WMass tournament brackets released, top seeds announced

Guest columnist Dick Evans: Weed, dogs and responsibility

An anonymous, out-of-state funder has brought us Question 8 on next month’s ballot. If passed, it would repeal the regulatory and tax system that Massachusetts voters approved 10 years ago for non-medical cannabis. In practical terms, Question 8 is not a technical adjustment. It is a full-scale reversal of the commonwealth’s framework for cannabis commerce. […]

Amid bus driver shortage, Amherst schools eye reduction of morning stops

AMHERST — With late buses causing students to miss class time and breakfast, the Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional schools are developing a revised transportation plan that will likely scale back the number of morning stops. The district already faces a Problem Resolution System complaint with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education over […]

Former Northampton rabbi detained by Israeli police during olive harvest in West Bank

NORTHAMPTON — Rabbi Justin David, who formerly led Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton, said he was detained by the Israeli police last Wednesday while volunteering for an olive harvest at a West Bank grove. The Northampton resident posted a statement on Facebook saying he was held with dozens of other rabbis and international volunteers, including […]

Senior class leading Smith College women's volleyball to another historic season

NORTHAMPTON — On Friday, Smith College women’s volleyball got a look at what it’s going to take if they want to make a long run in the NCAA Tournament in November. The Bears hosted their toughest opponent of the season to date, Wesleyan, in a match that went the full five sets. The Cardinals entered the day ranked 10th in the NCAA Power Index (NPI) and 13th in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll (AVCA). After dropping the first set, Smith bounced back to win sets two and three, both by identical, 25-19, scores. Wesleyan didn’t crumbled despite being down. The […]

Amherst councilors encourage more public input on waste hauler request for proposals

AMHERST — Concerns over the operation of the town transfer station, should a pay-as-you-throw curbside trash, recycling and compost system be implemented, have led Town Council members to call for a more in-depth community discussion. The council’s Town Services and Outreach Committee has been directed to bring forward a plan for a town-contracted waste hauler service for about 5,000 households by putting out a request for proposal and seeing what companies are interested in such a project. Before that advertisement is finalized and published, however, two councilors at Monday’s meeting said they would like to see more input from residents. For […]