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Springfield Police Commissioner Retirement 'Mutually Accepted,' But Troubles Remain

Topping the short list of news this week is Springfield police commissioner John Barbieri's retirement from the post. The move comes amid fresh accussations of police brutality and several officers facing state and federal charges. 

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno termed Barbieri's departure as a "mutually accepted decision." Twice in recent years, the city council has pushed to reinstate a police commission to oversee the department, something Sarno hasn't gone along with. The mayor says such a board would violate the city's charter, and isn't necessary.

In Greenfield, Massachusetts, there's been controversy surrounding a library project. The town council chair tried to broker a deal to build support for the library by agreeing to a compromise involving commercial zoning laws. That upset some who are concerned about large-scale development. And there also seems to be quite a mayoral race brewing in Franklin County's largest community. 

Also this week, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted to have its lawyers seek a settlement of a lawsuit against the panel by casino mogul Steve Wynn. The suit is over an investigation by the Gaming Commission into whether Wynn's former company is still suitable to operate a casino in Everett, which is slated to open in June. That's after Wynn has been facing sexual misconduct allegations. 

And in Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont this week revealed he's changed his mind regarding tolls on the state's highways. During his campaign, he said he'd only support tolls on trucks using the state's highways, but now says that wouldn't generate enough money, and that cars should be included, too. 

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