The video opened with 90 seconds of tropical elevator music before cutting to a split-screen of US Senator Ed Markey and Association of Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson. “Hello! And I hope you’re all staying safe,” he said opening their discussion about protecting airline workers. “Hope
SPRINGFIELD—As the economic devastation from the COVID-19 outbreak sets in, city councilors here met—remotely—for the first time since public health restrictions made its traditional gatherings impractical. Freed of some open meeting law requirements by Governor Charlie Baker’s executive orders, the body met via the web
Via his regular updates in his not-quite dulcet tones, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has become the central figure in the commonwealth’s response to the novel coronavirus ravaging public health and the economy. This has been the case with governors across the country, especially given the
There are countless things this country needs as it grapples with its greatest crisis in living memory. The outbreak of COVID-19 has laid waste to the economy and our social fabric, but there is one thing it need not destroy—the government itself. Specifically, we speak
UPDATED 3/20/20 7:22PM: To include note of Cain’s comments to The Republican. UPDATED 3/25/20 7:29PM: On March 23, the Senate moved the special election to May 19. Just a few days after Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin stopped short of calling for a
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,