…And the World: We begin today in France, where the government has just resigned after a row opens up between the Economy Minister and the rest of the government run by Prime Minister Manuel Valls and President Francois Hollande. Arnoud Montebourg, the economy minister, criticized
SPRINGFIELD—Against the brightly painted enclosed courtyard of Classical Condominiums, the three Democrats seeking the nomination for the 10th Hampden House seat sat facing the crowd seated in stacking chairs. Few in the room probably realized that the last time the seat had a truly competitive
UPDATED 8/26/14 1:04AM: For clarity and for confirmation of the mayor’s signature on the home rule petition and to note Councilor Ramos’s abstention. SPRINGFIELD—The City Council awoke from its annual summer break to take up housekeeping items, largely financial orders for a host of capital
SPRINGFIELD—An open legislative seat in a predominantly minority area may come only once in a while. Very rarely does the same person have two opportunities within a relatively short period of time. However, with the woman who won it from him the first time now
UPDATED 8/19/14 5:24PM: For clarity and alternate candidate photo. SPRINGFIELD—Despite a fairly short legal career thus far, when asked about the top cases he prosecuted, the robbery of a Guatemalan immigrant came to Anthony Gulluni’s mind. The day after Christmas, “a guy pulled a gun
The Feds: We begin today in Missouri, where the unrest in Ferguson over the fatal shooting of an 18 year-old black teen by police has prompted Gov. Jay Nixon to call in the National Guard. While demonstrations were largely peaceful, a few instigators apparently moved
WESTFIELD—The usual term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives lasts two years, about 19 months of which is in session. After that campaigning begins anew. John Velis has had only about 106 days in session before he needs to prove himself to voters once again.
UPDATED 8/17/14 11:00AM: For grammar & clarity. As a general matter, since the return of Springfield City Council has avoided the banality and pettiness that sometimes typify other Valley municipal legislatures. Without a doubt both happen at 36 Court Street, but it does not tend to
UPDATED 2:28PM SPRINGFIELD—Only another four weeks separate candidates for local and statewide office from the primary that will decide many of their fates and, in many cases, the election, too. That leaves precious little time before voting begins and it may be even less as
…And the World: We begin today in Iraq, where political factions have settled on a new Prime Minister to replace Nuri al-Maliki. Maliki’s sectarian governance has been partly blamed for the rise of the Sunni insurgency that has swarmed across Northern Iraq. However, The New York