AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Maura Healey will join the University of Massachusetts Amherst community on Friday, for the inauguration of Chancellor Javier Reyes, the university's 31st leader. Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement weekend postponed due to Olympics The ceremony, which will commence at 10:30 a.m. at the Mullins Center, will feature Governor Healey as one of the distinguished speakers. Chancellor Javier Reyes (Photo courtesy of UMass Amherst) Chancellor Reyes, who took office on July 1, 2023, brings a student-focused vision aimed at advancing UMass Amherst as a leading educatio ..read more

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Chicopee Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently addressing a significant water break at the intersection of Britton St and Montcalm St. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes as DPW crews work to resolve the issue. The extent of the water break and the duration of the repairs remain uncertain at this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Local News Water main break on Britton and Montcalm Streets in Chicopee This is the number one cause of death associated with thunderstorms Indian Orchard Citizens Council receive ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - MGM Springfield hosted a local networking event Thursday bringing together anchor institutions, suppliers and small businesses to foster cooperation on major projects. MGM teamed up with the Associated Industries of Massachusetts to host the event, welcoming other major employers like the PVTA, Baystate Health and Big Y for the event, connecting them with local vendor organizations like the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Tech Foundry, to make sure those anchor institutions can partner with those local ..read more

LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) - A lunch event was held Thursday at the Gremio Lusitano Club in Ludlow to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Portugal's Carnation Revolution. From dishwasher to owner, Chicopee celebrates Petros grand reopening The Carnation Revolution was a military coup against the dictator of Portugal, notable for being completed without the revolutionaries firing a single shot. It resulted in a series of reforms that saw Portugal become a thriving democracy, and the eventual end of Portuguese colonization. State Senator Jake Oliveira, the first Portuguese-American elected to the State ..read more

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - This is Severe Weather Preparedness week and this is the time of year we can start to get strong and even severe thunderstorms. 70 degree temperatures on the way to Massachusetts next week The National Weather Service classifies a thunderstorm as severe when it's capable of producing wind gusts of 58 mph or higher, hail of an inch in diameter, and possibly a tornado. When a severe thunderstorm or tornado is reported or indicated by radar, a warning is issued by our local National Weather Service offices in Norton, Massachusetts and Albany, New York. Flash flooding is t ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In a bid to address maternal health inequities in the Indian Orchard neighborhood of Springfield, Health New England has granted $20,000 to the Indian Orchard Citizens Council (IOCC) in honor of Dora Robinson. Western New England University to host brain health conference on dementia This grant aims to support the organization in identifying and meeting the needs of birthing Parents of Color in the community. IOCC, a volunteer neighborhood council of residents committed to addressing local needs, has previously utilized Health New England grants to identify factors ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A local company has donated vital medical equipment to the Springfield Fire Department. House adds $10M to budget with public safety amendment Eastman Chemical Co. based in Indian Orchard has been working with the Springfield Fire Department for many years now and once they heard the department didn't have oximeters, they volunteered their help. Oximeters are essential for monitoring vital signs in emergency situations. "They actually measure your heartbeat and your oxygen level if you're in an emergency case," said Dennis Van Nevel, Site Manager at Eastman Chemical ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - April is Earth Month and Clean Water Action launched a new program on Thursday. Some area restaurants are taking part in Clean Water's ReThink Disposable campaign. La Veracruzanarestaurants and POH-Keh bowl are replacing their disposable take-out containers with sustainable returnable containers in partnership with Clean Water Action. For a one-time $10 deposit you can get a reusable container that can be used at any of the participating restaurants. 70 degree temperatures on the way to Massachusetts next week "They're NSF certified, they're BPA free, they're microw ..read more

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Holyoke Public Schools are launching a pilot program for those interested in earning certificates for the health or manufacturing field. Amherst Regional Schools stops search for middle school principal amid lawsuit According to the Holyoke Public Schools, the new program called "Greater Holyoke Vocational Training After Dark" will offer classes to students 16 years and up as well as adults. The classes will be held at the Dean Tech Campus from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays beginning May 28th for the following: The Health Assisting track will all ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Four people, including one juvenile, were arrested Friday in Springfield after police discovered multiple illegal firearms in a duffel bag. Two teens arrested after Springfield police catch them breaking into vehicle According to police, on Friday, April 19th, at approximately 6:30 p.m., SPD Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) Detectives were conducting surveillance on the 100 block of Island Pond Rd, when they observed a known 17-year-old juvenile who had a suspended license drive away.  Later, detectives conducted a traffic stop on the 100 block of King St ..read more