Latest news with #WesternMass
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ironman triathlon to bring thousands of athletes to Springfield area
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The western Massachusetts Ironman triathlon will return to the Springfield area this Sunday. The sporting event, which draws in thousands of athletes, will consist of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. Athletes will start with a downriver swim in the Connecticut River. The biking portion will take place from Springfield, Agawam, into parts of Connecticut, Southwick, Westfield, and West Springfield. Today's Weather Forecast Discussion Athletes have 8 and a half hours to complete the entire race. Participants have 1 hour and 10 minutes to finish the swim course, which kicks off at 6 a.m. The 56-mile bike ride will close 5 and a half hours after the last athlete enters the water. Bike riders who do not reach the checkpoint on Fowler Road in Westfield by 10:30 a.m. will no longer be permitted to continue. The run course will close 8 and a half hours after the last athlete enters the water. Those who do not reach the checkpoint at 1:45 p.m. at Percousic Drive and Porter Lake Dam Road in Springfield's Forest Park will no longer be permitted to continue. 2025 70.3 Western Mass Event ScheduleDownload Some road closures may impact drivers along the course, mostly between 8 a.m. and noon. The triathlon finish line is on Court and Main Streets in Springfield. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cambodia and western Massachusetts intertwined at the State House
BOSTON (WWLP) – The State House is showcasing Cambodian heritage with an exhibit telling the stories of the Khmer people in Amherst. The Amherst Historical Society and Museum and Amherst Media, alongside a community of partners and Cambodian people, put together an exhibit telling the history of western Massachusetts Khmer community. This exhibit features artwork, clothing, photographs, and history lessons about the Khmer Rouge and how the Amherst community provided sanctuary for recent immigrants. An influx of Cambodians fled genocide in their home country in the mid-1970s and resettled in Amherst. 'Your story matters. Our lives matter, and everyone needs to hear it. I think it's huge for Western Mass to be present here on Beacon Hill,' said Amherst Media's Interim Executive Director, Yanna Ok. Since then, many Cambodian families have relocated to cities like Lowell, and their history in western Massachusetts was already being lost to time. That's when Cambodian refugees and the Amherst Historical Society came together to make sure their stories are a documented part of the community's history. 'Khmer history is so important to Western Mass. And it's a lost history that we want to continue to share and preserve for you all,' said Vira Douangmany Cage, Amherst Media's Board President. As part of the preserving history effort, the exhibition opening featured traditional Cambodian dance. Although the original Amherst exhibit has closed, there will be a virtual tour available, and portions of the exhibit will be displayed inside the State House for the next week. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NAMI hosts 25th annual Walkathon for mental health
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – One in five Americans experience mental health problems each year, and a local walkathon has been helping improve the lives of those affected for the last 25 years. Many individuals who suffer from mental health struggles do not like to speak about it or have the outlet to do so. Community rallies behind local man seeking kidney donor at 'Adam's March for a Match' 'A lot of people, they just don't even know what to do with their loved ones or how to help themselves if they have a mental health diagnosis,' said Cathy Rogers, Executive Director of NAMI-WM. But it was a different story for Tamari Cole after she learned about the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts (NAMI-WM), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Now, Cole is the president of NAMI. 'I do 'In Our Own Voice,' share your own stories, I teach family in English and Spanish, I do peer support services,' Cole said. Cole is one of nearly 200 people who come out every year to the annual walkathon at Stanley Park to share their story, with some even facing their fear of animals by petting therapy dogs and horses. After the walk started at a church near Forest Park 25 years ago, it has become the non-profit's biggest fundraiser. They're hoping to raise $30,000 by December 31. However, organizers say that raising awareness is what's most important, and they are looking for volunteers to help. 'We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go,' Cole said. Among the festivities were face painting, raffles, and guest speakers, including 22News Morning Anchor Rich Tettemer. He's been the MC of the walkathon ever since it started. As he retires on June 6, Tettemer had this to say for his final year at the event. 'We call it a journey of hope and recovery, and it's about making comebacks,' Tettemer said. Tettemer said that despite retiring, he'll be back to help with the organization's mission. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mass. weather: Severe weather, chance of tornado, hail this afternoon
There is a 2% chance of a tornado occurring in most western parts of the state this afternoon, according to National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Emily McMinn. 'There is a chance,' she told MassLive. 'We can't rule it out at this time but it's not overly likely.' Western Massachusetts and Connecticut are at risk of seeing severe weather between the hours of 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., McMinn told MassLive. Heavy downpours are expected, with precipitation totals estimated to be as high as an inch. It's possible that residents could experience wind gusts ranging in speed from 45 to 65 miles per hour, along with the possibility of hail. Those storms are forecasted to push eastward into Central and Eastern Massachusetts. While rain is expected for these regions, the anticipated severity of the storms is likely to lessen. 'We're kind of expecting Worcester to get hit this afternoon by the more higher impact stuff later this evening,' McMinn said. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the skies in Western Mass. are expected to clear up, McMinn said. This will cause things to heat up in that region, along with Central and Eastern Massachusetts, creating the conditions for these storms. In Boston, Springfield and Worcester, temperatures at 9 a.m. will start in the high 60s, low 70s before gradually increasing between 72 and 73 degrees, according to a NWS post on X. Pittsfield in Berkshire County could see temperatures rise as high as 75 degrees by noon, the post reads. During the 9 a.m. to noon timeframe, the southeastern part of the state should expect some rain, but nothing heavy or detrimental, McMinn said. There could also be some rumbling of thunder during that time, she said. 'Again, it's not going to be overly frequent or anything that should be too detrimental.' The eastern part of the state could also see some showers this morning from 9 a.m. to noon but nothing severe. After sunset, which occurs around 8 p.m. today, a third storm system is expected to pass through the state, with moderate showers expected in the western region, McMinn said. As the system reaches Worcester, however, it will lighten up and become less severe both in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. On Sunday, drier conditions are forecasted along with cooler temperatures, McMinn told MassLive. 'So west of Worcester, we're looking at mid-60s,' she said. 'Everywhere else, kind of looking at high 60s, low 70s.' Mass. weather: Strong thunderstorms, tornado risk possible Saturday afternoon 'Wear rubber boots': Brimfield Flea Market remains open despite flooding Be prepared for fog in 5 Massachusetts counties until Friday morning Flood advisory in place for Berkshire County until Thursday night caused by excessive rain Mass. weather: Damaging winds, tornado risk possible during Saturday storm Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weeklong rain in western Mass. increases risk of basement flooding
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Consistent rain this week is causing localized flooding, as a Flood Watch remains in effect for western Massachusetts Monday evening. The long stretch of showers could mean bad news for your home and basement. The National Weather Service currently has a flood watch in place that could cost you thousands if your basement isn't prepped. The dramatic increase in rain from a previously dry winter raises the risk of floods. 22News spoke with an expert at Advanced Basement Waterproofing about why more homes could see leaks. FLOOD WATCH: Rain of up 4 inches possible in areas of Massachusetts 'Lately, the water table has been high, and that means people who never had water issues, they start having water problems,' said Sergey Dumanetskiy, Research and Development at Advanced Basement Waterproofing. 'Every other home nowadays must have a well container, sump pump.' One reason for the rapidly increasing water table is the current drought impacting western Massachusetts. Prolonged drought conditions can lead to hydrophobic soil, meaning that all the rain this week won't be absorbed by the ground and could end up in your home. While keeping your sump pump running is a necessary precaution, checking your home and flood coverage is equally important. Certain weather events may require an additional flood insurance policy. John Dowd has been in the field for 47 years and told 22News what homeowners need to look out for when purchasing insurance. 'As a homeowner, you need to be aware of your surroundings,' said John Dowd, President and CEO of The Dowd Agencies. 'You also need to be aware of what flood zone you're in, because typically that will dictate whether you need flood insurance or not.' Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
