Amherst begins discussion on data center ban or regulations

Smith College will keep Fort Hill childcare center open until at least summer 2029

NORTHAMPTON — Following nearly two weeks of community outcry, Smith College will keep its Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill open through at least summer 2029. President Sarah Willie-LeBreton announced the decision in an email to the center’s families and staff Friday afternoon, thanking members of both the campus and larger communities for […]

Gaming for good: New tabletop gaming convention Next Turn to support media education, public access

A library of more than 300 tabletop games that guests can check out. “Playshops” for learning how to develop a game, and workshops about turning gameplay into podcasts, videos and livestreams. A game auction, a vendor market — a gamer’s paradise. Northampton Open Media will host Next Turn, a new convention celebrating tabletop gaming, at […]

Permit parking changes proposed for North Pleasant Street near Kendrick Park

AMHERST — As a way to encourage more families to visit the Kendrick Park playground, eight parking spaces on the reconfigured one-way section of North Pleasant Street would no longer be available for those with downtown parking permits. The Transportation and Parking Commission, at its Oct. 21 meeting, voted 8-1 to advise the Town Council […]

Shutesbury Select Board opposes MWRA request to draw more water from Quabbin

SHUTESBURY — Shutesbury officials are adding their voice of opposition to a request from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to withdraw an additional 20 million gallons of water per day from the Quabbin Reservoir. In a 3-0 vote at its Oct. 27 meeting, the Select Board approved sending a letter to the Massachusetts Water Resources […]

Earth Matters: Find an adventure with 'Explore More Challenge'

We often imagine adventure as something grand: climbing a mountain, embarking on an odyssey, or traveling somewhere completely unfamiliar. But adventure can also be found much closer to home. Sometimes, all it takes is a walk in the woods and a willingness to notice what’s around you. When looking for somewhere to explore, there are […]