The COVID pandemic, in the words of Mercy & Baystate’s then leaders, provided an opportunity to collaborate and share resources. As the shroud of the coronavirus began to lift, they took turns appearing at the weekly pressers. One did not quite represent the other at each tradeoff. Little would anybody know then that their successors—or perhaps successor—could conceivably be in a position to do so.
Western Mass legislators are no longer having all the fun. Tara Jacobs, the Governor’s Councilor whose district encompasses the 413, shall have primary challenge. Her 2022 rival Michael Fenton, a Springfield City Councilor, has pulled papers to run for the seat.
There were four concurring opinions, two dissents, and a majority opinion that had only three votes in parts. Nevertheless, a solid six justices said Trump lacked the power to impose these tariffs. The Bay State’s electeds welcomed the ruling and blasted Trump for instituting them in the first place.
BOSTON—Upon saying the most predictable line in her state of the Commonwealth address on January 22—it is “strong”—Governor Maura Healey went a bit off-script.
“You knew I was going to say that,” she said, almost cheekily. “Every governor does, but I want you to know I believe it.” the speech overall was part of a choreographed troika of events that signal the shift into reelection mode.
It was the week after Thanksgiving, but the Faculty Union at Springfield Technical Community College was still cooking. On December 5, members issued their latest vote of no confidence in STCC president John Cook. At first glance, it looked like leftovers. It was the third such a vote against him. Yet, it was not the same recipe.
UPDATED 10/8/25 1:11PM: To include clarification from the governor’s office on the staff changes. The name of a new staffer for Governor Maura Healey will sound familiar to some in the Lower Valley. Tuesday brought news that the governor’s new legislative director would be Thomas
Transition is coming early to the City of Easthampton. Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, who had announced last year she would not seek another term, will resign early to take on a new state role. Come July 21, LaChapelle will join Governor Maura Healey’s administration as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation & Recreation.
Last Tuesday, Governor Maura Healey signed a $1.3 billion supplemental spending bill. The funds will pour hundreds of millions of dollars into both education and transportation. The Millionaires Tax, or Fair Share Amendment, voters approved in 2022 will pay for the spending. Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and legislators gathered to fete the critical investments in the commonwealth’s people and infrastructure.
It is hard to believe a little over a week before, Healey seemed to doubt the tax.
SOUTH HADLEY—Despite a life of activism in politics, State Senator Jake Oliveira’s state electoral career only just began. However, his sophomore term in Beacon Hill’s upper house will differ from his previous two in the legislature.
Last Monday, the Springfield City Councilors chewed over an unusual batch of appointments to the Water & Sewer Commission: all of them. Before the body at its regular meeting were confirmations for all three members of the body.