Springfield

State Sen. Adam Gomez shares his legislative goals for 2026

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 20, 2026

State Sen. Adam Gomez shares his legislative goals for 2026

SPRINGFIELD — January 2026 marks the middle of the state’s two-year legislative session, and Reminder Publishing reached out to lawmakers to discuss their goals for the year ahead. State Sen. Adam Gomez shared his priorities and what bills he is focused on.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Springfield receives $5.33 million in grants for variety of programs

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 15, 2026

Springfield receives $5.33 million in grants for variety of programs

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council accepted several grants, totaling $5.33 million, at its Jan. 12 meeting.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Oliveira hosts workforce summit with Labor Secretary, higher ed leaders

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 14, 2026

Oliveira hosts workforce summit with Labor Secretary, higher ed leaders

SPRINGFIELD — Western Massachusetts leaders in education and economic development met with Massachusetts Secretary for Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones for a summit on how to grow the region’s workforce to meet the needs of today and the future.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Community prays at multi-faith vigil for people targeted by ICE

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 14, 2026

Community prays at multi-faith vigil for people targeted by ICE

SPRINGFIELD — Cars streamed into the parking lot of South Congregational Church on the evening of Jan. 13.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Neal addresses passage of healthcare tax credits, ICE shooting

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

Neal addresses passage of healthcare tax credits, ICE shooting

SPRINGFIELD — After months of back-and-forth, a federal government shutdown and the U.S. House of Representatives voted 230-196 to resurrect the expired Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Gonzalez wants to support microbusinesses in 2026, fears federal cuts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

Gonzalez wants to support microbusinesses in 2026, fears federal cuts

SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Legislature often deals with big-picture challenges, but state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez is thinking small for 2026.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Time to restore dignity to emergency food assistance, says advocate

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

Time to restore dignity to emergency food assistance, says advocate

SPRINGFIELD — Hunger is a growing problem across Massachusetts.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Forest Park Zoo seeks donations to care for animals

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

Forest Park Zoo seeks donations to care for animals

SPRINGFIELD — Exotic birds, camels, bison and alligators. The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center offers people in the greater Springfield area a chance to visit and learn about animals they may not otherwise ever encounter.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Ramos to focus on facial recognition, economic development in 2026

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

Ramos to focus on facial recognition, economic development in 2026

SPRINGFIELD — January 2026 marks the midway point of the current session in the state Legislature and state Rep. Orlando Ramos said he is continuing to make progress on some of his main goals, despite the challenges that exist.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Springfield City Council elects Whitfield as first Black woman president

By Sarah Heinonen | Jan 9, 2026

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.