A fresh start: Amherst ready to open first new elementary school since 1970s

Columnist Richard Fein: DSA — What would they do to America?

This column will quote some of “ Workers Deserve More,” the program of the Democratic Socialists of America. Read their program carefully. It would destroy much of what is good about our country. The DSA paints a very rosy picture about your future day without capitalism: “Speaking of bills: you don’t really have them anymore. You have no debt. You […]

Guest columnist Jon Huer: AI, savior or destroyer?

AI is well known as the artificial intelligence system that replaces all human jobs. ASI (Artificial Superintelligence) is the advanced-perfected version of AI soon to surpass human intelligence: so smart with a mind of its own, according to the critics, it will eventually overtake and destroy its human creator if it judges (which it will) […]

1st Franklin Democratic candidates talk state audit, healthcare and ‘loneliness epidemic’ at forum

Democratic candidates Corinne Coryat and Lora Wondolowski debated issues such as the state legislative audit, healthcare, agriculture and education during a forum for the 1st Franklin District seat.

Two Easthampton housing developments would add 26 apartments, condos to city

EASTHAMPTON — Two new housing developments are on the horizon in Easthampton that will bring 26 new apartments to the city. The Planning Board is reviewing requests for special permits for a 14-unit condominium complex spread across three duplexes and eight single-family homes at 132 and 134 West St., also known as Fat Frog Farm, and […]

Scaled-back East Amherst historic district wins Planning Board approval in 4-3 vote

AMHERST — A set of 22 properties in East Amherst could become part of the town’s third Local Historic District, with the Town Council getting a favorable Planning Board recommendation for the scaled-back proposal. In a narrow 4-3 vote last Wednesday, the Planning Board is supporting creation of the new district, which if the Town Council approves as a general bylaw would join the Emily Dickinson and North Prospect-Lincoln-Sunset districts. Referencing musician Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” composition and the lyrics “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone,” board member Fred Hartwell said he endorses the new district. “This […]