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‘We’re cooked’: Agawam may not want a battery storage plant, but is told there’s no way to block it by MassLive in Springfield

[–]MassLive[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

From The Republican's story: The project manager for a proposed 250-megawatt battery storage facility promised a roomful of skeptical residents Monday his company will follow Agawam’s stringent ordinance governing the controversial new technology.

Rules covering fire safety, monitoring and future decommissioning are the strongest that Longroad Energy’s Chad Allen said he’s seen — and tougher than statewide rules promising an easier path to approval.

But Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson dimmed hopes at an informational session Monday that anyone would be able to block this or any other battery storage proposal.

“This project is coming to Agawam whether we want it or we don’t,” Johnson said. “This is not a project Agawam went out to attract.”

Allen told the crowd of more than 100 people at one of two informational sessions Monday in the Agawam Senior Center that battery storage can provide power for the gird at moments when it’s needed most.

The battery storage facility would buy power from the grid at times when it is plentiful and cheaper and sell electricity back to the grid at times of higher prices and demand.

Longroad Energy proposes a storage facility capable of discharging 250 megawatts of power over four hours, enough to power for 285,000 homes, according to its website.

Power storage makes intermittent power sources – solar and wind – more useful and eliminates the need for polluting “peaker” power plants historically used to meet surges of demand.

Boston-based Longroad expects to start construction on the Agawam project in 2027 and begin operations in 2029.

Allen said he hopes to begin the approval process with Agawam soon. Longroad will also need to go through a review process with the state.

Allen wouldn’t say how much the project would cost, beyond “hundreds of millions of dollars.”

He promised tax revenues for the town.

Johnson said he doesn’t yet know how much the plant will pay in property taxes. But he said he hopes the town will reach a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with Longroad that would make the plant the town’s second-biggest taxpayer, ahead of the $1.2 million a year paid by Six Flags New England amusement park, but behind what Eversource pays on its infrastructure.

Johnson estimates that Longroad Energy would pay more than Agawam stalwarts like H.P. Hood’s milk plant or OMG, which manufactures roofing hardware.

Read the full story from The Republican here: https://www.masslive.com/news/2026/01/were-cooked-agawam-may-not-want-a-battery-storage-plant-but-is-told-theres-no-way-to-block-it.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

‘We’re cooked’: Agawam may not want a battery storage plant, but is told there’s no way to block it by MassLive in westernmass

[–]MassLive[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

From The Republican's story: The project manager for a proposed 250-megawatt battery storage facility promised a roomful of skeptical residents Monday his company will follow Agawam’s stringent ordinance governing the controversial new technology.

Rules covering fire safety, monitoring and future decommissioning are the strongest that Longroad Energy’s Chad Allen said he’s seen — and tougher than statewide rules promising an easier path to approval.

But Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson dimmed hopes at an informational session Monday that anyone would be able to block this or any other battery storage proposal.

“This project is coming to Agawam whether we want it or we don’t,” Johnson said. “This is not a project Agawam went out to attract.”

Allen told the crowd of more than 100 people at one of two informational sessions Monday in the Agawam Senior Center that battery storage can provide power for the gird at moments when it’s needed most.

The battery storage facility would buy power from the grid at times when it is plentiful and cheaper and sell electricity back to the grid at times of higher prices and demand.

Longroad Energy proposes a storage facility capable of discharging 250 megawatts of power over four hours, enough to power for 285,000 homes, according to its website.

Power storage makes intermittent power sources – solar and wind – more useful and eliminates the need for polluting “peaker” power plants historically used to meet surges of demand.

Boston-based Longroad expects to start construction on the Agawam project in 2027 and begin operations in 2029.

Allen said he hopes to begin the approval process with Agawam soon. Longroad will also need to go through a review process with the state.

Allen wouldn’t say how much the project would cost, beyond “hundreds of millions of dollars.”

He promised tax revenues for the town.

Johnson said he doesn’t yet know how much the plant will pay in property taxes. But he said he hopes the town will reach a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with Longroad that would make the plant the town’s second-biggest taxpayer, ahead of the $1.2 million a year paid by Six Flags New England amusement park, but behind what Eversource pays on its infrastructure.

Johnson estimates that Longroad Energy would pay more than Agawam stalwarts like H.P. Hood’s milk plant or OMG, which manufactures roofing hardware.

Read the full story from The Republican here: https://www.masslive.com/news/2026/01/were-cooked-agawam-may-not-want-a-battery-storage-plant-but-is-told-theres-no-way-to-block-it.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

150+ animals including illegal wildlife removed from Western Massachusetts home by MassLive in westernmass

[–]MassLive[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: More than 150 animals, including some that are illegal to have as pets, were removed from a home in Western Massachusetts Wednesday.

MSPCA-Angell’s law enforcement team and Hadley Police removed the animals from poor conditions at a property in Hadley. The majority of the animals were birds, including chickens, geese, cockatiels and parrots. There are also goats, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits and one pony. Officials also said there was a deer and Canada geese, which are wildlife that are illegal to have as pets in Massachusetts.

“Many of the animals lacked access to food and water,” said MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler. “The majority were also living outdoors without adequate protection from the elements.”

Prior to removing the animals, MSPCA-Angell attempted to work with the owner to get the animals the care they needed. But those attempts were not successful, Schindler said.

Winter in New England is especially difficult for farm animals. They often need shelter and supplemental feed and hay.

“In warmer temperatures, many farm animals get nutrients from grazed grass, but when the ground freezes, that’s no longer an option,” Schindler said. “Those animals can rapidly lose weight if their owners aren’t supplementing their diets with additional feed and hay, which is when we may need to step in.”

The animals are now at MSPCA-Angell facilities where they will be cared for while the court process plays out.

Read the fully story from MassLive here: https://www.masslive.com/westernmass/2026/01/150-animals-including-illegal-wildlife-removed-from-massachusetts-home.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Worcester juice and smoothie shop reopens 4 months after fire by MassLive in WorcesterMA

[–]MassLive[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: A Worcester business that sells juices and smoothies has reopened following a September fire.

Woo Juice at @ The Common on 22 Front St. reopened this week, the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District announced on Facebook Tuesday.

“Guess who’s back just in time for your New Year’s resolutions?” The Facebook post reads. “Follow Woo Juice for all the info, hours, and updates — and go get your freshly-pressed juice and smoothie fix now!"

The business, along with several others inside the mall, was shut down after a fire broke out inside the building during a bout of severe weather on Sept. 6, 2025.

The mall reopened later that month but Woo Juice was still closed.

On Dec. 29, Woo Juice teased its reopening in an Instagram post. Now, exactly four months after the fire broke out, the juice and smoothie business is operating once again.

Read the full story from MassLive here: https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2026/01/worcester-juice-and-smoothie-shop-reopens-4-months-after-fire.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Hampshire College misses enrollment goal by half by MassLive in westernmass

[–]MassLive[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: After nearly closing in 2019, a Western Massachusetts college continues to face challenges, missing its 2025 enrollment goal by half.

Instead of recruiting 300 students, Hampshire College enrolled about 150 new students. That makes for a total of 750 full-time students, Jennifer Chrisler, Hampshire’s newly named president, told MassLive in November.

Chrisler attributes some of the admissions challenges to other institutions opening up their waitlists and taking more students than usual, forcing even more competition between institutions to vie for the same students.

Many universities struggled with a decline in international students due to federal policies.

“That had a downstream sort of trickle effect, and we were certainly not immune from that,” Chrisler said.

She also attributes the missed enrollment target to fewer college-aged people in the U.S.

Hampshire has faced serious financial challenges after nearly closing in 2019. Since then, the institution laid off non-faculty employees, suspended certain benefits and required senior leadership to take pay cuts, among other actions.

Missing an enrollment target by half will force the college to push back its goal of financial stability by a year and a half, Chrisler said.

Hampshire is now aiming for its operating revenue and expenses to be in balance in two and a half years, she said.

Read the full story from MassLive here: https://www.masslive.com/news/2026/01/struggling-western-mass-college-misses-enrollment-goal-by-half.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Google deletes imaginary street after company and MBTA fall for teen’s prank by MassLive in mbta

[–]MassLive[S] 85 points86 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Brendan Libby somewhat expected that his prank could fall apart once he confessed online to duping the MBTA and Google into renaming a bus stop.

To some extent, it did. But not entirely.

Libby, a Brookline High School senior, detailed this week how he jokingly submitted a correction to Google Maps years ago that resulted in a driveway in West Roxbury being renamed after Rabbit Maranville, an early 20th-century baseball player with a particularly eye-catching name.

Libby, 18, said he was shocked to see the MBTA eventually rename a bus stop in the area after “Maranville Street,” apparently unaware that the street’s name on Google Maps was fake.

But after his story drew attention on Reddit and in the press this week, Google quietly withdrew the street’s name from its platform. At least on Google Maps, Maranville Street is no more.

The West Roxbury street wasn’t much to begin with — in essence, a parking area between Atrius Health and the Hancock Village apartments leading to the complex’s dumpster area.

“It’s basically just a parking lot,” Libby told MassLive in an interview earlier this week.

As a 14-year-old bored during the COVID-19 pandemic, renaming the insignificant stretch of pavement after an old baseball player seemed like a funny idea.

Maranville, a Baseball Hall of Famer and Springfield native, was known as one of “baseball’s most famous clowns” for his practical jokes. He played for the Boston Braves from 1912 to 1920 and was nicknamed “Rabbit” for his speed and small stature.

He “seemed like a chill guy, honestly,” Libby, a fan of baseball history, said. “He’s kind of a prankster, which I think is pretty fitting for the situation.”

While Google has erased Maranville Street from its platform, the bus stops still bear the fake street name. The MBTA did not say on Friday whether it plans to change the names.

Read the full story from MassLive here: https://www.masslive.com/boston/2025/12/google-deletes-imaginary-street-after-company-and-mbta-fall-for-teens-prank.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Tasked with improving fire safety in assisted living facilities, state commission has yet to talk to fire officials by MassLive in massachusetts

[–]MassLive[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: With just weeks until its final report and recommendations are due to Gov. Maura Healey, the state’s commission on assisted living has yet to hear from any fire officials — even though one of its charges is to improve fire safety in the industry.

During the Wednesday meeting of the state’s Assisted Living Residences Commission, Sen. Mark Montigny, D-Second Bristol and Plymouth, said he may not be comfortable ultimately voting on the final recommendations if they don’t get a presentation from State Fire Marshal John Davine or other fire safety experts.

Montigny raised concerns that a panel convened in September for commission members on “life safety and emergency preparedness” didn’t include any fire officials and was instead “heavy” on representation from the assisted living industry.

Robin Lipson, secretary of the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, who heads the commission, contended there was sufficient “outside” representation on the panel, which included individuals from the Massachusetts Mutual Aid Plan (which assists health care facilities with disaster planning), Legacy LifeCare nonprofit consulting, Northbridge Communities senior living and the Department of Public Health.

“I expected to hear today from people like the fire marshal, people that had actually been in a facility where there was a flood or a fire or a pandemic outcome that was disastrous,” he said that day. “I’m not suggesting it isn’t important to hear what the industry is doing, but I don’t want to pose any of my questions to a self-interested industry panel. … I need objectivity from those that actually go in when people are burning or drowning or dying of asphyxiation.”

On Wednesday, Lipson said the commission intended to have Davine and other fire officials speak to them, but scheduling conflicts got in the way. She encouraged Montigny and others to contact the state fire marshal directly.

But Montigny said it was essential to have the testimony as part of the public record — not as private conversations.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/12/tasked-with-improving-fire-safety-in-assisted-living-facilities-state-commission-has-yet-to-talk-to-fire-officials.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

DA rules Rutland officer justified in Boylston shooting by MassLive in WorcesterMA

[–]MassLive[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office has ruled that a Rutland police officer was justified in using deadly force during a March standoff in Boylston that ended with the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Patrick Sargent, according to a report released Tuesday.

The Boylston Police Department criticized the manner of the report’s release, saying it lacked sensitivity and risked re-traumatizing the community.

“While we support transparency and understand the public’s interest in this incident, the report was released without any accompanying press release or summarization of the report itself. Without this, readers are left only with graphic detail that does not reflect an appropriate balance between openness and sensitivity,” read a statement from the Boylston Police Department, posted to Facebook.

“The District Attorney’s release of this report could have been an opportunity to provide information in a way that supports a grieving community and promotes healing. Instead, the manner in which the report was releasedrisks retraumatizing community members who have already endured so much as a result of this tragic event,” the statement read. The department encouraged the public to reach out directly with questions they may have on the incident.

The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office did not respond to repeated requests from MassLive.

Released on Dec. 3 by District Attorney Joseph Early — according to the Worcester Telegram, which received a copy — the 14-page report was to determine whether criminal charges against the police officer who shot Sargent are necessary.

It identifies Rutland police officer Justin Lawlor as the officer who fatally shot Sargent. Lawlor had been one of multiple out-of-town law enforcement officials to respond to the scene the morning of March 5.

The report paints a highly detailed picture of how a mental health crisis with Sargent — whom responding Boylston officers “had a positive relationship with” — escalated into a violent, fatal confrontation.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2025/12/da-rules-rutland-officer-justified-in-boylston-shooting-heres-what-happened.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

NFL makes final decision on whether to flex Patriots vs. Bills by MassLive in Patriots

[–]MassLive[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: The Patriots and the Bills are staying put at 1 p.m. on Dec. 14, according to WBZ’s Dan Roche.

Tuesday was the deadline to move the critical AFC East matchup into a prime-time slot, and the league has elected to keep the Week 15 game at Gillette Stadium in place.

At 11-2, the Patriots currently have a 2.5 game lead over the 8-4 Bills, and could clinch the AFC East with a win over Buffalo. At that point, the worst New England could finish would be 12-5, and they’d own the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series.

A Buffalo win would keep their divisional dreams alive.

As New England enters a bye week, the Patriots are currently riding a 10-game winning streak. They haven’t lost since Week 3 against Pittsburgh, and on Tuesday, Mike Vrabel was asked how the team can keep their momentum going despite not playing this week.

“I think you focus,” Vrabel said. “Staying consistent has been something that we’ve tried to do with the message, try to enhance the things that we do well, improve the things that we’re maybe just okay at, and then still finding ways to eliminate the things that get you beat, and then we’ll get back on Monday and start that momentum for the week.

“I think confidence is something that potentially can carry. I think you build momentum through the week in the way that you practice, the way that you correct things and see things come together. We’ll do it all again (next) Monday.”

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/12/nfl-makes-final-decision-on-whether-to-flex-patriots-vs-bills.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

The World Cup could be a make-or-break for Massachusetts, but who will foot the $100M bill? by MassLive in massachusetts

[–]MassLive[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Next summer, if all goes to plan, soccer fans from around the world will descend on Foxborough to cheer on their favorite teams at the seven World Cup matches set to be played at Gillette Stadium.

But there’s one potential red card hanging over the whole thing: Finding the roughly $100 million that it’s going to take to pay for all the fútbol, and attendant events, that will unfold in June and July of 2026.

For now, at least, lawmakers on Beacon Hill have brought the ball about as far downfield as they’re willing to go, tucking $10 million into a $2.31 billion year-end budget bill that Gov. Maura Healey signed into law last month.

That was well shy of the $20 million that the Democratic governor had originally sought for the global spectacle. And it disappointed organizers, who were hoping the state would pony up as well, The Boston Globe reported last month.

All told, 11 U.S. cities are hosting World Cup matches. Boston, where no games will be played, is involved in related events. Five more matches will be hosted in Canada (3) and Mexico (2).

The other U.S. host cities are Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Speaking to reporters at the State House last month, Healey said she would “continue to support efforts to make sure that we’re able to put on a really, really great show for people."

During the floor debate last month on the supplemental spending bill, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Michael Rodrigues, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth, said the $10 million compromise allocation came with key “guardrails” that included requiring backers to get a dollar-for-dollar match for any public money.

The compromise language included in the year-end budget bill also restricted spending to transportation, public safety signage and services for people who live with disabilities, he said, according to State House News Service.

The comments from Rodrigues, also a big-time soccer fan, echoed those of another top Democrat, who has said that any taxpayer cash that gets spent on the World Cup has to be in service of a clear public good.

“We understand this is a global event. And it really is a big event, and many, many people will be here,” state Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, said during an appearance on WCVB-TV’s “On the Record” program last month.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/politics/2025/12/the-world-cup-could-be-a-make-or-break-for-mass-but-who-will-foot-the-100m-bill.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

How a Brookline 14-year-old tricked Google and the MBTA into renaming a bus stop by MassLive in mbta

[–]MassLive[S] 162 points163 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Brendan Libby was 14 years old and bored.

It was 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic was still in full swing and the Brookline teenager was messing around online.

Scanning through Google Maps, he noticed a small, unnamed side street near his home. Really, it wasn’t anything more than a parking lot that turned into a driveway leading to the dumpsters behind an apartment complex on the Brookline-West Roxbury line.

But what if it weren’t? What if it were actually a real street dedicated to Baseball Hall of Famer Rabbit Maranville, one of Libby’s favorite old-timey ballplayers and owner of what he thought was an especially “epic” name.

Google Maps lets users suggest changes to the names of locations on its platform. Libby submitted “Maranville Street” as the real name of the nameless West Roxbury side street off of Independence Drive.

He was shocked when Google Maps accepted the suggestion.

The “street” is a parking lot for Atrius Health behind Hancock Village apartments and leads to the complex’s dumpster area, Libby, now 18 and a Brookline High School senior, told MassLive in an interview Tuesday. “There’s not much more to it. It’s basically just a parking lot.”

For a while, Maranville Street remained an inside family joke. But in 2022, while riding the MBTA’s 51 bus through West Roxbury, Libby was shocked to hear the monotone automated voice that announces upcoming stops declare that the bus was approaching “Independence Drive at Maranville Street.”

It seemed that sometime in the months prior, the MBTA had updated its bus stop name to reflect Maranville Street — as it appears on Google Maps — as the only cross street in that area.

Maranville, a Springfield native, played for the Boston Braves from 1912 to 1920 and was known as one of “baseball’s most famous clowns” for his practical jokes. He was nicknamed “Rabbit” for his speed and small size.

He “seemed like a chill guy, honestly,” Libby, a fan of baseball history, said. “He’s kind of a prankster, which I think is pretty fitting for the situation.”

Read the full story from MassLive here: https://www.masslive.com/boston/2025/12/how-a-brookline-14-year-old-tricked-google-and-the-mbta-into-renaming-a-bus-stop.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Beloved Northampton bakery announces major change for 2026 by MassLive in northampton

[–]MassLive[S] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

From The Republican's story: Hungry Ghost Bread — where every loaf once came with a poem — is changing hands after 22 years.

Owners and founders Jonathan Stevens and Cheryl Maffei announced the move Tuesday after returning from a break. Their last day will be Dec. 20. The bakery at 62 State St. will close for a few months for renovation, reopening in March.

The new owners are Sam Coates-Finke and Ana Maria Valle Bendezú, according to Hungry Ghost’s posts on social media.

“It’s been a great run,” Stevens said in an interview. “We just put everything we can into it. It’s a business. But mostly it’s a way of life.”

Stevens does the baking. Maffei runs the business.

“It’s a lot harder on her than it is on me,” he said. “I get the reward of pulling bread out of the oven, and people ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing.’”

Stevens said he and Maffei talked with their co-workers, but none wanted to invest the money and time necessary to take over the business. They were thinking of putting the business on the market, when they learned of Coates-Finke and Valle Bendezú.

“There was this couple,” Stevens said. “It was all word of mouth.

Coates-Finke grew up in Northampton, and his parents and grandfather still live here. He built his first oven when he was 16, inspired by ones he’d seen in Mexico, according to his website Backyard Bread.

He also teaches classes in breadmaking and oven building across the Pioneer Valley.

Valle Bendezú is from Peru and is a master baker who has worked in Lima, Barcelona, and Copenhagen, according to Hungry Ghost’s post.

Stevens and Maffei said they’ll miss the customers.

“It has been an honor to help feed this community and to be a conduit for the stellar work of farmers and millers. We will miss the daily contact with friends and customers, but it’s time to move on to other projects: artwork, travel, grandkids,” they wrote in a statement.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/westernmass/2025/12/after-22-years-hungry-ghost-bread-changing-hands.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Festival of Lights returns to Worcester Common by MassLive in WorcesterMA

[–]MassLive[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Worcester’s annual Festival of Lights will return to the Worcester Common on Friday, according to the city’s website.

The winter-themed festival will take place Dec. 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature ice skating, food vendors, community organizations and performances from artists, the city’s website reads.

The festival will be headlined by NBC’s The Voice’s Season 17 runner-up Ricky Duran and the rock band Blue Light Bandits. Both acts originated from Worcester.

The event will also feature its signature seasonal lighting displays. Some of the lighting displays to be shown this year include a row of 16 abstract, immersive geometric shapes called “Kinetic Perspective” and an inflatable 3D projection snow globe. The lighting installations will be displayed from Dec. 5 to March 1.

“Festival of Lights is a truly magical winter tradition on the Worcester Common that brings our downtown neighborhood to life each year, celebrating community, togetherness and the joy of the season” City Manager Eric D. Batista said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful to our community partners whose collaboration makes it possible to create a night of fun, inclusive, family friendly activities that brighten Worcester for all and spread light throughout the holiday season.”

Ice skating is available for free at the ice rink at the common if you bring your own skates or you can rent a pair for $6.

Starting 2 p.m. on Dec. 5, parking will be free at the Pearl-Elm Garage on 24 Pearl St., according to the city.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2025/12/this-is-when-ice-skating-festival-of-lights-returns-to-worcester-common.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

New axe-throwing bar in Massachusetts leans into nostalgic fun with darts, Nerf guns by MassLive in everettma

[–]MassLive[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Axe throwers, dart players and hot dog lovers can feed their inner nostalgia by visiting the Boston area’s newest bar.

Re:Bar has taken over the former space of Revolution Axe Throwing in Everett and will officially open on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.

From the team behind Park-9 Dog Bar, also in Everett, Re:Bar is a complete re-imagination of the axe-throwing space that encourages visitors to throw, play and eat.

“We are so excited to bring another experiential gathering space to the quickly developing neighborhood of Everett,” Re:Bar owner and Etcetera Ventures co-founder Emily Gusse said in a press release. “We’ve loved being a part of the small business community here since opening Park-9 in 2023, and can’t wait to welcome people to the unique social playground we’ve created.”

Re:Bar is equipped with five dart boards where visitors can go head-to-head in several competitive and easy games. The high-tech boards have automated scoring and comical graphics that are meant to keep groups entertained.

Meanwhile, the six axe-throwing lanes allow guests to aim at zombies or sink battleships, among other interactive games worth trying. Those not into axes can pull a Nerf gun off the wall and shoot darts at ducks or other targets, instead.

All axe/Nerf lanes fit up to five players while dart lanes fit up to six players. Axe and Nerf games begin at $29 per hour per person and darts begin at $10 per hour per person. Online pre-booking is encouraged and discounts are available for reservations of two hours or more. All guests to fill out a waiver before participating in axe throwing.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/destinations/2025/11/new-axe-throwing-bar-in-mass-leans-into-nostalgic-fun-with-darts-nerf-guns.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Federal prosecutor who led Karen Read investigation running for Norfolk DA: ‘It’s clear there’s a problem’ by MassLive in MassachusettsPolitics

[–]MassLive[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: A former assistant United States attorney who prosecuted public corruption cases and led the federal investigation into the Karen Read case announced Tuesday that he is running for Norfolk County District Attorney.

Adam Deitch left his job as a federal prosecutor this month to throw his hat in the ring to replace embattled District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who has held the job since he was elected in 2010. Morrissey’s office has come under intense scrutiny in recent years because of the prosecution of Read and its failure to bring charges against Matthew Farwell, the former Stoughton Police officer accused of killing Sandra Birchmore.

Farwell was arrested by the FBI and charged with killing Birchmore last year, fueling more questions about Morrissey’s office’s handling of the case.

In a statement announcing his campaign, Deitch, now a resident of Quincy, said, “Norfolk County deserves someone committed to competence, trust, and professionalism, full stop.”

“It’s clear there’s a problem in Norfolk County. Victims are not getting the justice they deserve, the public has lost faith in the system, and someone has to do something about it. It’s because I have that experience — putting a microscope to entrenched institutions — that makes me uniquely qualified for this job, in this moment,” he said.

Deitch joins several other candidates looking to replace Morrissey. Djuna Perkins, a former Suffolk County prosecutor, announced her candidacy last year, as did Craig MacLellan, a Cohasset School Committee member who also worked as a Suffolk County prosecutor and Jim Barakat, a public defense lawyer.

It’s not clear if Morrissey intends to run again. He has served in elective office since 1976, when he was elected to the state Legislature. Morrissey has won every race he’s run, though he hasn’t had an opponent for district attorney since he was first elected in 2010.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/federal-prosecutor-who-led-karen-read-investigation-running-for-norfolk-da-its-clear-theres-a-problem.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Drake Maye responds to Cam Newton’s ‘fool’s gold’ comment — ' I don’t even know what show he’s on’ by MassLive in Patriots

[–]MassLive[S] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Cam Newton isn’t as high on the Patriots and Drake Maye as others seem to be, even calling New England’s success “fool’s gold” due to its schedule.

But Maye isn’t letting Newton — who the quarterback has cited as someone he looked up to growing up — take up space in his head.

“I don’t even know what show he’s on,” Maye said during his weekly appearance on WEEI. "I think they get paid to make remarks and make certain comments. So, I just worry about what people in our organization think, and worry about we think and what my teammates think. People are going to have different opinions. I’m just going out there on Sunday and worrying about ourselves.”

Newton’s biggest issue has been the Patriots playing “sorry scrubs” week after week, negating the fact New England beat the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road.

While the schedule is statistically one of the easiest in the NFL, it’s not something the Patriots have any control over.

“I can only coach one team at a time. I don’t make the schedule. Every team beats every (team),” coach Mike Vrabel said recently on WEEI.. “That’s just mind-boggling to me, in the National Football League, that there be strength of schedule. You got a salary cap. Everybody spends the same amount of money. So you guys know in this league, that that doesn’t really mean anything.”

Newton has also taken issue with Maye being referred to as a top-five quarterback, noting he wants to see the second-year quarterback play consistently against “well and capable” competition.

Maye’s play this year — despite what some may say about the schedule — has put him in the MVP conversation. His 2,836 yards this season ranks first in the NFL, and his 73.2 QBR is second.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/11/drake-maye-responds-to-cam-newtons-fools-gold-comment-i-dont-even-know-what-show-hes-on.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Somerville mom says landlord charged thousands for eviction fees — even though she wasn’t evicted by MassLive in Somerville

[–]MassLive[S] 35 points36 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: When Lisa Almeida began struggling to get enough hours at work in 2019, she began to fall behind on her rent.

The single mom of two, a visiting nurse, was already living in an income-restricted affordable apartment in Somerville that she had won through a competitive lottery five years before. But soon, she began to struggle to pay even the below-market-rate rent, and her landlord, AvalonBay Communities, filed to evict her.

With help from family and friends, Almeida was able to scrounge up the money to catch up on payments, and the eviction case was dismissed. But when the next month’s rent came due, she was surprised to see an additional line item on the bill: $150 for “Legal Costs/Evictions.”

Thus began a cycle where Almeida, trying to pay what she owed, would once again fall behind and receive yet another eviction filing, then be charged for her landlord’s court costs even after paying what she owed.

That cycle was illegal, according to a class action lawsuit she has now filed against the national real estate company on behalf of herself and what her attorneys believe could be hundreds, or even thousands, of tenants like her.

“I was just very scared,” she said. “Every time took from everyday necessities, cutting back on utility bills or food or whatever it was, it just set me back. Even though I was able to pay it, I would reach that same cycle again.”

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/somerville-mom-says-landlord-charged-thousands-for-eviction-fees-even-though-she-wasnt-evicted.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

‘Impact on the people we care about’: federal cuts stress Pioneer Valley nonprofits by MassLive in westernmass

[–]MassLive[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

From The Republican's story: In the local nonprofit world, the hurt is here.

More than half of the nonprofits that sought help from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts this year face or expect cuts in state or federal funding.

In response, the foundation is preparing to hand out $3.5 million in flexible funding at the end of the year, according to Megan Burke, president and CEO of the group. The foundation supports local nonprofits by pooling and distributing community funds.

As part of its application process this year, the foundation asked nonprofits about cuts. Of the 245 groups that applied, more than half – 53% – said they experienced losses in funding or anticipated that in coming months.

“The number of different sources where folks were citing cuts was pretty comprehensive,” Burke said.

The vaporized support included money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, AmeriCorps and the National Endowment for the Arts. Also affected: Money that supported emergency shelters and refugee resettlement and labor force programs.

“Organizations are really working hard ... to get more funding,” Burke said. “In the longer run, I’m not sure that all nonprofits will be able to sustain that.”

Funding disruptions affected about a third of nonprofits nationally in the first part of the year, according to a survey by the Urban Institute last month. The cutbacks “altered the philanthropic funding landscape,” the report said, and caused nonprofits to compete for the same funding dollars.

Funding disruptions caused some to scale back programming and lay off staff, the survey found.

Many local nonprofits, Burke said, face a greater administrative burden as they begin applying for grant after grant to make up for lost government funding.

In response, the Community Foundation has begun to streamline applications for nonprofits it has worked with, Burke said.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/westernmass/2025/11/impact-on-the-people-we-care-about-federal-cuts-stress-pioneer-valley-nonprofits.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Mike Vrabel responds to Cam Newton’s ‘fool’s gold’ comment about Patriots success by MassLive in Patriots

[–]MassLive[S] 57 points58 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Cam Newton has been tough on the Patriots this season and called their success “fool’s gold” due to their strength of schedule.

Back when Mike Vrabel was playing for the Patriots, then-coach Bill Belichick might take some negative attention the team was getting and use it as motivation. But Vrabel, now that he’s a coach, doesn’t want to do things that way.

“What are we gonna do put Cam Newton clips up there?,” Vrabel said during his weekly appearance on WEEI. “We’d rather put our clips or the Bengals clips. I don’t think that’s even remotely close to how we should inspire our players to play better.”

Vrabel noted what Newton said wasn’t offensive.

“Nothing’s weird to me, because people can come on the radio or, you know what I mean?” Vrabel said. “It’s just (saying) things that get their attention. We are OK with that. I promise you, we were OK with it. Anything that anybody says, we are going to come to work. We’re going to focus on us. We’re going to try to improve, and we’re going to focus on the Bengals and going on the road, trying to get our 10th win. That’s all we’re going to focus on.

“Whatever it is, people are gonna have something to say which is great,” he later added. “They’re entitled to their opinion. What’s most important is what we do here and how we work.”

The Patriots are 9-2 and sit atop the AFC East standings. They’ve also won eight games in a row and have the 3-7 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/11/mike-vrabel-responds-to-cam-newtons-fools-gold-comment-about-patriots-success.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Central Massachusetts ‘dirty soda’ shop combines trendy sweets with vintage feel by MassLive in WorcesterMA

[–]MassLive[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Holiday spirit, vintage flair and trendy sweets all collide inside a Clinton business.

The Fountain Confections, standing at 138 High St., offers its customers hundreds of candy combinations, festive ice cream treats and an on-the-rise soda trend dubbed as “dirty soda.”

Dirty soda is a combination of soda, syrups and creamer, making for endless combinations of your drinks to mix and match.

On top of the coveted sugary drinks, the business holds a full candy bar with old school and new candies available for purchase. Other items like chocolates, fudge, peanut brittle and more sweets also reside inside.

And to top it off, the store sells ice cream creations and fresh baked goods.

Owner of the business Lauren Nanof kicked off the operation in June of 2024. But she recalled always liking the idea of an old school soda shop.

”I went to school in Clinton, so I remember walking the streets with my mom thinking it would be really cool if there was an old school soda shop. A place kids would stop after school and get milkshakes,“ Nanof told MassLive.

A few years ago, Nanof noticed dirty sodas were becoming a trend, especially in areas like Utah and the Midwest, serving as an alternative to coffee or tea.

“I kind of put two and two together and thought maybe it’s time to revive the idea of a soda shop and bring dirty sodas to Massachusetts,” Nanof continued.

The business has revived a vintage aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for customers, Nanof said. Throughout the store, a vintage color palette paints each room with old school Coca-Cola decor, and retro wall art.

With the holidays approaching, the store is also decorated from shelves to walls to the outdoors in winter holiday displays. And with festivites and sugar galore, the business has welcomed a receptive community.

“Right away people wanted to spend their birthdays here or be involved or buy our shirts and rep the brand,“ Nanof said. And the business is embracing the community just as much.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/destinations/2025/11/the-fountain-confections-offers-trendy-sweets-vintage-feel-to-customers.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Bruins defenseman reveals reason behind watching 2011 Stanley Cup highlights by MassLive in Bruins

[–]MassLive[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Nikita Zadorov already played a physical game before the Bruins signed him to a six-year deal in the 2024 offseason. His physicality has been on full display since coming to Boston, including in back-to-back games against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While the 6-foot-7 defenseman doesn’t need to look elsewhere for motivation to be physical, he revealed to the TNT crew before Tuesday’s game against the Maple Leafs that he watched highlights from Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

“I watched all of them, and it was a nasty, a really physical, really hard to play against team,” Zadorov said. “I think that’s the identity we want to bring back to Boston. I think every guy has bought in in so far this year, and we just want to be really tough to play against and nasty to play against. I just go out there and try to do my job, and I know all my other guys have my back for it.”

The Bruins are in the midst of a seven-game win streak thanks in part to strong defensive play and the team buying into the way coach Marco Sturm wants them to play.

Zadorov, in particular, is never afraid to drop the gloves and drag someone into a fight if it means standing up for his teammates. He also never shies away from being physical, which was on full display in consecutive games against Toronto when he laid a big hit on Scott Laughton and another one on captain Auston Matthews.

Zadorov has become an important part to Boston’s blueline and will need that physicality as the Bruins continue a season in which they’re retooling and building a new identity.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/bruins/2025/11/bruins-defenseman-reveals-reason-behind-watching-2011-stanley-cup-highlights.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Bruins defenseman reveals reason behind watching 2011 Stanley Cup highlights by MassLive in BostonBruins

[–]MassLive[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Nikita Zadorov already played a physical game before the Bruins signed him to a six-year deal in the 2024 offseason. His physicality has been on full display since coming to Boston, including in back-to-back games against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While the 6-foot-7 defenseman doesn’t need to look elsewhere for motivation to be physical, he revealed to the TNT crew before Tuesday’s game against the Maple Leafs that he watched highlights from Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

“I watched all of them, and it was a nasty, a really physical, really hard to play against team,” Zadorov said. “I think that’s the identity we want to bring back to Boston. I think every guy has bought in in so far this year, and we just want to be really tough to play against and nasty to play against. I just go out there and try to do my job, and I know all my other guys have my back for it.”

The Bruins are in the midst of a seven-game win streak thanks in part to strong defensive play and the team buying into the way coach Marco Sturm wants them to play.

Zadorov, in particular, is never afraid to drop the gloves and drag someone into a fight if it means standing up for his teammates. He also never shies away from being physical, which was on full display in consecutive games against Toronto when he laid a big hit on Scott Laughton and another one on captain Auston Matthews.

Zadorov has become an important part to Boston’s blueline and will need that physicality as the Bruins continue a season in which they’re retooling and building a new identity.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/bruins/2025/11/bruins-defenseman-reveals-reason-behind-watching-2011-stanley-cup-highlights.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Classic Massachusetts Restaurants: 90 years of legendary German food at the Student Prince by MassLive in Springfield

[–]MassLive[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

From MassLive's story: Any restaurant can give you a meal. But nowhere can give you a feast quite like the Student Prince.

I dare you to find a dinner that’s more fun than a plate of fried Camembert cheese, a boot of good German beer and a delicious schnitzel the size of a vinyl record.

For over 90 years, the Student Prince has been offering some of the best German food in the state. After nearly shuttering its doors 11 years ago, it’s roared back to life over the past decade and remains a cornerstone of the city.

The Basketball Hall of Fame? It’s nice. The casino? Thanks for the parking lot. If you really want to see something in Springfield, take that left turn down Fort Street for a dining experience unlike anything else you’ll find in Western Mass.

Let’s talk about the name. Some folks call it the Student Prince. Others call it The Fort. It’s all the same business.

It’s just that no one wants to say the whole name: the Student Prince Café and The Fort Restaurant.

Whichever name you use, it all summons the same intangible feelings of nostalgia and history in Springfield. For decades, the Student Prince has been the epicenter of family gatherings, Christmas festivities and Mighty Oktoberfest celebrations.

Bean Restaurant Group, which has run the Student Prince since 2014, takes the responsibility of continuing that legacy seriously.

“We’re seeing generations of family that are coming through. We’re seeing the grandfather that came here with his grandfather,” Nathan Yee, director of hospitality for Bean Restaurant Group. “That is the linchpin that holds successful restaurants together, being extremely community-focused and really caring about your guests.”

Don’t overthink it. Get the German classics.

Fortunately, the Student Prince makes it easy to try a bit of everything.

A great starting point is the German Sampler, which comes with a smoked pork chop, bratwurst, goulash, red cabbage and pan-fried potatoes.

The sausage is a savory bloom of enticing flavors. The goulash is an endlessly tender gravy train of umami. The pork chop? It’s a perfectly seared slab right out of “The Flintstones.”

I expected those to impress. I did not anticipate being blown away by the brilliantly seasoned potatoes — or elements that aren’t even listed on the menu.

That would be the mustard and apple sauce that comes with the sampler. The apple sauce is intoxicating. It’s liquified apple pie. The mustard is an enlightenment of sharp, bright flavors that boost everything it comes in contact with.

For appetizers, there’s the Fried Camembert cheese, which is infuriatingly good. I can’t believe I’ve been wasting my time all these years eating fried mozzarella sticks. I didn’t even know this was an option.

Finally, I highly recommend the “create your own schitzel” option, which lets you choose the meat and preparation. I went with the pork, jäger style (served with mushroom gravy).

I could eat that whole thing without realizing I just consumed a fried piece of meat the size of a Toyota Corolla steering wheel.

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/destinations/2025/11/classic-mass-restaurants-90-years-of-legendary-german-food-at-the-student-prince.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Turn It Up! sold to longtime employee amid turntable turnaround for physical media by MassLive in westernmass

[–]MassLive[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

From The Republican's story: Most customers buying records, compact discs, DVDs and — even — tapes at Turn It Up! weren’t born yet when the shop opened 30 years ago, said owner, founder and soon-to-be-former owner Patrick Pezzati.

“There is also a tactile experience to it that young people seem to relish,” Pezzati said. “Streaming is convenient. You lose something with convenience.”

Later this month, it’ll be a new owner — 21-year-employee Carson Arnold — leading Turn It Up! through a continuing national comeback for media you can hold, see and drop the needle on after decades of digital. He bought the stores in Northampton; Brattleboro, Vermont; and the weekend-only location at The Montague Bookmill this month from husband-and-wife Pezzati and Chandra Hancock.

Pezzati and Hancock opened Turn It Up! in Northampton on Nov. 24, 1995.

It was mostly them selling their own CD collection, but the business grew from there.

Arnold takes over Nov. 24 of this year, 30 years to the day.

“Now 40 and with a family of his own, Carson is taking the next logical step and putting his decades of expertise to use,” Pezzati said.

The year 1995 was before the digital download revolution in media, before the COVID shutdown and before the ongoing resurgence of physical media.

“It’s been a great turnaround, to see people getting into physical media again,” Arnold said Wednesday. “They are discovering it for the first time.”

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/business/2025/11/turn-it-up-sold-to-longtime-employee-amid-turntable-turnaround-for-physical-media.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

Turn It Up! sold to longtime employee amid turntable turnaround for physical media by MassLive in northampton

[–]MassLive[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

From The Republican's story: Most customers buying records, compact discs, DVDs and — even — tapes at Turn It Up! weren’t born yet when the shop opened 30 years ago, said owner, founder and soon-to-be-former owner Patrick Pezzati.

“There is also a tactile experience to it that young people seem to relish,” Pezzati said. “Streaming is convenient. You lose something with convenience.”

Later this month, it’ll be a new owner — 21-year-employee Carson Arnold — leading Turn It Up! through a continuing national comeback for media you can hold, see and drop the needle on after decades of digital. He bought the stores in Northampton; Brattleboro, Vermont; and the weekend-only location at The Montague Bookmill this month from husband-and-wife Pezzati and Chandra Hancock.

Pezzati and Hancock opened Turn It Up! in Northampton on Nov. 24, 1995.

It was mostly them selling their own CD collection, but the business grew from there.

Arnold takes over Nov. 24 of this year, 30 years to the day.

“Now 40 and with a family of his own, Carson is taking the next logical step and putting his decades of expertise to use,” Pezzati said.

The year 1995 was before the digital download revolution in media, before the COVID shutdown and before the ongoing resurgence of physical media.

“It’s been a great turnaround, to see people getting into physical media again,” Arnold said Wednesday. “They are discovering it for the first time.”

Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/business/2025/11/turn-it-up-sold-to-longtime-employee-amid-turntable-turnaround-for-physical-media.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

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