Springfield

Whitfield survives City Council no-confidence vote

By Sarah Heinonen | Mar 4, 2026

Whitfield survives City Council no-confidence vote

SPRINGFIELD — City Council President Tracye Whitfield survived a vote of no confidence held by the council one month after she presided over the body’s discussion of a petition by her son to discontinue a street, a move that would have financially benefited the company she co-owns.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Officials and advocates clash over rent control initiative

By Trent Levakis | Feb 26, 2026

Officials and advocates clash over rent control initiative

HOLYOKE — Lighthouse Holyoke’s Divine Theater was the site for a Feb. 25 press conference hosted by leaders from Holyoke and Springfield to share their opinions about the rent control initiative that looms across the state this year.

Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com | + posts

Baystate updates Play Deck, where young patients can just be kids

By Sarah Heinonen | Feb 26, 2026

Baystate updates Play Deck, where young patients can just be kids

SPRINGFIELD — The first thing people notice when entering the Baystate Play Deck are the colors.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Run to End Homelessness to raise money for Springfield Rescue Mission

By Sarah Heinonen | Feb 26, 2026

Run to End Homelessness to raise money for Springfield Rescue Mission

SPRINGFIELD — Winter is the perfect time for the Run to End Homelessness, said Kevin Ramsdell, executive director and CEO of the Springfield Rescue Mission.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

ROCA receives $1.66M for anti-violence employment program

By Sarah Heinonen | Feb 22, 2026

ROCA receives $1.66M for anti-violence employment program

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the congressional delegation from Massachusetts, the anti-violence organization ROCA received a $1.66 million earmark to continue its program that aims to stop violence through employment.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

$250,000 in federal funds secured for community development org

By Sarah Heinonen | Feb 22, 2026

$250,000 in federal funds secured for community development org

SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize CDC, a Springfield-based community development organization, operates programs to create safe housing, adequate nutrition and digital literacy for people across the state. In early February, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal secured $250,000 in congressionally directed spending, also known as an earmark, to help it continue to help others.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Historic home owner made to fix mistakes after ignoring rules

By Sarah Heinonen | Feb 20, 2026

Historic home owner made to fix mistakes after ignoring rules

SPRINGFIELD — The owner of a fire ravaged home in the Forest Park Heights Historic District was told to fix his mistakes after he renovated the building without the approval of the Historical Commission or the proper permits.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Whitfield stands her ground in face of conflict controversy

By Sarah Heinonen | Feb 17, 2026

Whitfield stands her ground in face of conflict controversy

SPRINGFIELD — City Council President Tracye Whitfield will not step down from her position leading the city’s legislative body. At a Feb. 16 press conference on the steps of City Hall, Whitfield said that she respected Ward 6 Councilor Victor Davila’s opinion but would “respectfully and firmly decline” his call for her to give up the gavel.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Davila calls for Whitfield resignation, councilors withhold judgement

By Sarah Heinonen | Feb 16, 2026

Davila calls for Whitfield resignation, councilors withhold judgement

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council met on Feb. 13 to rescind a vote, but City Councilor Victor Davila called for Council President Tracye Whitfield to step down from her position amid controversy stemming from a financial and familial conflict of interest.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

STRM: Whitfield talks tenure as City Council president

By Dennis Hackett | Feb 13, 2026

STRM: Whitfield talks tenure as City Council president

SPRINGFIELD — On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sat down with Springfield City Council President Tracye Whitfield to talk about her tenure as City Council president.