PA man arrested at Longmeadow TD Bank.
Springfield City Council standing by its cuts to the Springfield Police Dept.
Springfield Man arrested selling illegal fireworks to an undercover detective.
Casinos, gyms and museums can reopen as early as Monday (today).
No swimming at Puffer’s Pond in North Amherst this weekend.
Cinemark at the Hampshire Mall preparing to reopen.
Mayor Sarno and Tim Sheehan release 250 thousand dollars to become the fourth wave of “Prime The Pump.”
Springfield Parks Dept activates its spray pads throughout the city.
MGM springfield gearing up to reopen July 12, 2020.
RIP Hugh Downs.
Brad Shepard Today
Brad Shepard Today! Thursday, July 2, 2020
Ambulance service comes to Hampden for the first time in its history.
Adele Hill and the East Longmeadow VIRTUAL Fourth of July Parade.
Springfield City Council recommends further cuts to the Police Dept. budget.
Reader’s Digest notes Springfield, Mass. as a finalist for the nicest location in New England to visit.
Profane City Council Zoom meeting gaffe creates a controversy.
Tasheena Davis statement.
Chicopee Police Officer Mike Wilk has opted to retire after being removed as Information Officer.
Belchertown Fair poised to make a decision on its 163rd edition.
The 4th of July: what’s open and what’s closed.
Brad Shepard Today! Wednesday, July 1, 2020
The Berkshires are rated a top “getaway” destination in New England!
Holyoke cleaned up and power restored.
Pension frozen for a former Mass. State Trooper in Southwick.
Springfield City Council votes to cut $800,000 from the Police Dept. budget.
Cinemark cans its 16-screen theater at the Eastfield Mall and trashes the equipment!
Ware voters elect two new members to the Selectboard.
Mayor Sarno joins with cultural leaders to accept an NEA $100,000 grant.
Property owners near the “Big E” will lose dollars this year that they would have charged for parking.
Springfield Public School meal sites offer a holiday schedule.
Mass. 4-H club kids hold their own virtual fairs!
For the first time, NO new COVID-19 deaths in Mass. to report on Tuesday!
Brad Shepard Today! Tuesday, June 30, 2020
FINAL DECISION: The Big E is canceled this year.
West Springfield traffic note (Route 5).
Springfield Health and Human Services Director Helen Caulton-Harris on masks and the oncoming heat.
Springfield Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi is frustrated over a lack of compliance on illegal fireworks use.
ArtsBeat Reporter Mark Auerbach.
Agawam Veterans Cemetery resumes committal services.
East Longmeadow company pays $1M in a settlement.
The attorney for ousted Holyoke Soldiers Home Superintendent Bennett Walsh disputes his firing.
Brad Shepard Today! Monday, June 29, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
Lorraine Gorham of the Coalition to Fund the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home is planning an event to support the Home.
Mayor Sarno note.
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home expansion and renovation gets a push from Congressman Neal.
Molly Bish’s disappearance hits 20-year mark.
Russell fire last week deemed “suspicious” by state police.
Mass visitors from southern states asked to self-quarantine.
Southern section of the rail trail in Lanesborough reopens.
The Ludlow Board of Health hosts a huge mask giveaway!
Brimfield Police capture a fugitive Emu.
Brad Shepard Today! Friday and the weekend, June 26, 2020
Mass. is now officially in drought conditions.
6 points from the 174-page report on the COVID-19 outbreak at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
Senator Velis claims he had no involvement in Bennett Walsh’s hiring at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
Weldon Rehabilitation Center will change its name, as sexual abuse by Bishop Christopher Weldon is deemed “credible.”
Northampton adds new downtown parking spots and continues free parking.
Chuck E. Cheese files for bankruptcy protection.
Criminal complaints issued to Springfield residents for unlawful possession of fireworks.
Mayor Sarno gives thanks for assistance in acquiring PPEs for first responders.
New CVS COVID-19 testing sites in Western Mass.
Brad Shepard Today! Thursday, June 25, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
John Flynn comments on his reelection to the Hampden Board of Selectmen.
Sheriff Cocchi responds to a false racist post attributed to his department.
Chicopee Police Dept. denies racist post attributed to an employee of the dept.
Sharon Cohen of Footbeats at Thornes Marketplace celebrates 4th work anniversary.
Frigo’s Deli denies racist post by an alleged employee.
How much water should you be drinking in the hot weather?
Reward now offered for dead puppy found in Westfield.
Summer heat car care tips!
State courts reopen for some purposes.
Review of accusations against former Springfield Bishop found to be “credible.”
Brad Shepard Today! Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Cooling centers not opening in Springfield and West Springfield.
Berkshires actress-director Tara Franklin moved from part-time to full-time baking with her company, Sweet Sam Bakes.
Governor Baker announces the dates for the Massachusetts “Sales Tax Holiday” weekend.
Hampden reelects incumbent John Flynn to the Board of Selectmen.
Columbia Gas Co. sentenced for Lowell explosions.
Possible animal abuse reported.
Freedom Credit Union begins phased reopening of local branches.
Mayor Sarno furious at illegal firearms offenders released without bail.
RIP Westfield City Solicitor Susan C. Phillips.
Brad Shepard Today! Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
Mayor Sarno comments on cooling centers, and is livid about fireworks use in the city.
ArtsBeat reporter Mark Auerbach’s entertainment report.
Agawam police officer receives the highest civilian honor for heroism.
Chicopee hot tub fire contained after some damage to the home.
Another famous Springfield restaurant will not reopen.
Fire at Shaker Farms Country Club under control after a tough battle.
Granby holds town election.
Venerable Eskimo Pie ice cream bar now must change its name.
Nail and tans and tattoos are back in business!
Brad Shepard Today! Monday, June 22, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
Mayor Sarno continues his weekly COVID-19 update.
MassDOT urges motorists to utilize the online drivers license renewal option.
Springfield resident injured by fireworks that came through his window.
Fire destroys Strathmore Paper mill #2.
Step 2 of Phase 2 of Mass. reopening begins today.
Figaro Ristorante begins dine-in operations with implemented safety adjustments.
Funeral for Chicopee Police Officer Angela Santiago.
Pittsfield police question legitimacy of videos alleging an alligator in Onota Lake.
Brad Shepard Today! Friday and the weekend, June 19, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
Springfield Museums offer a virtual “Seussian Science Festival”
Springfield City Councilor Michael Fenton on proposals to change leadership of Springfield Police.
Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi addresses overwhelming illegal fireworks use in Springfield.
An angry Springfield City Councilor, Victor Davila, wants penalties for illegal fireworks use to increase.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra delays its new season start, and furloughs some staff and administration.
Holyoke Hospital receives food delivery from the World Sikh Parliament.
Brad Shepard Today! Thursday, June 18, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 stats.
Traffic note for Pittsfield.
Springfield City Council wants to sue Mayor Sarno.
Christopher Caputo is the new Springfield Treasurer.
Yeshiva Academy 2020 grads receive their diplomas in horse and carriage!
Fenway Golf buys gift certificates from local businesses and gives them to customers!
MassDOT appoints a new Registry of Motor Vehicles Registrar.
Mayor Sarno announces reversal of police officers reinstatement; Commissioner Claprood comments.
Springfield announces the third wave of “Prime The Pump” program.
Greenfield Schools lay off 43 employees – some are teachers.
Center Square Grill reopens; Bill Collins is excited!
Samuel’s Tap & Table at the Basketball Hall of Fame shutters for good.
Brad Shepard Today! Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
In a live address, Mayor Sarno outlines his program to improve race relations in Springfield.
Mike Zabik of Mike’s Auto Service in West Springfield on vehicle inspection deadlines.
Cuts are aimed at Northampton Mayor Narkewicz’s Police Department budget.
White Hut food truck is opening!
Chicopee Police Department officer killed in Connecticut motorcycle accident.
More Holyoke Mall stores reopen.
Big E presents “A Taste of the Big E Drive-Thru Food Preview!”
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi wants courts to order ankle monitors for early release inmates.
Western Mass. tree pollen is in decline.
Easthampton Fire Chief Mottor retires after 30 years.
Brad Shepard Today! Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 stats.
Mayor Sarno announces the Springfield health “trifecta.”
Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Claprood cites some positive statistics for the city.
ArtsBeat Reporter Mark Auerbach’s entertainment report.
Mayor Sarno and Commissioner Cheryl Claprood hold their race relations virtual roundtable; some city councilors and other local leaders decline to attend.
Major ground beef recall.
Springfield Christopher Columbus monument cleaned up and put right.
Both major Western Mass. hospitals adjust visiting hours to reflect “Phase 2” guidelines.
Big E CEO, Gene Cassidy, still resolved to see the fair happen this September!
Gas prices up (just a bit)!
Brad Shepard Today! Monday, June 15, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
Mayor Sarno streams roundtable discussion on policing and race.
Mayor Sarno and CFO T.J. Plante submit FY21 budget proposal to the City Council.
Congratulations to the East Longmeadow High School class of 2020!
Greenfield job opportunities.
Justin Hurst and other Springfield city councilors will not attend Mayor Sarno’s meeting on race relations.
Western Mass. police officers show support for Special Olympics athletes at the Big E grounds.
Italian-American Veterans Memorial monument in the South End has been defaced.
The Federal in Agawam opens for outdoor dining!
Mayor Sarno acknowledges Flag Day.
High School of Commerce student demonstration against the Quebec Unit.
Good Vibes program holds peace drive.
Non-essential water restrictions in place for several Western Mass. cities and towns.
Brad Shepard Today! Friday and the weekend, June 12, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 statistics.
East Longmeadow 4th of July Parade status? With Carl Ohlin.
Greenfield Elks give free lunches to veterans.
Springfield Police confiscate illegal fireworks on several streets in the city.
Mayor Sarno makes clear his opposition to cutting the Springfield Police Department budget.
MGM Springfield hopes to reopen at the end of June.
VCA Boston Road Animal Hospital leaves Springfield to merge with Palmer location.
Green Bean Restaurant in Northampton closes for good.
Pet adoptions at Thomas J. O’Connor way up!
Brad Shepard Today! Thursday, June 11, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England Covid-19 statistics.
Bishop Rozanski to depart Springfield for Archbishop installation in St. Louis.
Kevin Kousch has reopened Formal Affair Clothier in West Springfield.
Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Claprood comments on George Floyd and the protests.
Nadim’s reopens for outdoor dining – after a minor glitch.
Thorne’s Marketplace in Northampton reopens with limitations.
Grand opening for Cannabis Connection Inc.
Mayor Sarno joins with Rep. Neal and others to announce help for renters and homeowners.
Hotels are gearing up to reopen; D-Suites in Holyoke is being “super cleaned” by an East Longmeadow firm.
Springfield’s “Say Their Names” mural.
Northfield Drive-In reopens.
Springfield will NOT reopen pools this summer.
Brad Shepard Today! Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 stats.
Massachusetts bars will NOT reopen in Phase 3; Governor Baker moved bar openings to Phase 4.
New medical breakthrough at Mercy Medical Center.
Boston Road construction for the next few weeks.
Jordan Goodman’s 3 reasons for the recent stock market gains.
Protesters call for Springfield Police Dept. reforms.
Positive virus information from Baystate Health Systems.
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home works to allow visitation.
Villa Napoletana builds a patio in their former parking lot!
Salvation Army stores reopen in Western Mass.
Fort Street in Springfield closed to traffic to allow outdoor dining at The Fort.
Brad Shepard Today! Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Trinity Health Of New England COVID-19 stats.
Mercy Medical Center’s Telemedicine Virtual Care.
Lauren Brill talks with Jeremiah Maloni, co-owner of Cindy’s Drive-in in Granby.
ArtsBeat reporter Mark Auerbach.
The Zoo in Forest Park has reopened!
Arrest made of a Springfield woman who shot and killed a dog attacking her.
Springfield Police target illegal fireworks in the city.
Retailers allowed to reopen.
Restaurants reopen for outdoor dining!
City hospitals work on new visitor regulations.
Brad Shepard Today! Monday, June 8, 2020
Mass. Phase 2 reopening (Part 1) begins today!
Business is good at Agawam Pack and Ship – with Richard Cohen.
Watch out for the turtles crossing the road in Brimfield – with officer Ryan Olszta, Brimfield PD.
Mayor Sarno thanks Senator Welch for assistance in needed PPE equipment.
Mayor Sarno announces extension in outdoor dining.
Peter Pan Bus Lines resumes some services.
Bottle and can redemption resumes in Mass., but in phases.
The Federal in Agawam preparing to reopen.
Here’s what’s reopening in the state in Phase 2.