Paul Tuthill

The Westover Air Force Reserve base in Chicopee Massachusetts is the primary staging area for the federal government’s coordinated response to Sandy in New England.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports

Cots and blankets were trucked south to Connecticut Monday to stock shelters. A shipment of water and meals was to follow today, according to Bryan Toman of FEMA

The  Pioneer  Valley of western Massachusetts is being buffeted by powerful winds from Hurricane Sandy.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill has the latest on the storm’s impact.

Weather forecasts say this area can expect sustained winds of 30 to 40 miles per  hour, with gusts to 60 miles per hour. The winds began to intensify in Springfield shortly after noon.  Bob Hassett, the Director of Emergency Preparedness for the city of Springfield warned this would not be a quick moving storm.

A new report finds the Massachusetts economy slowed  sharply in the third quarter. WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports

A high profile campaign is underway in Springfield Massachusetts to inspire more of the city’s public school students to attend college.  The initiative started with a pep rally on the steps of city hall and will continue this weekend with several events.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

     A small college in Springfield Massachusetts has been awarded a federal grant for its nursing school.  It will help respond to a  national call for a more  highly educated and ethnically diverse workforce in nursing.  WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports

Communities that sustained extensive damage when tornadoes struck western Massachusetts last year are getting more than  $1 million to help with rebuilding.  WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports

        The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts recently launched a new initiative to reach out to people of faith who have become disaffected by the institutional church. It’s called  Clearstory Collective and it promotes opportunities for people seeking faith based communities and  alternative worship.  It is the brainchild of Rev. Christopher Carlisle, the diocesan missioner to higher education.  He spoke with WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill.

Nevada based gaming company Ameristar has unveiled renderings and announced details about the resort casino it hopes to build in Springfield Massachusetts.  It is one of three companies competing for casino development rights in Springfield.   WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Four teenagers have been arrested for the rape of an 18 year old UMass Amherst student in a campus residence hall.  University officials say they’ll undertake a comprehensive review of security.  WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Four teenagers from Pittsfield Massachusetts are under arrest for the on-campus rape of an 18 year old UMass Amherst student.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports

   The four suspects, 18 year olds  Emmanuel Bile, Justin King and Adam Liccardi, along with 17 year old Caleb Womack  are not UMass students, but were known to the victim according to UMass Police Chief John Horvath.  He said the attack took place in the victim’s residence hall room in the early morning hours of Saturday,Oct 13t. The victim reported it to police  the next day and the arrests came five days later