Springfield Man Talked Foster Child Into Sex Trafficking Gets 18 Years: Feds Springfield Man Talked Foster Child Into Sex Trafficking Gets 18 Years: Feds
Carlos Casillas Gets 18 Years For Sex Trafficking Teen Girl A Springfield man who talked a child into performing sex acts for money will spend the next 18 years in a federal prison, authorities announced Friday, Jan. 12.  Carlos Casillas, 51, was convicted of sex trafficking a 13-year-old girl in July, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He will serve five years of probation after he is released from prison.  Investigators said Casillas met the 13-year-old girl, who was living in a foster home, on Facebook and communicated through Facebook Messenger. He talked about her leaving the group home and "exchanging money for services," the pr…
20-Year-Old Chinese Restaurant In Western Mass Closes Its Doors 20-Year-Old Chinese Restaurant In Western Mass Closes Its Doors
20-Year-Old Chinese Restaurant In Western Mass Closes Its Doors A 20-year-old family-run Chinese restaurant in Hampshire County announced that it has shuttered its doors.  Related: Springfield Foodies Fight Over Best Chinese Food In City China Wok Express in Northampton, which boasts several glowing reviews on Google and Yelp!, announced that it had closed on Oct. 30 on Facebook.  Dear Friends,We are announcing the closing of China Wok Express. The last day of business will be Monday, October 30th, 2023. We want to thank all of you for supporting us over the past two decades. Some of you may have just found us, while others have been din…
Pittsfield Man, 42, Discussed Sexually Assaulting Child He Met Online: DA Pittsfield Man, 42, Discussed Sexually Assaulting Child He Met Online: DA
Pittsfield Man, 42, Discussed Sexually Assaulting Child He Met Online: DA A Pittsfield man who struck up a sexual conversation with a 14-year-old on Facebook found out that the girl he wanted to assault was a police officer, authorities said.  James Wojtkowski was arrested and charged last week with dissemination of matter harmful to minors, the Berkshire County District Attorney said on Wednesday, Nov. 1.  Related: Plainfield Man Busted Sending Sexual Messages To 'Child' Investigators said Wojtkowski contacted a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl living in North Adams on April 29. He probed the girl for information like where she went …
Plainfield Man Busted Sending Sexual Messages To 'Child' On Facebook: DA Plainfield Man Busted Sending Sexual Messages To 'Child' On Facebook: DA
Plainfield Man Busted Sending Sexual Messages To 'Child' On Facebook: DA A 49-year-old Plainfield man who thought he was preying on a 14-year-old girl on Facebook was, in truth, talking to an undercover officer in Berkshire County.  Jamie Wooldridge was arrested earlier this month and charged with dissemination of matter harmful to a minor and enticing a child under 16, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. He had been in contact with a North Adams police officer posing as a child for more than a year before his bust. Related: Pittsfield Man Sent Nudes To What He Thought Was 14-Year-Old Girl Police say Woolridge contacted the undercover a…
Dave Chappelle: Fans, Critics Discuss Fall Out From Boston Show Walk-Outs, Backlash Dave Chappelle: Fans, Critics Discuss Fall Out From Boston Show Walk-Outs, Backlash
Dave Chappelle: Fans, Critics Discuss Fall Out From Boston Show Walk-Outs, Backlash A stand-up show from one of the controversial and beloved comedians ended earlier for some people who decided to walk out when he brought up the topic of the Israeli-Hamas, reports said. Some called his comments  political "tirade," while others said he was preaching peace.  Chapelle made the remarks during a TD Garden show on Thursday. According to The Wall Street Journal, the comic commended Hamas' attack on Israel but also condemned Israel for what he considered war crimes, which drew boos and shouts from the audience, posted Andrew Margolie, who was at the show, on Facebook.&nb…
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In Connecticut Town Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In Connecticut Town
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In Connecticut Town It was Swiftie Mania day in a Connecticut town after a rumor started that the mega pop queen Taylor Swift was lunching in town with her new boyfriend Travis Kelce. In the heart of Fairfield County, hundreds of teens, moms, and well, guys, turned up in the town. of New Canaan outside the popular Elm Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 20 where Swift was supposed to be inside dining with boyfriend Kelce (the Kansas City Chiefs tight end), Swift's BFF actor Blake Lively, and Lively's hubby actor Ryan Reynolds who live in neighboring Pound Ridge in Northern Westchester County.  Once the rumor made it…
Girl, 10, Shot In Springfield Murder-Suicide Has Died, Her Mother Says Girl, 10, Shot In Springfield Murder-Suicide Has Died, Her Mother Says
Girl, 10, Shot In Springfield Murder-Suicide Has Died, Her Mother Says The mother of a 10-year-old girl who was shot in Springfield earlier this week in a murder-suicide has died in the hospital, her mother announced on Facebook.  Aubrianna Lynn was shot on Monday, Aug. 14, along with her 12-year-old sister and grandmother, Kim Fairbanks, at their home at 174 Berkshire Ave., Springfield police said. Their upstairs neighbor Victor Nieves, who knew the family well, pulled the trigger before killing himself, police said.   Stephanie Croteau, the girl's mother, posted on Facebook that the 10-year-old was in heaven dancing with her grandmother, who was also killed…
Worcester Bar Closes Its Doors But Promises To Return Bigger, Better Worcester Bar Closes Its Doors But Promises To Return Bigger, Better
Worcester Bar Closes Its Doors But Promises To Return Bigger, Better Jack's Tiki Tavern, which was forced to move earlier this year, has closed its doors in Worcester for good, owners announced on Facebook.  The bar at 3 Mill St. posted to social media on Aug. 2 that the "time has come" to shutter, but they promised to return with a new location in another city with expanded offerings. However, they did not say when or where that might be.  The time has come and we are moving out of the city and will be starting g a new adventure. Stay tuned for the when and where. Our valued customers and our team want our kitchen back so we can deliver some of the best foo…
Offensive Facebook Post On Police Page Is Hacker Hoax, Central Mass Chief Says Offensive Facebook Post On Police Page Is Hacker Hoax, Central Mass Chief Says
Offensive Facebook Post On Police Page Is Hacker Hoax, Central Mass Chief Says An incendiary post on a Worcester County police department's Facebook page about trans people was not written by an officer, the chief promised on Wednesday, Aug. 2. They were hacked.  The post appeared on the Hopedale Police Department's page on Tuesday night, claiming that an officer had shot a trans woman after she showed him her genitals. Chief Mark Giovanella released a statement saying that someone had gotten into their account and made the post without their knowledge. He added that his department is investigating the matter.  “Unauthorized access was gained to our soc…
Rapper Opens Yogurt Shop In Northborough; Celebrates With Fans In Music Video Rapper Opens Yogurt Shop In Northborough; Celebrates With Fans In Music Video
Rapper Opens Yogurt Shop In Northborough; Celebrates With Fans In Music Video Joyner Lucas held the grand opening for his new yogurt and smoothie shop in Worcester County on Sunday, July 23. To help get people in the door, the two-time Grammy-nominated rapper shot a music video with dozens of his fans and new customers.  Oh Wow Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies, located at 269 West Main Street in Northborough, serves boba tea along with self-serve yogurt and a laundry list of smoothies, a press release announced. Videos on the store's Facebook page shows Lucas making some of the items on the menu and promising quality.  Lucas, a Worcester native, celebrated the grand op…
Springfield Foodies Fight Over Best Chinese Food In City — Here's Who Won Springfield Foodies Fight Over Best Chinese Food In City — Here's Who Won
Springfield Foodies Fight Over Best Chinese Food In City — Here's Who Won A Facebook comment went semi-viral in a Facebook group when it sparked a lively, spirited, and occasionally pointed debate over what restaurant served the best Chinese food in Springfield.  Nancy Trace posted a comment last week looking for suggestions of where to grab a decent bite to eat after finding the city's Chinese options lackluster since moving from Connecticut last year. What followed was a more than 150-comment avalanche of opinions from Springfield foodies.  The winner? Wong Wok at 749 Summer Avenue took home the top prize as the most suggested option fo…
Friendly's In Palmer Closed After 62 Years In Business Friendly's In Palmer Closed After 62 Years In Business
Friendly's In Palmer Closed After 62 Years In Business Friendly's, the ice cream and restaurant chain and a mainstay on North Main Street in Palmer, has closed its doors for good.   The restaurant abruptly shut down the store on Monday, June 19, leaving a sign on the front window that reads, "This restaurant has permanently closed. THANK YOU for your patronage." It directed anyone in Palmer in the mood for a Fribble to the next closest Friendly's in Springfield. The Palmer location opened in 1961, according to reports.   A spokesperson for the company could not be reached, and it's unclear how many employees lost thei…
'Unconscionable Act': Video Of Kids Beating Classmate In Central Mass Woods Posted Online 'Unconscionable Act': Video Of Kids Beating Classmate In Central Mass Woods Posted Online
'Unconscionable Act': Video Of Kids Beating Classmate In Central Mass Woods Posted Online A 13-year-old and his older brother are accused of beating a 13-year-old classmate in the woods in Worcester County and later his stepfather when he confronted them about the attack, authorities said. The boys allegedly filmed the first fight and posted it online.  Sturbridge police released details on the April 19 attack on Thursday, June 8, after a news report linked to the footage of the beating.  According to investigators, the two 13-year-olds agreed to meet in the woods near Old Sturbridge Village and fight to settle an argument. However, during the fight, one of the boy's 1…
‘GOAT’ Trooper Saves Scared Deer In Holyoke: 'This Is Why He Get's The Big Bucks' ‘GOAT’ Trooper Saves Scared Deer In Holyoke: 'This Is Why He Get's The Big Bucks'
‘GOAT’ Trooper Saves Scared Deer In Holyoke: 'This Is Why He Get's The Big Bucks' Proving a trooper's shift is never, Timothy Martin put in some overtime on Sunday, June 4, when he spotted a lost deer on I-91 in Holyoke and leaped into action to save its life with the help of some doe-eyed drivers. Martin was on his way home when he noticed a traffic jam grow around a confused and frightened doe that had gotten separated from its mother, State Troopers said in a Facebook post.  Several drivers had gotten out of their cars to corral the week-old fawn away from traffic.  Instinct took over for man and beast, as Martin threw himself headlong into the fray like a buck makin…
Jimmy Buffett Revealing New Show Dates After Brief Hospital Stay In Mass Jimmy Buffett Revealing New Show Dates After Brief Hospital Stay In Mass
Jimmy Buffett Revealing New Show Dates After Brief Hospital Stay In Mass Have no fear Jimmy Buffett fans, you'll be wasted away in "Margaritaville" before you know it! After a brief hospital stay in Boston caused the singer to postpone his upcoming show in Charleston, SC, Buffett shared an update regarding his health on his Facebook. "Thank you for the outpouring of support and well wishes," the post on Friday, May 19 read. "I head home tomorrow for a while, and then I will go for a fishing trip with old friends, along with paddling and sailing to get myself back in good shape."  quick update - Posted by Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers on Friday, May 1…
'Talented' Student-Athlete From Cape Cod Killed In South Carolina Hit-Run 'Talented' Student-Athlete From Cape Cod Killed In South Carolina Hit-Run
'Talented' Student-Athlete From Cape Cod Killed In South Carolina Hit-Run A student athlete from Massachusetts whose life was cut short in South Carolina last weekend is being remembered as a "loving, funny, goofy, kind, [and] talented" young man by loved ones. "This is how I will remember you Jackson," the aunt of Jackson (JT) Yelle said in Facebook post capturing the 21-year-old's childish energy. "Our hearts are broken and I love you so much."  This is how I will remember you Jackson. Our loving, funny, goofy, kind, talented, and with a heart as big as the sky. Our hearts are broken and I love you so much💔 always Auntie Wendy Posted by Wendy Yelle-Bonav…
Students, Staff Taken To Hospital, Milford Middle School Evacuated Following Mace Incident Students, Staff Taken To Hospital, Milford Middle School Evacuated Following Mace Incident
Students, Staff Taken To Hospital, Milford Middle School Evacuated Following Mace Incident Seven students and staff members of Stacy Middle School in Milford were taken to a hospital Wednesday after someone sprayed mace in the lobby of the building, officials said.  Police evacuated the school as a precaution. Officers in hazmat suits were on the scene to help reunite students and parents through an organized dismissal, per the police department's Facebook page.   **UPDATE TO PREVIOUS POST** School provided transportation students are beginning to be bussed... Posted by Police Department of Milford, Massachusetts on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Milford Schools Superintendent K…
North Shore Mom, Celtics VP Loses Battle With Aggressive Form Of Brain Cancer North Shore Mom, Celtics VP Loses Battle With Aggressive Form Of Brain Cancer
North Shore Mom, Celtics VP Loses Battle With Aggressive Form Of Brain Cancer A mother from the North Shore who worked with the Boston Celtics for over a decade unfortunately lost her battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer this week. Heather Walker died early Wednesday morning, April 26, according to a Facebook post from her campaign. The Marblehead mother of two worked with the Celtics as the vice president of public relations for 16 years.  "She isn't fighting anymore and can finally rest. She is with so many who have gone before her that I'm sure she was welcomed with open arms," the post read. "There is so much to say, but I just can't right now.…
How To Get Your Share: Facebook Users Can Now Apply For Part Of $725M Settlement How To Get Your Share: Facebook Users Can Now Apply For Part Of $725M Settlement
How To Get Your Share: Facebook Users Can Now Apply For Part Of $725M Settlement Many Facebook users may soon have some money headed their way. Those who had an active account on Facebook anytime between May 2007 and December 2022 can now apply to receive a share of parent company Meta's $725 million settlement. The lawsuit alleged that Facebook permitted the former United Kingdom-based political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica to access about 87 million users' personal information during the 2016 presidential campaign. Facebook users during that time frame can apply for the funds online now or by mailing their forms by Friday, Aug. 25. The claim form and general …
Some Ogre Stole 200-Pound Shrek Statue From Hatfield: Police Some Ogre Stole 200-Pound Shrek Statue From Hatfield: Police
Some Ogre Stole 200-Pound Shrek Statue From Hatfield: Police Somebody stole a 200-pound Shrek statue from Hatfield this week, and police are asking for the public's help to peel this onion to find out who did it.  The concrete version of the swamp-dwelling ogre was taken from its Mountain Road home, where he lived with a dragon statue.  Investigators ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of the sculpture or who may have taken it to contact them at 413-247-0323. "Or return him in the condition you found him," they wrote in a Facebook post.  "The dragon sculpture he lives with is frustrated and lonely," they wrote.  …
Friends, Family Of Ana Walshe Face Grim Reality As Husband Faces Murder Charges Friends, Family Of Ana Walshe Face Grim Reality As Husband Faces Murder Charges
Friends, Family Of Ana Walshe Face Grim Reality As Husband Faces Murder Charges Ana Walshe disappeared early on New Year's Day, and while her family and friends have held out hope, as the weeks have passed and evidence mounts against her husband, they are forced to face a grim truth. They will likely never see her again.  Norfolk County prosecutors charged Brian Walshe, 47, with Ana Walshe's murder and explained during his arraignment on Wednesday that he likely killed and dismembered her body. Police have found blood in their Cohasset basement, a bloody hatchet, blood on several trash bags, and her Covid-19 vaccination card, authorities have said.  They also found Br…
Amazon Plans To Lay Off Around 10,000 Employees, Report Says Amazon Plans To Lay Off Around 10,000 Employees, Report Says
Amazon Plans To Lay Off Around 10,000 Employees, Report Says A week before the holiday shopping season officially kicks off, Amazon is set to begin laying off approximately 10,000 corporate and technology employees, The New York Times reports. Job cuts at the online retail giant were expected to start the week of Monday, Nov. 14, and will primarily affect Amazon’s retail, devices, and human resources divisions, according to the outlet. The largest in its history, the layoffs would impact 1 percent of the company’s global workforce and 3 percent of its corporate employees. It follows several other cost-cutting moves that CEO Andy Jassy has implemente…
Facebook Parent Company Meta Laying Off More Than 11,000 Workers Facebook Parent Company Meta Laying Off More Than 11,000 Workers
Facebook Parent Company Meta Laying Off More Than 11,000 Workers Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has just announced it is laying off more than 11,000 employees, about 13 percent of its workforce. "Today I’m sharing some of the most difficult changes we’ve made in Meta’s history," CEO Mark Zuckerberg began in a letter to employees Wednesday morning, Nov. 9. "We are also taking a number of additional steps to become a leaner and more efficient company by cutting discretionary spending and extending our hiring freeze through Q1 (the first quarter). "I want to take accountability for these decisions and for how we got here. I know this …
Man Who Killed 2 Responding Officers In Region Was Divorced Father Described As 'Rowdy' Man Who Killed 2 Responding Officers In Region Was Divorced Father Described As 'Rowdy'
Man Who Killed 2 Responding Officers In Region Was Divorced Father Described As 'Rowdy' Neighbors of the man accused of placing an alleged fake 911 call to ambush and kill two Connecticut police officers was known as "rowdy" and "always drinking," according to the Daily Mail.  Nicholas Brutcher, age 35, a divorced father of two in Hartford County, allegedly fired on the officers in Bristol before being killed. He was an avid hunter and is shown holding guns in his Facebook pictures. According to the Daily Mail, neighbors also said Brutcher was "always drinking," and that he'd often be around checking on his brother Nathaniel, who was shot and wounded in the deadly shoot…
New Info Outlines Scheme By Woman Nabbed For $40M Trademark Counterfeiting At Her NY Boutique New Info Outlines Scheme By Woman Nabbed For $40M Trademark Counterfeiting At Her NY Boutique
New Info Outlines Scheme By Woman Nabbed For $40M Trademark Counterfeiting At Her NY Boutique Just after a Long Island woman was busted for allegedly operating a trademark counterfeiting boutique, new details have emerged outlining her scheme. Suffolk County mother of four, Lindsay Castelli, age 31, of Smithtown, surrendered to the Nassau County Asset Forfeiture Unit on Friday, Oct. 7, following an investigation that began in April 2021. According to detectives, in April 2021 an extensive investigation with the assistance of the US Postal inspectors was conducted at Linny’s Boutique located at 1032 Old Country Road in Plainview. During a warrant raid of the business, Nassau County…
Here's When You Can Buy Tickets To See Ed Sheeran At Gillette Stadium Here's When You Can Buy Tickets To See Ed Sheeran At Gillette Stadium
Here's When You Can Buy Tickets To See Ed Sheeran At Gillette Stadium Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist Ed Sheeran is bringing his "+–=÷x" (Mathematics) Tour to thousands of fans around the world, including those at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The English musician will give the crowd the "Shivers" when he stops by the stadium with special guests Khalid and Rosa Linn on July 1, 2023.  Ed Sheeran is bringing his +–=÷x Tour to Gillette Stadium on July 1, 2023 with special guests Khalid & Rosa Linn! Sign... Posted by Gillette Stadium on Monday, October 3, 2022 The 76-show tour will be in support of Sheeran's fifth and most recent album, "=…
Massachusetts Charter School Sends Student Home For Wearing Hijab On First Day Massachusetts Charter School Sends Student Home For Wearing Hijab On First Day
Massachusetts Charter School Sends Student Home For Wearing Hijab On First Day Thursday, Aug. 18 was the first day of school at Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden and a student already received a citation saying she violated the school's dress code. However, the citation regarded the student's religious attire.  The student was called down to the office for apparently wearing a hijab: a traditional head covering worn among Muslim women when they become of age.  The student was then sent home for not complying with the school's required uniform, according to a Facebook post from one of the student's older siblings. This apparently was not the first time s…
Mom Accused Of Killing 3 Kids Had Been Cited For Providing Illegal Day Care In Connecticut Mom Accused Of Killing 3 Kids Had Been Cited For Providing Illegal Day Care In Connecticut
Mom Accused Of Killing 3 Kids Had Been Cited For Providing Illegal Day Care In Connecticut The Connecticut mother who allegedly killed her three children before hanging herself was recently cited twice by the state for providing illegal daycare services. The apparent triple murder-suicide in Fairfield County happened on Wednesday, July 27 in Danbury, on Whaley Street. The children, Junior Panjon, age 12, Joselyn Panjon, age 10, and Jonael Panjon, age 5, were found by police after the department received a request for a welfare check from a distraught and crying person, said Det. Capt. Mark Williams. According to Williams, the three all appear to have died by strangulation …