Southwick, MA Local News and More

Springfield wellness event connects residents with mental health, housing and recovery resources

Springfield residents had the opportunity to explore mental health services, housing assistance and recovery programs Thursday during a community wellness event hosted by Behavioral Health Network (BHN) and Commonwealth Care Alliance.

WWLP

Five Springfield families selected to purchase affordable homes for $215K

Five Springfield families are one step closer to becoming homeowners after being selected in an affordable housing lottery Friday, with newly constructed homes being offered for $215,000 each.

Springfield, MA · 11h

takingthekids.com

Massachusetts Has 9 Puerto Rican Kitchens In Springfield And Holyoke Serving Traditional Island Comfort Food

Mofongo, the garlicky mound of mashed fried plantains, shows up on menus across two neighboring cities here. A few kitchens even fold it into sandwiches, balls, and breakfast plates. I love that this food was built for comfort. Slow-roasted pernil, rice with pigeon peas, crunchy alcapurrias. These are dishes made...

Springfield, MA · 2d

WWLP

West Springfield man faces drug trafficking charges after arrest in Holyoke

Holyoke police arrested a man on Monday in connection with an outstanding warrant for cocaine and fentanyl trafficking.

Holyoke, MA · 1d

WWLP

‘The Simpsons’ writer and presidential candidate to visit Springfield during nationwide tour

A longtime writer and producer of the animated television series "The Simpsons" is bringing his presidential campaign to Springfield as part of a nationwide tour visiting 17 communities that share the same name.

westernmassnews.com

East Longmeadow to plan redesign of notorious rotary

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - For years, a seven-way rotary in East Longmeadow has caused headaches and confused drivers, but there may soon be relief on the way. Western Mass News was in town to hear what residents think and how the town is addressing those challenges. This rotary is...

East Longmeadow, MA · 1d

hoodline.com

partner publisher · 862.1K followers

Chicopee Teachers Say Student Attacks Left Staff Concussed, 17 Jobs Empty at Fairview

Fairview Elementary School — School Facing Staff Safety Concerns. Three Chicopee school employees have suffered concussions from student assaults since classes began in September, including one staff member who was pregnant at the time, according to the local teachers union. After a Monday night Chicopee School Committee meeting, educators described a mounting safety crisis at Fairview Elementary School, pointing to vacant positions, violent incidents, and what they called inadequate district action.

Chicopee, MA · 1d

Parade

In 1935, 18-year-old Curtis Blake and his brother borrowed $547 from their parents to open an ice cream shop; 44 years later, they sold Friendly’s to Hershey for $164 million

Friendly grew from a single ice cream shop into a 500-location restaurant chain.

MassLive.com

WMass agency reversing the pipeline to prison, one student at a time

HOLYOKE — Sonia Mendez, 43, is only two semesters shy of earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Westfield State University. The Western Massachusetts woman has come a long way since her days serving time behind bars in the Massachusetts Correctional Institution-Framingham. Mendez spent a total of...

Holyoke, MA · 17h

NBC Connecticut

Enfield stepfather denied bond reduction as investigation into 12-year-old's death continues

The stepfather of a 12-year-old Enfield girl who was found dead in March remains jailed after a judge denied a request to lower his bond. Anthony Federline appeared in court Wednesday on charges alleging he sexually assaulted his 12-year-old stepdaughter. Federline is being held on a $1 million bond. "The...

Enfield, CT · 2d

WWLP

WWLP launches Home for the Holidays sweepstakes with $15,000 grand prize

Enter the WWLP.com Home for the Holidays sweepstakes by Dec. 8 to win a $15,000 grand prize and local gift card packages.

Chicopee, MA · 1d

WWLP

Westfield City Hall to light up blue for World Diabetes Day

Westfield City Hall will be illuminated in blue for one week in November to recognize World Diabetes Day and support local families affected by type 1 diabetes.

Westfield, MA · 1d

hoodline.com

West Springfield, MA · 1d

Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Brings Nearly 200 Artisans to West Springfield

Nearly 200 juried crafters, designers and artists are setting up shop this weekend at the Eastern States Exposition’s Better Living Center in West Springfield for the Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler, a two-day craft fair that doubles as one of the region’s biggest fundraisers for a nonprofit historical association. Shoppers can expect everything from hand-carved wooden toy soldiers to fabric Christmas trees, plus a visit from Santa and a miniature New England village frozen in the year 1897.

MassLive.com

Springfield’s Roca unveils upgraded facility to aid at-risk youth

SPRINGFIELD – Isaiah Barnill is now a student studying criminal justice at Holyoke. Two years ago, he found himself on the other side of the law – the wrong side. But through the Roca program and the Emerging Adult Court of Hope, which provides an alternative for youthful offenders willing to work hard, Barnill believes he is building a better life for himself.

Springfield, MA · 2d

WWLP

Holyoke, state officials seeking public’s help in investigating six suspicious outdoor fires

Authorities in Holyoke are asking for the public's help as they investigate six outdoor fires reported on two separate mornings, including one in which a man escaped an occupied tent that was allegedly set on fire.

Holyoke, MA · 1d

thereminder.com

East Longmeadow School Committee unsure of redstone gift

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow School Committee is undecided on accepting a redstone gift from a resident’s yard for the new high school, with some members voicing concerns of costs not going to the right place and others wary of setting a precedent by accepting gifts with potential stipulations.

East Longmeadow, MA · 17h

MassLive.com

2 new restaurants open at Bradley International Airport

Bradley International Airport is expanding its dining lineup with the opening of two new restaurants, Chick-fil-A and Sergio’s Go, in the terminal’s post-security food court. The new establishments are part of a broader strategy to modernize the terminal by blending nationally recognized brands with locally inspired concepts, according...

Windsor Locks, CT · 19h

westernmassnews.com

Springfield Elks lodger honors their Veteran of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - It was Veterans’ Remembrance Night at the Springfield Elks Lodge where local officials honored one special veteran. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was in attendance, and John L. Driscoll was recognized as the lodge’s 2026 Elk Veteran of the Year. In a statement, the mayor...

Springfield, MA · 2d

MassLive.com

Longmeadow’s road safety project on hold after $9M sticker shock

LONGMEADOW — Safer streets sounded good when a state grant was paying the full $5 million cost. That was before Longmeadow officials realized the reconstruction of the Williams Street business corridor could require an additional $9 million in borrowing, backed by residents’ tax and utility bills. This week,...

Longmeadow, MA · 17h

MassLive.com

Mass. casino player wins jackpot prize with 75-cent bet

After betting 75-cents on a slot machine spin, a Massachusetts casino player walked away a jackpot winner. The MGM Springfield player bet 75-cents on a “Quick Hit Link” slot machine game on Aug. 26. The jackpot prize was worth $12,182.81. Overall, there are more than 1,500 slot machines...