HOLYOKE — The City Council passed a budget of approximately $180 million for the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, about a $8 million increase from FY25.

NORTHAMPTON — Several individuals were seen via security camera removing pride flags from the Thornes Marketplace building awning before setting them on fire in the middle of Main Street and fleeing the scene in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 19.

EAST LONGMEADOW — The School Committee approved the 2025-26 program of studies for East Longmeadow High School, which included a work-study program. At the June 24 meeting, Principal Frank Paige delivered an update on the program’s development.

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow hosts what is widely considered to be the largest Fourth of July parade in Western Massachusetts and the prestigious title of grand marshal is awarded to a member of the community who is giving of themselves to help others and make the town a better place to live. For the 2025 East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade, that honor belongs to Daniel Burack.

EAST LONGMEADOW — It’s been a town tradition for as long as anyone can remember, celebrating Independence Day with a festive parade. Today’s parade is recognized as one of the largest in the area. But it wasn’t always such a grand affair. And no one’s really sure when the tradition actually began …

EAST LONGMEADOW — Olivia Upton graduated from East Longmeadow High School in 2018 and did not hesitate. She knew that she wanted to make films and moved to California to attend the Academy of Art University San Francisco. A year later, when the coronavirus pandemic upended her plan, she decided it was as good a time as any and moved to Los Angeles. Since then, Upton has become impressively prolific as a short film producer.

ENFIELD — For more than five decades, Barbara Costas has been a tireless force behind the Enfield Food Shelf, a community organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in Enfield and surrounding areas. This year, Costas’ unwavering commitment was recognized in a big way — by the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, a prestigious program sponsored by the New England Patriots Foundation that honors volunteers making a significant difference in their communities.

EASTHAMPTON — A kickoff event for the campaign of mayoral candidate JT Tirrell was hosted on Thursday, June 26 at the Keystone Building’s Boylston Room, where the current city councilor was excited to share with the public his plans as he eyes a level up in municipal government.

WESTFIELD — With five generations of Hartleys living in Wyben since 1831, their name is synonymous with Wyben and one of the many reasons Brian and Kathy Hartley will be honored as the marshals for the community’s 74th Annual Fourth of July parade.