LONGMEADOW — Williams and Glenbrook Middle Schools are introducing an information literacy pilot program for eighth graders in the 2026-2027 school year after unanimous approval by the Longmeadow School Committee.

LONGMEADOW — A college student hailing from Longmeadow and his roommates have started to make a name for themselves in the gaming community after developing a new indie game and creating their own studio.

EAST LONGMEADOW — Many know that the stress ball has been a go-to tool for handheld relaxation and mediation since its inception in 1988, but a new trend has taken over the market.

HOLYOKE — By publishing her children’s book, “The Extraordinary Adventures of Emma and the Dragon,” Lisette Martinez has officially achieved a dream she’s had since her formative years.

WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District unanimously approved an increase in the district’s operating budget, now set at $59.8 million, to include Wilbraham Middle School’s interim plan while waiting on a core program decision from the Massachusetts School Building Authority at the committee’s July 30 meeting.

WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee approved revisions to the regional agreement between Hampden and Wilbraham with a 6-1 vote at its July 30 meeting.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield is onto the next step for its John Ashley School and Fausey Elementary School consolidation project. Mayor William Reichelt said it’s still a couple years and votes away until the town gets shovels in the ground, but he said it is well on the way.

AGAWAM — The arts come to Agawam this August. The nonprofit Agawam Artists and Artisans have staged an exhibit titled “Art Vibes” at Cooper’s Commons. The organization will also unveil the New England Mosaic, an annual community-sourced art piece that funds scholarships.

SPRINGFIELD — Drive through Springfield and they are everywhere. Larger-than-life explosions of color, words and portraiture on building walls. More than art for art’s sake, the murals tell the stories of the schools, organizations and people of Springfield. Soon, another of these murals will grace the exterior wall of Work Opportunity Center at 73 Market St.

SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Bud Williams organized a panel discussion on addiction and gun violence hosted by the Bay Area Neighborhood Council.