The Massachusetts Democratic Party is bringing its convention this year to Springfield, but the city's mayor, Domenic Sarno, is not invited to speak.
One reason? Sarno's support of Republican Governor Charlie Baker during last year's election. Sarno said he welcomes the convention to Springfield, and a former mayor hopes there's a change of heart by the party.
Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern is swearing off money from corporate political action committees. He said the decision comes after hearing from his constituents. McGovern took in about $400,000 from corporate PAC's last year, while his colleague from Springfield, Richard Neal, received $2.5 million. In a statement, Neal didn't say if he would follow McGovern's lead.
A report in The Berkshire Eagle highlighted a situation affecting women who are being held on bail and waiting trial in the Berkshires. They are being sent to a regional women's corrections facility an hour or more away in Chicopee. This system creates a series of issues for the defendants.
And the Valley Advocate is going back to a weekly publication schedule. It had gone to a twice-a-month schedule, but its parent company said interest and adveritising dropped after the cutback. Meanwhile, one of the Advocate's founders from the 1970s, Linda O'Connell, has joined Western Mass Politics & Insight as an arts and cuture reporter.
Guests:
- Matt Szafranski, editor, Western Mass Politics & Insight
- Kristin Palpini, lifestyles editor, The Berkshire Eagle
