Nearly 1.17 million Bay Staters voted before Election Day

Guest columnist J.M. Sorrell: What then must we do?

The western world seems much more troubled than it was 10 years ago. At the end of October in 2016, I took a solo trip — spending three days with my friends in Reykjavik and a week in Paris in a rented flat. Hope was in the air. Magazine covers in newsstands all over Paris […]

Antisemitic sticker found in child's Halloween candy bag in Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON — A parent reported to police Monday that she found an antisemitic sticker in her child’s candy bag after trick-or-treating in town on Halloween. Southampton Police Chief Ian Illingsworth said the parent came to the Police Department in person Monday to report the incident. Police have not determined who distributed the sticker or how it […]

Amherst bus route plan draws parent pushback ahead of Nov. 30 rollout

AMHERST — Revised bus routes meant to get Amherst’s elementary students to school on time could launch Nov. 30, the superintendent told the School Committee last week, as parents push back on proposed earlier pickups and a roughly 60% cut in stops. Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman told the Amherst School Committee at its Oct. 27 meeting that an adjustment in routes, which remains in the planning stages as feedback is gathered from families, could be formalized by the end of the month. “I think we’re on a good path,” Herman said. “I’m hoping as we can continue to work through this, […]

Easthampton tenants band together to fight rent hikes at Pleasant View apartments

EASTHAMPTON — Two years ago, the owners of the Pleasant View apartment complex dealt $400 rent increases to multiple tenants. In August, another increase arrived after a change in ownership: Multiple residents received notices ranging from $100 to $200. They were notified of these rent hikes through an online property management app as they were […]

Guest columnist Tristram W. Metcalfe III: Don't demolish the Gare garage — Reuse it

Northampton is about to make a costly decision that cannot be undone: tearing down the E.J. Gare Parking Garage. Before the city commits, I urge the mayor and City Council to take a harder look at reuse. I have practiced architecture for more than 50 years, mainly renovating, rehabilitating and preserving historic and existing buildings. […]