James Paleologopoulos

Opponents of a potential biomass plant in Springfield have been dealt another blow. As WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports, it all has to do with the resurrection of so-called “Franken-permits.”

To some, he was the man who braved the Connecticut River in a giant pumpkin in 2023. To others he was an award-winning snow and ice sculptor. But over weekend, it was clear: to hundreds, if not thousands, Dave Rothstein was a friend.

Now open through June 28th, 2026, an exhibition at the Smith College Museum of Art is offering accessibility and interactivity at the forefront, complete with a giant conveyor belt that brings some of the art to you.

This week, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled a $63 billion spending plan, filed amid an election year. The budget proposal packs increases to local aid while seemingly avoiding any massive cuts.Most lawmakers in the Pioneer Valley say there are no objections to more aid, but as some told WAMC, making sure funding keeps up with growing costs and other factors remains a priority as the legislative session goes on.

A long-term project with a hefty price tag in western Massachusetts is getting a boost in funding. As WAMC reports, it’s part of a greater effort to protect and restore aquatic life up and down the Connecticut River and as far as the Long Island Sound.

This month, a group of Massachusetts lawmakers met for the first time to weigh two different approaches to changing the state’s cannabis laws – and the regulatory body that oversees them. WAMC spoke with several conference committee members about some of the biggest potential changes being discussed.

Thousands of model train enthusiasts once again made the pilgrimage to West Springfield for the “Railroad Hobby Show” put on by the Amherst Railway Society.

Giving her third State of the Commonwealth address, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday talked up her affordability agenda, including plans to reduce gas and electric bills for residents this February and March.Expanding homebuyer assistance, affordable pre-K funding and access, and finding more ways to lower health care costs were also big-ticket items. But after a year of federal moves that froze food assistance funding and let federal health care plan subsidies expire, the Democrat also spent much of the night explaining how the state’s responding to the Trump administration.

As communities across the Northeast brace for heavy snow, officials in Springfield, Massachusetts say the snowstorm that will start Sunday merits an emergency declaration.

Making her latest “State of the Commonwealth” speech Thursday night at 7 p.m., Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is slated to talk utility bills, how her administration plans to reduce them and how the state is faring in the face of federal cuts and changes of all kinds.WAMC’s Lucas Willard spoke with Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos about what’s likely to come up - plus election year implications.