…And the World: We begin today in Iraq, where Sunni militiamen and ISIS have taken another town and killed Shia Muslims there. Numerous reports suggest that airstrikes may very well happen. There is also talk of a special forces contingent. Perhaps more intriguingly, the US and
SPRINGFIELD—The day before his hearing to object to the qualifications of one of his opponents, Ward 7 Councilor Timothy Allen secured some political reinforcements in his quest to matriculate from the City Council to the State Senate. Allen, representing the ward that includes the city’s
SPRINGFIELD—Shortly after longtime Sheriff Michael Ashe announced that his current six year term, slated to end in 2016, would be his last, the County’s correctional facility was abuzz. Ashe, a towering figure both at that Ludlow facility and in area politics, had systems that worked
LONGMEADOW—More than one publication has called her a nightmare for Republicans salivating at the chance of taking back the corner office on Beacon Hill. She has been making the rounds of political events around and across the commonwealth including the local Democratic Committee’s breakfast here.
The State of Things: We begin today in Springfield where Gov. Deval Patrick announced and swore in his interim pick for Hampden County District Attorney. Patrick picked Jim Orenstein, a longtime deputy DA in the office as Mastroianni, freshly confirmed and sworn in as a
Executive Privilege is a series about the 2014 races for Constitutional offices in Massachusetts. HOLYOKE—With only a week left, the race to the state Democratic Convention in Worcester has turns into an outright scramble. Democrats here offered what may be one of the last opportunities
Next week the State Ballot Commission is expected to take up ballot challenges ahead of the Fall races. Among the things on its plate is the objection to Eric Lesser’s eligibility for the 1st Hampden & Hampshire Senate seat. One of Lesser’s opponents, Springfield City
Minor tremors of political news in the Pioneer Valley as District Attorney Mark Mastroianni finally received US Senate confirmation as a US District Court Judge. Meanwhile, the Springfield City Council advanced bonding authorization to clear out a deficit for the construction of the new Putnam
UPDATED 6/4/14 6:15PM: The Springfield City Council gave final approval to the Putnam Bonds after brief debate. The vote was 11-2. More details here. SPRINGFIELD—Facing an agenda laden with some heavy issues, for the first time in a while, the Council stayed in session late
…And the World: We begin today in Spain, where King Juan Carlos I has announced his abdication after 39 years on the throne. The Spanish king, who gained the throne after the reign of dictator Francisco Franco ended, said it was time to pass the