Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers

In 2024, both Springfield's city council and school committee saw high-stakes debates and votes early on. How they navigated them, plus primary challenges and a drunk driving incident involving the Hampden County Sheriff, were some of the city's top political stories of the year. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos spoke with Matt Szafranski, Editor-in-Chief of Western Mass. Politics & Insight, about how it all played out.

This year, the Pioneer Valley saw a new police chief picked in its largest city, a new superintendent helming its largest school district, and a protest at the state’s flagship university getting national attention - among other big stories.

Authorities in Springfield, Massachusetts, say a “zero tolerance” policy is being enforced, following weeks of hoax threats targeting local schools. The change comes after the latest incident led to a teenager’s arrest.

Police in Springfield, Massachusetts have been taking their patrols onto neighborhood sidewalks as officers take part in a new foot patrol initiative. The city’s top cop says it’s a step toward improving community engagement.

A forum in Springfield, Massachusetts meant to highlight new, state gun reforms shifted to the concerns of those affected by gun violence – and what they and local officials want to see addressed.

The head of the Springfield Police Department may soon be able to avoid mandatory retirement thanks to movement on Beacon Hill.

A collaboration between the city of Springfield, Massachusetts and the Hampden County Sheriff to patrol the expansive grounds at Forest Park will continue.

Springfield, Massachusetts, has a new police superintendent.

Departure details for Springfield’s outgoing police superintendent have been released, with the department making an event out of the announcement on Tuesday, honoring the city's top cop.

The incoming police superintendent in Springfield, Massachusetts, says he is ready to collaborate and change perceptions about the police department.