Sam Hudzik
- Staff Attorney, Community Legal Aid
news director @nepublicmedia | ex-political reporter @WBEZ and fellow @UMKnightWallace | learning law @SUCollegeofLaw | go cubs go
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Articles by Sam Hudzik
In 2025, minimum wage hits at least $15 an hour in half of New England states
Connecticut's minimum wage goes up to $16.35 an hour in the new year — by far the most in New England and the third-highest state minimum wage in the country. The 66-cent increase was calculated using a measure of inflation — the federal employment cost index — as required by state law. Connecticut's rate will be just below those in California and Washington state. Two other New England states have laws requiring automatic minimum wage adjustments.
UMass hires football coach away from Rutgers for at least $1.3M a year
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email File photo / Jessica Hill / AP Maine head coach Joe Harasymiak, right, looks at an official during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Connecticut , Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in East Hartford, Conn. The UMass Amherst football team has a new coach. Joe Harasymiak will make between $1.3 and $1.4 million per year during a five-year contract, according to the UMass athletics department.
A dream for 'every marching band kid,' UMass sends more than 400 to perform in Macy's Parade
More than 400 members of the UMass marching band head to New York this week to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The University of Massachusetts Amherst band is one of 11 chosen for the huge televised event. "Every marching band kid thinks the craziest thing you could do is perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," said UMass sophomore Abby Ogwang, a flute player from Dracut.
A dream for 'every marching band kid,' UMass sends more than 400 to perform in Macy's Parade
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Submitted / John Solem / UMass The UMass Amherst marching band practices in the fall of 2024. More than 400 members of the UMass marching band head to New York this week to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The UMass band is one of 11 chosen for the huge televised event.
UMass owes fired football coach Don Brown a buyout up to $1.4M
The head football coach fired by UMass Amherst this week is due a $1.4 million buyout from the school, according to a spokesperson. Don Brown still had a couple years left on his contract. With two games left in the season, UMass Athletic Director Ryan Bamford announced the "leadership change," with offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery named interim coach. UMass might not owe Brown the full buyout.
'Hey, can I take a photograph?' Exhibit features people and places from along the Connecticut River
Reporter and photographer Ben James conducted dozens of interviews this summer as he rode his bike the length of the Connecticut River — from the Quebec border to Long Island Sound. Along with the Life on the Connecticutradio stories he produced from his journey, Ben took thousands of photographs, some of which are on display now in the Hosmer Gallery at Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts. A reception at the gallery is scheduled for Saturday.
Poll finds 4 of 5 ballot questions have strong support, with psychedelics proposal a tossup
A new poll shows strong support for four of the five ballot questions facing Massachusetts voters this November, with the question on legalizing psychedelics is a toss-up. In a UMass Amherst/WCVB poll released Tuesday, 43% of voters say they would vote yes on Question 4, with the same percentage against. The proposal would allow adults to purchase or grow natural psychedelic substances, like magic mushrooms. An additional 14% of those surveyed say they're still not sure.
Cocchi reimburses state for $2,428 in repairs to government vehicle following drunk-driving arrest
The Hampden County Sheriff's Department said it paid almost $2,500 to fix the damage to a government-owned Ford Explorer driven drunk by Sheriff Nick Cocchi through Springfield and West Springfield — a cost Cocchi has now reimbursed to the state. The department ordered two Ford wheel assemblies from Marcotte Ford for $800 dollars each, as well as a full set of Goodyear tires for $165 a piece from Bill's Tire Service in Ludlow.
'Happily surprised': With no opponents this election season, Homar Gomez looks ahead to Beacon Hill
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Carol Lollis / Daily Hampshire Gazette / gazettenet.com Easthampton City Council President Homar Gomez is sworn into office on Jan. 2, 2024. A likely state representative for parts of Hampshire County said he was "happily surprised" not to have any competition on the Democratic primary or general election ballots.
Hampden County sheriff arrested for driving while intoxicated, pleads not guilty
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was arrested for driving while intoxicated on Saturday in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the MGM casino. Cocchi was charged with one count of operating a vehicle under the influence and was released on his own recognizance. The sheriff appeared at Springfield District Court on Monday morning for a brief arraignment. He pleaded not guilty. His next court date is Oct. 29. Outside the courthouse after his appearance, Cocchi spoke briefly to reporters.
Deerfield Academy offers free ride to admitted students from families making under $150K
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Creative Commons / John Phelan The main school building at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. A top prep school in western Massachusetts will offer free tuition and fees, including boarding costs — to admitted U.S. students whose families earn up to $150,000 a year. Deerfield Academy Head of School John Austin said this announcement comes with a 6% boost to the school's financial aid budget.
Independent up against McGovern acknowledges beating Dem would be 'really, really, really tough'
Share The independent challenger to Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern is acknowledging his campaign faces an uphill battle. But Shrewsbury resident Cornelius Shea said it was important to jump in the race when it looked like McGovern, a Worcester Democrat, would otherwise run unopposed in November. "Just felt like it was the right time. The Republican candidate dropped out of the race [and] I found out that Jim McGovern was running unopposed," Shea said in an interview Friday.
Independent up against McGovern acknowledges beating Dem would be 'really, really, really tough'
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email J. Scott Applewhite / AP House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., in this file photo from 2019. The independent challenger to Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern is acknowledging his campaign faces an uphill battle. But Shrewsbury resident Cornelius Shea said it was important to jump in the race when it looked like McGovern, a Worcester Democrat, would otherwise run unopposed in November. "Just felt like it was the right time.
Who's excited? State primary day in Massachusetts brings few contested races
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Caitlin Reardon / NEPM A sign marks the entrance to the early voting site at City Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Aug. 30, 2024. Tuesday is the state primary in Massachusetts, and if that news doesn't get you super excited, you are not alone. The Massachusetts presidential primary in March attracted about 1.2 million voters. On Tuesday, voters return to the polls to pick nominees for state and county-level offices.
A call for Tom Yawkey's Hall of Fame plaque to reflect ex-Red Sox owner's resistance to integration
The Red Sox are declining to comment on a call to revise the Hall of Fame plaque of former team owner Tom Yawkey. Yawkey was inducted into the Hall in 1980, several years after his death. His record on racial issues has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Occidental College political science professor and baseball historian Peter Dreier wants Yawkey's plaque in Cooperstown to reflect that record.
'Freedom to tell a different story': A push for Coolidge presidential library to offer more context
The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum in Northampton, Massachusetts, is looking to make some big changes that would add more context to exhibits about the 30th president. The city's Forbes Library, which houses the Coolidge museum, made the announcement this past weekend as part of a fundraising drive. The museum is not part of the presidential library system run by the National Archives and does not receive federal or state funding.
'Freedom to tell a different story': A push for Coolidge presidential library to offer more context
The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum in Northampton, Massachusetts, is looking to make some big changes that would add more context to exhibits about the 30th president. The city's Forbes Library, which houses the Coolidge museum, made the announcement this past weekend as part of a fundraising drive. The museum is not part of the presidential library system run by the National Archives and does not receive federal or state funding.
'Freedom to tell a different story': A push for Coolidge presidential library to offer more context
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email 1 of 4 — IMG_1416.jpg Exhibits at the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, housed in the Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, Aug. 26, 2024. Karen Brown / NEPM 2 of 4 — IMG_1417.jpg Exhibits at the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, housed in the Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, Aug. 26, 2024.
Mass. Democrats pumped for Harris as the governor signs gun bill and Legislature nears finish line
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Stephanie Scarbrough / AP Vice President Kamala Harris greets supporters as she arrives at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Westfield, Massachusetts, Saturday, July 27, 2024. Harris traveled to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to participate in a political event. Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign paid a visit to western Massachusetts this weekend, raised a bunch of Berkshire bucks and rallied the state's Democrats.
UMass students and others arrested at May protest to return to court
UMass students, faculty and others arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest will return to court this week and next. The pretrial conferences are scheduled for the more than 100 people facing charges after the UMass chancellor's controversial order on May 7 for police to clear the protest encampment. Attorney Rachel Weber said she is among a small group of attorneys representing the bulk of those arrested. Weber said the district attorney's office has begun to offer deals to some of her clients.
UMass students and others arrested at May protest to return to court
UMass students, faculty and others arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest will return to court this week and next. The pretrial conferences are scheduled for the more than 100 people facing charges after the UMass chancellor's controversial order on May 7 for police to clear the protest encampment. Attorney Rachel Weber said she is among a small group of attorneys representing the bulk of those arrested. Weber said the district attorney's office has begun to offer deals to some of her clients.
Once again, Massachusetts begins a new fiscal year with no budget deal in place
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Sam Drysdale / State House News Service Massachusetts budgets have been late for 14 years in a row. Last year, on Aug. 9, 2023, more than 5 weeks after the state began its fiscal year, Gov. Maura Healey signed off on the bulk of the Legislature's fiscal 2024 budget bill. It's July 1. That means we're just days away from barbecues and fireworks. It also means Massachusetts state government is starting its new fiscal year.
'It's really pretty dehumanizing': Jobseekers discuss search process, online portals, discrimination
Regional News Short-Staffed: How western Mass. is tackling workforce shortages Not enough workers, too many jobs. That’s the story for many industries in western Massachusetts and around the country. Why is that and what can be done? How is the shortage of workers affecting our economy? The NEPM newsroom and The Fabulous 413 are looking for answers.
UMass student gov votes 'no confidence' in Reyes, as McGovern says protest arrests 'very concerning'
Members of the Student Government Association at the University of Massachusetts Amherst voted “with an overwhelming majority” Wednesday evening to express “no confidence” in Chancellor Javier Reyes. The vote came one day after Reyes ordered police to take apart a protest encampment on campus and disperse those assembled. Police clashed with protesters gathered in solidarity with Palestine, leading to 132 arrests, the university confirmed Wednesday night.
Dozens arrested after UMass Amherst protestors once again set up encampment
Police clashed with and arrested dozens of protesters on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus Tuesday night, after students reestablished an encampment in solidarity with Palestine. The encampment on the campus lawn — and police response — was similar to those at colleges across the country. It was the second time in recent weeks UMass student protesters set up tents on campus.
Former Leyden police chief pleads not guilty to larceny, other charges
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Creative Commons / John Phelan The Town Hall in Leyden, Massachusetts. The former police chief in Leyden, Massachusetts, faces seven criminal charges related to embezzlement. The Northwestern District Attorney's office said Daniel J. Galvis was arraigned Monday in Greenfield District Court and pleaded not guilty. According to the DA's office, Galvin was charged with two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle and two counts of larceny over $1,200.
Springfield-based Merriam-Webster wins AP Stylebook affiliation over rival dictionary
Merriam-Webster has scored a big win in the publishing world. The Springfield, Massachusetts-based dictionary is poised to have greater influence over language decisions made by news reporters and editors across the country. The Associated Press publishes a style guide that helps media professionals and students know when to use a hyphen, which words to capitalize and what language is outdated or offensive. The AP has long consulted Webster's New World College Dictionary as an official partner.
Back-and-forth continues between Smith College and students as sit-in nears a week
Regional News Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Submitted / Smith Students for Justice in Palestine Students and others gather outside the Smith College administration building, as protesters remain inside. Dozens of Smith College students are continuing a sit-in at the administration building on the Northampton, Massachusetts, campus — nearly a week after the protest began.
Protesters camp out in Rep. McGovern's office, calling for a more forceful position on Gaza
Since Tuesday, a half-dozen protesters have occupied the Northampton, Massachusetts, office of U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, calling for the Democrat to speak out more forcefully against Israel as the war in Gaza continues and the humanitarian crisis worsens. McGovern was among the first members of Congress to call for a cease-fire, but Northampton's Nick Mottern, 85, wants him to go further.
Conn. passes Mass. for highest minimum wage in New England
Minimum wages go up in four of the six New England states on January 1. For years, Massachusetts has led the minimum wage race in New England. That ends in 2024, when Connecticut's rate — now tied to inflation — goes from $15 an hour to $15.69. At a September press conference, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz estimated the increase will mean a direct raise for 10% of Connecticut workers. And it'll put upward pressure on wages for others, Gov.
Connecticut jumps ahead of Massachusetts, as 4 of 6 New England states boost their minimum wages
Minimum wages go up in four of the six New England states on January 1. For years, Massachusetts has led the minimum wage race in New England. That ends in 2024, when Connecticut's rate — now tied to inflation — goes from $15 an hour to $15.69. At a September press conference, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, estimated the increase will mean a direct raise for 10% of Connecticut workers. And it'll put upward pressure on wages for others, Gov.
Flooding in western Mass. closes roads, leads to evacuations
Emergency personnel in western Massachusetts are keeping a close eye on river levels. That's after heavy rains forced road closures and the evacuation of some homes. A flood watch across the region remains in effect until Tuesday morning. Water levels rose rapidly Monday morning on the Mill River through Williamsburg. The surge led to fire and rescue officials clearing 7 or 8 houses. "When the water came up, it was sweeping through the houses.
Almost a decade after hospital's closure, North Adams could soon get inpatient beds
Berkshire Health Systems says — pending approval from regulators — it plans to reopen its North Adams hospital for inpatient care. On just a few days' notice, the facility closed in 2014 after a former operator, Northern Berkshire Healthcare, encountered financial problems.
Healey introduces 'entirely different approach' to pardons
Some governors like to wait until the last minute before leaving office to issue pardons. Gov. Maura Haley is touting her decision to move quickly in her first year. A lot of time governors tend not to make a big deal out of announcing pardons and they do it late in their terms. Maura Healey's going in the opposite direction. She did a radio interview and a press conference to announce seven pardon recommendations and also a plan to refocus the clemency process.
Healey administration extends pause on state forest logging contracts for 6 more months
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's administration says it will continue a pause on new logging contracts in state forests for another six months, as officials look to develop guidelines that more fully acknowledge the role of forests in combatting climate change. The state has not signed new logging contracts since Healey became governor in January. The additional six months is a more formal delay, the administration said.
Healey administration extends pause on state forest logging contracts for 6 more months
A timber harvesting vehicle, called a forwarder, grabs and transports trees that have been cut on private forest land in Belchertown, Massachusetts, in March 2023. (Nancy Eve Cohen/NEPM) 'We have to change' Glen Ayers of Greenfield is a member of the Trees as a Public Good Network, a coalition of groups in the state that wants to protect trees on state land. Ayers was pleased Healey had followed through on her campaign pledge. But he wants the protections to continue long-term.
Healey administration extends pause on state forest logging contracts for 6 more months
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's administration says it will continue a pause on new logging contracts in state forests for another six months, as officials look to develop guidelines that more fully acknowledge the role of forests in combatting climate change. The state has not signed new logging contracts since Healey became governor in January. The additional six months is a more formal delay, the administration said.
Springfield Diocese settles lawsuit filed by Chicopee man who alleges he was raped by Bishop Weldon
The Springfield, Massachusetts, Roman Catholic Diocese announced Friday it has settled a lawsuit alleging clergy abuse by the late Bishop Christopher Weldon — and a coverup by church officials decades later. The case was brought by a Chicopee man who alleges, as an altar boy in the 1960s, he was brutally raped multiple times by Weldon and other priests. Weldon died in 1982.
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