A groundbreaking anniversary: Northampton couple reflects on lead role in legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts 20 years ago
NORTHAMPTON — Friday, May 17, marks 20 years since Gina and Heidi Nortonsmith were married, although the couple is quick to clarify that their real anniversary dates back to more than a decade before that.The two women met at a conference for LGBTQ...
Shaping Amherst responders’ role: CRESS chief emphasizes ‘community’
AMHERST — One-on-one attention for a resident with hoarding issues was recently offered by members of the Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service department to illustrate the focus they can bring for someone experiencing a crisis.“We can...
Most Read
UMass chancellor defends protest crackdown, arrests
Amherst neighbors balk at duplex conversion of old farmhouse
Opening night at Iron Horse: All systems go, but patrons will need to bring own alcohol while license snafu is sorted out
Plans for large self-storage project in Hadley inch forward
Area property deed transfers, May 16
Physician Pathway Act, co-sponsored by Amherst rep, may help ease physician shortage
Editors Picks
‘A generational healing experience’: Exhibit documents the struggles of Cambodian families fleeing the Khmer Rouge who found refuge and a new community in Amherst
M/other’s time to shine: MICAfest runs in three Northampton venues through May
The Beat Goes On: The Iron Horse comes back to life, Joni Mitchell’s music is celebrated in Turners Falls, and more
Arts Briefs: Dance festival and a one-woman play in Northampton, summer music fests in Easthampton, and more
Sports
Largest ultimate tournament in New England set for this weekend as Pioneer Valley Invitational returns to the Oxbow
NORTHAMPTON — It’s been a busy month for the local ultimate programs.Two weekends after the Amherst Invitational, the longest-running annual ultimate tournament in the country, the Pioneer Valley Invitational returns this weekend. The event, hosted by...
Opinion
Sarah Buttenwieser: Our kids need well-staffed schools
My understanding is that increased staffing in the schools was deemed necessary as schools dealt with the impact —emotional and otherwise — of the pandemic upon our children. Now, we are post-federal emergency. However, our kids are not post-pandemic...
Alex Kent: ‘Working way through college’ relic of the past
Cheryl Muzio: Smith College owes more to the city
Michael DeChiara: Don't ‘Quabbin-ize’ push for clean energy

Business
Multiverse of style: Volante Design in Easthampton has a mission to make jackets that anyone can wear anytime
EASTHAMPTON — When David Volante posted a photo to his blog of a custom jacket he was working on in 2012, he wasn’t expecting it to go viral.The interest in his design made him realize that people wanted what he was selling, and he could sell even...
Consumer Corner with Anita Wilson: AT&T breach a cautionary tale
Making news in business, May 16
Area property deed transfers, May 16
Area property deed transfers, May 2
Arts & Life
Speaking of Nature: Surprised by strawberries in the grass: Flowers will bloom whether you pay attention or not
Every week I try to end my column with an inspirational line or two in the hopes of motivating my readers to get outside and see what’s going on in their own back yards. As I sit and peck away at the keyboard this morning I realize that the...
Obituaries
Eli Knapp Abrams
Florence, MA - Eli Knapp Abrams, of Florence Massachusetts, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 in Goshen, MA. Eli was born in Beverly, MA on March 19th, 2003. He is the cherished son of Jennifer and Maury Abrams, and belov... remainder of obit for Eli Knapp Abrams
Robert A. Zimmermann
Florence, MA - Robert A. Zimmermann, 86, passed away suddenly at his home in Florence on May 9, 2024 with his wife by his side. Robert was born July 17, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late William and Margaret (Leukens) Zimme... remainder of obit for Robert A. Zimmermann
Douglas J. Gagnon
GOSHEN, MA - Douglas John Gagnon, 61 of Goshen, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, doing what he loved most, logging. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Elinor (Kellogg) Gagnon of Goshen. At a young age his parents in... remainder of obit for Douglas J. Gagnon
Ruth O'Brien
Litchfield Park, AZ - Ruth O'Brien of Litchfield Park, AZ peacefully completed her journey here on earth one week after her 96th birthday in March. Born and raised in Florence, Ruth graduated from the Cooley Dickinson nursing school... remainder of obit for Ruth O'Brien

State grants bolster local community development agencies
Photos: Welcome to the Iron Horse stage
Area briefs: Free repair event in Northampton; sheep to visit Historic Deerfield; horse ride in Belchertown
Walk for Peace in Gaza set for Saturday in Leverett
It’s official: Fasoli sworn in as Southampton’s new fire chief
West Springfield man arrested in Pelham in November held on weapons, drugs charges
The Mill River Flood 150 years later: ‘The whole valley was a wild torrent’
Iron Horse gets its liquor license just in time for Wednesday opening
Columnist Johanna Neumann: One way to save the right whales
The Real Score: Will AI necessarily make sports better? Will AI make the sport experience better?
UMass basketball: Minutemen assistant coach Brett Nelson leaving for job at NC State; to be replaced by Matt Figger
High schools: Will Hogan tosses shutout as Hampshire Regional blanks Greenfield 2-0
Boys lacrosse: Connor McDonell, Granby take down Smith Voc to capture first-ever league title (PHOTOS)
Guest columnist Laura Briggs: Why send police to halt a peaceful protest at UMass?
Dreams take flight (some assembly required): Local pilots build and help build their own aircraft
Connected through art: Rocky Hill Cohousing community participates in art exchange with group from Australia
Valley Bounty: Fibers for farmers: Western Massachusetts Fibershed turns local ‘throw away’ wool into fertilizer pellets
Get Growing with Mickey Rathbun: Venture beyond your garden walls: Plant sales and noteworthy gardens to visit this season