Bank robber had helper, police allege

NORTHAMPTON - Police say a series of text messages helped link a Holyoke woman to the suspect in Friday's robbery of the Florence Savings Bank branch on King Street.

Proposed Westover cutbacks highlight competing interests in state's defense ties

CHICOPEE - Last week's announcement by Air Force officials that they intend to halve the number of cargo jets stationed at Westover Air Reserve Base served to highlight Massachusetts' heavy reliance on federal defense spending, according local lawmakers and analysts. The announcement also demonstrates Congress' sometimes conflicting goals of austerity and job creation, they said. The Bay State receives billions of dollars annually in defense contracts while its six military installations serve as a static but steady source of employment, they noted.

Ralean Bridgman, Smith Vocational graduate

TUCSON, Ariz. - Ralean Bridgman, 88, passed away in Tucson, Ariz., on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

Born Dec. 16, 1923, in West Chesterfield, she was the daughter of the late Elmer L. and Alta (Cressy) Todd.

New folk opera about Sojourner Truth ready for premiere

It began with a dream. While trying to imagine how she could follow Old Deerfield Productions' original opera "The Captivation of Eunice Williams" with another success, artistic director Linda McInerney dreamed she was sitting in Northampton's Academy of Music with composer Paula Kimper. They were watching singer Evelyn Harris, who was onstage, wearing a mid-19th century costume and about to sing.

Season in full swing at the Out! For Reel LGBT Film Series

One expects the average film festival to last a week. But, a Northampton festival - Out! For Reel LGBT Film Series - challenges that presumption and takes it to the next level.

Northampton merchants urged to just say 'No sale' to synthetic pot

NORTHAMPTON - Police are putting local store owners on notice to keep an eye out for products marketed as incense or bath salts but used by some as a synthetic alternative to marijuana.

Adrienne Pascucci of Northampton has been a quick study on the track

NORTHAMPTON - Junior Adrienne Pascucci may be one of Northampton's best indoor track athletes, but what she's even better at, could surprise you. "I can find a four-leaf clover, like that," said Pascucci with a snap of her fingers. "I don't know why, but when I used to keep track when I was little, I got over 100. I would just sit out in the yard and find four-leaf clovers." Pascucci doesn't attribute her success to that talent, nor does she think it makes her lucky, but like her performances, it's impressive nonetheless, and it can't hurt her chances.