SPRINGFIELD—The City Council approved a multimillion settlement to conclude ongoing litigation that stemmed from a wrongful imprisonment dating back decades. Mark Schand had claimed that four city officers, in effect, framed him for a crime 30 years ago, resulting in a prison sentence. Upon his
SPRINGFIELD—As the hoped-for vaccines to guard against COVID-19 appear on the horizon, officials here are preparing for their role in distribution. Supplies will be extremely limited in December if, as expected, the Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use. Hospitals like Mercy and Baystate Health
Not two months after announcing the idling of its presses and outsourcing printing to Springfield, the Hartford Courant is closing its offices in the world’s insurance capital. The paper’s Hartford offices will close on December 27 which its parent company called a COVID-era real estate
UPDATED 4:38PM: To include comment from Marcos Marrero on speculation about his running for mayor. The announcement that Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse would not seek another term shocked few in the Paper City. Open talk of his retirement—well before the Congressional primary—began circulating early this
A history-making era in the Paper City is about to end. On Tuesday Morning, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse announced he would not seek another term. His statement indicated he intended to serve out the remainder of his term, capping his mayoralty at 10 years. Such
UPDATED 12/7/2020 8:07PM: A previous version of this post incorrectly identified Williams as vice-president this year. He was vice-president in 2019. The conclusion of the 7th Hampden House race means an end to the 2020 cycle in the Pioneer Valley. However, part of that district,
The last outstanding race in Western Massachusetts is over. James “Chip” Harrington, the Republican nominee for the 7th Hampden House district, ended his campaign Thursday evening following the recount in Belchertown earlier in the day. He had sought the fresh count after the town reported
SPRINGFIELD—The City Council here rejected a Police supervisors labor pact Monday, primarily due to a provision that limits when officers can face discipline. The offending clause is not new. However, in the aftermath of this summer’s social justice protests, the were fears that some officers
UPDATED 9:53PM: Gus Bickford won reelection as chair. Four years ago, Massachusetts Democrats, somewhat discombobulated after Donald Trump won the presidential election, had a task before them. Then-Senator Thomas McGee, was not seeking another term as chair and the Democratic State Committee had to replace
The United States Presidential election appears to be sewn up, but one local House race remains in limbo. Ludlow School Committee member James “Chip” Harrington, the Republican candidate for the 7th Hampden House district, is preparing to request at least a partial hand recount of