All of western Massachusetts is under a high wind warning from 6 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. on Monday as a major storm system moves through New England.

All of western Massachusetts is under a high wind warning from 6 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. on Monday as a major storm system moves through New England.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said the storm could cause tree and building damage and power outages. A flash flood watch is in effect, as well.

"Flash flooding in urban and poor-drainage areas, including streets and in homes and businesses, is possible," according to MEMA. "The threat of flash flooding is highest in western Massachusetts, but also exists in eastern MA."

Sustained winds of 25-35 mph were expected Sunday, according to MEMA, while Monday will see 40-55 mph gusts across the interior of the state.

Wind speeds will pick up after midnight tonight, and coastal areas can anticipate even stronger gusts up to 70 mph.

The National Weather Service forecasts rain through early Monday afternoon, then cloudy skies gradually clearing and a high of 58. Wind gusts slow to 24 mph by evening.

"No matter the intent, swastika imagery represents hatred and bigotry and there is no place for that in our community," said Police Chief Joseph Solomon.

METHUEN - Police are investigating several reports of swastikas spray painted on cars and signs in town on Sunday.

Multiple vehicles were vandalized on Temple Drive, Bridle Path and Deborah Avenue, while a sign was vandalized at the intersection of West and Varnai streets, and a fence was damaged on Sevoian Drive.

Disrespectful & inappropriate graffiti in West end of city last night any1 with info pls call 978.983.8677 any Vs pls call pic.twitter.com/ah32sRjf1Z

-- Methuen Police [?] [?] (@MethuenPolice) October 29, 2017

"No matter the intent, swastika imagery represents hatred and bigotry and there is no place for that in our community," said Police Chief Joseph Solomon. "We are thoroughly investigating and working with the community to identify who is responsible so that they can be held accountable."

WCVB reports some vandalism occurred in neighboring Dracut. All of the incidents were within a one-mile radius.

Anyone with information about these incidents, or who may have seen something suspicious in those areas, is asked to call Methuen Police at 978-983-8698.

Police are also requesting any surveillance footage that could help identify a suspect.

The opioid epidemic, Republican's budget plan and the threat posed by North Korea were among several issues that took center stage Sunday as U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, hosted a town hall-style event in Pittsfield.

PITTSFIELD -- The opioid epidemic, the Republican budget plan and the threat posed by North Korea were among several issues that took center stage Sunday as U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, hosted a town hall-style event in Pittsfield. 

The senator, during a two-hour event at Barrington State Company, continued his criticism of the White House's response to the growing rates of opioid addiction, blasted GOP efforts to cut Medicare and Medicaid funding and raised concerns about the growing threat of nuclear war with North Korea, among other things.

Pointing to the 2,000 Massachusetts residents who died from overdoses in 2016 alone, Markey argued that the state offers a preview of sorts for what the rest of the country could face if the federal government fails to crack down on opioid abuse and ensure access to treatment. 

US Sen. Ed Markey calls Trump administration's response to opioid crisis 'empty words, broken promises'

"You cannot promise to fix the problem, but then simultaneously say, 'I don't have the money,'" he said, taking aim at President Donald Trump's recent move to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency and not a national emergency. 

"For families afflicted by this prescription drug, heroin and fentanyl epidemic, they need help and they need help now," the senator added. "They need treatment now."

Markey further contended that the White House's recent focus on the opioid epidemic is hypocritical given Republicans' efforts to cut funding for programs like Medicaid, which has connected many Americans with addiction treatment, in their budget plan. 

The senator argued that the Republican proposal is "nothing more than an effort to create a trojan horse with its tax break to move through the House and Senate, and is ultimately about cutting Medicaid and Medicare."

"This tax break to them is sacred -- they have a sacred obligation to the Koch Brothers and other millionaires ... but it comes at the expense of Medicare and Medicaid," he said.

House passes $4 trillion budget in step forward for Trump tax plan

Turning to foreign policy, the Democrat raised concerns about the recent tension between the United States and North Korea, as well as the lack of checks involved in launching nuclear weapons. 

Markey, who has introduced legislation that would require congressional approval for the president to launch a nuclear first strike, argued that there should be a debate in America about this issue.

"When we talk about this Korean standoff that we're in right now, there has to be a role for the Congress representing the American people," he said.

The senator further addressed Berkshire County constituents' concerns regarding climate change and environmental issues, including oil and gas pipelines. 

Markey argued that if the federal government is going to spend money on natural gas pipelines, it should repair those that are already underground and leaking -- not build new ones. 

"That's a commonsense way we should be looking at these issues," he said, noting he offered legislation to do so. 

Although the senator encouraged Western Massachusetts residents to fight back against Republican-led efforts to roll back health care, cut taxes for the wealthy and other policies, he noted that Trump was elected president and that Democrats must be more humble heading into the 2018 mid-term elections.

The Pittsfield event came just months after the senator met with Western Massachusetts constituents during a town hall at Forest Park Middle School in Springfield. 

US Sen. Ed Markey tells Springfield residents to 'stand up' and make voices heard against President Donald Trump's policies

Markey previously addressed Berkshire County residents in January, as he spoke during a Pittsfield rally organized by the Four Freedoms Coalition. 

Jonathan Roman-Miranda, 22, had a license to carry a firearm but was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and discharge of a firearm on a highway.

CHICOPEE - A Holyoke man accused of firing several shots while his car was on fire and in front of an off-duty Chicopee Police lieutenant was arrested Sunday.

Jonathan Roman-Miranda, 22, was arrested Sunday afternoon on a warrant charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a firearm on a highway and disorderly conduct, Massachusetts State Police said.

The incident started shortly before 3 a.m. when Roman-Miranda's 2005 Nissan Altma burst into flames on Interstate 391. When Trooper Jacob Sheehan responded to the fire, he found the flaming car and two other vehicles parked behind it, police said.

The witnesses, who had stopped to help, said the occupants of the Altima had left the area.

Chicopee Police then contacted Sheehan and said the lieutenant, who was unarmed and not working, was passing the area, saw the car on fire and stopped to help. The driver of the Altima got out of the vehicle and when the lieutenant asked if there was anyone else in the car the driver returned to the vehicle and began banging on the passenger side window. Several other motorists who stopped to help also started banging on the window, state police said.

"The driver then went to the front of the vehicle and pulled a firearm from his waistband, pointed it in the air and fired several shots. This occurred with a number of bystanders in the immediate vicinity," police said.

The lieutenant then left the scene and Roman-Miranda allegedly ran from the area, police said.

Shortly after Sheehan arrived, Chicopee firefighters responded and extinguished the blaze. The northbound lanes of Interstate-391 were closed until about 6 a.m. while police searched for the suspect with a K-9 and removed the destroyed car from the breakdown lane, police said.

Multiple shell casings were found and State Police detectives from Hampden County and troopers assigned to the Firearms Identification Section and Crime Scene Services Section were called to the scene to investigate, police said.

Officers identified the driver as Roman-Miranda and determined he has a license to carry a firearm.

They received a warrant and later Sunday he was arrested by a number of State Police troopers from the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Special Tactical Operations Team, Springfield Barracks and Hampden County Detectives. Police also searched his apartment and allegedly recovered a firearm.

Roman-Miranda is being held on $15,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned in Chicopee District Court on Monday, police said.

Incumbents and challengers for ward seats on the Holyoke, Massachusetts City Council and School Committee on Election Day Nov. 7, 2017 have been invited to participate in a forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Kelly Elementary School, 216 West St.

HOLYOKE -- Incumbents and challengers for ward seats on the City Council and School Committee have been invited to participate in a forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Kelly Elementary School, 216 West St.

"The purpose of this forum is to give candidates for the seven wards an opportunity to address a wide range of issues that affect our neighborhoods, businesses and city as a whole," organizers said in a press release.

City neighborhood associations, El Sol Latino, Holyoke Media, The Holyoke High Herald and Radioplasma have organized the event, a press release said.

Election Day is Nov. 7.

The City Council races include Ward 1, incumbent Gladys Lebron-Martinez, challenger Juan G. Sanchez Jr.; Ward 2, incumbent Nelson R. Roman, challenger J'Anthony I. Smith; Ward 3, incumbent David K. Bartley, challenger Darlene Elias; and Ward 6, challengers Juan C. Anderson-Burgos and James F. Brunault.

Kevin A. Jourdain, the incumbent Ward 6 councilor and current City Council president, is not running for re-election.

Incumbent city councilors Jossie M. Valentin, Ward 4, Linda L. Vacon, Ward 5 and Todd A. McGee, Ward 7 are unopposed in the election.

The only contested School Committee race on the Nov. 7 ballot will be for the Ward 1 seat where incumbent Mildred Lefbvre faces a challenge from John C. Pietrzykowski Sr. 

Candidates will give opening and closing statements, answer questions and have time to rebut opponents, the press release said.

"Unopposed candidates will only answer the questions," the press release said.

The Valley Press Club is honoring Ray Hershel's nearly 50-year career with its Lifetime Achievement Award Nov. 2, 2017.

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- The Valley Press Club will honor longtime TV news reporter Ray Hershel with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award will be presented Thursday in a ceremony from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Storrowton Tavern and Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

One of the deans of Western Massachusetts journalism, Hershel is a reporter for Western Mass News.

"This is a rare honor bestowed by The Valley Press Club, given for a lifetime of commitment, contribution and excellence in the media industry," said Noreen Tassinari, a Valley Press Club board member. "The board of directors of the Club met earlier this year and unanimously voted to honor Ray Hershel."

Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit the Valley Press Club scholarship fund. The scholarship will be given in Hershel's name next year.

A graduate of Emerson College, Hershel began his career at Springfield WHYN radio in 1968 as a news reporter and writer. He quickly moved "across the hall" to television, where he continues to report the news of the day at Western Mass News.

In his almost 50-year career, he's won numerous awards and accolades from the broadcast industry. In his first year at WHYN-TV, he was presented with United Press International's Tom Phillips first place award for his report on the return of prisoners of war from Vietnam to Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee.

Other notable reports he's produced include "Going for the Gold," highlighting the achievements of the U.S. men's gymnastics team, including Tim Daggett of West Springfield, in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Chief political reporter for Western Mass News, Herschel has covered many national political conventions, including the nominations for president of Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis' in 1988 and U.S. Sen. John Kerry in 2004.

He is a charter member of the New England Emmy Silver Circle and was recognized as a pioneer in the field of broadcast journalism with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Emerson College and the Radio-Television News Directors Association.

"Ray's dedication and commitment to his profession has been an inspiration to many," said Valley Press Club President Charlie Bennett.

Previous Valley Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Durham Caldwell, Jack O'Neil and Barbara Bernard.

The Valley Press Club consists of active and retired journalists and public relations professionals from corporate and nonprofit organizations.

Several wind and flood advisory warnings have been issued Monday morning as the state recovers from Sunday night's powerful rainstorm.

Several wind and flood advisory warnings remain in effect Monday morning as the state recovers from the powerful storm that hit Sunday into Monday morning. 

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning across eastern Massachusetts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The National Weather Service is predicting average wind speeds of 25 to 35 mph, with possible 65 mph gusts. By late morning, wind speeds are expected to lower to 10 to 20 mph, with 40 mph gusts.

Heavy winds could have a major impact on the morning commute, according to the National Weather Service.

"Winds this strong are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, possibly causing isolated power outages. Driving can also be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution," the warning reads.

A flooding advisory has also been issued for coastal communities in Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service predicts tides to be two-to-three feet higher than normal at high tide, around 7 a.m. The coastal flooding is expected to have a minor impact on local communities. 

However, heavy rains and urban flooding across the state have lead to several road closures and school cancellations. 

"Overnight, numerous downed trees, wires and poles were reported across the state. Additionally, there were numerous reports of flash flooding of streets and urban areas," a statement by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reads.

Memorial Drive at the Longfellow Bridge in Cambridge has been completely closed down due to flooding, as have several exits along the Massachusetts Turnpike, according to Massachusetts State police. 

Sunday night's storm could potentially impact the Wednesday morning commute, according to the National Weather Service. A Hazardous Weather Outlook statement published early Monday morning warns of areas of frost in parts of eastern Massachusetts developing Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. 

McAuliffe an Dino Brunetti are running for the Ward 1 Chicopee Council seat.

CHICOPEE -- Joel McAuliffe formally announced his campaign for Ward 1 City Council in late February with a video that told residents, "it's about you, it's about time" and highlighted his background in state and local government.

McAuliffe, 25, of 143 Deslauriers St., is a graduate of Comprehensive High School and holds an associate's degree in communications from Springfield Technical Community College. He served as communications and special projects manager for Mayor Richard J. Kos for three years from 2014-2016. He now is the district director for State Sen. Eric P. Lesser, who represents Ward 1 in the Massachusetts State Senate.

He is running against Dino Brunetti, who was recently appointed to the City Council to fill the remaining six months of the term when the Ward 1 City Councilor resigned for professional reasons.

"I love this city because it has given so much to me. That is why I decided to run for City

Council," McAuliffe said. "I have been so blessed to serve our residents as an aide to Mayor Richard Kos and as District Director for Senator Eric Lesser, and now I ask for the chance to serve once again on the City Council."

McAuliffe said he will focus on improving infrastructure in the ward by taking care of roads and sidewalks, especially in long neglected areas like Doverbrook and Willimansett Heights, improving schools, and keeping Chicopee affordable so that seniors and families can afford to stay in their homes.

Another issue McAuliffe said he plans to focus on is building a municipal internet utility that will lower costs for residents and businesses while expanding economic development opportunities.

While an aide to Mayor Kos, he encouraged the mayor to commission a feasibility study to determine if such a project could be done.

"The feasibility study told us four things. Yes it is feasible, yes it will yield substantial economic development benefits, yes it will save people a lot of money, and yes the residents of Chicopee want it," said McAuliffe. "This is a transformative project for the city and I will be a leader on the City Council making sure it gets done."

"Although our city was once home to giants like Uniroyal, Facemate, and American Bosch, we can no longer afford to rest on the laurels of our industrial past. We need to make investments that will help build a robust economy for the future," McAuliffe said. Building a municipal internet utility will cut residents internet and television bills in half while attracting the high tech jobs of the future. This is how we will make Chicopee a state leader in the global economy, attracting new businesses and providing jobs for future generations."

He has been endorsed by Sen. Eric Lesser, Hampden Sheriff Nick Cocchi, former Ward 1 Alderman John Pappas and former Board of Alderman President Timothy Sullivan.

McAuliffe has also been endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1459, which represents the majority of Chicopee Department of Public Works employees, school custodians, school nurses, cafeteria workers, administrative, and Housing Authority employees.

"I want to do everything I can to make this city a better place our residents and their families, because this is my home, this is where I grew up, and this is where I will raise my family, because there truly is no place better than Chicopee," said McAuliffe. "My promise to our residents is this, if you place your confidence in me, I will work every day to make sure every person in Chicopee has the chance to live up to their God-given potential, because when our people are strong, Chicopee is strong."

McAuliffe has a Facebook Page called joel mcauliffe for city council with more information about his campaign.

SPRINGFIELD - The eagerly anticipated 5th annual Bax & O'Brien live show took over City Stage in downtown on Friday night.

SPRINGFIELD - The eagerly anticipated 5th annual Bax & O'Brien live show took over CityStage in downtown on Friday night.

The show began after a one hour cocktail reception in CityStage's lounge, and the fifth year proved to be a success, boasting a sold out crowd with lots of laughs and nothing held back.

It was a night full of entertainment, including skits, musical performances from Dave Mendell "The Rockin' Robin", a special feature from "Mark from West Springfield" and visits from other show regulars like Scott Coen, formerly of ABC40, and Paul "Fitzy" Fitzgerald from Townie News. 

Originally scheduled to make an appearance, comedian Pat Oates did not make it due to other obligations, but did contribute an animated short entitled "Bax, Yoko & O'Brien" a play on John Lennon's "Imagine," poking fun at the engaged Mike Baxendale.

This year'd event was sponsored by Curry Honda & Curry Nissan, Nor' Easter Organic Life, Planet Fitness and Rock 102, Springfield's classic rock station.

View photos from the show above, and for more info about Bax & O'Brien visit their website here.

Several MBTA trains have been delayed or cancelled due to heavy rainfall and strong winds overnight.

Several MBTA trains have been delayed or cancelled due to heavy rainfall and strong winds overnight. 

According to the MBTA alerts log, nearly every line is facing delays due to heavy rains, wind, downed trees and power outages across the state. The Providence Line has been suspected completely due to the severe weather. 

The service was dealing with several downed trees and overhead wires, according to the MBTA. The Stoughton Line is still in service, however. 

Earlier this morning, the MBTA reported that the Franklin Line Train 790 was stopped in Endicott due to a fallen tree on the tracks, delaying the train for 30 to 40 minutes. 

Amtrak service between Boston and New Haven, Connecticut was suspended Monday morning as well. Amtrak Northeast tweeted that the delays were also being caused by downed trees and wires. 

A storm with hurricane-force winds is backing up roadways Monday morning.

Massachusetts traffic is so widespread Monday morning that the "#matraffic" hashtag became a trending topic on local Twitter, indicating the high number of reports. 

Following a major overnight storm that brought with it hurricane-like winds and heavy rainfall, incidents were reported on major highways like Interstate 93, Route 128, and Route 2 on Monday morning, causing major backups in some spots. 

More than 260,000 without power across Massachusetts after storm 

In the Boston area, flooding forced closures on the Longfellow Bridge in Cambridge and Fairmount Avenue in Hyde Park. The Massachusetts State Police reported detours and subsequent backups in those areas. Route 24 in Fall River also saw a temporary ramp closure due to flooding. 

#MAtraffic Memorial Drive E/B and W/B at the #Longfellow Br in #Cambridge closed due to flooding. D tours in place.

-- Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 30, 2017

#MAtraffic Truman Pkwy @ Fairmount Ave in #HydePark closed due to flooding. D tours in place.

-- Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 30, 2017

In Bourne, state police report a utility pole caught fire on Route 3, north of the Sagamore Bridge. The fire closed down Route 3 in both directions shortly before 7:30 a.m.

Utility pole on fire in median, Rt3 north, north of Sagamore Bridge, Bourne. Rt3 closed both directions for undetermined amount of time.

-- Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 30, 2017

In addition to roadway backups, Amtrak service from Boston to New Haven, Connecticut was suspended Monday morning due to power outages. Across the Bay State, more than 260,000 places reported power outages early Monday.

From Sunday into Monday morning, the National Weather Service announced flood watches for eastern MA and flood warnings for urban and small rivers. The highest winds were reported in northeastern Massachusetts, with wind speeds above 70 mph, with most reaching above 55 mph. 

Traffic reports warn of flooded areas, and roadways covered in wet, slippery leaves. Downed tree limbs, utility poles and other debris is impacting traffic across the state, and even prompted more than 70 schools to delay or close operations Monday morning.

School closings and delays for October 30

Police are investigating an apparent hit-and-run in East Brookfield which claimed the life of a neonatal nurse from Worcester.

Police are investigating an apparent hit-and-run in East Brookfield which claimed the life of a neonatal nurse from Worcester. 

According to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Lisa Germain, 54, was struck by a dark-colored vehicle while attempting to cross Route 9 in East Brookfield Sunday night. The driver fled the scene of the crash.

Germain worked as a neonatal nurse at Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham for nearly 20 years, the Telegram & Gazette reported. 

After reviewing security camera footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses police determined that the driver likely headed west after striking the woman near 289 East Main St. Police believe the driver was in a gray or black-colored GMC Terrain or Envoy, the Telegram & Gazette reported.

Germain might have not been in the crosswalk when she was struck between Dunny's Tavern and the East Brookfield House of Pizza, police said. They also learned that Germain was likely leaving Dunny's Tavern when the hit-and-run occurred.

An eastbound driver witnessed Germain being hit and saw the vehicle heading west, the Telegram & Gazette reported. 

Police closed Route 9 for more than two hours Sunday night while they investigated the hit-and-run. East Brookfield police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call (508) 867-6130. 

Most student misconduct can be addressed with in-school strategies, rather than through police intervention, the document states. Watch video

EASTHAMPTON -- After months of negotiation, the School Committee has approved a new agreement between the city's school district and its police department.

The vast majority of student misconduct can best be addressed through in-school strategies, rather than through the courts, the document states as its first guiding principal.

The document was crafted in collaboration with Police Chief Robert Alberti.

The School Committee unanimously approved the new memorandum of agreement (MOA) at its Oct. 24 meeting, bringing the district into compliance with a state law that requires such a document to be on file within the superintendent's office.

The memorandum says the presence of law enforcement in schools "should not impede a student's civil rights." It requires that the police department share relevant information with the superintendent. It also contains strong provisions for data tracking, monitoring, and assessment. 

The document says the duties of any school resource officer, or SRO, are to "promote rapport with students and staff," to assist in maintaining a safe and healthy environment, to respond to emergency situations, and to investigate crime on school grounds. The SRO will act as a role model and become familiar with restorative justice, verbal deescalation techniques, and other skills. 

As part of the agreement, "the city of Easthampton agrees to pay 100 percent of the salary" of a full-time SRO and foot the bill for all employee benefits. The SRO will have a a dedicated office at Easthampton High School.

A previous agreement was more than a decade old, and crafted by officials who have long since retired. The state-required memo defines the role and responsibilities of any school resource officer.

The School Committee's three-member policy subcommittee proactively started working on the new school-police agreement this summer, weeks before Attorney General Maura Healey presented the full School Committee with an Aug. 24 consent order that essentially forced the issue.

Committee to forge police-school memo

The AG's memorandum contains 11 requirements the school district must follow to prevent civil rights enforcement by the state prosecutors. Several of the AG's requirements are relevant to the police-school issue.

The AG said in hiring a school resource officer, preference should be given to someone not related to any student. If the SRO's role as a coach or relative creates a conflict of interest, that conflict must be disclosed. It also requires that any Easthampton SRO "receive training based on discrimination, bias indicators, unconscious bias, progressive discipline, and restorative justice efforts."  

Prior School Resource Officer Alan Schadel's son was the alleged victim of a racially-charged March 29 assault in the Easthampton High School parking lot. Schadel was on medical leave at the time. Acting SRO Rick Rogalski, who arrested three students of color one day after the incident, is an assistant high school football coach.

One of the suspects, 18-year-old Joshua R. Brown, was arrested and charged as an adult, a move supported by high school principal Kevin Burke, according to court documents. Brown, who graduated with his class this spring, remains on pre-trial probation.

The parking lot incident and other events, including the appearance of Confederate flags at Easthampton High School, fueled months of divisive debate within the community. Healey launched an investigation into a range of allegations, and on Aug. 25 released a scathing report detailing years of race-biased discipline at the school, a pervasive culture of bullying, and school officials who turned a blind eye to escalating problems.

The schools are now implementing a multi-pronged plan to eradicate bias and improve climate and culture. Student and staff training is underway, a "diversity and inclusion officer" has been named, and discipline policies have been revamped.

Rogalski, who wishes to remain in the SRO role, recently attended a two-week training for school-based officers. He will also participate in ongoing staff training at the high school around diversity and inclusion, school officials said.

Superintendent Nancy Follansbee said Rogalski is "very excited about the position" and "willing and wanting to learn and be an important member of our school community."

The agreement was hammered out by the policy subcommittee, chaired by School Committee member Marissa Carrere. The committee, along with Superintendent Nancy Follansbee, met several times with Alberti, who proposed changes to early drafts.

Also approved Tuesday night were new student handbooks for the city's elementary schools, for White Brook Middle School, and for Easthampton High School. The handbooks contain reworked discipline codes, harassment policies, dress codes, and other changes.

The new handbooks make reference to Massachusetts civil rights law, with its stated protections for classes including gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, and disability status. The handbooks include a "progressive discipline" matrix, a stated preference for "restorative discipline," and contain a new dress code that bans "hate speech, including symbols," on clothing.

Carrere said the new police-school memo presents a "21st-century understanding of the SRO role" and seeks to "protect students while protecting their civil rights."

Sarah Hunter, who sits on the policy subcommittee, said she is pleased with the result. A former consultant on autism spectrum disorders, she said she had been concerned about the impact of police policy upon students with special needs.

"I'm happy with what we've come up with," said Hunter. "We approached it intentionally and carefully."

She said having an SRO is a good idea, partly because students with learning disabilities do better when they have a working relationship with familiar adults.

Mayor Karen Cadieux, a member of the School Committee, offered effusive praise for Alberti and the Easthampton Police Department.

"Like anything else in our community, I think our police chief, number one, was commendable and did everything possible to work with the School Committee and the Superintendent," said Cadiuex. "Our community policing in Easthampton speaks for itself."

Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com

New SRO Agreement Easthampton Public Schools

Police says several sections of streets and intersections also remain closed.

LUDLOW -- Schools are closed for the day due extensive damage caused by last night's storm.

"We got hit pretty hard," Sgt. Daniel Valadas said, adding the department brought in an additional 12 officers overnight to deal with the storm.

The intersection of Chapin and East streets, hit particularly hard with fallen limbs on wires, will likely be closed for most of the day, Valadas said.

Also remaining closed Monday morning:

• Holyoke Street from Gaudreau Street to Chapin Street
• Alden Street from Piney Lane to Center Street (Route 21)
• Church Street between Fuller and Rood streets

"We are asking that all motorists use caution when driving on town roadways due to the road closures," Valadas said.

This is a developing story, Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.

The fallen tree was reported at 50 Hazen St. shortly before 2 a.m. and residents were out of the home when emergency personnel arrived, Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said.

SPRINGFIELD -- A falling tree caused extensive structural damage to a Sixteen Acres neighborhood home early Monday as heavy winds and rain whipped through the region.

The fallen tree was reported at 50 Hazen St. shortly before 2 a.m. and residents were out of the home when emergency personnel arrived, Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said.

Responders shut off power to the bedrooms and helped residents remove needed items. Police and American Medical Response assisted at the scene.

A building inspector was summoned to the property. Leger did not have any information on potential injuries.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.

MEMA reported 266,000 customers were without power as of 6:00 a.m. Monday, but revised that report to 319,081 as of 8:47 a.m.

Thousands more have reported losing power since 6 a.m. Monday, bringing the total number of power outages across the state to nearly 320,000 households, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

MEMA reported 266,000 households were without power as of 6:00 a.m. Monday, but revised that report to approximately 317,000 at 8:47 a.m.

A heavy rainstorm hit Massachusetts Sunday afternoon into early Monday morning, causing flooding and wind damage across the state. Dozens of schools have closed, several trains have been delayed or canceled and hundreds of trees and utility poles were downed as a result of the storm.

According to the National Weather Service, hurricane-force winds struck in some cities and towns. Storm reporters in several communities reported winds of more than 72 mph. Mashpee saw gusts as high as 82 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

High wind and coastal flood advisories are still in place across much of the state.

The National Weather Service is predicting average wind speeds of 35 to 35 mph in eastern Massachusetts, with possible 65 mph gusts. Later in the day, average wind speeds should drop down to 10 to 20 mph. 

Rainfall totals are still being calculated in many communities, however, rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour were reported in some areas, causing many roadways to become flooded. A flash flood warning was called in Worcester County until 5:30 a.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service warns slippery roads and hydroplaning incidents are possible in many places where roads are covered in wet leaves. 

All northbound lanes of Interstate 495 were closed during morning commutes on Monday.

All northbound lanes of Interstate 495 were closed during morning commutes on Monday. 

Massachusetts State Police were called to the northbound lanes at Exit 55 in Amesbury for a report of a tractor-trailer fire. Troopers and firefighters found a tractor "fully engulfed" in flames. 

The flames were contained to only the tractor, not the attached trailer. They were put out by 9:30 a.m.

The right and breakdown lanes remain closed with the left, northbound lane now open. 

Paul Manafort, the former campaign chair for President Donald Trump, and Manafort's former business associate, Rick Gates, have been indicted by a federal grand jury and surrendered to federal authorities on Monday.

Paul Manafort, the former campaign chair for President Donald Trump, and Manafort's former business associate, Rick Gates, have been indicted by a federal grand jury and surrendered to federal authorities on Monday. 

The indictment contains 12 counts: conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading FARA statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. 

Both are scheduled to be arraigned on Monday. 

The indictment can be viewed below. 

Read the indictment against Paul Manafort and Richard Gates by mnwillia on Scribd

Charges against 18-year-old Enfield resident Nicholas Desorbo include four counts of larceny of a motor vehicle and ten counts of breaking and entering into a vehicle with intent to commit a felony.

WILBRAHAM -- An Enfield man and his mother are among three Connecticut suspects charged in connection with multiple vehicle thefts and break-ins from residents here.

Detective Chris Arventos has been investigating vehicle thefts and break-ins since August, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

During the investigation, Arventos identified Nicholas Desorbo, 18, of Enfield as a suspect. On Oct. 23, Enfield police contacted Arventos, reported that Desorbo was in custody and willing to speak with him.

Desorbo admitted to Arventos that he stole, or was present, when vehicles were stolen from Wilbraham.

The suspect also gave Arventos the name of an accomplice, 18-year-old New Haven resident Garrett Austin Ling of New Haven.

Desorbo also gave Arventos the location of a Honda Pilot that had been stolen from town. That vehicle was recovered and later released to its owner.

Arventos determined that Desorbo's mother, Heidi Mayhew, 40-years-old and homeless, was also a suspect.

As of Sunday, all of the vehicles stolen from Wilbraham have been recovered.

Arventos is also in the process of retuning stolen property recovered from vehicle thefts in surrounding communities including East Longmeadow and Simsbury, Conn.

Desorbo was charged with four counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, ten counts breaking and entering into a motor vehicle in the nighttime for a felony, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, receiving stolen property over $250, breaking and entering in the nighttime for a felony (residence).

Mayhew will be charged with receiving stolen property over $250.

Ling will be charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering a motor vehicle in the nighttime for a felony, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, receiving stolen property over $250.

A 47-year-old Easthampton man has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after allegedly striking another man in the head with a hammer Sunday night in Amherst.

AMHERST -- A 47-year-old Easthampton man has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after allegedly striking another man in the head with a hammer Sunday night.

Brian S. Dowland, whose last known address was on Lyman Street in Easthampton, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Eastern Hampshire District Court.

Police were called to the Unitarian Meetinghouse at 8:45 p.m. for a report of a man with a hammer hitting the ground and a wall near the church. According to the police department's log, after the call came in officers watching footage from a camera saw two men on the ground fighting. 

The injured man was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. Police could not comment on the man's condition.