article published at 3:58 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016: Police in Holyoke pass random drug tests without violations: Acting Chief Denise Duguay

HOLYOKE -- The random drug testing of city police officers was done as the phrase suggests, with officers given no notice and required to provide urine samples upon arriving at work one day in the spring, a union official said today.

"You were told when you got to work that day," said patrolman James Bartolomei, president of Local 388, International Brotherhood of Police Officers.

City patrol and superior officers all emerged clean after the contractually-permitted random drug tests, Acting Police Chief Denise M. Duguay said in an emailed statement earlier Friday.

Police released the statement at the request of Mayor Alex B. Morse after being asked to do so by The Republican.

The Work Connection at Holyoke Medical Center did the random drug tests with its representatives on site at the Police Station at 138 Appleton St. Bartolomei estimated about 70 of the union's 86 members were tested that day. Others who were on vacation or otherwise unavailable went on their own to the Work Connection to provide urine samples later, he said.

Also, the 86 union members include five candidates who are undergoing police academy training. They were tested before attending the academy, he said.

It was unclear how many superior officers received the random drug tests on the first day of testing or if any had to go on their own later to the Work Connection.

The results included the determination that an error occurred regarding an officer whose initial test resulted in him being placed on paid administrative leave. That's according to the statement by Capt. Denise M. Duguay, who is acting chief while Police Chief James M. Neiswanger is on vacation.

"An internal affairs investigation was launched into the matter. The results of that investigation showed the lab had made an erroneous report and the officer involved tested clean. That officer is in good standing and has been returned to his regular assignment," the statement said.

Duguay couldn't be reached for comment for additional questions such as what the nature of the drug-testing error was in relation to that officer.

A spokeswoman for Holyoke Medical Center was asked to comment about the police assertion that "the lab had made an erroneous report," and she said she would look into the matter.

Bartolomei said he was unable to discuss the "erroneous report" involving an officer's initial drug test because he was not in possession of all of the matter's details.

"I can't speak to that. They didn't share that with me," Bartolomei said.

In May, Lt. Manuel T. Reyes, commander of the department's Professional Standards Division, told The Republican that Officer Shaun Kelly had been placed on paid administrative leave in relation to random drug testing being conducted with all officers but that officials were examining whether a problem occurred with the testing itself.

The $25,000 for testing urine samples was included in the budget for the previous fiscal year, which ended June 30. The testing just happened to be done in the spring and wasn't prompted by a specific incident, Rory Casey, Morse's chief of staff, said at the time.

The contracts between the city and Local 388, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, which represents patrol officers, and Local 409, Holyoke Police Supervisors, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, permits drug testing in two cases.

The chief can order an officer to undergo a drug test based on reasonable suspicion, which Neiswanger previously has defined as an employee showing behavior such as unusual physical mannerisms, including falling down, odd work performance and the employee's own admission.

The contracts also state that if one officer is drug-tested randomly, then all officers must also be subject to random testing.

Bartolomei said this was the first time the random drug testing had been done. Discussion of the random drug testing is among matters the union and city are negotiating on in relation to a new contract, he said.

"We certainly want a drug-free environment and we don't want anybody on the job using drugs," Bartolomei said.

Among questions that have emerged are:

"This year, with the cooperation of both police unions, Local 388 and Local 409, the Holyoke Police Department conducted drug testing of sworn full-time police officers. Mayor Alex B. Morse and Police Chief James M. Neiswanger are proud to announce that these Holyoke officers have passed their drug screening. 'During the drug testing, the department received communication from the lab about one of the tests on one of our officers. Based on that communication, that officer was tested again and placed on paid administrative leave. An internal affairs investigation was launched into the matter. The results of that investigation showed the lab had made an erroneous report and the officer involved tested clean. That officer is in good standing and has been returned to his regular assignment. "I just want to say how proud I am of the members of the Holyoke Police Department and wish to re-affirm my commitment and support for them. Every day, these brave officers heroically protect and serve our community. On an almost daily occurrence, they face adversity and they handle it professionally with restraint, dignity and respect,' Chief Neiswanger added."

Obituaries from The Republican.

Mark Charette 

Mark A. Charette, 42, of South Hadley, passed away on Tuesday. His survivors included his two brothers and sister, a nephew and a niece.

Full obituary and funeral arrangements for Mark Charette »

One person was killed and another one seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Beverly on Friday, according to State Police.

BEVERLY — A motorcycle crash on Rt 128 in Beverly left one person dead and another seriously injured on Friday afternoon, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The crash was initially reported by an off-duty State Police Sergeant who was driving south on Rt 128 when he witnessed the crash occur on the northbound side of the highway, according to police.

The sergeant subsequently responded to the crash and called authorities at the State Police barracks in Danvers.

After investigation, police were led to believe that the crash occurred when the motorcycle – a 2006 Yamaha – swerved, for reasons not currently known, into the highway's guardrail.

Upon impact, the operator of the motorcycle, a 30-year-old man from Gloucester, was thrown from the bike, while the passenger on the vehicle also sustained serious injuries.

The Gloucester man was quickly taken to Beverly Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

The vehicle's passenger – a 29-year-old woman from Rockport – was also taken to Beverly Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

While the crash still remains under investigation, State Police believe "excessive speed" may have been a factor in the incident.

Two people were arrested after a house in Vermont was burglarized, then set on fire, according to Vermont State Police.

WHITTINGHAM, VT — Two people were arrested on Friday after a house in Whittingham, Vermont was burglarized, then set on fire, according to Vermont State Police.

The fire, which occurred at 568 Rt 112, caused significant damages to the house, with an estimated cost upwards of $150,000, according to police.

Additionally, police say a number of items were taken from the house before it was set on fire – including an urn that carried the ashes of the homeowner's dead relative.

Dustin Bilby, 32, was arrested on Friday, after police investigation into the fire determined that it was set intentionally, according to police.

Additionally, a 16-year-old juvenile was also arrested in relation to the incident.

The fire was first reported at approximately 2 a.m. on Thursday morning, when a passerby called the Whittingham Fire Department to report the blaze.

After arriving at the scene, firefighters found heavy fire, and subsequently asked for assistance from a number of fire departments in the surrounding area.

After the blaze had been put out, the Whittingham Fire Chief contacted the Vermont State Police to ask that an investigation into the fire's cause be conducted.

The detectives' investigation led them to believe that the house had been burglarized and then set on fire, according to police.

After the two suspects were arrested, several of the items taken from the house – including the stolen urn – were recovered and returned to the homeowner by police.

Bilby is currently being lodged at the Southern State Correctional Facility.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

Anyone with information regarding the fire should get in touch with Detective Sgt. Steve Otis at the Vermont State Police at 802-722-4600.

Donald Trump has formally endorsed House Speaker Paul Ryan, after saying he wasn't ready to do so earlier this week.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Donald Trump endorsed House Speaker Paul Ryan late Friday, ending a four-day standoff between the GOP's most powerful men that exposed deepening concerns about the New York billionaire's presidential candidacy.

Ryan, like other top Wisconsin Republicans, did not attend Trump's evening appearance in their state.

Having refused to endorse the speaker earlier in the week, Trump said, "We have to unite" as he vowed to support Ryan in next week's primary contest.

It was a stunning reversal for Trump, a candidate who is known for his refusal to admit mistakes and whose general election campaign has been defined by his constant attacks on fellow Republicans.

Trump also threw his support behind Arizona Sen. John McCain and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, with whom he has sparred.

"We will have disagreements," Trump said. "But we will disagree as friends and never stop working together toward victory."

Ryan reiterated his support for Trump hours before the endorsement, but the Wisconsin Republican noted his support wasn't a "blank check" and pledged to speak out against the businessman's divisive positions if necessary.

Party divisions were easy to find Friday in Wisconsin, a state that Trump's team insists he can win in November.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker skipped the evening rally, preferring to attend all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner instead of appearing with his party's standard bearer. Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos offered a blunt message ahead of the presidential nominee's arrival.

"Welcome to Wisconsin, Mr. Trump, but let's get something straight," Vos wrote in an open letter to his GOP colleagues. "We are Ryan Republicans here in Wisconsin, not Trump Republicans."

The Midwest mayhem underscored Trump's mounting challenges during one of the most tumultuous weeks of his unorthodox campaign. He has skipped from one misstep to the next, sparking a fresh wave of Republican defections among longtime party loyalists who refuse to support their presidential nominee -- including some who even publicly support for Democrat Clinton.

Eager to change their minds, Trump unleashed a torrent of insults at Clinton.

"If Hillary Clinton becomes president," he said at an earlier rally in Iowa, "you will have really, in my opinion, the destruction of this country from within."

Trump called his Democratic opponent "a dangerous liar," ''an unbalanced person," ''pretty close to unhinged," ''totally unfit to lead," and lacking "the judgment, temperament and moral character to lead the country."

In Wisconsin, Trump added, "She's a monster."

The charges came soon after Clinton addressed her own political vulnerabilities while facing a group of minority journalists in Washington.

The former secretary of state sought to "clarify and explain" a recent statement on "Fox News Sunday" that FBI Director James Comey said her answers to the bureau about her use of a private email server were "truthful."

"I may have short circuited and for that I will try to clarify," Clinton said, though still insisting she "never sent or received anything that was marked classified."

She also acknowledged many people don't trust her.

"It doesn't make me feel good when people say those things, and I recognize that I have work to do," Clinton said. She added, "I'm going to work my heart out in this campaign and as president to produce results for people."

Yet Trump's own gaffes have largely overshadowed Clinton's problems as the Democrats work to recover from a bruising primary election season.

Complicating the Republican Party's 2016 challenge are fresh signs the nation's economy is strengthening under a Democratic president.

The Labor Department reported Friday that U.S. employers added a healthy 255,000 jobs in July, a sign of confidence that could point to a resilient economy.

Trump's approach to national security came under fire Friday as well, with former CIA Director Michael Morell contending the Republican nominee would make "a poor, even dangerous commander in chief."

Morell, outlining his views in The New York Times, also questioned Trump's praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"In the intelligence business, we would say that Mr. Putin had recruited Mr. Trump as an unwitting agent of the Russian Federation," wrote Morell.

Trump conceded Friday he was wrong to claim repeatedly in recent days that he saw a video of a U.S. cash payment going to Iran.

The New York billionaire has cited a $400 million payment the U.S. made to Iran this year, delivered on the same day that Iran released four American hostages. Trump charged on Thursday in vivid detail that the Iranian government released a video of the cash exchange to embarrass America.

"The plane I saw on television was the hostage plane in Geneva, Switzerland, not the plane carrying $400 million in cash going to Iran!" Trump tweeted Friday morning.

The White House has insisted the payment had nothing to do with the release of the hostages. Friday night, Trump called that explanation "a lie."

In Iowa, he blamed the "dishonest" media for the fuss over an incident earlier in the week in which he asked a screaming baby to leave a rally.

"I don't throw babies out," Trump said. "I love babies."

Besides his freedom, Richey doesn't have much to lose. Recently released from prison, he was homeless, unemployed and addicted to heroin and cocaine, his girlfriend told police.

SPRINGFIELD -- In three weeks, Joseph Richey allegedly robbed three banks, three stores and his own grandmother -- all while insisting he would never go back to prison, his girlfriend told police.

"Joey (said) he would commit suicide or force the police to kill him before he returns to jail," the woman told West Springfield police during an interview on July 9, court records show.

By then, the 35-year-old Ludlow man was wanted for robbing banks in Agawam, Chicopee and Holyoke, two convenience stores in West Springfield and a liquor store in Springfield. He also forged $2,800 in checks on his grandmother's account in Ludlow, police said.

The alleged crime spree lasted 21 days -- and turned Richey into something of a media star in his own eyes, according to a police report summarizing the girlfriend's interview.

When surveillance images of him robbing a West Springfield convenience store were broadcast by local media, Richey was pleased, his girlfriend said.

"Joey texted her about the video almost bragging about being on the news," the girlfriend said, according to the report.

Ludlow man who allegedly dropped cellphone during Chicopee bank robbery held on $50,000 bail

His New York Yankees' baseball hat and distinctive arm and neck tattoos were visible in videos from other robberies, and he used the same phrase -- "I have nothing to lose" -- several times, the report said.

Besides his freedom, Richey didn't have much to lose, the girlfriend told police.

Recently released from prison, he was homeless, unemployed and addicted to heroin and cocaine, she said.

On June 28, the couple was sleeping behind apartments near the Shell Food Mart in West Springfield; when she woke up, Richey was gone; later, he said he broke into the store, stole a mountain bike from a nearby house and rode to Springfield's North End, the girlfriend said.

"Joey told her he got a couple hundred (dollars) from Shell," the report said.

He threatened to hurt his girlfriend if she went to the police, the report said.

He delivered a written threat to a teller at TD Bank in Chicopee on July 6, according to court records. "Do not hit the silent alarm. Put all the money in your draw (sic) in the bag. All big bills no ones...I have a gun. No die (sic) packs or GPS or I will come back and blow yr head off!!" the note read, according to court records.

Three days later, he threatened two clerks at a Cumberland Farms in West Springfield, claiming he had a syringe full of the HIV virus and would stab them unless they opened their cash registers, according to court records.

When one clerk refused, he stabbed her in the arm with what turned out to be a knife, and fled. Later, when interviewed at the hospital, the woman seemed deeply upset, West Springfield Police Sgt. Jay Gearing wrote.

"She was very excited ... and talking about different events during her 10 years as a store employee," Gearing wrote.

Ludlow man accused of robbing 3 banks, 1 grandmother ordered held on $150,000 bail

"At times she would be talking about tonight's robbery and then start speaking of a robbery she was a victim of nine years ago," he added.

Robbing banks and stores wasn't working out so well for Richey, either, according to police.

During the TD Bank heist, a dye pack slipped in with the cash exploded in Richey's pants, burning his leg and forcing him to throw the ink-stained cash from a car on Interstate 391, police said.

Chicopee police also found his cellphone near the scene and later recovered his Yankees hat with a search warrant.

On July 7, Chicopee and Agawam police compared evidence from the TD Bank robbery with a July 1 robbery of the Easthampton Savings Bank in Agawam. They decided the suspect was the same after examining notes given to the tellers and video taken on the banks' cameras, court records state.

Two days later, Richey's cousin went to West Springfield police headquarters and identified him as the assailant in the Cumberland Farms video. Later that day, West Springfield police interviewed Richey's girlfriend, who was being held at the Agawam police station.

At the request of local departments, the Massachusetts State Police Fugitive Task Force joined the manhunt.

On July 13, the chase ended in a hotel room in Enfield, Connecticut, with still more charges being added to Richey's rap sheet.

With help from Enfield police, state troopers arrested Richey on five warrants from his three-week spree. 

Man accused of bank robberies in Chicopee, Agawam arrested in Enfield

They also reported finding heroin and cocaine in the hotel room, and a stolen car parked outside - leading to new drug and theft charges against Richey.

Since returning to Massachusetts, Richey has been arraigned in Springfield, Chicopee and Palmer district courts, and has upcoming appearances in Holyoke and Westfield district courts.

Obituaries from The Republican.

Adrienne Paquette 

Adrienne B. "Age" Paquette, 22, of the Sandy Hill section of Chicopee, passed away on Tuesday. She was born in Springfield, and graduated from Saint Joan of Arc Elementary School and Chicopee High School, Class of 2012. She attended Holyoke Community College, and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. She was employed as a waitress at several area restaurants, and most recently worked at Subway in Amherst.

Full obituary and funeral arrangements for Adrienne Paquette »

A number of evidence markers — up to at least seven — were seen on the ground near High and Oliver streets.

HOLYOKE -- City and state police shut down a section of High Street Saturday as officers investigated an overnight shooting.

A victim suffered a serious gunshot wound to the abdomen near the corner of High St and Oliver St at approximately 4:00 a.m., according to Lt. Michael McCoy of the Holyoke Police Department.

McCoy said that the condition of the victim was not currently known but that the wound had been "serious."

McCoy said that no weapon had been recovered from the scene, but that "some ballistic casings" may have been found.

High Street was closed from Hampden to Lyman streets as of 10 a.m. as troopers used surveying equipment to record information about the scene. A number of evidence markers -- up to at least seven -- were seen on the ground near High and Oliver streets.

Police investigated shootings on that block in September and December 2015. In one incident, a man was shot in the leg at Undefeated Cuts, a High Street barber shop. In the second incident, someone fired shots at the business.

This is a developing story that will be updated after further reporting.

A large fire destroyed a building and displaced several people in Northampton on Friday night.

NORTHAMPTON — A large fire at a building in Northampton displaced several people on Friday night, according to Deputy Chief Timothy McQueston of the Northampton Fire Department.

The structure – located at 49 Round Hill Rd, and formerly part of the Clarke School for the Deaf – was in the process of being converted into a number of luxury apartments, but was utterly destroyed by the fire, according to McQueston.

The blaze, which was reported at 10:46 p.m., took nearly five hours to extinguish and required the work of 20 on and off duty firefighters from Northampton, Hadley, Amherst, Holyoke, and a number of other crews from surrounding areas, according to McQueston.

While no one was living in the apartments that caught fire, a number of occupied apartments in the same building suffered smoke and water damage, and a number of people were displaced as a result, according to McQueston.

Red Cross assisted the displaced individuals – which Channel 22 reported to be "two families" – with temporary relocation.

The State Fire Marshal's Office and the Northampton Fire Investigative Unit are investigating the incident, according to McQueston.

Lynde Motorsports closes Flat Street to four-wheeled traffic once a year.

BRATTLEBORO -- Friday evening Lynde Motorsports blocked Flat Street to four-wheeled traffic for its annual Art on Wheels, a southern Vermont street festival which celebrates the art of the vintage motorbike.

A peaceful crowd, many of whom arrived on old and rare motorcycles, strutted their style while enjoying Polish food and music by The Drunk Stuntmen. The event is part of Brattleboro's monthly Art Walk.

In years past, the band performed on the back of a flatbed truck, but this year the Stuntmen set up at street level and played a five-hour show. Band leader Steve Sanderson, a motorcycle enthusiast himself, publicly thanked shop proprietors Stanley and Laura Lynde for hosting the event.

Art on Wheels got its start in 2011 when Lynde Motorsports, a renowned shop which specializes in the sale, restoration, and repair of classic bikes, was flooded by Tropical Storm Irene. The community came together to host a fundraiser.

Stanley Lynde established the shop more than 25 years ago. It's featured in a 2010 documentary called "Stanley's Zoo."

A Springfield man was killed after a police pursuit led to a fatal crash on Saturday morning.

SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield man is dead after a car chase with police led to a fatal crash on Rt 291 on Saturday morning, according to Massachusetts State Police.

A State Trooper spotted a suspect driving a gray 2008 Infiniti Sedan at speeds upwards of 100 mph, at approximately 2:45 a.m., according to David Procopio, spokesman for the Massachusetts State Police.

The suspect was later identified as Denzil Bell, 23, of Springfield.

The Trooper witnessed Bell headed east on Rt 291 near St. James Ave, and, after receiving authorization from Troop B headquarters, proceeded to attempt to catch up to him, according Procopio.

Several seconds into the pursuit, however, Bell attempted to take Exit 5A, at which point the Trooper communicated to Troop B that the suspect was exiting the highway.

Police soon discovered that Bell appeared to have crashed during his attempt to exit the highway.

Police found the Infiniti on its side on the on-ramp. Bell, who police believe was not wearing his seat belt at the time, had been ejected from the vehicle, and was pronounced dead after Troopers unsuccessfully attempted to administer first aid.

The crash seems to have occurred after Bell failed to navigate the turn onto the off-ramp, according to Procopio.

Procopio says it appears that Bell subsequently lost control of his vehicle and ran into a grassy infield situated between the off-ramp and on-ramp, at which point the Infiniti crashed into construction materials that had been stored in the area.

Police say the crash remains under investigation.

About 9 in 10 young adults say they support criminal background checks for all gun sales, a level of support that remains consistent across racial and ethnic groups.

CHICAGO (AP) -- LaShun Roy supports a ban on semi-automatic weapons and more comprehensive background checks. But the 21-year-old gun owner from rural Texas doesn't consider gun-control measures a top priority in this year's elections.

For Keionna Cottrell, a 24-year-old who lives on Chicago's South Side and whose brother was shot and killed this year in another Illinois city, few things are more important than limiting access to guns.

"So many people are dying here because there is no control of the weapons out on our streets," said Cottrell. "Young men ... have real military guns and they're not scared to use them."

About 9 in 10 young adults say they support criminal background checks for all gun sales, a level of support that remains consistent across racial and ethnic groups. Stiffer penalties for violating existing gun laws are supported by 9 in 10 young adults, including about 9 in 10 whites, Asian-Americans and Latinos, as well as 8 in 10 African-Americans.

Fifty-seven percent of young Americans support a ban on rapid-firing semi-automatic weapons, with support especially high -- 74 percent -- among Asian-Americans, the poll found.

GenForward is a survey by the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The first-of-its-kind poll pays special attention to the voices of young adults of color, highlighting how race and ethnicity shape the opinions of a new generation.

In this Jan. 19, 2016 file photo, a woman looks at a handgun at the Glock booth at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas. About 9 in 10 young adults say they support criminal background checks for all gun sales, a level of support that remains consistent across racial and ethnic groups. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

"I think it's important to make sure the government isn't going door to door saying, 'Let me see your guns and ammo,'" said Roy, who is black. "But I think it's really important to have background checks ... and make sure a felon can't get a gun."

She also believes a new Texas law that permits the open carrying of guns on college campuses is a bad idea.

"What if someone's not doing well in class or a family member dies?" she asked. "What's to stop them from pulling out a gun and shooting the teacher or people in class." She said: "You just have so many different emotions and types of people you go to school with."

The poll underscores the differences in young Americans' personal experiences, which they say helped shape their attitudes toward guns.

More than a third of African-Americans -- 37 percent -- and nearly a quarter of Latinos say they or someone they know has experienced gun violence in the last year, compared with only 12 percent of whites or Asian-Americans.

In this Jan. 19, 2016 file photo, Nolan Hammer looks at a gun at the Heckler & Koch booth at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas. About 9 in 10 young adults say they support criminal background checks for all gun sales, a level of support that remains consistent across racial and ethnic groups. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Yet more than half of Americans age 18-30 say it's more important to control gun ownership than to protect gun rights. That includes 76 percent of young Asian-Americans, 63 percent of African-Americans, and 60 percent of Latinos. Young whites are divided, with 53 percent saying it's more important to protect gun rights and 46 percent saying it's more important to control gun ownership.

Saajan Bhakta, 21, of Wichita, Kansas, says he doesn't oppose gun ownership, but believes gun violence "needs to be addressed very promptly" with new laws restricting access for people with criminal records and some mental health problems and a ban on some semi-automatic weapons. He says the recent killings of police officers in Dallas, where he has close friends and family, showed "that it could happen anytime, anywhere, with anyone."

"Human behavior is predictable to a level, but also unpredictable," said Bhakta, who runs a humanitarian nonprofit organization and hopes to earn a doctorate in psychology. "Being on top of it from the beginning helps prevent unnecessary events."

He's among the majority of young Asian-Americans, 62 percent, who think owning a gun does more to put people's safety at risk than to protect them from crime.

On the other hand, 59 percent of young adults overall say owning a gun does more to protect a person from being a crime victim, including nearly two-thirds of young whites, almost 6 in 10 Latinos and a slim majority of African-Americans.

Roy, the Texas college student, said there always has been a rifle in her family's home for self-defense, but she still believes guns pose a greater threat to most owners than criminals do.

"A lot goes into handling one safely," she said. "And a lot can go wrong if you don't know what you're doing."

___

The poll of 1,940 adults age 18-30 was conducted July 9-20 using a sample drawn from the probability-based GenForward panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. young adult population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

The survey was paid for by the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago using grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

Respondents were first selected randomly using address-based sampling methods, and later interviewed online or by phone.

The victim in a fatal motorcycle crash in Beverly has been identified by State Police.

BEVERLY — The victim in a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred in Beverly on Friday has been identified, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Police say Andrew R. Lezynski, 30, of Gloucester, was killed after his motorcycle swerved into a guardrail in the southbound section of Rt 128.

Lezynski was reportedly thrown from the bike during the crash and suffered serious injuries. After he was taken to Beverly Hospital, he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Lezynski's passenger, a 29-year-old woman from Rockport, was also sent to Beverly Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Police haven't yet released details on why Lezynski's vehicle crashed.

Police said Susan Bryant, 57, of North Reading, had vandalized signs on the same property in the past.

ANDOVER - A vandal who defaced a Donald Trump lawn sign nearly hit the owner of the sign with her car as she tried to speed away from the scene, police allege.

Police said Susan Bryant, 57, of North Reading, had vandalized signs on the same property in the past. She's charged with four counts of defacing property and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Officers responded to Jenkins Road on Saturday morning when the homeowner called 911 to report the incident.

"The caller told police that he confronted the suspect, who allegedly drove off in an erratic manner, causing the victim to have to run out of the way of the oncoming vehicle," police said in a news release.

The owner was not injured, and he said he plans to replace the Trump sign.

Chief Patrick Keefe said everyone has the right to political expression without fear of retaliation.

"The victim in this case was only protecting his freedom of speech and expression," said Keefe. "We ask for the community's help in allowing all to express their opinions in safe, legal ways."

Bryant will likely be arraigned Monday in Lawrence District Court.

The annual Community Fair, held at Springfield Plaza, gave children an opportunity to learn about Watch video

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield's Community Fair, held at Springfield Plaza, gave city children an opportunity for fun, but also provided important educational opportunities on Saturday afternoon.

The event was free and open to all from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and included lots of fun, including a popular face painting station hosted by Maria's Funtastic Faces.

Additionally, a "Meet the K-9 Unit" was present for much of the day, during which time children were allowed to meet one of the Springfield Police Department's police dogs.

The event also gave children an opportunity to meet many of the city's public officials and to learn about the kind of work that they do.

Several Springfield firefighters were present giving fire truck tours to children, and similarly, several AMR professionals from American Medical Response could be seen teaching children about CPR.

The event also provided informational booths on a number of community organizations useful to local families – including Big Brothers Big Sisters, which provides mentoring opportunities for young adults, and Second Chance Animal Shelter's Community Veterinary Clinic, which connects families with pets needing a home.

Caretakers of Fort Phoenix in Massachusetts say players of the popular smartphone game are damaging the historic site.

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. -- A fort destroyed in the Revolutionary War is again fending off attacks -- this time from "Pokemon Go" players.

Caretakers of Fort Phoenix in Massachusetts said players of the popular smartphone game are damaging the historic site.

Gary Lavalette, volunteer caretaker at the fort in Fairhaven, near the Rhode Island state line, said people have been leaving trash, vandalizing historic structures and publicly urinating.

A stone wall was taken apart with a crowbar and parts of the property look like a "minefield" because people are digging up the ground, he told WLNE-TV.

Hundreds of "Pokemon Go" players have been flocking to the fort, often at night, because it's where a rare Pokemon can be found, the Fairhaven Historical Commission said.

The fort was destroyed by the British in 1778 but later rebuilt.

New bill would ban sex offenders from playing Pokemon Go

The fire at 627 Chicopee St. sent a man to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

CHICOPEE - A section of Chicopee Street is closed until further notice while crews put out a house fire.

The fire at 627 Chicopee St. sent a man to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

It's not clear yet what started the fire, which heavily damaged several rooms and blackened one side of the house, or when the road will reopen.

This is a developing story. Stay with The Republican/MassLive for more information as it becomes available.

Emergency Medical Services Authority spokeswoman Lara O'Leary says two people were transported in serious condition and the third was in good condition after being stung Saturday morning after the bees escaped from three hives.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Three people were taken to a hospital Saturday after an estimated 30,000 to 60,000 bees escaped and stung people in a Wal-Mart parking lot in southeast Oklahoma City.

Two people were transported in serious condition and the third was in good condition after the bees escaped from three hives, Emergency Medical Services Authority spokeswoman Lara O'Leary said.

Each of the three injured are adults, but no other information about them was released.

Several other shoppers were treated at the scene for multiple bee stings, KOCO-TV reported.

Oklahoma City Fire Battalion Chief Benny Fulkerson said the incident began about 10:30 a.m., when a person selling bee hives met a buyer in the parking lot and the bees escaped.

Beekeepers were called and gathered the insects. Fulkerson said a firefighter was also stung, but did not require medical attention.