Latest News
Israel-Hamas ceasefire brings hope, skepticism for locals
The announcement of a proposed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has drawn a wide array of reactions from local organizations, activists and politicians in the Pioneer Valley and the commonwealth, many of whom have been protesting or closely following the events since the war’s beginning in October 2023.
A lot of farm to love: Simple Gifts Farm assets for sale as North Amherst Community Farm seeks new tenant
AMHERST — A new owner for a 30-acre farm in North Amherst center continues to be sought, as a nearly 20-year relationship between the managers of Simple Gifts Farm and the board that oversees the North Amherst Community Farm winds down.
Sports
High Schools: Smith Vocational boys basketball defeats Smith Academy, 49-46 (PHOTOS)
NORTHAMPTON — Three free throws decided Thursday night's Smith Voc-Smith Academy boys basketball game.
Opinion
Guest column: DCR should abandon Shutesbury cutting plans
Your Daily Puzzles
An approachable redesign to a classic. Explore our "hints."
A quick daily flip. Finally, someone cracked the code on digital jigsaw puzzles.
Chess but with chaos: Every day is a unique, wacky board.
Word search but as a strategy game. Clearing the board feels really good.
Align the letters in just the right way to spell a word. And then more words.
Business
Making News in Business, Jan. 17
SPRINGFIELD — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts recently awarded $3.2 million in Flexible Funding grants to 109 local organizations in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, an increase of over $900,000 in grant support since last year.
Arts & Life
Speaking of Nature: The bird that changes outfits in the winter: The adult male American goldfinch opts for a less showy plumage
Anyone who makes a regular habit of watching birds will recognize that there is a predictable rhythm to the seasons. Winter is the harshest time of year and as a result there are fewer species to look for. At my house, in the month of January, I have managed to see a maximum of 31 different species. Different people living in different places will probably see a smaller number than that, but there may be the occasional yard that has more species to offer.
Obituaries
"Bedard" Northampton, MA - Dianne Marie Rogers (née Bedard) 76, of Northampton, MA passed away after a long illness on January 13, 2025. Dianne was born in North Adams on June 18, 1948, she grew up in North Adams and then moved to Nort... remainder of obit for Dianne M. Rogers
Easthampton, MA - David G. DeNucce, age 72, passed away on Jan. 7, 2025. He was born in Everett MA, on Jan 14,1952, the son of Anthony and Concetta (Liotta) DeNucce. David was a graduate of Malden High School in 1971. He was employed a... remainder of obit for David G. DeNucce
Bangor, ME - Cynthia Ann Grala passed away in Bangor, Maine from complications due to a stroke on December 24, 2024. She was born on November 18, 1963 in Northampton and raised in Florence, MA. and graduated from Smith Vocational High S... remainder of obit for Cynthia Ann Grala
Easthampton, MA - Bonnie Jill (Rusterholz) Robbins passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 82. Bonnie was born to Jack Rusterholz and Norma (Greiner) Dunker in Connersville, Indiana, where Bonnie was lovingly raised by her materna... remainder of obit for Bonnie Jill Robbins