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Lottery Tickets Available For Jackson's Funeral
LOS ANGELES, California (abc40/AP) -- Memorial plans have been finalized for Michael Jackson and you are invited to attend.

Westfield Police Looking for Lotto Ticket Thief

WESTFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- Westfield police are looking for the public's help in finding a suspect in multiple breaking and entering incidents.

Pope OKs MA man's miracle to beatify UK Cardinal
Associated Press - July 3, 2009 11:14 AM ET VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Benedict XVI has placed Cardinal John Henry Newman on the path to possible sainthood by approving a miracle on a Boston-area...

Plant disease hits eastern US veggies early, hard
Associated Press - July 3, 2009 8:55 AM ET CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Tomato plants have been removed from stores in half a dozen Northeast states as a destructive plant disease makes its earliest...

What's open and closed on Friday, July 3...
ABC40 and FOX 6 has you covered with a list of what is open or closed this Friday.

Trash Fee Enforcement is Up

Springfield is ramping up its trash fee enforcement. According to the Department of Public works, over the last two and a half weeks, more than 800 trash barrels have been seized from people who are behind in the ninety dollar per year, per barrel fee.

Former Springfield Cop Sentenced to 3 to 4 Years for Traffic Stop Theft

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- A former Springfield police officer has been sentenced to three to four years in prison and has been ordered to pay back the just under $2,000 he stole from tobacco workers during a 2008 traffic stop.

Camp Atwater Gets Money to Help Children Learn to Swim
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- The USA Swimming Foundation recently chose Camp Atwater in North Brookfield to receive a hefty donation for their summer campers.

Turtle Crossings Helping to Save Lives During Nesting Season

GILL, Mass. (abc40) -- Some little creatures are finding themselves in big trouble when crossing the road and the state is stepping in to help them find another way around.

Mass. Gov. Patrick's chief of staff quitting

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick's chief of staff is quitting.

City councilor alleges Ashcroft behind indictment
Associated Press - July 2, 2009 9:54 AM ET BOSTON (AP) - A Boston city councilor charged with extortion alleges the state's former U.S. attorney targeted him at the behest of former Attorney...

Self Governance Returns to Springfield

After five years of control over the city, the Financial Control Board will dissolve as of midnight on June 30.

"Hospital of the Future" Gets a Boost

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) - A huge project that will change health care in western Massachusetts hit a major financial milestone.

Mass. Turnpike workers cruise toll free
Associated Press - July 2, 2009 8:04 AM ET BOSTON (AP) - Hundreds of current and retired Massachusetts Turnpike Authority workers pass through the toll road without paying even as the agency...

Mass. to seek powers to take over failing schools
Associated Press - July 2, 2009 6:24 AM ET BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick is preparing to seek legislative approval to take over failing schools and waive parts of teacher contracts...

12 hospitalized in connection with E. coli in beef
Associated Press - July 1, 2009 7:55 PM ET WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal health officials say at least 12 people have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E.coli outbreak in beef and 2...

Hadley Business Expands Despite Weak Economy

While the economy is forcing many businesses across the country to either close down or make cuts, Maple Farm Foods in Hadley is doing the opposite.

Summer Camp Enrollment Declines With Economy

The economy is taking its toll on local parents, because a popular form of childcare may now be financially out of reach. Summer camps across the area are seeing a decline in enrollment.

Ex-Holyoke teacher pleads not guilty to child rape

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A former Holyoke elementary school teacher who ran off with 1 of her students has pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated rape and abuse and three counts of statutory rape.

Fire in Springfield Stresses Importance of Smoke Detectors

Saturday's Bay Street fire that left two boys dead has fire officials urging people to use smoke detectors.

Calling All Young Working Professionals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- It's only his first week as a resident in the Emergency Department at Baystate Medical Center and already, Dr. Stephen Kelly is right at home. In fact, it was his first home.

Bones From Beneath Indian Orchard Home Being Tested
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) - Police are still investigating Wednesday the discovery of bones, which may be human, beneath the floor of an Indian Orchard home Tuesday morning.

Mass. gov signs ethics reform legislation
Associated Press - July 1, 2009 11:14 AM ET BOSTON (AP) - A bill prompted by a series of recent political scandals has become law in Massachusetts.

Boston supplier recalls fresh tuna steaks
Associated Press - July 1, 2009 11:05 AM ET BOSTON (AP) - A Boston-based seafood supplier is recalling fresh tuna steaks distributed in New England because of high levels of histamine, a...

Baystate Medical Center Sells $135 Million in Bonds to Fund Construction

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) - Baystate Medical Center officials have announced the successful recent sale of $135 million worth of bonds to fund their Hospital of the Future construction project.

Mississippi still fattest, Connecticut 1 of thinnest
Associated Press - July 1, 2009 9:24 AM ET WASHINGTON (AP) - A new report says just over 21% of Connecticut adults are obese, the third-lowest rate in the country.

Umass tornado chasers return home from National study

Umass boasts the only student developed mobile doppler radar in the country, which was put to good use during Vortex 2. It's the largest tornado research project in the U.S. to date.

Two Springfield Police on Trial

Leonardo Matos and Steven Buzzell took the stand in their own defense on Tuesday.

Dunkins pulls Dunkaccino as salmonella precaution
Associated Press - June 30, 2009 4:54 PM ET CANTON, Mass. (AP) - Dunkin' Donuts has temporarily halted the sale of hot chocolate and Dunkaccino brand beverages after learning that some...

Romney's official portrait a familiar pose
Associated Press - June 30, 2009 4:34 PM ET BOSTON (AP) - Mitt Romney's official portrait depicts him as many Massachusetts residents likely remember the former governor and 1-time venture...

Officials Inching Closer to Cause in Deadly Fire

Officials are inching closer to determining what ignited a deadly fire on Bay Street in Springfield Saturday.

Drag Racer Helping Out for Shriners Hospital

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- The news that Springfield's Shriners Hospital may be closing when a vote is taken in early July has a local man using his talents to help raise money for the institution that has helped so many others.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Welcome Hill Family

On Sunday, the town of Suffield and hundreds of volunteers and supporters said, "Welcome home Hill family."

Mass. man to face murder charges for fatal beating
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 6:44 AM ET WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - Prosecutors are expected to bring murder charges against a Worcester man accused of fatally beating his 7-year-old son on...

Free Carton of Ice Cream for Blood Donors

Giving blood can save lives, but sometimes people still need a little incentive to do it.

Hannaford warns consumers about recalled beef
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 10:55 AM ET SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) - Hannaford Supermarkets is warning its customers in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont to check...

Ruth Madoff says she feels 'betrayed and confused'
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 12:55 PM ET NEW YORK (AP) - Bernard Madoff's wife says she feels "betrayed and confused" by the actions of her husband.

Mass. gas prices fall 2 cents to $2.62 a gallon
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 12:24 PM ET BOSTON (AP) - Gasoline prices in Massachusetts have fallen for the first time in 12 weeks. AAA Southern New England reported Monday that the...

Greenfield ZBA Gives OK to Biomass Plant with Conditions
GREENFIELD, Mass. (abc40) - Five members of the Zoning Board of Appeals Friday voted unanimously to approve plans for a biomass plant to locate itself in the city with a litany of conditions.

Conn. firefighters celebrate high court victory
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 11:34 AM ET NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - New Haven firefighters who won their reverse discrimination lawsuit against the city are celebrating with their attorneys...

Mass man held in girl's kidnapping, attempted rape
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 11:24 AM ET HANOVER, Mass. (AP) - Prosecutors say a man lured a 6-year-old girl to an apartment, restrained her and injected her with an unknown substance...

Madoff lawyer: Recommended sentence is excessive
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 11:15 AM ET NEW YORK (AP) - Bernard Madoff's lawyer says sentencing guidelines in the swindler's multibillion-dollar fraud case "do not speak of vengeance and...

Mass. reconsiders casino gambling amid recession
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 10:34 AM ET BOSTON (AP) - Casino gambling is back on the table in Massachusetts. Lawmakers held a public hearing Monday to discuss the possibility of...

Fallen soldier laid to rest

CHICOPEE, Mass. (abc40) -- Funeral services were held in Chicopee on friday for Army National Guard 1st Sgt Kevin Dupont.

Two Children Killed in Fire

A Saturday morning fire claims the lives of two young boys.

Mass. toll hike to be scrapped; Gov. signs budget
Associated Press - June 29, 2009 7:14 AM ET BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is expected to eliminate a planned toll hike hours before Gov.

Victim in Holyoke Beating in Critical Condition
A Holyoke man is listed in critical condition at Baystate Medical Center after being beaten early this morning in Holyoke.

Two Killed In Springfield Fire
Springfield Fire Department officials have confirmed to abc40 that two children have died in a fire at 671 Bay Street in Springfield.

Kennedy at work, at rest at home in Hyannis Port
Associated Press - June 28, 2009 1:14 PM ET WASHINGTON (AP) - He may appear thinner and more easily fatigued, but friends say Sen. Edward Kennedy continues to work on health care reform from...

Gay marriage stalls as RI lawmakers wrap up
Associated Press - June 28, 2009 12:54 PM ET PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island seems likely to remain the only New England state that does not recognize gay marriage after measures...

Prosecutor: Mass. girl escapes would-be rapist
Associated Press - June 28, 2009 12:24 PM ET HANOVER, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts prosecutor says a 6-year-old Hanover girl was kidnapped by a would-be rapist while riding her bicycle but...

Six People Transported in Enfield Crash
A two car motor vehicle accident in Enfield has sent six people to local hospitals with unknown injuries.

Springfield Firefighters Extinguish Palm Street Fire
Springfield Firefighters are battling their second house fire of the morning on Palm Street in Springfield.

'Operation Dry Water' warns of boating dangers
Associated Press - June 27, 2009 4:34 PM ET BOSTON (AP) - The Coast Guard is teaming with Massachusetts law enforcement agencies this weekend to support "Operation Dry Water." The program aims...

Governor Signs Transportation Reform Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- Gov. Patrick signed a sweeping transportation reform bill into law Friday.

Suspect pleads not guilty to Murder charge

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) -- Springfield police have upgraded the charges a suspect is facing in connection with a stabbing Thursday afternoon to murder after the victim died.

Waban man dies in I-91 Accident

HOLYOKE, Mass. (ABC40) -- State Police are investigating an accident that claimed the life of a 47-year-old Waban man.

Springfield Traffic Stop May have Resulted in Capture of Delaware Murder Suspect
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) - A man possibly wanted in connection with a 2006 murder in Delaware was arrested in Springfield during a traffic stop Thursday.

State and Federal Cops Break Up Pot Growing Operation in Colrain
COLRAIN, Mass. (abc40) - State and federal law enforcement officials have allegedly seized 13 pounds of marijuana, 200 growing plants and $8500 in cash Thursday while executing a search warrant of a Greenfield Road home.

A Somber Homecoming For A Fallen Hero

CHICOPEE, Mass. - A fallen soldier is back home in Massachusetts. It was a somber homecoming at Westover Air Reserve Base for 1^st Sergeant Kevin Dupont.

Vermont Yankee says it's fixed leak at nuke plant
Associated Press - June 26, 2009 7:55 AM ET BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (AP) - The owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant says technicians have fixed a stubborn leak in a condenser and completed...