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Springfield

Teen recovering in Springfield hospital after being struck by lightning in Granby Tuesday

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

GRANBY — A 16-year-old student struck by lightning and knocked unconscious while outside the MacDuffie School Tuesday afternoon is recovering at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield. Head of school Steve Griffin said Wednesday he spoke to the young woman’s parents and informed her fellow students that she is on the mend. “She is alert and asking about her homework, which is wonderful,” Griffin said. Two other young people who … 0

Man killed in shootout with Springfield police

Friday, May 17, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Springfield police say a city man has been killed in an exchange of gunfire with officers responding to a domestic disturbance call. Sgt. John Delaney says police responded to reports of shots fired at about 5:50 a.m. Wednesday. He says it started when a man fired a shotgun at his estranged girlfriend. She was unhurt. The man continued firing into … 0

MGM requests July 16 referendum in Springfield on $800 million casino plan

Thursday, May 16, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — MGM Resorts International has announced that it’s requesting a July 16 referendum in Springfield on its $800 million casino plan. The formal request Tuesday follows the Springfield city council’s approval last week of a host community agreement signed by Mayor Domenic Sarno and MGM. The agreement calls for the company to make annual payments of more than $25 million to … 0

Mark Perez of Springfield faces arraignment on charges resulting from fatal hit-and-run crash that killed Westfield woman

Monday, April 1, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A Springfield man charged with killing a woman in a hit-and-run crash over the weekend is headed to court. Mark Perez is scheduled to be arraigned Monday on a variety of charges in connection with the crash Saturday morning that took the life of a … 0

Springfield police say fatal hit-and-run crash leads to discovery of drug distribution operation

Sunday, March 31, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Springfield police say the pursuit of a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash led to the discovery of a drug distribution operation. Investigators say 25-year-old Mark Perez stole an SUV just before Saturday morning’s crash that killed a 55-year-old Westfield woman. Police say they … 0

Overhaul of elevated Interstate 91 section in Springfield raises questions about access to proposed casino sites 

Sunday, March 31, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A planned overhaul of an elevated section of Interstate 91 in Springfield is raising questions about access to two proposed downtown casino. MGM is planning an estimated $800 million downtown casino that would front the highway. Penn National Gaming, which is planning an $807 million … 0

Springfield Housing Authority expands smoking ban to outside its properties

Sunday, March 31, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — The Springfield Housing Authority is expanding its ban on smoking to areas outside its properties, one year after the agency ordered residents and visitors to stop smoking inside its buildings. Massachusetts’ third largest housing authority says the full smoking ban is effective Saturday. Executive Director … 0

Mistrial declared in fatal crash in West Springfield 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A judge has declared a mistrial in the trial of a Southwick man charged with being drunk when he was involved in a car crash that killed another driver. The Hampden Superior Court judge declared a mistrial in the case of 37-year-old Daniel Leary on … 0

Springfield seeks sale of vacant lots to neighbors

Sunday, March 24, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Springfield officials are offering property owners a chance to buy blighted vacant lots next to their own properties. The lots were taken over the by the city after their previous owners stopped paying taxes. Under the city’s “Abutter Lots Sales Program,” owners of adjacent residences … 0

Girl shot outside sneaker store in Springfield 

Monday, March 18, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Police in Springfield are looking for the person who shot an 11-year-old girl who was standing in line outside a store selling the latest Nike Air Jordan sneakers. Mayor Domenic Sarno says an orderly line had formed outside the store just before it was scheduled … 0

MGM to begin review for proposed casino in Springfield  

Sunday, March 17, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — MGM Resorts International says it’s ready to begin an environmental review for its proposed casino in Springfield. As required by state law, MGM must send copies of its environmental notification form to communities that may be affected by possible environmental impacts. It was reported that … 0

Sketches of proposed Springfield casino released

Monday, March 11, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Penn National Gaming has released updated drawings of its proposed Springfield casino. The drawings released Sunday include new designs for an outdoor patio dining area and an expansive plaza entrance to the hotel and gambling complex. As Penn National prepares for Monday’s public presentation on … 0

Springfield plans tour to focus on housing crisis

Monday, March 11, 2013

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A coalition of housing advocates in Springfield will host a city-wide tour to call attention to the housing crisis in the city. The tour is part of a national campaign to be launched Wednesday in at least a dozen cities around the country. The campaign, … 0