What was the top local news story of 2009?
Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy dies of cancer at 77
State and local governments wrestle with budgets in a difficult economy
11-year-old Carl J. Walker-Hoover commits suicide after experiencing chronic bullying at school
Springfield’s City Council returns to ward representation after 50 years
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield announces plans to close a number of area churches
In Springfield, a slaying at the Mardi Gras and the killing of a Connecticut Army National Guardsman near the MassMutual Center are the most high-profile murders in a city struggling with gun violence
Wounded Iraq War veteran Sgt. Mark Ecker is killed in a car accident on Interstate 93 in Andover
November’s elections bring new mayors to Agawam and Westfield
Celeste Benoit clashes with Agawam Mayor Susan R. Dawson
Proposed increases in the state’s gas tax stir debate
Funding and services are cut for the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home; the decision to close the Home’s outpatient clinic is eventually reversed
Massachusetts officials and residents explore the pros and cons of allowing casino gambling in the state
“Biomass”-fueled power plants are pitched as sustainable sources of energy; opponents question the plants’ potential impact on public health
After 5 years, Springfield’s Finance Control Board is dissolved
Holyoke is chosen as the site for a high performance computing center
Governor Deval Patrick endorses a controversial proposal by the University of Massachusetts to establish the state’s first public law school
Holyoke teacher Lisa Lavoie is accused of seducing and running away with a 15-year-old student
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