Western Mass Politics & Insight
@wmasspi.com
Western Mass Politics & Insight provides news, commentary & analysis on the greater #Springfield area and the world. Mngd by @mszafranski.bsky.social
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📍The 413
RT≠ anything more.
📍The 413
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Western Mass Politics & Insight is on Bluesky. Follow us here for News, Commentary & Analysis on #Springfield... and the world! #mapoli
Western Mass Politics & Insight is on Bluesky. Follow us here for News, Commentary & Analysis on #Springfield... and the world! #mapoli
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
#Springfield's longtime human resources & labor relations director Bill Mahoney has retired. The mayor's top aide will be the new head of personnel for the City fo Springfield. #mapoli #spfldpoli wmasspi.com/2026/10/in-s...
In Springfield, Personnel Is Policy; Sarno Chooses a Top Aide to Lead It… — Western Mass Politics & Insight
William Mahoney, long Springfield's HR/Labor Relations Director, has retired. A top mayoral aide shall replace him as HR director.
wmasspi.com
October 2, 2026 at 2:46 AM
#Springfield's longtime human resources & labor relations director Bill Mahoney has retired. The mayor's top aide will be the new head of personnel for the City fo Springfield. #mapoli #spfldpoli wmasspi.com/2026/10/in-s...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
The #Springfield City Council's September 21 meeting concluded a drama over a CPA grant for housing in the North End. The larger story around it appears to be far from over. #mapoli #spfldpoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/take...
Take My Council, Please: Ambition Should Be Made of Sterner Stuff… — Western Mass Politics & Insight
The September 21 meeting of the Springfield City Council concluded a lingering drama that had split the body for weeks.
wmasspi.com
September 28, 2026 at 1:11 PM
The #Springfield City Council's September 21 meeting concluded a drama over a CPA grant for housing in the North End. The larger story around it appears to be far from over. #mapoli #spfldpoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/take...
ICYMI: A judge dismissed the lawsuit against #Northampton over the Council's nonbinding divestment resolution. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/brie...
Briefings: Lack of Standing Collapses Suit against Noho Divestment Resolution… — Western Mass Politics & Insight
Less than two weeks after oral arguments on August 26, Hampshire Superior Court Judge Charles Groce dismissed a suit filed over the Northampton City Council’s resolution that called for the city to di...
wmasspi.com
September 28, 2026 at 5:18 AM
ICYMI: A judge dismissed the lawsuit against #Northampton over the Council's nonbinding divestment resolution. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/brie...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
A bit late, but just under two weeks, a lawsuit against @cityofnorthampton.bsky.social and the divestment resolution the City Council passed collapsed due to a lack of standing. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/brie...
Briefings: Lack of Standing Collapses Suit against Noho Divestment Resolution… — Western Mass Politics & Insight
Less than two weeks after oral arguments on August 26, Hampshire Superior Court Judge Charles Groce dismissed a suit filed over the Northampton City Council’s resolution that called for the city to divest from Israel-connected assets. It was never clear what the originators of the
wmasspi.com
September 21, 2026 at 4:31 AM
A bit late, but just under two weeks, a lawsuit against @cityofnorthampton.bsky.social and the divestment resolution the City Council passed collapsed due to a lack of standing. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/brie...
Where things stand in the #Springfield courthouse lawsuit: the state is moving to dismiss, but the plaintiffs are amending their complaint. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/stat...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 15, 2026 at 1:26 AM
Where things stand in the #Springfield courthouse lawsuit: the state is moving to dismiss, but the plaintiffs are amending their complaint. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/stat...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
The #Springfield City Council's post-Labor Day meeting had a basic agenda with routine items. The wheels came off the wagon when an item that had been wilting in committee was recalled unexpectedly. #mapoli #spfldpoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/take...
Take My Council, Please: For Brutus Is an Honorable Man… — Western Mass Politics & Insight
The September 8 Springfield City Council agenda was straightforward. Then an item that had been languishing in committee was summoned.
wmasspi.com
September 14, 2026 at 5:26 AM
The #Springfield City Council's post-Labor Day meeting had a basic agenda with routine items. The wheels came off the wagon when an item that had been wilting in committee was recalled unexpectedly. #mapoli #spfldpoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/take...
ICYMI: Incumbents rule in Western Mass's Democratic primary. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/in-t...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 12, 2026 at 7:40 PM
ICYMI: Incumbents rule in Western Mass's Democratic primary. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/in-t...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
Last time, on courthouse drama! A judge had refused to enjoin #Springfield's new courthouse.
Now, @DCAMM_MA seeks dismissal and plaintiffs are back with a new complaint that has new counts and allegations. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/stat...
Now, @DCAMM_MA seeks dismissal and plaintiffs are back with a new complaint that has new counts and allegations. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/stat...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 12, 2026 at 3:48 AM
Last time, on courthouse drama! A judge had refused to enjoin #Springfield's new courthouse.
Now, @DCAMM_MA seeks dismissal and plaintiffs are back with a new complaint that has new counts and allegations. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/stat...
Now, @DCAMM_MA seeks dismissal and plaintiffs are back with a new complaint that has new counts and allegations. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/stat...
A judge is weighing motions to enjoin a #Northampton resolution on divesting from Israel-related assets. The city has filed its own motion questioning whether there is even any reason to be in court. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/noho...
Noho Divestment Resolution Reaches Judge, but Is Anything Actually in Court…? — Western Mass Politics & Insight
NORTHAMPTON—Last Wednesday, a judge in Northampton heard dueling motions in a rather strange case about divestment from Israel.
wmasspi.com
September 6, 2026 at 4:10 PM
A judge is weighing motions to enjoin a #Northampton resolution on divesting from Israel-related assets. The city has filed its own motion questioning whether there is even any reason to be in court. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/noho...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
DC Appeals Court sent the lawsuit over #Springfield's climate grant back to the district court. However, it has not resurfaced at District Court yet. Here's WMP&I's report on where things stood last month. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/appe...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 6, 2026 at 2:29 AM
DC Appeals Court sent the lawsuit over #Springfield's climate grant back to the district court. However, it has not resurfaced at District Court yet. Here's WMP&I's report on where things stood last month. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/appe...
READ: Our editor-in-chief @mszafranski.bsky.social spoke to @dustyc123.bsky.social at @theshoestring.bsky.social about this week's results as part of their overview of what happened in Western Mass this past Tuesday. #mapoli theshoestring.org/2026/09/03/w...
Western Massachusetts incumbents sweep primary elections
Incumbency topped fundraising and political alignment as the best predictor of success for local Democrats on Tuesday, despite a leftward swing seen elsewhere in the country.
theshoestring.org
September 4, 2026 at 5:16 PM
READ: Our editor-in-chief @mszafranski.bsky.social spoke to @dustyc123.bsky.social at @theshoestring.bsky.social about this week's results as part of their overview of what happened in Western Mass this past Tuesday. #mapoli theshoestring.org/2026/09/03/w...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
Last week, a judge heard arguments on motions for an injunction and to dismiss in a lawsuit filed over a nonbinding resolution calling for #Northampton to divest from Israel. The city has taken no action on it. Is there a basis for the suit? #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/noho...
Noho Divestment Resolution Reaches Judge, but Is Anything Actually in Court…? — Western Mass Politics & Insight
NORTHAMPTON—Last Wednesday, a judge in Northampton heard dueling motions in a rather strange case about divestment from Israel.
wmasspi.com
September 4, 2026 at 4:12 AM
Last week, a judge heard arguments on motions for an injunction and to dismiss in a lawsuit filed over a nonbinding resolution calling for #Northampton to divest from Israel. The city has taken no action on it. Is there a basis for the suit? #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/noho...
LISTEN: Our editor @mszafranski.bsky.social spoke to @wamc.org New's @jpaleolo.bsky.social about the primary election results up and down the ballot this past Tuesday. #mapoli www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
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 trac...
www.wamc.org
September 3, 2026 at 1:01 PM
LISTEN: Our editor @mszafranski.bsky.social spoke to @wamc.org New's @jpaleolo.bsky.social about the primary election results up and down the ballot this past Tuesday. #mapoli www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
My first look at the results in Western Mass with emphasis on Rep. @neal.house.gov successful renomination. (UPDATED to include Wondolowski's victory in #1stFranklin.) #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/in-t...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 3, 2026 at 1:55 AM
My first look at the results in Western Mass with emphasis on Rep. @neal.house.gov successful renomination. (UPDATED to include Wondolowski's victory in #1stFranklin.) #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/in-t...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
For @wamc.org: I had a long LONG conversation w/ Matt Szafranski of @wmasspi.com this morning about last night's primaries - specifically, the state house races (and Neal and Whalen). We talked generational dynamics, incumbent strengths and a lot more.
www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
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 trac...
www.wamc.org
September 2, 2026 at 7:20 PM
For @wamc.org: I had a long LONG conversation w/ Matt Szafranski of @wmasspi.com this morning about last night's primaries - specifically, the state house races (and Neal and Whalen). We talked generational dynamics, incumbent strengths and a lot more.
www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
www.wamc.org/news/2026-09...
Our first take on yesterday's incumbent-friendly primary in Western Massachusetts. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/in-t...
In the 413's Democratic Primary, Now Arriving at Incumbent Land… — Western Mass Politics & Insight
SPRINGFIELD—The Democratic primary in Massachusetts left/upended the federal delegation’s deans in place. Congressman Richard Neal and US Senator Ed Markey, both facing primary challenges, beat back t...
wmasspi.com
September 2, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Our first take on yesterday's incumbent-friendly primary in Western Massachusetts. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/in-t...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
The polls close in less than an hour. Read up about the one and only debate in the First Congressional race. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/sing...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 1, 2026 at 11:09 PM
The polls close in less than an hour. Read up about the one and only debate in the First Congressional race. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/sing...
ICYMI: A judge declined to halt the lease for the new courthouse in #Springfield. Since the ruling, the Commonwealth has moved to dismiss and the plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/cour...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 1, 2026 at 9:11 PM
ICYMI: A judge declined to halt the lease for the new courthouse in #Springfield. Since the ruling, the Commonwealth has moved to dismiss and the plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/cour...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
As #MASEN 2026 comes to a close, the candidates made their final rounds and while there is some enthusiasm, it's hard not to compare it to six years ago, pandemic and all. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/anal...
Analysis: In a Burning World, Bay State Electorate Lacks Fire of Past Cycles… — Western Mass Politics & Insight
WEST SPRINGFIELD—In a swing through the 413, Salem Congressman Seth Moulton exhorted supporters to work the phones and, above all, to vote.
wmasspi.com
September 1, 2026 at 5:58 AM
As #MASEN 2026 comes to a close, the candidates made their final rounds and while there is some enthusiasm, it's hard not to compare it to six years ago, pandemic and all. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/09/anal...
The money race in the #11thHampden is closer than the candidates' campaign bank accounts would suggest. That, and a debate among one key constituency, could power the result on Tuesday. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/the-...
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.
wmasspi.com
September 1, 2026 at 4:12 AM
The money race in the #11thHampden is closer than the candidates' campaign bank accounts would suggest. That, and a debate among one key constituency, could power the result on Tuesday. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/the-...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
A judge declined to halt the selection process for #Springfield's new courthouse. The state has filed a motion to dismiss. Read WMP&I's analysis of the decision not to halt the process. That ruling may influence the motion to dismiss. wmasspi.com/2026/08/cour...
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.
wmasspi.com
August 31, 2026 at 10:04 PM
A judge declined to halt the selection process for #Springfield's new courthouse. The state has filed a motion to dismiss. Read WMP&I's analysis of the decision not to halt the process. That ruling may influence the motion to dismiss. wmasspi.com/2026/08/cour...
The only debate between Richard Neal and Jeromie Whalen discussed some issues at their one and only debate, but also endeavored to define each other #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/sing...
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.
wmasspi.com
August 31, 2026 at 12:46 AM
The only debate between Richard Neal and Jeromie Whalen discussed some issues at their one and only debate, but also endeavored to define each other #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/sing...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
Outside money has rained into the #11thHampden primary in #Springfield. But a lot is going on below the surface among one of the district's most critical constituencies. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/the-...
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.
wmasspi.com
August 30, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Outside money has rained into the #11thHampden primary in #Springfield. But a lot is going on below the surface among one of the district's most critical constituencies. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/the-...
The candidates for the First Congressional District have debated, but how much money do they have? We looked at the available campaign finance reports earlier this month. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/insi...
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
wmasspi.com
August 28, 2026 at 10:38 PM
The candidates for the First Congressional District have debated, but how much money do they have? We looked at the available campaign finance reports earlier this month. #mapoli wmasspi.com/2026/08/insi...
Reposted by Western Mass Politics & Insight
The one and only debate in the First Congressional District had heat and a soupcon of policy. #mapoli #ma01 wmasspi.com/2026/08/sing...
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.
wmasspi.com
August 28, 2026 at 4:33 AM
The one and only debate in the First Congressional District had heat and a soupcon of policy. #mapoli #ma01 wmasspi.com/2026/08/sing...