WGGB Springfield

Check Out the Trailer for Anchorman 2

TV Guide News — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:40:02 +0000

Ron Burgundy is back!

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, which is scheduled to be released in December, finds Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and his team of intrepid broadcast journalists (Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner) transitioning to a 24-hour cable news channel in the 1980s.

Check Out the Trailer for Anchorman 2

TV Guide News — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:40:02 +0000

Ron Burgundy is back!

Police Spend Second Day at Home of Patriots Tight End Aaron Hernandez

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:33:18 +0000

(AP Photo/Erika Niedowski)

By ERIKA NIEDOWSKI, Asssociated Press

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — State police returned to the home of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Wednesday, two days after a body was found about a mile away.

Two troopers knocked on the door of Hernandez’s sprawling house in an upscale subdivision Wednesday morning, but no one answered. The night before, police spent hours there as another group of officers searched an industrial park where the body was found Monday. No more details about the body have been released.

Sports Illustrated, citing an unidentified source, reported that Hernandez was not believed to be a suspect in what was being treated as a possible homicide. The magazine said police had spoken with Hernandez.

State police referred questions to Bristol District Attorney Sam Sutter’s office, which declined to comment.

Sports Illustrated reported that the link between Hernandez and the case was a rented Chevrolet Suburban with Rhode Island plates that police had been searching for. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the report.

Hernandez is represented by the Athletes First agency, which said it has no comment “on the Aaron Hernandez situation.” His mother said by phone from Connecticut on Tuesday she had no knowledge of a case involving him.

“I am aware of the reports, but I do not anticipate that we will be commenting publicly during an ongoing police investigation,” Patriots spokesman Stacey James said.

Later Wednesday, a woman in a car with Connecticut plates pulled into the driveway and took a small dog in a cage inside through the garage.

The Patriots drafted Hernandez out of Florida in 2010. Since then, he has combined with Rob Gronkowski to form one of the top tight end duos in the NFL.

On Tuesday night, some police officers stood on the front steps of Hernandez’s home and others could be seen inside. Some walked around the driveway and in the garage with flashlights. Before wrapping up their work for the night, one officer took a box out of the massive house.

North Attleborough is south of Boston on the Rhode Island state line, not far from the Patriots’ stadium in Foxboro.

In 38 games, the 6-foot-1, 245-pound Hernandez has 175 receptions for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns. He missed 10 games last season with an ankle injury and had shoulder surgery in April, but is expected to be ready for training camp. The Patriots have not said which shoulder was operated on.

Last summer, the Patriots gave Hernandez a five-year contract. It was worth $40 million, according to reports, and came just months after the team locked up Gronkowski, through 2019.

“Aaron’s improved a lot,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said at the time. “He’s worked hard, he’s improved a lot in all phases of the game — the passing game, the running game, protection and his overall versatility. He’s doing a good job for us.”

___

Associated Press Writer Bridget Murphy contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Exclusive Necessary Roughness First Look: Check Out Dani's New Office

TV Guide News — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:25:02 +0000

Necessary Roughness‘ Dani Santino (Callie Thorne) has left her private therapy practice and taken a job working full-time at a sports agency under Connor McClane (John Stamos). In Wednesday’s episode, “Gimme Some Lovin’,” Dani gets acquainted with her fancy new digs and realizes she’ll have to get used to having an assistant.

Don't pay cash and other remodeling mistakes to avoid

NewsTips — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:55:12 +0000

Don’t pay cash and other remodeling mistakes to avoid

While there are plenty of honest remodeling contractors out there, the field has its share of bad apples. We asked our Facebook fans to tell us the craziest thing their contractors told them. “Well, all windows leak a little,” a poster wrote. “Don’t worry about water coming through the electrical fixture,” another wrote. Our favorite: “It would save time just to send you a court transcript.” This checklist will help you avoid similar experiences with your kitchen remodel:

Don’t chase lowball bids. Tough competition is inducing some pros to lower their profit margins with low bids and then make up the difference with shoddy work. Gauge the going rate for your project by getting at least three estimates, rather than jumping at the lowest estimate.

Check references. Reputable contractors are glad to provide names and contact information for satisfied customers. Try to check past jobs in person to talk with customers and see how the work is holding up. And always check the Better Business Bureau and your state’s attorney general’s office for complaints before making your pick.

Get a written contract. It should spell out in detail what will be done to complete the job, all associated costs, and a payment schedule. Don’t sign a contract with a lot of open-ended amounts, or “allowances,” for products and materials. Once the work is underway, stick to the terms, since contract changes can blow any budget.

Review the paperwork. That includes up-to-date license and insurance and workers compensation policies. (The Contractor’s License Reference Site has information on licensing requirements in your state, plus a list of licensed contractors.) The contractor, not you, should get permits and give you a lien waiver when the job is done to keep suppliers from knocking on your door for unpaid bills. You’ll need to get the final certificate of occupancy.

Don’t pay cash. Write out the check to the contracting company, not an individual. Paying by credit card also adds a layer of protection. A reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total project cost to be paid upon initial delivery of materials. Make final payments only when work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor won’t pressure you if the job is not finished properly.

Now that the real estate market is heating up, more homeowners are considering remodeling projects. Help is on the way in the form of our kitchen remodeling guide, “Get the kitchen you’ve always wanted,” including “Three magnificent makeovers.” And check out our two-part bathroom remodeling guide, including “Bathroom remodeling trends and costs,” and “Bathroom remodeling dos and don’ts.”

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Suspect Accused of Robbing, Stabbing Chicopee Clerk Under Arrest

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:38:19 +0000

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB) – One of two men suspected in robbing and stabbing a convenience store clerk last week has turned himself into police.

On Monday, Chicopee Police Det. Capt. Daniel Sullivan says that 21-year-old Jomar Munoz of Chicopee turned himself in to police.

Last Wednesday, Munoz and another man allegedly went into the Sam’s Convenience Store on Meadow Street in Chicopee and robbed the store.

During the robbery, Sullivan says that the clerk was stabbed in the hand by one of the suspects. That victim was treated and released from an area hospital.

Munoz turned himself in after surveillance pictures of the incident were released to the media. He is being charged with a count of armed robbery, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Sullivan adds that the second man seen in surveillance pictures, wearing the hooded sweatshirt, is still being sought by police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Chicopee Police at (413) 594-1730.

Pricey Oppo tops our Blu-ray player Ratings, but LG has two great deals

NewsTips — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:20:17 +0000

Pricey Oppo tops our Blu-ray player Ratings, but LG has two great deals

While streaming-video services seem to get all the love, there are still plenty of good reasons to get a Blu-ray player, especially since many models combine the excellent high-definition picture quality and great sound you get from discs with access to online content.

Our latest Blu-ray player Ratings include more than 30 models, many of which are 3D-capable players that can connect to services to get streaming TV shows and movies from services such as Amazon, Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Vudu.

If you’re an audiophile or videophile looking for state-of-the-art performance, our top-rated player—the Oppo BDP-103—is a pricier ($500) model built like a tank and loaded with high-end features, including 4K upscaling (for use with new Ultra HD TVs) and the ability to play discs of all types, including higher-resolution DVD-Audio and SACD audio discs. It also features 7.1-channel analog outputs, plus an MHL-enabled HDMI input that lets you play content from an Android smart phone connected via an optional MHL cable.

Find the best model for your needs and budget by checking our Blu-ray player buying guide and Ratings.

If you’re not quite that finicky, though, you don’t have to pay anywhere near as much money for a Blu-ray player. Our second-highest-rated model, the LG BP730, delivers similar excellent high-def picture quality, plus many of the same features—including 3D, 4K upscaling, and access to even more streaming service, plus a Web browser—for just $200. For those on an even tighter budget, another LG model, with a few fewer features, costs just $120. And if you don’t care about 3D or Internet access, there’s a recommended basic Panasonic Blu-ray player in our Ratings that sells for just $70.

While streaming videos offer great convenience, Blu-ray discs still deliver the best picture quality available, plus 7.1-channel sound from high-resolution lossless soundtrack formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. While I occasionally stream movies—usually in the HDX format from Vudu—on the TVs in my living room and family room, I still watch Blu-ray movies exclusively on my front projection system in my dedicated home theater.

Do you still watch Blu-ray discs? If so, tell us why, and how you get your discs. Netflix, of course, still offers a disc-by-mail service, and Redbox Instant recently launched a hybrid service that combines streaming with disc rentals at Redbox kiosks.

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Feds: 2 NY Men Tried to Make X-Ray Weapon

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:01:45 +0000

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Federal authorities have accused two upstate New York men of assembling a portable X-ray weapon they intended to use against opponents of Israel.

Prosecutors say 49-year-old Glendon Scott Crawford, of Galway, and 54-year-old Eric J. Feight, of Hudson, have been charged with conspiracy to provide support to terrorists following a yearlong undercover investigation.

Investigators say Crawford approached local Jewish organizations looking for people to help him with technology that could be used to secretly deliver damaging and even lethal doses of radiation against those he considered enemies of Israel.

Authorities say they assembled the mobile device, but it was inoperable and nobody was hurt.

Both are scheduled to appear in federal court Wednesday in Albany.

Authorities say they could face up to 15 years in prison.

John Paul II Moves a Step Closer to Sainthood

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:57:18 +0000

By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope John Paul II has moved a step closer to sainthood.

A Vatican official says a commission of theologians approved a miracle attributed to his intercession, clearing a key hurdle.

The case now goes to a commission of cardinals and then Pope Francis.

John Paul’s canonization is possible in autumn to coincide with the 35th anniversary of his election, though the official said Wednesday on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to reveal details about the case that it may be too soon.

The Polish-born pope has been on the fast track for sainthood ever since retired Pope Benedict XVI waived the traditional five-year waiting period and allowed the investigation into his life and virtues to begin just weeks after his 2005 death. John Paul was beatified in 2011.

Bipartisan Proposal on Student Loans Circulating

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:54:50 +0000

By PHILIP ELLIOTT, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan group of senators is floating a proposal that would avoid the doubling of rates on student loans on July 1.

A document being circulated on Capitol Hill outlines a possible compromise that links student loan rates to the financial markets, a provision that was included in President Barack Obama’s budget, as well as House and Senate Republicans’ proposals.

The potential breakthrough, after months of stalemate, could help students dodge an extra $1,000 each year in costs for loans taken for classes this fall.

The bipartisan effort is led by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine.

Party-line proposals on student loans failed in the Senate last week.

Mueller: FBI Uses Drones but Very Seldom

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:51:17 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Robert Mueller says the law enforcement agency uses drones for surveillance but does so rarely.

In an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mueller says the bureau is developing guidelines for drones and that the privacy implications of using drones are, in Mueller’s words, worthy of debate and legislation down the road.

The aerospace industry forecasts a worldwide deployment of almost 30,000 drones by 2018, with the United States accounting for half of them.

Is it true that some "extra virgin" olive oil is fake?

NewsTips — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:24 +0000

Is it true that some “extra virgin” olive oil is fake?

Q: I’ve heard that some olive oil labeled as “extra virgin” really isn’t. Is that true? —C.K., Staten Island, N.Y.

A. Potentially. In Europe, the “extra virgin” label is strictly regulated and requires, among other things, that the oil is produced by cold processing (mashing or slicing), meets certain standards for acidity and other characteristics, and is free of taste defects. But those standards are voluntary in the U.S., and manufacturers or importers can use the “extra virgin” label on oils that are subpar or have been stored improperly, which can degrade their quality. In our tests of 23 extra-virgin olive oils last year, we found that most had flaws that made them unworthy of the label, not to mention the premium price it typically fetches. But here’s some good news: Of the two oils rated Excellent by our expert testers, one—Trader Joe’s California Estate—was also among the least expensive, at just 35 cents an ounce.

Learn how olive oil and other delicious items (chocolate, anyone?) can help your heart.

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Is it true that some "extra virgin" olive oil is fake?

NewsTips — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:23 +0000

Is it true that some “extra virgin” olive oil is fake?

Q: I’ve heard that some olive oil labeled as “extra virgin” really isn’t. Is that true? —C.K., Staten Island, N.Y.

Learn how olive oil and other delicious items (chocolate, anyone?) can help your heart.

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A Beautiful June Afternoon!

Dan Brown — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:34:20 +0000

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB)- It will be a beautiful afternoon with sunshine & blue skies. Temperatures and humidity levels will be nice and comfortable too with highs in the mid-70′s and dew points in the 40′s! It will be a nearly perfect June day! Get out and enjoy, if you can.

With clear skies, light winds and a dry air mass in place temperatures will fall into the 40′s tonight. The record low for tomorrow morning is 45 degrees and that is about where are lows will end up by tomorrow.

High pressure will continue to build in tomorrow which means more sunshine. Although we will start off on the cool side temperatures will be rising quickly and by tomorrow afternoon temperatures will be pushing 80.

Friday, the first day of summer is looking good too. The summer solstice occurs at 1:04 am marking the official start of summer. The sun’s angle will be as high in the sky as it gets. High pressure will begin to shift off shore allowing for warm more humid conditions to move in for the weekend.

Have a great afternoon!

Dan Brown

Fmr. Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos Pulls Papers for Fifth Mayoral Run

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:10:25 +0000

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB) — It’s all about vision and values and that’s why a former mayor wants to run the City of Chicopee again.

Richard Kos took out nomination papers Wednesday morning at city hall.

Kos, an attorney, served as Chicopee’s mayor from 1997 to 2004.

During his tenure in office, the city built two new high schools and a new library, and when he left in 2004, the city had a budget surplus of more than $10 million.

Now, Kos wants his old job back.

“I do so because every election is about the future, and in this case, the future of Chicopee, I believe I can make a positive difference and as before work hard with my friends and supporters for a better Chicopee,” Kos told ABC40′s Ray Hershel Wednesday morning outside City Hall.

Kos says he will formally kick off his campaign next month, at which time he will detail his vision for Chicopee’s future.

ABC40 will have more on this story, including reaction from current Mayor Michael Bissonnette, coming up on ABC40 News at 5.

Springfield Signs New Partnership With WMECo

Emily Volz — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:06:06 +0000

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — The City of Springfield just inked a new agreement with WMECo, designed to reduce energy consumption and save money.

The three-year deal will reduce energy use in the city by more than 4 million kilowatt hours, which is the equivalent of taking nearly 600 cars off the road.

WMECo says the deal will also save Springfield taxpayers more than $600,000 over the three year period.

“Many homes use 300, 400, 500, 700 kilowatt hours a month, you know,” says David McHale, exec. vice president of Northeast Utilities. “If we can reduce that by 10 percent, people will save $3, $4, $5, $8 a month, you know, it depends.”

He adds, “Businesses can save tens of thousands, cities can save hundreds of thousands. Over a three-year period, we see businesses save millions of dollars — that’s huge for economic development.”

WMECo will work with the City of Springfield to identify projects that will increase energy efficiency.

This year, nine Springfield schools will receive major upgrades to lighting, boilers and HVAC equipment.

Granby Man Pleads Guilty to 2011 Arson

Ryan Trowbridge — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:46:09 +0000

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WGGB) — A Granby man has been sentenced to at least four years in prison after pleading guilty to setting a house on fire almost two years ago.

Mary Carey, spokesperson for Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan says that Wednesday morning, 47-year-old Scott Szaban of Granby admitted to setting fire to a home at 92 Chicopee Street in Granby on September 27, 2011.

Szaban also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and breaking and entering in the nighttime with the intent to commit a felony.

Judge Bertha Josephson sentenced Szaban to a sentence of four years to four years and a day, which will be served in state prison. He will receive credit for 495 days served.

Prosecutors say that Szaban broke into the unoccupied home on Sept. 27, 2011 and set fire to the building.

Investigators filed assault charges against Szaban after he pointed a laser-equipped pellet gun at police when they tried to arrest him at his trailer in February 2012.

“I want to applaud the solid work of the fire investigation team and the prosecutors to bring this arsonist to justice. Arson is a crime that affects more than just property and individual victims; it impacts the entire community,” says State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.

Szaban’s sentence will be formally imposed on Friday.

Beware car colors that cost extra

NewsTips — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:40:14 +0000

Beware car colors that cost extra

Anyone who’s ever read Consumer Reports car buying advice knows that it’s important to go into a showroom ready to fend off pitches for extras you don’t need, like extended warranties, pin striping, and paint protection. But unless you’re paying attention, you may end up paying extra just for the paint.

Many carmakers charge extra for certain colors, and that can add anywhere from $200 to a few thousand dollars toward the cost of a new car. Metal flake and tri-coat pearl finishes that are more complicated to produce and apply are generally the culprits, and some manufacturers charge more than others. But if you’re buying a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, chances are you’re going to pay extra if you want any color other than white or black.

If you’re buying a new BMW 528i, for example, you can take your pick of 18 different colors. But if you were thinking of something with true color, prices start at $550 and go up to $1,800.

Watch for these 12 car dealer sales pitches.

And it’s not just luxury models that charge for colors. If you’d like a red Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion, you’re going to have to pony up another $325 or $395, respectively. And if you’d prefer that Fusion in White Platinum, that’ll be $595, please. Chevrolet offers a similar shade for the Malibu, called White Diamond Tricoat. There’s no word on whether actual diamonds are used in the manufacturing process, but you’d have to wonder since it costs an extra $995.

A base Mini Cooper coupe can be had in your choice of three colors for around $20,500, including destination charges. If none of the three do it for you, no problem. Eleven other hues are available, ranging in price from $500 to $2,750. Mini drivers feeling particularly self-expressive can really take it to the street with racing stripes, contrasting roof colors, and various colors and patterns for the dashboard and doors. Some of those won’t cost you an extra dime, but choose carefully. The Bayswater hood stripes, for example, are listed as a no-cost option, but they require the addition of the Bayswater Package for a cool $3,250.

Even economical models like the Chevrolet Spark get into the game, charging as much as $325 for certain colors. A Mazda3 hatchback can be had in any of six different shades for no extra charge, but if you’ve got your heart set on Crystal White Pearl Mica, it’s going to cost you $200.

In all, we looked at every combination of model and color available from all carmakers for the 2013 model year, which works out to about 390 models and more than 24,000 combinations. Of those, nearly 5,300 combinations of make, model, and color carried some extra charge, averaging about $700.

Keep in mind that your special color may cost you even after the last car payment is made. As a rule of thumb, says Eddie Lupinek of Eddie’s Auto Body in Colchester, CT, expect paint that costs more originally to be more expensive to repair should you ever need bodywork or just want to touch up a few door dings. Red and yellow finishes cost more to make and to buy, he says, and those tri-color whites that look so luminescent in showrooms require a three-stage process to repair, with each stage a perfect match. “They have wonderful showroom appeal,” says Eddie, “but they’re a pain in the neck to repair.”

Don’t get us wrong. We’ve got nothing against self-expression, and there’s nothing wrong with spending a little extra to make your car stand out. And a few hundred dollars spread over the cost of a loan or lease term won’t make much of a difference in your monthly payment.

But like any other buying decision, it’s important to go in with your eyes open, and pay attention especially if you’re buying from dealer stock. That shade of red that looks so good sitting on the lot may not be so appealing if it costs $1,000 more than the silver one sitting next to it. And the extra cost is not likely to come back at trade-in time.

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Senators seek cost cuts for F-35 fighter jet

The Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:30:13 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) â€” Senators are seeking cost-cutting opportunities in the Pentagon’s $400 billion program for the next-generation F-35, a fighter jet with a troubled testing record that military leaders say America cannot afford not to build.

Chairing the hearing, Sen. Dick Durbin on Wednesday compared the F-35′s history to a textbook on how not to develop a plane.

The Illinois Democrat asked military leaders to justify a decade of expanding costs.

They stressed that costs were now decreasing.

Pentagon acquisitions chief Frank Kendall said the plane is 90 percent developed. Testing is almost half-done.

Kendall said no one is considering stopping the program.

The F-35 would replace Cold War-era aircraft including the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier. It’s the Pentagon’s priciest weapons program ever. Estimates suggest costs could reach $1 trillion.

Associated Press

Senators seek cost cuts for F-35 fighter jet

The Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:30:13 +0000

Chairing the hearing, Sen. Dick Durbin on Wednesday compared the F-35′s history to a textbook on how not to develop a plane.

The Illinois Democrat asked military leaders to justify a decade of expanding costs.

They stressed that costs were now decreasing.

Pentagon acquisitions chief Frank Kendall said the plane is 90 percent developed. Testing is almost half-done.

Kendall said no one is considering stopping the program.

The F-35 would replace Cold War-era aircraft including the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier. It’s the Pentagon’s priciest weapons program ever. Estimates suggest costs could reach $1 trillion.

Associated Press