Tag:

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…
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.  …
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 Store Closures, Including 11 MA Locations Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Store Closures, Including 11 MA Locations
Walgreens Announces Dozens Of Upcoming Store Closures, Including 11 MA Locations 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…
Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird Lead 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird Lead 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class
Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird Lead 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-CT High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended Ex-CT High Coach Accused Of Assaulting Student Now Mass Police Officer Suspended
Ex-CT 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…
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…
Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says
Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says 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 …
Man Who Gunned Down Ex-Springfield Mom, Infant In. CT Drive-By Busted In Puerto Rico: Police Man Who Gunned Down Ex-Springfield Mom, Infant In. CT Drive-By Busted In Puerto Rico: Police
Man Who Gunned Down Ex-Springfield Mom, Infant In. CT Drive-By Busted In Puerto Rico: Police A 23-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a young mother and her infant son in Connecticut was arrested in Puerto Rico, authorities announced. Lance Morales, the suspect in the drive-by shooting that killed 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, was taken into custody Saturday, Nov. 23, by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Marshal Service said.  He was found at a home in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and is being held on a $3 million bond. The incident unfolded earlier this week when officers responded to Hartford Hospital after a vehicle arriv…
Teen Threatened To Shoot Up Springfield School, Showed Gun: Police Teen Threatened To Shoot Up Springfield School, Showed Gun: Police
Teen Threatened To Shoot Up Springfield School, Showed Gun: Police A day after a 14-year-old boy opened fire in a Georgia high school killing four people, a 15-year-old in Massachusetts threatened to do the same at a school in Springfield, authorities said.  Administrators at an unnamed charter school called police around 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, after learning of the threats. A student told them about the comments and shared a video that showed the teen with a gun, Springfield police said.  Officers searched the teen's home but did not find the weapon. Soon after, police were alerted to another teen who attends a different school and is fri…
Teen Who Killed Mom In Hit-Run Crash, Impaling Her On Springfield Cemetery Fence Busted: DA Teen Who Killed Mom In Hit-Run Crash, Impaling Her On Springfield Cemetery Fence Busted: DA
Teen Who Killed Mom In Hit-Run Crash, Impaling Her On Springfield Cemetery Fence Busted: DA A teenager accused of a hit-and-run crash into a 36-year-old woman earlier this week that sent her body tumbling through the air until it landed atop a cemetery fence was arrested, authorities said.  Nathan Colon, 18, of Springfield, was arrested at his home on Lakevilla Avenue and charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury crash causing death, and motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, the Hampden District Attorney said.  He was being held on a $10,000 bond, authorities said.  Kristine Andrews was walking along Boston Road on Monday, Sept. 2, when she w…
Comedians Team With Mass Police To Raise Money For Injured Officer Comedians Team With Mass Police To Raise Money For Injured Officer
Comedians Team With Mass Police To Raise Money For Injured Officer Springfield police are partnering with local comedians to host two comedy show fundraisers for their fellow officer, who was shot in the head during an attack. The two events — one on Sunday, July 21, and one on Friday, July 26 — will benefit Officer Nestor Santos, who was attacked in the 600 block of State Street last month. Earlier Report: Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting The first show, hosted by comedian Jess Miller, will be held at the Portuguese Club in Ludlow, located at 149 Exchange Street. In addition to the show, a raffle and a 50/50 …
'Barbaric Attack': 2 Men Who Burned Victim During Springfield Home Invasion Sentenced 'Barbaric Attack': 2 Men Who Burned Victim During Springfield Home Invasion Sentenced
'Barbaric Attack': 2 Men Who Burned Victim During Springfield Home Invasion Sentenced Two men found guilty of torturing and permanently disfiguring a Springfield man during a 2019 home invasion were sentenced to decades in prison on Thursday, June 27, authorities said.  Paul Gayle, 30, and Malik Erskine, 24, both of Springfield, were found guilty of multiple violent felonies in the "barbaric attack," Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. Markendall Johnson, now 21, who was charged as a youthful offender because of his age on the day of the robbery, was also convicted in the case. Gayle was sentenced to 35 to 40 years in state prison, and a judge gave …
Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting
Springfield Police Raising Funds For Officer Seriously Wounded In Shooting Springfield police are asking the public to donate to help one of their own after he was shot in the head last week, which could leave him blind in one eye.  Officer Nestor Santos was seriously injured after he was attacked on Thursday, June 6, while sitting in his unmarked police car in the 600 block of State Street while on his way to work around 10:30 p.m., Springfield police authorities said.  His squad supervisor and another police officer rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, and he was later airlifted to a Boston hospital for emergency surgery. Police said a bullet st…
Springfield Officer Shot In Head May Lose Vision In 1 Eye: Police Springfield Officer Shot In Head May Lose Vision In 1 Eye: Police
Springfield Officer Shot In Head May Lose Vision In 1 Eye: Police An off-duty Springfield officer who was shot in the head and leg as he drove to work Wednesday night, June 6, may lose vision in an eye as a result of the attack.  Officer Nestor Santos was identified as the person who was seriously injured as he was attacked while sitting in his unmarked police car in the 600 block of State Street, Springfield police authorities said.  Related: 7 Arrested After Police Say They Fired At Officers, Sending 1 To ER His squad supervisor and another police officer rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, and he was later airlifted to a Boston hospital f…
Western Mass Officer Shot In Head, Other Detectives Shot At In Separate Incidents; 7 Arrested Western Mass Officer Shot In Head, Other Detectives Shot At In Separate Incidents; 7 Arrested
Western Mass Officer Shot In Head, Other Detectives Shot At In Separate Incidents; 7 Arrested A Springfield officer is recovering from a serious but not life-threatening wound he was shot in the temple while driving to work Wednesday night, June 5. Multiple other officers were also shot at in other incidents around the city.   Seven people were arrested Wednesday following the shootings after multiple officers reported being fired on just after 10:30 p.m.  Update: Police ID Officer Shot In Head; He May Lose Eyesight Someone in a Honda Civic took a shot at members of the Springfield firearms investigation unit on College Street. A short time later, a person in a …
These Mass Locales Among 20 Hottest Housing Markets In US, New Report Says These Mass Locales Among 20 Hottest Housing Markets In US, New Report Says
These Mass Locales Among 20 Hottest Housing Markets In US, New Report Says Blink and you could miss out on homes in these Massachusetts locales, among the hottest housing markets in the country, according to a new ranking. Three metro areas in the Bay State made Realtor.com’s “20 Hottest Housing Markets” list for April 2024. To come up with its ranking, the real estate website looked at two key factors in analyzing house markets: Market demand, measured by unique property views on Realtor.com, and the pace of the market, measured by how long houses are for sale. The following Massachusetts metro areas made the ranking: No. 2: Springfield. Median listing …
These Mass Cities Among Best Places To Live In US: New Report These Mass Cities Among Best Places To Live In US: New Report
These Mass Cities Among Best Places To Live In US: New Report Three cities across Massachusetts have been ranked by a new report as some of the best places to live in the country. They’re the best of the best. The 2024 Best Places to Live in the US, released by U.S. News & World Report, named three Massachusetts cities — Boston, Worcester, and Springfield — among the top 150 municipalities across the country. Using an analysis of public data and user opinions, cities were given scores in the following categories, which were then averaged to find a ranking spot: Quality of life index, which includes crime rates, quality and availability of he…
Third Suspect Busted In Fatal I-391 Shooting In Western Mass Third Suspect Busted In Fatal I-391 Shooting In Western Mass
Third Suspect Busted In Fatal I-391 Shooting In Western Mass Police have arrested a third person they say was involved in the fatal shooting of Guyton Winspeare on a stretch of I-391 in Holyoke two months ago, authorities said.  Miguel Dones, 21, of Springfield, is charged with murder and a slew of drug offenses after police found narcotics and an AR-15-style rifle in his car during a traffic stop, the Hampden District Attorney said.  He was being held on a $25,000 cash bail, but that could change after he is indicted on the murder charge on Monday, May 20, authorities said.  Dones is the third person police have connected to the…
Maine Man Busted In 24-Year-Old Rape, Kidnapping Case In Western Mass Thanks To DNA Testing: DA Maine Man Busted In 24-Year-Old Rape, Kidnapping Case In Western Mass Thanks To DNA Testing: DA
Maine Man Busted In 24-Year-Old Rape, Kidnapping Case In Western Mass Thanks To DNA Testing: DA A 48-year-old Maine man is behind bars on Wednesday, May 8, after DNA tests linked him to the violent rape of a woman in the woods of Hampden County in 2000, authorities said.  Jamie Dodge, of Brownville, Maine, is charged with aggravated rape and kidnapping in connection with an attack that happened in Holland, which is just outside of Springfield, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said. He was being held on a $250,000 bail.  A woman told police on July 23, 2000, that a man had grabbed her, dragged her into a nearby wooded area, and raped her. She described the m…
Man Wanted For Fatal Nightclub Shooting Added To State's Most Wanted List: Police Man Wanted For Fatal Nightclub Shooting Added To State's Most Wanted List: Police
Franklin M. Laras Accused Of Fatal 2023 Lawrence Shooting A man accused of shooting and killing a rival in a Lawrence nightclub parking lot is the latest addition to the state's most wanted criminals. Franklin M. Laras, 27, is wanted on charges of murder and firearm offenses following the Christmas Eve 2023 shooting of Edward Javier-Perez at the Energy Lounge in Lawrence, Massachusetts State Police said.  Related: One Of Massachusetts Most Wanted Captured In Worcester Investigators said Laras and Javier-Perez got into an argument in the Broadway club before Laras approached Javier-Perez and shot him with a pistol. He's been on th…
Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA
Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA A 48-year-old Hampden County woman who was found stabbed to death in Holyoke next to her boyfriend was the executive assistant to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, authorities said.  Eileen Monaghan, of Chicopee, and a mother to two daughters, was found on Sunday, April 14, around 1:30 a.m. in a home on South Water Street after police were called for suspicious activity, officials said.  Police found Eileen on the ground next to her boyfriend, Jason Chapdelaine, who was suffering from stab wounds, police said. Investigators later ruled those cuts were self-inflicted.  …
Men Attempt To Carjack Western Mass Police Detective, Get Free Ride To Jail Instead: Police Men Attempt To Carjack Western Mass Police Detective, Get Free Ride To Jail Instead: Police
Men Attempt To Carjack Western Mass Police Detective, Get Free Ride To Jail Instead: Police Two men who attempted to steal a car from a plainclothes Springfield police detective left empty-handed, but did end up getting a free lift to jail. Dannie Abrew, 20, and Devin Abrew, 19, both of Springfield, face multiple felonies following the incident on Friday, March 29, Springfield police say.  A plainclothes detective was sitting in his car in the area on Reed Street around 8:15 p.m. when he heard a metallic tap on his driver's side window. He turned to see Danne Abrew pointing a gun at his head while Devin circled the unmarked police car, authorities said.  The detective s…
Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass
Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass Police have identified the man who sparked a statewide Amber Alert when he stole a vehicle in Western Massachusetts, on Friday morning, March 29, that had a 3-year-old baby inside.  Vadim Vorobyov, age 52, of Springfield, is charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and fugitive from justice in Connecticut and is also expected to be charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and motor vehicle larceny in Massachusetts, State Police said.  Vorobyov stole the running car when he came across it outside of a home on Exchange Street in Chicopee around 8:40 a.m., police said. T…
2 Charged With Car-To-Car Fatal Shooting That Killed Father Of 1 In Western Mass 2 Charged With Car-To-Car Fatal Shooting That Killed Father Of 1 In Western Mass
2 Charged With Car-To-Car Fatal Shooting That Killed Father Of 1 In Western Mass A Hampden County teenager and 22-year-old woman have been charged in connection with the death of a father of one as they drove along I-391 earlier this month, authorities said.  Noah Torres, 19, of Springfield, and Kiana Gonzalez, 22, of Holyoke, are linked to the death of 35-year-old Guyton Winspeare, 35, of Chicopee on March 12, the Hampden County District Attorney said. The shooting happened just before 8:45 p.m. between exits 3 and 4 on I-391 South in Chicopee when one person fired shots into another car on the interstate. Two people were injured in the shooting, and the…
Student Threatens To Shoot Springfield School; Mom, 2 Others Busted Student Threatens To Shoot Springfield School; Mom, 2 Others Busted
Student Threatens To Shoot Springfield School; Mom, 2 Others Busted Springfield detectives have arrested a 12-year-old's mother and two others after the child told a classmate they were going to bring a gun to school, authorities announced Tuesday, March 26.  Lilly Casanova, 40, Ramon Gonzalez, 24, and Nathan Gonzalez, 20, were arrested early Tuesday morning after police raided their home on White Street, Springfield police said.  Springfield police received a tip that a 12-year-old had boasted about having access to guns and was planning on bringing one of them to school. Officers contacted the student's mom, Casanova, who told them the chil…
Western Mass Dad Of Springfield School Shooter, Attacker Arrested For Role In Incident: Police Western Mass Dad Of Springfield School Shooter, Attacker Arrested For Role In Incident: Police
Western Mass Dad Of Springfield School Shooter, Attacker Arrested For Role In Incident: Police The father of a 20-year-old Chicopee man who forced his way inside a Springfield high school, pistol-whipped someone, and fired a round that blew out a window was arrested on Tuesday afternoon, March 19. Police say the dad was there during the incident and helped his son and another person escape after the shooting.  Dana Dudley, 45, of Chicopee, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant, carrying a dangerous weapon on school grounds, and armed breaking and entering daytime for a felony putting a person in fear, Springfield police said.  Related: Warrant Issued For Man …
Lottery Payday: Springfield Man Wins $25K A Year For Life Lottery Payday: Springfield Man Wins $25K A Year For Life
Lottery Payday: Springfield Man Wins $25K A Year For Life A Springfield man said he knew exactly how he plans to spend the money he won playing the Massachusetts State Lottery.  Michael Wesley won $25,000 a year for life in the multi-state Lucky for Life game on Friday, March 8. He claimed his prize on Monday.  Wesley chose to take the one-time payment of $390,000 rather than the annuity. When lottery officials asked him how he would spend that money he replied, "That's the easiest question:" his kids.  Wesley bought the ticket at Valero at 491 Allen St. in Springfield. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus.  Another $25…
Gun Fired Inside Western Mass High School; Person Attacked: Police (BREAKING) Gun Fired Inside Western Mass High School; Person Attacked: Police (BREAKING)
Gun Fired Inside Western Mass High School; Person Attacked: Police (Breaking) Someone fired a gun inside a hallway at the High School of Science and Technology in Springfield on Monday afternoon, March 11, leading to a massive police presence at the school, authorities said. The shot was fired around 2:10 p.m. at the 1250 State Street school. The bullet flew down a hallway and busted out a window, but no one was injured, Springfield police said.  Officers said a student opened a security door to allow the two assailants into the school. They attacked a student and fired the gun during the fight.  One of the attackers was caught but a second was able t…