News
Springfield City Council to take ‘no confidence’ vote in wake of prez’s conflict of interest controversy
10+ hour, 59+ min ago (330+ words) Tonight, city councilors in Springfield will vote on a "no confidence" resolution concerning Council President Tracye Whitfield. Whitfield has been at the center of a lengthy city legal review " one dealing with conflict of interest cases that appear to violate…...
Springfield solicitor: Conflict of interest cases, other alleged issues involving Whitfield date back to 2021
2+ week, 3+ day ago (750+ words) LUCAS WILLARD: Earlier this month, the head of Springfield's City Council found herself at the center of a conflict of interest review/investigation, stemming from an agenda item the council voted on and approved. Because of undisclosed ties and other…...
Massachusetts auditor breaks down report on ‘abuse’ of NDAs by governmental agencies
1+ mon, 1+ week ago (1606+ words) On Wednesday, Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio issued a report on the use of settlement agreements with employees, including non-disclosure and non-disparagement clauses by 21 governmental ... Massachusetts auditor breaks down report on "abuse" of NDAs by governmental agencies On Wednesday, Massachusetts…...
Springfield City Council poised to have Black woman president for first time in its history
2+ mon, 2+ week ago (246+ words) While an official selection won't happen until January, the City Council in Springfield, Mass. appears ready to be led by a Black woman for the first time in its history. A member of the council since 2018, Tracye Whitfield had already…...
As the specter of high stakes testing once again looms over Massachusetts students, Berkshire education leaders share differing perspectives
4+ mon, 3+ day ago (673+ words) Callahan says standardized tests like the MCAS offer a limited picture of a student. Extensive research shows standardized tests typically reflect the affluence of a given community. Callahan says his district in the northern reaches of the Berkshires is set…...
As ICE detainments continue nationwide, western Mass. advocates protest arrest in Springfield
5+ mon, 3+ week ago (131+ words) After driving just one block from his house, three, unmarked ICE vehicles ambushed our car by almost crashing into us head-on," she recounted. Keigan said that, at the time, her group was heading to a spot where Demetrio could take…...
New audit finds Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education deficient on investigating child abuse, neglect
6+ mon, 1+ week ago (236+ words) The report from the office of Democrat Diana DiZoglio cites a "breakdown" in communication between DESE and the state Department of Children and Families, saying the education department accepted incomplete materials and failed to request missing information to determine whether…...
Ceremony in Springfield honors life of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, killed in 2015 terror attack
7+ mon, 2+ week ago (681+ words) Wednesday marked ten years since a gunman targeted a pair of U.S. military centers in Tennessee, killing five service members, including Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan of Springfield, Massachusetts. Keeping his memory alive, family, military and community members gathered at a park…...
Western Massachusetts-based band Lost Film to perform at Green River Festival today
8+ mon, 1+ week ago (137+ words) The four-piece outlet has released four studio albums and one EP, and calls its latest is "jangly dreampop centered by synthesizers and driving bass chords." ... Western Massachusetts-based band Lost Film to perform at Green River Festival today Western Massachusetts rock…...
$4M renovation work at Springfield’s Walker Memorial Grandstand touted ahead of summer classic
8+ mon, 2+ week ago (463+ words) Long-awaited renovations are complete at one of the oldest baseball diamonds in western Massachusetts" just in time for a local summer classic. When spectators come to Forest Park for a special summer classic baseball game slated for Sunday, they'll be…...