Congressman Richard Neal

Last week, the United States Congress left Washington for the year - after both the House and Senate came short of passing key subsidies for Affordable Care Act insurance plans. Without tax credits, households relying on the ACA marketplace plans are likely to see their premiums skyrocket - affecting at least 22 million people. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos spoke with Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal of the 1st district about the situation

One of the biggest employers in western Massachusetts says unless Congress acts, expiring health insurance subsidies will mean higher costs for practically everyone, whether or not their plan is through the Affordable Care Act.

Months after the Trump administration pulled millions in grant funding, a Somerville-based startup with MIT roots says it’s pausing a $150 million factory project in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Plans for construction work have been iced while the company navigates its own cuts, as well. Local leaders tell WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos that the stalled project is a blow to what had been promising plans.

With recent snow on the ground and tons being pumped out of snowmakers, the slopes at Berkshire East in western Massachusetts are ready to go as ski season shifts into full gear. The resort’s leadership says more people are hitting the slopes these days – both in Franklin County and across the country. Berkshire East officials as well as Congressman Richard Neal gathered Monday to mark the progress - and how key, federal support for businesses during the pandemic played a role.

A schoolteacher from Belchertown, Massachusetts, is challenging Congressman Richard Neal in the 2026 Democratic Primary for the 1st District.

Wednesday, July 30, marks 60 years since Medicaid and Medicare were signed into law – major amendments to the Social Security Act of 1935. A Massachusetts congressman is using the anniversary to call for undoing cuts to Medicaid recently signed into law by President Trump.

Democrats are continuing to criticize the so-called “big, beautiful bill” that slashes social services and extends tax cuts passed during President Trump’s first term.

An economic forum focused on what lies ahead in Springfield and much of the Pioneer Valley brought state, local and business leaders under one roof Friday. “Outlook 2025” spotlighted last year’s biggest accomplishments on Beacon Hill and beyond, but also featured an air of caution on the national front.

Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal of the 1st district speaks with WAMC's Ian Pickus on Feb. 28.

As states and local governments grapple with a federal grant freeze, Springfield, Massachusetts, is still hoping to put recently-awarded grant money to work — paving the way for a new fleet of electric buses.