Worcester, Leominster to add winter shelter space for 101 people through $860,535 grant

By Tiffany Williams - An $860,535 state grant will expand winter shelter capacity for 101 unhoused people in Worcester and Leominster, funding beds, meals and staff as the communities prepare to bring more people indoors during the coldest months of the year. South Middlesex Opportunity Council is partnering with both cities to provide the additional … Continue reading Worcester, Leominster to add winter shelter space for 101 people through $860,535 grant

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor Named Chair of University of Connecticut Board of Trustees

By Tiffany Williams - Gov. Ned Lamont has selected West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor to chair the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, placing a longtime trustee and UConn graduate at the head of the governing body overseeing the state’s largest public university. The appointment takes effect immediately. Cantor succeeds Dan Toscano, who stepped down … Continue reading West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor Named Chair of University of Connecticut Board of Trustees

Worcester State, UMass Dartmouth to Launch Paid Student Co-ops With Massachusetts Grants

By: Laura Soukkavong WORCESTER, Mass. — Worcester State University and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will develop new paid cooperative education programs aimed at connecting students with employers in health care, biotechnology, early childhood education and other fields under a $60,000 state grant initiative announced Friday. Gov. Maura Healey's administration announced the funding November 6 … Continue reading Worcester State, UMass Dartmouth to Launch Paid Student Co-ops With Massachusetts Grants

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon Davine Announces Retirement After Nearly 30 Years in Fire Service

By: Laura Soukkavong Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine will retire January 22, 2027, ending a nearly three-decade career in the fire service that included overseeing statewide emergency responses, firefighter training, fire investigations and major public safety initiatives. Gov. Maura Healey and the Healey-Driscoll administration announced Davine's retirement Friday, November 6. Davine, who became … Continue reading Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon Davine Announces Retirement After Nearly 30 Years in Fire Service

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration Immigration Conditions on Police Grants in Major Connecticut Court Victory

By: Laura Soukkavong HARTFORD, Conn. — A federal judge has permanently blocked the Trump administration from attaching immigration-enforcement conditions to congressionally authorized public safety grants, handing Connecticut and a multistate coalition a court victory in a dispute over federal law enforcement funding. Chief U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the District of Rhode … Continue reading Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration Immigration Conditions on Police Grants in Major Connecticut Court Victory

AG Tong Joins 26-State Coalition Challenging Trump Administration’s 2030 Census Proposal

By: Laura Soukkavong HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has joined a multistate effort opposing proposed changes to the 2030 U.S. Census, warning that the Trump administration's plan could leave millions of people out of population counts and affect congressional representation and federal funding. In a Nov. 5 announcement, Tong said Connecticut was … Continue reading AG Tong Joins 26-State Coalition Challenging Trump Administration’s 2030 Census Proposal

45 Attorneys General Demand Congress Pass Kids Online Safety Act After $17 Billion Meta Settlement

By: Laura Soukkavong HARTFORD, Conn. — Forty-five state and territorial attorneys general are pressing Congress to pass sweeping online safety legislation for children and teenagers, arguing that even a recently announced $17 billion settlement with Meta cannot establish protections across the entire technology industry. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined the attorneys general of Hawaii, … Continue reading 45 Attorneys General Demand Congress Pass Kids Online Safety Act After $17 Billion Meta Settlement

13.3 Million Medical Records Exposed: Connecticut AG Announces Up to $10 Million Data Breach Settlement

By: Laura Soukkavong HARTFORD, Conn. — A medical data breach that exposed the private information of more than 13.3 million people nationwide, including nearly 108,000 Connecticut residents, has resulted in a settlement worth up to $10 million and mandatory security reforms, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced Friday. Tong joined the attorneys general of Michigan … Continue reading 13.3 Million Medical Records Exposed: Connecticut AG Announces Up to $10 Million Data Breach Settlement

Three people Taken to Hospital After Dump Truck, SUVs Collide in Lancaster

By: Laura Soukkavong Lancaster - Three people were taken to hospitals following a crash involving a commercial dump truck and two SUVs on North Main Street late Wednesday morning. Lancaster Fire-EMS and Lancaster Police responded to the area of 1539 North Main Street at approximately 11:51 a.m. One patient was transported to UMASS University Campus … Continue reading Three people Taken to Hospital After Dump Truck, SUVs Collide in Lancaster

Firefighters Stop Brush Fire From Spreading to Hollis Home and Garage

By: Laura Soukkavong - Photo Credit: Hollis, NH Fire Department Hollis, N.H. - Firefighters prevented a brush fire from spreading to a home and detached garage on Pepperell Road Tuesday evening. The Hollis Fire Department was dispatched around 6:46 p.m. after receiving a report of a structure fire. Crews arrived to find a brush burning … Continue reading Firefighters Stop Brush Fire From Spreading to Hollis Home and Garage

A Wicked Blue Night: Democrats Win Across New England and Capture Congress

By Tiffany Williams - Across New England on Tuesday night, Nov. 3, the closing chapter of a chaotic 2026 campaign delivered a wicked blue night. Democrats claimed major victories throughout the region, ousted Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in Maine and helped secure a national shift in power that will reshape the final two years … Continue reading A Wicked Blue Night: Democrats Win Across New England and Capture Congress

Moosup Resident Charged with Arson in July Fire on Prospect Street

By: Laura Soukkavong Plainfield, Conn. - A Moosup woman faces a first-degree arson charge and five counts of first-degree reckless endangerment in connection with a July fire at the Prospect Street address where she lived, according to Plainfield police. Officers responded to a report of a suspicious fire at 39 Prospect Street in Plainfield's Moosup … Continue reading Moosup Resident Charged with Arson in July Fire on Prospect Street

Lawrence Police Join Survivors and Families at Annual Break the Silence Walk

By: Laura Soukkavong - Photo Credit: Lawrence Police Department Lawrence - Lawrence police officers joined survivors of domestic violence, their families and local advocates for the annual Break the Silence Walk. The event gave neighbors a way to show their support during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In a statement about the walk, the Lawrence Police … Continue reading Lawrence Police Join Survivors and Families at Annual Break the Silence Walk

NEW INFORMATION: Worcester Police Confirm Patient Was Driving Stolen Ambulance in West Boylston Crash

By Tiffany Williams - A patient stole a Coastal ambulance from 100 Century Drive in Worcester on Sunday night and crashed it in neighboring West Boylston, a Worcester Police Department spokesperson confirmed to NewsTalk New England. The patient, who was driving, was taken to a nearby hospital under the most serious injury classification. Worcester police … Continue reading NEW INFORMATION: Worcester Police Confirm Patient Was Driving Stolen Ambulance in West Boylston Crash

Stolen Ambulance Crashes in West Boylston, Injuring Driver

By Tiffany Williams - Photo Credit: DeJaune Jones The person who stole an ambulance was injured Sunday night when it struck a large construction container in a West Boylston industrial park. The crash happened after 10 p.m. on Century Drive near the Worcester city line. Massachusetts State Police reported serious injuries in the crash. It … Continue reading Stolen Ambulance Crashes in West Boylston, Injuring Driver

200 Massachusetts Hazmat Technicians to Receive Personal Radiation Detectors

By: Laura Soukkavong - Stow - A call about chemicals at a Lexington home earlier this year turned out involved a hazard local firefighter hadn't excepted. A chemist had died and left behind a collection of chemicals. When firefighters asked the state Hazmat Division for help, technicians checked the property with radiation meters and found … Continue reading 200 Massachusetts Hazmat Technicians to Receive Personal Radiation Detectors

Morning Brief: Deadly Danbury Fire, Fatal Route 15 Crash and a Strike Deadline for Brigham Nurses

By Tiffany Williams - One Person and a Dog Die in Danbury Apartment Fire One person and a dog died Sunday in a fire at a Kohanza Street apartment complex in Danbury. Crews were called around 1 p.m. and learned on the way that two people were reportedly trapped on the second floor. A passing … Continue reading Morning Brief: Deadly Danbury Fire, Fatal Route 15 Crash and a Strike Deadline for Brigham Nurses

Holbrook Officers Pull Driver From Burning Jeep; Police Seek Second-Offense OUI Charge

By Tiffany Williams - A driver’s foot was pinned beneath a crushed dashboard and burning when three Holbrook police officers worked to pull him from a Jeep early Sunday morning. The officers freed the man as flames spread across the front of the vehicle, with one officer sustaining minor burns during the rescue. The crash … Continue reading Holbrook Officers Pull Driver From Burning Jeep; Police Seek Second-Offense OUI Charge

Westborough Police Chief Placed on Leave After Shrewsbury Police Respond to Call Involving Him

By Tiffany Williams - Westborough Police Chief Todd Minardi has been placed on administrative leave after Shrewsbury police responded to a Friday night call for service involving him, according to the Town of Westborough. The town is taking steps to retain an outside investigator, while Deputy Police Chief Steve Tompkins has assumed the department’s day-to-day … Continue reading Westborough Police Chief Placed on Leave After Shrewsbury Police Respond to Call Involving Him

Two Drivers Injured in Head-On Collision in Pelham, New Hampshire

By: Laura Soukkavong - Photo Credit: Pelham, NH Fire Department Pelham, NH - Oct. 23 - Two drivers were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following a head-on collision on Mammoth Road near Bush Hill Road Friday evening. According to the Pelham Police Department, officers and firefighters responded to the scene at approximately 7:21 … Continue reading Two Drivers Injured in Head-On Collision in Pelham, New Hampshire

Maine Wire Cameraman Rescues Injured Seagull From Penobscot River

By Tiffany Williams - Here’s a little good news for your Friday night. Maine Wire reporter Joe Sokol and cameraman Adam Stade were out on assignment in Bangor, Maine, when they spotted an injured seagull in the Penobscot River. Stade jumped into the river and swam to the bird’s rescue, bringing it safely back to … Continue reading Maine Wire Cameraman Rescues Injured Seagull From Penobscot River

Boston Police Graduates 118 New Officers as Academy Class Breaks Barriers

By Tiffany Williams - BOSTON — Boston’s newest police academy graduates are heading toward patrol duty after a ceremony that marked both the completion of their training and a series of firsts for the department. Recruit Class #67-26 graduated Tuesday at Faneuil Hall, adding 118 new officers to the ranks of those serving the city. … Continue reading Boston Police Graduates 118 New Officers as Academy Class Breaks Barriers

Shawn Oliver Faces Questions About His Political Future and Correction Officer Career

By Tiffany Williams - Shawn Oliver’s suspended campaign has drawn attention to the Massachusetts lieutenant governor’s race, but the consequences of his arrest extend beyond the November ballot. The New Bedford city councilor also works as a Massachusetts correction officer, leaving his political standing, criminal case, and employment subject to separate decisions. Oliver pleaded not … Continue reading Shawn Oliver Faces Questions About His Political Future and Correction Officer Career

Shawn Oliver’s OUI Case Throws Massachusetts GOP Ticket Into Turmoil Days Before Election

By Tiffany Williams - Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign, but Massachusetts Republicans cannot suspend the consequences. With 15 days until the November 3 election, their nominee for lieutenant governor faces criminal charges, remains on the ballot, and retains a potential route into an office his own running mate wants him to surrender. Republican gubernatorial … Continue reading Shawn Oliver’s OUI Case Throws Massachusetts GOP Ticket Into Turmoil Days Before Election

Massachusetts Voters Deserve Clear Answers in the Final Stretch of the Governor’s Race

By Tiffany Williams - With just over two weeks remaining before the November 3 election, the Massachusetts governor’s race is entering the period when promises deserve their closest examination. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll are seeking another four years, while Republican challenger Mike Minogue is asking voters to choose a different direction. … Continue reading Massachusetts Voters Deserve Clear Answers in the Final Stretch of the Governor’s Race

Mike Minogue Faces Political Crisis as Shawn Oliver Controversy Rocks Republican Ticket

By Tiffany Williams - Shawn Oliver’s campaign suspension has created a political crisis for the Republican ticket with just 15 days remaining before the November 3 election. For Mike Minogue, the immediate challenge is keeping his campaign against Governor Maura Healey from being overtaken by questions about his running mate’s arrest and whether Oliver would … Continue reading Mike Minogue Faces Political Crisis as Shawn Oliver Controversy Rocks Republican Ticket

Auburn Police Welcome Officer Nicholas Tessier From Spencer

By Tiffany Williams - Officer Nicholas Tessier has joined the Auburn Police Department, bringing just over five years of municipal law enforcement experience. The department officially welcomed him Tuesday morning, announcing his move from the Spencer Police Department. Tessier’s background also includes service with the Worcester State Campus Police Department before he began his municipal … Continue reading Auburn Police Welcome Officer Nicholas Tessier From Spencer

Connecticut Plans Outreach to Help HUSKY D Recipients Maintain Coverage

By Tiffany Williams - Connecticut is preparing an outreach effort to help HUSKY D recipients remain enrolled ahead of federal Medicaid rule changes scheduled for January 1, 2027. Governor Ned Lamont joined Stamford Hospital officials Monday to describe the state’s plans, according to his weekly update. HUSKY D provides health coverage to low-income adults ages … Continue reading Connecticut Plans Outreach to Help HUSKY D Recipients Maintain Coverage

Boston EMS Welcomes 20 New EMTs and Recognizes 12 Promotions

By Tiffany Williams - (Photo Credit: Mike Mejia) Boston Emergency Medical Services welcomed 20 new EMTs and recognized 12 promotions during a Friday ceremony at Faneuil Hall. Mayor Michelle Wu joined Boston EMS and the Boston Public Health Commission to celebrate graduates of the department’s recruit academy. The full-time, paid academy combines classroom instruction with … Continue reading Boston EMS Welcomes 20 New EMTs and Recognizes 12 Promotions

Boston Plans Five Free Link Bus Routes for Early 2027

By Tiffany Williams - Boston plans to launch five free community shuttle routes in early 2027, expanding transportation options in Mattapan, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and the South Boston Waterfront. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the Link Bus initiative Friday, saying the publicly accessible services will connect neighborhoods with the MBTA and destinations … Continue reading Boston Plans Five Free Link Bus Routes for Early 2027

Boston’s Hub on Wheels Will Return in October 2027 With Car-Free Storrow Drive

By Tiffany Williams - (Photo Credit: Isabel Leon) Boston’s Hub on Wheels bike ride will return October 3, 2027, with a car-free Storrow Drive, routes through city neighborhoods and a festival on City Hall Plaza. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the revival Monday at the city’s Ride & Chill event in Franklin Park. Participants will choose … Continue reading Boston’s Hub on Wheels Will Return in October 2027 With Car-Free Storrow Drive

Bangor I-95 Bridge Work Will Bring Lane and Ramp Closures October 16–19

By Tiffany Williams - Drivers using Interstate 95 in Bangor should prepare for changing southbound lane and ramp closures October 16 through October 19 as crews move traffic onto a new bridge over Broadway. MaineDOT announced the work Friday as part of the ongoing bridge replacement project at Exit 185. The work includes shoulder reconstruction, … Continue reading Bangor I-95 Bridge Work Will Bring Lane and Ramp Closures October 16–19

Connecticut Launches TV-to-Table Trail Featuring Restaurants Seen on National Shows

By Tiffany Williams - Connecticut launched a new tourism trail highlighting local restaurants and chefs featured on national food television programs. Governor Ned Lamont and state tourism officials introduced the TV-to-Table Trail Monday, according to his weekly update. The trail includes dozens of culinary destinations associated with shows such as Top Chef, Chopped, Beat Bobby … Continue reading Connecticut Launches TV-to-Table Trail Featuring Restaurants Seen on National Shows

Groton Company Wins Nearly $50 Million Navy Research and Design Contract

By Tiffany Williams - General Dynamics Applied Physical Sciences in Groton, Connecticut, received a $49,945,664 Navy engineering and technical design contract, according to an October 9 federal contract announcement. The work supports research, development, prototyping and demonstrations. The contract includes advanced hull treatments, acoustic and non-acoustic signature measurement technology and studies of foreign technologies. Work … Continue reading Groton Company Wins Nearly $50 Million Navy Research and Design Contract

Healey Pushes MIAA to Recognize Girls Flag Football as Massachusetts Teams Reach 90

By: Laura Soukkavong Governor Maura Healey is calling for girls flag football to become an official Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association varsity sport, putting the state’s rapid expansion of the game behind a push for formal recognition. A Patriots Foundation pilot that began with eight Massachusetts schools in 2023 reached 90 teams in the 2026 season. … Continue reading Healey Pushes MIAA to Recognize Girls Flag Football as Massachusetts Teams Reach 90

Massachusetts Launches 911 Campaign to Help Older Adults Reach Emergency Services

By: Laura Soukkavong When speaking is impossible or unsafe, Massachusetts residents have other ways to reach emergency help. The Massachusetts State 911 Department has launched “911 Help Is At Your Fingertips,” a statewide campaign aimed at ensuring older adults, their families and caregivers know those options before a crisis strikes. The campaign highlights the Silent … Continue reading Massachusetts Launches 911 Campaign to Help Older Adults Reach Emergency Services

Massachusetts Reports 13th Human West Nile Virus Case as 11 Communities Remain at High Risk

By: Laura Soukkavong Massachusetts has reported its 13th human case of West Nile virus this year, and the mosquito threat will persist until the first hard frost, according to the Department of Public Health. The latest case involves a woman in her 40s who was likely exposed in Middlesex County. Eleven communities remain at high … Continue reading Massachusetts Reports 13th Human West Nile Virus Case as 11 Communities Remain at High Risk

MassDOT and CSX Strike Deal to Advance Permanent Seasonal Berkshire Flyer Service

By: Laura Soukkavong Massachusetts is moving to address the rail bottlenecks standing in the way of permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service. Governor Maura Healey’s administration announced an agreement between MassDOT and CSX to expand track capacity in Pittsfield, reduce conflicts between passenger and freight trains and support a lasting seasonal weekend connection between the Berkshires … Continue reading MassDOT and CSX Strike Deal to Advance Permanent Seasonal Berkshire Flyer Service

Campbell Joins States Seeking Approval of Generic Drug Price Fixing Settlements

By Tiffany Williams - Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has joined a coalition of 45 states and territories seeking court approval of settlements with three generic drug manufacturers accused of participating in a sprawling price manipulation conspiracy. The agreements with Ascend Laboratories, Citron Pharma and Mayne Pharma would resolve allegations of artificially inflated prices, reduced … Continue reading Campbell Joins States Seeking Approval of Generic Drug Price Fixing Settlements

Massachusetts Announces About $403,500 in Grants to Strengthen Specialty Crop Farms

By Tiffany Williams - Massachusetts is directing about $403,500 in federal grant funding toward projects designed to help specialty crop producers reach customers, improve production and compete in the marketplace. The Healey-Driscoll administration announced six Specialty Crop Block Grant awards supporting work ranging from statewide flower and farmers market promotion to greenhouse tomato research and … Continue reading Massachusetts Announces About $403,500 in Grants to Strengthen Specialty Crop Farms

Connecticut to Lower Flags for DOT Worker Elvin Hernandez

HARTFORD — Connecticut will lower U.S. and state flags Friday to honor Elvin Hernandez, the Department of Transportation employee killed while performing road maintenance on Interstate 95 in Fairfield. Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags at state buildings and properties lowered from sunrise to sunset, coinciding with memorial and interment services in Bridgeport and Easton. Hernandez … Continue reading Connecticut to Lower Flags for DOT Worker Elvin Hernandez

Connecticut Murder Suspect Faces New Charges Over Large-Capacity Magazines

By Tiffany Williams - TOLLAND, Conn. — A 33-year-old Enfield man already facing serious charges in a separate Connecticut State Police investigation was arrested again Friday, this time on two counts of illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine following a weapons compliance investigation. Joshua Freitag was taken into custody at Rockville Superior Court on an … Continue reading Connecticut Murder Suspect Faces New Charges Over Large-Capacity Magazines

Smith Pond Beach in Worcester Closed After High E. coli Levels Detected

By Tiffany Williams - WORCESTER, Mass. — Smith Pond Beach, also known as Cooks Pond Beach, has been closed to the public after testing detected elevated levels of E. coli bacteria that exceed state water quality standards, Worcester officials announced. The City of Worcester Department of Inspectional Services determined that E. coli bacteria levels at … Continue reading Smith Pond Beach in Worcester Closed After High E. coli Levels Detected

Stoughton Lawsuit, Zac Brown’s $40 Million Surprise, MGM Donation and JCPenney Bid

By Tiffany Williams - Communities across Massachusetts marked the start of the week with efforts focused on public service, philanthropy, local government, business, and real estate, as organizations and municipalities announced initiatives ranging from charitable donations to major legal disputes and multimillion-dollar property sales. From MGM Springfield supporting people experiencing homelessness to a surprise giveaway … Continue reading Stoughton Lawsuit, Zac Brown’s $40 Million Surprise, MGM Donation and JCPenney Bid

Massachusetts Defense Companies Awarded More Than $291 Million in New Pentagon Contracts

By Tiffany Williams MASSACHUSETTS — Two Massachusetts-based defense manufacturers have received new federal contract awards totaling more than $291 million to support critical U.S. military weapons systems and aircraft engine programs, according to the Department of Defense. The awards include a major contract for Raytheon Missiles and Defense in Marlborough and contract modifications for General … Continue reading Massachusetts Defense Companies Awarded More Than $291 Million in New Pentagon Contracts