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If you’ve ever been to The Big E, you know getting to the fairgrounds is already a headache. But this year, your commute could be getting even tougher. If you haven't noticed, the mile-and-a-half stretch from gate one of The Big E to the rotary on Memorial Avenue recently adopted a new look. A project ten years in the making, the roadway has slimmed down from two lanes in each direction to just one, in an effort to modernize the road, but it will likely lead to a traffic nightmare during the Big E

Imagine paying hundreds of dollars for something you don't use...A Ludlow father is speaking out, calling a local school bus policy “unfair” and a “financial hardship.” His son never rides the bus to or from their house — but he still has to pay a $250 fee because of where they live, and he’s not the only parent frustrated. The Ludlow school department said the fee is based strictly on a student’s home address

Chicopee Police have cracked down on drivers who pass stopped school buses. Cameras now catch violators, after a successful start to the new AI camera pilot program. Since the first day of school on August 26th, they’ve had 6 citations issued, out 18 violations that were reviewed.

Drivers on Connecticut roads this Labor Day weekend will see increased police patrols as state and local law enforcement agencies work to keep the roads safe. AAA expects the traffic to pick up today. The CT DOT says there will be no scheduled road construction or maintenance during the holiday weekend.

It’s a festive Labor Day weekend in western Massachusetts, as the 78th annual Festa is underway on Windsor Street in Ludlow to celebrate Portuguese culture. Almost 8 decades since it's beginning, the event now attracts people globally, and features food, games, rides, live music and more

You're probably not thinking about your Christmas tree here in early September, but Paul Bunyan’s Farm in Chicopee will be open for the season beginning this upcoming Saturday. They say in order to get a tree before they run out, they need to be tagged by early November the latest. It's expected over 300 people will tag trees this weekend

Massachusetts primary results are in....Ed Markey and Richie Neal won their respective primary's for U.S. Senat and House of Representatives respectively. Mike Minogue took down Brian Shortsleeve and will now face Governor Maura Healey in the Governor's race this November.

Springfield Public Schools are launching a new AI-powered tool designed to bridge the communication gap between schools and families. City leaders announced the launch of “Edia” on Tuesday, a system that sends instant alerts to parents’ phones if their child is missing from class. Parents can text the school in their native language and the tool will translate it for the staff allowing for real time, two-way conversations.

The fight over who gets to build the new courthouse in Springfield continues. Springfield developers Jeb Balise and Dinesh Patel are filing a notice of appeal after a Hampden County judge declined to pause the $2 billion courthouse leasing process. The developers call the process “tainted” and vow to pursue every legal avenue.

Monson Savings Bank will host a professional clothing drive across all its branch locations to benefit Suit Up Springfield and Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts. The drive invites community members to drop off gently used and clean professional business attire to support local men and women seeking economic independence and employment opportunities.

The crackdown continues...Six vehicles not allowed on city streets were taken by police in Springfield last week, including an electric dirt bike, a moped, two dirt bikes, and two illegal motorcycles. One unlicensed rider was involved in a crash on Berkshire Avenue and Jasper Street.

Could fences in front yards be coming back to Springfield? Maybe like me you didn't even realize they weren't allowed...Springfield city officials are considering a proposal that would allow front-yard fences for single family homes for the first time in more than a decade. Right now, only multi-family homes can have front yard fences, capped at 6 feet. 

Crews are working to improve safety around the West Springfield railroad crossing on Memorial Avenue. The crossing has new track and fresh pavement. That crossing will also finally have gates that come down and flashing lights when a train crosses the track. 

290 Chicopee Village Townhomes will receive a combined $41 million in renovations to preserve the affordable housing project. The townhomes sit on over 17 acres, and feature two-and three-bedroom units, primary serving families with young children. Planned property improvements include replacing roofs, windows, siding, furnaces and water heaters

Kindergarten through second grade students in Windsor return to school todaty, to a new teaching method that limits technology and emphasizes play. Students will learn the same state-approved curriculum as before, but it will be presented differently. The model includes bringing back handwriting and cursive classes, cutting back on technology, adding outdoor learning, and bringing in classroom pets or a garden for students to observe and learn from.

The Springfield Veterans’ Activities Committee is accepting nominations for the City of Springfield’s 2026 Veteran of the Year Award and maybe you know someone deserving. The annual award honors a Springfield man or woman who is a military veteran and has dedicated personal time to improving the community without seeking recognition. Applications must be submitted by October 9th

It could be that as you drive over the South End Bridge towards Springfield, one of those big historic homes on Longhill Street may look a little different. A truck crashed into the front of one of them, with damage visible from other sides of the home. No injuries were reported but the circumstances surrounding the crash have not been released.

Last week, members of Springfield’s Public Safety Committee held a meeting to address safety and property maintenance concerns at the former Vibra Hospital on State Street. Since it's closure years ago, there have been several break-ins, squatters, and even fires, causing issues for both neighbors and fire crews. A follow-up meeting will also discuss potential long-term solutions for vacant properties across Springfield.

Last week's threat at Holyoke High has brought up the debate about phones in classrooms again. Many parents were upset that they were not able to get ahold of their child during the lockdown, because o the schools attempts to curb cell phone use. New this year, teachers keep students’ phones in a locked cabinet, and they are only allowed to access them during between periods and lunch. Leaders a doubling down though, saying the student to student interactions have been much improvwed already without the phones

Wilbraham firefighters are feeling more equipped as they recently unveiled a $1Million dollar fire engine. The purchase was supported by a $700,000 Assistance to Firefighters grant. Firefighters will spend the coming week training on the new vehicle, mounting equipment, and loading hoses to prepare the engine for active service.

Forest Park is neighborhood with a lot of pride, you know that is you live there.  You may see new street sign toppers as you drive through the neighborhood that read 'Forest Park Heights.' They are intended to establish community identity for the area and communicate the neighborhood’s history. Forest Park Heights holds distinction as the second historic district ever designated in Springfield.

The city of Springfield hosted its first Caribbean Music Festival on Saturday, bringing live music and energy to celebrate the city’s Caribbean roots. Organizers plan to make the Caribbean Music Festival an annual event, with hopes of bringing even more community members together in future years.

Youth teams from the Springfield YMCA and Holyoke YMCA faced off Saturday in a friendly basketball game at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The competition aimed to promote youth sportsmanship and bring young athletes from neighboring communities together.

40 years is a long time, and after 40 years, all 13 locations of Smithland Pet & Garden Center will close. The company originally known as myAgway and Dave’s Soda and Pet City said this decision was difficult but necessary. They have locations in both western Massachusetts and across Connecticut, but there's no public timetable for the closure