In the News

While their $3 trillion COVID-19 relief bill remains before the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate, House Democrats heralded a sweeping $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan Thursday that authors say could fuel a long-term recovery from the recession. The proposal would direct hundreds of billions of dollars to transportation priorities, including funding for a passenger rail expansion… Read more »

With concern Massachusetts could be heading for a housing crisis, the city of Springfield has announced an assistance program.  The city of Springfield is making available $2 million in federal grant money for renters and homeowners who have lost income because of the pandemic public health orders. Way Finders, the Springfield-based nonprofit housing agency, will administer the… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Congressman Richard Neal are announcing a partnership with Way Finders for $2 million Mortgage, Rent, and Utility Assistance Thursday morning. According to a news release sent to 22News, the City of Springfield is making available $2 million in grant funding for renters and homeowners who have lost income due to the… Read more »

Way Finders, the Springfield based housing agency, received $2 million in federal money that will help 800 to 1,000 Springfield families who’ve lost income in the coronavirus pandemic pay the rent, mortgage or for utilities. “Keeping people in their homes, or helping you get back in a home if you’ve lost your home,” said President and CEO of Way Finders Peter A.… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD – A man playing the shofar – the sacred Jewish ram’s horn trumpet – stood at the top of the steps of City Hall, released a blast of sound to underscore statements being made by one of the many speakers below. It added an additional religious layer to the prayer vigil at City Hall on June 2 addressing the murder of George Floyd and the issues it has… Read more »

Some nursing homes have demanded that low-income residents turn over their $1,200 economic stimulus checks — a cash grab lawmakers want to halt. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) on Tuesday called on the Health and Human Services Department's inspector general's office to warn nursing homes and assisted living facilities that such practices are "improper and… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Oasis Food Pantry was ready with volunteers to help fill each of the cars in the long procession needing a supply of food, which included 3,000 gallons of milk as a nutritional plus for the recipients. Congressman Richard Neal joined the team of volunteers filling each car with boxes containing food and gallons of milk. Angela Foley-Powers, the… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Some good news for the country’s economy today...the U.S. unemployment rate fell to just over 13 percent in May which is much lower than predicted. Some say the data shows the nation is recovering faster than expected from the coronavirus lock-down. The unemployment rate for May released today is not as high as economists predicted. Western Mass News… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — Families picking up weekly food boxes from Oasis Food Pantry in Springfield received gallons of milk along with their fresh produce and meat Friday. “This is really great for our families. We try to always provide fresh fruit and produce as well as meat and fresh eggs when we can. The milk is so appreciated," said Angela Foley-Powers, director of the food pantry… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Basketball Hall of Fame launched their first commemorative coin series Thursday morning. The Hall of Fame partnered with the U.S. Mint to produce a series of gold, silver and clad coins. United State Mint Director David Ryder was in attendance for Thursday’s launch along with Hall of Fame President & CEO John Doleva and Congressman Richard… Read more »