Massachusetts

Governor files bill to cover pay, benefits for Chelmsford firefighter hurt in fall at Massachusetts Fire Academy

Published

1 month ago

May 13, 2026

Governor files bill to cover pay, benefits for Chelmsford firefighter hurt in fall at Massachusetts Fire Academy

Governor Maura Healey said Wednesday that she has filed legislation to ensure that Chelmsford firefighter Nick Spinale will receive full pay and benefits while recovering from injuries he suffered during a 40-foot fall at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.

Spinale was nearly killed during the fall on April 7 at the academy in Stow. He suffered significant internal and external injuries, and had to learn to walk again at Spaulding Rehabilitation in Charlestown before being released.

Because Spinale was working as a part-time instructor for the state, and not on duty for Chelmsford Fire Department at the time of the fall, the town did not place him on injury leave. He had to use accrued paid sick time, while Chelmsford firefighters swapped shifts to make sure his job would be there when he is ready to return.

But on Wednesday, Healey announced that her legislation would ensure that he receives full pay and benefits, and also maintains his full-time position in Chelmsford while he recovers.

“Nicholas Spinale is a hero. Firefighters run into danger every day to keep people safe, and Nick went even further to lend his expertise to train the next generation of firefighters,” Healey said in a statement. “He suffered from a tragic, life-altering accident while doing this important work, and the last thing he needs is to worry about whether he will continue to be able to support himself and his family. This legislation will ensure that he receives the full pay and benefits that he deserves so that he can rightfully focus on his recovery.”

In a statement, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts urged the House and Senate to fast-track the legislation and get it to Healey’s desk so she can sign it.

Chelmsford Firefighters IAFF Local 1839 thanked the governor for drafting the legislation.

“This bill demonstrates that through collaborative efforts and challenging discussions, significant and equitable decisions can produce positive impacts for first responders throughout Massachusetts,” the union said.

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Massachusetts

High School Roundup: Massachusetts D-I baseball and softball titles

Published

47 minutes ago

June 14, 2026

Press Room

High School Roundup: Massachusetts D-I baseball and softball titles

Saltwater Sessions: Rhythm, Blues & Stripers with Jeffrey Osborne

n this premiere episode of Saltwater Sessions on WPRI 12+, hosts Patrick Little and Lee Dooley sit down for an exclusive interview with R&B singer and songwriter, Jeffrey Osborne, an avid saltwater angler to talk about the rhythm and roots of the their shared love of saltwater fishing.

Discoveries unfold in the conversation about shared passions and reminiscence for fishing as well as the annual Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity Classic charity golf tournament.

WATCH: Saltwater Sessions Fridays at 10:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and on demand on the WPRI 12+ TV app and more episodes and video here at wpri.com/saltwatersessions

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Massachusetts

Brookline rules over Needham again to claim state title

Published

11 hours ago

June 13, 2026

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Brookline rules over Needham again to claim state title

A year later and the ending turned out to be the exact same for the Brookline and Needham boys volleyball teams.

The No. 2 Warriors took home the Division 1 state title for the second year in a row over their Bay State Conference rival and top-seeded Rockets with a 3-1 victory (25-20, 25-22, 23-25, 25-17).

It took two days for Brookline to capture the hardware and a change in venue as the match was suspended Friday night midway through the second set due to poor floor conditions caused by moisture.

The restart at Hopkinton High didn’t halt any of Brookline’s momentum after it took the first set Friday night as the Warriors won the second set, 25-22, before Needham rallied to win the third frame, 25-23.

Brookline bounced back, though, and got a final kill from Amir Tomer to send the Warriors into celebration.

Along with taking down Needham, Brookline also defeated Woburn (3-0), Arlington (3-0), Newton South (3-1) and Natick (3-2) en route to its state title.

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Massachusetts

Ideal weekend for outdoor plans: Hot and rain-free across Mass.

Published

21 hours ago

June 13, 2026

Press Room

Ideal weekend for outdoor plans: Hot and rain-free across Mass.

For only the third time since the start of March, the weekend is rain-free.

If you count the overnight on Sunday, however, we will technically not be, thanks to leftover storms and rain that move in late.

For purely planning purposes, we’re good to go for any outdoor events both days — including if you’re heading to our first local World Cup match at Boston Stadium, or any watch parties, on Saturday.

The dew points have dropped, so the heavy, hanging air has lifted.

We’re still seeing hot temperatures, with highs both today and tomorrow reaching the low 90s.

This is an ideal beach weekend, too. Tides are high early in the day (lots of beach in the afternoon), and winds will mostly be coming from land.

Speaking of wind, the gusts get a little strong on Sunday afternoon ahead of a vigorous weather system pushing through Sunday night.

There’s some hope that we get some decent rain from this system. Guidance shows up to half an inch in spots – although it doesn’t show it being widespread. In any event, we’ll clear for more sun on Monday and continue to see the temps slide into Tuesday.

Our next focus will be a stronger storm system by Thursday. It’s early, but if all the ingredients come together, we could be seeing some severe weather in parts of New England.