Paul Tuthill

The “Big E” has a new boss.  Eugene Cassidy is the new president and C-E-O of the Eastern States Exposition.  The organization has hosted the region’s largest agricultural fair and exposition on its grounds in West Springfield for 95 years.   WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul  Tuthill spoke with Cassidy about what makes the “ Big E” such a big draw through the decades.

One of the largest air shows in the country will be held later this summer in western Massachusetts.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

         The Westover  Air Force Reserve base in Chicopee will host what organizers say will be the largest air show in the history of the base over the weekend of Aug 4 and 5th.. Lt Col  David Heroux says there will be more than 60 aircraft on display and airborne.

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is recommending a $4 million fine from Western Massachusetts Electric Company for  its response to the massive power outages caused by last October’s big snowstorm.   WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

A Massachusetts state prison inmate has pleaded innocent to charges related to a hazardous materials scare at the  Hall of Justice in Springfield.   WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

Targeting what they claim are the largest air polluters in Massachusetts, activists announced a campaign today to shut down coal burning power plants.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

      Close to 50 environmental, public health, faith based and community groups make up a new state-wide coalition  called “ Coal Free Massachusetts”  The activists staged coordinated events Wednesday in the three communities where large coal-burning power plants still operate to call for each to be shut down by the end of the decade.

Life expectancy for people in Massachusetts has hit an all time high.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

         The Massachusett Department of Public Health report said  overall life expectancy was 80. 7 years in 2009…an improvement of more than 2 years  over a decade.. The state’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Judy Ann Bigby  credits better access to medical care and an emphasis on preventing disease.

US Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts  is pushing for a new law to punish people who make false claims of receiving military honors.   WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

First Lady Michelle Obama will make a one day trip to western Massachusetts next month to raise money for her husband’s re-election campaign.  WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

A new law was quietly approved at the Statehouse earlier this month that will make Massachusetts the last state in the county to eliminate the requirement for price stickers on each item on the shelves in grocery stores.   WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

The city of Springfield Massachusetts is going high-tech in an effort to collect more than $11 million owed it by scofflaws.   WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

      Devices mounted on traffic enforcement vehicles scan license plates on cars and trucks parked on Springfield streets and instantly alert the enforcement officials if there are  outstanding parking tickets or unpaid excise tax bills.   Springfield City Treasurer-Collector Stephen Lonergan says the vehicle will be booted or towed and impounded until the owner pays  up.