by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 11, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — For several years, Vilenti Tulloch has been training teachers and working with schoolchildren to learn vital lessons about creating environments in which children can learn. Now, Tulloch has authored a book, “Engage to Excel: Building Trust, Belonging and Success in the Middle School Years” to spread the core lesson that “care, trust and togetherness build connection.”
by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 10, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — An organization providing free arts and literacy education, and college preparation services to Springfield students has received a $5 million windfall of federal funding to continue its mission, repair its facility and expand its reach.
by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 10, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Bitterly cold temperatures did not stop more than 150 members of area unions from coming out on Feb. 7 to rally against actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota and elsewhere under the administration of President Donald Trump.
by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 6, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, West Springfield
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A couple weeks ago, people who walked into Memorial Elementary School saw red brick walls with cream-colored cinderblock. Now, visitors, students and staff are greeted with the sight of a peace sign, hearts floating up the wall and a reminder to “Bee Kind.” Further down the hallway is a blue dog with spots, a rocket ship, a basketball wearing a graduation cap, more bees and a school bus. What makes this piece of art more than just a mural is that the images all came from the students’ imaginations.
by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 6, 2026 | Agawam, Hampden County, Local News
AGAWAM — The Agawam Veterans’ Service Office has completed its mission to fund a fifth monument for veterans who have served since the Vietnam War. Now underway is a campaign to identify the names of veterans, coined “No Name Left Behind.”