Springfield
Councilor believes Springfield water rate increase is justified
SPRINGFIELD — Two Springfield city councilors, who conducted a hearing on June 13 about increases in the city’s water rates and the safety of the water, are satisfied with the answers to questions they posed to representatives of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.
Springfield City Council approves 14 projects funded by CPA
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council approved all 14 projects proposed for funding by the Community Preservation Committee, including the rehabilitation of several vacant buildings in the city.
Springfield community, police agree they must get to know each other
SPRINGFIELD — Representatives from the federal Department of Justice, the Springfield Police Department and the community met online on June 12 to develop concepts that will become part of the Police Department’s Community engagement plan. The engagement plan was a requirement of the settlement agreement reached between the federal government and the Police Department in August 2022.
Jen’s Organics restaurant out to prove all-vegan is all-delicious
SPRINGFIELD — Jenelle Smith opened her restaurant, Jen’s Organics, in November 2023. Since then, she has built a base of customers who have responded to her array of all-vegan dishes.
Community celebrates Juneteenth Jubilee in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Community members came out to Mason Square on June 14 to celebrate the upcoming Juneteeth holiday, commemorating the day the last enslaved people learned they were free.
Council of Jewish Women awards $70K in scholarships
Nearly 50 students will have an easier time paying for college this fall with scholarships totaling $70,000 from the Springfield Council of Jewish Women.
Foundation kicks off campaign to support sober living for women
LONGMEADOW — Grace Dias called it “the beginning of an important journey.”
Mercy awarded $1.1 M to treat substance use disorder
SPRINGFIELD — Substance use disorder is an area of mental health that is often shrouded in shame and stigma. Springfield Mercy Medical Center has been working to treat the disorder through its addiction consult services program since 2018. Now, a $1.1 million grant will allow even more people to seek treatment without judgement.
Public officials criticize courts after Springfield officer shot
SPRINGFIELD — Public and police officials turned their anger and frustration toward the court system the day following a series of events that left a Springfield police officer with serious injuries and resulted in numerous arrests and firearm seizures.
Superintendent resigns amid outrage over ‘scumbag’ comments
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Warwick resigned on Thursday, June 6, after the June 5 release of an unintentional voicemail recording in which he disparaged at-large School Committee member LaTonia Monroe Naylor and her family, calling them “freaking scumbags.”