In a controversial move during a global health pandemic, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood announced the reinstatement of five still-charged police officers tied the Nathan Bill’s case. The relevant officers were not the alleged off-duty perpetrators of an assault outside the East Forest Park watering
SPRINGFIELD—As the economic devastation from the COVID-19 outbreak sets in, city councilors here met—remotely—for the first time since public health restrictions made its traditional gatherings impractical. Freed of some open meeting law requirements by Governor Charlie Baker’s executive orders, the body met via the web
SPRINGFIELD—Though less than 200 nanometers in size, the novel coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic now casts a pall large enough to cover even Springfield’s iconic 300-foot Campanile. In the adjoining City Hall on Monday, the Council held its last live meeting in chambers for the
SPRINGFIELD—After a years-long pursuit, the City Council approved funding for the institution of body-worn cameras for the Springfield Police Department. The funds, in the form of a bond, were among the final steps necessary to begin the program, which will require officers to wear cameras
SPRINGFIELD—In a MassMutual Center exhibition hall behind the main arena, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders headlined a raucous rally, one of two stops in New England ahead of Super Tuesday. Hitting on his classic campaign themes before a capacity crowd of 4750 of his closest friends,
UPDATED 3:15PM: To include apparent confirmation the mayor supports the bill. SPRINGFIELD—After months of debate and false starts, the City Council approved a moratorium of sorts on the city’s use of facial recognition software. After a marathon session at the last meeting, the body set
SPRINGFIELD—The growing ambition of the City Council beached itself onto the body’s widening political gulf, amid procedural and substantive disagreements on civil liberties and a public works project. While the Council ultimately voted to kill an order that could frustrate the X intersection project, it
UPDATED 1/29/20 2:11PM: To include announcements for the seat and Tosado’s public confirmation of his retirement. Retirement fever has spread from Holyoke to Springfield. This week State Representative Jose Tosado is expected to announce he will not seek reelection. According to a draft press release
SPRINGFIELD—It may have been the largest New England city without a Women’s March in 2017, but this year Springfield hosted the Pioneer Valley chapter of the nationwide, intersectional women-led movement. After three years in Northampton, last Saturday the local Women’s March held its first event,
SPRINGFIELD—If sparks were flying at the first City Council meeting of the year, they had manners. Equipped with three new members after last year’s elections, the Council moved ahead on a now-moratorium on facial recognition software. The body also formally requested the help of the