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Springfield, MA

MA Cities Among 10 Best For St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, Study Says: See Full List MA Cities Among 10 Best For St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, Study Says: See Full List
MA Cities Among 10 Best For St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, Study Says: See Full List Every year, some cities feel the luck of the Irish a little more than others. WalletHub released its 2026 list of Best Cities for St. Patrick's Day Celebrations on Wednesday, March 11. The study ranked 200 US cities based on holiday traditions, Irish pubs and restaurants per capita, affordability, safety, accessibility, and even the weather forecast. WalletHub said Americans are expected to spend about $7 billion on St. Patrick's Day in 2026. "St. Patrick's Day celebrates the Irish, but it's become a beloved cultural holiday for millions of Americans regardless of their ancestry," said Wal…
High-Profile Owner Of Popular Brunch Chain Place 2 Be Accused of $10K Bad Check Scheme High-Profile Owner Of Popular Brunch Chain Place 2 Be Accused of $10K Bad Check Scheme
High-Profile Owner Of Popular Brunch Chain Place 2 Be Accused of $10K Bad Check Scheme The owner of the popular brunch chain The Place 2 Be has been arrested on a felony larceny charge after police said she used bad checks to buy more than $10,000 in restaurant equipment. Gjinovefa “Gina” Luari, 33, was taken into custody and charged with issuing a bad check and second-degree larceny. East Hartford police said Luari purchased $10,821.66 worth of equipment from Restaurant Equipment Paradise in East Hartford with checks tied to closed accounts. Both checks bounced. According to an arrest warrant obtained by WTNH, Richard Singer, the manager of Restaurant Equipment Paradise, to…
Air Supply Hits The Road—All Out of Love And Back On Stage In 2025 Air Supply Hits The Road—All Out of Love And Back On Stage In 2025
Air Supply Hits The Road—All Out of Love And Back On Stage In 2025 Picture this: It’s 1975, two guys meet during "Jesus Christ Superstar" in Melbourne, and instead of just singing through a rehearsal, they create one of the world’s most famous soft-rock duos. Fast forward 50 years and Air Supply is still out there proving love songs never go out of style. Their 2025 50th Anniversary Tour is underway, and if you don’t snag tickets before they vanish, someone else will be swaying in your seat. Here’s where to catch them before the chance slips away: Oct. 28, 2025 – Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem, PA Oct. 19, 2025 – Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT Oct. 25, …
‘Senseless Act of Violence’ Leads To 20-Year Sentence For Agawam Man In Springfield Killing: DA ‘Senseless Act of Violence’ Leads To 20-Year Sentence For Agawam Man In Springfield Killing: DA
‘Senseless Act of Violence’ Leads To 20-Year Sentence For Agawam Man In Springfield Killing: DA A Massachusetts man was sentenced to up to 20 years in state prison for the fatal shooting of a Springfield resident, closing a case that has gripped two local communities, authorities said.  Jared Dewberry, 27, of Agawam, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the 2023 killing of 25-year-old Gary White in Springfield, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said Friday, Sept. 5. Along with the 18-to-20-year sentence, Judge Tracy E. Duncan handed down a 3-to-5-year prison term for illegal possession of a firearm.  Those sentences will run concurrently.  The case stems from…
Plan b Closing Hartford, West Hartford Restaurants Soon Plan b Closing Hartford, West Hartford Restaurants Soon
Plan b Closing Hartford, West Hartford Restaurants Soon Two longtime Plan b restaurants in Connecticut — Hartford and West Hartford — will shut down at the end of the month, marking the third closure of a Connecticut restaurant for the chain this year.  The company announced that both Connecticut locations, along with its Springfield, Massachusetts, restaurant, will close as part of what leaders call a “strategic realignment," a press release said. “This decision reflects a balance between fiscal responsibility and staying true to the experience our guests and teams deserve," said founder and CEO Allie J. Gamble in the statement. “ Plan b i…
Springfield Predator Gets Up to 13 Years In Prison For Repeatedly Raping Young Child Springfield Predator Gets Up to 13 Years In Prison For Repeatedly Raping Young Child
Springfield Predator Gets Up to 13 Years In Prison For Repeatedly Raping Young Child A 57-year-old Massachusetts man will spend the next 10 to 13 years behind bars after a Hampden County jury found he had repeatedly raped a child between the ages of 6 and 8 years old, authorities said.  Benito Roman, formerly of Springfield, was convicted of aggravated rape of a child, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, and two counts of intimidation of a witness following a three-day trial, the Hampden District Attorney's Office said.  Along with his prison term, Roman must serve three years of probation following his release, the judge ruled.  …
Police ID 25-Year-Old Who Drowned In Becket Quarry Police ID 25-Year-Old Who Drowned In Becket Quarry
Police ID 25-Year-Old Who Drowned In Becket Quarry Authorities have identified a 25-year-old Springfield man as the person who drowned in a Western Massachusetts quarry last week.  Rainiely Meteo, of Springfield, was found by divers at the Becket Quarry Saturday morning, July 19, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday.  Meteo had gone swimming in the quarry with a woman on Friday. Around 5:30 p.m., he began to struggle and slid beneath the water in a matter of seconds, authorities said. She and others tried to rescue him but couldn't.  The Berkshire County Dive Team led the underwater search while…
Teen Arrested in Springfield Shooting That Killed 19-Year-Old Teen Arrested in Springfield Shooting That Killed 19-Year-Old
Teen Arrested in Springfield Shooting That Killed 19-Year-Old A 16-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Semaj Brewster in Springfield earlier this year, authorities announced Monday, June 30. The Hampden District Attorney's Office said the accused's age prohibits authorities from releasing his name.  The teenager is facing one count of murder and is being held without the right to bail, the prosecutor said.  The shooting happened late at night on January 12. Officers were called to the 100 block of Oakland Street just before midnight after a ShotSpotter alert. When they arri…
Police ID Springfield Woman Killed In Hit-Run Crash Police ID Springfield Woman Killed In Hit-Run Crash
Police ID Springfield Woman Killed In Hit-Run Crash Police have identified the 57-year-old woman who was killed on Monday, June 23, in Springfield after a car crashed into her.  Annabelle Rufino was walking at the intersection of Bay and Bowles Street around 10:30 p.m. when she was hit, Springfield police said.  Paramedics rushed the Springfield woman to Baystate Medical Center, where she died of her wounds.  Police say they have recovered the vehicle investigators say hit her, but it's unclear if police have made any arrests.  The crash remains under investigation.  Investigators urge anyone with information on t…
CT Funeral Home Owner Launches Campaign To Help Victims Of Alleged $70K Vernon Funeral Scam CT Funeral Home Owner Launches Campaign To Help Victims Of Alleged $70K Vernon Funeral Scam
CT Funeral Home Owner Launches Campaign To Help Victims Of Alleged $70K Vernon Funeral Scam A group is working to help victims of an alleged Connecticut funeral scam involving a former funeral home owner accused of embezzling more than $70,000 from funds meant for burials and other services, to allegedly fuel his gambling habit. Philip Pietras, 51, of Coventry, was arrested Sunday, April 6, and charged with first-degree larceny, according to Connecticut State Police. Dozens of people had given Pietras money intended for escrow accounts, which would have been available to cover funeral costs when needed, police said. They later learned the money was never deposited, and now they mu…
Police ID Chicopee Man, 27, As Victim In Fatal Springfield Shooting: 'I'll Always Miss You' Police ID Chicopee Man, 27, As Victim In Fatal Springfield Shooting: 'I'll Always Miss You'
Police ID Chicopee Man, 27, As Victim In Fatal Springfield Shooting: 'I'll Always Miss You' Authorities have identified the 27-year-old man who was gunned down in Springfield over the weekend as investigators work to piece together what happened.  Trey Palmer, of Chicopee, was shot on Saturday, May 31, around 9:20 p.m. in the 400 block of Bridge Street, the Hampden District Attorney said. He died at Baystate Medical Center soon after.  Multiple people posted memorials to Palmer, with many pointing out his compassion and sense of humor. "This one truly broke my heart," Brandon Foley said in a Facebook post. "We've been brothers for the last 8 years. Too many me…
Food Sold At Big Y Linked To Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak, FDA Says Food Sold At Big Y Linked To Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak, FDA Says
Food Sold At Big Y Linked To Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak, FDA Says Big Y Foods has recalled several types of sandwiches and wraps at more than two dozen stores as part of a nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. The recall covers any small or large sub, 30-inch Super Sub, wrap, or panini made fresh at the deli counter, the Food and Drug Administration said. The sandwiches weren't prepackaged and were made on Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21. Big Y said the sliced cucumbers came from Smartcuts, which was affected by Bedner Growers' salmonella outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously said the cucumbers …
Duo Accused Of Torching Springfield Shed During Eviction Dispute; Home Also Damaged In Blaze Duo Accused Of Torching Springfield Shed During Eviction Dispute; Home Also Damaged In Blaze
Duo Accused Of Torching Springfield Shed During Eviction Dispute; Home Also Damaged In Blaze Two people who were being evicted from a home in Springfield set fire to a shed on the property, damaging the house and destroying the other structure, police said.  Nelson Martins, 51, of Ludlow, and Wendy Champagne, 47, of Ware, were arrested in Ware on Wednesday, May 21, and charged with the March 1 blaze, Springfield Police said.  Firefighters were called to a fire on Kamuda Street in Springfield on March 1 and found a shed ablaze and flames leaping onto the nearby home.  Crews put out the conflagration with no injuries, but the shed was destroyed, and the house suf…
'I’m Going To Get My Gun And Kill You': Springfield Man Sentenced To Life For Woman's Murder 'I’m Going To Get My Gun And Kill You': Springfield Man Sentenced To Life For Woman's Murder
'I’m Going To Get My Gun And Kill You': Springfield Man Sentenced To Life For Woman's Murder A Springfield man who admitted to the 2019 killing of 28-year-old Shanike “Nikki” Roldan after tracking her down and shooting her in the face following an argument was sentenced to life in prison, authorities said.  Anthony Potito, 56, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and several firearm charges, the Hampden District Attorney's Office said. He will be eligible for parole after 23 years. “Shanike Roldan was a young woman whose life was taken far too soon,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “My heart goes out to her family and loved ones as they continue …
Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Closures, Including In New Haven County Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Closures, Including In New Haven County
Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Closures, Including In New Haven County Walgreens announced this past fall that it will close about 1,200 stores over three years amid a decline in prescription drug payments and a rise in online competition. About 500 of those closures will be in 2025. Now, the locations of some of the specific stores slated to go out of business are emerging and being posted at walgreens.com. Connecticut East Hartford, 922 Silver Lane: Permanently closing on Tuesday, May 20. East Haven, 157 Main Street: Permanently closing on Thursday, May 22. New Britain, 1350 Stanley Street: Permanently closing on Monday, May 19. New Milford, 173 Danbury R…
Westfield Tops Mass As City With 'Most Bang For Your Buck': Survey Westfield Tops Mass As City With 'Most Bang For Your Buck': Survey
Westfield Tops Mass As City With 'Most Bang For Your Buck': Survey Massachusetts may not be the first place that comes to mind for affordable living, but a new national survey highlights three cities that combine low costs with the amenities homeowners crave. Westfield, Gardner, and Fitchburg were named the best options for homebuyers in the Bay State, according to a new report by Advance America. The list, compiled after surveying more than 3,000 real estate professionals, focused on U.S. cities where residents can find affordable homes, a reasonable cost of living, and a high quality of life. While cities in Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas dominated th…
Police ID Woman Found Dead Near Popular Springfield Bike Trail Police ID Woman Found Dead Near Popular Springfield Bike Trail
Police ID Woman Found Dead Near Popular Springfield Bike Trail Springfield Police are investigating after a woman was found dead near a popular bike path off Hall of Fame Avenue. The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Meggan Meredith, according to police. Officers responded around 8 a.m. to the 1500 block of Hall of Fame Avenue after someone reported an unresponsive person near the trail. When police arrived, they found an adult female who was later pronounced dead. Police are asking for the public’s help.  “We encourage anyone with information relevant to this investigation to come forward,” the department said. Tips can be shared by cal…
Duo Caught Smuggling Kilos Of Cocaine, Oxycodone Across State Lines In Southeast: Sheriff Duo Caught Smuggling Kilos Of Cocaine, Oxycodone Across State Lines In Southeast: Sheriff
Duo Caught Smuggling Kilos Of Cocaine, Oxycodone Across State Lines In Southeast: Sheriff Two Massachusetts men are facing major drug charges after authorities say they were caught transporting cocaine and oxycodone through Putnam County, authorities announced. The arrests were made on Wednesday, April 9 around 6:40 p.m., when deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit pulled over a vehicle in the Town of Southeast, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, April 25.  During the stop, deputies discovered that the vehicle’s occupants, identified as Joshua Rosario-Pabon, 22, of Holyoke, and Christopher Colon-Diaz, 25, of Springfield, ha…
Vernon Funeral Home Owner Stole $71K From Clients to Fund Gambling, Shopping Sprees: Police Vernon Funeral Home Owner Stole $71K From Clients to Fund Gambling, Shopping Sprees: Police
Vernon Funeral Home Owner Stole $71K From Clients to Fund Gambling, Shopping Sprees: Police A Connecticut funeral home owner was arrested this week after police said he embezzled $71,000 from mentally and physically disabled clients, using the funds to gamble, shop, and dine out. Philip Pietras, 51, of Coventry, was taken into custody on Sunday, April 6, and charged with first-degree larceny, according to Connecticut State Police. Police began investigating Pietras in October 2024 after a financial agency that manages funds for disabled adults reported discrepancies in payments sent to one of Pietras’ funeral homes. Pietras owns four funeral homes, including Bassinger and Do…
Baltimore's Carmelo Anthony Headlines 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class Baltimore's Carmelo Anthony Headlines 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class
Baltimore's Carmelo Anthony Headlines 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class The 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame class is stacked with stars — and packed with local roots. Baltimore native and Olympic superstar Carmelo Anthony is heading to the Hall of Fame, alongside fellow NBA All-Star Dwight Howard, UConn legends Sue Bird and Maya Moore, as well as the entire 2008 “Redeem Team,” the gold medal-winning Olympic squad that put USA Basketball back on top. The star-studded class was announced Saturday, April 5, and also includes Rockville Centre’s own Billy Donovan — a two-time NCAA champion turned NBA coach — and longtime NBA referee Danny Crawford.  Anthony, who …
Ex-Somers High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended Ex-Somers High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended
Ex-Somers High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended A police officer in Massachusetts has been suspended after a teenage student at a Connecticut High School accused them of sexual assault, a news report said.  Justin Perez, 27, who was an assistant coach at Somers High School last year, was charged this week with abusing his leadership position and sending a then 15-year-old girl nude photos and sexually suggestive texts, Connecticut authorities said.  Original Report: Ex-Somers High Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Springfield Police Supt. Larry Akers said he suspended Perez five days without pay, the longest punis…
Ex-Somers High Coach Sent Student Nude Photos, Inappropriately Touched Them: Cops Ex-Somers High Coach Sent Student Nude Photos, Inappropriately Touched Them: Cops
Ex-Somers High Coach Sent Student Nude Photos, Inappropriately Touched Them: Cops Update: The former Somers High School assistant coach, now a Springfield police officer, has been suspended from the force after his arrest this week. Click here for more information.  Original: A 27-year-old former assistant coach at a Connecticut high school was arrested Tuesday, April 1, after a student told police he had inappropriately touched her, sent nude photos on social media, and tried to lure her into his hotel room during a tournament, authorities said. Justin Perez, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was charged with second-degree sexual assault, criminal attempt at second-de…
Police ID 2 Involved In Fatal Hit, Run Chicopee Crash; Both Face Felony Charges: DA Police ID 2 Involved In Fatal Hit, Run Chicopee Crash; Both Face Felony Charges: DA
Police ID 2 Involved In Fatal Hit, Run Chicopee Crash; Both Face Felony Charges: DA Authorities have identified the men they say were involved in a hit-and-run crash in Western Mass last month that left a 34-year-old woman dead.  Lavonta Williams Jr., 29, of Chicopee, is charged with leaving the scene of personal injury and death. Jerimeldo Lopez, 23, of South Hadley, faces negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of personal injury and death charges, the Hampden District Attorney's Office said.  The prosecutor said they were in a vehicle that crashed into Vanessa Perez, of Springfield, on Feb. 9 on Abbey Memorial Road. Perez di…
Hartford Reclaims Title Of Hottest Real Estate Market In The Nation: Report Hartford Reclaims Title Of Hottest Real Estate Market In The Nation: Report
Hartford Reclaims Title Of Hottest Real Estate Market In The Nation: Report With home sales surging across the country, one Connecticut city was named the nation's hottest housing market once again, according to a new report. Two others made the top 20.  Hartford earned the top spot for February 2025 after seeing a jump in interest from buyers looking to move there, Realtor.com reported. The site credited the historic city's strong job market and high-quality schools as key factors driving the renewed demand. The median price for a Hartford home hit $434,000 in February, rising 6.6 percent compared to last year, Realtor.com reported. Despite higher prices, lis…
Boston's St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Named Best In US, New Study Says: See The Full List Boston's St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Named Best In US, New Study Says: See The Full List
Boston's St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Named Best In US, New Study Says: See The Full List Every year, some Northeast and mid-Atlantic cities really feel the luck of the Irish more than others. St. Patrick's Day traditions vary widely along the East Coast. Some cities are steeped in Irish tradition with huge parades, historic pubs, and thriving Irish communities, while others lack massive celebrations. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best Cities for St. Patrick's Day Celebrations on Wednesday, Mar. 12. The study ranked 200 US cities based on holiday traditions, Irish pubs per capita, affordability, safety, and even weather. WalletHub projects that Americans wi…
No Joke: Kevin Hart Cancels Bridgeport Show Week Before Planned Gig No Joke: Kevin Hart Cancels Bridgeport Show Week Before Planned Gig
No Joke: Kevin Hart Cancels Bridgeport Show Week Before Planned Gig Connecticut Kevin Hart fans hoping to catch his latest stand-up special are out of luck.  The comedian and actor was scheduled to perform at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport on Wednesday, March 12, but he abruptly canceled the show a week before the show. Ticketmaster announced the cancellation of the "Acting My Age" tour stop on its website Wednesday. The company did not provide a reason.  Ticket holders should receive refunds within two to three weeks, Ticketmaster said.  The Bridgeport show was added to the end of Hart's tour in January. It's unclear how many…
Gaithersburg Is The Most Diverse City In US, New Study Says: Here's Why Gaithersburg Is The Most Diverse City In US, New Study Says: Here's Why
Gaithersburg Is The Most Diverse City In US, New Study Says: Here's Why The US population is rapidly diversifying, with cities in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic at the forefront, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 ranking of the nation's Most Diverse Cities on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Three Maryland communities topped the list of 501 locations, which were evaluated based on socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, and religious diversity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 10.2 percent of Americans identified as multiracial in 2020, a sharp increase from just 2.9 percent in 2010. "The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many …
Police ID Woman Hit, Killed By Car In Chicopee: 'She Leaves A Legacy Of Love' Police ID Woman Hit, Killed By Car In Chicopee: 'She Leaves A Legacy Of Love'
Police ID Woman Hit, Killed By Car In Chicopee: 'She Leaves A Legacy Of Love' Authorities have identified the 34-year-old woman killed earlier this month after she was struck by a car in Chicopee. Vanessa Perez, of Springfield, was hit around 7:40 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, in the 1,200 block of Abbey Memorial Drive, Chicopee police said. She died of her injuries before paramedics could arrive to take her to a nearby hospital. Police are investigating the crash. Perez's family said the New Bedford native will be remembered for her kindness and caring spirit. "She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication to her family and friends," they wrote in her obit…
Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Blames GPS On Hartford Interstates: State Police Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Blames GPS On Hartford Interstates: State Police
Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Blames GPS On Hartford Interstates: State Police A Massachusetts woman was arrested after allegedly driving the wrong way on multiple highways before stopping on the shoulder of I-384, telling troopers she was confused by Connecticut’s roads and following her GPS. Nyasia Battle, 24, of Springfield, Massachusetts, faces multiple charges from the early Friday morning, Feb. 21, trek, Connecticut State Police said.  State police said multiple 911 callers reported a red Hyundai SUV traveling north in the southbound lanes of Route 5/15 before merging onto I-84 eastbound in the westbound lanes. Troopers responded but initially lost sight of…
Newly Minted Millionaire: Chicopee Man Plans To Raise The Roof — Literally — With Cash Newly Minted Millionaire: Chicopee Man Plans To Raise The Roof — Literally — With Cash
Newly Minted Millionaire: Chicopee Man Plans To Raise The Roof — Literally — With Cash A Western Massachusetts man is the fourth $1 million winner in the state lottery's new ticket honoring the Celtics' 18 championships.  Charles Clemons, of Chicopee, won the seven-figure sum playing the "Celtics Banner 18" game, a $10 scratch-off ticket.  He chose to take the lump sum payment of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity. His wife Sara joined him to collect the check.  Clemons already has a plan for the money. He said he would buy a motorcycle, invest and save some of the cash, and remodel his home's roof.  He bought the ticket at Racing Mart,…
Up To 3 Inches Of Snow Expected This Weekend In Albany Area: Here's Your Forecast Up To 3 Inches Of Snow Expected This Weekend In Albany Area: Here's Your Forecast
Up To 3 Inches Of Snow Expected This Weekend In Albany Area: Here's Your Forecast A winter storm is poised to bring light to moderate snowfall to eastern New York, western Massachusetts, and parts of Connecticut from Friday morning, Dec. 20 through Saturday evening, Dec. 21, according to the National Weather Service. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for the region, warning of slippery travel conditions, particularly during the Friday evening commute. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain below advisory levels—less than 4 inches—hazardous road conditions are likely. Thursday will be partly sunny with a high near 39°F and northwest winds of 7 to 10 mph, …