CHICOPEE — Hot Head Burritos continued its expansion in New England with the opening of a new restaurant at 105 Center St. in Chicopee on Aug. 13. The restaurant marks the brand’s second location in Massachusetts and its 88th systemwide.

Health departments in Easthampton and Northampton are reacting to a recent state decision last month that classifies kratom as a Schedule I Controlled Substance in Massachusetts.

SPRINGFIELD — Calling the results an illustration of “geographic politics,” Springfield City Councilor and local attorney Michael Fenton failed in his second attempt for the Eighth District seat on the Governor’s Council.

SOUTH HADLEY — Third time was not the charm as South Hadley voters once again voted against allowing the town to assess an additional $3.5 million in real estate and personal property taxes for its school and town budgets.

HOLYOKE — State Rep. Patricia Duffy defeated challenger Dori Dean in the Democratic primary for the 5th Hampden district, which includes Holyoke and part of Chicopee.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield schools and families have another tool to ensure students are not derailed by chronic absenteeism.

SPRINGFIELD — Uproarious applause rang throughout The Cedars banquet room on 375 Island Pond Road as Pittsfield’s numbers appeared on the NBC News telecast just before 11 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD — The ballots are in and primary voters in the 11th Hampden District chose to stay the course. The three-way primary race for the seat ended with incumbent Bud Williams winning a sixth term in the state House of Representatives.

SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Angelo Puppolo will remain in his seat in the 12th Hampden district after defeating challenger Michael Lachenmeyer in the Democratic primary on Sept. 1.

WILBRAHAM — The Wilbraham Art League is encouraging the public to learn about all things art by meeting local artists and viewing original art pieces at an open house on Sept. 8.