Governor Maura Healey

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey brought up bridges in her State of the Commonwealth Thursday night — a topic near and dear to the hearts of Western Massachusetts communities in dire need of long-delayed and much needed infrastructure repair.

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.

As Governor Maura Healey prepares to deliver her state of the commonwealth address tonight, Western Massachusetts legislators are laying out their hopes and expectations.

The state auditor of Massachusetts is accusing the governor of unlawfully withholding documents from her office related to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home disaster, where at least 76 veterans died during a COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020.

For years, passing the MCAS test in 10th grade was required in order to graduate high school in Massachusetts. Just over a year ago, Ballot Question 2 ended the practice, but also left the state searching for a new way to determine student competency across the commonwealth. Following a year of research and debate, a framework for new graduation requirements has emerged – recommendations that also include testing.

Authorities say a top staffer for Governor Maura Healey – an aide who's often been a liaison for Healey in western Massachusetts - is facing drug trafficking and firearms charges, following an investigation and seizures of over 20 kilograms of suspected cocaine.

At least three Republican candidates have put their names forward to challenge Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey – who is seeking a second term. That includes Brian Shortsleeve, a veteran and appointee of former Governor Charlie Baker, who served as Chief Administrator and Acting General Manager at the MBTA. Shortsleeve’s campaign brought him to Westfield this week, where he spoke with Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos about why he’s running, the Healey administration, and more.

Western Massachusetts legislators say they back Governor Maura Healey’s move to ensure commonwealth residents will have access to vaccines regardless of changing federal policy.

Over the past few months, after a bipartisan push and series of nominations by the governor, multiple western Mass. Superior Court vacancies have been filled, says a member of the Governor's Council overseeing judge confirmations.

Western Massachusetts legislators are reacting to Governor Maura Healey’s plan to expedite housing production by cutting environmental regulations.