SPRINGFIELD—Though less than 200 nanometers in size, the novel coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic now casts a pall large enough to cover even Springfield’s iconic 300-foot Campanile. In the adjoining City Hall on Monday, the Council held its last live meeting in chambers for the
As the threat and infections from the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, has swept the country and the commonwealth, cities and towns in the Pioneer Valley have not been immune. The 413 more broadly has already seen some cases and a few scares, including ones
SPRINGFIELD—After a years-long pursuit, the City Council approved funding for the institution of body-worn cameras for the Springfield Police Department. The funds, in the form of a bond, were among the final steps necessary to begin the program, which will require officers to wear cameras
Thomas Petrolati’s retirement from the 7th Hampden district was one of three that mixed up state politics in the 413 this year. Preceding him out the door were Holyoke Rep Aaron Vega and Springfield Rep Jose Tosado. Westfield is poised to host an open rep
SPRINGFIELD—In a MassMutual Center exhibition hall behind the main arena, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders headlined a raucous rally, one of two stops in New England ahead of Super Tuesday. Hitting on his classic campaign themes before a capacity crowd of 4750 of his closest friends,
United States Senator Elizabeth Warren got a local boost in her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination Friday night. Springfield Congressman and House Ways & Means Chair Richard Neal formally backed Warren days before Massachusetts and several other states vote on Super Tuesday. News of
LONGMEADOW—On a warmish Saturday morning, supporters of United States Senator Elizabeth Warren crowded a living room looking out onto Route 5, the main North-South artery here. They were getting ready to hit the doors for Warren ahead of Super Tuesday when Massachusetts would chime in
UPDATED 3:15PM: To include apparent confirmation the mayor supports the bill. SPRINGFIELD—After months of debate and false starts, the City Council approved a moratorium of sorts on the city’s use of facial recognition software. After a marathon session at the last meeting, the body set
UPDATED 8:49PM: To include Oliveira’s formal declaration for the office. The rush to the exits of the Massachusetts House of Representatives continues. Thomas Petrolati, the influential Ludlow state representative whose rise, fall—and return to semi-respectability—rocked Beacon Hill a decade ago, will not seek reelection. The
HARTFORD—Impeachment, remember that? Though it ended nearly two weeks ago, its ramifications are ongoing and uncertain. In the death throes of the nation’s third impeachment trial whose outcome was clear, there was twist. It was not bipartisan. Utah Senator Mitt Romney, late of Massachusetts cast