Western Mass Politics & Insight

August 2026
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Inside the 413’s Congressional Primary Finances, from Accounts to Airwaves…

As primary season rolls to a close, the action on the campaign finance side of the races begins to ramp up.

Third quarter reports became available on July 15. Candidates for the Democratic nomination in the 1st Massachusetts Congressional race hit the airwaves in July, after the deadline for the third quarter report. The second three months of 2026 also saw another kind of financial report: the candidates’ personal financial disclosures.

First Round of Springfield Courthouse Lawsuit Comes to a Head, but the Battlefield Has Grown…

Since selecting the site for the new Springfield Regional Justice Center, the Commonwealth has had a fight on two fronts. In the public relations war, the Commonwealth has been releasing more information about the bid and process that led to the selected developer,

Then there is the lawsuit unsuccessful bidders USPB JV, LLC and Springfield Tower, LLC have filed. They allege Barros’ involvement tainted the bid.

Appeals Court Ruling Offers Hope to Climate Grants, but a Clock is Ticking…

More than four months after oral arguments, a panel of federal judges have effectively revived a suit that seeks to restore the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change (ECJCC) grant program. Last year Springfield and a motley band of municipalities and nonprofits sued the Environmental Protection Agency for illegally terminating the program.

Take My Council, Please: The Pauses Will Continue until Morale Improves…

The Springfield City Council’s July 27 meeting looked back. While the procedural posture remain cloudy, the body revisit the new food truck ordinance that became law this year.

Also before councilors was an order seeking an outside ethics opinion on a Community Preservation Act (CPA) grant.

Former Springfield Finance Official Returns…As Holyoke City Hall Trans-Plante…

The process of retooling Holyoke’s fiscal machinery had lumbered along for several years. Yet, it has hit its stride after the City Council elected last year took office this past January. Among the changes, the city’s once diffuse financial functions are consolidating under a Chief Administrative & Financial Officer (CAFO).

Briefings: Hampden DA Files Appearance on behalf of Moulton and His Primary Challenge…

Seth Moulton, the challenger in the Democratic Senate primary, has secured some notabl support from Westside’s mayor to the Sullivans of Westfield. This past Wednesday, however, Moulton added another noteworthy name to his stable of supporters: Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gullluni.

Disorder in the Courthouse Bid? Suit Challenges Process to Pick Springfield Justice Center…

When Liberty Junction was selected as the developer for the new Springfield Regional Justice Center, it seemed likely that the unsuccessful bidders would go quietly into the night. The invective and rending of garments was a job for the pols. The choice disappointed losing bidders, but it was not expected that they would take action against the choice.

Such was not the case.

Our One Hundredth: The Senate Debates Rise in the West…

The Democratic primary for Senate came back to Western Massachusetts last Wednesday with the campaign’s first debate. Incumbent Senator Ed Markey jousted with his challenger, North Shore Congressman Seth Moulton, in a roughly hour-long debate that touched on effectiveness, healthcare and pushing back on Donald Trump.

The debate also provided a backdrop for Moulton to announce a slate of endorsements from the 413.

Calvi Retires, Quenching His Career and Sparking the Rivera Era for Springfield’s Bravest…

Transitions are underway at the second largest (non-school) department in the City of Springfield. Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi is hanging up his fire hat and retiring on July 24. A longtime public safety professional who initially built his firefighting career outside the city, Calvi led

Analysis: With Liberty Street Site for Courthouse, Springfield Faces Its Own Junction…

UPDATED 7/15/26 6:07: To clarify the ownership of property the courthouse developers are buying. The selection of Liberty Junction, the proposal for a new Springfield courthouse at 125 Liberty Street, closes a contentious chapter in state-city relations. Replacing the ailing Roderick Ireland Courthouse was a

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Inside the 413’s Congressional Primary Finances, from Accounts to Airwaves…

First Round of Springfield Courthouse Lawsuit Comes to a Head, but the Battlefield Has Grown…

Appeals Court Ruling Offers Hope to Climate Grants, but a Clock is Ticking…

Take My Council, Please: The Pauses Will Continue until Morale Improves…

Former Springfield Finance Official Returns…As Holyoke City Hall Trans-Plante…

Briefings: Hampden DA Files Appearance on behalf of Moulton and His Primary Challenge…

Disorder in the Courthouse Bid? Suit Challenges Process to Pick Springfield Justice Center…

Our One Hundredth: The Senate Debates Rise in the West…

Calvi Retires, Quenching His Career and Sparking the Rivera Era for Springfield’s Bravest…

Analysis: With Liberty Street Site for Courthouse, Springfield Faces Its Own Junction…

Inside the 413’s Congressional Primary Finances, from Accounts to Airwaves…

First Round of Springfield Courthouse Lawsuit Comes to a Head, but the Battlefield Has Grown…

Appeals Court Ruling Offers Hope to Climate Grants, but a Clock is Ticking…

Inside the 413’s Congressional Primary Finances, from Accounts to Airwaves…

First Round of Springfield Courthouse Lawsuit Comes to a Head, but the Battlefield Has Grown…

Appeals Court Ruling Offers Hope to Climate Grants, but a Clock is Ticking…