In the News

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The Easthampton Fire Department is getting federal help in fighting occupational cancers. The department announced they have received two grants totaling more than $613,000 from FEMA. Chief David Motter said, “This grant is one of the biggest events in the department’s 165-year history!” The grant will allow them to hire four new… Read more »

HOLYOKE — Over $1.1 million in federal grants that will bolster the Holyoke Fire Department’s ranks and pay for critical gear. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, and Fire Chief John Pond announced the grants at a press conference Friday afternoon at fire headquarters. Also in attendance were City Councilor Peter Tallman, Fire Commission Chairman George Mettey and Mayor… Read more »

EASTHAMPTON — The city has secured two grants totaling $613,278 from the Federal Emergency Management Administration that will be used toward the hiring of four new firefighters and the purchase of new equipment for the fire department. The only municipality in Massachusetts and one of 29 in the country to receive a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant,… Read more »

Lee — It was an official recognition of the progress made in the potentially transformative Eagle Mill project that attracted movers and shakers to the dilapidated site on the banks of the Housatonic River on a steamy August afternoon. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, traveled to Lee Tuesday and joined state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield; state Rep. William… Read more »

A mill rehabilitation project in Lee, Massachusetts has received a new infusion of state funding. This week, a $60 million project intended to transform a centuries-old mill on the banks of the Housatonic River into a complex featuring housing, a hotel, and a market received $400,000 in historic rehabilitation tax credit funds from Massachusetts. “This is really the big missing… Read more »

LEE — Amid the scent of mold and decay, with each step inside is the crunch of debris from a decaying old mill building that, for more than a century, was the heart and soul of this town. But doing the walking through the vast peeling, leaking spaces is a man in a navy blue suit who just helped make it possible for the historic Eagle Mill complex to get a makeover that will cherish… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — Daily passenger train service between the city’s Union Station, Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield could begin as soon as Aug. 30. But the start date could be pushed back depending on results of passengerless nighttime test runs Amtrak is making from Springfield to Greenfield along the Knowledge Corridor line this week, according to the Massachusetts Department… Read more »

HOLYOKE — Construction on a new, 6,000-square-foot unit at the Holyoke Health Center that will expand treatment for patients with opioid-related conditions is expected to be done in September, officials said during a tour Thursday. The event, held to coincide with National Health Center Week, recognized the pivotal roles local health centers play in urban and rural America. Jay… Read more »

Two more mass shootings have Americans on edge. In Part 1 of Congressional Corner, Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal speaks with WAMC’s Alan Chartock: https://www.wamc.org/post/congressional-corner-richard-neal-83 Will Americans ever see President Trump’s tax returns? In Part 2 of Congressional Corner, Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal continues his… Read more »

Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal discusses what the nation needs from Washington leadership in the wake of the weekend's mass shootings, why the Ways and Means Committee is suing to obtain President Trump's taxes, and what he makes of the split in the Democratic Party over whether or not to impeach the president. Read more »