SPRINGFIELD — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio does not believe Massachusetts is immune to the federal government’s threat to democracy. In fact, she thinks the state is very much part of the problem.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — With just a few weeks remaining until the Big E opens its doors for the 2026 season on Sept. 18, the fair hosted its annual media food preview on Aug. 27.

LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow students are officially back in school and the district is proposing policy changes surrounding student discipline and medication.

WEST SRPINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is awarding West Springfield $132,900 through its Community Mitigation Fund, supporting public safety throughout the town.

The Anna Barry Elementary School project in Chicopee and the Mosier Elementary School project in South Hadley both reached important milestones following the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Board of Directors’ recent decisions on Aug. 26.

EAST LONGMEADOW — A pair of brothers from East Longmeadow are owners of their own gym three months after graduating from college, a move that the two cited as “the best decision we’ve ever made.”

With the state’s recent classification of kratom and its derivatives as Schedule I substances, the Boards of Health in Westfield and Southwick are having the potentially dangerous herbal extract removed from shelves of mostly convenience stores or gas stations in both communities.

BLANDFORD — The 157th Blandford Fair will return Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-7, with a jam-packed schedule of activities for all ages.

NORTHAMPTON — Back by popular demand, the World Ballet Company has announced the return of its production of “Swan Lake” at the Academy of Music Theatre on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

EASTHAMPTON — Vet Fest, Easthampton’s annual veteran and military family celebration and appreciation event, will return for its third year on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nonotuck Park.