by Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026 | Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Granby, Hampden, Longmeadow, South Hadley, Springfield, Wilbraham
This is the second year of the 2025-2026 legislative session. Typically, the first year of the session sees a flurry of activity, with about 7,000 bills filed. State Sen. Jake Oliveira filed more than 700 bills himself in 2025.
by Sarah Heinonen | Jan 7, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield has reached a settlement with the families of two children in two civil suits stemming from 2023 criminal child sex abuse charges against Robert Gayle, a then-social studies teacher at STEM Middle Academy in Springfield.
by Sarah Heinonen | Jan 7, 2026 | Agawam, Hampden County, Local News
AGAWAM – Agawam City Clerk Vincent Gioscia swore in Mayor Christopher Johnson, City Councilors Dino Mercadante, Robert Rossi, George Bitzas, Anthony Suffriti, Edward Borgatti, Anthony Russo, Thomas Hendrickson, Peter McNair and Christine Rickmon, and School Committee members Heather Zielenski, Shelley M. Borgatti-Reed, Wendy Rua, Michael Perry, A.J. Christopher and Dawn DeMatteo on Jan. 5
by Sarah Heinonen | Jan 7, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — The Dec. 15 ribbon cutting at Springfield Crossing shopping plaza on the former site of the Eastfield Mall, was an emotional one for many of the lawmakers and developers at the event.
by Sarah Heinonen | Jan 6, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield is among hundreds of cities around the country struggling with the issue of homelessness.