Springfield
Springfield City Council elects Whitfield as first Black woman president
SPRINGFIELD — The City of Firsts again earned its moniker on Jan. 5 when the City Council elected Tracye Whitfield to serve as its president, the first Black woman to do so.
‘Diverse’ Springfield School Committee welcomes members
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield School Committee welcomed three new members at its swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 5.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best around: Central honors Springfield native, NBA alumnus
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield honored its native son and NBA star Travis Best by naming the Central High School court where he once played in his honor.

