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New England Public Media

Briefings: Riding Some Airwaves of Change for Public Radio in the 413…

After a year that saw tumult and retirements across journalism, the two main players in the public media space in the 413 have undergone some hopeful changes. New England Public Media, the complicated union of UMass-Amherst’s WFCR and the GBH Foundation’s WGBY, has begun a new talk program. Meanwhile, Albany-based WAMC has hired a new reporter to man its bureau in Springfield.

T.J. Plante

Springfield CAFO Selection Picks up Speed This Week amid Other Top Departures…

Springfield faces a string of vacancies and turnover atop several city agencies. Just this month, the heads of the Elder Affairs, Police, School and Veterans Services departments have announced their retirements. One major office may have informally kicked off this transition last year, but it could see an appointment soon: a successor to former Chief Administrative & Financial Officer T.J. Plante.

Sarno Akers

Analysis: Sarno Choice to Lead Springfield’s Finest Could Turn the Page…Maybe…

One could not chuck a rock in Springfield without hitting someone praising Mayor Domenic Sarno for choosing Lawrence Akers to be the next Police Superintendent. The incumbent super Cheryl Clapprood praised the choice. Longtime frenemy Michael Fenton, now City Council President, hailed Akers. Even frequent Sarno critics the Bishop Talbert Swan and at-large councilor Tracye Whitfield feted the move.

Springfield City Council

Fenton Doles out Committee Slots for the 2024 Council Year…

UPDATED

Newly (re-)installed Springfield City Council President Michael Fenton has released committee assignments for the body’s 2024 session. Aside from accounting for new members, the allocation of seats and chairs was not a radical departure from 2023. Still, the choices reflect the balance and tone Fenton is trying to strike with his return to the dais.