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GOVERNMENT
Two Massachusetts Cities Named Most Obese in the State
It's no secret that America has a problem with obesity and Massachusetts is certainly not excluded from that problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 42 percent of adults in the United States are obese. That's an increase of over 10% since 2000. In Massachusetts, 59.3 percent of adults are considered overweight, with a body mass index of 25 or greater, while 23.0% of adults are considered obese, with a body mass index of 30 or greater.
Construction begins on new L.L. Bean location in CT
L.L. Bean, the popular Maine-based outdoor apparel store, is set to open the doors to its third and largest Connecticut location this fall, solidifying a rapid expansion in recent years for the company. Construction has begun on L.L. Bean’s new 25,000-square-foot Enfield location at 20 Brookside Plaza off Interstate 91, according to the town’s building department. The popular store takes over ...
Stores already preparing for Massachusetts sales tax holiday
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The much-anticipated tax-free weekend in Massachusetts is fast approaching as stores and customers prepare for the sales. Many in the Bay State have their calendars marked as August 10 and August 11 is the state’s annual sales tax-free weekend, which means no sales tax on items up to $2500 dollars.
Hampden Conservation Commission rejects 530 Glendale Road agri-solar facility
HAMPDEN — The Conservation Commission voted against approval of the proposed agri-solar facility at 530 Glendale Rd., following a vote at its July 17 meeting with three votes against and one required abstention. After the vote, residents in the audience applauded and thanked the commission for its decision. The...
Springfield Superintendent pledges unity and promises to listen to residents
SPRINGFIELD — Sonia Dinnall wants parents, students and teachers to know she’s one of them. She was born, raised and still lives in the city. She went to Springfield Public Schools from kindergarten through graduation and she found her love of science through her teachers. If you purchase...
Mosquito with West Nile virus identified in East Longmeadow
EAST LONGMEADOW — During an annual surveillance, a mosquito in East Longmeadow was identified as carrying West Nile virus. West Nile virus is an illness spread by mosquitoes that can cause symptoms similar to Influenza, such as fever, nausea and headaches, although 80% of people infected do not experience any symptoms, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Bill expanding free community college awaiting Healey’s signature
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Free community college for all Bay State residents is awaiting final action by Governor Maura Healey. The bill is sitting on her desk after receiving final legislative approval last week. “We just see this as such a powerful and successful program, and we intend to double...
Local women selected as part of 2024 Commonwealth Heroines Class
Longmeadow resident Amy Baxter and Wilbraham resident Christine Goonan were recently celebrated as part of the 2024 class of Commonwealth Heroines by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Both were part of more than 125 women honored this year by the organization for contributions to their communities. Candidates...
Bicycles to solar panels to heat pumps: Springfield gets $20 million federal grant for a ‘broad suite’ of climate resilience
SPRINGFIELD — With new geothermal and solar energy projects, home energy retrofits converting from gas to electric ranges and from older heat to new heat pumps and the return of ValleyBike Share, the city will become more climate resilient. It is thanks to a $20 million, three-year federal grant...
Efforts to encourage, increase organ donor registrations in Springfield, Mass. continue
An organization devoted to coordinating organ donations throughout New England is encouraging locals in western Massachusetts to be donors themselves – trying to boost registration numbers that appear to lag behind other parts of the Northeast. A massive billboard off I-291, social media, and events with the mayor have...
Political expert reacts to Biden address to the nation, stepping down
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - President Biden told the American people on Wednesday night his decision to end his bid for re-election was for the good of the nation. ‘The honor of his life,’ that’s how President Biden has described his time in office but said it’s time to pass the torch to a younger generation, a move praised by one local political expert.
Springfield looking to add five acres to Abbey Brook Conservation Area
Using city and Community Preservation Act funds, officials in Springfield are working to expand a stretch of conservation area and connect pieces of a larger preservation effort in the process. With $500,000 dollars in Community Preservation Act money as well as $134,000 from the city, leaders in Springfield announced plans...
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