News
Easthampton School Committee wants council to censure member Owen Zaret
By ALEXA LEWIS
EASTHAMPTON — The School Committee is asking the City Council to censure at-large Councilor Owen Zaret, whose behavior in recent months, they allege, has “escalated to incidents of clearly unprofessional and unacceptable conduct.”
A Look Back, Jan. 22
Top Israeli general Halevi resigns
By MELANIE LIDMAN and AREF TUFAHA
States sue over Trump order
By MIKE CATALINI
Photos: Nature fun at Mount Sugarloaf
Turnaround leader Wingenbach leaving helm of Hampshire College
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Hampshire College President Ed Wingenbach is stepping down from leadership at the end of June to become president of the American College of Greece, completing six years at the helm of the Amherst campus during a transitional phase for the college amid financial uncertainty.
Charter objection forces Northampton to call special meeting Wednesday
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
NORTHAMPTON — The City Council will hold a special virtual meeting Wednesday to try and pass six financial orders relating to the city’s Capital Improvement Plan, after Ward 3 Councilor Quaverly Rothenberg raised a charter objection at the previous council meeting last Thursday that delayed a vote.
Amherst-Pelham administrators raise alarm over school superintendent’s behavior; executive session Wednesday
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A dozen administrators in the Amherst and Amherst-Pelham Regional schools are accusing Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman of threats of physical harm, creating a hostile work environment, and allowing sexual and workplace harassment since she took the helm of the district last July.
Outside report calls UMass protest breakup reasonable but tweaks Reyes on handling of it
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — University of Massachusetts officials acted reasonably and prudently in breaking up pro-Gaza encampments on campus last spring, but different enforcement tactics might have cut down on the number of arrests, as well as reduced the fraying of trust between students, faculty and staff and the UMass administration, according to an independent review released last week.
Northampton bans use of fossil fuels in new buildings, renovations; new rules start Jan. 27
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
NORTHAMPTON — A new building code kicks in citywide next Monday that effectively bans the use of fossil fuels in any new buildings or renovations of existing structures in Northampton.
St. Patrick’s Committee selects Longmeadow native Bridget Moynahan for JFK award
STAFF REPORT
HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has selected actress, author, and model Bridget Moynahan as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious John F. Kennedy National Award.
Tilton Library expansion project moves forward in South Deerfield
By CHRIS LARABEE
SOUTH DEERFIELD — With construction on schedule and on budget, it’s almost time for a new chapter at Tilton Library.
Shutesbury, Hadley lauded for digital inclusion ‘trailblazers’
By SCOTT MERZBACH
Both Shutesbury and Hadley are being recognized as Digital Inclusion Trailblazers by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for their efforts to close the digital divide for residents by providing access to affordable, high-speed internet and digital skills training.
A Look Back, Jan. 21
Gerard A. Wallace has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for city councilor from Ward 4. Wallace says that he feels that a “fresh, energetic approach to the problems that beset our city is needed.” Wallace is concerned about high taxes, the problems of the elderly, the unemployment situation and the need for younger people in government.
Trump sworn in for 2nd term
By ZEKE MILLER,CHRIS MEGERIANand MICHELLE L. PRICE
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president Monday, returning to power with a promise to end America’s decline and to “completely and totally reverse” the actions of the man who drove him from office four years ago.
Photos: Holiday kindness
‘A great comeback story’: Valley residents celebrate Trump’s return to White House on Inauguration Day
By SAMUEL GELINAS
WESTFIELD — Minutes after noon on Monday, repeated chants of “USA” filled East Mountain Country Club after Donald J. Trump took the oath of office, officially making him the 47th president of the United States.
Thomas Aquinas College chapel named pilgrimage site
By DOMENIC POLI
NORTHFIELD — The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield has decreed that the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel at Thomas Aquinas College (TAC) will be an official pilgrimage site for the people of the diocese in observance of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
WinterFest in Easthampton returns for 12th year
By ALEXA LEWIS
EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton’s annual WinterFest has returned for the 12th time, bringing a slate of fun activities for all to enjoy while raising funds to benefit the city’s iconic Nashawannuck Pond.
Whately highway superintendent Bardwell to retire after 45 years of service
By CHRIS LARABEE
WHATELY — With the upcoming retirement of the town’s longtime highway superintendent, the Selectboard has kicked off the search process for a replacement.
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.
