SPRINGFIELD — After a months-long controversy regarding At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst’s objections to funding for property redevelopment connected to City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez, the City Council voted to approve the $100,000 in community preservation funding. Where Hurst smelled smoke, his colleagues said there was no fire.

EASTHAMPTON — Despite calls to pause the process at its Sept. 16 meeting, the Easthampton City Council voted unanimously to support the purchase and reconstruction of the Town Lodging House and property at 75 Oliver St.

LONGMEADOW — Improvements are on the way for the Longmeadow Police Department after state Sen. Jake Oliveira, state Rep. Brian Ashe and town officials stopped by on Sept. 23 to present a $50,000 check, which was secured in the fiscal year 2027 state budget.

LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow students will be walking through the doors of the new Longmeadow Middle School in just two years, and Principal Peter Gillen is leading the charge to build the school’s identity — from curriculum to the mascot.

NORTHAMPTON — St. John’s Episcopal Church of Northampton will welcome a weekend celebration of its bicentennial and invite Northampton and state leaders to honor the church’s 200-year legacy.

SPRINGFIELD — Many students in Springfield were met with more comfortable schools this fall, as air conditioning has been added to several buildings in the city.

SPRINGFIELD — Drivers and neighbors along the State Street corridor may see some changes at the former Vibra Hospital, now that the company has entered into a legally binding agreement to clean the brush, debris and vegetation at the site.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Big E is officially in full swing until Oct. 4 and West Springfield received the kickoff celebration in the fair’s “salute to” series on Sept. 21.

EAST LONGMEADOW — On Sept. 12, people flocked to East Longmeadow’s Center field for the annual Celebrate EL event.