Springfield

‘Diverse’ Springfield School Committee welcomes members

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

‘Diverse’ Springfield School Committee welcomes members

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield School Committee welcomed three new members at its swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 5.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Oliveira sees affordability as state’s main challenge in 2026

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

Oliveira sees affordability as state’s main challenge in 2026

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.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Toy for Joy campaign rides late surge to strong finish

By Ron Chimelis | Jan 8, 2026

Toy for Joy campaign rides late surge to strong finish

A late surge of generosity gave a strong finishing kick to the 103rd edition of the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign.

Ron Chimelis

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Springfield to pay record $14.8 million in child sex abuse civil suits

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 7, 2026

Springfield to pay record $14.8 million in child sex abuse civil suits

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.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Springfield Crossing ‘open for business’ at former mall site

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 7, 2026

Springfield Crossing ‘open for business’ at former mall site

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.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Cuts likely to worsen police struggle to provide resources

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 6, 2026

Cuts likely to worsen police struggle to provide resources

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield is among hundreds of cities around the country struggling with the issue of homelessness.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

First phase of Stockbridge Street building restoration complete

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 6, 2026

First phase of Stockbridge Street building restoration complete

SPRINGFIELD — A part of Springfield’s history is one step closer to being brought back to life.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

GySgt. Thomas Sullivan Memorial Fund makes year-end donations

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 5, 2026

GySgt. Thomas Sullivan Memorial Fund makes year-end donations

SPRINGFIELD — On the last day of 2025, the family of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo were on hand to present donations to the Westover Air Reserve Base 6 Marines and Pope Francis Preparatory School.