Western Mass Politics & Insight

Just weeks after a judge refused to halt the process that would let Liberty Junction build Springfield's new courthouse, a lot has happened. The Commonwealth moved to dismiss and the plaintiffs have revised their complaint. This is not ending anytime soon.

State Seeks Dismissal in Courthouse Case; Plaintiffs Revise & Extend Complaint… — Western Mass Politics & Insight A judge refused to enjoin the selection of Liberty Junction to build the new courthouse. Since then, plaintiffs have revised their complaint.

Incumbents won across the board in Western Mass's Democratic primary, as did Senator Ed Markey who had faced a primary challenged, too. Congressman Richard Neal's Greater Springfield firewall (with backup from the Berkshires) also held up against a stiff challenge from Jeromie Whalen.

In the 413's Democratic Primary, Now Arriving at Incumbent Land… — Western Mass Politics & Insight SPRINGFIELD—The Democratic primary in Massachusetts left the federal delegation’s deans in place. Incumbents also prevailed elsewhere.

LISTEN: Our editor-in-chief joins WAMC Northeast Public Radio to discuss Tuesday's results up and down the ballot in Western Massachusetts, including the congressional and state legislative races.

Pioneer Valley primary round-up with WMP&I’s Matt Szafranski Amid statewide contests, like Sen. Ed Markey besting Congressman Seth Moulton in the Democratic Senate primary, western Mass. was home to a number of primaries over seats on Beacon Hill.WAMC kept track of those races Tuesday night, as did Western Mass Politics and Insight Editor-in-Chief Matt Szafra...

Despite a huge cash advantage heading into the primary, one of State Rep Bud Williams's primary challengers, Johnnie McKnight and his allies, have largely matched the incumbent in overall spending. Meanwhile, debate within one of the district's core constituencies is spilling out into public view, which may not auger well for Williams.

The Money and the Meditations within the 11th Hampden Dem Primary… — Western Mass Politics & Insight Records show Mass Teachers have dropped at least $30K on one candidate in the 11th Hampden primary. They are among many players in the race.

There will be only one debate the First Congressional District's Democratic primary--and it already happened. US Rep Richard Neal and his challenger, Jeromie Whalen, traded blows on a range of issues. However, the dominant theme was how one framed the other.

Singular Debate between Neal and Whalen Arrives at Campaign's Pique… — Western Mass Politics & Insight CHICOPEE—The first and only face-to-face debate in the 1st District’s Democratic primary saw some heat and a bevy of accusations.

A Superior Court judge refused to halt the negotiations for a lease between the Commonwealth and Liberty Junction, the chosen developer for the new courthouse in Springfield. However, his ruling left space for the case to continue and the plaintiffs say they will appeal.

Court Won't Halt Courthouse Selection, but Leaves Case with Plenty of Oxygen… — Western Mass Politics & Insight DCAMM and Liberty Junction, the developer selected to build the new courthouse in Springfield, can keep talking—and negotiating.

Since May, there has been a lot of data coming out in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional primary from finances to advertising. We dig into the filings.

Inside the 413's Congressional Primary Finances, from Accounts to Airwaves… — Western Mass Politics & Insight Second campaign quarter reports became available on July 15. Candidates for the Dem nomination in the 1st district have hit the airwaves

The two unsuccessful bidders to build the new courthouse in Springfield sued the state and now their case has its first test before a judge. Yet, their battle may have grown beyond the courtroom.

First Round of Springfield Courthouse Lawsuit Comes to a Head, but the Battlefield Has Grown… — Western Mass Politics & Insight Since selecting the site for the new Springfield Regional Justice Center, the Commonwealth has had a fight over the courthouse on two fronts.

A panel of judges in DC that heard arguments in March about the Trump administration's cancellation of a climate grant program have made a ruling. They effectively revived the suit Springfield and other municipalities filed to restore the program. Relief is not imminent, but there once against hope the $20 million grant the administration swiped from the city.

Appeals Court Ruling Offers Hope to Climate Grants, but a Clock is Ticking… — Western Mass Politics & Insight A panel of judges have effectively revived a suit that seeks to restore the climate program under which the EPA gave Springfield $20 million.

The July 27 City Council meeting showed off gaps between City Hall and one part the community and a gap forming within the Council and possibly city politics.

Take My Council, Please: The Pauses Will Continue untill Morale Improves… — Western Mass Politics & Insight The Springfield City Council's July 27 meeting looked back at food trucks and a new ethical dilemma one member claims exists.